Hospital bag

[firsttimemum111]

Hi everyone!

Starting to plan what to take in my hospital bag, I've looked online for a rough checklist and I've noticed some people seem to take a suitcase full and some only take the bare minimum..

How much would you realistically need?

2nd, 3rd, 4th time mums,
How many nappies, wipes, pads, outfits etc. did you take and did you have enough

I know it's different for everyone but roughly how long should you prepare to be in hospital for after you have given birth?

Any advice is appreciated ❤️ thank you!

I definitely over packed for my first baby, so will be taking less this time round!

Difficult to know how many outfits to take, as it all depends on how long you may be in hospital - I would recommend 2 in your main hospital bag, and then have a spare bag of additional things that your partner can drop off should you need them.

With regards to baby outfits - perhaps 3 or 4 of each item and again a couple in an additional bag should they be needed.

Don't forget a good stash of snacks too! xx

I'm on my third and still had to Google it! Plus babies differ, my eldest slept pretty much the whole first 12 hours, only needed a couple of changes. My second went through several nappies and clothes as he started pooping that delightful post-birth tar the whole time we were on the ward (I think 8 hours). Thank goodness we were going home as I was running out of nappies!

I need to double check my bag, I think I currently have 5 vests/bodysuits, a whole pack of wipes, travel Sudocreme, a whole pack of size 1 nappies, 2 baby hats, 2 baby mittens (all the sleeps suits have inbuilt ones anyway), 3 muslin cloths, 2 light baby blankets (second child pooped on one of those as well) - I need to get nappy bags though.

For me, 2 packs of maternity pads, two nighties (one open front for breastfeeding), a new pack of large knickers, wireless bra, small towel, flannel, hairbrush and ties, travel toothbrush and paste, a travel bottle for shampoo. I'm going to buy new leggings this week - much easier around post baby belly and not bulky at all. Also need thin slippers, some women take flip-flops as well but I find them horrible to wear.

I have bought a tote bag for extras, will be making sure there's a large, very cold bottle of water ready to go, and chocolate/biscuits for during/after, maybe a magazine or similar. Things to remember last minute - phone charger! I also need to take the baby car seat with me as husband will be at home with the other two, but that's less of an issue for first timers.