Hospital bag help!

[OneEyedWilly]

What did you pack in your hospital bag? I'm 35 weeks and only just bought one and I don't know what needs to go in it. Also how long were you in hospital for? I have no idea what to expect!

I may be being thick, I just can't seem to think past pj's

How long you are in will depend on you and the baby but, if you are in the UK, they will want you home as soon as possible.

There are some good websites out there with lists to help you x

www.babycentre.co.uk/what-to-pack-in-your-hospital-bag

is one.

I was really spoiled in Switzerland - the only thing you need are clothes for you and the baby to leave in!

Am sure others with more relevant experience will be along to help :-D

Thank you! I hadn't even thought to google it - wtf is wrong with me!

I suggest you google it. But the below is a list of what we actually used. I had a straightforward vaginal birth in a mlu and planned to breastfeed. Was in hospital one night. We had loads of stuff in the car so DP could pop out for it as well.

Before giving birth:
Old t shirt to wear in labour
Hair band
Drinking straw
Food (i ate a banana, digestives, long life pasta salad and rice pudding and a lucozade sport over a 13 hr labour)
Phone and charger

After giving birth:
Camera and charger
Wash kit (just normal) and towel if not provided (dark colour)
Button up nightshirt/pjs (easy boob and skin access so baby can feed and snuggle skin to skin)
button up shirt for DP so he could do skin to skin.
Flip flops (better than slippers as easy to clean and cooler)
Dressing gown
Big pants
Maternity pads
Nursing pillow
Food
Clothes to go home in (track suit bottoms and hoody did me)
Nursing bra
Nipple cream-lansinoh brand.
Breast pads
Watch

For baby:
Nappies (used about 15 in 36 hrs)
Vests
Babygros
(I took about 6 of each in various sizes as no idea what would fit. Ended up using only 2 of each)
Scratch mitts (dd had really long nails-not needed if your babygros have hand flaps)
Hat and cardi to go home in, plus car seat.
Notebook and pen
Our hospital provided baby bedding and cotton wool (for cleaning)

In mine (second pregnancy so much stricter than last time...):

Pjs
Casual trousers and vests (latter will hopefully be used in birthing pool too)
Tens machine
Stress balls
Toiletries
Underwear (disposable and old black ones)
Nursing bras
Nightie in case Caesar is needed...
Socks
3x sleepsuits, vests, socks, scratch mits and hats
2 blankets for swaddling
Nappies
Cotton balls

Then at the time we will put in phone charger, make up, juice cartons (currently in freezer), robe, camera and notes.

There was a lot more in my first bag but I've managed to get all of the above in a single wee suitcase whereas last time there was a massive bag for me and a massive bag for baby.

Orangedaisy

I'm impressed that your baby needed a paper and pen

Lip seal, do NOT forget lip seal!

Oh and towel and maternity pads!

I packed;

A loose fitting nightie for the birth

Pyjamas for while in hospital (a few pairs as not sure how long I'd be in and the odd stray bodily fluids)

A cosy dressing gown.

Clean clothes for when leaving.

Maternity pads. Lots of maternity pads.

Nappys. Quite a few.

A few onesies and baby vests and some hats (I had a few new born and 0-3 months as not sure about the size)

Blankets and warn clothes for taking the baby home.

Wipes or cotton balls.

Toiletries- body wash, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, brush hair bands.

Also some things like magazines, kindle. Snacks are useful. Biscuits are a must.

How bigs your bag? Haha! Hope I've covered everything ! Best of luck xxx

There is a good list on the boots website

OneEyedWilly - baby brain ;-)

I am still using that excuse 5 years later :-o

I'm having to take two backpacks one for me and one for baby because my hospital doesn't allow carry on sized suitcases.
It's been a high risk pregnancy and I've already had a stay of 5 weeks and may be kept in after delivery.

My bag:
Nightdress for delivery
2 pairs of pjs
Pair of slippers
Loads of knickers & socks
Breastfeeding bras
Cardigan
Breast pads
Sanitary pads
Dried fruit & nut mix
Coconut water
Bag of toiletries, most important ties Vaseline lip balm & coconut oil.
iPad with lots of tv and movies already downloaded
iPod nano for radio
Headphones
Knitting project

Babies bag:
Pack of 24 nappies
Pag of water wipes
Nappy bags
Wet bag for putting babies dirty clothes in.
2 hats
2 cardies
2 pairs of socks
2 nightdresses
5 vests
6 sleep suits
2 swaddle wraps
Stretchy baby sling.

I'm taking a lot of clothes because she's likely to be slightly early so taking tiny baby & newborn size.

In the uk you will be in and out fairly quickly if all is ok.

I think it's easiest to pack for a 3 days stay. That allows for long 2 day labour plus one night, or short labour plus 3 nights, and everything in between. Any longer any you will be wanting partner or friend to take dirty stuff away anyway and bring clean stuff.

That was roughly 3 bed / potentially dirty labour outfits ( nightdresses) , plus x3 regular clothes for me ( dresses and leggings)

Plus x5 vests and x5 sleep suits for baby. X2 cardigans and hats. One blanket

Plus toiletries

Thanks for the input everyone, much appreciated! I had got myself into a bit of a tizz about it but am making a list now. Love idea of having a button-shirt for DP so he can do skin to skin, will definitely be making sure there's one there!

Thank you!

I never considered a button down top for DP. He just whipped off his tshirt when it was time.

I forgot I have 3 vest tops too to make BF easire especially if the ward is hot.

I had tea and toast after delivery but once I got to the ward it was the middle of the night and I was starving! Take food

I packed a takeaway menu (sushi) the second time! In the end, I went home the sameday anyway, but I remembered from the first time how much I was craving nice food in hospital - I felt like I needed to celebrate after the birth the first time round and lukewarm hospital food was so not what I wanted. I had to send my MIL to the Greek restaurant nearby and bring a massive selection of antipasti.