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Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

What don't I need to pack in my hospital bag?

Re:
What don't I need to pack in my hospital bag?

Good question. We put this one to the new moms on our message boards, and here's what they had to say:

"I didn't use any of the PJs I packed! Hospital gowns were just fine for breastfeeding." -- MLE21707

"I didn't use my sexy hot pink towels -- I decided to let the blood get on the hospital's gross towels. I didn't use my own underwear either -- I used their mesh ones." -- Kimba1185

"I did not need all the baby clothes I packed. In the hospital they kept him swaddled and in a t-shirt (they supplied) and diaper. We only needed I coming home outfit. I also took my own pads, and didn't need them. The hospital ones were 'heavy duty' and worked much better than any I had." -- HappyTXChick

"I didn't use my socks -- I had so many hot flashes I didn't need them!" -- gisellems

"Definitely didn't need my own nightgown, underwear or toiletries (shampoo, etc.)." -- nielio

"I didn't use my big pink fluffy robe to wear over my hospital gown, but I never did walk around during labor either." -- RednekPrincess

"I brought the maternity jeans that fit me when I was seven months pregnant, but did not fit when I was nine months pregnant. They still did not fit two days after I gave birth." -- dimake

"Leave the 'entertainment items' (movies, magazines, CDs) at home. I was dumb enough to put in a movie while I was in labor, and the nurse and DH were more interested in watching it than paying attention to me!" -- mrsrsh

re: Q: Hospital bag don't pack?

When I gave birth to my daughter I actually brought a video game console from home. I was induce so I knew that I was going to be there for a while. I was a nice distraction for the early part of my labor, but my gaming skills seemed to wane as I came to the end of my labor. It was really the only thing that I brought with me, and it was a VERY good idea., and thankfully the birthing center I was at was very accomadating. I even had one nurse (who was a guy which was weird when I was having the baby) come in and play games with me for an hour b/c I was the only patient in the birthing center at the time!

Traebysbaby |

re: Q: Hospital bag don't pack?

The only things I actually used (I was induced at 4am and had my son at 9pm) were my sodoku book, my cell phone, the laptop and my toothbrush. You pretty much only need a going home outfit for both you and the baby, the hospital has just about everything else.

Qivarys |

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

I took a laptop and dvds so i could watch movies during labor...it was awesome for passing the time

mickig22 |

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

I did not use the nightgown that I packed, nor any of the baby clothes..only the coming home outfit. The hospital also had all the diapers that we needed.

geminikah |

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

Diapers, formula, receiving blankets and nightgowns. All of these are more than provided by the hospital. I brought all that stuff to the hospital and it was all in the way. The hospital provided so much stuff for the baby, my mom took my bag home and dumped them out and took everything from the hospital. they don't do anything but throw it away.

WhitBaby |

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

It has been along time i forgot all the stuff the hospital provided after reading this i can slim my bag down alot i did only pack a going home outfit for the baby but for got that you stay in that gown until you get ready to go home so I am going to leave in my toiletries and a going home outfit for me and baby float like a butterfly sting like a bee!!

heavenschild |

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

thanks so much on the info i was so confused on what to take im a single first time mom and my mom is my "back up" so i only want her to worrie about one thing when im ready to go....the car! but you guys left out one thing a camera!!! everyone wants to have pictures of the lil one when it "pops out"

newmommie01 |

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

I packed an extra bag with a change of clothes, some extra toiletries, extra socks, and comfort items and left it in my car. I'm glad I did, because I was so uncomfortable in that stupid hospital gown that it was great to be able to send my husband to the parking lot for my extra clothes (instead of sending him home to bring me stuff).

cecilitw |

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

Moms have told me to pack wipes for the baby b/c the hospital only supplies cotton balls and they are awful for those dirty diapers.

AGSkelton |

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

When I had my daughter, I loved being able to dress her up and make her look pretty. So I actually packed extra baby clothes for this time around. One thing that I did not use was the puzzle books, or game boy. The hospital had really good cable and a movie channel with new movies, so even when the baby was in the room there was always something to do.

kittym1c2n3 |

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

When i had my daughter i forgot my whole bag. When my husband brought it to me i ended up using all the baby clothes for her didnt like the ones they had there, and my own night gown i wanted to be comfortable, the one thing i needed and forgot was breast pads they give hard plastic ones that are not comfortable at all. Im now on baby number two and i am going to remember to pack my bag ahead of time.

angeluv4uus |

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

I'm about to have my first baby any day now. I'm in a birthing center, so I guess it is a lot different from a hospital, but they gave me a really long list of stuff to pack and I'm only supposed to be there 6-12 hours after the baby is born. I am having a waterbirth though so I have to have a swimsuit and so does my hubby. About the wipes...I read that you aren't supposed to use baby wipes on the baby for the first month or something like that, that you are supposed to use cotton balls and warm water. Maybe that's why they don't provide wipes at the hospital?

jes1404 |

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

For the ladies worried about cotton balls vs. wipes. I used the hospital washcloths with warm water, when I had my first son. Someone else is doing the laundry anyway.

taffie |

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

I also forgot to mention that the cotton balls are nice for circumcisions though, washcloths are rough and the chemicals in wipes aren't recommended.

taffie |

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

The chemicals in wipes are always a bad idea. I'm using a pure detergent for my baby's clothes, so why would I wipe her most delicate parts with preservatives and other nasties? Water and a washcloth is always the best idea, until you can really get them clean at bathtime.

KatAaaa! |

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

You really dont need much..Just tooth brush, makeup, some hair gel, brush,some lotion and sandals if u wanna shower in the hospital. For the baby just 1 outfit so when u bring him/her home..i highly recommend to pack a bag for the siblings..just in case they have to stay with someone. =)

andrea_23 |

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

you definitely don't need make up and hair gel! I stayed in the hospital gowns last time, but because I was too lazy to change and too lazy to get up regularly to change my pad. This time, I packed black sweatpants (just in case it won't stain) and a tank top...to be more comfy. Other than that, a coming home outfit for baby, cotton pads (they simulate wipes better than cotton balls), and a diaper for the ride home--we don't use disposables at home. Face wash and stuff... tooth brush... really, you want essentials. anything that makes you look pretty, you can leave at home.

afskinner |

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

Even though you aren't in the hospital that long and probably won't really feel like getting dressed to the nines, it is nice to know you can make yourself presentable if you would like to. Go ahead and pack makeup, hair supplies (for easy maintenance- I have curly hair and gel is the easiest thing for me to do) and a comfy/ cute outfit.. Remember you will be being photographed quite a bit during this time and some people just feel better automatically when they feel dressed. Also, check with your hospital to see what they use (especially on things like the cotton balls versus wipes/ washcloths) and disposable underwear/ pads for you. This way you are more prepared for what you actually need (and it is completely ok to want your own things from home).

fashionflirt2000 |

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

I brought 2 or 3 outfits for both of my first two kids and was glad I did! Especially with my little girl. She weighed 7 lbs 4 oz when she was born, but had a few problems and had to stay in the nursery. She lost a little over a half pound before we got to take her home 5 days later. I was glad I had packed a backup outfit that fit a little smaller than the one I really wanted her to wear. The one I originally picked out for her to wear home didn't end up fitting her until she was almost 2 months old!

saradu |

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

I bought a brand new plush fluffy white bathrobe for the hospital- I'm pretty sure I spent around $70 on it. Apparently someone forgot to tell me, and I didn't do enough reading to find out how much BLOOD there was!! I had NO idea! Seriously!! Call me stupid, but I thought once the baby was out, it was all over. Plus the bathrobe would have been way too hot. I also didn't wear any of the underwear or pants I brought. Blood- Ugh! Not looking forward to that again!

SuperMomReturns |

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

If you are planning on a c-section then you would need to bring other items from home. One thing I can recommend is a belly band, to support your belly post c-section. The hospital has this if you don't have one, but there are nicer ones out there. Bring soft slippers for that first trip out of bed after anesthesia runs off and they ask you to walk. I was very uncomfortable, from the incision, so you may want to bring an extra pillow from home, or request nurse bring you 2 pillows because hospital pillows are very thin. Bring a non-perfumed/fragrance liquid soap or bar soap that you know is not going to gather bacteria. You will need this to clean your incisions with warm water in the mornings and at night before sleeping. It will keep away infections and the staples wont have that nasty 'ooze' all over them. Bring change and cash with you. They will want you on a liquid diet, but if you are breast feeding you need to have something else to consume that is light and non-invasive. I will be having another C-sec in November and this was what I learned the first time around.

boobgenie409 |

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

I didn't wear any of the shirts I brought - I did switch to my own pj's on the second day, but had to borrow my husband's shirts as I was still wearing the really thick pads and were very obvious with my shirts. So if you plan to switch to your own pj's, you probably want some long shirts...

MichAW |

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

Socks, a t-shirt, and baggy pj pants are a must. You need to feel comfy. Leave robes just bring a sweater. Do not pack makeup, just lipgloss and a ponytail holder. DVD players and magazines were a waste.

yesacruz |

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

You have to think and know that people go into labor all of a sudden all the time, so hospitals will have anything you could possibly need! Our hospital even has carseats they give you if you need one! Chances are, you will go home wearing the same thing you showed up in (Yes it will still fit you after you give birth!). All you really need is something for the baby to wear home, and whatever you want from home that helps make you comfy if you need it.

tkcbupp |

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

I highly recomend bringing a breast pump if you are gong to breastfeed. With my 2nd child my milk came in at the hospital and I was so ingourged that the baby couldn't latch on. The hospital said they could only give me a hand pump if the baby was sick or needed NICU care. It was aweful!!! I will be bringing my hand pump this time. Instread of nursing bras wear a nursing tank top or other really comfortable nursing top (think visiters in the room). A PLASTIC VASE for flowers that do not come with a vase is somrthing good to pack. Pack light when it comes to your own clothes, you really dont need much, your just going to be sitting around in your bed. I dont have cable at home so i am excited about being able to watch TV, but if you are already a tv watcher then dvds and stuff might keep you better entertained than basic cable, but I think you could leave that kinda stuf at home. Our Hospital has a picture taking thingy so a cute picture outfit might be needed, but your going home outfit might be just fine. The boppy pillow makes a nice cushion to sit on if you need that and I really did with my first child! A Cell phone would be nice too.

Michellemomof3 |

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

I loved having my make up and the travel sizes of my shampoo, conditioner, and lotion! It made me feel SOOOOO much better to be able to look (and smell!) semi-good after having a baby! The hospital things will work fine, but it's nice to feel like yourself after such a life changing event!

Lady713Luck |

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

if having a hospital birth i would suggest bringing the bare minimum. chances are it will either get lost, ruined or just go unused. the mesh underwear sounds gross, but having bloody underwear of your own is worse. USE THE MESH! also if nursing, wait until you get to the hospital to buy a nursing tank/bra .. they usually have a fitter in there that will get you the right size and right artical of clothing for you. then you can buy more once your home. thats what we did. bring a toothbrush, and travel toiletries. (shampoo, soap, toothpaste, deodorant) you neednt bring any make up or hair products.. unless you think the nurses are going to mind your "just labored" look. i brought make up with me cause they say its nice to feel like a human.. but theres no time, rhyme or reason to need to wear make up. your baby doesnt care what you look like. i am having my son at a birth center this time, and am lost as to what to bring since it is so much different than a hospital. but they gave me a checklist of the absolute necessities. personal hygeine items.. outfit for me baby and dad. swim wear for the tub (if uncomfortable naked) .. diapers for baby.. nursing items.. camera/camcorder .. music.. things for to eat/drink .. a bag for hubby and other children.

tracycerra |

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

Don't need: tons of clothes, diapers, formula, bottles, pump, toiletries, underwear, pads. Do need: Camera, and extra set of clothes for dad (he doesn't get a nifty gown but may get puked on), something to do, and a take home or first picture outfit for baby, and you. I've noticed a lot of people leaving out dad and his needs. Make sure you take something for him to do and wear.

Greatdialup |

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

I bought a really long shirt/moo moo gown thing with my daughter and loved it with those nice mesh undies they give you. If the hospital is anything like ours, it gets stuffy, so no sweat pants were nessecary lol. A camera works, but I brought a disposable incase I had a guest or staff who wasn't honest (never know). A take home outfit for baby, if at all possible buy a premie one, because newborn take home outfits are huge. But also bring a newborn outfit incase your little one is to big for a premie. A cell phone is nice. and a go home outfit as well for you. The hospital does supply everything you need and it is wonderful. But don't forget the carseat or you can't take baby home.

leelynsmoma |

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

Something that helped me a lot with my son that people don't mention is to bring hard candy because you won't be able to eat and something for aromatherapy during the contractions really takes your mind off the pain.

tinah888 |

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

Having nice travel sized tolietries from home for the first showers was really nice.. definatley recommend! And a hairbrush, lip balm, and music (i had an MP3 player with travel speakers) worked great during my long labor. My hair would be knotted and the brushing felt good. I also liked having some makeup with me for my final couple days. Yes, not necessary for labor and at first, but I ended up having a C-Section and was there extra time. I never used the long t-shirt I brought for a nightgown (hospital gowns are easier for breastfeeding/pumping), but was really glad to have the thin and lightweight silky robe that I brought for over my hospital gown for trips to the nursery or down the hall.

bugmagnt |

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

I brought a portable DVD player with my first born... I was induced... I did not even watch a full movie... I did not pack another one! I will say though, that with all three of my previous births, there were huggies brand wipes provided by the hospital! I am currently 31 weeks pregnant with number four, and I am looking forward to packing just the bare minimum and meeting my son!

fallenangelmom |

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

With my first I packed everything I would as if I was staying the night with my friend. I didnt use any of it. Thank God. I was so heavy bleeding that I bled all over everything. I even had to call the nurses to change my sheets. I do suggest bringing some chap stick bc my lips got so dry. And when you leave the hospital, literally take everything home that they provide for you, (I.e. towels, diapers, bags, cups). It all comes in handy at home. Plus, that's what its there for.

tnt3 |

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

I'll just say this - be warned! When I gave birth to my daughter, I used and took home everything the hospital so generously offered me - the kimono type shirts for the baby, the pads, the underwear, the toiletries, the diapers, the pacificers - everything. I thought it was complimentary. It was not. When we got our outrageous bill from L&D, I asked for an itemized list of what they were charging me for - and there was every last item I had used or taken home, listed. They even charged me $12 for a pill cutter that the nurse used to cut a pill in half for me. SERIOUSLY. So, this time around, I'll be taking my own supplies and not using any of theirs. I'm sure it's different at each facility - it may be worth asking when you take your L&D tour. Good luck!

LizTedrow83 |

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Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

Re: What don't I need to pack in my hospital bag?

re: Q: Hospital bag don't pack?

re: Q: Hospital bag don't pack?

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

Q&A: What don't I need to pack for the hospital?

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What don't I need to pack in my hospital bag?