Hospital bag....

[CardyMow]

I'm now 31 weeks pg with dc4 after a 7 yr age gap, and it has suddenly occured to me that I'm going to have to go to hospital and actually give birth!

With my last 3 dc's, I didn't pack much as we had a car and DP could drive home and get whatever I needed. This time we have no car, so I need to make sure I have what I need with me.

It has been so long that I've forgotten what I'm going to need. . All I know is that this time I need to take some baby clothes in 0-3 months as well as newborn, as DS2 was too big for newborn straight away. I will be BF.

So can anyone tell me what I will need in my bag, and thngs that aren't strictly necessary, but would be useful. TIA.

my dd is taking a small suitcase on wheels,and the midwife said this is fine,as it will fit under the bed and no need for lots of bags.

she has nappies in her bag,as the hospital dont provide them,and a bath towel,as the hospital ones are like sandpaper,the midwife told us that lol.

paper disposable knickers,are her useful item,we got them in asda,2 pkts for £2 or £3..and all the usual babygros and vest and bibs,and nightie for mum and slippers,make up and camera and loose change for the payphone,and maybe some mags or a book..

she is thinking about a water birth,so is making a cd of her favourite music..

we were told they dont bath or clean baby,after birth just a wipe over,so dont use good babygros as they will end up all gunky or bloody,she is taking basic white ones from asda,and keeping good ones for after his bath..:)

There will be a 7yr gap between my last DS & my baby too, hopefully we will remember more than we have forgotten!
I would take a hooded baby towel for baby after bath too, decent breast pads, nursing bra, cleaning wipes, phone charger & mobile or list of phone numbers if using payphone.
Good luck!

There has been a few good threads on this over the last few moths - use search and sure you'll find them.

Check if the hosp provides you with nappies (think most now only give you one or two)and baby clothes for during stay.

For baby...
Nappies
Cotton wool
Nappy sacks
Wipes or vaseline for sticky meconium
Portable changing mat
Bodysuits
Sleepsuits
At least 1 hat
Baby blanket

For you/partner...
Breast pads
Maternity pads
Big/disposable knickers (I just got giant granny knickers from Matalan)
Socks
Nursing bras
Washbag inc. lip balm, hairband
Towel
Change of clothes
Nightie/old t-shirt to labour in
Nightie suitable for nursing (if you need an epidural or C-section you'll have a catheter so won't be able to wear pyjamas at first)
Glucose sweets
Drinks
Snacks
Earplugs
Flipflops for the shower
Slippers & dressing gown
Cash/change for parking & vending machines

TY Japhrimel. Just starting to worry about actually giving birth now. I think I've tried to avoid thinking about that part of being pregnant since I found out!

Oh and check your hospital policy on bags. Mine says all bags and belongings have to fit in the bedside cupboard - you can't stow anything under the bed so they can clean. The cupboards are a good size, but wouldn't fit a big suitcase (would fit 2 small wheely bags though).

If you want to play music, check whether they have CD players. If not, you'll probably have to take something that runs on batteries.

Possibly a stupid question but can you take your ipod with you?