So You’re Having Twins—Double the Fun, But Do You Need Double the Gear?

When you find out you’re expecting and start the search for baby gear, there are tons of lists you can consult that offer advice on which gear you’ll need in order to be prepared. However, when you find out you’re expecting twins, it can be twice as hard to figure out what gear will work best and how many you’ll need of each item. You might wonder if you need two of everything and what items the babies can share. And does it mean you are going to have to spend twice as much? Here’s my list of baby gear for twins and my advice on whether you’ll need one or two of each item.

Frankie and Ruby’s Twin Nursery

Register for Two

Car seats. This one may seem obvious, but you need to be prepared with two infant car seats properly installed to leave the hospital. Register for car seats that are lightweight so it is a little easier to manage carrying two. Also look for features that make them easier for you to use, such as no rethread harnesses to ensure you are using them correctly each time.

Cribs and crib mattresses. While you may choose to have the babies in one crib or even in bassinets at first, you will eventually need two cribs. Register for crib mattresses that are lightweight while still being firm and tight-fitting into the crib to make all those sheet changes a little easier.

Baby carriers. When your twins are infants, having two baby carriers will allow you to carry one baby and your partner to carry the other. When the twins get older, you will actually be able to master carrying them both at the same time. As a parent of twins, this is one of the only ways to ensure you have both hands free. Register for carriers that don’t require a separate infant insert so you don’t have another piece of gear to keep track of.

Activity gear. You will need more than one space that can contain and entertain your babies, but you don’t need more than one in the same category. Check out your options for bouncy seats, activity mats and high chairs (choose one that reclines so it can be used from infancy). While one baby is relaxing in his or her bouncy seat, the other can be doing tummy time on the activity mat.

Soft goods. Make sure to double up on your registry on all crib sheets, mattress protectors, bibs, swaddle blankets, towels and anything else that will be going through the wash. Each baby will go through his or her own set, and you don’t want to have to worry about constantly doing laundry just to ensure you have what you need.

Anything that goes in baby’s mouth or nose. You don’t want babies to share germs, even between twins, so get two of anything that will go into baby’s mouth or nose, such as nasal aspirators, pacifiers and medicine dispensers. Register for two in different colors or label them before you bring the babies home so each baby has his or her own set.

Just Register For One

Bathtub. Bath time is a great time to bond with each baby individually. Register for one tub that will transition from infant to toddler without extra accessories. This also means you’ll only need one set of bath toys (at least for now!).

Nursing pillow. Look for a nursing pillow with a lot of stretch or one that is made specifically for twins.

Diaper bag. You only need one diaper bag, but make sure it will hold two sets of supplies. Register for a diaper bag that is large and has plenty of pockets to accommodate the extra amount of diapers, wipes, extra clothing and food supplies for multiples.

Diaper pail. While you will be changing twice as many diapers, you only need one diaper pail—you’ll just have to change the insert more often. Register for one that is made of steel to trap the smell and allows you to use a standard kitchen bag instead of special bags. The exception here is that if your house has two floors, you may want to set up a changing station on each floor, which would include a diaper pail at each one.

Mamas of multiples, share your advice! What baby gear for twins did you double up on, and where did you save money by buying only one?