Free Downloads
Daddy’s Hospital Bag
This free download was compiled at TwinTimes in answer to a question I posted on the website forum at TwinsClub in September 2007.Being one of the best organisers I have ever met, my wife had a bag packed and ready for the hospital almost immediately after the twins were conceived. I, however, am not so organised. At almost the last moment I posted a question on the above forum so that I could at least give the illusion that I was prepared too. The answers I received were as generous as they were welcome. The following list is not meant to be the ‘be all and end all’ version. But if, like me, you’ve no idea what to take to the hospital when your wife goes into labour I hope this will give you a few useful ideas.
With grateful thanks to everyone who contributed. Not all the answers that came back were followed up by me, so I haven’t included all of them. For instance, whilst I understand that some of the suggestions may have suited some of the fathers better than others, I just couldn’t see what use I would have for a water-pistol, 4-pack of lager or photo of the family dog. We don’t even have a dog. Still, I admire the thinking.
I’m sure you’ll want to add to this list depending on your circumstances. I hope it will make at least part of the hospital process a little easier for you.
And if you want to appear especially considerate and caring you could get some easy extra bonus points with your partner by downloading a copy of the Mother’s Hospital Bag List and giving it to her.
Good luck and best wishes,
Luke Cunliffe
Mummy’s Hospital Bag
Not long ago I created a free download at TwinTimes for Fathers expecting twins. The idea was to ensure that fathers wouldn’t have to think too hard about what they should take to the hospital and could avoid a last minute panic.
When I’d finished that list I thought I might as well do the same for mothers, hoping they would find it useful too.
My wife, Charlotte, was as organised with her hospital bag as anyone I’ve ever met or could imagine meeting. She sourced numerous books, resources, advice and suggestions after which she compiled the mother-of-all lists (if you’ll excuse the pun). Her bags were meticulously organised. I say bags because it wasn’t just one bag. All kinds of bags and cases filled our crowded bedroom. I remember thinking how closely it must have resembled the lost luggage department of any major international airport.
Charlotte considered every item carefully and finally created the following compendium of suggestions. It’s not meant to be the definitive “you must have all of these items or you’ll regret it” list. Instead, I hope it gives you some ideas that will help you create your own personal inventory. There’s plenty of space to add other items.
With grateful thanks to Charlotte for contributing not only her list but also her hindsight. Where she subsequently thought of something she wished she’d taken, it’s been added.
If you’re the expectant mother of twins then you could either suggest to your partner that they download the list for the fathers or, if they’re as useless as me, print them off a copy so they know what they need to take to the hospital.
And if you’re the father who’s reading this then print off one of the Mothers’ lists for the mother. This gesture of thoughtfulness will earn you extra bonus points. And, boy, sometime soon you’re going to need them.
Good luck and best wishes,
Luke Cunliffe
