What do I need to pack?

It might depend on what country you live in..or even what hospital you will be going to. In my experience, the maternity hospital, or wherever you will be having the baby will let you know what you need. (For example, years ago, when I had my first baby in England, the hospital provided nappies...but now they don't).
Best thing to do is ask your midwife, or the maternity ward...and they should let you know.
Also depends on how long they usually keep you in. In my day it was 6 or 7 days...now it's usually 1 or 2, as long as there are no problems.

tansy said:

It might depend on what country you live in..or even what hospital you will be going to. In my experience, the maternity hospital, or wherever you will be having the baby will let you know what you need. (For example, years ago, when I had my first baby in England, the hospital provided nappies...but now they don't).
Best thing to do is ask your midwife, or the maternity ward...and they should let you know.
Also depends on how long they usually keep you in. In my day it was 6 or 7 days...now it's usually 1 or 2, as long as there are no problems.

Click to expand...

I agree to ask.

It really depends on a lot of things -- how long you anticipate being in the hospital, if you have a c-section or vaginal birth... etc

You will need things for the baby of course, most hospitals require that you have a carseat installed (and some have someone come check and make sure it's in there properly!); if you want you can pack things like a ring-sling or wrap/mei-tai to wear the baby when you walk the hallway between your room and the nursery or food-court...

You'll want PJs, and likely want something to freshen up with (shampoo/conditioner, soap, etc) -- and it depends on your hospital and all that if they provide towels for you or you have to bring your own.

I am still packing my bags, I keep thinking of things I did not include just yet, and guess what -- I have NOTHING packed for the baby yet.
I'm planning on about 5-7 days in the hospital (as that's how long I was in last time) so I need things like PJs, pads, socks, house shoes, housecoat, clothes to wear home (not sure what I will wear home, mostly due to not knowing if it will be natural or c-section), hairbrush needs packing, some makeup, deoderant (more for going home than not - as they reccommend no fragrances around baby), mud mask, ponytail holders... I need to pack snacks, and I've not had time to do that, and figure out something as far as reading or "free time" between the time I'll be awake and baby is asleep... we won't be having visitors as much as last time, I don't think..


If you haven't already done a maternity ward tour, I'd highly reccommend it - and ask then what you need bring when you come.

Hi,

After over packing with the first one, I narrowed it down to the essentials the second time:

For You:
Package of Sanitary Napkins
2 or 3 underwear
Nursing bra and nursing pads
Nursing nightgown and house coat
Slippers
Comb and brush
Washcloth, soap, shampoo and lotion
Some comfortable clothes to go home in
Leisure items (Bible, favorite book, parenting magazine)
Wholesome non-perishable snacks (granola bars, etc.)

For Baby:
PJs for baby
Layette outfit to take baby home in
Blanket
Nightcap
Booties

Also, do definitely check with the hospital for any other items they may require or suggest.

Remember: To have baby's car seat prepared.

Otherwise, relax and prepare to enjoy the blessed bundle God will soon bring you.

Keeping you in my prayers.

Oh,...and socks for yourself.

God Bless

With Dd I packed too much stuff. Our hospital provided many, many things. Here's what I ended up actually needing:

Me:
Pads (they provide huge ones which were great for the first two days, but after I wanted my own)
Comfy pants, shirts
Nursing bra
Several pairs of underwear
Socks
Non-slip slippers for walking around
Make-up, hair brush, soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush/paste
Snacks
Camera!!!!!
Chapstick...kissing that baby non-stop really dries out the lips

Between healing, caring for dd, and seeing visitors, I had no time for reading or anything...plus I was just too tired!

Baby:
Carseat
A few outfits (I didn't like her wearing the hospital stuff)
A blanket to swaddle
Diapers (the hospital provided them, but we needed some for going home) and wipes
Pacifiers

favoredbyGod said:

I am 31 weeks pregnant and I know I may be getting things together kind of early, but I was wanting to know what to pack for myself and my baby to bring to the hospital?

Click to expand...

LOL, That's the smart thing to do. I'm 37 weeks pregnant and still haven't packed my bag yet, partially because once I do that I'll officially have everything ready to go for when he gets here.