Pack your bag for labour (2024)

FAQs

Pack your bag for labour? ›

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.

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.

When Should You Pack Your Hospital Bag? You should have your hospital bag ready to go between weeks 32 and 35 of your pregnancy, in case your baby comes a bit earlier than expected. A good time to start the packing process is around the 28 week mark, or at the start of your 3rd trimester.

Be prepared with a few nursing bras or any other comfortable, well-fitting bras. Toiletries. Don't forget towels, tissues, hairbrush, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, hairdryer, hair clips, and hair ties. Pack a plastic bag to pop dirty clothes in.

If you have any of the following symptoms, phone the hospital or midwife straight away, because you could be in labour: regular contractions or tightenings. period-type pains or pressure in your vagin*l area. a "show" – when the plug of mucus that has sealed the cervix during pregnancy comes away and out of the vagin*.

Babies are unpredictable. They come when they are ready to come. But if you're a planner like me and want to be ready for your little one's arrival, I'd suggest having your hospital bag packed between 36 and 38 weeks.

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.

Something cool and loose to wear during labour such as a cotton nighty or a large t-shirt, including something to wear in the birthing pool (the hospital can provide a gown if you would prefer this) Dressing gown, slippers and nightwear. Support bra to wear while breastfeeding.

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.

Q: When should you start packing to move? A: If possible, start planning your packing strategy six weeks before your move. At first, you'll need to do the prep work, like decluttering, cleaning, and purchasing moving and packing supplies. Then, the last two to three weeks can be used for packing.

Should I pack diapers for my hospital bag? ›

For Baby. Once you give birth, you'll obviously have a whole new person to take care of. So, you should put items for the baby on your hospital bag packing list. One thing that many moms say you DON'T need to worry about packing is a lot of diapers and wipes unless you plan to use a very specific kind.

Aim for one outfit in newborn size and one 0-3 months. Don't forget hats and/or socks, if weather-appropriate, to keep baby warm. Your pediatrician's contact information. The doctors and nurses will ask you for this information several times, so it's good to have it handy.

Many people opt for a medium-sized duffel bag or a backpack, as these types of bags are often spacious, durable, and easy to carry. You may also want to consider a bag with multiple compartments, so you can keep items organized and easily accessible.

However, it's important to pack early if you're a woman with a high-risk pregnancy – possibly as early as 35 weeks. In other cases, you can pack between 37-38 weeks. Again, there are no such rules as to when you can pack your hospital bag. You can get a jump start on things and even pack earlier than 35 weeks.

You may want to pack two bags: one to have with you during labor and one for after you give birth. Print this recommended checklist of things you'll need or may want.