What To Register For When Having Twins

Are yous expecting twins? Check out this comprehensive list of must haves for twins! It includes everything you'll need to intendance for two babies.

I finally wrapped my head around the fact that I was having twins. The emotions were still coming in waves, but I was set up and more than excited for their arrival.

Except… I didn't know what I needed to have for twins.

I already had a three-yr-old and planned to use many of his infant items for the twins. Just as I quickly realized, what may accept worked for a singleton doesn't always use when you're expecting twins.

Do you really need two of everything? What special equipment or gear would you need to purchase? Some seemed obvious, while others I only learned were essential (or not) downwardly the line.

Free printables: Get a handy printable of all these must haves for twins! Download your re-create of the Twin Registry Must-Haves and keep track of what you have and the items you still demand to become. Catch information technology below—at no toll to y'all! Plus, you'll likewise go my newsletters, which twin moms say they Beloved:

"Thank you lot sooo much Nina, I'm truly happy I signed up." -Linda M.

Must haves for twins

To spare yous the problem, I created a list of must haves for twins. I'g pretty frugal and minimalist, so if an particular fabricated it on this list, then you know it's a necessity. Many have links to specific twin stuff I used and recommend.

Some of these must haves for twins you'll need before the babies are built-in, others not until they're older. I've marked the ones you don't need now with an asterisk (*) and then you tin can focus on the items you need sooner than later.

I also created a video where I explain which items you lot absolutely demand to get 2 of, and which ones you can get away with just buying 1:

Desire to know which items to add to your twin registry listing (from exactly how many to which types)? Accept a await at these must haves for twins:

Disclosure: This article contains chapter links, which means I volition earn a commission—at no extra cost to yous—if you lot make a purchase.

Sleeping

ii cribs: I suggest buying cribs that convert to toddler beds and then you won't have to buy separate toddler beds down the line. Yous'd just get from crib/toddler bed to twin bed instead of crib to toddler bed to twin bed.

2 mattresses: Each crib will demand its own mattress.

2 bassinets: Babies dearest to sleep in confined spaces—it reminds them of their time in the womb. Bassinets are a fantastic option if your twins don't take to cribs or you don't desire to purchase cribs correct now.

half-dozen fitted crib sheets: Organic cotton sheets are soft and ameliorate quality than most. Six will make sure you always have make clean sheets to use after accidents.

Burt'due south Bees Fitted Crib Sail

4 swaddles: Swaddles keep your twins snug and help them sleep longer. Prepare to go swaddles also don't come undone compared to your standard baby blanket. This is a must for middle-of-the nighttime wake ups when you're too sleepy to do the full swaddle routine.

4 thick blankets: Utilize these to embrace your babies in the car seat or to lay them on the flooring for tummy fourth dimension (or even nap fourth dimension).

4 lite blankets: Calorie-free blankets like aden + anais work cracking for low-cal and loose swaddles. You can also use them for burp cloths, breastfeeding covers or blankets to keep the sun out of your babies' eyes when they're in the stroller. They're 1 of the most versatile purchases I've ever made.

iv pacifiers: Your twins might take to sucking on pacifiers to soothe and even assist them autumn asleep. Go dissimilar-colored ones then you can assign i color per twin.

4 sleep sacks: If your twins don't slumber with a swaddle (or they've outgrown them), you may need sleep sacks to keep them warm. Regular blankets aren't safe for babies to sleep with in the crib. Sleep sacks come in different textures for the different seasons. (Take a look at these guidelines of what your baby should wear at dark.)

White racket car: This will help your twins slumber longer considering information technology drowns out the sounds that might startle them awake. This could exist anything from noise exterior the house, to you walking effectually, and even each other's cries. Marpac and HoMedics are a few to cheque out.

An alternative to a white racket machine is a regular fan or heater, or even downloaded music or apps on your iPhone.

Infant monitor: If you want to bank check on your twins without opening the door, a baby monitor is the way to become. This is especially useful if your room is far from theirs. You tin set the monitor next to your bedside table and conveniently check in on them from a distance.

Diaper changes

1 changing table with drawers to put clothes in: I'm a fan of changing tables that too serve equally a identify to shop dress. Even better if they have shelves for cubbies to concord diapers, wipes and other essentials.

You might become away with changing your babies on the floor or your bed, but information technology's more convenient and easier on your back with a changing table.

i irresolute pad mattress: With a changing table, you'll need one changing pad. These ordinarily come up as waterproof pads with a safety belt to buckle your babies.

iii changing pad covers: You'll besides need about iii changing pad covers. These are like "fitted sheets" that get over the changing pad.

1 diaper pail and diaper bags: I suggest getting a diaper pail with odor control if you don't programme to change the pail frequently. And for breastfed babies, you might get away with using a regular trash can, since their poop won't smell yet. (At to the lowest degree until they brainstorm eating solids a few months later.)

Don't forget numberless for the pail, too.

2 boxes of newborn diapers: Your twins will probable go through at least 2 standard diaper boxes a month. And since most twins are born on the pocket-sized size, you'll desire to become the smallest size.

1 box of wipes:A must for many, many diaper changes and clean ups!

Bathing

1 infant bathtub: Bathing is a i-at-a-time task, and then you don't demand two bathtubs.

Get an infant bathtub with a mesh superlative that looks similar a hammock. This will go along them from existence submerged in water (because you tin can't wet their umbilical cords until they fall off). Once their umbilical cords have fallen off, you simply remove the mesh meridian.

14-20 washcloths: Depending on how ofttimes you wash laundry and bathe your twins, yous'll need anywhere from fourteen-20 washcloths.

Apply these, along with a baby torso launder, to gently wipe their bodies. Pay special attention to trivial cracks and folds y'all may forget, similar underarms or under the knees.

4 hooded towels: Hooded towels embrace your twins' heads and keep the surface you lay them on dry.

ane toddler bathtub*: Eventually your babies will outgrow the infant bathtub and will need a larger toddler one. Get something large enough for them to fit merely small enough that you can still bathe them conveniently.

As with the infant bathtub, you lot'll only need one of these. You can get this much later on, when they're most 9-10 months old and can sit comfortably on their own.

Bathtub faucet cover*: A faucet comprehend is skillful have once they're bathing in an actual bathtub where might skid and slide. The cover prevents them from hit the faucet and maybe hurting themselves.

Bath toys*: One time your twins can sit down upwards, keep bath time fun with simple toys. Some of my favorites include toys that squirt, foam alphabet letters, and waterproof books.

Shampoo and body wash: Get one specifically for babies to avoid stinging their eyes.

Bottle-feeding

12 bottles: Here are a few favorite baby bottles to cheque out.

Comotomo
Dr. Dark-brown's
Benefaction

Bottle brush: The Oxo brush stands up in a sturdy base so you don't go on knocking it over like other brands.

2 drying racks: I dearest Boon drying racks, and at present they come in a large size. They're versatile and tin fit annihilation from canteen parts to utensils and bowls.

Pumping and breastfeeding

Hospital-form double electric pump: Get or rent a hospital-form pump since these are more efficient than a regular pump. However, a standard electric pump will work if you don't program to pump regularly. No matter what, get a double pump, not single, to cut your pumping time by half.

2 sets of pump parts: Ii sets of pump parts ensure you're always set to pump fifty-fifty if your current parts are unwashed or fifty-fifty broken. If you get a Medela pump, get several of the white membranes and bring those with you lot (or exit them at work). They're delicate and tear hands.

Hands-free pumping bra: This is one of those purchases where I thought, How did I e'er last without ane? Information technology's a game changer with pumping since yous can free up your hands. Simple Wishes makes a fantastic hands-complimentary pump bra.

Lanolin cream: Applying lanolin foam to your nipples before and after nursing can help prevent and heal soreness.

16-20 burp cloths: Don't get your typical pocket-size burp cloths. Instead, get the ones that look like cloth diapers. Commencement with 16-20, and become more if 1 or both your twins spit upwards often.

Twin nursing pillow:This will allow you to tandem feed, or feed both twins at the same time. This step alone tin can save yous so much fourth dimension! I used the My Brest Friend twin pillow, and other moms have also used the Twin Z pillow.

Actress nursing pillow comprehend: Besides the comprehend that comes with your pillow, get another one in example your twins soil information technology.

Insulated bottle tote: Keep your pumped milk fresh with an insulated bottle tote. Use this for pumping and for beingness out and most with your twins. Many diaper bags may already have an insulated pocket, but you might need some other ane if it only fits 2.

Breastmilk storage bags:* These are much easier to bring than bottles. They're besides a must if you program to freeze and shop breast milk.

Eating solids*

ii high chairs: Each baby volition need his or her own high chair to eat. Bank check out the Ikea Antelop, Graco Flower 4-in-1, or the Inglesina Gusto.

You can also adhere a portable "booster seat" if you want to apply a current dining room chair as a high chair.

4 sets of baby food storage containers: I love the Oxo food containers. They stack for like shooting fish in a barrel storage and are designed to freeze every bit well as store in the fridge.

16 bibs: Similar burp cloths, yous may have more or less depending on how often you lot launder. Bibs are skillful to have on hand not simply for feeding, but for wiping drool all day.

4 plates and bowls: In a few months, your twins will first eating solids. These plates and bowls will brand repast times more fun and smooth for everyone.

Wearable

14 onesies
eight long-sleeve onesies
10 footed zip pajamas
fourteen pairs of socks
vi pairs of pants
6 pairs of shorts
(Get all these in newborn size)

Baby gear

2 baby carriers or wraps: Baby carriers and wraps allow yous to strap your twins close to you. Wraps in particular go on them snug and are a nifty way for your twins to fall asleep in a comfy position.

They're besides convenient for going out and about if you lot plan to walk with some other adult (ane twin each) and avoid using the stroller.

Double stroller: Double strollers come in two options: side-by-side or tandem. Recommended brands include City Select, Baby Trend Sit and Stand up, Mount Buggy Duet, and the Chicco.

Yous'll use your double stroller for everything (fifty-fifty getting your twins out of your motorcar and into your home), so pick wisely!

A few parents have asked what to buy when having twinsand you accept an older kid—do y'all get a double or triple stroller?

It's unremarkably better to get a double stroller and either:

take your older kid walk
wear 1 twin in a carrier or wrap and place the other in the double stroller with your older child
or purchase a standing board you tin can attach to the stroller that your older child can stand up on.

Diaper bag: You don't need two diaper bags for your twins. Instead, get one that'due south roomy and functional. SkipHop makes a bang-up diaper purse for multiples.

Y'all'll want a diaper handbag with compartments to split up diapers and wipes from nutrient and pacifiers. Extra points if your diaper bag has insulation for bottles.

2 infant seats*: These seats can entertain your twins since many come with toys and lights they can play with. You lot can as well utilize them for canteen feeding at the same time once your twins tin can sit upright well.

And they're portable—you can keep your twins nearby and take them with you lot around the house.

Swing*: I sometimes wished I had two swings, only even 1 volition do wonders. Swings will help your twins fall asleep, especially if they need to exist rocked. And since we simply have 1 pair of artillery, a swing can mimic the feeling of being held.

Toiletries

A pair of nail clippers: Reddish Cross infant clippers is hands down the best nail clippers.

Olfactory organ sucker: NoseFrida is crawly, or you can use the free ones the infirmary gives away to beginning. This ensures that your twins can exhale easier if they get the sniffles.

1 tub of diaper cream: Triple Paste is the way to go. Proceed a tub of diaper cream in your changing table to prevent and heal diaper rashes. You'll also want to proceed a smaller tube in your diaper purse.

Vitamin D drops: Planning to breastfeed the twins? Supplement with vitamin D drops, since breastmilk doesn't include information technology.

Rummage:Your twins may or may not take a lot of hair at birth, but a rummage comes in useful, especially if they develop cradle cap.

Thermometer:Become a adept-quality thermometer, ane yous can use every bit the twins grow.

Conclusion

This is a lot to accept in, so don't experience overwhelmed with all your options. At the end of the day, your twins will be fine whether they have 1 kind of stroller instead of the other.

Non sure if you should get something or not? Buy every bit you lot get. Every bit I say in my book, Expecting Twins:

"Decide downwards the line whether you truly need an particular or non. Some twin moms can get by with one swing while others swear by two. And while others needed gas drops from the start, you might find you don't need them at all, or at least until much afterward."

Don't feel pressured to purchase everything just now. Relieve your baby shower souvenir cards for after the twins' inflow when, in the trenches of it all, y'all can meliorate determine what you truly need.

With your checklist of must haves for twins, at present y'all know exactly what to get right abroad, how many you'll demand for twins, and the twin baby items y'all can purchase later.

Get more tips:

How to Gear up for Twins (The 7 Areas You Demand to Cover)
Secrets to Surviving Twins in the Newborn Months
Preparing for Twins: A Checklist of Everything You Need to Do
What to Do when You're in Labor with Twins
When You Don't Have a "Village": How to Take Intendance of Twins Alone

Don't forget: Download your re-create of the Twin Registry Must-Haves and go along runway of what yous have and the items y'all nonetheless need to become: