Hospital bag... when to pack

[melissa1215]

Hey,

I'm 27 weeks so still a long way to go yet, just wondering when I should get my bag sorted?

I was just going to bring a small hold all with wheels, not even sure what to pack to be honest I've been quite laid back about it but the weeks are flying so I'm wondering if now is a good time?

I’m 29w and starting to get bits I need but probably won’t pack for around 4/5 weeks. At my antenatal class they said to get ready for around 35 weeks. I’m packing to stay 24 hours as I’m low risk at the moment and will be sending dh to get extras if I need extra days supplies.

The midwives suggested:
4 baby grows and vests
Clothes for me
Thin breathable blanket for baby
Slippers or socks for me mainly to avoid infection from walking around and potentially putting feet on bed etc
They said it can get warm in the birthing rooms so suggested a handheld fan might be good
They provide hats for baby at our hospital so we don’t need them
Maternity pads - apparently you double them up at first and should change them every 1 or 2 hours so need plenty of them
Disposable pants
Something to labour in
A towel from home if you want a nice fluffy one although they did say have the first shower with their towels so you don’t ruin your own
They said just get a few nappies as you might find the ones you chose don’t fit baby very well or just are not right for you
Cotton wool for changing the baby
Comfortable outfit for going home in

Oh and bottles and formula if you intend to formula feed

There are loads of lists online.

My tips are to make sure your partner knows where stuff at home is extra clothes and things for baby and you in case you end up in hospital for longer. If you are traveling by car then put extra spares in the car. Get all the things ready but then get your birth partner to do the actual packing so they know where things are for when you need them. Packing a full baby outfit vest and baby grow into individual freezer bags. I’m 37 weeks on Wednesday and I haven’t finished my bag yet!

Im doing mine at 30wks as ive had prem babies,i like to be sorted just incase x

I used the NHS list. The only things I would suggest in addion to all above is snacks, toiletries and a nightdress.
I started to organise at about 30 weeks and it's been pretty much packed since 35 weeks. I'm 38 now.

I'm 36wks and haven't started mainly cos my other 3 were 2 weeks over.

I might start putting some bits together this week...

You don't need much 2-3 outfits for baby is sufficient, newborn size nappies, a blanket, then sleepwear for you, outfit to go home in, a dark towel, pads and old knickers, nursing bra and pads. Snacks, headphones, charger, water bottle. Car seat, outerwear depending on season.

Unless you live in the outer Hebrides you can always get stuff brought in if you need to stay longer, plus it gives something for eager well meaning relatives to do!

I’m 35weeks tomorrow and I have certain things packed ready, but it’s by no means fully packed 🙈
Just a small hold-all for me and the baby’s changing bag for her!
My bag doesn’t have any clothes in it yet as I only have limited maternity clothes which obviously I’m wearing (although my summer dresses seem to stretch over my bump at present which is good!) and my mum washed all my baby clothes for me and is currently holding them hostage at her house (she’s being weird!) so no baby clothes packed either!
Mainly I’ve packed all the things I thought I would forget! Snacks/drinks, straw, eye mask, ear plugs, towel, toiletries, breast & maternity pads, brush/hair bands, lip balm, cooling spray, underwear, phone charger, plastic bag for dirty washing! I can grab or get family to grab my clothes as and when I go into labour as I only have 1 drawer with maternity clothes in anyway!
I had written out my list by time I was roughly 27 weeks, so could gradually start buying bits and pieces with my general grocery shopping!

I was so excited for DC1 that I packed at 28 weeks he was 11 days overdue

I packed cotton wool for changing the baby. Soon realised the first poo requires WAY more than cotton wool and water

I had to call the midwife who brought over some big dry disposable cloth things....

I found most useful: my own towel, flip flops, maternity pads, big cotton pants, dressing gown (thin) just to feel covered, snacks, drinks and my hair brush/toiletries to make you feel more human! And to answer your question I packed at about 35 weeks.

I’m 33 weeks and started pulling a bag together tonight. It’s my second and it looked like we were moving house the first time as we followed all the lists - I gave birth early morning and was home by lunch! Lol.

It’s all in one hold-all so far and if I need anything else somebody will get what I need.

My midwife mentioned you can’t charge your phone in hospital so I’ve got a power bank just in case.

I was lazy. I packed mine at 37 weeks lucky as I had my baby at 38wks