Hospital bag

[Sunflowerx]

What do I need in my hospital bag that I absolutely can't forget? FTM so I'm really clueless about what will go in in hospital so really appreciate any help!

For me
Pregnancy notes
Drinks and snacks
Plug for charging lead
Long charging lead ✔️
Toothbrush ✔️
Toothpaste
Hairbrush
Shower gel ✔️
Shampoo/conditioner✔️
Contact lense pot✔️
Glasses/case
Deodorant
Moisturiser ✔️
Wipes ✔️
Make up
Slippers
Nighties
Underwear
Thin dressing gown
Nursing bras
Clothes for coming home
Towels
Sanitary/maternity pads✔️
Breast pads ✔️
Nipple cream ✔️
Hair band✔️
Face mask hand sanitizer
Books/magazines

For baby
10-20 newborn nappies
Wipes
Vests
Baby grows
Blanket
Hat
Pram suit or cardigan for going home
Muslin cloths
Car seat

This is baby number 4 for me. I’m having my 3rd c section, and this is my list for me and for baby.

Basic toiletries, toothbrush, toothpaste shampoo, conditioner, shower gel & moisturiser.
2 x nighties button or popper front for feeding & skin to skin. Thin dressing gown. Socks in case feet get cold. Slippers. Maternity pads (2pks), breast pads (few pairs). Full black knickers (1-2 sizes bigger than your norm). Phone charger. Mini fan. Lip balm. A fresh set of clothes to go home in.
I've not packed my own towel, always used hospital ones before.
For baby I have
Up to 1mth size 3 x sleepsuits, 3 x bodysuits. 0-3mth 2 x sleepsuits, 2 x bodysuits
2 x hats, 2 x cellular blankets, 2 pairs socks, 24pk nappies, 1pk wet wipes, nappy bags, mini nappy cream, foldable changing mat, anti-bacterial spray to clean that. 6pk of ready made formula, muslin squares.
Hubby will bring carseat when we are ready to leave, will be in at least one night as having an elcs.

I was only in for 24 hours and had a ELCS. I brought sooo much stuff with me but all I actually used was;

Maternity notes
Phone and long charger
Dressing gown
Flip flops(actually took 2 left feet 🙈)
Nightie
Deodrant
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Face wipes
Bottle lucozade
Cereal bar
Couple nappies
Wipes
2 x vest
2 x baby gro
Hat
Mittens
Cellular blanket

Hardly used anything in the end but that’s because I wasn’t in for very long. So many snacks not touched!

@LouLikesLollies same! I had sections with all of mine and didn’t use much. My drinks and snacks were all used my my partner lol.

Otherwise it’s just basic toiletries as though you were staying overnight anywhere. Then add in some maternity pads and you’re pretty much sorted lol

Yeah I had such a long list and had spent ages on here finding out what I needed to bring so was almost a shame not to use very much! But doesn’t hurt to be well prepared just in case xx

Something to do, books / magazines, but nothing too difficult. My DH bought a crossword book, full of the HARDEST criptic crosswords. I threw it at him.

I would add a lip balm, hair brush and hair ties (if you have longer hair of course!). I would also take a small travel waterproof changing mat and some cotton wool pads incase the wipes are a no go.

Did you buy new clothes and nighties etc. for you for your maternity bag? I'm unsure what to do as I want to wear my most comfy clothes/PJ's after but don't want to be without them as they're packed in my bag for several weeks at the end of my pregnancy.

@BeccaM01 I bought new nighties just for after, I have 2 comfy maternity/nursing nighties that I wear at home already but they don't have popper/button fronts so not as good for skin to skin. Only just put some clothes in my bag this week, kids are off school now so I don't need them as much with staying home more (consultant recommended isolating anyway for last few weeks). Just packed basic maternity leggings, short sleeved top, bra and socks as they'll be comfy after surgery.

Becca for afterwards you will need slightly smaller clothes, so you can use things that fitted you at about 5-6 months pregnant, even if they don't fit right now.

Also think about boob access if you want to breastfeed. Loose tops all fine, but if you can't open them up at the front that's no good. You might get away with something that opens at the front but currently is a bit too tight over the tummy, then you're not keeping stuff away that you want to use now. For example normal hoodies/cardigans.

You can also rotate the items in your bag. I do this sometimes when I get bored of what I have been wearing! Just swap it out with something else which is clean and suitable.

Sorry to jump on the thread, when are you packing your bag?

@BridgetGetTheGin I started packing it as I got in to the 3rd trimester, adding bits as I bought them. Finished mostly by 37wk, must remember to add in my mini hairbrush though which currently lives in the car glovebox.

That's great to know! Thank you!

I just wanted to add that I was all prepared for me and my babies but didn't think about my dh. He had to go straight from work to the hospital in a suit so I ended up having to pack clothes and snacks for him. Hospitals rightly focus on the mum to be but partners get hungry and cafes often aren't open at anti social hours (and of course you don't want your birth partner popping off mid labour).

@sillydoggy my husband is planning on doing an extended fast when I go in for my cs, he will only need his bottle for water that way.

I barely used anything! Had an ELCS and used charger, flapjack, cold drink (brought a small cool bag, this was the best thing I did, was great to have cold drinks), 2 babygrows, 1 long sleeved vest, toothbrush and paste. I just wore the hospital gown, was out in under 24hrs so had a shower at home. I think everything would have fitted in a carrier bag!!

Ahh thanks so much everyone! Got a lot of catching up and list making to do now I've finished work 😂

I would also in addition to what is mentioned above, look at youtube and see what people have packed in theirs. Some have even done "what I actually used" videos afterwards.

Some of the videos are ridiculous, but if you watch and see 'would that work for me' then add it to your list. That's what I've been doing

www.getgetgot.com has got a list of everything you might need in your hospital bag - but in order of popularity so it's easy to see what the absolutely vital things are.

But whatever you do - don't leave the nappies in the car like I did. I thought they were taking too much room in the bag but the midwife was not impressed that I didn't have any to hand straight away. What an idiot.