hospital bag must haves?

[snoopycyd]

Hi all, I'm usually just a lurker on here... doing lots of reading, not much posting.

Anyhow, I am pregnant with my first child, due July 9 (just 3 weeks to go!) I want to prepare my hospital bag so that I am ready to go when the time comes. There are tons of lists out there with what to pack, but I want to know if you all have tips on what to pack, or not to pack. Like, was there something that you didn't pack, but wished you did? Or are there things that are recommended on all these lists out there, but not really necessary? I want to be prepared, but also don't want to over pack.

Thanks in advance!

[Amah1976]

Sorry I can't help ... I am due with my first on July11 so I will be watching this thread for advice. One thing I know people have said to pack is snacks both for you and hubby. I might take a magazine or two also... just in case. Good luck.

[terrortoys]

pack: hairdryer if you use one, some make-up.. makes you feel pretty when you just felt like crap..lol
house shoes or flip flops to wear around the hospital.
outfit to bring baby home in
comfy pants or something with elastc waist to wear home.
Car seat....

Congrats.. I am sure others will come up with more.

[terrortoys]

you don't really need a lot of baby things, they give you a lil diaper bag. You should be okay til you get home with formula and diapers.. may want to bring a recieving blanket though..

[bethanyam]

My biggest thing that I didn't pack with my first was my own pads(in case of normal delivery)....the hospital does supply them and at first they were ok, but in the hour ride from the hospital to home, they were VERY uncomfortable.

Another thing that I LOVED, my lady Ob/Gyn recommended with my 2nd child was Tucks medicated wipes.....they are for hemroids, and even though I didn't have them, they took the swelling and soreness out of other areas and didn't stick to stitches like toilet tissue did. It helped with the soreness A LOT. Also Dermaplast spray works wonders for soreness as well.

Other than that I just took a pair of stretchy pants/shorts/skirt, loose top, lots of undies...the older ones in case of stains, a list of people for my hubby to call, change for vending machines, hair brush, scrunchies for my hair, toilitries, a couple of outfits for the baby...well about 4 is what I had....two for pictures and two for coming home..just in case of accidents and a couple of receiving blankets and camera. Oh and a tube of chapstick....got to have that!

For the baby I had a few diapers and wipes in a small diaper bag with the outfits, but honestly they all slept all the way from the hospital so I didn't really need anything till I got home.

I hope it helps, and congrats.

[jen276here]

I'm the worst person to ask - I packed my laptop and portable DVD player!! lol ( I actually used both a lot while I was there! )

I say don't forget your own soap/shampoo/lotions, plus as goofy as it sounds, your own wash cloth and bath towel. Nothing was better than getting a refreshing shower and wrapping myself in my own towels!

Some swear by bringing your own pillow - I didn't but the pillows there were pretty comfy so I had no complaints, but all hospitals are different...

I don't know what to tell you as far as night gown/ robe, 5 minutes after I got back to my room I was in capris, a tank, and a zip-hoodie. DS#3 was in NICU and I was running back and forth like a mad woman and it was just more comfy to do it in clothes versus a night gown, kwim? But I'm also an odd one, so once again maybe I'm not the best to ask! lol

Car seat is the #1 need. Can't go home without it!!!

Good Luck and CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

[kschick96]

Here is what I brought...
-Shampoo/Conditioner/body wash/face wash
-hair brush
-toothbrush/paste
-hair dryer/curling iron
-hair products/hair spray
-make up
-ponytail holder
-camera
-a couple of Austin cracker pkgs (in case you don't like the food or need a snack and don't want to bother the nurses)
-A few dollars in change for the vending machine for you and hubby if you want something they don't have
-cell phone chargers/cell phones
-outfit/blanket for baby to come home in
-car seat
-outfit/undies for you to wear home
-contact lens stuff/eye glasses
-Chapstick
-slippers
-dedorant
-babybook (so they can put the foot/hand print in there for you)
-pillow

A piece of advice-don't bother bring clothes for in the hospital, just wear the gown, robe, mesh undies, and socks they provide for you. You will be bleeding and don't want to ruin your own stuff. They also provided pads, so I didn't need to bring that, you probably won't either. If you do forget something like a toothbrush or shampoo, they have that there too. Just have the baby wear the little hospital shirt and cap they give you too-the nurses will be checking him or her a bunch and that way they are not struggling with outfits with a lot of snaps.

I had a c-section so I was there for 48 hours vs the usual 24 for a regular delivery. I had my baby on a Monday morning and my hubby brought a couple of dozen donuts at shift change (7am in most places) Tuesday morning for the nurses, just starting the shift and for those heading home. THe rest of my stay we were known as the people who brought breakfast on both shifts and got a little special care-just an idea for you! Good luck with your delivery!

I just re-read my post and man is it long-please feel free to omit anything you'd like

[CouponQueen23]

Yes you will want to have snack with you. I can tell you after giving birth to 3 children I still had midnight snack attacks. Maybe a pad of paper your cell phone charger camera.

For Baby what you plan to take baby home wearing.

For me I like to be prepared like to have anything I may possibly need. I took
My hair brush, hair tie, make up makes you feel a little better and if you are a usual make up wearer hospital snap shots with out it, Well I have one I don't like it but it was me right after giving birth to ds # he was a bright and early baby so I had no make up on any way. lol.

Tooth brush, floss, Some thing streachy as mentiond above you will want to be comfy. Slip on shoes.

Q tips shampoos and conditioner and bodywash.

I think a lot of hospitals do supply with toileties but not the same as being home.

Good luck and congrats!!

[CouponQueen23]

yes, change for vending machines good thing to have. :)

[kak2281]

Several LARGE bottles of water! I was always soooo thirsty after delivery and the days following and the hospital pitchers just weren't cutting it, so with #2 and #3 I made sure to pack several 1.5 L bottles of water.

Some magazines, crossword puzzles are also a good idea, you do have some time to glance at things like that, but not neccessarily enough time to get involved in a book or a longer project.

Also, a baby book if you are going to do one. You can fill in a lot of the details while they are still fresh in your mind. I also had visitors sign the book.

Bring your basic toiletry supplies, but don't go overboard. With #3 I decided I needed all these aromatherapy washes and lotions, so I splurged at BBW, but I didn't touch the stuff. I wanted to be clean and fresh, but didn't have the energy to go above and beyond regular shampoo and soap. I also brought makeup, but didn't end up using it.

HTH!