I have mine all packed and ready to go. Just have a few things left to do. I bought a trolley holdal from Next. It has apples all over it and is JUST the right size to fit everything in. I think it was only £25 so I'm quite pleased with it. Originally I had 2 bags, one for me and one for baby. But now I've condensed everything into the one bag.
At our hospital there are trolleys (same as asda shopping trolleys!) by the entrance to the labour ward and you have to put all your stuff in one and take it with you everywhere. Good idea as you have to go upstairs after the birth onto the postnatal ward. Saves you carrying large bags too. The Next one is great though as it has wheels and can be pulled along.
I have a list of things to pack/do before the big day which is here if anyone wants to take a look...
FOR ME
Hospital notes
Birth Plan
Tens machine (got to order yet)
Dark coloured towel
Flannels x 3
Body puff
Maternity towels
Disposable pants
Maternity mats
Mini shower gel
Shower hat
Mini shampoo
Mini conditioner
Hairbrush and comb
Carrier bags for dirty clothes
Dressing gown
Pyjamas/nightdresses for after birth x 2
Old night dress or T-shirt for labour x2
Bed socks
Slippers
Lip balm
Hair bands
Cartons of juice/bottle of Ribena
Snacks for me and birth partners
Make-up and remover
Antibacterial wipes
Hand sanitiser gel
Uno/playing cards!
Nursing Bra and big knickers for going home in
Nursing top & Maternity trousers to go home in
Breast pads
Address book
New baby birth announcement cards
£10 in loose change for car park and coffee machines
Camera (charged) and new memory card
Mobile phones (charged and in credit)
iPod
Nintendo DS's (charged)
Puzzler/magazines and a pen
Notebook
Change of clothes and deodorant for Hubby
Gift and card for my son
New Dad gift for my hubby
Thank you card for Midwives
Box of tissues
Toothbrush and paste
Pillow and case
FOR BABY
Nappies
4 sleepsuits
4 vests
pram suit for leaving hospital
hats
scratch mitts
blanket
swaddle robe
comforter/soft toy
Cotton wool pleat
Nappy bags
Car seat
EXTRAS
Overnight bag for my son in case he has to stay with my Dad
Spare key for my Dad to feed our pets, or if he has to bring my son back home
THINGS TO DO A WEEK OR 2 BEFORE DUE DATE
- Wash, dry and iron baby clothes and bedding
- Have clean bedding ready in the airing cupboard for when I get home so I have a nice fresh bed to get into
- Stock up on pet foods
- Cook and freeze some meals such as casseroles, stews and bolognese so they can be heated up easily so we won't have to cook
- Have a list of numbers on the fridge of who to call when the time comes and a procedure to take when contractions starts (eg. what will happen with school children, who will collect them from school, when to call midwife/birth partners
, etc)
I know I may be over-precautious in doing this but I think my hubby will panic when I go into labour, so I want clear written instructions ready so he knows exactly what to do!