When I found out I was pregnant, my immediate hope was to just steer clear of the NICU. Once I found out we were having identical twins, I knew my chances at having NICU time was higher, but I was still hopeful. Now that we are officially having growth problems (similar to our first, Clara,) we know a NICU stay is (pretty much) inevitable.

Today, I want to share with you the items I am packing in my hospital bag knowing a NICU stay is almost certain at this point. As a parent of a NICU graduate, I think it’s helpful to know what other people could bring with them to make their time in the hospital more comfortable, tolerable, and even enjoyable at times.

DIFFERENT NICU STAYS

I want to point out that not all NICUs (Neonatal Intensive Care Units) are created equally. We are also in a pandemic, so things you can and cannot bring in will differ from hospital to hospital. Ask your doctor if they know or contact the nursing staff at the NICU to see if they have specific rules for what you can/cannot bring in, etc.

This post is MOSTLY directed to those who can board with their NICU babies. However, if you are able to come spend most of the day with them, this is a bag of goodies you would want to keep in your car (or in their room if you’re allowed) so that you have easy access to it if you need it!

THE BAG

The bag is important. It’s basically what you will live out of if you’re in the NICU for a while. When we were in the NICU with our first, I didn’t have a bag packed, so when I went home for a night in my bed (recovering from C-section still,) I grabbed a larger canvas tote with the things we needed. The bag still wasn’t big enough.

This time, I am bringing an extra large LL Bean Hunter’s tote bag. I’d assume my husband will bring his XL Boat & Tote bag by LL Bean as well. We LOVE these things. We actually got them for each other for Christmas- not even planned! Mine is a bit more of a modern take (linked here) and his is classic with long handles (linked here.)

If a suitcase would suit your needs better, bring that. A duffle bag? Sure! Do whatever you will be most comfortable with, but a bag with lots of space is a must!

FOR MOM

• Snacks– I put this first because it’s how much I truly needed them. I was starving a lot, and even though my hospital offered me meals since I was breastfeeding, the snacks helped keep my husband alive.
• Robe– This is perfect for after birth and that first time you can do skin to skin with your baby! I lived in my robe for my whole hospital stay, then a lot of the NICU time as well!
• Comfy clothes/pajamas- I loved having some super comfy pajama sets to lounge in, leggings (like Align leggings, not high impact ones,) comfortable underwear, socks, your favorite t-shirt and cardigan, etc.
• Nursing Supplies- If you are breastfeeding, bring a few nursing bras and/or tank tops, some pads to help with leaking, and any pump parts you might need (my hospital had a pump for me to use and gave me the new pump parts for it, but it’s worth checking to see what yours does.)
• Toiletries- Especially if you can stay with your child, showering at the hospital can be such a nice break, but bringing your own mini shampoo, conditioner, razors, soap, etc. is a MUST. If you want to feel put together, even some minimal makeup (concealer, mascara, lip balm) can help do the trick.
• Medications- Remember, the baby is the patient. And while my NICU did all they could to take care of us (getting us water, making sure we were okay, etc.) medicine like ibuprofen wasn’t available to us! So pack some of your most-used medications, vitamins, a few bandaids, or whatever else you may need!
• Electronics/Chargers- I used my laptop and my phone in the hospital. If you have an Ipad, that would be good to bring! Something to do while your baby sleeps- because they will sleep a lot. And bring CHARGERS. I actually just ordered a pack of longer chargers so my husband and I can have some freedom to be plugged in while using electronics if we need to.
• Books/Games– I love to read, so bringing a physical book (when I usually wouldn’t tote one around) sounds awesome to me. If you’re an e-reader user, then that works too! If your partner will be with you in the NICU, consider bringing some card games to help pass the time! We are avid Skip-bo, Phase 10, and Five Crowns players in our house, so they will make the trip with us!
• Blanket– Sitting in those rocking chairs or on the couch…you’re going to need to be comfy. And if you’re staying the night? Even more of a reason to bring your own. I did something like a couch throw, not a comforter. And again, if you’re staying- a pillow too!
• Notebook– If you think of questions to ask the doctors (who you prob won’t see SUPER often) you can jot them down. You can also take notes when the doctors or nurses are meeting with you and write down memories you’ll never want to forget or milestones. You can keep track of scores for the games you’re playing, write a poem, start your autobiography…the possibilities are endless, but a notebook is a must.

FOR BABY

Baby won’t need as much stuff as parents will. The hospital will have the diapers, butt cream, blankets, soaps, formula if you use it, etc. And babies don’t need much else. Here are some things I will bring this time for the twins:

• Baby Clothes with Buttons- Buttons are a must in the NICU to allow the cords to be connected to the baby! While clothes aren’t really necessary for a while (depending on needs and issues) it’s still super fun to dress your kiddo when you can. Carter’s has affordable and cute options, and Kickeepants has the softest sleepers and go down to Micro-premie size!
• Boppy– To be fair, I used this more than I did for the baby, but it was nice to have the extra support for holding the baby when you get to! Also, if you are able to have guests (pre or post Covid,) it can give you peace of mind when you have those nerves about whether or not someone is going to drop your child or not.
• Books- All those books you got to read to you sweet little one? Bring them with you! You can still read to your baby, cherish the time, and let them get used to hearing your voices! I stood by Clara’s isolate (covered bed) and read to her when I wish I could have been holding her. Nothing replaces holding your child, but you can find things that help.
• Special Items- Name signs, special blankets, personalized items, etc- all those cute things you bought can come along with you. Show them to your nurse staff! More than likely, they will be happy to figure out a way for you to be able to take cute pics and help however they can! I’ve been eyeing these blankets and these name signs for the twins!

Now, there were some other items we had that were helpful, but I would not call them necessities by any means. Since Brett couldn’t eat hospital food (besides scraps from my plate) we brought in some PB&J ingredients or ready-made sandwiches.

I even brought in a lunch warmer crockpot with some food we had in the freezer from meals I had made before baby! That way he could have a warm meal and we didn’t have to spend extra money! This goes hand in hand with grabbing some paper plates and plastic utensils. It can be very helpful if you’re staying in the room with baby and you aren’t leaving much!

Ultimately, the NICU is a hard, hard place to be, but your baby will be getting the best care! It’s important to take care of yourself as well! Have you done time as a NICU parent? If so, let me know what your must-haves were that I might have left of this list!