I was cleaning out some drawers a few days ago and came across a notebook that was open to a page with a list on it.
The list was what to pack in my hospital bag for my twin birth.
I stared at it for several minutes, flashing back to that day when I wrote the list. You see, I wrote my list soon after I found out I was having twins but was never able to actually pack my bags.
I planned on packing them the weekend that I was 30 weeks pregnant, but my water broke just before that date and I was put on hospital bedrest.
Regardless, I thought I would share the list that I had made for what to pack in your hospital bag for twins.
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When to Pack Your Hospital Bag For Twins?
I get asked the question “when should I pack my hospital bag for twins?” so often and the answer is the earlier the better.
Obviously, my plan of packing my bags at 30 weeks wasn’t quite early enough.
I wouldn’t overly stress over it though, because since I was on bedrest for so long, my husband had lots of time to bring me stuff from home.
I don’t suggest packing as if you’re going to be on bedrest (although I have a list of things to help get you through hospital bedrest) because you will end up with way too much stuff.
Hospital Bag for Twins: Mom and Dad
First things first! What to pack for the twin parents-to-be!
Since labor and delivery could last quite a while, you both want to be comfortable and have something for entertainment. Hospital rooms don’t exactly have the best views!
Clothing
- A pretty AND COMFY robe for delivery (you can definitely wear the hospital one, but if you want something a little bit prettier and softer, opt for your own.) I used this one during my last pregnancy and it was so lovely. I showered and changed into it after I delivered.
- Nursing bras (or a comfortable sports bra if you don’t plan on nursing. Trust me, you will need something for support!)
- Loose, comfortable clothing for going home.
- Disposable postpartum underwear. The hospital will provide mesh underwear, so this is not an essential item if you’re on a budget. But these are so much thicker and nicer than the underwear provided by the hospital.
- A change of clothes for dad (I’ve heard that many people forget about this!)
- Slippers or slip-resistant socks for walking around the hospital. I love these socks that say keep calm and push on.
Personal items
- Nursing pads (especially if you don’t plan on nursing! you will still leak)
- Nipple cream (if planning to breastfeed or pump)
- Shower toiletries and makeup
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Chapstick
- Lotion
- Hair ties
- Stool softener (my hospital supplied this but I’m not sure if they all do and trust me, you will be glad you have it)
- Extra absorbent pads (also supplied by my hospital, but it’s nice to have your own, plus you will need them for home)
Official things and stuff
- License or ID
- Any paperwork your hospital requires
- Insurance information
- Thank you cards or gifts for nurses if you choose to do that
- Camera if you want to use something other than your phone
Comfort items
- Extra long Phone charger
- Tablet/e-reader and charger
- Books, music, movies, video, etc (you might be in labor for a while and will appreciate having something to watch!)
- Your own pillow/blanket
- Snacks (some hospitals don’t allow food)
Hospital Bag For Twins: Babies
- Outfit to go home in
- Blanket if it’s cold outside
- Photo props if you want to take a cute picture (letter board, etc)
- Car seat properly installed
- Baby name tag if you want to take a twin birth announcement picture
You really don’t need much for your baby other than a going-home outfit, car seat, and photo props if you desire them.
Both hospitals I delivered at supplied everything: swaddles, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper cream, pacifiers.
It is definitely a good idea to check with your hospital to make sure they supply these things.
Just in case the hospital doesn’t supply these things:
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Baby lotion
- Bottles
- Pacifiers
- Swaddles
- Diaper cream
Twin Hospital Bag Checklist
If you want a full checklist of what to put into your hospital bag for twins that you can print out, just click the link below and I’ve got you covered!
Click here to download your free printable checklist for your twin hospital bag!
Newborn or Preemie Size?
I suggest getting a newborn size because you know your babies will eventually wear them.
I was in the hospital so early that I hadn’t even purchased going home outfits yet. If your babies end up coming prematurely, you will have plenty of time to order premie sized outfits.
I suggest finding preemie outfits you like at Amazon, Target, or someplace with fast shipping, and having them waiting in your cart just in case.
My girls were actually floating in their preemie outfits because they were still under 5 pounds when they came home.
The other thing you will need is blankets to cover the car seats with if it is winter. All 3 of my babies were born in single digits (when Theo was born it was actually in the negatives!) so we needed blankets to get to the car.
If you have questions, please reach out; I would truly love to help.
Give me a follow on Facebook for more updates and tips for life with twins and Instagram to keep up with our journey 🙂
Other helpful posts:
Our Twin Pregnancy Announcement
6 Differences Between a Singleton and a Twin Pregnancy
Expecting Twins? How to Survive a Twin Pregnancy