Popping over from PAIF with a few questions...

Jbromberg1985

Hi all! I hope you don't mind me popping over but I have a few questions:

1. When did you make sure your bags were packed? I know it's still too soon at 30 weeks with twins, but I also know that they can potentially come in the next 5-8 weeks and I really want to be prepared.

1.1 What was the most important thing you packed? 

2. When did you put your carseats in the car? (or at least the bases so everything is ready to go)? 

3. We just ordered our furniture yesterday, but we haven't picked out mattresses yet... any recommendations?  

Im sure ill have more questions as it gets closer, but this is all I can think of right now. TIA for any help and advice!!  

JodiAriel

I'm OCD so I started packing my bags around 34 weeks and left them on my dresser and added things to them as I thought of them.  Also, I printed a list and gave it to DH with the last minute things that needed to be added when I was actually in labor (cell phone charger, hairdryer, etc).

I packed a couple skirts made out of tshirt material and wore those with tank tops through my whole labor (and delivery).  It was so much more comfortable than wearing the gown and they could still check me etc.  I even had my epi with them on.  Also I made a playlist for my phone and that was a lifesaver.  I wore my headphones and listened to my music for the 3 straight days, it drowned out the hospital noise and helped me focus. 

Again, I'm OCD so I had the bases in the car around 32-33 weeks.  

No recommendations on mattresses our cribs came with them but I will say I wish ours were a little more firm than they are.  

Definitely try to make the clothing swap at the April MOTA meeting.  I know you will be 36 weeks but pregnant moms get to bring a friend to help with stuff.  I got about 60 outfits from 0-9 mos for the girls. Also if you havent received one yet and are planning on BFing I have a my breast friend twin that I am bring to the swap to sell.  I barely used it (maybe 4-5x) because I felt more comfortable nursing them one at a time.  Oh and the group rents them too if you dont want to commit to one.

Ruthie04

1. My OB told me to have them (mostly) packed at 32 weeks, as I started NST/ AFIs then. I would keep the clothes, shoes, robe... in the suitcase and have a list together of the last minute things to grab. I only packed the babies' stuff hours before my water broke.

2. I think the online lists of things to pack are pretty good, but I will add one non-traditional item: facial cleansing wipes. I had a c/s and couldn't get out of bed for 24 hours. I would wipe my face/ arms/ chest/ neck with those things several times per day.

3. I think this depends on the availability of car seat installation centers/ clinics. For example, we have very limited access because our fire departments no longer do them. We found a store with a certified technician, but some had to wait weeks to get into the police department. I would make sure it is installed and ready around 35 weeks since it is unlikely they would come home from the hospital before then.

4. We got our mattresses from BrU with the twin discount. I want to say they are Sertas, maybe? Or Sealy? It was one of the main brands. And, they also have two sides, one for babies and one for toddlers. It had good reviews, so we just went for it.  

AmyJoy728

mine was packed after my ptl hosp stay at 27 wks.

we left the car seats set up at home, even when I went in to be induced, but the bases were installed. I was worried we would get in a car accident and then have to replace the car seats.

Bring snacks for dh! And your pillow, ipod and a sleep mask so you can nap in the hosp.

Mattresses from bru.

jcath

1. When did you make sure your bags were packed? I think most people prepare early, I am not an overpreparer and packed a bag on the morning of my induction but the hospital wasn't far and I had lots of family going back and forth if I needed anything.

1.1 What was the most important thing you packed?  phones and chargers, ipad or laptop

2. When did you put your carseats in the car? (or at least the bases so everything is ready to go)?  I think it's not too early for you to do that unless you need the backseat of your car for passengers.  At least go ahead and figure out how to do it.  DH and I were the sad parents at the hospital who couldn't figure out how to snap the carseats into the base

3. We just ordered our furniture yesterday, but we haven't picked out mattresses yet... any recommendations?  We just got a midpriced mattress from Babies R Us, its been fine

Jbromberg1985

Thank you all for your responses... they're definitely helpful and have put my mind at ease a bit!!

dgancz

1. I am a bad example.I packed the night I was leaving for the hospital.I figured if I forgot something my Dh would bring it to me.

2.Car seats were in the car at 36 weeks-I know that is late with twins, but again.I knew I had time for my Dh to do this when we were in the hospital.We had them in our house around the 30-32 week mark.

3.We have the colgate classica I mattress we used it for our older DD and are buying another for the twins.