Hospital bag

[Sandra800]

Hi ladies I’m 21 weeks and 4 days pregnant. When do you think I should start shopping for my hospital bag? And things would I need?

I think packing your bag at around 34-35 weeks is sensible, just in case.

Whatever you do, don’t go overboard! Obviously you could end up staying for days but in that case, your partner or other visitors can bring you whatever you need. Bed spaces are really small in the hospital so one small hold-all or a hand luggage size suitcase is plenty and means you won’t be tripping over stuff.

I’d pack:
3-4 vests
3-4 sleepsuits
2 hats
A few muslins
A pack of cotton wool
A pack of nappies
A pack of maternity pads
A 5 pack of massive knickers

A couple of nighties/pyjamas
Slippers or flip flops
Toiletries
Hair bands
Lip balm
Nipple cream if you’re planning to breastfeed (check if your hospital provides formula if you’re planning to bottle feed, they should do for emergencies if you’re planning on breastfeeding so no need to take it as a just in case)
Breast pads
A comfy outfit for going home (could be left in the car)
Snacks!

I'm 34 weeks and started today but I'm being a bit lazy as ds didn't come till 42 weeks!

Search for some threads on here to look for the sorts of things needed. It might be worth looking at suggested ideas for c sections too just in case (eg really high big pants.)

My biggest memory is snacks (nine bars were invaluable) and ear plugs. Hospitals are really hot so a cotton nightie you can bf in is worth it.

I’ve just packed mine today (first timer so definitely don’t take my list as being a pro one!) I have no idea whether I’ve packed too much or too little but this is what I’ve got:

For me:
Massive t shirt for birthing in
Bikini for the birthing pool
Button down night shirt for feeding
Dressing gown
Nursing bra
Giant black knickers - 6 pack
Warm socks
Breast pads - 1 pack of 20
Maternity pads - 2 packs of 10
Flip flops
Towel
Toiletries
Face wipes
Going home outfit - black hareem pants, t shirt and long black cardigan
Phone charger

For baby:
4 sleep suits
3 short sleeved vests
3 long sleeved vests
Scratch mitts
Hat
Socks x2
Nappies
Water wipes
Nappy cream
Swaddle
Muslins x2
Blanket

For DH:
Spare pants
Spare socks
Spare t shirt
Swim trunks (in case he comes in the pool)
Toothbrush, deodorant
Camera

I’m going to add in a water bottle and some snacks. Anything else I’ve missed, please let me know!

I was just gonna pack my notes, a change of clothes, some big knickers, a few pads and an outfit for baby. I spent a night in hospital recently and only really needed a change of knickers and some lip balm. Otherwise you'd be packing a whole suitcase!

@Nerner I have packed a whole suitcase 😂🙈

Oh wow ladies Hank you so much for all this information. This will come on handy soon xxx

I packed 2 bags for myself. One for a short stay and one for a longer stay that was left in the car just in case. Glad I did as we were kept in for 5 days.

Take straws and a sports bottle (drinking out a cup isnt always practical in labour) sports drinks like Lucozade are useful if your labour is long, helpful to keep up energy. You can also get glucose tablets.

A couple of those puppy training pads (on top of the bag) for the car on the way in.

Comfy/pj shorts (post natal wards are hot)

Dry shampoo (IME the showers are alright but you don't wanna spend too long in there)

Front opening nighties if you are planning on bf.

More maternity pads than you think you'll need (And then more still)

Hair bands

Really good snacks, things that are comforting not just the odd granola bar.

Finally, lay out everything you'll take and get your birthing partner (DP or otherwise) to pack it so they know where everything is.

To be honest though, I packed loads and used nothing but a water bottle until baby arrived. I had bought nighties to give birth in and couldn't have cared less at that point. Whatever you go to the hospital in, make it easy to remove for skin to skin. I have a tight sports bra on and it was a nightmare to take off!