Pack the kids bags now. That is the last thing you want to think about and it will give you a chance to remember new things - a backup toothbrush for the younger one. Non mint tooth paste for the older one. Sleep sack for the younger. Extra undies for newly potty trained. Whatever. Scrambling for those will suck (trust me) just having to put lovies or special toy in bag and not need to think about clothes and books and shoes.will be great. For you, pack everything you can - toiletries, charger, shower shoes... You will have time to put the last three things or whatever in your bag once you start labor. I made a paper list with what needed to go in - no thinking needed. No need to buy new things either.

Fwiw you can get things delivered so no need to GO to get them

You get better at it the more kids you have. This time I felt at 36 weeks it would come soon and packed. It came at 37 weeks. My 6th.

It probably wouldn’t hurt to do it soon. I had a very unremarkable pregnancy, went in for a routine appointment at 35 weeks, and was admitted same day for induction. My husband had a hard time finding and packing everything even with detailed instructions! E.g., he brought sports bras instead of nursing bras.

Avoid my mistakes in not being prepared early!

Anonymous wrote:Aren’t hospitals kicking people out really fast these days? I’d just make sure I have my phone charger, clothes for the drive home, and a bag of toiletries.

OP here. My intention is to leave ASAP. I have two other children and my husband can only leave and come back once, and I don’t want them with my friend for too long.

So, yes. But as you mentioned, I need to pack an outfit and toiletries, and a bag for my kids.

My husband is wonderful but it’ll be a scramble if I have to leave suddenly!

Aren’t hospitals kicking people out really fast these days? I’d just make sure I have my phone charger, clothes for the drive home, and a bag of toiletries.

My water broke at 37 weeks and I hadn't had time to pack my bag, but it turned out fine. I just told my husband to bring what I needed after the birth.

Pack everything you don’t need now, make a list and set it next to those packed bags for all the things you need to add as you’re leaving (eg toothbrush)

I went into labor at 37 weeks birth times. The first I didn't have a bag and brought whatever was in my car. Second time I packed it at 34 weeks.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There isn’t really a downside to doing it early, so why wait if it will give you one less thing to think about.

I might need to buy more clothes, if I put them away in a bag for now

I wouldn’t consider clothes an important part of your hospital bag. You will wear what you are wearing to the hospital and someone will bring you something to wear home. Pack all the other stuff now. Or don’t. I never wanted to run around in early labor looking for my phone charger and a bottle of shampoo, but it might keep you busy.

36/37 weeks. Don't forget to install the infant carseat, too.

Anonymous wrote:There isn’t really a downside to doing it early, so why wait if it will give you one less thing to think about.

I might need to buy more clothes, if I put them away in a bag for now

There isn’t really a downside to doing it early, so why wait if it will give you one less thing to think about.

I am 33 weeks with my third. I do not have any reason to think I'll go early...but of course it is anyone's game!

Should I go to Target and get my toiletries and flip flops? Is it too early?

Also, my children will spend the night with a friend. Should I prep their stuff as well?

Thank you!