FAQ: Question about the hospital bag?

Question by Lalala (:: Question about the hospital bag?
I am 36 weeks and 3 days pregnant now.
I have a doctors on Monday, November 24th to have my membranes swept as I am having severe breathing and a heart rate of 125 bpm constantly.
I have been putting off getting my hospital bag ready because I have finished the baby's room and cleaned everything you could imagine and want to have something left to do when I get bored. However, since my doctor is going to try and start my labor early (at 38 weeks)
should I go ahead and get that bag together?
Also, should I buy formula? I cannot breast feed and I only haven't purchased this yet because I have been told that different babies take better to different formula. If I should go ahead and buy it, what kinds to you suggest?
I have already bought diaper rash creams, baby powder, diapers, baby lotion and all those things you normally would not think about right away.
Also, Is it okay to dress baby is regular clothes when you bring them home? I see some people only dress them in onezies, and I planned on him wearing a white polo shirt, brown corduroys and this adorable golf type sweater. All from baby gap. It is cold where I live so he wont be too warm.
This is my first pregnancy, no rude answers please.
Doctors appointment*
Severe breathing problems*

Best answer:

Answer by Noah's Mommy & Marine Wife.
Yes, get your bag together!
As far as formula goes the hospital should provide some samples. Try those out at first(as they are free) and see if that works for your baby. It's a trial and error process, though, and very well may take you 2-3 different brands to find something that works for your baby.
You can dress your baby in whatever you like! I just found sleepers were much easier when he was a newborn.

Give your answer to this question below!

• SpeshalB says:
  When youre in hospital they will give you a couple different samples of formula to try while you stay there, so you can see which one he enjoys the most. They may also give you a sample to take home with you. So you dont need to take formula to the hospital.
  Your going home outfit sounds so cute!! Its going to be a memorable time and you will always remember what he wore. So just bring what you want him to wear. But just be careful, cuz he may be bigger or smaller than the doctors anticipate. So maybe bring a second choice outfit in a smaller size?
  Dont forget to pack a blanket for his ride home as well.
  Goodluck for your birth!
   
• ╔Kimmeh╗ ♪♫ says:
  I would say go ahead and get your bag ready, you never know what's going to happen... and it's nice to simply be prepared a little ahead of schedule. Sure, its perfectly fine to dress the babe up in things other than onesies... i did that with my daughter, she wore a cute little dress home. With the formula, you should talk to your pediatrian first... perhaps ahead of schedule. Have you gotten on WIC? The health department that does WIC might be able to help you there as well, you get free formula and what not from there, which is very helpful. I know they had some insight as to what to use. Just be prepared for them to want to use the cheapest of the cheapest formula, I had to argue with them slightly when my daughter was on Similac Alimentum because its a little pricer than most. Thankfully i got a doctors note from her ped and it was settled after that.
   
• Kenny P says:
  i think u shud wait to buy formula....but if im not mistake most babies start off with enfamil lipil....i was told babies shud have an outfit that wont be rough on their skin bcuz its sensitive...
   
• sarah b says:
  Go ahead and get your bag ready...you never know! Hold off on the formula for now. They will give him some at the hospital and you can see how he reacts to that. Then you can decide to use the same, generic or whatever.
  Dress your baby in whatever you want to dress him in! He is your baby! When I brought my first from the hospital I had picked out a really cute outfit all in yellow. He was so jaundice he looked like a little yellpw blob in all the pictures, but I didn't care!
  Enjoy! Life is about to get really fun!
   
• Fairy Dust says:
  I would get the bag together now. I would also buy some formula, but not too much in case you need a different kind. The hospital will supply some, but you don't want to have to run out to get more as soon as you get home. Mine were put on Similac Advance at the hospital so that is what I bought. It is okay to dress the baby in whatever you want, I always did one piece outfits because I worried about pants rubbing against their cord and I just think they look uncomfortable in pants and sweaters that new, sorry I am not trying to be rude, just my personal thoughts.
   
• Lisa says:
  Hi! Absolutely get the bag together! When I gave birth to my son (I had him 5 weeks early) my hubby & I got in to a little argument because I told him we didn't need to pack the bag yet. WELL.....he won & we packed the bag. We went to bed at 9:30 and at midnight we were at the hospital. He still won't let me live that down! :)
  I would suggest not buying formula until you find out what he eats at the hospital. Maybe you can have a family member buy some for you before you get home with the baby. We used Similac, but we had to use a special formula because he was so early. Also - make sure you go to both the Similac & Enfamil websites & sign up for the new mom programs! You'll get samples of formula & baby stuff in the mail.
  As far as the clothes go, you can dress him however you want! The outfit you have picked out sounds super cute! Good luck with everything!
  Lisa :)
   
• lp.becky says:
  I would definitely get those bags packed if you're 36w3d, especially with slight "health concerns." That baby could really come any day!
  I can't speak to your formula question; my DD is breastfed.
  You can put that baby in whatever you want for the trip home. Just remember that you'll be new at dressing a baby, so getting him into that cute outfit might be a bit tough! And you'll probably want to change him once you get home, because an outfit like that -- while adorable -- isn't very practical.
  Good luck!
   
• Tiffanie: Baby #2 due May 18! says:
  You honestly don't need much of anything in your baby bag because they give you so much in the hospital. They will give you formula, and if that formula doesn't work out they will switch it and try other kinds before you even leave the hospital. I would hold off on buying formula until after you go home because it is very pricey and you can't even be sure now what kind you will use. In the hospital they will also give you diapers, wipes, spit up towels, even a diaper bag but it isn't cute at all. So don't worry too much about packing a bag for the baby.
  Pack a bag for yourself though! Put peppermints or other hard candies in it, magazines, snacks, house shoes, a fluffy robe or blanket.
  It is perfectly fine to bring your baby home in your own cute clothes but keep in mind that whatever you put on him needs to be adjustable so that you don't have anything pressing into his sore little umbilical cord.
  Also! Be sure and figure out how to adjust the straps on your baby's car seat before you go to the hospital. We didn't do this and we had a really hard time getting him strapped in and it was very stressful for all of us!
   
• Shelby's Momma says:
  In order here... yes pack your bag now. You may go into labor quickly after your appointment or if your condition is worse you may be hospitalized.
  Formula... the hospital usually gives samples of a certain type or another, but call them and ask. If not then purchase one type (similac has a cool new can out that makes it super easy) and remember only to get a can or two because Baby might not do well with that type. Formula feeding is trial and error. In the end when I stopped breastfeeding my daughter ended up on soy.
  Dress baby to the climate. Remember that skin is super-soft and prone to irritation so run your fingers on the inside of the outfit to be sure it has no rough spots. Honestly I settled for no fuss dressing since I knew I would be tired by the time we got home and all Baby wanted to do was snuggle. I saved the cute outfit for our first visitors.
   
• angel_baby says:
  You should definetly get your bag ready. As far as the formula wait because the doctor will tell you kind of formula to use which will most likely be enfamil lipil. Some babies have allergies and need different formula so just wait and see. At the hospital you'll have everything you need and some to take home too. And dress your baby how you want him to be dressed. I remember I brought my daughter home in the cutest pooh bear outfit but it was so big on her! lol. But I think a polo and courduroys would be adorable just make sure you have him bundled up if it's cold.
   
• k G says:
  Go ahead get your bag ready, like you said it will give you something to do. And you never know you could naturally go early.
  Definitely wouldn't buy formula just yet. As you said each baby takes a different kind, and they will supply you with some at the hospital. Most babies I know including my son were on Enfamil.
  Yes, most definitely regular clothes its cold out in November and little babies need to be nice and warm and snug.
  Good Luck to you and your family!
   
• Elyse's Mommy ♥ says:
  Not intending to be rude but I would question your doctor if I were you about trying to "start" labor prior to 40 weeks. Breathing problems and 125 heart rate are all very normal in the last weeks of pregnancy. If it was that much of an issue than you would be on bed rest.
  As far as formula goes I don't know as my daughter is breastfed. You can dress the baby in whatever you want but keep in mind sleepers are easiest and most comfy for a baby who is not used to wearing clothes. I would get the bag together now even if labor is not tried to start any earlier than 40 weeks because you never know.
   
• Jane says:
  I packed my bag 4 weeks before due date and it was just riding in my car for a while, just in case it happens when I am at work or somewhere away from home.
  I would defiantly recommend to take your slippers, chap stick, underwear, nursing bra, also take a belt or something tight like scarf or wide belt or one of those slimming shirts that will help you to get rid of your belly. You must put something tight and wear it even at night when you get home that way you will loose your baby belly fast, otherwise it will last as long as 6 weeks, some ppl dont loose it.
  also, you can dress your baby in onsies or one piece suite because you baby will stll have an umbelical cord and you wanna make sure it's not rubbing against anything.
   
• Danica says:
  Pack lotion and chapstick. Pack slippers too. For me (I delivered 10 days ago) the socks were way too hot and this way when I was in the bed I could at least be barefoot. Make sure you have the camera too!
  I packed pj's but honestly never wore them. The gowns were better (they can get messy with the bleeding you will have and the hospital I was at had nursing gowns too which were better than my t-shirts anyway!)
  Take soap and moisturizer for your face and a toothbrush and toothpaste. A brush and holder for your hair (if it's long).
  As for the outfit to come home in...it sounds really super cute...but infants are hard to dress up at this age and something a little more comfy for him might be better. I live near Chicago and brought her home in a onesie with a little cotton long sleeved shirt with matching cotton pants (with feet) over it. She slept in it the first night too. I also brought a couple receiving blankets as well. You'll need the car seat to bring him home too and something to make sure he is bundled and warm...like a blanket or snowsuit thingy. I have an entire car seat cover that I used with my son and LOVED!! It covers the seat and is removable without waking baby or overheating them either!!
  You shouldn't buy formula rught now...wait until you come home. The hospital will give you some while your there and after you go through that you'll know if you want to stay with that brand or try another. Some retailers will not let you return formula once bought so be careful. (I am nursing personally...but the hospital STILL gave me Similac Advance).
  Make sure whatever you pack to come home in is comfy too. I came home in yoga pants and a maternity t-shirt.
  
  Good luck!!
   
• toastedalmondd says:
  Congratulations.
  For the baby, I don't think you will need the creams, lotions etc. Yes you can bring the baby home in any outfit you choose. I put my son in a Winnie the Pooh outfit.
  Off subject but........Do you have a bundle me? You said it was cold where you live. Where I live it's getting cold, I find it difficult to put my son in a coat/snow suit. Not to mention when I take him out of the coat he is wet from sweating. I got the JJ Cole bundle and it's perfect, insert it in the infant carrier-thread the straps as instructed. Strap the baby in and zip up the bundle me. Once inside the vehicle you can unzip it so the baby isn't too hot.
  OK back to your question. For your bag:
  nightgown
  underwear
  pads
  toothbrush and toothpaste
  hair comb/brush and something to tie your hair up if you wish
  slippers/slipper socks
  pillow
  CAMERA & battery
  deodorant
  Loose clothes to wear home
  Something to keep you occupied (radio, mp3 player, games etc)
  change for vending machine
  cell phone and charger
   
• Happymommy24 says:
  Go ahead and pack your bag, just so it's ready for whatever happens, and if you forget something you have time to add it.
  You can wait on the formula, try what the hospital offers and see what works for your little one.
  Dress the baby in whatever you like, it doesn't matter. My son was in the sleepers all the time.
  Good Luck!
   
• Obama is 1 and done baby says:
  I would say definately get your bag ready now.
  As far as the formula goes I agree with what the first answer says. When we brought our son home in Oct 2001, they had used a couple of formulas while he was there and they gave us a few samples.
  We ended up just using what they hospital had already used.
  As far as his clothes go. I am not a woman. This was important to my wife and not so much to me. I just wants him to be comfortable.
  I would say above all else, make sure he is warm. Cold babies cry alot and you and he will need rest.
  Trust me, their will be plenty of nights and days will neither of you get any. Dress him or her to be warm and comfortable and take lots of pictures or movies of him.
  Enjoy the time when the baby is small. It goes very quickly and you will want to make lots of memories.