What should I take to the hospital for the new baby?

[Amberc]

Wondered what the best advice is for stuff to pack for the baby - due to be born in June so a bit advanced but FYI - it'll be warm! No idea other than nappies and clothes. Should I take a bottle and formula in case breastfeeding doesn't work out? What clothes do new babies wear in warm weather - help - no idea!!!

Hi Amberc - i don't have any advice to offer you i'm afraid, as newbie due in June myself - but interested to see what others reply.

Like you, i'm planning on taking some nappies and clothes (all in ones), maybe a swaddling banklet. And hat/mitts for leaving hospital in case it's a typical cold English June! [Might just have to see what type of a summer we're having nearer the time and decide.]

But i'd be interested in what others say.

You will get a list from the hospital as to what they suggest you take, as they are different in their rules.

But, if you want to be thinking about things, you will need:

nappies - first size
vests - about four or five
babygros - about four or five
coming home clothes - something airy and light, but still warm for baby.
hat - a cotton one will be best
car seat - you don't need this in the hospital, but they won't let you out without it.

You won't need any bottles. If bfing doesn't work out, they will provide you with formula, so don't worry about that.

You will also need breast pads and sanitary pads for yourself (not tampons) and a couple of changes of pyjamas, a dressing gown and slippers.

I would also recommend a good book.
And don't forget lots of change for the payphone (20p pieces I think)

Hello! I have been packing mine up today and am having the same problem of wondering what to pack!

so far I have:

For me:

1. Old Nightie to give birth in
2. A few Front Opening Nighties
3. Breast Pads
4. Maternity Pads
5. Comfortable going home outfit (Probably the same as what I will wear into the hospital)
6. Lip Balm
7. Massage Oil
8. Handcream
9. Disposable briefs (Mothercare ones)
10. A book (will take some magazines as well)
11. Light Dressing gown
12. Slippers
13. Camera

For baby:

1. about 15 nappies (If I need more OH can get some more.
2. 3 Sleep Suits (May take more)
3. 3 Vests (May take more)
4. Socks
5. Scratch Mitts
6. Hat
7. Warm going home outfit
8. Cotton Wool
9. Baby Wipes

Bluebella x

I had two bags - one with the stuff that we really needed, and then another one for later that DH was to bring in (with more baby clothes and an outfit for me to go home in). Otherwise I would have needed a trunk to fit everything in! Nappies are so bulky and so was my favourite dressing gown (although not a problem for you in June). You might also think about taking in some comfy "normal" clothes - some of the Mums on my ward wore T shirts and shorts/comfy trousers instead of nightshirts, which seemed more dignified somehow, when we were all trouping off to the shower.

Your hospital will probably give you a list at some point too.

probably need blankets and sheets for the babies bed.
I highly recommend some Evian water spray or something simialar for when in labour helped me. Think you can get it cheap in Wilkinsons.
If breast feeding definately get some nipple cream Lanisoh i found the best and apply before they even get sore....
Towels and flannel for yourself and baby.

Wow - that many clothes for one night! Thank God I wrote and asked as I would have brought 2 of everything. I have heard a plastic jug to pour water over your nether regions when you pee is good if you have stitches or is this more for when you get home?

I guess I don't know if I will be in for just one night, but every thing I've read does mention to take at least 2/3 body suits and sleep suits for the baby!

I've separated it all into, things for me and things for baby, so have two bags, but they are not massive.

xxx

Oh, forgot to say - I never heard of the plastic jug thing - but I can see where you are coming from! I guess it's something that a visitor could bring in for you later once you know how sore you are down there! xx

There was a jug provided in the toilet of the maternity ward when I was in hospital.
Newborn babies tend to poo a lot and it's so sticky that it goes everywhere - hence the complete change of clothes.

I would take some vaseline / nappy cream to put on the baby's bottom when you put it's first nappy on as the first poo (meconium) is very sticky. It was act as a barrier and make it much easier to clean and you won't need to rub away at the new bottom!

I regretted not having packed any olive oil in the hospital bag to put on my dd's skin when she was first born. After being in all that amniotic fluid for 9 months, the air can be a bit harsh.

lip balm, toothbrush etc.. mouth wash, dettol hand wipes.. flannel for head in labour...
cd? fav.music??

a squeezy water bottle is better than a plastic jug for when you go to the loo - you can direct it at your stitches!!

Yes, you'll need plenty of clothes - went through about 5 babygros in half a day with DS as he threw up so much mucus(yes, yuck - i know)

spare hat too- he threw up on that as well and ended up going home without one on!!

Something to entertain yourself - we were on the ward for hours and hours waiting to be discharged, DS sleeping peacefully.. heh, that didn't last long!!

Evian spray - fantastic! Absolute godsend. I was sweating like anything.

Playsuits very useful for warmer weather and look so cute (next etc) but vests fine if it's hot (and hospitals often are). Hospitals will provide sheets and blankets. A going home outfit which dp/dh can bring in with the car seat. I haven't had one with ds1 or ds2 and regretted it really, they both looked awful! And a camera so there are actually some memories of birth/first day.
2nd bag at home with extra nappies, clothes etc is prob. a very good idea as each time my dp has absolutely failed to bring the right things (I was in 6 nights with ds1, 2 nights with ds2). I totally forgot to take in a b/f bra last time and dp kept forgetting so I had to go braless (42H!!!).
Huge amounts of clothes for the baby and an extra top + bra at least for you. They not only vomit all over themselves but the poo can easily get sleepsuit+vest in one go (muslins useful for cleaning up)...But again, you could just keep an extra bag packed in the car as hospitals do not like their wards filled up with loads of stuff generally!
Don't count on one night even if birth is fine because if you give birth at 5am in the morning, there's no guarantee the hospital will complete the paperwork to get you out by 5pm the next day!