Hospital bag

[New2020]

So I've been putting this off forever because it just scares me

I have a hospital bag list and most things to hand, just need to get packing!

The thing I'm clueless about is how much I need of everything...I'm terrible at packing generally and would rather have too much than too little..

I was wondering how many I'd need of the below

• pjs
• nighties
• lightweight robe?
• big knickers and mat pads
• towels for me
• muslins
• sets of baby clothes
• Nappies

- back up newborn formula?

• baby blankets

I was also just planning on staying in pjs during the day..do people actually change into a set of daytime clothes?

Any tips from experienced mummies welcome!

FTM too and trying to do mine so I'll be watching this thread!
I don't plan on changing into daytime clothes if I have to stay in. Going to stick to my PJ's and some light weight slippers.
I've put a little bath bag together too, some small travel sized body wash, shampoo etc so I can shower when I'm there, as depending on your hospital they don't provide you with anything like that

I didn't bother getting dressed until they said I could go home - I was on the award for one night. Most people stayed in pjs or hospital gown while I was there.

• pjs x1
• nighties x1 (didn't use)
• lightweight robe? X1 (didn't use)
• big knickers and mat pads x3 and 1 pack of pads
• towels for me x2 because I use one for my hair
• muslins x3
• sets of baby clothes - 4/5 vests and 3/4 babygros
• Nappies - at least 10

- back up newborn formula? I got a 6 pack of ready made but the hospital will provide if you need

• baby blankets - take one, hospital gave me one to use as well

I also took 2 swaddle blankets

I suggest you add a wet/dry bag to your list. Baby's first poo is really grim and mine ended up covered in it along with her clothes!

Lip balm - hospitals can be so drying!
Cartons of a drink you like
Cereal bar type snacks
Slippers or grippy slipper-socks

Get your birth partner to actually put everything in the Bag; it’s actually most important that they know where everything is and can get it for you in a hurry!

@StottieAndSoup did you take a separate bag to pack dirty clothes in? I was thinking a couple of carrier bags packed to put dirty things in but I suppose you'd need to put them somewhere

Hi OP, I'm just about to pack my bag too and this is the plan...

I've got a hold-all for me and I'm going to use my change bag for the baby's things.

For me I'm packing
1 nighty
1 pyjama set
Clothes to go home in (probably leggings or a maxi dress)
Toiletries, hairbrush and hair bobbles
A dark towel
Flip flops for the shower
Phone, charger and headphones
Magazines
Tonnes of food (hospital food is vile and never available when you're starving at 2am!)
Breast pads and maternity pads
A nursing bra
Giant knickers
Lip balm
Nipple cream
Loose change/bank card

For baby I'll pack
10 x nappies
Water wipes
Nappy bagels
3 x vests
3 x sleepsuits
2 x hat
2 x Muslims
A blanket
A cardigan for going home in

I know it's tempting to pack loads but your partner can always bring things in from home if you stay longer than you expected to.

Most places are sending women home within 24 hours (even I expect this and I'm having a section).

Happy packing!

🤦🏼‍♀️ *muslins obviously 🙄

Meant to say as well, someone on here have a tip to put each set of baby things in a ziplock bag so everything you need is together. It's an idea I'm pinching this time round!

A tip I remember a midwife telling me was to pack socks for the baby. Good luck - it's a lovely exciting time for you .

How far away you live from the hospital is very relevant. I lived very close so my DH could easily bring in anything I needed from home.

I had a bag packed for labour plus one overnight then I'd emailed a list in advance to DH with what else I would want in case I needed a longer stay. I never did though, so it would have been a waste of time packing it.

In term of what to wear; I bought a couple of high waisted back leggings and long vests to wear in hospital so they'd be comfortable to sleep and breastfeed in but I'd also feel dressed. I just took a long cardigan to put over the top.

I also had a t shirt dress and trainers ready to go to hospital in when I was in labour and another for coming home. I liked it because it was just one thing to pull over my head and I didn't need to undress again for midwife checks.

[quote New2020]@StottieAndSoup did you take a separate bag to pack dirty clothes in? I was thinking a couple of carrier bags packed to put dirty things in but I suppose you'd need to put them somewhere[/quote]
No I just had a large wet/dry bag and chucked the dirty stuff in there and put it my suitcase with everything else

Just in case you have an emergency c-section (I did!) put a nappy, vest, baby grow, cardi and hat in a ziplock bag that your DP can give to midwife. So when you meet your baby for the first time they are wearing what you chose. It makes a difficult time just that little bit better.

Thanks everyone!

I think I'm going to tackle the dreaded bag in stages

How many big pants and pads would you recommend?

And I've just washed all the muslin cloths today so wondering if 5 is enough? Maybe 2 additional big ones for swaddling

I had to stay in for 48hrs after birth and I took 8 pairs of big pants, I didn’t use them all but it was helpful to have spare it’s not like they take up much room. And three packs of maternity pads. You definitely need more than you think. I took 2 Muslins and that seemed to be enough for us.

Definitely stay in your pjs it’s just not worth getting dressed till you go home 😂