Anyone else packing their hospital bag?

[thedinosaur]

Just that really.

I'm expecting a baby soon and currently packing my hospital bag but not sure what to put in it. Especially when it comes to things for me.

I can't imagine having the energy to do a full face of makeup and hair post birth but I would like to take some toiletries and bits in that would make me feel a bit better without having to do much.

I've been advised lip balm as hospital wards tend to dry your lips out.
I'm also thinking a travel size pack of face wipes - not sure what brand to use.

Also thinking of maybe some tinted moisturiser and mascara etc but I'm not entirely sure of what's actually useful and what I will use

For the baby I've got some muslin blankets - hoping to use them to swaddle too, bepanthen, nappies, water wipes, bottle just in case (planning to BF), 3 outfits/baby grows, hat and warm suit as it will be winter when he/she arrive and a soft blanket. Am I missing anything?

What is everyone else packing in theirs?

[ijustwannadance]

Underwear, maternity pads, paracetamol, dressing gown, pj's or nightie.
Snacks/drinks. Phone charger.

[Ladybirdgal]

I’ve still not finished my own hospital bag and I’ve got 2.5 weeks to go, need to get the finger out

For baby’s bag:
Nappies
Muslin
Couple of sleep suits
Going home outfit
Hat & Scratch mitts
Water wipes and cotton wool
Dummy (as a back up)

My bag:
Pads (Kotex night ones)
Nipple cream
Bridget Jones type knickers
Maternity bra
Comfy clothes for going home
Baggy pjs and slippers
Face wipes, water mist spray & handheld fan
Towel & flannel
Toiletries, bobbles & Kirby grips
Moisturiser & lip balm
Battery pack, phone cables and camera
Change of clothes for fiancé
Snacks and straws, pack of lucozade sport
Change
Maternity notes

I thiiiiink that’s it! Probably missed something or packed too much but heyho!

Good luck!

[LoyaltyAndLobster]

Baby is due this month and I haven’t packed anything 😔

Am I the only one suffering from lack of motivation?

[meltingmarshmallows]

@LoyaltyAndLobster No, I can’t really get excited about it.

I always pack for a holiday the night before. And besides, any holiday which requires me to pack super absorbent pads & disposable knickers isn’t one I’m going to get really enthused about

I have started putting bits into a drawer to be packed at some point but some stuff I use daily so can’t pack in advance anyway. Will get on the case in the next few weeks!

[ijustwannadance]

First time round I packed whilst in Labour.

[thedinosaur]

I'm getting everything together but don't have a bag just yet, but I'm thinking of just using my small travel bag on wheels that I use for handheld luggage when we fly.
I'm planning on putting all my things inc. shoes and baby stuff etc into one bag and easy to find so I think that's the best option?

Especially if I need DP to take something out of it as he's terrible at finding stuff.

What maternity pads are actually good? I've been recommended the Superdrug ones?

[Cat2991]

I’m only 20+4 , but when should I start packing?

[Cat2991]

I’m only 20+4 , but when should I start packing?

[MrsCharlieD]

I'm 38 weeks and started packing a couple of weeks ago. I feel like I packed in a panic as it looked like baby needed to come early and now everything is settled I need to go back through and see what rubbish I threw in there. This is my 2nd but I can't remember what I packed last time of what was useful and what wasn't!

[TheLegendOfBeans]

Giant pants
More stuff in case of EMCS
Baby sling/carrier so you can go for a wee without leaving them alone in the fishtank cot

Don't bother packing the bag until 36w

Congrats btw x

[GinUnicorn]

My little one is going to be two weeks tomorrow so have a fairly good list.

Change of clothes
If having a water birth dressing gown, top to wear, bikini bottoms
Lip balm
Snacks
Lucosade
Maternity pads
Makeup to freshen up
Toothpaste and toothbrush
Travel hair brush and shower gel
Deodorant
Lip balm
Disposable slippers
Sleep suits for baby
Nappies for baby
Towel
Small pillow
Ear plugs
Phone charger

Good luck with it all :)

[thedinosaur]

I'm currently 32+5 but wanted to get a head start on this one.

I've got lots of stuff to do before the baby arrives and wanted to be more organised than I was last time.

Plus my last labour was very fast so I'm worried I won't be able to pack whilst in labour.

I'm considering just grabbing a little travel gift set to cover the toiletry dept, I think I saw a Nivea one and it came in a little clear zip bag and it had face wipes, moisturiser, shower gel etc
Anyone else seen anything similar?

[bettydraper31]

Pack as soon as you can! I had packed nothing, and my baby was born suddenly at 33 weeks and I had nothing!!!! Poor hubby had to rush home with a list! Pack pack pack x

[TheEdgeOfGlory266]

My only contribution is make sure you have a nightie and the biggest knickers. I wasn't expecting to have a c section with my first, so only took pyjamas. My husband had to go out and buy me a massive nightie - not as easy as you would think as my son was born at 2 am Christmas morning. Plan for all eventualities.

[Jellybabie3]

Like others, i started packing at about 35 weeks as i was CONVINCED my boy would be early. I am now 41+3 and theres no sign of him . I am going to be induced on Thurs so am now going back through the bag and swapping a few bits (i have eaten alot of cake since going on mat leave....thats all i will say). Goodluck OP

[scrivette]

Pack more snacks and maternity pads than you think you may need!

I packed whilst in labour the first time - not recommended!

[triangularchocolate]

I took make up but didn't use it. Needed my tweezers though as I was in hospital for 5 nights!! Pack for 2 nights then have extra clothes ready at home so your DH can collect if needed without having any clothes based decisions to make. And pack plenty of drinks.

[2ducks2ducklings]

I haven't packed anything yet, but I have started shoving things I will be packing up a corner in my bedroom to be considered at a later date. My midwife was quite insistent I start packing when I saw her at my last appointment at 35 weeks. I wonder if she knows something i don't!
Anyway, I think I have a fairly good idea what to pack for hospital, it's planning for the older kids that's stressing me out. There's always the possibility that I'll have to wake them in the middle of the night to cart them off to their nan and grandads house. Therefore they'll also need toiletries, changes of underwear, clothes, school uniform, all school bags..... this is going to take some sort of military style planning!

[MenorcaSunrise]

One of the best bits of advice I was given was to pack your hospital bag, then get your DP to repack it so that when you ask him to retrieve something he'll know where to find it.

[rainingcats]

At least two towels if you are planning a water birth - you will want a clean towel for your post birth shower
snacks - sweets, mars bars etc also pack lucazade or similar in a sports cap bottle as easier to drink from
Pack outfits for baby into zip lock bag so much easier for person dressing baby to just pull out a bag with a vest sleep suit hat etc already organised

[fruitofthenight]

A mini can of dry shampoo! The last thing I wanted to do after giving birth was wash and sort my hair so just threw some dry shampoo on and it made me feel cleaner and a bit more human

[THirdEeye]

I have added the following to my bag (that I'm not sure if PP have mentioned):

Different sized vests/sleepsuits in zip bags, marked as S/M/L. As I not sure what baby will weigh (newborn sizes tend to only go up to 7.5lbs in some shops, upto one month goes to 10.5lbs etc). Also, this would help with easier dressing.

Breast pads

Disposable knickers to be ripped off, as I've heard it's more beneficial if you've had a C-Section.

Buttoned tops/night shirts in bigger sizes (I found the nursing nightware, to be so expensive, so just bought bigger sizes of these in non maternity/nursing clothing).

And everything else everyone has mentioned (food etc).

[THirdEeye]

2ducks you are so right......^l had better start packing for DD, in case of this scenario).

[runnerbean39]

Please can someone forgive my stupidity and explain why massive pants are needed?! I have read many times that big pants are a must but don't get why...or at least why would I need any that are bigger than I would be wearing anyway at 40 weeks?