Hospital bag checklist

[xJune88]

First time Mum 27 weeks I want to think about getting a bag together and just leaving it sat somewhere I can grab as never know what could happen. What on earth do I need and shall I make a bag for me, baby and hubby?! Thank you :)

That's what I did but I think if I had another baby I'd do one for labour and one for the postnatal ward. I was discharged straight from labour ward so didn't use dressing gown/pj's/flip flops etc.

We took loads of nappies and pads and it took up loads of space. I'd do a bag for labour and immediately after birth and one with spare clothes for you and baby to keep in the car in case you have to stay in.

I did a bag for DH too with toothbrush, spare T-shirt etc but he didn't need it as we were in and out so quickly!

Make sure you have plenty of snacks though - I was starving as soon as DS was born!

Congratulations and good luck.

Don’t forget strepsils/ lockets, the gas and air made my throat really dry and sore. And lip balm for the same reason. And more maternity pads than you ever though was necessary!

This was my list....

HOSPITAL BAGS
FOR MUM (& DAD)
YOUR NOTES
Granny pants (lots of), nursing bras, front-opening nighties, dressing gown, waterproof flip-flops (for standing in the hospital shower), a going-home outfit (you will still have a (massive) bump, so something loose and stretchy), socks, yoga bottoms, nursing/ maternity tops.
Maternity pads (you will need LOTS of these - I liked the boots ones.) Don’t get normal sanitary pads, it you have to have stitches, the cover of them can get attached… Yeouch - sorry if that's TMI!, breast pads, lip balm (hospital air is really hot and dry) strepsils/throat sweeties (gas & air gives you a really dry sore throat), shower stuff, hair bobbles, hairdryer, toothbrush/toothpaste, glasses, flannels for cooling you down mid-labour (magicool mist is also very good), carrier bags for dirty washing, lansinoh cream, hair-band, peppermint tea t-bags.
Car seats (only need for the day you go home!) camera and charger, phones and chargers, cereal bars/ snacks. Money for vending machines / canteen. Headphones, eye-mask, change of clothes for Dad (he will get puked on, pooed on, plus it’s good for skin-to-skin contact for him), book/kindle, tissues, notepad and pen, moist loo roll, facial wipes, bump support belt.
FOR BABY
Nappies (SIZE1), Wipes. Nappy sacks. Travel change mat (you usually get one in your changing bag). Muslins. Sudocream. Vests x6, sleepsuits x6, hats x2, Pramsuit. Cuddly toy. Bibs. You don’t need to take in your own blankets (apart from one to go over the legs of baby in the carseat on day of departure. They’ll only get mixed up (and never seen again) with the hospital blankets.)

Do strepsols not have Paracetamol in any more?
A straw, in case you're thirsty but too busy to hold a cup

Take paracetamol for after pains. That's my best tip.

Lots of good suggestions above. Additions I can think of are:
*A small plastic jug for wees. If you have stitches it is so much better than loo roll!

• absorbent pads to sit on if your waters break.

Also pack a bag for if you have a longer stay and need more things to include sensible, comfy clothes and pants. I know of people whose DH brought them in thongs...

My first tip would be to find out what your hospital provides.
My hospital provided cloth nappies, and a couple of swaddling blankets, so no need to bring your own (except for going home). They also provided nightgowns, which I wore on the first day, as I was still bleeding heavily, but by day 2 and 3 I was okay in my own clothes and wearing my own pads and underwear rather than their disposables.
I packed the following:

• several pairs of comfortable underwear that could fit a big pad (only used these on the 2nd and 3rd days once bleeding slowed down a little and I no longer needed to sit on a "puppy" pad on the bed.
• nursing bras (just the sleep ones, not underwire)
• a comfortable nightie or pyjamas that have buttons down the front so you can breastfeed easily.
• comfortable clothes to go home in. I had some very loose harem pants and a loose shirt. No need for glamour, you've just pushed a baby out.
• self care products such as your favorite shower gel, lip balm, moisturiser etc
• snacks, phone charger, portable speaker for your music during labor, earphones for when you're back on the ward trying to sleep but there's noisy neighbours.
• going home outfit for baby, including a nappy

Things I packed but didn't need:

• breast pads. Your milk won't "come in" until 3 or 4 days after birth at least, you won't be producing enough to need pads yet.