I need to pack a bag... And, a baby bag...
2006-10-05 15:34:07 · 20 answers · asked by snape4good 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Several pairs of socks. I brought 2 pairs to my first birth, figuring 2 days in the hospital, one pair for each day. Well, my water broke on the first pair and I soaked the second pair through with more water within half an hour. That left most of my labor and 3 days to go and no socks. Whoops.
infant carseat
calling card (many hospitals don't allow cell phone use inside and only have local calling on the room phone)
going home outfits for you (figure you'll be about the same size you were 4-5 months pregnant) and for baby
change of clothes for your partner so s/he can stay overnight with you and your new baby
cd's of music you might want to listen to while laboring or afterward
aromatherapy for labor -- citrus and lavendar are safe and very helpful for energy revival and calming down
camera and spare batteries (or spare camera)
Boppy (nursing pillow to help support your baby while you learn how to breastfeed -- my arms were tired after giving birth)
soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush
spare glasses or pair of contacts if you use them
energy snacks for you, snacks and quick meals for your partner
Lansinoh for your nipples in case they get a little sore
The hospital should provide you with:
stretchy underwear and pads for after birth
hospital gowns
bed linens and changes of linens
food
peri bottle
sitz bath
bed or couch for your partner
access to a lactation consultant
Congratulations on your upcoming addition to the family!
2006-10-05 16:15:04 · answer #1 · answered by peregrine1123 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
As little as possible.
Socks, 'cause hospitals can be cold. And bring a few pairs, because the first time you stand up you WILL bleed all over everything.
A kit bag, so you can take a shower or brush your teeth.
Lip balm is good, too.
Something to wear home, although I went home both times in the same clothes I wore to the hospital.
People always say to bring a robe and nightgowns or PJs, but let me tell you: birthing babies is a messy, leaky business. Myself, I'd just as soon bleed all over or leak milk all over a hospital nursing gown and robe.
People always say to bring undies and pads, too, but I just wore the hospital mesh panties and enormous pads home.
Nursing bras are good. And maybe nursing pads, too, since you won't know how leaky you are until you have the baby.
Bring a digital camera. And a list of phone numbers. And maybe a phone card, since that's the only way you can make long distance calls at many hospitals. (They often won't let you use a cell phone.)
I always brought along a magazine or two, but they largely went unread.
For the baby, the hospital will give you blankets that are AWESOME for swaddling. Take them all! They will also give you long sleeved snap front T-shirts and a hat. And diapers. So all you have to do is prepare for the weather outside. I had summer babies, so I didn't dress mine in anything else. If it were winter, I might bring the baby some socks, and some soft pants or a sleeper, and a car seat cover so you don't have to fool around with jackets or blankets.
And a car seat.
That's about all you need.
If you decide, once you're there, that there's something else you absolutely MUST have, you can send your husband to get it. Or ask a friend to bring it to you, which will make them feel useful and give them an excuse to come see you and the baby.
Good luck.
2006-10-05 22:54:03 · answer #2 · answered by Yarro Pilz 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know women are told to pack a bag, but both of my children were born early; and I brought nothing with me to the hospital but my handbag. I had a take-home outfit for my baby ready at the house, and I asked someone to bring it and a nice, big, robe for me (for walking around outside the room in).
When you go into labor you're pretty much not doing much of anything until the baby is born, and once the baby is born you just need a robe and some slip-ons for your feet. If you keep make-up in your handbag that takes care of that. You may want to add a toothbrush. small shampoo, and deodorant (although hospitals often even have toothbrushes).
While you're in the hospital you're either in labor or taking care of the baby, so you don't even need things to read or keep busy with for the most part.
These days women are out of the hospital in a day or so, so other than make-up, deodorant, toothpaste/brush and something for your feet, you don't need much else. The hospital stay isn't like a ten-day vacation. You just don't need stuff, and if you need stuff because of just having given birth they provide it.
If you put a one-piece outfit for the baby with a bunting (if you live somewhere cold), an over-blanket, and little undershirt and a knit hat in a bag for the baby that's generally what you need to bring him/her home in.
2006-10-05 22:47:43 · answer #3 · answered by WhiteLilac1 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
For baby:
A take home outfit, couple of blankets, jacket, socks, onesie.
Camera. Most hospitals will let you borrow a digital one during your stay. Most hospitals also give out carseats. Best to call ahead and double check.
If your doc gave you a binder or pre-admission forms (insurance paperwork, birth planner, etc), bring that. My clinic gave me one that even includes the birth certificate forms.
For you: Ponytail holder (if you have long hair), lip balm (trust me on this one, it's agony when you forget it). Lots of socks. You don't need jammies or even underwear during your stay - most people stay in the gowns which works the best anyways. Bring a sports bra, or your most comfortable ones. An outfit to wear home, I just bought a pair of sweatpants & a tshirt, as it packs nicely & it's just for the trip home anyways. Hospitals do give out toiletries like toothbrushes & stuff, but I always brought my own because I have sensitive skin. I bought a bunch of trial sizes & packed them in a small cosmetic bag.
Don't overpack. You'll have to take a lot more home than baby - flowers, gifts, etc. The less you bring with you, the less you'll have to carry back. Just remember, home is only a few minutes away. Just bring the things you can't live without.
2006-10-05 23:05:35 · answer #4 · answered by ? 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
all you NEED is something comfortable for you to wear (keep in mind you will not be the same size you were before you got pregnant) sweats are perfect, as well as something for the baby to wear including outer clothing depending when you have the baby. You MUST have a car seat you can not leave the hospital without one you may want to bring a few diapers/wipes/bottles the hospital does provide this but there is the trip home. Remove all jewlery and take no more than $20 oh and a balnket!!!! You may also want breast pads and pads for yourself (hospitals are horrible) Congrats
2006-10-05 22:42:06 · answer #5 · answered by Brandi D 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Consider packing a bag to take to the hospital well before your due date. This way, you'll avoid racing out the door without your toothbrush or deodorant when the time comes. Choose from a list below of commonly recommended items for expectant moms to bring to the hospital, and add your own special items in the box below:
For baby
Infant car seat
Two to three newborn diapers
Going-home outfit (a good choice is a one-piece stretch suit)
Receiving blanket
Socks or booties
Cap or bonnet
For mom
A going-home outfit. Forget about making a fashion statement. No matter how much you'd like to squeeze back into your regular blue jeans, it's probably not going to happen. Bring something loose fitting and easy to put on. Remember to bring something loose fitting and easy to put on, plus some flat-soled shoes.
2-3 nursing bras, breast pads, sanitary pads (buy the super absorbent for the first few days), and several pairs of roomy underwear.
A bathrobe, slippers (with nonskid bottoms), a couple pair of socks, and two to three nighties that are easy to open if you plan to breastfeed.
A toilet bag, containing toothbrush, deodorant, shampoo, lotion, face creams, deodorant, and, for those who feel naked without it - makeup.
A portable CD player, Walkman® or book for relaxation.
Your birth plan, if you have developed one.
A camera/video camera, for someone to document the main event. Make sure ahead of time that this is in line with hospital policies.
Phone numbers of family members and friends you'll want to call.
What to leave at home
Jewelry or other valuables
Cash, credit cards
External Sources
March of Dimes
National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition
2006-10-05 22:37:44 · answer #6 · answered by MUFASAS MOMMA 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I so seriously over packed for my delivery. I found the things I needed most were:
PJs for you--hospital gowns suck
extra underwear (like three or four pair for two days)
hair ties/clips
tooth brush/paste
DEODERANT!!!
shamp/condit (i took the little travel sized ones)
slippers
lotion
for baby:
specific bottle (if you are picky about the ones you want to use)
specific binky (if you have a preference)
going home outfit
baby gloves (the little mitts so they don't scratch their face!)
CAMERA!!!
I took a zillion pix
The hospital gave me like a zillion diapers and wipes while I was there and they also gave me formula to take home and a binky (which she is still super attached to) They have everything you need for the baby so don't worry if you forget something. Don't over pack, its just a pain in the butt when you are being discharged. If you are breast feeding, make sure you have them send in a lactation consultant to visit with you before you go home, I didn't and I totally regretted it!!
Good Luck and Congratulations on your new Baby!!
2006-10-05 22:52:53 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
i just had my baby sep 13th... here are a few of the things i took and wanted ans such...
brush, toothbrush, ponytail holder, lotion, chapstick, mints, little snacks if you are picky, the hospital also has some for you to choose from if you are hungry between meals....a good hand to hold...phone numbers and calling card or cell...soemthing to wear you will sadly still look prego... not as big i woudl say umm about six months along... something comfy and soemthing like sandals, you woudl be surprised, my shoes didnt fit me w/ my first i was so upset cuz i had to leave in just socks... a recieving blanket, babys going home outfit, the hospital has diapers adn wipes if you are picky take ur own hospitals usually use pampers.... tak ean extra recieving blanket just incase, soem of the hospitals tend to be a little not so soft...
2006-10-05 22:45:52 · answer #8 · answered by Kayla 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
an outfit for the baby to go home in and have picture taken in
an outfit for you to go home in
a couple of night gowns for you or big Tee shirts
slippers for you
blanket for baby to go home in
and your toothbrush and hair brush... maybe some shampoos and soaps
you will get some stuff from the hospital.. so bring an extra bag to take it all home in
keep in mind.. you will not care what you look like.. but they will be taking pictures.. so try to keep yourself groomed. Good Luck!
2006-10-05 22:41:19 · answer #9 · answered by Tiffany P 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
All the things that people say aren't usually necessary...Unless your having a ceserean (sp) I wouldn't worry about a huge bag for mommy like 3 outfits, because usually if your birth goes fine you'll be leaving the next day, and the magazines and such, you are not going to be interested in those when you're squeezing a baby out of your hole...
2006-10-05 22:40:53 · answer #10 · answered by Pamela M 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋