Any tips on what to put into hospital bag??

[MrsFabuloso]

I am packing my labour/baby/hospital bag/s and just wanted to know if you have any good ideas of different things to put into it?
I have looked at the article on the main site and have made a list from there, but it seems to be a little lacking, though I can't think of other things that could be useful!! I have the usual things covered- pj's, undies,bras,snacks,camera,nappies,toiletries, yada yada........
Even though I have done it before, I can't really remember what I had in my bag....any suggestions?

[Janie]

Lip balm and spare knickers for labour! (Cos my waters leaked through my knickers and that really anoyed me LOL). Straws for drinks. Hair tie/band if you have long hair that annoys you. I've heard people say socks, because it's common to get cold feet during labour. Board shorts for your DH if he's going to get wet with you in the shower.

Um, mobile phone charger. Really nice , soft toilet paper.

I'll see if I can find my lists for last time, there might be something more useful on them LOL. So excited for you, it's so close!

ETA Have you packed your maternity pads? I took thongs for the shower (for afterwards, I didn't care when I was in labour LOL). Breast pads. Hairdrier was a must for me I took a really nice body wash which I loved using after the birth, it helped to make me feel human again.

[amberj]

I totally second the soft toilet paper- a few rolls, in fact. All you want on that area after birth is something soft and gentle.

I also had my husband bring in a small radio, which was great. I was in a private room so it was really quiet otherwise, and you had to pay for TV and that was expensive.

Take some snacks too. I was super hungry after labour and, frankly, the hospital food was less than nice.

Um...oh, also take baby clothes that are a size bigger than newborn. I took only 0000 sizes and I had this whopper baby who didn't fit into any of the clothes!!!

[~breeze~]

Hi hun, I think I finally finished packing my bag last night. Like you I cant remember everything I had packed last time so wondering if I'm covered. Although I must pack some newborn nappies LOL Dont know how I forgot about those!

Have you got a CD packed with music you'd like to listen to during labour? (If thats something you want). I made mine last night (put pics in gallery hehe) it's almost identical to the one I had with DD & I love knowing when she came into this world it was to the sound of Elvis' beautiful voice (laugh all you want but I LOVE Elvis haha) If you make a mix of all your favourite songs it may help you relax more, I know it was a comfort to me "having Elvis there with me" I suppose you could say as I didnt have much support from DH.

& of course dont forget the soft toilet paper, I have 2 rolls packed already.

Thanks for starting this thread, I'll be checking back to see what I've missed!!!

Good luck hun, we're getting close now!!!!

[curl]

Baby name book... Even if you have already decided on a name, many people change their mind after looking at the baby so its still handy to have with you.

Puzzle book, trashy magazines, easy flowing novel.

Its boring sitting/laying in hospital and I have found that many items that you can switch between for stimulation is a must have.


A baby dummy... just in case. I was adament that I would not use a dummy but changed my mind after finding my girl was a comfort sucker and after 4 hours of boob action and crying baby if not on breast I succummed to the dreaded dummy. Never, say never.

The other ladies have written great ideas... one very valuable one is snacks! and maybe bottled water and a jug. Hospital food being bad is an understatement. I lived off of cheese & tomato sandwiches instead of the food provided. The only items I ate that was provided was fruit and yoghurt.

Best of luck with everything, its a very exciting time.

[~Kim~]

your own mug for decent sized cups of tea!

I second the reading stuff.....

[2CheekyMonkeys]

i think you guys have covered everything. i just wanted to add (along the food line) my parents bought in for me a big bowl of assorted fruit which was sooooooooo good cause i could pick at it all day whenever i was hungry. (this is after i had the baby of course).