You don't need a suitcase! (My Version of the List)

Member Name: Charlie007

Product:	My Version of the List
Date:	22/03/09 (23 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Pack in advance

Disadvantages: don't take loads - you probably wont need it

The question of your hospital bag seems to take over when you are pregnant, i think it is best to get it packed and done just incase. You can always add things and take them out as you think about it. As someone who normally packs a suitcase to stay out one night i was worried about what i would be able to take with me to the hospital and i wanted to get my bag packed early on:

I think having two bags is helpful;

For labour:

Slippers
Socks
An old nightdress or T shirt to wear in labour
Lip balm - (my lips got really sore on the gas and air, loads of people had told me to take lib balm but i missed the reason for taking it - i would have saved really sore lips if i had of realised!)
Digital camera - charged! and the charger just incase!


After the birth have another bag ready with Going-home outfit, Breatfeeding bra, Breast pads, Maternity pads, Nightdress or pyjamas
Toiletries the usual - Towels, hairbrush, toothbrush and toothpaste

Old knickers the paper ones are awful!

For your baby:

Infant car seat - get other half to come in with it when you can go home if possible.
One outfit for the trip home (all-in-one stretchy outfits are easiest) - no one will be looking at you - it is all about the baby!
Nappies
socks
Hat
Jacket or snowsuit for winter
Muslin squares

You really don't need as much as you think and normally you will be in and out before you no it - things will just get in the way otherwise. I found that i could have got away with much less as the hospital have spares of most things, i had a water birth and they gave me a huge fluffy dressing gown for when i got out of the pool - this was soo nice but not really something that i could have fit into the bag!

I think it is helpful to pack the basics and if you do end up staying in longer then you think you can have a pile of stuff at home that your other half can get their hands on easily or god knows what you may end up with - there really is little room in the hospital to keep things so less really is best!

Summary: don't take loads - you probably wont need it