Hospital bag

[Bradyboo]

What did you pack and what was the most useful thing you would recommend taking?

Flip flops. Wear them in the shower and you also don't have to bend/reach over to put them on. Very important if you have a section!

I have never actually packed a hospital bag despite having 2 DDs - with hospital births!

Just a warning - pack EARLY! Both DDs arrived early although we were so sure DD2 would not that we still had not packed a bag by the time she arrived at 35 weeks.

DP had to go back and forth from home to hospital after early arrival of DD1 at 32 weeks and I ended up going home two days later as it was easier than still writing lists and directions for him! With the arrival of DD2 I went home on the same day (without her as she was kept in for a fortnight) so never had anything other than a change of clothes in hospital!

Get packing!

I took a little suitcase on wheels,easier to push and i got everything in it,and it was small enough to slip under the bed.

I found those disposable knickers brilliant,and was sorry i only realsied after baby no 4..I got them from mothercare,but noticed asda do them,it was nice just to change in the bathroom and throw them away,so no need for loads of dirty laundry haha every little bit less helps..:)

I would say about 35 weeks is time enough,as otherwise everything would be creased,but you could always start now with toiltries,nappies etc..

Check with your hospital about bags as some - like mine - say that bags have to fit into lockers so that the floor can be washed down so a bigger rigid bag would be a problem.

Flash wipes, our local hospital has a bit of a hygiene problem.

Also, if you are thinking of bfing, find out the numbers of the local bfing counsellors and pack those in your bag too. LLL, ABM and NCT should be able to give you the numbers of any local ones.

hi there,

I packed 2 bags (can't remember who advised me to do this) one for the 'labour room' and one for afterwards. Not sure if this is really necessary. Most useful stuff:

maternity pads (make sure you have enough as I was in for 2 days after)
throw away pants are great
Snacks for labour and after
slippers
change of clothes
swaddle blanket for baby
baby clothes (vest(s) & or baby grow & cardigan is probably enough- and hat)
a few nappies
book/magazine
face wipes
camera of course!

I'm sure there's more but this would probably suffice as the basics...

Hospital we are going to, tells all patients for planned admissions to take wipes/hand sanitizer for pre meals. Mind you I would still want to use hot water and soap before I ate.

Depends how far from hospital you live, but if live close and someone can come home to pick up extra, leave things set out somewhere obvious. Remember to pack some stuff for birth partner too.

Other things I have read on here that people have suggested (use search and you'll find the threads):
-mobile phone and charger
-small cup or jug (to use to pour on tender bits as you pee after birth)
-if don't fancy disposable pants, get some cheap pants that you don't mind throwing away
and are big enough for maternity pads
-comfy clothes for yourself
-car seat if travelling home by car, not in bag obviously! but in car or ready to pick up

My NCT course lady has suggested tena lady disposable pants so I've packed some of those. Means you have pants and pads in one! She also said you should be ready to go from 30 weeks! Some people might think it's a bit early but at least you're prepared if the baby puts in an early appearance.