When to start packing the hospital bag

Question

Hi ladies I'm now officially 30weeks and due 9th December. Just wondering when to start packing the hospital bag? And anybody who already has other children anything you recommend I definitely pack? 
I'm first time mum so don't want to underpack/overpack

Answer

Everybody is different. Some women prefer to have their own comforts of home with them at the hospital. Me? I like convenience and as little as possible to cart back out with me.
I’m having my third and the first two times the only things I actually used were clothes for me, clothes for baby, and my toothbrush. The hospital provides toiletries, pads, diapers, etc. I never even touched the pillow, the snacks, the books, my own toiletries from home, etc that I had packed for my first. It was all just extra crap that I had to lug back to the car along with the gifts people had brought to the hospital.
Since I bring so little with me, I won’t be packing it until I’m actively in labor. It only takes 2 seconds to toss some clothes into a bag lol

Answer

I would probably do it around 34 weeks. Be careful installing your car seat early though because if you get in a wreck then you will need to replace it. Check with your hospital on what they provide. Mine for my first child provided diapers, wipes, tshirt for the baby, blanket for the baby, pads for me, and a water mug for me. 
I would pack:
- extra bag to bring home things from hospital and any presents 
- clothes for baby if you don't want to use hospital shirt & going home outfit. 
- 2 changes of COMFY clothes for you. You will be bleeding A LOT and will need things easy to get in/out of
- comfy shoes (if you have a C section I think they make you walk the floor)
- shower stuff (just the basics & for teeth)
- blow dryer if you want to attempt to fix your hair but honestly you won't have time! 
- snacks for hubby during delivery
- nursing pillow
- depends underwear (the mesh pads they give you are horrible. Just order from amazon if you don't want to buy in the store!)
- colace (google 1st bowel Movement after delivery. It's seriously scary and painful without a softener!)
- small squirt bottle to cleanse your lady bits with water (my hospital provided this)
- change of clothes for hubby if he is staying overnight too
- baby book for hand & footprints 
- hair ties to pull your hair up during delivery
- phone charger! Extra long cord if you can find it because the dang plugs are never close to the beds!

Answer

With my first I had his bag and car seat ready to go around 34-35 weeks. We practiced Installing the car seat a few times before hand but didn't actually leave it in the car til we went to the hospital. It stayed by the baby bag. For me a hubby we packed last minute. (I had a schedule induction so we weren't really rushed) 
I would recommend:
-taking your own pillow and possibly a throw blanket. I don't like hospitals so it helped me feel a little more comfy
-flip flops for the shower. Old navy always has cheap ones!
-your own bath towel because hospital towels are TINY! There's no way it would have fit around my belly!
-I took several changes of clothes for me. Dresses/nightgowns and sweats/pj pants. I wasn't sure what I would be most comfortable in so I wanted to be safe. 
I delivered vaginally so I don't have a personal experience.... but I've read several places that if you have a c section, you'll want to take pants that don't sit on the incision!

Answer

Hey Ashley,
I recently attended some antenatal classes and the midwives recommended ensuring your hospital bag was packed prior to 34 weeks, just in case!
As for things for your other children, sorry I can't help in that department - I'm expecting baby #1 on Dec 8th! 
😊

Answer

I’m due dec 1st with my first child  My plan is to start gathering some things I’ll need that I don’t yet have, and I’m going to pack my bag by 36wks.

Answer

I’m 28 weeks and have already packed. But I am high risk for preterm labor since my first was premie.

Answer

Jeepers. I'm a procrastinator for sure. I didn't pack for my first hospital trip until the day I went into labor. Maybe this time around I'll pack soon :) baby shower is in three weeks. Maybe I'll get to it after it :) in 31 weeks now

Answer

I'm due dec 9 and will pack a bag to keep in my car next weekend

Answer

I think I packed around 36 weeks with the first one.  I am also due December 9th!  for me I packed night gowns easy to nurse in, nursing bra, giant panties (just in case I had to have a c-section, which ended up working well with the giant pads you get for bleeding), my pillow, comfy robe, socks, bathroom stuff, comfy going home clothes.  I packed more but that's what I actually used.  For hubby I packed pj pants, t-shirts, light jacket, pillow and blanket, snacks, and going home clothes.  We both stayed pretty much in pjs until we went home 😂 I also packed yahtzee, cards, the game boy, a book and the lap top for movies.  I'm glad I did because I was in labor for 28 hours....

Answer

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When to start packing the hospital bag

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