When did you pack your hospital bag and what essentials?

[Funnyonion17]

I'm on DC3 and approaching 30 weeks so you would think I'd be a pro by now, but nope its stressing me out trying to plan and fit it all in my hold all on wheels.

I don't want to take tons in, but then I don't want to go without. Anybody else thinking an overflow bag with extra pads, nappies, wipes, clothes etc and keeping it in the car just incase?

Last time I took a small suitcase and the midwives kept asking if I was moving in, it has made me a bit paranoid that I may have overdone it a bit hmm. I was in two nights in total and still needed extra bringing in, so I did need it all.

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Hello, this thread is a little old; for up-to-date recommendations, take a look at our guide to what to pack in your hospital bag.

[harleysmammy]

I packed babies bag a few weeks ago at 28 weeks i think. Im 31 weeks now and havent got mine sorted yet except a toothbrush, hand cream and breast pads haha. I was diagnosed with polyhydramnios and gd yesterday and was told to prepare for baby to come anytime and to expect not to go to full term. So i would pack it sooner rather than later as you never know, as for what to pack, i got the list from the aptamil prepare for birth all x

[Bananalanacake]

Can I join in for the advice please? I am also 29 weeks, will be 30 at weekend, this is my 2nd. My 1st was a birthing centre and I was out on the same day so no overnight stay. When should I get my bag ready, get the clothes out of the loft.

[ILikeSalmon]

I'm 37 weeks with third and still haven't packed - whoops (3rd child syndrome)
I'm packing:
Nightie
Jarmers
Set of clean clothes
Slippers
Magazines
Big Sanitary pads
Baby outfit x 3
Bibs
Blanket
Toiletries

[babynelly2010]

3rd child also, 34.5 weeks and no bag yet. There is a pile of relevant things in the baby's room but still need to wash all in non bio put everything together and buy few things.

[Funnyonion17]

I've packed loads compared to some hmm.

Old nightie for labour
New nightie and spare set of pjs for after incase of leaks.
Cardigan for ward
4 pairs of big nickers
Outfit to leave in
Slippers
Sports bra
Socks for bed incase overnight

Toiletries:
Travel shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, moisturiser, lipbalm, toothpaste and tooth brush, hand sanitizer, tissues, witch hazel for stitches, mouth wash, hair brush, flannel in zip lock bag, pack of tescos huge jumbo night pads (good value and perfect size, no mesh), few normal pads for labour, about 6 breast pads, facewipes. Very minimal amount of makeup.

Glucose and b vitamin pastels for labour, few cereal bars, mints, those mini water flavour drink things, few karms and paracetamol.

For Baby- 4 sleepsuits newborn and 4 0-3, vests, mittens and thin hat, blanket and jacket for coming home, 8 nappies, pack of 25 travel wipes I got free sample of.

Think that's everything!

[Funnyonion17]

Oh and a towel. It may seem a lot but my hospital provide no towel or sanitary wear and if you labour during a meal time you usually go hungry till tea and toast after.

[MumBeth]

Lip balm is a must 😊

[phoebe2016]

I'm joining to watch everyone elses replies too! My DH has bought me a lovely holdall for going in to hospital, i just need to make a list of what to put in it. I've heard that glucose tablets or jelly babies, for energy during labour are a good idea. I will also pack some light snacks, flapjacks or protein bars, bottles of water or lucozade. Baby outfits, nappies, blanket, cotton wool, ready to use bottles of formula in case bf doesn't go well, nightie & bath robe for labour, towel, clean nightie/jamas for after, maternity pads, breast pads, toiletries, toothpaste, hair brush & bobbles, going home outfit, phone, magazines.

[Funnyonion17]

Oh yes, forgot roll on and phone charger!

[mistermagpie]

2nd baby here, 35 weeks and haven't even thought about packing! You would think I'd have learned my lesson after last time when I went into labour at 38 weeks, no bag packed and DH had to do it while my water broke all over the kitchen floor!

I will take (when I get round to doing it...) - nightie, dressing gown, change of clothes, warm socks, lots of pads, lots of big pants, some toiletries (face wipes, moisturiser, lip balm, toothbrush etc) moist toilet tissue (much less scratchy if you have stitches), phone charger. Baby will have a few vest and sleep suits, nappies etc.

[Alicekeach]

My husband packed mine after I was admitted to hospital at 28 weeks. It's not an approach I'd advise , so don't put it off!

[Laura05]

I'm 38weeks with dc3 and just packed bags for hospital and bags for 2dc after getting a lecture from midwife. Still not filled out the birthing plan part of my notes though 😥

Only thing I would add to previous posters is a carrier bag to put dirty washing in.

[lotsoffreckles]

I'm 36 weeks with my 1st and just about finished packing for me and the baby. I feel like I'm taking enough stuff for a week but I hate the thought of not having enough stuff there was a thread a while ago that gave me some great tips, my bag currently includes:

2 nighties
Lounge wear for after
Sleep bra
Breastfeeding bra
Thin dark dressing gown
Old slippers
Warm socks
Lots of big knickers
Lots of pads
Breast pads
Lansionoh nipple cream
Mini toiletries including moist toilet paper, Witch Hazel, a good lip balm and all the normal bits.
Hairbands
Flip flops for shower
Large dark towel
The water spray in a can
Straws
Eye mask incase in over night
Nappies
Water wipes
Cotton wool
4 vests and babygrows in newborn and up to one month
Hats for baby
Cardigan for baby
All in one suit for coming home (may not need but can't predict the weather ATM)
Blanket
Muslins
I fully intend on breastfeeding but just incase I struggle I have bought a formula starter kit so DH doesn't have to rush out.
IPad fully stocked with downloaded Netflix
Kindle fully stocked with books
Chargers
And plastic bag for washing.

A top tip I picked up on the last thread was have babies first outfit, vest, nappy and hat all together in a clear food bag, that way DH can just grab it and not going through the bag trying to locate all the bits

[balence49]

Food loads of food. I thought I was going to starve!

[Littlelegs19]

Mine was packed at 26w. Good job as son was delivered my EMCS at 30w. I had things with me for a Normal delivery so had lots I didn't need.
You never know what might happen to if you end up having to have a caesarean I'd recommend XXL pants! I'm a size 8-10 and wore 14-16 to come up over the scar and straws! I couldn't sit up to drink so straws were a must!

[BellaGoth]

With dc 1 I packed my bag at about 12 weeks and took pretty much everything I owned.

With dc2 I packed it at 36+6, inbetween contractions at 3 O Clock in the morning. I chucked in completely random stuff that was of no use. I absolutely do NOT recommend this method.

No more babies for me so no chance to get it right sadly!

[Gerbilmum]

I took a small hand luggage size suitcase with enough for labour and the first day. I kept another bag in the car with extra baby clothes, pjs for me ect which saved me trying to dictate to OH where to find things when I had to stay in a few days. An item I found really useful was the pampers disposable changing mats.

[MrsBellefleur]

I'm 36 weeks with no2 and haven't packed anything yet. From memory what was useful first time round was:
lip balm,
bottle of frozen water that slowly defrosted so I always had cold water on hand,
old big t-shirt for labour,
pants,
maternity pads,
breast pads
Lansinoh
Nappies
Wipes/cotton wool
Vest baby grow etc for baby
Snacks
Toiletries
Hair brush
Books/magazines
Charger for phone
Change for car park/tv

[user1487776842]

I'm 36 weeks and just started packing mine... I have 3 separate bags to take cos I'm cheap and didn't want to buy a new oneso borrowed some a family member but they're pretty small... so 3 it is! I have my pram bag which I have loaded up with nappies, wipes, nappy bags, bibs, muslins and I think a blanket (or 2) I then have another small one with 10 vests, 10 onsies, socks, hats, mittens and a jacket for going home. Then I have my bag with toiletrees (breastfeeding and maternity pads, nipple cream, disposable knickers , toothbrush/paste, shampoo&conditioner, shower wash, moisturiser) pj's, nighties, comfy clothes to go home in, slippers, socks, towel, magazines, snacks&drinks ..... I think that's all

[GlitterRollerSkate]

We packed an over flow bag to leave in the car. Extra nappies, wipes and clothes for us all. We had to stay in for 5 days the extra bag was a god send as my husband didn't have to get stressed out guessing what I would want to wear or bring pants that are too small

I'd say just pack everything you'd want and leave it in the car and take the essentials for a short stay in with you. This also gave my husband something to do while I was having a GA c section! He moved us in while I was out/in recovery hehe xx

[BernardsarenotalwaysSaints]

For me I pack at 24 weeks, just basics: underwear, toiletries, nightie & joggings bottoms & a tshirt. I've been admitted at that point a couple of times & it was helpful to have a bag ready. I then pack my 'proper' bag & bits for baby at 32/33 weeks. I had dc2 at 35 weeks & had nothing done. I don't want to be in that situation again. My bits go in to an small (overnight type) wheeled suitcase & the bits for baby go in the changing bag.

[mrsmortis]

Food - you need food.

I was kept in after DD1 was born. I missed lunch and I'd thrown up breakfast. They took nearly 2 hours to get me 2 slices of toast and then dinner was an inedible dry sandwich. Make sure that you have muesli bars at least.

[Bear2014]

I'm gearing up for my second C-sec later in the year and will be taking:

Multipack of massive pants
Maternity pads
Baggy yoga pants with wide band x2
Vests with drop down straps for feeding
Flip flops for the shower
Eye mask and ear plugs
Clean t-shirt to go home in (it will be August)
Sports water bottle with spout
Peppermint tea bags for trapped wind
Cereal bars
Sanex zero body wash and 2-in-1 shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste
Lansinoh cream
BB cream for photos
Hair bobbles
Large old towel
Old pillow from home
Charger, ipad
Plastic bags to put dirty clothes in
Change of clothes for OH - shorts, T shirt and flip flops. Maternity and postnatal wards are as hot as the Earth's core. Spare underwear and toothbrush for OH.

Nappies, water wipes, nappy bags, nappy cream, muslins, light blanket, 4 outfits and 1 hat for baby.

If you're intending to breastfeed you don't need to take formula with you, our DD had to have a few top ups due to jandice and it was all provided.

[einalem1984]

Maybe just take the essentials and get family/friends to bring in any extra stuff when you're in? Obvious things are maternity pads, nappies, comfy clothes for you, clothes for baby, toiletries, slippers and dressing gown. I found lip balm to be an essential too as gas and air dried my lips xx

[MissMooMoo]

29 weeks here with DC1.
I have a mental list and have bought nappies,wipes,breast pads,maternity pads and 8 pairs of big knickers. Still need to buy a few nighties from asda or primark.

For baby we have 6 vests and 6 sleepsuits in newborn and 0-3.
A few hats for baby and a cardi.
Its all in a rough pile. I am planning to pack my bag when I go on mat leave at 35 weeks.

We live 10 minutes from the hospital so I can always send DH home after!