What kind of hospital bag did you use?

[dreamerkr]

Hey guys! I’m 34+2 today and I’ve just started shopping for my hospital bag (late, I know!). I was just wondering, what kind of bag did you use? Did you use one bag or two for you and baby? Have I left it too late?

And what did you guys pack? I don’t want to go overboard, but I most likely will be needing a c-section as baby is breech, measuring large, I have GD, and I’m not getting the baby manually turned. I would really appreciate if you guys could tell me what you packed and what kind of bag(s) you used. Thanks! ☺️

Two bags, one for me and one for baby. Most of mine was taken up by a dressing gown in case it was cold; the ward was stiflingly hot & I needed no such thing. I used an overnight/weekender bag.

The baby bag was a fjallraven rucksack what I now use as the changing bag.

• pack a range of sizes of clothes for the baby
• baby wipes, as faffing around with cotton wool and water is rubbish
• snacks
• hairbands and clips to keep hair off your face
• loads of maternity pads and disposable underwear
• nightdress rather than pyjamas if you’re having a section

Those are the key things - I took far too much with me!

I used one of those massive Sports Direct bags, lol

I packed disposable knickers and sanitary towels. A change of nightware. Toiletries. Clothes to go home in (big jogging bottoms). Mother and baby mags.
Babygro's, blanket, nappies, hat and mittens for baby.
I knew my baby was big (8.10) and it was an elective C-section.

Anything you forget or need, someone can bring in for you. Don't over think it too much.

Good luck x

1 small hand luggage suitcase.

dh wasn’t allowed back in after birth due to covid regulations, so I had to carry everything plus baby out alone after birth. So wheely suitcase, baby in sling was easiest. Couldn’t have carried a car seat and hold-all

Thanks guys! I’ll be using a duffel bag for myself, what kind of bag shall I use for baby’s things? It would have to be smaller so perhaps a backpack?

Flip flops

Check what you're allowed to take. I had an ELCS and I think I was only allowed to bring one bag to the hospital.

For my first I packed far too much. Including the dressing gown that I was told was essential but like a PP, the ward was hotter than the sun so all it did was take up space.

Second time I did a much better job of it. Small backpacks rather than a suitcase so I could have it on the bottom of the bed for easier access. One bag for me, one for baby, one for snacks. Enough for 24 hours only. I also had the same packed to leave at home so DH could bring supplies and know what to replace should I have been kept in longer. Much, much better than bringing days worth just in case.

I used a holdall for my stuff and baby's things went in his changing bag.

Big hold all with enough for 2 days for you and baby.

Then pack a separate bag for the car boot with more supplies incase you are in longer and your going home outfit

I have a hand luggage sized one on wheels. Has two sections in it, so I am putting my things in one side, and things for baby in the other.

So much easier when it comes to leaving hospital with a baby.

I'm pregnant with number 3, each time I've done a wheely cabin bag for labour/24hours one half for me one for baby and a rucksack with a change of clothes for hubby and lots of snacks in. I then pack another bag, this time another rucksack to keep in the car, with extra stuff in incase we're kept in and different sizes for baby incase they're bigger/smaller than expected.
I was in 3 days after with my first so hubby brought the extra bag in and we swapped some stuff between the bags so I was only left with the cabin bag and he took my washing home etc
Might be worth considering with a c section how you'll lift the bag to get to your stuff so you may be better with 2 smaller bags?
I also recommend putting babies outfits into sandwich bags and label them, I.e. First outfit with everything in the bag, so partner can grab it easily without stressing x