Twin Hospital Bag Checklist
Packing for a hospital birth with twins is a bit more unique than packing for a singleton birth. What items do you need two of? Can you get by without something? What will you need for delivery that’s specific to twins? That’s why I pulled together the twin hospital bag checklist.
It has the key items to get you through your hospital stay for you, your partner, and your little ones.
While you’re preparing, make sure to also check out my Minimalist Twin Registry Checklist, and Week-By-Week Twin Pregnancy Experience. It gives a raw account of just what a twin pregnancy was like, from week 4 to week 37.
Twin Hospital Bag Checklist:
- Documents
- Your Phones + Camera
- Baby Feeding Supplies
- Sleep Aids for You
- Food + Water Bottles
- Your Overnight Kit
- Baby Clothes
- Gift for Nurses
- Car Seats
Documents
First up on the twin hospital bag checklist is to remember to pack all documents you need, including:
- Your birth plan
- Insurance information
- Hospital forms
- Contact list to send birth announcements to
- Etc.
Figure out which things you need printed and which can be stored digitally, but make sure you have everything in place before you head to the hospital. You won’t want to arrive realizing you forgot a critical piece.
Your Phones, Chargers + Camera
It’s probably going to be obvious to bring your phone; the key is to ensure your phones are loaded with the right stuff.
- Your birthing playlist
- A baby tracking app (it tracks the breastfeeding times, diaper changes, sleep times, etc.). If you think you’ll be able to remember all of these for one, let alone two little ones on a sleep deprived mind, you have another thing coming!
- Your camera. If you’re on the fence about upgrading your phone before the twins arrive, I recommend doing it!
- Your charger. Essential! Need a new one? Stock up!
- If you have a nice camera, bring it. Aim to take as many photos AND videos (seriously, don’t forget them) as possible in their first 24 hours of life. You’ll never get that time back, so
Feeding supplies
Assuming all goes well, your breastfeeding (or bottle feeding) journey will likely start within an hour of giving birth. That’s why it’s helpful to have all of your gear ready to go.
This includes your breastfeeding bras (like these ones) and breastfeeding pillow or bottles. I also recommend bringing some soothers. Even if you’re not sure if you want to use them, I’m a fan of having an option there if they need it.
Note that you can probably leave home your nipple cream and breast pump, as hospitals usually have those. You’re also unlikely to need breast pads either, as you won’t be producing much milk yet.
Sleep Aids for You
Here’s a shocker: hospitals aren’t as comfortable as your own home. While you probably won’t get the best sleep of your life, there are things you can bring that make it easier to get some sleep.
I recommend packing a sleep mask like this one, earplugs, and even your own pillow if it gives you comfort. Especially if you may share a room, having these in place will be key.
Yummy Snacks
First up on the twin hospital bag checklist is yummy, yummy snacks. Not only will you be eating more than the usual hospital-sized portions (hello, producing milk for two), but your partner is likely going to be there with you as well.
Bringing some protein bars (my personal favorite is plant-based Vega bars – delish), fruit, crackers, and shakes all came in handy for us. Also remember to bring a large water bottle – you’ll be drinking lot.
Your overnight kit
Think about what you’d pack if you were spending a night in a hotel, and bring most of it.
This includes comfy PJs, toiletries (lotion, toothpaste, conditioner, makeup, prescriptions, etc.), a comfy robe, and a loose going home outfit. Also, having warm socks for night and comfy flip flops for walks can be super helpful.
Baby Clothes
You’re going to want to bring two going home outfits per baby, like these (hello, spitups). Depending on the season, you may also want two baby blankets and hats as well. Don’t go overboard, you’ll have lots of chance to dress them up in the days to come.
Gift for nurses
It’s definitely not mandatory, but a gift to your nurses is usually very appreciated. They’ll be there helping to take your stats at dinner time and to help you breastfeed at 3am – these are hard workers.
It doesn’t need to be anything elaborate – just a small treat for them to enjoy can work wonders, like a box of assorted chocolates.
As a tip, give the gift at the beginning of your stay, and give it to the nurses who will take care of you in the recovery ward for a few days vs. the labor & delivery nurses who are only with you for a few hours.
Car Seats
Most hospitals have a program where they must inspect babies in their car seats before discharging them from the hospital. Ensure you bring both car seats into your hospital room and have them washed, configured, and tested before you do.
When it comes to which car seat models to pick, I go for the ones that are most narrow, usually around 17 inches. As of this writing, the Chicco Keyfit 30 is one of the most narrow on the market. If you have a third child (or may have one in the future), consider going for a model that fits three to the back seat.
Also, don’t be like us and not have both car seats installed weeks in advance. I hobbled to the car and worked with my husband to install our second car seat – so not the best use of time.
One Last Tip
Take photos.
Take a million photos, then take some more. I have yet to find a parent alive today who says they wish they took fewer photos of their kids in their first 24 hours of life.
Also, don’t forget about videos. Seeing your little ones look up at you for the first time, seeing their eyes lock onto yours and glimpse their first moments of taking in the world… Those moments, well, they felt like moments I was waiting my entire life for.
Hopefully this twin hospital bag checklist was helpful for you. If it was, leave a comment below!
Read Next:
Minimalist Twin Registry Checklist
Twin Pregnancy Week-By-Week Experience
Top 10 Tips for Bringing Home Twins
Follow along on social @TwinWinning
