That was the most loaded question I’ve ever been asked. Circumstances? I had just “hopped” off the table from the first sonogram of my second pregnancy. I hadn’t been able to see the screen, and as I lay there blissfully unaware, my husband was watching the technician label everything “Baby A” and “Baby B.” He sat down, and no joke, he started sweating and his face literally turned white. All I cared about was getting to the restroom ASAP.
Once we got over the shock that we were indeed going to be blessed with twins, our minds were spinning. Our loss of sleep had unexpectedly just begun. We had been totally prepared for a “singleton,” but multiples? Where do we start? What do we need? How does this work?!?!?!?!
What we know now is that all you really need is simple – double everything. Yes, there are a few twin-specific items that we found especially helpful, but otherwise, at least two of everything will work. Double the diapers, pacifiers, onesies, baby carriers, bottles, bibs, burp cloths, car seats, etc… If you’re looking for a gift for a twin baby shower, buy two of your favorite baby shower gifts and you’re set.
If you need, or want, something more specific, I’ve narrowed everything we used down to three items that I found most helpful.
- Baby Trend Universal Double Snap-N-Go Stroller Frame –It’s hard to find a stroller that will fit two infant car seats. Some require an adapter, or they only work with their brand of infant car seat. This universal stroller was perfect and it has the best, biggest basket ever. It never occurred to me before that if you take infant twins to Publix or Target by yourself, you can’t push a cart, too, so take note of the basket underneath.
- Graco Pack ‘N Play with Twins Bassinet – They slept next to each other in this for the first few months of their lives in our room. They eventually got too big for the bassinet, but we still use the pack n’ play for traveling. To my knowledge, Graco is the only brand that currently makes a pack and play specific to twins, but I could be wrong.
- Table for Two – This was a great gift that I definitely used multiple times a day. Yes, I would feed them in it, but sometimes it was nice to let them rest somewhere together while I did laundry or cooked (or watched yet another episode of House Hunters), where I could still see them.
In addition, the My Brest Friend Deluxe Nursing Pillow was a lifesaver. Unless you are going to nurse them one at a time (perish the thought, if possible), this twin nursing pillow is a lifesaver. I promise you that on the rare occasion I forgot to bring this special pillow, trying to feed them both while holding them up with bed or couch pillows led to crying, hungry babies sliding everywhere.
Finally, we use the BOB Revolution double jogging stroller frequently, and while the stroller is heavy and the basket on the bottom leaves much to be desired, the stroller is really easy to maneuver and our older daughter can still comfortably ride in it, if need be. I definitely suggest visiting baby stores and trying the strollers out in person. There are also multiple twin nursing pillows on the market, so check those out as well.
Oh and yes, twins do run in my husband’s family. His brother also has twin girls, and his cousins are twins. Yet still, we were both in pure shock when that technician finally shared the good news. If you are expecting twins, congratulations and enjoy. Regardless of the sleep deprivation and all the baby gear, the sheer awesomeness of having two babies to snuggle and love is nothing short of wonderful.
Ironically maybe