What to pack in a hospital bag when giving birth to twins

Packing your hospital bag for twins

When you are expecting more than one baby, it can feel as if you need to take the whole house to hospital. Packing a little earlier than friends who are having one baby can help you feel calmer and more in control.

Focus on the essentials for your babies and a few key comforts for you. A small mix of tiny baby and newborn clothes is usually enough, as you will not know their true size until they arrive. Add a cosy layer or jacket for going home and you are off to a great start.

It can help to have one bag for baby things and one for your own bits. This makes it easier for your partner or birth supporter to find what you need quickly.

Neonatal planning and premature baby essentials

With twins and higher order multiples there is a higher chance of your babies spending some time in a neonatal unit. If this happens, they may not need clothes at first. Many babies begin in an incubator wearing only a nappy, which the unit will usually provide.

You can still pack a few tiny baby and premature outfits so you are ready when they can wear clothes. Short and long sleeved bodysuits and soft sleep suits are ideal. Most supermarket ‘newborn’ sizes are too big for premature babies, so look for premature or tiny baby ranges online. Neonatal units often have spare clothes you can use as well.

Premature babies lose heat easily, so hats are important. Units usually provide these, but you can buy premature sized hats online if you would like your babies to have their own.

For premature nappies, you can also ask your neonatal unit if they have nappies in stock or know of any local schemes that support parents of premature babies. Some supermarkets give these out for free.

Feeding choices and comfort options in hospital

Hospital days and nights can feel long, especially if you are walking between the postnatal ward and the neonatal unit. Snacks you enjoy and drinks you can sip easily make a real difference. A large bottle with a straw is ideal so you can drink while feeding or cuddling your babies.

If you plan to bottle feed, pack a few ready-made bottles of formula plus baby bottles with newborn, slow flow teats. The hospital will have sterilising equipment. If your babies are premature, the neonatal unit will usually provide a special milk. Some hospitals ask you to bring your own formula even if you hope to breastfeed, so it is worth checking this with your midwife or consultant.

If you plan to breastfeed, a twin feeding pillow can be very helpful for supporting both babies and protecting your tummy, especially after a caesarean. If you do not have a twin pillow, extra pillows from home can still work well. Many parents also like to pack nipple barrier cream for the early days.

Your comfort matters too. Soft pyjamas or loungewear, a dressing gown, socks and slippers help you feel more at home. Big maternity pants or disposable knickers plus plenty of maternity pads are essential after birth. If you have a caesarean, high-waisted pants or bottoms are usually more comfortable as they sit above your scar. Toiletries, a towel, a small fan, your phone, a long charger and headphones or earphones can all help hospital life feel a little easier.