Another novice question regarding.. Things I'm likely to forget to put in Hospital Bag?

[RL20]

I'm 29+6 and over the next few weeks I'm going to start putting my hospital bag together. I know the basics and with all of the leaflets/diaries/books I've been given, it's hard to not take it all in!

But what did you add into your hospital bag that wasn't necessarily a need, but was really useful for you?
Either for you or baby.

Thanks!

Bigblue- that's hilarious! I'll try and make sure there are no other bags when I put the hospital bag by the door!

Worried- that is a good idea! I know everyone's different and in your circumstances your little one got through lots of outfits, but how many would you recommend taking?

I took five baby gros for DS and used three I think. I was only in over night. If you stay longer you might need more but presumably your partner might be able to bring them in at visiting hours for you?

My top tip is leave some change in the car well in advance if you need it for parking at your hospital. And stick a few quid in your bag too just in case you need it. You never know when you might need to send someone down to the shop for a mint aero or a bottle of cheery coke.

My other top tip is that as well as packing an extra bag to leave at home in case you end up having a long stay and need more supplies, separate the non-essentials from the must-haves and consider leaving some in the car if there is too much stuff.

Things that you are not sure if you will use such as make-up and a kindle don't need to be in the hospital bag if you discharged after 6 hours and if you get put on a ward with others you wont have much space and too much stuff will drive you mad.

I think that its important to remember that you cant prepare for everything so don't try. Pack as if you are staying one night and anything else can be brought in later if need be. Just organise it at home. I left everything I thought I might need in the crib so that DH knew exactly where to look when I sent him for it.

Clothes for you post delivery! I hadnt thought of this and was in for a week. DH had to video call me in front of my wardrobe whilst I tried to direct him to suitable clothes to bring in. It was flipin hot in there and I still looked pregnant so my summer mat clothes would have been ideal ( December baby!).

Good luck x

Definitely food you like. Crisps, chocolate, fizzy drinks. Although the food was pretty good when I had DD1.

I don't know why but top of my list for my next is tops with sleeves. I packed strappy nursing tops and I felt so grim I just wanted sleeves and to be wrapped up in a big blanket.

The outfits in sandwich bags is very clever! I packed way too many clothes for me and the baby.

Another tip would be bring a bigger wheely case than you need, as you always bring home more (gifts etc) and you end up with loads of little plastic bags of stuff all over the place. Good luck! x

Lots of big knickers. Bigger the better. I got ginormous granny pants from M&S, DP and I laughed at them. Haha, I doubt I'll wear those. I ended up wearing them for about six weeks, lucky I bought two packs.
Also plastic bags for yours/ your baby's dirty washing, you'll be amazed how quickly it's created! Agreed on the big snug cardy, I wrapped DD up in mine while BF on our first night, was lovely. Good luck, very exciting!

I think I had 8 "sandwich bag" outfits but needed DP to bring more as DS puked up a lot of bloody mucus. He was fine though I hastem to add! It's quite common with c-section babies (so I'm told) because the mucus isn't squeezed out in the birth canal .

Lipbalm. Food. Moisturiser. Gum. Spare change.

Don't take a book (ha) or candles like I did - unsurprisingly they didn't get used. (and probably won't for the next 18 years!)

I hadn't realised how much water you retain immediately after birth and was horrified when my feet wouldn't fit into my shoes as I was discharged! Were I to do it again I'd make sure I had a nice pair of BIG leggings, a long cardie and some very loose/giving shoes for schlepping around the ward and the journey home.

And newborn babygros. In my head DC was going to be MASSIVE so I'd only brought 0-3 months stuff. She was 7lb 12oz and absolutely swam in what we'd brought in.

I was only in hospital for 3.5 hrs before dd arrived so didn't need a lot but here's what I would pack

Nursing nightie x 2( in case one gets messy)
Dark towel
Nursing bra
Outfit for going home ( I had packed sweatshirt and joggers but then miracle heatwave @ end of sept cue quick repack and I came home in a maxi dress-heaven!)

Carton drinks
Contact lenses/glasses
Face wash/wipes to make you feel slightly fresh after
Shower gel-mild
Lanisoh (sp?!) cream - miracle stuff!
Snacks- choc,crackers,snack bars,fruit
Hair band/grips
Make up inc moisturiser for hot hospital,Vaseline
Hair brush

For baby

I had cotton wool but would use water wipes if had no.2
Baby sleep suit - at least a couple that are footless and some with feet ( never know the length of baby, my dd was very long and had big feet!)
Vest
blanket
Scratch mits/socks
Hat
Car seat

Phone charger
Camera