Having twins can be twice the joy, but it can also mean that you’ll need to double up on certain baby registry items. If you’re in for the double whammy of joy ride preparing for twins, navigating through the dizzying world of baby registries can feel like trying to match socks in the dryer — nearly impossible. We’re here to be your guiding light in the land of pacifiers, onesies, and endless baby gear. Get ready to delve into our ultimate twin-sanity-saving guide, where we’ll give you the lowdown on what you need double of (yes, there’s quite a list!) and what can be shared between your soon-to-be dynamic duo. Because remember, sharing is caring, even in the womb!
What You’ll Need Two Of
Cribs: Each one of your babes will need a separate crib to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and to ensure each baby has their own safe and separate sleeping space.
Car Seats: It’s required by law to have one car seat per baby. Each car seat should be appropriate for the babies’ weights and heights. (Which you cannot assume will be the same, even with twins.)
High Chairs: When the babies start eating solid food, you’ll need a place to sit and eat in their own space.
Bouncy Seats/Swings: These are great for entertaining and soothing babies. Having one per babe allows each to be soothed or entertained at the same time and their own pace.
Bottles and Feeding Supplies: If you plan to bottle-feed, you must double the number of bottles, nipples, and other feeding supplies.
Baby Carriers/Slings: If you and your partner or helper plan to carry your babies simultaneously, you’ll need two carriers. Nope. You can’t squeeze them both in one.
What You Can Registry for One Of
Changing Table: Despite your superheroine tendencies, you can only change one baby’s diaper at a time, so a single changing table should be sufficient.
Diaper Pail: A single diaper pail should be ok. It can hold multiple diapers at once before needing to be emptied.
Nursing/Feeding Pillow: Special pillows are designed to accommodate twins if you’re breastfeeding. If you’re bottle-feeding, one pillow can be used for both babies at different times.
Baby Clothes: While you’ll undoubtedly need more clothes than if you had a single baby, you don’t necessarily need two of each exact item. That’s just personal preference.
You’ll likely receive a lot of clothes as gifts, and babies grow quickly, so it’s often more practical to have a variety of sizes rather than duplicates of the same size.
Toys and Books: Babies can share toys and books. You don’t need duplicates of every toy or book, as babies often enjoy playing with different toys at different times.
Save the “equal duplication gift rule” for when they’re teens.
Bathtime Supplies: Items like shampoo, soap, and towels don’t need to be duplicated. Sharing supplies is practical parenting.
Health Supplies: First aid kits, thermometers, nail clippers, and other health and grooming supplies can be shared.
Breast Pump and Accessories: You won’t need two pumps or sets of accessories if breastfeeding and pumping. You’ll use the pump at different times for each baby.
It’s important to remember that every family’s needs will vary, and what works for one set of twins may not work for another. Consider your unique situation and seek advice from other parents of multiples to help decide what’s suitable for your growing fam.
