Having twins is an exciting yet challenging experience for new parents. Preparing for two babies instead of one can seem daunting, especially when it comes to figuring out what items are necessities versus nice-to-haves. Here’s a quick look at some of the key things newborn twins need to help parents prepare.
Double the Basics
Many of the basic essentials like car seats, cribs, and clothing will need to be purchased twice when expecting twins. Here are the key items needed:
- 2 cribs
- 2 mattresses
- 2 sets of crib sheets
- 2 baby monitors
- 2 car seats
- 2 strollers (or 1 double stroller)
- 2 high chairs
- 2 baby bathtubs
- 2 changing tables
When it comes to clothing, plan on having at least 10-12 newborn outfits per baby, as well as extra undershirts and multiple packages of socks. Stocking up on baby basics like burp cloths, bibs, and swaddles will also be essential.
Feeding Supplies
Ensuring you have enough bottles, breast pumps, and other feeding supplies is crucial when caring for newborn twins:
- Double electric breast pump
- Baby bottles with newborn nipples
- Formula (if not exclusively breastfeeding)
- Burp cloths
- Bibs
- Bottle brush
- Drying rack
- Breast milk storage bags
Have at least 8-10 bottles on hand so that you always have clean ones ready when feeding two hungry babies. Stocking up on formula or pumping supplies will help make those frequent feeding sessions go smoothly.
Diapering and Bathing Supplies
Twins will go through double the diapers and wipes in those first few newborn months. Stock up on these essentials:
- Diapers – estimate 15-20 per day per baby
- Wipes – 20+ packs to start
- Diaper cream
- Changing pad covers
- Baby washcloths and towels
- Baby bathtub
- Baby soap and shampoo
Having a diaper caddy to store supplies and extra changing pad liners can help make diaper changes simpler.
Safety Items
Safety is always a top concern with newborns. Be prepared with these essentials times two:
- Baby monitors
- Outlet covers
- Cabinet locks
- Gates for stairs
- Window guards
- Car window sun shades
Also be sure to childproof your home by removing choking hazards, securing unstable furniture, and padding sharp corners. Take time to babyproof thoroughly for the safety of your twins.
Double the Help
Caring for two newborns is hard work! Having extra help can make all the difference. If possible, line up family or friends to assist in those first few months with:
- Meal prep
- Laundry
- Grocery shopping
- House cleaning
- Running errands
- Baby holding and diaper changes
Hiring a postpartum doula to help with newborn care is also an option to get extra support. Taking advantage of any help offered will allow new parents to focus their energy directly on the babies.
Tips for Organizing
Since nearly everything must be doubled, organization is key when preparing for twins! Here are helpful tips:
- Use labeling and color-coding to distinguish each baby’s items
- Have separate storage bins for clothes, blankets, and supplies
- Use hanging organizers to neatly store twice the clothes
- Invest in a double stroller with extra storage
- Set up identical changing stations side by side
Getting organized ahead of time will make the day-to-day of caring for two newborns less stressful.
Bonding Time
It’s important for new parents to spend quality bonding time with each baby. Here are tips to make that happen:
- Spend skin-to-skin time holding each baby
- Make eye contact, sing songs, and talk to each twin
- Take each baby on solo errands or outings
- Do kangaroo care or babywearing one-on-one
- Schedule separate tummy time sessions
Having a helper allow one-on-one time with each newborn will nurture the parent-child connections critical in those first months.
Staying Organized on the Go
Trips outside the house take more prep work with twins. Here are handy tips for staying organized on the go:
- Use a master checklist for the diaper bag
- Pack bags for each baby with labeled supplies
- Note who got fed or changed last with hair bands on wrists
- Keep stroller bags packed and by the door
- Have duplicate toys/books for each baby
Putting systems in place will make outings less chaotic. Overprepare and bring extra supplies anytime leaving the house.
mam nutritious – Pumping and breastfeeding twins we have made a table to show how many time you need to breastfeed your twins in a day.
| Age | Breastfeed | Pumped milk/formula | Total daily feeds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-1 month | 8-12 times | 6-8 times | 16-18 times |
| 1-3 months | 7-8 times | 6-8 times | 14-16 times |
| 4-6 months | 5-6 times | 5-6 times | 12-14 times |
Breastfeeding twins takes dedication, perseverance and lots of hydration and nutritious snacks for mom. Finding time to pump breast milk between feedings helps build supply. Getting feeding support and taking shifts allows for rest.
Gear for Two
Special twin gear makes handling two babies more seamless. Useful items include:
- Double strollers – allows pushing two babies
- Twin nursing pillow – helps with tandem feeding
- Double baby carriers – enables hands-free carrying
- Twin bassinets – ideal for napping twins
Investing in twin-specific gear, especially a double stroller, is a smart idea for new parents of multiples.
Preparing Your Home
Making your home ready for twins take some adjusting. Tips to accommodate two babies:
- Set up a dedicated twin nursery
- Obtain two cribs and changing stations
- Babyproof thoroughly for safety
- Create toy/book duplicates to avoid sharing frustration
- Buy double rocking chairs or gliders
- Add window seats for selecting calming nursing spots
Having a well-equipped nursery and twin-friendly home layout makes early months with twins smoother.
Handling the First Months
The initial months with newborn twins are stressful. Here are tips to cope:
- Line up family/friends to help with babies
- Take shifts for sleeping and baby care
- Keep babies on the same feeding/napping schedule
- Embrace mess and chaos – the house won’t be spotless
- Order groceries and meal kits for easy dinners
- Sleep, bond with babies, and postpone non-essential chores
Getting extra help, staying flexible, and focusing on babies over housework are key to handling the twin newborn phase.
Staying Healthy Postpartum
Taking care of yourself postpartum with twins is vital. Helpful self-care tips:
- Continue prenatal vitamins while breastfeeding
- Drink plenty of water and eat nutrient-rich snacks
- Accept offers of meals and household help
- Sleep whenever babies sleep
- Wear comfy nursing clothes and robes
- Lower housework standards temporarily
- Do light stretches when you have a free moment
Making your health a priority and not putting pressure on yourself during the newborn phase allows you to better care for your twins.
Bonding as a Family
Special efforts must be made to bond as a new family of four. Ideas for connecting:
- Spend skin-to-skin time with each baby
- Take family photos together
- Have family snuggle time napping together
- Give each baby focused one-on-one attention
- Have a rotating shift schedule to share the load
- Watch baby videos together after bedtime
Putting in quality time together and sharing the joys and challenges as co-parents helps create family bonding.
Making Time for Your Partner
With twins, it’s important for parents to nurture their relationship too. Tips for couple time:
- Chat while tag-teaming caregiving
- Split errands to get one-on-one time
- Have grandparents or babysitters watch babies while you go on dates
- Talk feelings out during emotional moments
- Send sweet texts to each other when apart
- Shower each other with gratitude for all you both do
Going the extra mile to communicate and show appreciation keeps your partnership strong.
Embracing the Joy
While challenging, this special time with two new babies is also profoundly joyful. Ways for new parents to embrace the positives:
- Treasure every coo, smile, and new milestone
- Savor the snuggles, smells, and softness
- Lovingly watch them interact and bond
- Celebrate having double the love
- Appreciate their unique twin connection
- Focus on each child’s individuality
Soak up every beautiful moment, even during the trying times. This intense newborn period is fleeting and magical.
Conclusion
Preparing for twins requires getting the double of many baby necessities and making plans to have plenty of help on hand. While juggling two newborns has major challenges, cherishing these earliest days as a new family of four makes it a uniquely special time.