To use a hand luggage case for my hospital bag?

[WHAT91]

I'm 37 weeks and packing my hospital bag today. I was going to use a changing holdall but now I've started packing, things are quite tight.

I know that everyone says not to overpack and I'm trying very hard not to and have things as organised as possible. Would I be unreasonable to use a small hand luggage suitcase? I know it probably seems quite big but it's the only way I seem to be able to fit everything and it makes me feel less stressed knowing I have everything I need to hand.

For sizing, it's this one - www.argos.co.uk/product/4833163?cmpid=GS001&_$ja=tsid:59156|acid:444-797-0832|cid:189949525|agid:18074417725|tid:aud-144400486596:pla-163034344405|crid:77627774245|nw:g|rnd:14632526040230243383|dvc:m|adp:1o1|mt:|loc:9046929&gclid=CjwKCAjwhqXbBRAREiwAucoo-4zzURE9MGWRtrLdtS8r4fanaCk7VF_u7kHfvIsFobUHZSWtYPH1lBoC9QMQAvD_BwE

I'm taking an actual suitcase so absolutely no problem with a small one! I don't believe I have over packed but there are certain items that take up a lot of room and my suitcase is pretty full. I'd also rather know I already had all the essentials with me in case I have a prolonged stay, rather than getting someone else to go home and bring things in for me. Also thinking it will be easier to move around due to having wheels, and my husband and I won't have to worry about lifting heavy bags.

It’s fine. I used hand luggage cases both times (plus cool bag plus nice pillow plus breastfeeding cushion!).

I think they’re handy as they often fit under hospital beds or stand up tidily next to the locker.

I'm sorry - don't know how to link...

Thanks guys. I totally agree - I take comfort in packing what I know I'll need as opposed to relying on my partner to bring things in.

Yeah take as much as you think you will need or more. It’s better to have too much than have your partner looking around for something locally or having to go home to get something. I packed a lot I didn’t use last time but still had to go out and get some things we didn’t have enough of. Mainly clothes as my son was a lot more sick than I’d anticipated!

In my experience gained by watching One Born Every Minute lots of women come in with small wheeled suitcases similar to that. Seems fine to me!

It's fine! It would make things easier as opposed to having to carry a bag.

I had a 'hand luggage case' (small suitcase) AND a holdall

@sadtrombone My experience comes from a show too which followed 5 couples.

Plenty of women bring in similar suitcases (I’m a midwife).

Adding to that - make sure you have a little bag inside with toiletries/nightmare/underwear so after delivery your partner/the midwife can easily pick out things for you to take into the bathroom.

And tell your partner where baby’s nappies etc are so he can grab them easily if asked.

Also have more stuff laid out at home so your partner can bring in it need be!

I used a hand luggage case, easier to wheel it around rather than lug a big gym type bag, and everything was packed nicely 👍

@Orangecake123

Thanks everyone! Your responses have certainly put my mind at ease .

Now to actually have the baby...

I ended up in hospital for a whole week. Definitely need a small suitcase. They just don't want you bringing in enough for a two week holiday. Do pack nappies etc, disposable pants and maternity towels. Anything else someone else can bring you.

I took two small bags, one for the labour and one for after. It made it easier for DH to find the things I was screaming at him for

Hmm... when I had DD1 the hospital staff got annoyed as the suitcase didn't fit in the locker and there was nowhere for it to sit. So when I had DD2 I packed a bag for the birth and an overnight bag in the car. When DH popped out he brought back in the new bag that fitted in the locker. I was only in one night, but if I had been in more he would have just replenished the supplies from home.

I'm going to take a wee case (it is rather small and I imagine would fit under the bed) and leave stuff for family to bring up should I be in longer.

It's pretty stressful packing the hospital bag. It's not like a holiday bag - I'm forced to ACTUALLY be practical and engage my brain.

Yes this is exactly what I’m doing. I took a large hold-all on wheels with my other three DC. It’s always worth taking a pillow too so was carrying that into hospital too .

I used a small hand luggage case plus bag for DH

Didn't manage to open it till after the birth though

I really want to take a pillow but as I'm inexperienced and this is my first, my OH sort of looked at me like I was mad when I said it.

I've unfortunately spent some time in mat assessment during my pregnancy and have learned how hideous and sweaty the plastic pillows there are. So is it normal to take a pillow in? People won't think I'm a weirdo ?

I took a normal size suitcase. It fitted everything in.

Plus it's easier when leaving when you have the baby to carry as well.

I took a small cabin sized suitcase when having my csection with my second born, i also took a pillow to