when should you start getting your hospital bag ready?

[Cassius2]

I think i started to get mine in the really organised stage at 32 weeks. then at 37ish weeks i went out and got the last minute supplies (ie jellybeans and some parenting magazines and i think another tacky mag to keep me going). bubs was born a few days later so was happy that it was all together as in my panic and rush at her early arrival i just grabbed and ran (well, as much as a 38 week pregnant woman can run....more like waddled).

[KimB]

Have had mine packed since 27 weeks but just tonight had to have another look as it seems I might have to stay in hospital from Thursday due to complications.

Think I have everything I need but if I don't then DF can bring it in to me : )

[Nai]

Last time I didn't pack my bag until after my waters broke - I recommend packing slightly earlier than that!

[Curly]

I started getting stuff together at around about 30 weeks (buying pads, small toiletries etc) and had the essentials packed at around 32 weeks. I know someone who went into labour at 34 weeks so I had that in the back of my head when deciding when to pack.

However, I have been adding bits and pieces to it since then...but I had the essentials in case of emergency! I also agree that DH can be sent away to get anything I have forgotten!

[MantaRay]

The hossy told me to have it done by about 34 weeks. With DS1 I did it at 38 weeks, and to me it was a mental milestone - it was a sign that I was "ready" to have the baby. With DS2 I was going to do it as soon as my maternity leave started (36 weeks). But he arrived the day before my maternity leave started. And the labour was 3 hours so no time to do it before racing off to hossy either! So in fact it never got done! Luckily I had bought the maternity pads and breast pads already, so I grabbed those and a change of clothes and toothbrush while DH was putting DS1 in the car, and DH brought me the rest of what I needed the next day.

[DANNIIM]

With DS i packed around the 35-36 wks and he was born a week later, this time i have been pretty much all packed by 26 wks! I just kinda figure the earlier you are prepared the better...just in case. All i have to do now is wait for bub to arrive

[AliBaby]

I think I will organise mine around 33 weeks (just after Christmas) but I will get a list together before then and leave it out so that if there is an emergency and DP needs to pack it then he will know what to pack. Cant trust him to make his own judgements!