How many bags to the hospital?

[drivingdaisy]

I've been thinking about my hospital bag for when it is time for baby to come. I have a SERIOUS packing problem. I can fill my SUV up just to visit my parents for a few days (granted that does include the dog and usually the husband). I have a similar mental image for the trip to the hospital... haha.

How many bags or what size were the bags you took when you went to the hospital? What were the things that you were glad you had, wished you had, or didn't need?

(On an unrelated thought I wish I could bring the dog to the hospital with me.)

 

[aps45819]

Why the hell would you pack for a place you'll wear a gown that ties in the back from the time you get there till the time you leave?

 

[drivingdaisy]

Why the hell would you pack for a place you'll wear a gown that ties in the back from the time you get there till the time you leave?

Your thing says you are a single dad, but were you even there when your child/ren were born.

For one thing I imagine I would like my toothpaste and toothbrush.

 

[MarieB]

Why the hell would you pack for a place you'll wear a gown that ties in the back from the time you get there till the time you leave?

I guess it depends upon how long you're there. There is a point where many want to have their own clothes on whatever they may be.



To answer the question, I took my laptop, a book, my cell, any special lotion or soap that I wanted to use, pjs, makeup, brush, Chapstick, going home clothes, slippers and socks ( the hospital was freezing), and an outfit or two for baby.. A bathrobe is nice for wondering the halls if you want to get up and walk around. Don't bring anything to fancy

 

[GWguy]

I guess it depends upon how long you're there. There is a point where many want to have their own clothes on whatever they may be.



To answer the question, I took my laptop, a book, my cell, any special lotion or soap that I wanted to use, pjs, makeup, brush, Chapstick, going home clothes, slippers and socks ( the hospital was freezing), and an outfit or two for baby.. A bathrobe is nice for wondering the halls if you want to get up and walk around. Don't bring anything to fancy

I always wondered about the hospital walls as I wandered around too.





Pack light to begin with, personal stuff, socks, etc. Once you're there and realize what you really need or want, have hubby bring it in for you.

 

[Dakota]

They toss you out so fast, you will barely unpack and it will be time to get out. Pack comfy clothes to wear home & something for your new baby to wear.

 

[Dakota]

Pack light to begin with, personal stuff, socks, etc. Once you're there and realize what you really need or want, have hubby bring it in for you.

I ended up in the hospital for 5-6 weeks before my son was born due to pre-term labor. You have no idea how badly this worked out for me. My husband never brought me things that matched.

 

[Gilligan]

My husband never brought me things that matched.

?? My idea of a major fashion statement in any hopsital I've been in was:

Even bothering to tie the gown in back so that both sides overlapped before I took the walker for a stroll down the hallways.

What is this "things that matched" concept that you brought up?

 

[vraiblonde]

They toss you out so fast, you will barely unpack and it will be time to get out. Pack comfy clothes to wear home & something for your new baby to wear.

That's it! Plus a toothbrush and toothpaste, maybe a hairbrush.

You'll have the baby and most likely be out of there the next day.

 

[drivingdaisy]

I ended up in the hospital for 5-6 weeks before my son was born due to pre-term labor. You have no idea how badly this worked out for me. My husband never brought me things that matched.

Oh God. I can only imagine. Luckily if all goes as planned my mom will be here. If not, she's the first phone call, but that's still at least 3 hours of driving for her. I could get my SIL to go with him to help. For some reason I don't like the idea of my SIL poking around through my drawers (in both senses of the word), but I would be ok with her approving or vetoing the things hubby might try to bring.

 

[drivingdaisy]

A lot of lists have mentioned cell phone chargers. That's the nice thing about cell phones these days is they can do so much. I can notify people (or make my husband do it) or read a book or have some music on there.

I really do have a packing problem (which I am going to have to fix soon or else there won't be room for Baby on any of our trips). Part of me thinks I'll probably have a must haves bag that goes in with me. And then I'll have a bag of things I might like, that can stay in the car unless I need it.

 

[sm8]

definitely bring a robe if you plan on leaving your room (and I am sure you will). The halways seem to be a gathering place of sorts and you get weird enough looks even with a robe one. Hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste and any make up you would want to wear. Most necesarry items are provided. If you are a picky eater I would pack a snack of some sort. I packed a box of cereal and it came in handy.

It helps to have the carseat in ahead of time.

Remember with your outfit to wear home that the average woman after having a baby is around the size she was at 4-5 months. Bring something stretchy and comfy.

 

[pelers]

Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothbrush, tooth paste, pouf, hair brush)
Nursing camis, bra (if you plan to nurse)
Comfy pants (yoga, sweat, pajama type. Stretchy waist, nothing you'd hate to throw away)

For amusement I had my phone, tablet and kindle plus charger.

Undies need not apply. Use the hideous mesh things.

I was out of that damn hospital gown as soon as I could shower. PITA to nurse in. They do sell front closure hospital gowns on Amazon.

ETA: if you're going to nurse, DON'T EAT THE BROCCOLI

 

[MarieB]

I think I put other undies over the mesh ones.

Fiber bars are also a good thing

 

[Dakota]

?? My idea of a major fashion statement in any hopsital I've been in was:

Even bothering to tie the gown in back so that both sides overlapped before I took the walker for a stroll down the hallways.

What is this "things that matched" concept that you brought up?

I went home in a poka dot blue and white sweater that didn't fit well with a black pair of yoga pants 2 sizes too small and a pair of Fushia heels. I looked like a giant bruise.

 

[MarieB]

I went home in a poka dot blue and white sweater that didn't fit well with a black pair of yoga pants 2 sizes too small and a pair of Fushia heels. I looked like a giant bruise.

OMG

Hahaha. Did he believe he was getting lucky that night

I couldn't have squeezed my feet into shoes like that even if I wanted to wear them which is obviously not

 

[Roman]

Don't forget to take the Medications, or the Vitamins you take regularly. I also took Tylenol, and my own Shampoos & Soaps. They charge you for the little Gift Basket of those type things. Bring some Kotex too.

 

[Kris10]

I didn't realize how long my reply would be...lol

Aww how exciting! I think I might be getting baby fever again :ruhrohhh:

I took WAY too much. For instance, and this doesn't include everything, I just KNEW I'd need my makeup for pictures with my new little guy....what a joke! I didn't give two sh!ts what I looked like afterwards, "give me my baby and take lots of pictures!" and I had a few pairs of socks, pants (lounge/yoga type), shirts/tanks, nursing bras, a pair of slippers, underwear, bathroom essentials (including washcloths and a towel), a blanket and pillow (mostly for my hubby who stayed with us), snacks, camera, etc. Of all of that, you really only need one of each for the clothing (except the nursing bras, you might want a couple of those). I ended up staying in the hospital gown basically until we went home, it was just easier that way. And wait until you see those sexy ELEPHANT pads and mesh panties.....talk about feeling hot, OH and the ice pads...you'll see

Next time, this is what I'm taking:

For Me: a comfy outfit to wear home (including a couple nursing bras) and bathroom stuff (I got a travel kit from Target last time to save space and added a few things to it, it was perfect...tooth brush/paste, chapstick, hair brush, hair tie, body wash, Olay face cloths, deodorant and lotion)

For Hubby: a blanket and a pillow (he can always go home to get whatever else he, or I, need)

For Baby: a few outfits for pictures (they don't do the newborn pictures like they used to, not at Southern Maryland anyway. there's a 'photographer' that comes around to take and sell you pictures, if you want them...but they're crazy expensive. my Dad actually stood over her and took at the same pictures as she did, hehe....cheap! lol), an outfit to wear home, a blanket and of course the carseat, durr

Other Stuff: camera and phone with chargers, snacks (and/or change for the vending machines) and magazines

Things the hospital provides that you don't need to bring: hand sanitizer, pads, diapers, wipes, tooth brush/paste, washcloths, towels and a breast pump (they'll give you a single, manual pump if your milk comes in early and the baby doesn't get a good latch). Anything you open (diapers, pads, etc) is yours to take home, so open everything!

 

[sm8]

Comfy Bras are a must. You do not realize how naked you feel without one until you are in a hospital gown without one. If you are planning on nursing then get some good nursing ones, if not then sports bras would be perfect.

Edited to add: on the Open everything take because when you open it, then it is yours to take home. My mother in law kept trying to "keep my room tidy" and kept putting the baby diapers in wipes in the bag hubby was taking home. We ended up with so much extra that I felt guilty but was quickly brought to the realization that they billed me for it all :0)

 

[Im_Me]

p.s. to all the above....

You better buy a bigger SUV. You don't know anything about packing for a few days away until you've traveled with a baby. A trip to the mall could require a trailer...(congratulations! Babies are so much fun)