As you may have noticed, it’s multiples week here at the Baby blog. We’ve talked about the concerns you may have with caring for your multiples after birth. We’ve talked about the difficulties in feeding and care. Now let’s talk about the other challenge that you will be preparing for both before and after the birth of your multiples.
Double Your Shopping
Shopping for a single baby is demanding enough. Common thought is just to buy two of everything when you’re shopping for your twins. So the question is – do you really need to shop for two? Do you need to buy two of everything? What do you not need to double up on? What is critical?
For example, you will need two high chairs eventually. You will need a stroller for two. But what else? When it comes to clothes, you can buy identical outfits if you want, but a lot of parents of twins can dress them individually – not only to help themselves with identifying the babies, but also to help other members of the family. You can expect that friends and others will give you gifts of duplicate outfits.
Playpens you won’t need two of, because your twins will likely be playing together. Twin toys are hardly necessary – although as with clothes – it’s entirely possible you will receive duplicate toy as well. Try to avoid making that the rule when they are small. Variety and sharing are excellent things to teach your babies from the get go.
The essential you really do want to have are:
- Baby Carrier(s)
- Diaper Bag (Backpack is preferred – keeps your hands free)
- Nursing Pillow
- Bouncing Seats (2 is good, parents of singles sometimes buy 2 just to have them in different areas of the house and they are great gifts from relatives or friends.)
- Diaper Pails – 2 times the babies is the same as 2 times the diapers – that’s a smell that’s worth containing.
- Breast Pump – You can likely rent this
- Changing Tables or Portable Changing Pad with supplies
The list doesn’t seem as different as you might have thought, does it? If you’re having a baby shower for someone with multiples – keep this in mind. Doubling up may seem cute and fun, but keep in mind the demands and needs of twins and their parents when you’re gift giving.
When it comes to twins, sharing a crib is encouraged in the early months – while you may eventually want them in two beds or two cribs, one crib is more than fine in the beginning.