Where did you get your hospital bag?

[seashellsandfootprints]

I'm looking for a maternity hospital bag do you have any suggestions please?

Any cabin sized suitcase or bag you already own will work…

I wouldn’t worry too much about what bag you use - I used a weekend bag and a small wheelie case first time and two weekend bags second. It doesn’t really matter as long as you can get everything in!

Mother care.
But was 40 years ago.
Sure a Google can help.
A nice holdall will do.
I have one from Shein l use for all my hospital stays

I used my wheelie bag, the one I usually take on weekends away etc. Also brought a separate cool bag full of food, and my DH brought his own rucksack with tablet, phone etc and spare boxers/T shirt.

I just used a bag we had anyway

If you don’t have a suitable size bag then either buy one you’ll find useful in future or borrow one

I wouldn't get anything specific because then you'd only use it once (or twice etc)! Just a big bag will do. I used a longchamp style holdall bag (sadly not real longchamp, just same shape).

You don't need that much stuff in there really, half the stuff you see on most lists. I'd pack a second bag to leave at home for your dp to bring to you if you're admitted for longer

A cabin sized suitcase works quite nicely, as you then have 2 sides separated, and don't have to rummage around to the bottom of a holdall. I took a cabin suitcase and a small backpack each time, and put my clothes/ baby's bits in the suitcase, and then had my other items in a backpack (phone charger, toiletries, snacks etc).

I reckon everyone over-packs, as most people I know didn't use even half of what we all took in, so if you can err on the side of less, that won't be a problem!

Who buys a specific hospital bag? Surely you own luggage already? Most people in my experience use a small cabin suitcase or the like.

I treated myself to one of those made up tote bags it had all the personal products I needed in it and the bag has been great for the gym and shopping

I just used a random hold-all we already had that we used for going away. It’s still going strong 13 years later!

If there's a shop in the hospital (like mine had a m+s simply food) then you don't even need to pack many snacks. You won't know what you'll crave - at least that was my experience! Sending dh to go get random specific snacks for me was the only breaks he got. For some reason I think I craved pretzels, which I'd never have guessed to pack

katieloxton.com/weekend-holdall-bag-navy-klb576

Eh? Is this a thing now?

My suggestion is to consider using a carrying device (e.g. a bag, case, holdall, rucksack, etc.) that you already possess which is a suitable size to contain the things you're planning on taking with them.

You don't need much.
Just take the bare essentials you'll have plenty of visitors to bring you bits if you have a longer stay.

I'm assuming the only difference between a maternity bag and a normal one is the price tag and maybe number of pockets, in which case take a bag you already have and buy some packing cubes and you can keep your clothes, toiletries, snacks and baby bits separate.
I might buy and pack two lots in case of a longer stay and your partner can just take home the old ones and bring in the fresh ones without having to faff around.

I keep a grab bag ready to go incase of impromptu hospital stays, with nightwear, underwear and toiletries in after a previous unexpected stay when I had nothing so I would repurpose them for that afterwards.

I used my cabin sized suitcase

I have a cabin size suitcase but I thought it might be a bit too much but if others have used similar perhaps it's a good choice.

Cabin sized suitcase but ended up pretty redundant as I gave birth at 8 am and was home by 5 spag bol round the dining table at 20 hahaha

Tesco. 30p.

I found it easier to have 2 separate totes, 1 for me and 1 for baby. But you don't need a special bag.

I’ve bought 2 Rains weekend bags, one for me and one for baby. Useful for any trips we have in future too!

Personally hate using a suitcase unless the room has a suitcase stand which I doubt an nhs ward will do 😂 can’t stand putting the wheels onto a clean bed 🤮 or having to get down or bed down onto the floor to get stuff out - not ideal if have a c section. At least you can put a holdall onto the bed and chair.

Small cabin suitcase for baby clothes, pads, nappies, wipes, night dress etc.

Smallish canvas bag thing (beach bag size) for easily accessible things for me - iPad, Kindle, lip gloss, hairbrush etc.

God I loved my two days (c-sections) in hospital. New baby cuddles, tea and toast and everyone is nice to you. It was spa-like.