Hospital Bags and Things to Take

Lacey - posted on 04/13/2009

Quoting Brittany:

I've been wondering what to pack. Thanks for starting this. Also, WHEN should I pack my bag, and what do i need for the baby. I was just looking at a list that had a whole bunch of things for the baby but my cousin said the hospital will supply everything for the baby and all i'll need is the outfit for pictures and taking her home.

I suggest bringing nail clippers..most hospitals only have the files and they leave the edges of their nails sharp!!  a pacifier (if you choose to allow your child to have one)...i had to have my mom bring one because i was breastfeeding and the hospital refused to give me one!!! 2 outfits different sizes JUST IN CASE!!  0-3 months does not fit most newborns!!  get a newborn outfit too!!  

Other than that, they have everything you need for your new bundle of joy!!!

I would start packing around 36 weeks...at least have a list of things to put in it so in case you can't physically do it your hubby/boyfriend can do it for ya!!!

Elizabeth - posted on 04/11/2009

Don't know if it's been mentioned yet, but for those who are planning to breastfeed---Nipple Cream! Lansinoh, and Purelan are two recommended brands. They'll be a life saver for those chapped nipples!

Beck - posted on 04/10/2009

Quoting Kimberly:

im 36 weeks today...we are moving into a different house soon..should i pack up a suitcase now or wait till we are settled into the new house?

Deffinately make sure you have one packed before you move and keep it in the car. Moving can be quite stressful and may help you go into labour. Don't take any chances :)

Ashley - posted on 04/09/2009

If you are a major dry mouth sufferer like me don't forget the lollipops or hard candy. They are my lifesavers.

Kimberly - posted on 04/09/2009

im 36 weeks today...we are moving into a different house soon..should i pack up a suitcase now or wait till we are settled into the new house?

Rachel - posted on 04/09/2009

My hubby brought pedicure supplies and pampered my feet after the baby was born--he was in the NICU at first and every two hours on the dot I was wheeled down to nurse for 30 minutes and then had to go back to my room and pump for 30 minutes because his latch wasn't that great and the docs wanted to make sure I had something pumped on hand in case he needed to be dropper fed until he got the hang of nursing. so I was pretty tired and hubby looked for little things he could do to help me relax and feel taken care of :) A nice foot massage, getting my toenails painted, brushing my hair, etc were all great pamperings for me :p Luckily, my son got kicked out of NICU for being disruptive after about a day so the NICU staff sent him to our room and just came down every few hours to monitor his vitals :p So no more pumping! Yay!

Elizabeth - posted on 04/08/2009

i took swimmer bottoms with me to wear over my comfy underwear to keep pads inplace better....theres nothing worse than the huge maternity pads moving around.....especially when you are in and out of the bed...i gave hubby all my important people phone numbers before the bireth so he could call them while baby was getting washed and i was in shower...no stress is the key...goodluck ladies

Allison - posted on 04/08/2009

Yeah...No, I don't have mine packed. I'm almost 36 weeks and probably should get on that :-) I updated my list of things to pack last week, so that's a start. I need to wash the baby clothes, too, so I can take a few items with me for baby - last time my son had such a bad reaction to the hospital clothes, he was beet red for 1 week. This time I'm taking soft cotton clothes that have not been washed in bleach!

Jessica - posted on 04/08/2009

I'm working on geting mine ready, too- I had my daughter at 35 weeks after a week in the hospital, which happened unexpectedly...my husband and sister ended up packing for me, but it wa definitely not what I would have packed, as far as clothes are concerned...my sister did well with the mommy necessities, and I was greatful for that, but there were not the correct underwear or pants, or clothes to wear home!  So this time I've got a pile started, just have to go down to the basement to get the suitcase, and I should be packed in no time at all!  :)

Rowan - posted on 04/08/2009

I have mine nearly packed, I'm not due until 25th May but am measuring 2 weeks ahead so am getting things ready a bit early. It is always good to be prepared!!

Heather - posted on 04/08/2009

I really should by now I am 34 weeks..but havent.  I have a packing list and figure when contractions start I can get all the things together...I dont want to show up to early.  I have friends that showered, shaved, did make up, packed, then went to hospital...it is only rush when water breaks or contrations are close and regular.

Brenda - posted on 04/08/2009

I've finally got mine fully packed (I think) at 36 weeks, though I keep thinking of things I should put in it still............lol.

Rebekah - posted on 04/08/2009

Are your bags packed?!?! What week did you pack your bag? I'm 33 weeks (not due until the end of May) and I'm wondering when I should start packing my bag. Is it too early?

Rebekah - posted on 03/16/2009

I'm all about the nursing tanks too. But, I'll add that I bought a medium right after my milk came in, and a week or so later (when my milk supply was a little more regulated) it was too big and I had to go back for a small. Breasts can really go on a roller coaster ride during and after pregnancy, so you might buy several to take to the hospital with you, but leave the tags on...

Jessica - posted on 03/16/2009

I agree with the other moms on the nursing bra thing- I'd say go and see what fits NOW, and buy one- I've bought two so far because I'm already leaking, and have a good idea how big I'll get this time...but be sure that there's a little room to grow so you can stay comfortable, because not only will your breasts grow, but you'll be wearing nursing pads, too.  The first few days before your milk comes in, though, it is nice to have one that fits well.  I also agree with the nursing tank idea.  I'm going to invest in a couple of those this week to have on hand.  And they're good and stretchy, which is a plus with the belly that you'll have left over! :)  AND I THINK the Motherhood store has some maternity cami's that also double as a nursing tank, with built in bra.  You might check that out online or at your local store. 

Another side note on the nursing bra thing- I personally wouldn't go with the wal-mart brand...they tend to wear out quickly, and don't save you all that much money...remember you will probably be washing them much more frequently due to milk leaks!  The ones that Motherhood stores carry last a LOT longer and keep their shape well, too, and though I pinch pennies wherever I can, trust me- it's more than worth your money to go with the quality brand on this one!

Hope that helps! :)

Heather - posted on 03/16/2009

On the nursing bra subject best bet is to buy one and go back for more after the baby is born.  Before pregnancy I was 32B and went to a 34D while nursing so wait until your milk comes in before you spend much.  Also nursing tanks are way more comfy for night and for the hospital and they run just sm, med, lg...easier to get it right.

Felicia - posted on 03/16/2009

Nail file & clippers for you & baby & magazines

Jade - posted on 03/16/2009

I meant to say with the notify list, it had numbers etc. So basically, take your address book :)

Jade - posted on 03/16/2009

You have so reminded me Brenda that I need to start getting my list together in preperation for packing let alone pack!

Also take things like:
book,
writing set (I got a few letters done in hospital last time)
Puzzle book (crossword, find a word, whatever takes your fancy)
Something from home just for you. A fav ornament, photo kind of thing.
Camera! Film if you still use it. Batteries for camera. Have spares, you don't know how carried away you may get :)
The ability to say No! If you are tired, not well, then don't let family / friends invade on you in hospital.

Before hand as well DH and I set up our notify list. People we had to call, people to sms, people to email. We had that as preorganised as we could which came way in handy (especially when you can't think at times lol).

Brenda - posted on 03/15/2009

Usually, a nursing bra will need to be a size bigger than you normally wear.  I wouldn't "stock up" until after your milk comes in completely though, just in case you go up two sizes.  You'll find a size bigger to be pretty comfortable most the time though.  You're breasts will probably already be a bit bigger now, and they shouldn't change much during nursing, but it is always better to wait and see.  My size barely changed with my first, but this time it seems like I'm going to need a bigger size for nursing.

Keela - posted on 03/15/2009

Quoting Jessica:

Nursing pads and extra-heavy flow maxi pads. These are a MUST!  The ones the hospital provides are ridiculous and uncomfortable.  A really good, supportive nursing bra is a must, too.  Slipper socks are good, but if you plan on doing any walking, I would recommend some nice comfy memory foam slippers- or just some fuzzy ones that make you feel good!  Swim trunks for the hubby is a great idea- my hubby had to help me shower after my c-section, too, so even if you aren't doing the birthing tub or shower, they might come in handy.  LOTS OF SNACKS for daddy- that way you won't spend a ton of change on vending machines- but have some change handy, too, just in case!  And you'll want to have some good snacks around, too, after the baby comes. 

For baby, not just the outfit to come home in, but the outfit you want the first picture taken in, too.  And remember, babies poop- so extra bottoms or onesies are always a good idea!  (and if you have a diaper you prefer, you could always pack a few of those)  And I hated just having my daughter in the shirt they provide, so I had some gowns on hand, too- which was nice, and they even let her wear them in the NICU. 

If you have a particular pacifier or bottle you're going to be using, bring those, too- the ones they have on hand are not anything special.  My daughter and I are both allergic to latex, which is what they provide- so I will be bringing our own pacifiers...and I will have a bottle, too, in case they have to supplement with formula again. 

Let's face it, too- even with a new bundle of joy, it can get boring at times- so a sudoku book or word search or something for you (or for daddy while you go through hours of labor) might be a nice thing, too!  Also, pictures of babies siblings- something to focus on when you're pushing!  Sometimes that works better than looking at your husband or significant other who "got you into this situation in the first place"! lol 

One last thing, if you have a favorite drink, it would be good to have some with you- with most hospitals, it's milk, water, or soda...and a few juices.  If you like your viatmin water or your flavored waters, have some on hand! 

 

How do I know what size of nursing bra to buy??

Noel - posted on 03/15/2009

FOOD!!!!! for sure cause the caf isnt always open and your gonna get hungry in the middle of the night when you are breastfeeeding... and I wouldnt have made it through the hospital stay without my nintendo DS... lol when the baby was asleep and I couldnt sleep it helped keep me occupied

Heather - posted on 03/14/2009

Lots of snacks...that is the only thing I wasnt prepared with.  My husband ate them all before she was born...this time we are hitting the drive thru before hand!  Cause you cant eat and well men cant help themselves.  I would also bring lotion...I had friends that got stretch marks after they had the baby so keep lotioning till your size is normal again!

Jessica - posted on 03/14/2009

Oh, and I use Benefiber to help with the stool softening- I can't stand things that taste yucky, and Benefiber powder has no taste- so you can mix it with a glass of milk or OJ in the morning, and a couple more times through the day.  

Jessica - posted on 03/14/2009

Nursing pads and extra-heavy flow maxi pads. These are a MUST!  The ones the hospital provides are ridiculous and uncomfortable.  A really good, supportive nursing bra is a must, too.  Slipper socks are good, but if you plan on doing any walking, I would recommend some nice comfy memory foam slippers- or just some fuzzy ones that make you feel good!  Swim trunks for the hubby is a great idea- my hubby had to help me shower after my c-section, too, so even if you aren't doing the birthing tub or shower, they might come in handy.  LOTS OF SNACKS for daddy- that way you won't spend a ton of change on vending machines- but have some change handy, too, just in case!  And you'll want to have some good snacks around, too, after the baby comes. 

For baby, not just the outfit to come home in, but the outfit you want the first picture taken in, too.  And remember, babies poop- so extra bottoms or onesies are always a good idea!  (and if you have a diaper you prefer, you could always pack a few of those)  And I hated just having my daughter in the shirt they provide, so I had some gowns on hand, too- which was nice, and they even let her wear them in the NICU. 

If you have a particular pacifier or bottle you're going to be using, bring those, too- the ones they have on hand are not anything special.  My daughter and I are both allergic to latex, which is what they provide- so I will be bringing our own pacifiers...and I will have a bottle, too, in case they have to supplement with formula again. 

Let's face it, too- even with a new bundle of joy, it can get boring at times- so a sudoku book or word search or something for you (or for daddy while you go through hours of labor) might be a nice thing, too!  Also, pictures of babies siblings- something to focus on when you're pushing!  Sometimes that works better than looking at your husband or significant other who "got you into this situation in the first place"! lol 

One last thing, if you have a favorite drink, it would be good to have some with you- with most hospitals, it's milk, water, or soda...and a few juices.  If you like your viatmin water or your flavored waters, have some on hand! 

Brenda - posted on 03/13/2009

Quoting Melissa:

It might have been on the list, but remember LIP BALM!
A kind without petroleum or petrolatum because that = Oxygen= Combustion!

If you have to have Oxygen, you wouldn't want your lips to explode! :O

Oh yes, lip balm is a must!  Between the dry hospital and the heavy panting you'll do during labor, the lips get mighty dry!

Melissa - posted on 03/13/2009

It might have been on the list, but remember LIP BALM!

A kind without petroleum or petrolatum because that = Oxygen= Combustion!



If you have to have Oxygen, you wouldn't want your lips to explode! :O

Rebekah - posted on 03/13/2009

Baby wipes! The hospital I delivered in only had wash cloths and it made changing that first dirty diaper a huge mess and challenge. So I'll be bringing my own wipes this time.

Other things I forgot were those little things that you use too often to really pack ahead of time (like make-up, contact case, glasses, eye make-up remover, etc.) I had my bag packed about 4-5 weeks before my son was born, but left all the things I use on a regular basis on the counter in the bathroom. He was born at midnight and I had to sleep in my contacts, then when company started arriving the next morning (and taking pictures), I didn't have my make-up... maybe not a big deal, but I felt great and wanted to look it too.

Brenda - posted on 03/13/2009

As far as the when question, as long as you aren't going to need something, it never hurts to start putting it together!  :)

Brenda - posted on 03/13/2009

Here's the list from my other club that we've got so far:

Pillows (extra for you and daddy)
Robe (to cover up with during company)
Cell phone & chargers
Camera/Video Camera and chargers/batteries
FlipFlops
Coming home outfit for mom  (mom- you will still have an enlarged tummy-something you wore at around six months)
Comfy undies (lots and lots- plan on discarded some/all- maybe get a size or two larger for extra comfy)
Nursing bra(s) for nursing moms or a sports bra for bottle feeding moms.
Breast pads
Family & Friend's phone numbers
Ipod/ear plugs
Snacks for mom & dad
DVD's (in case they have a DVD player in room)
Comfortable clothes during hos. stay- (nursing tank, zip-up jacket and stretch pants/capris)
Slipper socks/Slippers
Serene cd/music during labor
Favorite maxi pads -super absorbant (no tampons)
Swim shorts for DH
Laptop and charger
Crossword puzzles
Magazine or books
Folder for dishcarge paperwork and Rx's
Birth plan(s)
Breast pump & accessories
Alcohol soap- for germ infested visitors


Coming home outfit for baby (maybe different sizes for baby depending on birth size)
Boppy/nursing pillow
Nursing blanket
Diapers
Receiving blanket
Car seat
Gifts from baby to older siblings
Baby Book- foot and hand prints, fill out memories while fresh
Cute baby outfit for pics
Wipes

Ann - posted on 03/13/2009

When I had my son I didn't pack (he was two weeks early but that not a good excuse). When my water broke I tried to get stuff together. I forgot my Robe, so that's a must along with the slipper-socks. and some nightgowns for the few days your inthe hospital. I also packed some of my pre-prego clothes for the when I was discharged. This was stupid b/c they were rather uncomfy.Love the idea of a bottle of Colace b/c the stool softner they give me didn't seem to help.

For the baby just makesure you have NB and 1-3mth clothes just incase of how big they are.. even a premee size might be nice.

I'm going to try to have it put together around the 1st of May b/c I'm not due untill the 21st so that will be about 3weeks before hand.

Brittany - posted on 03/13/2009

I've been wondering what to pack. Thanks for starting this. Also, WHEN should I pack my bag, and what do i need for the baby. I was just looking at a list that had a whole bunch of things for the baby but my cousin said the hospital will supply everything for the baby and all i'll need is the outfit for pictures and taking her home.