Hospital bag advice

[Firsttimemum1829]

Hi all, I am 31 weeks and just starting to get my hospital bag organised. I have gestational diabetes, so it’s likely I will need to stay in for 24 after baby is born, and I may also have to go in earlier to be induced (due to the GD).

So I am just wondering how much to pack? I am thinking of leaving a bag with extra nappies and outfits in the car just in case but to actually take in the hospital, for Baby I am think 6 outfits? Mix of newborn and 0-3 months maybe? Also vests? Are sleeveless ok or should they be long sleeved this time of year? (I have a warm pramsuit that I will take too). Also how many outfits for me? Thinking 1 x pjs and 2 nighties? And then maybe 2-3 pairs or leggings and tops with cardigan? any feedback on what others took and was too much or not enough would be great? Thanks

What you've got sounds good - take vests AND sleepsuits/scratch mitts for baby. And don't forget the lip balm!

I've decided because I find it far more comfortable just to take 1 set of clothes to go home in and take nighties/ pyjamas to be in hospital with.

I’ve split mine into two smaller bags - one for me with 3x pyjamas, sponge bag, some cheap big knickers, nursing bras, maternity pads, breast pads, snacks, phone charger, dressing gown and slippers.

Then I’ve got a “baby bag” for my partner to bring in from the car when things are imminent! I’m measuring large so I’ve bought 0-3 months (packed about five sets of sleepsuit/vest) but I’ve got an unopened pack of newborn sleepsuits and vests just in case the 0-3 is too big. Couple of hats, pack of water wipes, a cardigan for going home in and a small pack of nappies.

Planning to send my partner out to the nearby Sainsbury’s if there’s anything else we need!

I’d reccomend a cardi and blanket over a pramsuit as they shouldn’t wear a pramsuit in the car seat. Short sleeved vests and sleepsuits easiest for newborns IME. Long sleeved vests are really fiddly under a sleepsuit and I can’t imagine they provide much more warmth!

I’d pack what you think you’ll need for 24 hours and then have spares in the car. If being induced, I’d probably have an induction/labour bag and then bits for afterwards that you can send DP to the car for later. The less you can have cramping your space the better on hospital wards!

Thanks everyone, yeap have a blanket that’s with the car seat, also have sleepsuits with built in scratch mitts mostly.

I am doing a bag for Baby and one for me, it’s just so hard when you don’t know how long it might take, Baby is measuring on average at the moment, though have 32 week scan next week. Sounds like I hopefully am on the right track though, know babies will probably go through clothing quickly so glad it sounds enough. Thanks x

Take short sleeve vests and baby grows. Hospitals are hot.

Pack a Robinson triangle juice for you to add to water as they take up no space.

Take more food than you think you need. And some paracetamol.

I would pack an induction/labour bag with enough clothes/toiletries/snacks for 5 days. Nightie for labour, pj's for after. Books, phone, tablet etc and chargers. Camera, pads, extra knickers. 2 nappies, 2 vests, 2 hats and 2 sleepsuits for the baby.

Then have a bag for the postnatal ward. More snacks, pads, knickers, nappies, clothes for baby, dressing gown and slippers. Bin bag for dirty washing. Pack enough for 48 hours.

Then have a just in case bag for your partner to bring in if you aren't home after 2 days. Breast pads, an extra book or 2, spare batteries for the camera and more snacks, nappies, pads, etc

Then have a going home bag with a set of clothes for you including coat and shoes. Cardigan, warm hat and blanket for the baby.