Hospital bag

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Im just about to pack my hospital bag so what do I need and how many nappies, vests etc do I need?

I'm packing for 2nd labour and will be taking:

6/7 newborn onesies with long arms/legs and a couple of 0-3 month onesies in case baby is unexpectedly huge. A hat, cardigan and blanket for the trip home. IMO hospital is baking so baby won't need masses of clothes - esp at this time of year.

newborn nappies, sensitive wipes, cotton balls and an empty margarine tub for topping and tailing baby (sensitive wipes are for the meconium!!)

a tube of lanisoh for nipple soothing

maternity pads, a nightie with readily yankable neckline, a towel+shower gel, toothbrush, plus mascara and facial wipes so can look presentable for photos

a book, a large bottle of diluted squash and some snickers bars!

a camera with FULL CHARGE and empty memory card (important, that).

When are you due? :)

Ooh this thread has already gotten me really excited about packing for dc2 and I still have to wait until November

In addition to previous post, the most useful things I packed last time were:

• Enormous knickers (big enough to pull up over c-section scar)
• flip flops for the toilet/shower
• drinking straws
• jelly beans and glucose tablets
• make-up wipes

HTH and have fun packing!

Ooh, that reminds me:

make sure you take at least one item of clothing that won't rub on the c-section scar if you end up needing an EMCS (e.g. long skirt, leggings) and that you can wear on the way home.

Pack your bags, then load up the boot of the car with an extra packet of nappies, extra cotton wool, loads of maternity pads and baby clothes. When you're running low on supplies, send DH to the car to stock up again. I ended up being kept in for 4 days, but because the car was a mobile baby emporium I didn't have to rely on DH buying something inappropriate without my supervision.

Also, a pen and paper in my hospital bag were useful.

That's great thanks. Now I just need to find a bag big enough for it all! I'm due 3rd July so not long at all now..... It's sneaking up on us very quickly

I best thing I packed with DS1 was my mum (I left her in the waiting room)

She went to the supermarket several times for drink/food I craved, and got other things that I had forgotten :)

I've also chucked in a pack of antibacterial wipes (Flash or similar) to do a quick wipe down of loo, shower etc if it looks a bit grubby. Sad but true.

Lip balm too and a good moisturiser as the heat in hospital sucks the moisture from you. Oh and a headband if you have hair that needs kept off your face during labour!

CDs in case a Cd player is available in your room. I'm actually considering making a compilation one to take with me !

CDs are for during labour, not in postnatal room unless the other ladies fancy a singalong of course!

An energy drink or cordial of some sort. I drank lucozade sport (which I don't particularly like) as I didn't feel up to eating anything but needed the energy as labour was loooong!

DD was due on 3rd July 2 years ago. She arrived on 7th. All the very best

Earplugs were a lifesaver for me. With 5 other ladies on the room, it allowed me to get some sleep. DS slept on my tummy so no worries about hearing him calling for feeds.

I was due 3rd July last year! She arrived on the 10th.

I'm going in for a section on Friday (if these pains don't get any worse!) and I've packed:

maternity pads
breast pads
huge knickers (!)
cereal bars
water with a sports cap top
magazines
notepad + pen
ipod
a little cash
camera
flip flops for the shower (essential!!)
flash wipes
3 lots of pjs
going home clothes

for baby:
hat
3 x vests
3 x sleepsuits
12 nappies (DH will bring more when needed)
nappy bags
cotton wool pads

DH will also bring our special, 'bringing baby home' blanket the day we leave too.

I love list making and have been packed or packing for an eternity a little while now! Good luck!

Plenty of food (e.g. flapjack, crisps, cereal bars and other stuff that you can grab quickly). If you give birth at 3am, you may not want to wait until breakfast. Also take cash for emergency supplies from the hospital shop.

Pack a new book that you haven't read and are really looking forward to reading. It may help you get through the long hours if you are in overnight or for a few days.

Also, I was glad I took my make-up and some little bottles (freebie size) of moisturiser, nice shower gel etc. Wearing all my make-up made me feel much more confident when I was deluged with visitors - sad but true.

The baby doesn't need much for the hospital stay - a few babygros and nappies, cottonwool etc. You will need some really comfy pyjamas. It is always sweltering in hospital so don't pack loads of heavy clothes for either of you. But do pack something nice for you and the baby to wear home.