What to Pack in your Hospital Bag for when you go to give Birth.

I remember when I had my first child…..one question was what to pack in your hospital bag. I had an extra massive bag and ended up with so many things for my hospital bag, some which was barely used. Now on my third child, I am going with the saying ‘less is more’. We live pretty close to the hospital so if I do realise I have missed something else then it is easy for someone to go and grab what is needed.

When Should I Pack my Bag?

Recommendations are to have your bag packed and ready by 32 weeks incase baby decides to make an early appearance. I was last minute with my other two children but this time I had all the essentials ready to go at 30 weeks. And I am glad I did as I had a bleed at 31 weeks due to a low lying placenta and almost ended up in theatre to have a c-section. Thankfully both mine and baby’s bag were both packed and we just had to put them in the car incase they were needed. My things did end up being needed as I had to stay in hospital for 4 days. It made it easier for the husband who wasn’t scrambling around looking for a spare toothbrush, toothpaste, chargers, slippers etc!

What Bag Should I Use?

I remember with my first child I had a massive bag for both me and the baby. Now I am using one of the small cabin bags for my things and a baby bag for the baby items. It can also be beneficial to have a spare bag packed with essentials such as pads, nappies and clothes incase you end up staying longer than expected in hospital. This can be left at home, in the car and brought out if necessary.