When to pack my bag(s)

Question

So, I've got about 5 weeks until my edd, but I have a feeling my lil man is gonna come after his edd, anyways, I have no idea when to pack my bag or even what to pack in it or if I need to pack my baby's bag as well, could I wait until I go into labor to pack,this is my first baby, plus I live about an hour from the hospital depending on Houston TX traffic any advise is greatly appreciated since I have no idea what I'm doing at. all.

Answer

My bag has been packed for quite some time and it's now in the car (I'm 36 weeks) I went and purchased stuff from the travel section at Target (tooth brush, deodorant, face wipes, lotion etc..) so that I didn't have to remember to throw anything in last minute.  
As far as what to pack just think about what you would put in an over night bag for a weekend trip. In mine I have:
.3 comfy pants (I'm having a c-section and will have a 72 hour stay)
.3 nursing camis 
.Light robe
.fuzzy socks
.chap stick
.lotion
.eyebrows (so important 🤣)
.deodorant 
.lotion
.face wash
.toothbrush 
.phone charger 
 
For Baby:
.swaddle
.2 onesies
. mittens
.socks
.beanie

Answer

I would pack it as soon as u can if u pack it when u go into labor u may forget things being in a hurry or anxious to get to the hopsital....i had mine packed at 36 or 37 weeks I believe and made sure i had a list of things I had to wait to pack til last minute and I was so glad that I did

Answer

I packed at 38 weeks when my water broke.   Shocking we remembered everything but this time I will provably pack at 35.

Answer

I would pack now, it never hurts to have it done sooner than later. With my first i didn’t have the bag packed or anything ready, I was 35 weeks when my water broke. It being so early I rushed to the hospital with nothing. I regretted that quickly when my husband had to get
Me clothes and he chose the worst options 😂 he gets an A for efforts

Answer

You should pack in advance so you don’t forget things while packing in the pain and excitement of active labor. You also never know, your labor could be crazy fast and/or unexpected. Pack several changes of comfy clothes (fluid and blood can make you change several times), toiletries for a shower and makeup if you do that, a couple outfits for baby (again, fluids can ruin that cute coming home outfit and you don’t want to be sad you only packed one!), some socks and mittens, a swaddle if you want for cute pictures. Socks and slippers for the hospital are nice to have and a robe for nursing and keeping covered. The hospital should provide all the diapers, wipes, and feminine products you need but make sure because I’ve seen on this app where some hospitals don’t! Also, one thing I didn’t pack that I definitely am this time - snacks!!! I was so hungry and had to constantly wait on the hospital food service while feeling like I was going to pass out from hunger. I also took a blanket and pillow from home and was SOOOO glad I did!! Our room was freezing and my husband was so cold, but I was warm and snuggly. 😂

Answer

would I need to pack my baby's stuff in his diaper bag or could I just use my bag as well? the reason I ask is cause all his stuff has been washed with baby detergent and I don't know if my detergent I use for the regular laundry has residue that would rub off on his stuff

Answer

I waited to pack my bag until labor started. But I lived 10 minutes from the hospital. Most doctors tell you not to come in until your contractions have been consistent and getting stronger, longer, and closer together for at least an hour. So you probably can wait to pack, but with your commute, you want to have a mental checklist and probably your bag set out at least. Most hospitals provide virtually everything you need during your stay. Bring an outfit for you to go home in, one for baby to go home in, a blanket for baby to go home with. I am also packing my glasses, slippers, sleep nursing bra, lanolin, nursing pillow, maybe my regular pillow.

Answer

I think you should pack now, get a bag which fits your things and your babies things, also your partners things too since you live an hour away from the hospital.. 
I packed mine 4 weeks in advance and I live 5 min from the hospital :) better to be organised

When to pack my bag(s)

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