Hospital bag

[MissEverdeen]

Ive packed mine as there are hundreds of lists online for what I will/might need but what about baby?!
So far I have:
3 body suits
3 vests
3 pairs of mittens
3 hats
1 coat
2 blankets
1 small pack of nappies (first size)
1 pack of baby wipes
Will I need anything else? Is this enough/too much?
Thanks

[Bejeena]

3 body suits
3 vests
3 pairs of mittens
3 hats
1 coat
2 blankets
1 small pack of nappies (first size)

Oh dear apart from blankets, which my mother and mother in law keep knitting/crocheting as if wool were going out of fashion that pretty much sums up my whole stock of things that I have actually got for the baby, in fact not sure I have mittens even. Ok I think I might have about 10 vests in small size but have really assumed this is enough if you wash every day or every other day anyway? I thought if he was super small and/or we were running out quite quickly in an emergency I can put a bigger vest/hat on baby until the laundry is done or send husband out to the shops?

I just wanted to avoid only wearing some things once or twice! How much of all of this stuff do you actually need? Bearing in mind to put a machine load of vests/bodysuits/sleepsuits on is no hassle IMO and husband will be home to do this anyway for first few weeks after birth.

[BraveLilBear]

On the wipes/cotton wool debate, someone recommended to me some sort of cream or lotion to get the meconium off - I remember my mum using this when I was a kid (on my younger sisters, not on me!) and was wondering why no-one talks about this anymore?

The phrase was 'there's no way water will get rid of meconium'...

[Mamaway]

You sound like you have everything that you need for baby, but don't forget that you will need nursing wear for yourself along with several changes of clothes in the event that bandages leak or that the baby spits up on you. Also think about the type of undergarments that you pack. If you plan to breastfeed then you will need a nursing bra as well.

[Catnipbush]

You are welcome. It's all such a learning curve.

[Wickedgirl]

Catnipbush......those links were very interesting. Thank you

[MightBeMad]

*forceps

[MightBeMad]

I'd disagree with the only one/no hat comments. I ended up having a forces delivery in theatre (not in my birth plan!) and my DH was told to take a nappy and a hat to theatre with him, which were both put on the baby by the medical staff (and got covered in blood/amniotic fluid as a result). Then later we needed a hat to take her home in as it was a very windy cold day and quite a walk from hospital ward to car park. Also, she had difficulties in the easy days maintaining her blood sugar levels (we were in 3 nights) and the mws suggested that keeping her warmer (with a hat) might make it easier for her to maintain her levels. So we got through quite a few hats!

[Catnipbush]

Back to the thread. Maybe along maxi dress if you are not as comfortable waking around in your pjs on the ward.

[Catnipbush]

It's a really big topic and a lot if it is opinion based but you can google the rcms statement on skincare. www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/in-depth-papers/a-review-of-baby-skin-care/

The water only regime is very well known and recommended by the vast majority of hospitals who base their guidelines on evidence.

The author who has done a lot of work is called Sharon trotter www.sharontrotter.org.uk/NIP2008new.htm. Once you appreciate the anatomy and physiology of the skin

No offence intended, but just because someone is a doctor, they are not always up to date with every aspect of care. For me is a no brainer, water and cotton wool vs chemicals on a baby's delicate skin.

[SoupDragon]

Or unless you aren't planning to use them.

[mel191187]

Bottles and milk aswell unless the hospital provide them x

[firstpost]

Would be very interested to see the research into cotton wool being best? At what age do wipes become okay then? Have run this theory passed my BIL who is a paediatrician and he is mystified that anyone bothers with the cotton wool and water these days! Perhaps wipes used to be more abrasive or something .. Anyhow no more thread de railing from me.

[LittleBearPad]

From memory the postnatal ward was incredibly hot so I doubt you'll need 3 hats (or even one).

Don't forget stuff for you on case you need to stay including shampoo. Washing my hair with hand soap was not a fun experience but I was desperate for a shower. Flip flops are a good plan as is at least one change of nighty/pjs.

[Catnipbush]

Actually if you look into research, wipes are not recommended. Best to stick to cotton wool and water.

[firstpost]

The baby wipes thing confuses me does something magical happen to their skin at 2 weeks old or something?? I know that cleaning meconium poo with cotton wool and water is not something I plan to do! I used baby wipes in hospital and throughout with DS, amazingly he survived the experience and no one called social services

[FoofFighter]

Wickedgirl, do you really think that they would pass tests etc if they were harmful? get real

[SoupDragon]

I don't know why anyone would want to use babywipes on a newborn. We use babywipes in my house when we are painting and the wipes have so many chemicals in them, they get wet paint (oil and water based) off all non porous surfaces.

Because they are easier and more effective.
A damp cloth also gets wet paint (oil and water based) off non-porous surfaces.

[Wickedgirl]

I don't know why anyone would want to use babywipes on a newborn. We use babywipes in my house when we are painting and the wipes have so many chemicals in them, they get wet paint (oil and water based) off all non porous surfaces.

To do that, the chemicals in the wipes must be pretty strong. That isn't something I want coming into contact with my newborns skin.

[FoofFighter]

It's MY baby and I will use what I want on them, I'm a third time mother and kind of know what I am doing so the hospital can do one personally! (will actually be using reuseable cloth wipes and my own wash spray stuff, but principle is the same!!) What are they going to do, call SS??

A tip I have heard/read is to get your birth partner to pack them bag so they know where it all is as it'll be them getting the stuff out for you, good tip I thought.

I have got some travel sized toiletries for my bag as it's enough for a couple of days and takes up minimal room.

Don't forget a lip balm and moisturiser for yourself, wards are very dry.

[MrsBri]

It's true, Ezza, where my midwife friend works you HAVE to use cotton wool and water.

It's because babies' skin is so sensitive that not many types are suitable.

[Ezza1]

A soft hand/baby towel can be useful.

I cannot believe hospitals stipulate which brand of baby wipes is acceptable or ban them altogether!

[lurcherlover]

Hospitals have blankets. Just take one to bring baby home in.

Def only one hat, but lots of vests and sleepsuits!

Make sure you've got flip flops for the shower...

[Teaandflapjacks]

I need to do this soon too. I would add on the food front (very important!) - chocolate, cereal bars, juice cartons etc. You don't know what time you will be out - and you may be ravenous without being able to get hold of anything to eat. I have been told by lots of new mums take a couple of packs of stuff - like maltesers or M&M's, and some chewy bars, and a 3 pack of juice. If you don't need it - so much the better, but at least you have it. I was also told that mints are a great idea in case you are stuck in your bed and cant be bothered to brush teeth - but breath tastes horrid. Also load up your kindle, or have an easy book to take with - I think an ebook reader is a great gift - turning pages with a baby and book a mare.

I also don't know if you need a coat - since you will layering up and have blankets, cardigan etc - a thickish cardi is maybe more useful? xx

[josiejay]

I did a separate little going home bag for me and baby - (containing my clothes, change of clothes and spare nappy for baby and her coat) and popped it on top of the carseat in the boot for DH to bring in when it was time to go home. Saves you dragging it all in one huge bag from (possibly) antenatal, to labour ward, to postnatal, when you don't need it yet.

[Splatt34]

oops feeding and writing!!!

way your partner can find them easily. i was only in for 12 hours this time and only needed 2 vests and 2 sleepsuit