Are you eagerly awaiting the arrival of your precious twins? Big Congratulations! As the big day approaches, it is time to start packing your hospital bag. Packing your hospital bag for the arrival of twins can be a daunting task, but with some advanced planning and organization, you can make sure you have everything you need when the big day arrives.
My due date was around mid-February, so I thought I had plenty of time to start packing my bag by first week of January. But destiny had other plans, I went into pre-term labour at 31 weeks - a day before Christmas Eve during a routine check-up because my blood pressure just won’t get normal. I thought I was just going to be out of the house for an hour, but ended up spending the next whole week in the hospital and had to totally depend on my husband to bring stuff for myself and the twins every time he went home to freshen up.
Studies show that nearly 60% of twins are born pre-mature, before 37 weeks gestation, and 10% even before 32 weeks of gestation. Hence it is even more important that you are ready with your hospital bags by the start of your third trimester to avoid any last-minute stress. Most twin moms would tell you - hope for the best, prepare for the worst!
Before you start making a mental list of the things you want to pack, consider checking with your choice of hospital for their recommended ‘things to carry’ list vs what they will provide. Some hospitals provide you with neonatal essentials like clothing, diapers, etc. while a few hospitals expect you to bring everything with you. In either case, keep all the essentials ready in the main bag or in a back-up bag.
From essentials for both mom and babies to those little extras that will make your experience more comfortable and memorable, let's dive into my recommended hospital bag packing list:
Clothing: Pack comfortable outfits for your babies, including onesies, sleepers, caps, and receiving blankets, along with socks or booties to keep them warm. I personally recommend getting a pair or two of preemie-sized clothing sets for the first few days. Stocking on a few pacifiers and burp cloths is a great tip that I received from the NICU and which actually came in handy.
For moms, pack comfortable loose-fitting clothes that are easy to nurse in. Pick clothing that will accommodate your changing body post-delivery, such as loose-fitting pyjamas, front-open kaftans, or nursing-friendly tops. A good quality cotton or lightweight dressing robe is a thoughtful investment because you will pretty much live in it. Another very important clothing item is the stretchy maternity recovery underwear which is a blessing for the weeks after you've had your delivery. These are brilliant alternatives to the uncomfortable mesh underwear hospitals provide.
Maternity Pads: These are crucial post-birth as they provide comfort and absorbency during the healing process.
Nursing Supplies: For breastfeeding or even pumping milk for your twins while at the hospital include nursing bras or camisoles along with breast pads, and a nipple cream. Also, if you are investing in a breast pump, you can carry it to the hospital – it can come in very handy when the babies are still learning to latch or in case, they need to spend some time in the NICU
Toiletries: Bring travel-sized toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, soap or body wash, toothbrushes/paste, etc., as well as any specific products you may need postpartum. Even everyday cosmetics like kajal, lipstick or some light makeup will make you feel good and you can be photo ready for your initial pictures with your babies. Pack flip-flops for the shower or to walk around if your feet are swollen.
Diapers and Wipes: Stock up on newborn-sized diapers and unscented wipes for the babies. It is better to have more than you think you will need, just in case.
Blankets and Swaddles:Soft blankets will keep your little ones cozy during their stay at the hospital. Swaddles can also help calm them down.
Snacks and Drinks: Keeping nourished is essential during labour; pack easy-to-eat healthy snacks such as granola bars and dried fruit along with water bottles or sports drinks to stay hydrated.
Entertainment: While it may seem strange to think about entertainment during this busy time, packing books or magazines, iPads can help pass the time during periods of rest or waiting between feedings. Please do not forget your phone chargers.
Sleep Essentials: With so many people and medical staff visiting my room, a sleeping mask really helped me to get some good sleep. I also asked for a travel neck pillow because I was very uncomfortable lying flat on the bed as I was instructed to do so post-delivery.
Important Documents & Insurance Information: Ensure all necessary documents are packed beforehand - ID cards, birth plans, contact numbers, medical insurance details, hospital registration forms, past medical records, etc.- so nothing vital gets left behind.
A parting tip if your twins are in the NICU Or neonatal unit:
If the twins need special care, most neonatal units provide clothing, caps, and nappies to the babies. If you are unable to breastfeed your babies in the first few days post-birth, they can still benefit from your expressed milk using a breast pump provided by the hospital. Some hospitals may allow you to leave a piece of your clothing near the babies so that they can be comforted by your smell. Some hospitals may even provide a piece of cloth for this very purpose that you can swap between you and your twins.
I hope these tips will help you in packing your hospital bag ahead of time, and you will be prepared for whatever comes your way when welcoming your bundles of joy into the world!
