Having twins, what do I HAVE to buy?

[Xrayem]

Hi,

I'm 17 weeks preg with twins and we are trying to decide what we need for them. Money is an issue as the more I spend on them, the less time I can afford to have off work with them.

What are essentials when having twins?

Thanks for your help.
Em

[madiva]

Xrayem, Hello and congrats. I have one and he is 3 months old. I am estamating that he will be around 8 months when you have your little ones. By that time I will not need a few things and am willing to send you what ever he has outgrown. All of his things including cloths are new, not second hand. I know how expensive it is having one. Just let me know. Ofcourse I have all boy things. Again congrats and enjoy your preg.

[DeniseM]

Em, only 1 crib to start... probably another one when they get a little mobile as they wake eachother up.

2 bouncy chairs, 1 swing(not necessary). The change tables are overated, as you can change a baby anywhere, just have some change pads. Also the baths are overated. You can use the sink or the bathtub, its much easier, especially if they pee when they get in there.

Now that my twins are bigger, I have two playpens, two exersaucers, 1 jolly jumper.

I love the play mats the best. The one we have has toys in an arc over top, and the girls still love it.

One breast feeding pillow if you want - I use a regular pillow, or nothing now that they are bigger.

Any questions, feel free to ask! Twins are lots of fun.

[kristiA]

Hi Em. My twins are 4 months. One thing I discovered is that I only needed 1 bouncy seat, swing, gymnini (floor play thing), etc. It's unnecessary to have 2 of each as they take turns sitting in each. I returned several items like that.

This may be a personal thing, but I also realized that I didn't need a million clothing outfits. I still have several 0-3 month old items that have never been worn. I ended up with favorite items, plus you do laundry every other day anyway. Also, same with blankets, hooded towels, baby was cloths, extra sheets, etc. I have several I've never used.

I still have the boys in my bedroom in the play-yard thing to sleep. That was a wonderful purchase. Same with the double stroller. And I have a huge rocking chair, papa-san style, so I can rock the boys and breastfeed them at the same time. The rocking chair was my lifesaver because the 3 of us can fit on it.

I breastfeed, but also supplement with formula. I signed up with Similac & Efamil and continously receive free samples & $5 off coupons. I've never paid full price for them. Same with diapers...use coupons.

I have yet to use my full size diaper bag...that was a waste of money for me. I use a small $15 diaper bag that fits everything I need in it and is smaller and fits under the double stroller.

That's all I can think of right now, but feel free to ask me anything else you can think of. And good luck!!

Kristi

[kristiA]

I just saw Denise's message. Same with me...I never used my breastfeeding pillow or boppy pillow. I use a regular pillow, and nothing now that they are bigger. Another wasted item that I bought.

[DeniseM]

If you are going to spend money, buy a good double stroller that your carseats can go right in, I wish I had done that right off the start. Graco has a good one.

[Xrayem]

Hi Guys,
Thanks for your tips. We have bought a good, all terrain double stroller in a sale and got $200 off which was excellant! Unfortunately in Australia, our car seat regulations are so strict that you can't use ones from strollers so we will have to buy seats regardless, but we are renting 2 baby capsules from the ambulance service for only $56 for 6 months, so save money there.

We don't have coupon systems in Oz but I have been buying nappies (diapers) when they have been on sale anyway.

Madiva thank you for your incredibly kind offer of sending me your clothes, but I don't know what I am having yet (DH has forbidden us from finding out) so I will leave it for the time being. You are such a wonderful kind person for offering.

Thanks again,
Love em

[Maci05]

em,

Congratulations on your BFP!

My girls have just had their first birthday.

I would say that 2 bouncy chairs are a good idea but mostly one of everything else when they are first born. Agree that baby baths are not necessary. Unlike some of the others, I found my twin breastfeeding pillow invaluable for tandem feeding. I rarely breastfed the girls individually and found it next to impossible to get a good tandem latch-on and position with a regular pillow. Personally, I know that I wouldn't have managed to breastfeed the girls for 8 months without it. Are you a member of a local twin group? Our local one is a great source of good quality items for sale and as a member you get discounts in certain local stores too. Perhaps too if friends, colleagues or family are wondering what to get for presents you could suggest vouchers for your local baby store. Just remember that in the early days they don't need much else other than milk, a bed, a few clothes and lots of cuddles and kisses.

All the very best to you. If you have any other questions about life with twins then ask away!

Maci x

[brit10]

Em,

We joined a local Parents of Twins and Supertwins (POTS) group and the moms have been so great in giving us things for our girls. We will then pass on those things to the next twin parents in our group.

They are also really helpful when it comes to what to buy. Many have already tried things that didn't work and that saves you money as well.

If you can't find an actual twin group there in Australia to join, you could always join online and still get lots of helpful information.

[Rittie2000]

My biggest waste of money was investing in a breast pump. My initial intention was to breastfeed the twins but the twins wouldn't latch on (hospital said its because they were too young) and so I thought of expressing. But as it turned out, I am not producing enough milk and I had to give up the idea. I was pre-warned by an advisor at the twin club not to buy an expensive breast pump until we see how we go. And in my case, she was right. I have also not used to E-Zy twin feeding pillow as I'm happily using regular pillows. The Tommee Tippee Nappy wrapper is also still in its box as we are finding individual wrappers mobile and easy to use.