when should you start getting your hospital bag ready?

[puppies]

Just curious when you should start getting your hospital bag ready? I though I might start getting some things week by week and collecting them so I dont have to panic at the last minute. I mean babies can come early. A work mate of DH wife had her baby 7 weeks early!

[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.