What to Pack in a Hospital Bag for Twins

When you’re packing your hospital bag for twins, there’s one huge thing to remember.

So make sure you’re up and ready early, too. We recommend having a bag packed at the start of your third trimester, around 26 weeks in.

Even though 37 weeks is around full term for most twins, depending on how developed and big your twins are, the type of twins, as well as any other complications that can come from having twins. There’s so much that could cause them to come early, so it’s great to be prepared.

You should also bear in mind that you’re much more likely to have a caesarian birth than a singleton pregnancy, so pack longer term, just in case.

Even if you or your doctors have spoken about natural, vaginal births, situations can arise that require a caesarian, so it’s good to be prepared.

Twin Hospital Bag Checklist

• First off, your birth plan and maternity notes. I mean, it’s obvious, but so easy to overlook.

Clothing

• Loose, comfortable clothes that are free, non-restricting, light and easy to move around in. Bring several changes of clothes. Three or four is great.
• A specific outfit for labor is great. Bring something oversized and old, that you don’t mind getting ruined. Maybe ask your partner if you can borrow an old t shirt.
• Two or three bras, as well. Bring your largest. Your breasts are going to be larger than usual. If you plan on breastfeeding, bring nursing bras too.
• Several pairs of undies. Pack twice as many as you think you need. They don’t take up much room and it’s great to have too many, rather than not enough. Bring oversized and old underwear, if possible. Don’t buy disposables. They tend to be really low quality.
• Your dressing gown, and slippers whether you normally wear them or not. Things don’t always go to plan, and whether you just want to grab a coffee, or get sick of lying there and want to wander, you’ll appreciate having something to go out in.
• Socks can be appreciated. Your feet can get really cold in labor, so having something to throw on your feet and keep you toasty can go a long way to keeping you that little bit more comfy.
• A separate outfit to come home in. Make sure it’s loose, comfy, and has layers, just in case it’s cool out when you’re coming home.
• Loose fitting or front opening nightgowns or bedwear, if you’re going to breastfeed.
• You might also consider a breastfeeding pillow, if you’ve already got one and you’re planning on breastfeeding at the hospital.

Toiletries

• A washbag with all your toiletries, including toothbrush, hairbrush, flannel, soap, baby wipes, everything.
• Super absorbent sanitary pads. Bring lots. Like, 25 or 30 lots.
• Towels. A couple at least.
• If you’ve got long hair, a hair clip or hair tie will be huge. You won’t miss it unless you don’t bring it!
• Sponges or a water spray, to help you keep cool.

Comfort

• Something to help you pass the time that’s not your phone. Books or magazines are great.
• Your phone, and a charger. You’re probably going to be getting messages from everyone you know, and you might be in the hospital a while, so the charger is essential.
• Snacks and drinks are always good. Your hospital will have facilities for this, but it’s great to have something already there, rather than having to wait. Plus, we all know how expensive and dreary hospital food is.
• Lip balm. Air conditioning and pregnancy itself can dry out your lips, so lip balm can be great to bring.
• Ear plugs, and maybe an eye mask. It can be hard to get to sleep in hospitals, and every little thing helps.

For the Twins

• 10 to 15 sleepsuits and vests per twin. Newborns go through so many clothes, and you have twins!
• Nappies. Like, a lot of nappies. If you don’t know how small your babies are going to be, then pack two sizes.
• A shawl or blanket for each your babies, to wrap them in when you’re coming home.
• Clothes for both twins to leave the hospital in, including hats.
• Make sure you pack your car seats. Sometimes you won’t even be able to leave the hospital if you don’t have them.

Remember twins are usually smaller than normal, so when you’re choosing clothes, it might be worth having a set of tiny baby sized clothes, as well as newborns.

Again, ask your doctor or midwife what they recommend, based on the expected weight of your twins.

Make sure you know how you’re getting home. Have transport planned. It sounds stupid, but if you’re driving, whether it’s partner or family, make sure the car has a full tank of gas.

There’s nothing worse than just wanting to get home and having to stop over by a gas station with two newborns in the car.

Different mothers have different needs, but with this hospital bag checklist for twins you should have everything you need for as smooth a pregnancy as possible.

But if you’ve got any tips for us or there’s anything you think we’ve missed in a hospital bag for twins, be sure to let us know in our comments section!