Is your hospital go-bag ready? The average pregnant woman will likely want to pack her delivery bag around week 37, but as a pregnant woman of multiples, it is best to have all of the hospital bag for twins or more, organized by 35 weeks. So look no further than this no-fuss list of Hospital Bag Must Haves with all the essentials you need, plus a printable delivery bag checklist!
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I’m cutting it close, as I just hit 37 weeks and FINALLY have everything ready to go! Well, except for these baby boys’ names. I “think” we’re just about there with the first names and have a shortlist for middles, but I am loving this list of 150 unique middles names for boys… maybe with that, we’ll have the full name decided by the time we make it to the hospital.
But I digress, back to this hospital bag business, according to the American Pregnancy Association, almost 60% of twins are delivered preterm, while 90% of triplets are preterm. So, with the twins coming soon I’ve been thinking about what I’m going to pack for my labor and delivery and what to pack in a hospital bag for c-section – just in case.
And as a pregnancy update, we JUST had one of our twin boys turn and is now breach, so it’s looking more and more like a c-section for me – glad I’m prepared!
I know everyone is different, and I’ve used different things with different deliveries, but overall, the items I’m sharing today are the things I use and appreciate having on hand at the hospital. Is everything a necessity? No, you could show up with nothing in hand (well, a car seat will be needed to take baby home), and be just fine, but this is about making that hospital stay as comfortable as possible!
Read on to find out what delivery bag essentials you will want to pack for you, baby, and even dad too—plus snag your free hospital bag checklist printable.
I’ve been getting tired now and have tons of doctor visits. Plus, with four children, a home and a business to manage, I know how hectic it all can be. To help other moms-to-be get organized I created a free printable hospital bag checklist for labor and delivery. Just print it out and start gathering your items! The free download is at the bottom of this post.
The Real Hospital Bag Essentials for Twins
Hospital Bag must-haves for Mom
You are priority number one. This moment is all about you and providing you with the support and items you may need to get you through the possible hours of labor. You may want to check out my post on How to Use Blissful Essential Oils for Labor and Delivery.
I have already packed my top essential oils, along with a diffuser, in my delivery bag for labor and postpartum care. Other than oils though (did you really think I wouldn’t be using them?) there are lots of hospital bag must-haves you will want to consider to make your stay more comfortable and make your birth experience a pleasant one… and plenty of things you won’t’ need (yep, sharing that as well).
And don’t forget if you are among the approximately 1 in 4 pregnant women carrying GBS bacteria in their body you will be staying with baby for an extra day. You’ll want to think about items to keep you entertained as well.
Here is my helpful hospital bag must-have list just for you and your delivery bag.
- A great bag to carry everything in! I’m super stoked for this little push-present I got for myself, and I am happy to use a simple roller bag this time.
- Robe + Pajamas – This robe is so soft and I’m loving these pajamas already (under $15).
- Slippers (just $10)
- Nursing bra
- Nursing pads
- Nipple Cream – loving this one or here is our natural DIY essential oil nipple cream recipe!
- Silver Cups – I’m also trying out these Silverette cups which are small cups crafted out of silver that fit over and help to protect nipples between breastfeeding. Silver is a natural antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibacterial metal that also contains anti-inflammatory agents. It heals and prevents cuts, wounds, cracks, soreness, and infections.
- Socks – Taking these fun anti-slip socks!
- Nightgown – How fun are these hospital gowns?! They work great for nursing as well.
- Loose pants + nursing tops
- Go home outfit if different from above
- Cardigan – So happy with how soft and cozy this one is.
Toiletries
At the very least, you’ll need a few essentials, but go ahead and skip the blow dryer and curling iron… ain’t nobody got time for that! I will say, with ONE of my deliveries, a friend came in with a flat iron and fixed up my hair for me and it felt amazing, but typically, a ponytail or bun is where it’s at! Just make sure to have on hand what makes YOU feel the most like YOU. If it’s a favorite shower gel, then pack it. If it’s a certain lip color, stash it in your bag. You probably want to invest in travel-size versions of the essentials so they don’t take up so much room in your bag and you can have them ready beforehand.
- Toiletry bag – I’ve been using this one for years now and love the detachable cases inside!
- Makeup – NOT a necessity, but I like to be able to feel a little more presentable, so I’m taking my easy Essential 8.
- Face wipes + deodorant + lotion
- Shower items (travel size shampoo, conditioner + razor)
- Hairbrush + hair ties (these are the best!) + dry shampoo
- Toothbrush + toothpaste
- Chapstick – Can’t forget this!!!!!
What to Pack in a Hospital Bag for C Section
If you are going in for a planned c section then this list definitely applies to you.
According to Parents.com, you will likely be in the hospital a little longer. What is typically two days following a vaginal delivery can be closer to four days for a c-section.
Honestly, everyone should be prepared for a c section. Unfortunately, you never know if something will happen and you need an unexpected surgery. It’s better to know what to pack in a hospital bag for a c section and be prepared with those hospital bag must-haves.
- Though you’ll be in a hospital gown for the first couple of days, be sure to pack the essential items you want at your disposal for two to four days
- Avoid pants, elastic on the waist, and zippers! For any clothing, you’ll want something loose that won’t press on your incision, nursing nightgowns are perfect to live in and a flowy dress is a great idea for going home!
- A binder or wrap – the hospital MAY provide this, so it’s good to ask ahead of time.
- Any prescription medication and prenatal vitamins – enough for four days.
Hospital Bag for Dad
You know your husband, or partner, best. He could be your rock or he could be a mess seeing you in pain. When it comes down to it if he is comfortable he will be better focused on you.
There are several thoughtful items to have in a hospital bag for Dad. Here is my list of essential items that should be in your hospital bag for Dad but are useful for you both.
- 2 changes of clothes
- Pajamas + boxers + socks
- Casual shirt for in-hospital photos
- Toothbrush + Deodorant
- Twin Sheet Set (optional: we haven’t packed this, but I’ve heard from others how much the dad appreciates his own sheets)
Hospital Bag Essentials for Baby
When the baby arrives there is a LOT provided by the hospital and we even take quite a bit home with us, which is great. If you are at a birth center you will need to worry about being prepared with more hospital bag must-haves for baby, so check with them ahead of time to see what they have one hand (ie, diapers, wipes, etc).
If you anticipate any special needs for medicine or formula, such as dairy and soy-free formula, you may want to have that on hand for yourself. Otherwise, you may be waiting around for the pediatrician on-call, or GI, to pay a visit and approve your request.
As a twin mom, I’m counting on using quite a bit from the hospital, but still, I am packing a few favorites in our diaper bag for the twins… so everything below will be times TWO (except for the diaper bag).
- Diaper bag (to hold it all in, and pack with the diapers and essentials you’ll bring home FROM the hospital – I’m loving this one!)
- Hat (hospitals have these as well, I’m bringing my own for photos and these hats are so cute!)
- Going home outfit
- Pacifier and clip
- Muslin blanket or swaddle (hospitals have these as well, but I want to have our own for some photos as well)
- Boppy pillow (I have ours from previous babies, and also have the My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow for Twins, but I’m leaving that at home for when I get the hang of tandem feeding)
- Car seat (already installed in the car and ready to go)
- First picture props
What Not to Pack in You Delivery Bag
You will be bringing quite a few hospital bag must-haves with you for a one to two-night stay. But there are many things the hospital will provide and you won’t have to take up precious space in your delivery bag. Be sure to take advantage of all these freebies and don’t be afraid to ask for extras!!
- Diapers + wipes + onesies + hat + swaddle blanket (the hospital will provide ALL of this, only pack these items if there’s a specific color/brand you want)
- Tylenol, Tums
- Collace (stool softener)
- Dermoplast (spray numb)
- Mesh panties + pads (you can bring your own, but I would rather use what they have while there and keep mine for when I need it at home)
- Iced pads
- Tucks pads
Printable Hospital Bag Checklist for Labor and Delivery
It’s time for what you’ve been waiting for, your free printable hospital bag checklist for labor and delivery. Use this list to easily check off the items as you pack your bag. You may want to print an extra copy to give to any family member who would like to get you helpful items for your delivery as well!
Download the printable No-Fuss Hospital Bag Must-Haves Checklist here!
Now You are Ready for the Special Day
I hope the free printable hospital bag checklist for labor and delivery helps you in your final weeks of pregnancy. You shouldn’t have to worry about what to pack or any list of hospital bag must-haves when the time comes for you to enjoy the moment and welcome your sweet bundle into this world!
Costumelooks.com says
Try to get your bag packed by the start of the third trimester, just in case. Though 37 weeks is considered full-term for twins, they do sometimes arrive ahead of schedule .
RAJUK says
ITS VERY USEFUL WHEN PACKING FOR MY TWINS