Hospital bag

[Ab202]

Hi everyone,

This may sound like a daft question (but this is my first baby, so I'm clueless haha)... but what will I need to take with me to the hospital? I've packed some bits but everywhere I've looked online is telling me different things and a lot of things seem unnecessary (e.g. Earplugs... haha).

What do I need for baby? I've packed some clothes etc but not sure how much of everything to pack?

Also what will I need for me and my partner?

Is there anything that isn't generally thought of but comes in quite handy?

I'm 31+4 at the moment, but my last mw appt found that baby is 3/5 engaged and keeps pushing down which is rather uncomfortable! So not taking any chances! Thanks

 

[SalisburyMum]

Keep it simple. People will be popping in to see you after birth so you can always get stuff brought in.

Definitely take some good moisturiser for your feet if you plan on using a birthing pool.

I didn't for Jaspers birth and ended up with cracked feet for years!!

 

[SalisburyMum]

I'd rather take six nighties for me than six outfits for baby, two or three little baby outfits are fine

And something that smells like you to have always near baby

 

[Dovekie]

I've been told that a hand held fan is useful as the hospital is so warm!

 

[kumber]

Things like magazines, books, etc., are great for inductions but if you go into natural labour, they will want you to spend as much time at home as possible until your contractions become more regular and more often.

I bought in mine:

• PJ tops that I can BF in (I felt like I would bleed more in nighties but you'll need them if you have a section)
• BFing bras
• Breast pads
• Toothbrush
• Shower stuff
• Two towels
• Maternity pads
• MASSIVE knickers x5
• Hair bobbles
• Handheld fan
• Snacks for post-birth
• 3-4 sleep suits and vests
• Muslin with your smell on it
• Loose, comfortable clothes for me to go home in

That's all I can remember off the top of my head, I only stayed in for 24 hours tops and didn't want family visiting when I was just getting to know this new person, so I took everything that I needed and then my mom came in with the car seat, jacket, blanket and hat for travelling home in. Mine are all summer babies so they didn't need to be wrapped up too much.

 

[Eryinera]

Mouthwash! I was sick at the start of labour and had to send people on a mission to get me mouthwash to get rid if the bad taste!

 

[snowbee]

Stuff I took that I used (I was induced and had one night in before hand and two nights after birth)...
Maternity pads
Breast pads (I much prefer the bamboo reusable ones)
Nursing bra
2 nighties
3 pairs of pants
Shampoo & conditioner
Hairdryer & hairbrush
Towel
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Slip on shoes
Nipple cream
Camera
Clothes for baby (I took two outfits - a vest and sleepsuit - in each size, tiny, newborn and 0-1 as I had no idea how big he would be).
Nappies
Wipes
Baby blanket
muslins
Bottle of squash
Jaffa cakes
Cream crackers
Pears
Protein bars

I went in wearing my jeans and a nursing top and went home in the same clothes.

My husband stayed the first night with me so had his toothbrush with him and a spare t shirt. Other than that the only thing he used was his e reader. Money for the car park! He came and went a few times so all that change adds up.

I also took a book as I was induced and didn't know how much waiting around I would do, I only read the first couple of chapters though, so could have lived without it.

 

[Ab202]

Thanks so much everyone!! These lists are really helpful!

 

[SoGentleNWild]

I use adult diapers vs pads. Catches the gushing much better!

Otherwise, something comfortable for after. Last two, it was a nursing tank and a hoodie, plus a loose skirt. About 30 weeks, I get surly with anything confining my bits, so jeans are out of the question.

I brought my own shower stuff. I can be sensitive to detergent and soap, so stuff I know is best. Towels, soap, shampoo, conditioner.

Any electronic devices AND the chargers.

Something to keep your hair back. I used a cloth headband, then a braid both times so far. Not the most glamorous, but it's not annoying me so I don't care.

I did use my mascara after. I needed something to not look half dead. Also, lots of lip balm. Lots. It was so dry in the hospital.

Baby blankets.

Very simple baby coming home outfit. Kimono tshirt and pants type simple. But DS was a mid spring baby and DD was mid summer. No idea what we're doing for winter babies.

 

[Eryinera]

2nd the lip balm my lips were so dry and cracked at some point a doctor came in with some petroleum jelly I was never more relieved!

 

[Rose83]

both babies I've packed pretty much the same:

3 baby vests in 0-3
3 baby gros in up to 1 month size
3 baby gros in 0-3
Nappies
Water wipes
Cotton wool
Blanket

6 pairs of giant pants (primark so I could throw away)
1 nightie
1 pair of maternity PJ bottoms (JoJoMaman Bebe good for these)
Two PJ tops and a feeding vest
1 outfit to go home in
Dressing gown (light weight if summer)
Slippers (again primark throw away type ones good)
Glasses and contact lenses
Eye mask and ear plugs (hospital wards with new babies are very noisy and bright and you'll want to try to get some sleep whenever you can)
Maternity pads (not maternity ones but Superdrug cheapest maxi pads 55p a pack and don't make you sweat and risk thrush etc like expensive maternity pads do - the ones he hospital give you are just like the cheap Superdrug ones in what they are made of)
Lansinoh nipple cream if breast feeding
Vaseline (gas and air makes lips very dry)
Chargers for phone/iPod whatever
Feeding bra
All toiletries you might want
Muslins ( I took about 6 I think)

I also took dummies second time round. First time I was worried about nipple confusion etc and didn't want to give dummies anyway. Second time I knew it would keep me sane and never caused me problems with nipple confusion!