Hospital Bag

[FirstMumToBe]

Help!!!
When is a good time to start on my hospital bag?! and what the hell do I put in??? I have googled it and it's given me a few good suggestions, but other than that wanted to see whether anyone else had any hospital bag must haves...
Plus would it be ridiculous to use a small carry on suitcase as my own bag due to the fact it will be easier to carry in/out of the hospital?

So my questions are:
At what point did you pack your bag? and what did you have in it?

Thank you for all the advice !!! I have printed a checklist out off the Cow and Gate website and added on anything you've said on here that they've missed! I will slowly start buying things to make sure I'm ready and prepared and pack as I go along... Hoping it will fly by now, fingers crossed! Xx

I’m 38+1 with DS2 and packing my bag as we speak! Using changing bag for baby and small suitcase for me.

Everything everyone has said, I’m also taking a diffuser and some lavender oil

Try to pack light! The bed space on maternity wards is tiny and you don’t want staff or visitors tripping over bags and bags of stuff! Couple of outfits for you, a few outfits for baby, a few chocolate bars or packet of biscuits, nappies, wipes/cotton wool, lip balm, toiletries, chargers, slippers. Any extra clothes etc you might need can be collected for you as the need arises. I honestly wouldn’t even bother taking your own towel, you’ll only bleed on it! A few small NHS towels do the job just fine.

Last time I had all the stuff mentioned in mine and barely used any of it. Baby born at 4am and I was home in time for lunch. I just needed a suitable outfit for the baby, some fresh clothes for me, nappies and pads. First time however I was in a week and wish I'd had loads of snacks as was starving. Maybe pack an additional bag that your partner can bring in if you aren't discharged straight away.