Hospital bag

So I’ve gone and done some of the last minute shopping stuff for my hospital bag (I’m such a procrastinator, I’m going into the hospital tomorrow).

I’ve read some things online about what to take but I was wondering what you wished you had packed and didn’t and stuff like that.

Here are the stuff I’m packing for myself:
Pyjamas ( all gowns/nighties on recommendation from my midwife, I’m taking six)
Dressing gown
Slippers (the slip on kind)
Lots of comfy socks and underwear and all that lovely stuff along with nursing bras and breasts pads
Shower stuff/toiletries (2in1 shampoo and condition because I’m lazy, shower gel, roll on deodorant, body moisturiser, Vaseline, I’m taking a little make up because I’m vain :), toothbrush and all that jazz)
Entertainment stuff (books, IPad - I have checked in advance with my hospital and I’m allowed to bring it and there is free WiFi, MP3 also a crossword book because I love crosswords)
Comfy clothes for when I’m leaving - although I’m second guessing it all because I will have a C-section scar/wound and I’m not sure what to take…
Hair bands, hair ties and clips and all that jazz
A pillow and small blanket from home just for comfort along with my [name_u]Teddy[/name_u] bear because I’m a child apparently…:slight_smile:
Eye mask and ear plugs
Maternity pads

For baby:
5 sleep suits
5 vests
Nappies (lots! [name_f]My[/name_f] sister has already warned me to pack loads as I will be in hospital for a few days after the birth)
[name_u]Baby[/name_u] blanket
A wee hat

[name_f]My[/name_f] husband is going to bring the car sear when we need it as it will be a few days until we will take her home as she will stay in the hospital with me.

I’m a first time mum so I’m not sure, my sister has given me lots of advice but she said that even when she had her second she felt like she forgot things. I am also having to go in for observation until the birth so that why there are some stuff that might seem a little over the top like six nighties (I’m going to give my husband them to wash and bring back). I’m also making my husband bring me one of t-shirts every two days because I want the comforting smell this will be the first time I’ve not shared the same bed with him for three years and the knowledge that he was there was always very comforting to me so hence why I’m doing it, seems a little weird I know…

Is there anything I’ve missed or just some general advice for staying on the wards (I’ve never stayed overnight in a hospital so I’m a little worried).

Thank you! :smiley:

Thanks for asking this question! I’m a first timer and while I’m not due until the end of [name_u]November[/name_u] I hope some Moms give us some advice of what is the best to bring! :slight_smile:

camera
healthy insurance details
medications (if any)
pacifier (but try not to use it as it can confuse sucking if trying to breastfeed)

If there are any particular snacks/drinks you like. A big thing of hand sanitizer if you’ll have visitors. [name_u]Baby[/name_u] book to get handprints in.

[name_f]My[/name_f] guy LIVED in those little white button up long sleeve infant shirts. That’s what the hospital had him in, and we got more once we were home bc they were so easy.

You really don’t need much at the hospital except for comfort things. They provide everything else. I’d make sure you have things for when you get home. Some things i had to get as soon as we were Home…

At least 2 comfy nursing bras. A nightgown with easy boob access for night feeds. [name_m]Little[/name_m] breast heating pad things. They were so sore when my milk came in, these were a life saver. Also natural nipple cream. Larger Swaddle blankets. Those receiving blankets only work for a couple weeks.

Ill also add that you really don’t need much for comfort at the hospital either. You will be so exhausted, that you will either be sleeping, feeding or just in awe over your new little one. I looked at my phone a bit but other than that, didn’t need anything else. Also, I only wore the hospital gown until I left. Things were so uncomfortable ‘down there’ and in sure it’ll be similar with a scar. The thought of clothing was more of a haste than a comfort.

@babylove14 - where do you find breast heating pad things? That sounds like something I would like to be able to get.

I got mine at target! Here is a link-

The cold honestly felt better, but can also decrease milk flow/supply. The heat was a nice relief too though. I didn’t need them long, but I definitely did need them!

I’ll definitely have a look before I go into hospital tomorrow for the heat pad things.

Bring flip flops for the shower, cause hospital rooms are hella gross.

[name_f]My[/name_f] hospital provided diapers, maxi pads, ice packs, baby clothes & hat, breast pump & wipes etc while we were there.

@babylove14 - thanks! I will check those out.

I packed similar toiletries as you, but unless you are staying for a long time you won’t need so many clothes. I had my three babies in a hospital and always just stayed 1-2 nights (longer if you have a c-section). I always wore the hospital gown, although one pair of pjs would be nice. I always wore the hospital diposable panties and used their pads, and got to take home the extras. I only packed 1 or 2 take the baby home in outfits, and while we were there the baby wore the hospital gown they provided. Also socks for myself and baby. I didn’t want to bring my own slippers or pillow to a hospital b/c of germs getting on mine, I just used their pillow which worked great. I am a huge reader and never remember having the time or energy to read. I just wanted to sleep when I wasn’t feeding my baby, or having visitors. I never used any electronics and never watched tv. If you are staying longer then a day or two I guess a book etc would be nice. [name_f]My[/name_f] camera was the most important thing I had there for sure!! To go home, I just had a comfy pair of stretchy pants with a drawstring, a big comfy t shirt etc.

@ilurvy: I’m actually going in for over two weeks for observation and then the time I will spend in after the C-Section and for the observation after that hence why I’ve got a massive amount of clothes for myself and the baby as she will be staying I. The hospital with me! :slight_smile:

I would plan to use the hospital underwear or if it’s not provided pack stuff you don’t mind getting ruined for afterwards. I would also definitely bring entertainment stuff since you’re going to be there for such a long time and even after the baby I loved having the ipad with me since I could watch Netflix on it or look at stuff on Pinterest, which helped me not nod off when my babies wanted to eat all night long. I think your list looks pretty good personally I wouldn’t need to pack diapers since those are provided but obviously your hospital doesn’t provide them. I think I would just try to remember that if you forget something that your husband can go get it so try not to worry too much. Good luck!

[name_f]Molly[/name_f] you sound adorable! I am EXACTLY the same as you in that I will HAVE to take my bear into the hospital. [name_f]My[/name_f] dad put him in my cot in the hospital on the day I was born (& I’ve slept with him 80% of the time since) so it seems silly for him not to be there when my DS is born in [name_u]November[/name_u]. I’ve actually been looking around for a bear similar to mine for DS to have on the day he is born, can’t find anything!

Also I totally agree. Hubby and I haven’t spent a night apart in different beds (I don’t think…one of us may have had 1 night away here and there) for 3 years, it will be very weird for me if I’m overnight without him.

[name_f]Hope[/name_f] everything went well, congratulations on [name_f]Nettie[/name_f]!