If you are having your baby in the hospital, you may want to start packing your bags by week 30, or sooner, if you’re worried about the twins coming early. You can keep your bag near the front door or if you’re super organized and ahead of the game, you can keep the bag in your car.
I personally found that I couldn’t pack half of my necessities in the bag because they were actually in the dirty clothes hamper. I prepacked my bag with extra toiletries, and then made a list of items to grab before heading out the door.That list included maternity bras, clothes, contacts, glasses, and shoes.
Here is a suggested list of items to pack:
For Mom:
- comfortable pajamas, nightgowns, and robe (clothing easy for breastfeeding if you plan on it)
- socks and non-skid slippers
- nursing bras, nursing pads, nursing tops, nipple cream or olive oil (if you plan on breastfeeding)
- If you are not breastfeeding, a tight bra, such as a sports bra
- a pillow, but put it in a non-white pillow case so that it doesn’t get mixed with hospital pillows
- toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, contact lens cases and solution, glasses, lotion, chapstick
- brush or comb, any headbands or barrettes to keep your hair out of your face during labor
- loose fitting underwear, like granny panties or low cut bikinis for comfort and also to avoid direct contact with c-section incision
- Comfortable outfit to wear home and shoes- You will still have belly weight, soreness for a vaginal or c-section
- cash and change for food and vending machines
- any labor relaxation tools: music, massage oil, massager, heat/cold pack, relaxing photos
- camera or video, phone, phone charger, purse
- health insurance card and picture identification
- hospital provides stretch underwear and bleeding pads but you may want to bring your own as well
- any prescription medicines and prenatal vitamins
- makeup for pictures if you want! (No pressure, I didn’t wear any makeup).
For support person/ Dad:
- extra change of clothes
- snacks, books, or magazines
- cash and change for food and vending machines
- phone charger
- phone number list or facebook login info for the baby announcement
For baby:
- nursing pillow (optional- You may be fine with the hospital pillows)
- baby book (Ask the hospital to stamp handprints and footprints in the book)
- receiving blanket
- hats, socks, mittens
- 1-2 outfits or sleepers, plus going home or photo outfit
- car seat that is properly installed
What you don’t need:
- Baby diapers, bottles, formula- The hospital will give you enough of these items
- over the counter pain medicines – The hospital should provide these for you
- Too many clothes- You will likely only be in the hospital for 2-3 days maximum and will most likely prefer hospital gowns.
You may also receive baby gifts and flowers during your visit. For those mothers who had babies stay in the NICU, I found that it was easier to have my husband take the pre-packed baby items home the day before before I was discharged so that I wouldn’t be too emotional. In addition, I had him take home the dirty clothes and any items I no longer needed.
This list is a suggested guide. Take what you need for comfort and to be ready for the big day!
I Love My Twin Boys 