when is the best time to start packing your hospital bag?

[amy123xx]

i know this sounds like a bit of a silly question, but when would people reccomend i start to pack my hospital bag.. and what to put in it?
i havnt a clue, this is my first time baby and im worrying over everything! im 28 + 4 weeks pregnant so hoping you can give me some answers thankyouuu xxxx

 

[My4thmiracle]

I still haven't packed mine and I've got 4 weeks left........ It's seems abit final at the thought of it.

Saying that tho I think I will do it this week.

If you are the sort of person who like to be prepared the start adding bits to your bag now. There is a sticky thread on the top of the forum.

 

[want2bemum]

I done mine at 34 weeks hun x

 

[Emma 21]

mine is done too

 

[bump0911]

We are moving when I will be approx 35 weeks so I think I will pack it just before we move... just in case!

 

[My4thmiracle]

Ps I'm the type of mum that does the Christmas pressie wrapping on Christmas eve, when kids have settled, for family and 3 kids lol

Final adrenalin rush lol

 

[mons75]

Mine is semi done. I read to have it ready by 36 weeks. x

 

[alasia]

Yeah, about 35-37 weeks is fine; my first baby was born at 37+6 and my second at 40 weeks exactly so I see no need to pack mine before then

As for what goes in it; literally just what you'd need to stay somewhere overnight - toiletries/deodorant/hairbrush/toothbrush and paste, spare change of clothes, socks, slippers, dressing gown, knickers, towel, nightclothes etc.

Then baby stuff for one or two nights - a couple of sleepsuits and vests/bodysuits, blanket (not essential though as hospitals have these, but I preferred to use my own), change of clothes for baby for going hom eif you wants, nappies, wipes/cotton wool, that kind of thing.

Then for labour and afterwards, maternity towels, breast pads, your own formula if you're not going to breastfeed, umm....any snacks/magazines you think you might need in labour, definitely your own drinks - I'm taking a couple of those big bottles of value water from the supermarket at 16p each, as although they'll be heavy, the hospital water jugs smelt mouldy both times I was in. Oh and disinfectant wipes/hand sanitiser as the bathrooms were less than spotless too.

Lol sorry for the essay!

ETA: cotton hats for baby too - you'll need a couple of those, as newborns lose most of their heat through their head.

 

[amymarx]

I have started buying a few things in but havent started packing them yet. Although I have made a detail list of what will go in my bag and babies bag. Im hoping to have mine done by 33 weeks

 

[londonangel]

Our hospital suggests having them packed by 36 weeks

 

[blondieliz]

I did mine at 37 weeks. There is a sticky at the top of the page about what to pack. X

 

[Mummytobe85]

I've brought all the pieces for my hospital bag, but havent had a chance to pack it.

I'll probably pack it round the 36th / 37th week, although MIL said if she does come before then, just grab your list and start packing straight away lol

 

[MrsKTB]

My hubbys been nagging at me for weeks to get it packed...he's such a worry wart!! We've started to buy and put together some of the things that will go in it (maternity pads, nipple pads, nursing bras, knighty for labour, travel sized shampoo/conditioner/shower gel etc) but we've agreed to actually get the bag packed after our first antenatal class this Saturday.... My friend's baby came 3 weeks early and she was packing hers through the contractions...I dont much fancy that! lol xx

 

[keljt1127]

i started mine at 36-37 weeks but just got done with it

i packed a couple compfy t-shirts , shorts... pj pants
a few pairs of underwear and socks
TUCKS, maxi pads a whole package of them!
sweat pants to go home in or i brought a pair of shorts, dont plan on looking good lol

gonna bring my laptop charger, phone stuff, camera, video cam, .....

then his diaper/going home bag
i packed 1 onies 1 sleeper. going home outfit cap mittens
2 rec. blankets diapers wipes creams lotions poweder 1 pair socks 1 bootie set

and yeah ... im prolly forgetting stuff lol

 

[gatormom2tots]

I guess I need to get one together!

First baby I think I had it packed at about 34 weeks...and I used about 5% that I packed!

At this point it will be toilitries, couple of onsies for Emma, something to wear home for me and Emma and thats about it. You are really there such a short time you don't need much!

 

[mtemptress]

mons75 i am due the same day as you xx

 

[Laws2008]

I made a list of things that I needed when I was about 28 weeks and just gradually added bits to it as I needed to. It wasn't until last night (at 36+6) that I actually thought I'd better pack it and realised that I actually had everything in it I needed!!