What are the essentials you'll need to get started with for when your twins arrive at home?  Don't go crazy--there are so many products out there and so many people saying you'll need a ton of stuff, but the reality is you will choose what's best for your babies based on your budget, the space you have in your home, your partner's, your babies' (when they arrive), and your personality.  Here are some suggestions provided by other mamas with twins:



 

• 2 Infant Car Seats -- a big MUST, many hospitals will not let you take your babies home unless you've got these properly installed and ready for the babies.  Car seats cost range greatly,  shop around--look for sales, ask moms for recommendations.  Its best to buy your car seats brand new as there are expiry dates on them and they are government regulated.  There are many places that can help with proper car seat installation.  Start by calling your local FireHall or Police.

• 1 Double Stroller -- you may get away with a single stroller with a bassinet for the first month or two when the babies are newborn and if you prefer to keep them cuddled close.  Later though, for major outtings, you'll likely want to invest in a durable double stroller.  Be sure to compare sizes, costs, and ease of open/close and transportation.

• 1 Crib (or 2) -- again, many parents prefer to use one crib at first to keep the babies snuggled up close together and this may work for up to the first six months, but you'll likely need to set up separate cribs after that.  Shop around for what fits your home, decor and budget.  We found a great selection and good prices on LussoBaby.

• 1 Crib mattress (or 2) -- with this I will add, sheet protectors--comes in handy for any leaks that may come your way and at some point, they do!  We found that there are so many varieties of these.  Go based on your budget and read reviews too.

• Diaper bag -- ensure this is big enough for double the needs of a single baby--I know the one we have for our first one is always packed and would definitely not meet the needs for two.

• 1 swing (later 2 if they like it - a portable swing is a great option)  -- I got away without having a swing for our first, but have so many friends that swear by it though.  A rocking chair was our substitute. Swing is also useful for occupying one while you're busy with the other (feeding, changing, etc.)

• 1 bouncy chair (2 later if they both like it) -- this comes in very handy when you need to get stuff done around the house, or need to jump in the shower.  There is many-a-mom that will attest to lining up the baby bouncer outside the tub/shower.

• 1 changing table (optional) -- some parents are happy to change anywhere, the floor, the bed, the grass, wherever is necessary and convenient.  Our change table is still in use with our toddler and houses all our necessary essentials for changing.

• 1 Front carrier -- critical!  Keeps you hands free and baby close!  You'll likely need two--one for mama and one for papa.  We loved the Mama Kangaroo!!  We used it pretty much from newborn to 18mos.  

• 2 sunshades for car windows -- nobody wants a hot cranky baby!  Be sure to keep them cool and comfy when you're travelling.

• 1- Table Lamp or night light -- great for reading to babies before bed, keeping one on so that you can attend to one baby while the other sleeps, etc.

• Rocking chair -- For us, our rocking chair was our saviour, we got to cuddle and be comfy.  I used it for nursing, entertaining (the baby), and getting her to calm down and get to sleep.  My husband and I often got some good winks in the rocking chair as well!  You many need two if both you and your partner plan to use at the same time. My husband has now mastered double rocking (one on each lap) and they fall asleep everytime!

See other recommended necessities on the Bringing Home the Buns page.

 

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​Many of these suggestions are from other mamas who have shared based on their experiences.  If you'd like to connect with other mamas of twins or want see more lists of stuff that others recommend--check out www.twinstuff.com 



 

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