Mommy Bag for Hospital - May 2024 Babies | Forums | What to Expect (2024)

FAQs

How long before my due date should I pack my hospital bag? ›

You should have your hospital bag ready to go by 36 weeks or 37 weeks pregnant, just in case you go into labor before your due date. It's fine to throw some items in at the last minute, like your toothbrush, but you'll want your bag mostly packed and easily accessible by this point in your pregnancy.

Babies do things in their own time, and only 1 in 20 will arrive on their due date. It might be a good idea to get your hospital bag packed at least 3 weeks ahead of the due date, so that you're all ready to go if your baby decides to make an early appearance.

Wherever you are planning to birth you are going to need to gather some kit for you, your birth partner and baby/ies for birth day. It is wise to have your kit packed and ready at least 2-3 weeks before your estimated due date.

Pack your bag in advance

Try to have your bag packed by 8 months or 32 weeks. That way you'll be ready to go when you go into labor. Don't forget! Partners should also pack a bag of their own to ensure their time at the hospital is comfortable as well.

It's not necessary to do it before they're born, but it's a good idea to do it before they wear them. Why? Baby's brand new birthday suit hasn't toughened up yet! Their skin is sensitive and the finish that's put on new clothes to make them look cute enough for you to snatch up can irritate baby's virgin skin.

As you never quite know exactly when your little one will make an appearance, we recommend packing your hospital bag in the third trimester, at around week 36. You may want to consider packing the bag together with your birth partner to double check you have everything you need.

A good time to start the packing process is around the 28 week mark, or at the start of your 3rd trimester. A checklist can help, so we created this one to make sure you don't forget any essentials for baby's arrival!

Studies suggest giving birth is the equivalent to running a marathon in terms of energy output, (and can actually result in similar injuries, but let's not go there right now!) so it makes sense to wear a bra and/or clothing fit for exertion and perspiration.

A Breastfeeding Pillow

For those that do, packing a boppy or pillow you plan on using for breastfeeding allows you to get hands-on guidance and practice with the lactation consultants while at the hospital.

When to wash baby clothes before birth? ›

Do this around 4-6 weeks before the baby is due. This is close enough to the date so that the clothes aren't sitting for months on end collecting dust. But it isn't too close to your due date when you should be focusing on rest and preparing for birth.

For your baby:

Clothes: 3 x vests, 3 x babygros, cotton scratch mitts and a hat (most babies will wear a hat for the first 24 hours until they can maintain their temperature). An outfit to take your baby home in (appropriate to weather conditions). Blanket to cover your baby in a car seat.

maternity pads (two packets) an extra five pairs of knickers. towels. one or two front-opening or loose-fitting nighties or tops if you're planning to breastfeed.

Pack too soon and you've got a suitcase sitting in the corner gathering dust; too late and you're scrambling to find everything. Nina Spears, a birth doula, childbirth educator and founder of Baby Chick, recommends having your bags packed around week 35 and in the car by week 37 at the latest.

Q: When should you start packing to move? A: If possible, start planning your packing strategy six weeks before your move.

Babies born too early may have more health problems at birth and later in life than babies born later. Being pregnant 39 weeks gives your baby's body all the time it needs to develop. Your baby needs 39 weeks in the womb because: Important organs, like your baby's brain, lungs and liver, need time to develop.

How long you'll stay in. Some mums enjoy their time in hospital. Others find it stressful and can't wait to get home. If you're both doing well, you'll usually be ready to go home somewhere between 6 and 24 hours after birth.