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12-26-2012 at 7:26 AM
abritta34
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abritta34 is not online. Last active: 02-14-2013, 9:11 PMNewbie

Preparing hospital bag

Good morning everyone. I am nearing the end of my pregnancy (yay!) so I'm finalizing everything & as this is my 1st pregnancy, I am looking for some ideas of necessary items for the hospital bag for baby and me.

I've looked on Pinterest & read some articles, but I'd like to hear some suggestions from moms who have been down this road before!

Thanks so much! Big Smile

12-26-2012 at 7:35 AM
rjeller32
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I have some comfy socks, make up, a brush, some clothes to leave the hospital in for my LO and myself, a toothbrush, nursing pads, and that's really about it. The first time around I didn't know much at all, so I really didn't think about toiletries like a brush or toothbrush, and it does help to make you feel a little more comfortable. Whatever you would want to stay the night at the hospital with is really key. For the baby though, they have diapers and all of that stuff so the only things you should have are an outfit for him/her, a blanket and a carseat! Get too much stuff and it gets a little out of control lol.

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12-26-2012 at 7:38 AM
abritta34
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Thank you!!
12-26-2012 at 7:41 AM
rjeller32
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Yeah! Good luck :) I have had my bag packed since about 37 weeks and in my car, and now I am four days from my due date just waiting to use it haha. Hopefully you don't get as impatient as me!

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12-26-2012 at 8:36 AM
brianabrad
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I packed a few of those small cloth re-useable shopping bags because I've heard the nurses really load you up when you leave. I wanted to make sure we had a bag to fill.

I didn't pack a ton of clothing for me because I plan to wear the gowns provided for a majority of the stay. We also plan to have LO in the clothing they provide until we change to go home. I don't see any reason to create more laundry for ourselves. 

 

12-26-2012 at 8:37 AM
PatsyGK21
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For me: A robe, toiletries (travel size, shamp, cond. facewash, toothbrush, toothpaste, chap stick, hairties), pillow, and something to go home in. 

For baby: 2 recieving blankets (one to take home to the dog) mitts, hat, going home outfit, blanket.


 
12-26-2012 at 11:12 AM
brenaxtrut...
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First, it will help to know what your hospital has to provide so you don't pack too much.

Our hospital had everything but the clothes for our little guy so we only packed some pjs, a going home outfit, car seat, and two blankets.  

As for my stuff: hospital had everything from pads (which their's work way better than any store bought), undies (crazy but comfy... I kept my two pair and wash by hand so I don't have to wear my own yet...especially nice after my c-section), hair dryer, towels, blankets, pillows, snack bar, nipple cream, the works...

So I just brought my own clothes to wear home, slippers to walk down the hall in, a blanket for my husband, tooth brush, toothpaste, shampoo, body wash...I forgot my hair brush but they found me a pick...with my long curly hair it was hard to work with though
 
12-26-2012 at 11:44 AM
Zippydoo
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Don't forget your bathrobe...a comfy pillow, unless you want to sleep on their pillow...one thing we didn't have when we had our first is blankets to place around the baby to support her when we put her in the car seat going home.  She was too little and the hospital people were not too happy about giving us 4 or 5 of their blankets, but they did anyway.
 
12-26-2012 at 12:15 PM
PandasMama...
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brenaxtruthx:
First, it will help to know what your hospital has to provide so you don't pack too much.

Our hospital had everything but the clothes for our little guy so we only packed some pjs, a going home outfit, car seat, and two blankets.  

As for my stuff: hospital had everything from pads (which their's work way better than any store bought), undies (crazy but comfy... I kept my two pair and wash by hand so I don't have to wear my own yet...especially nice after my c-section), hair dryer, towels, blankets, pillows, snack bar, nipple cream, the works...

So I just brought my own clothes to wear home, slippers to walk down the hall in, a blanket for my husband, tooth brush, toothpaste, shampoo, body wash...I forgot my hair brush but they found me a pick...with my long curly hair it was hard to work with though

I second this. Call you hospital and ask what kind of stuff they give you to take home before you start packing your bag. And leave PLENTY of room in your bag or bring an extra duffle to take it all home in. When I had DD, I really didn't know what our hospital gave moms to take home...holy cow! I brought home a bag of monster menstrual pads, panties, nip cream, receiving blanket, snacks, tooth brush, tooth paste, shampoo and conditioner, diaper cream, a few diapers, box of wipes, 2 cozy hats for baby, and an entire gift bag of new clothes, and hand knitted blankets (at first I thought they made a mistake by giving me this, thinking it was for low income moms or moms/babies with issues or preemies maybe but nope, all new moms get one!), plus all the flowers and balloons/gifts from family and friends that came to visit.

But, for me, I was glad to have my own toothbrush, mouthwash, shampoo and conditioner, and what not. Don't forget cozy socks or slippers that you don't mind tossing once you leave the hospital. I forgot to pack them with my DD and ended up sending the hubby out for a pair a few hours after we arrived. 


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12-26-2012 at 2:17 PM
kerbear135
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As I recently found out, it's REALLY easy to overpack. Here's what I recommend (based on my experience):

You: Toiletries, towel (if you're picky..i used the hospitals so I didn't have to risk ruining mine), hairbrush, hairband (to keep your hair off your face during labor), camera, cell phone and charger, clothes to go home in, a robe (maybe), and slippers 

Baby: An outfit to go home in, baby book (if you want footprints), carseat (you HAVE to have this 

Also, I would either bring your empty diaper bag, or pack the above in a bag larger than you need..you will get lots of freebies from the hospital (pads for you, diapers for baby, formula if you use it, pacis, etc) 


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12-26-2012 at 8:39 PM
id012
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just lurking here but when i had LO i packed clothes for me (just comfy sweats, im not comfortable in a gown) clothes for him to come home in, nursing pads, really big underwear, deoderant, mini shampoo and conditionair and body wash, a robe, slippers and socks. a little bit of makeup. and a couple of hair ties.

Thats it really. I know a lot of people dont bring clothes for them selves, but honestly being able to get dressed (even in sweat pants and a tshirt) made me feel so much better and comfortable, and i just put on a robe on top. And i packed underwear but i used the mesh things they give you. there wonderful lol.

Good luck!! and congrats! And really the hospital will have anything that you forget. so dont worry to much 

 
12-26-2012 at 11:27 PM
Kingston54
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My only advice is not to overpack.  Use what you can that belongs to the hospital - it will make it less stressful to unpack when you get home!


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12-27-2012 at 1:57 PM
Pearls+Oys...
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Wow... I keep reading these hospital bag topics and I am amazed at what your hospitals provide new mothers and babies with... Mine gives nothing.

And I do mean nothing. They ask you to bring your own pads, your own diapers, your own everything. So you end up packing up an entire suitcase!  


 
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