Unsure how much of everything to pack in hospital bag

[Jjajus]

Hey everyone,

So I’ve got a list of everything I need for my hospital bag, im low risk so hoping for an easy labour and to be in and out quickly but of course you never know!

I’m just unsure how much of everything to take with me.

For example maternity pads, I’ve got 3 packs (30 pads total) is this enough for in the hospital? And I’ve got 12 of the little ready made formula bottles in case breastfeeding doesn’t work but no idea if that’s enough.

Outfit wise how many of each thing did you take? My baby is estimated to be a bit of a chunk (9+ lbs) so I’m not sure whether to take mostly newborn or 0-3.

If anyone could offer any advice I’d appreciate it so much as I am literally so clueless!

That is plenty of pads and bottles

Regarding outfits, I would pack a few newborn as well as 0/3 just in case baby is smaller than you though

Extra snacks and drinks, you'll be surprised how much you go through, especially if you stay longer than one night.

Following as I'm wondering this too.

I'm having a c section so will likely be in at least 24 hours so wondering how many nappies, how many babygrows, how many maternity pads, how many nursing pads....

Sounds like enough pads etc to me- I would second the snack and drink advice.
For me, some gummy sweets and the still lucozade in sports bottles were an absolute lifesaver!
I also got some disposable postpartum pants off amazon and used the maternity pads in those, was much comfier and didn't ruin my normal pants, also felt cleaner to just chuck them each day.
I also really recommend the expert midwife spritz for bits spray in case you have any tearing or stitches, finding this a few days postpartum was such a relief and I wished I'd had it in hospital!

If your baby needs formula fo a medical reason, the hospital will give you some formula in the first couple of instances. If you really want to take some as back up, you won’t need 12 bottles! You’ll be able to decant the pre-made formula into sterile single-use bottles as baby will likely only take a very small amount with each feed.

Assume you’ll change your pad every couple of hours and pack accordingly. Usually I say pack for 24 hours as someone can always bring whatever you need but in the current climate with no visitors etc. 48 hours might be safer.

Clothes wise, better too big than too small! Mine was 8lbs 15oz and 0-3 was fine, if a bit roomy.

I forgot a little hat (for baby, not me, haha) but the midwives found me one. Maybe pack a hat?

@BadAlice

If your baby needs formula fo a medical reason, the hospital will give you some formula in the first couple of instances. If you really want to take some as back up, you won’t need 12 bottles! You’ll be able to decant the pre-made formula into sterile single-use bottles as baby will likely only take a very small amount with each feed.

Assume you’ll change your pad every couple of hours and pack accordingly. Usually I say pack for 24 hours as someone can always bring whatever you need but in the current climate with no visitors etc. 48 hours might be safer.

Clothes wise, better too big than too small! Mine was 8lbs 15oz and 0-3 was fine, if a bit roomy.

Not every hospital does formula

Where my dd was born, (we had to go to a different hospital to the one I picked because it was full), they provided formula, but no bottles.

Luckily I attempted to breastfeed for 48 hours because I didn’t know their policy.

On the 3rd day when my boobs were literally so painful I dreaded picking up dd, I sent my dh to go and buy bottles.

When I had ds, I was able to have him in the hospital I wanted. You wasn’t allowed to use your own bottles/formula and we had to use the premixed they stocked, though they stocked most brands.

So please check the hospital to see what they do

Take formula if it will give you reassurance. You don't need to worry about decanting, the ready to use ones will save you hassle later. Honestly do whatever you can now to make your life easier.

To anyone having a c section you need a hat to go in with you, do not leave it in your bag by your bed or in the car!! (Speaking from experience!)

Hat for the baby obvs.

Hope this helps. Im a FTM too & this gave me a good idea what to pack

In regards to clothes ive packed a few first size & few 0-3 sleepsuits & vests, mits, hat, also packed 2 packs of ready made formula bottles as midwife advised me to as she didnt was not 100% sure about them providing given the current situation (i am due anyday, due date is actually tomorrow!!) So things are very up in the air atm.
Mini suitcase contains all baby things & my nightwear,pads, etc.
Holdall is partners stuff, toiletries & my going home stuff.
Ive also got a shoulder bag with my notes, snacks, chargers, coffee sachets (for partner) as i was told they wouldn't be giving him food and canteens/cafe is closed, it may have changed in last few weeks i was told this but i wasnt risking it
Probably packed way too much but im all for being over prepared given the situation as it is in hospitals atm.

Take what you need for partner, hospital will only be worried about you.

I packed a bag for me, a bag for the babies and a snack/DH bag.

I also put a further pack of nappies in the car boot.

At home I laid a selection of things for babies and me in 2 piles so that dh could find things if we were kept in.

I took a pillow. They gave us a shopping cart to move from room to room lol 🤣😂🤣😂🙌

I didn’t take enough baby clothes last time as ds was born by c section in the end and kept puking over everything. I’ve got 8 baby grows and vests packed this time. I put the outfits (I match the vest to the babygrow ) in a zip loc freezer bag
The first outfit is clearly marked in a zip freezer bag with a hat and nappy at the top of the bag as it won’t be me finding it and dressing the baby.
I’m taking 20 pads for me and one pack of nappies.

I'd also say take comfy clothes with you (I'm sure it's on your list) but your body starts doing odd things and you still need to be able to function and talk to people. Slippers are a must. Nighties are useful, esp after a c section but you might feel self conscious dealing with stuff (e.g. blood).