Packing a Bag for the Hospital

[ovaz129]

So, I am the over-prepared type who has lists and is a little hyper-organized.  But, I am 33 weeks now and am getting a little nervous that I just won't have time for everything in the coming weeks.  Anyone else feeling like that, or is it just me?  

Anyway, I have made a list of items that I will need for the hospital, what my husband will need, and what Leighton will need.  I also put together a list of contacts and their phone numbers, as well as instructions on what we will do with our two dogs.  I have heard stories of people going into labor early and not having anything ready... so I guess I just don't want to be "one of those people"!  hahaha...

Has anyone else started putting together a list or packing a bag yet for the hospital?

[AmyC311]

I haven't yet...I am thinking about it though. It is one of those things in the back of my mind. It seems like the forces that be keep me from getting prepared yet! We bought a new Jeep so we would have extra room for baby things and what not but the transmission has been recalled so I have been driving a rental. I am waiting to put the car seat in the car....ugh. I don't want to pack my overnight bag yet (like the nursing gown or whatever) because I am afraid that it will smell weird if I pack it too early. And I want to wash it in the baby All or Dreft since I will be snuggling up with her in it.

But yeah...I am definitely making lists and trying to organize things to be easily accessible when the time gets closer.

[Jem75]

i am a little behind you so I haven't really done anything formal - and now with the crib debacle, I need to figure that out fast - could not go this weekend b/c it snowed all day yesterday and most of today. ARG.

I keep thinking about things to bring outside of the obvious (clothes for me and baby) like - camera and charger. Would be super helpful if you post your list too - if you don't mind sharing it! We also live about a mile from the hospital, so I can send hubby home for stuff if need be.

Oh - and I was able to register for the hospital online at their website. DR recommended to do it around 7 months. Just a heads up - in case your hospital offers that. I guess it makes the check in a lot easier.

[ovaz129]

Sure... I can post my list.  Yes... definitely pre-registered so that we don't have to do it when we get to the hospital.  Glad that they allow you to do that :)

[Jem75]

I just found this too:

http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/checklist/hospital-packing.aspx

[Whitneylauren]

I don't have anything packed, but have started preparing for post partum care needs. For example- a couple of pairs of new & cheap underwear, huge package of pads, two pairs of spanx (I lived in a girdle after my son was born), nursing clothes and bras.
I was one of those people who was not prepared for the hospital the first time. I forgot to pack my toothbrush and shampoo when I went in last time!

[empty1]

I am with you ! I am always thinking about later rather than now . I have packed my bag and his little bag . I asked all my girlfriends who just had babies what they packed and what they forgot but wished they bought . The same thing kept coming up , formula . I plan on breastfeeding but if there is a problem the nurses usually give you a hard time about giving formula . So I have packed some of my own instead .

[New Mommy 2 Be 2007]

so cute, but when i went in labor with my son i was almost 39 weeks and on halloween i felt pains from morning and a few days before halloween i had  my shower and wasnt sitting and resting alot so halloween day i experienced lots of pain and 330 am on nov 1 i was getting bad pains 8 mins apart i didnt have no bag ready but it was no biggy my dh just went home to get a few things but i didnt forget my camera! thank God! cuz my dh kept saying oooo ur not in labor i was inthe shower 2 hours before i left to theh ospital, so dont worry its kinda early, but u will know when the time comes to go in labor

[mommom2]

I've been trying to think for you. I'm usually a very organized, and have lists for EVERYTHING, but with this pregnancy I haven't done anything!  I should probably go ahead and atleast make my hospital list. Anyway, I used one of the general lists that are in magazines and online and had everything I needed. Main things I can think of that may not be on the lists are the old (or cheap as mentioned) underwear, nursing pads, all your nursing bras (they get soaked fast while you're in the practice stage - after your milk comes in that is, and you don't know when that will happen), Tucks wipes for hemmroids - all that pushing does things!, and your prenatals.

The hospital supplied all the pads (that are like mattresses!), but don't forget to get some for home and they supplied diapers - we had packed newborn diapers but even though he was 7 lbs. 8 oz. he was too small for them so the hospital provided preemie diapers, so that's what we're packing this time.

That's all I can think of at the moment, if I think of other odd things I'll let you know.

[justice6920]

Oh man.... I feel so behind..... I have not started packing my bag yet..... and you ladies have had some good suggestions on what to bring.... I cant really think of anything else to add at the moment.... I havent done this in 10 years LOL feels like I am starting all over again.... I cant even remember what I brought with me to the hospital with my daughter 10 years ago..... I know tho that i will be bringing my birth plan (which i have yet to complete lol like the hospital bag) and my camera/video cam and phone charger, Cell phone, change of clothes for me and baby..... comfy panties, pads, hygiene products....Um man that is all i can think of at the moment.... i am sure I am forgetting tons of things!

[tbeards]

Lip balm. I forgot lip balm with my 1st delivery and my lips got sooo chapped during labor. Anyway, I was planning on putting our bag together on Monday, but Sunday night I ended up in the hospital w/ bleeding due to baby A having complete placenta previa. Hopefully I will go home today but will be on strict bedrest so I am going to have dh put together the bag. I will be 30 weeks tomorrow and will def have a c-section due to the previa.

[mommom2]

Thank you! You're right, I did the same thing. I've added chapstick to my list (which I now have! - Yea!)

[ovaz129]

Alright ladies... I have done it!  Bag is packed, car seat is being installed by our fire station this weekend, put together the stroller, and her room is DONE!  Whewww...

We are ready :)  Thanks for the suggestions... I really appreciate all of them.  

[davidswife102007]

I packed our bags last night. We have less than 40 days left. I almost started crying. It is getting closer and with everything we went through last year around this time I never thought this day would come. We have our baby shower next saturday (feb 1) and as soon as it is over we are putting the carseat and our bags in the car. I am just so scared that I am still going to forget something LOL!