My must-haves for twins

Must-have products for twins: A guide for the first few months
Having twins is a double blessing, but it also requires extra preparation and planning. The first few months with two little babies can feel overwhelming, and the right equipment can make a world of difference.

Whether it’s practical tools that save time or products that help you manage two babies at once, the right must-have products can make your life easier. Here’s a guide to the most important things you might need when you’re expecting twins.

1. Double pram
One of the most important investments you need to make is a double pram. When you have two babies, you’ll rely on being able to get around easily. Look for a pushchair that is easy to manoeuvre and can be folded to fit in your car or storage space.

You can choose between a side-by-side model, where both babies sit next to each other, or a tandem stroller, where one baby sits in front of the other. Many parents prefer side-by-side strollers for better visibility and comfort for both children, but it depends on your preference.

Consider whether you want a pram where you can see the babies yourself, or if it’s okay for them to only “look out at the world”. This also varies from model to model – and some can be reversed so both are possible, such as the one from bugaboo.

2. Two car seats
Safety is paramount and you will obviously need two car seats for your babies. It’s a good idea to choose car seats that attach directly to your pram so you can easily move them from the car to the pram without disturbing their sleep. Make sure the car seats are compatible with your car and that they are easy to install and adjust.

3. Twin nursing or bottle-feeding pillow
Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding twins can be a challenge, but a twin nursing pillow can help you feed both babies at the same time. This specially designed pillow provides support and comfort so you can keep both babies close to you and feed them simultaneously without straining too much.

Alternatively, if you’re bottle feeding, it can also be beneficial to have a pillow that holds both babies comfortably in place. There are pillows that can be used for both breastfeeding and bottle feeding, such as the W pillow.

4. Baby carrier
Being able to carry your babies close to your body is both practical and cosy. With twins it can be difficult to carry both at the same time, but some double carriers allow you to carry both babies at the same time, such as wraps or the MiniMonkey baby carrier.

5. Double cradle or crib
Although many twins sleep together for the first few months, it’s good to have separate beds for them when they start moving around more. A double cot or two separate cots can give each baby their own space and help build good sleeping habits. Alternatively, you can invest in a twin bassinet, which is designed to have two separate sleeping surfaces in the same unit.

6. Baby monitor with two receivers
A dual receiver baby monitor or one that can keep an eye on both babies at the same time is a must-have. When both babies sleep in different rooms or wake up at different times, it’s important to be able to monitor them both without losing track. Some baby monitors allow you to connect multiple cameras or sensors so you can see both babies on the same screen.

7. A good breast pump!
A good breast pump is almost a must if you want to get breastfeeding going properly, especially if your baby is premature. Medela makes some great breast pumps, and it can be really handy to have a bra that can hold the bottles – especially if you have to pump a lot at night when you’re too tired to sit and hold the pump to your breast. The same bra can also be used for breastfeeding afterwards.

8. More bottles and sterilisation equipment
If you choose to bottle feed your twins, you’ll find that you need twice as many bottles! Make sure you have enough bottles for both babies so you don’t have to wash them constantly. You could also consider a bottle steriliser that can quickly and efficiently sterilise multiple bottles at once. This will save you a lot of time, especially when juggling two babies.

9. Two booster chairs or baby seats
Twins often require you to put them down safely while you take care of other tasks. Slant seats or booster seats allow you to keep both babies entertained and safe while you have your hands free to take care of other things. Some chairs have vibrations or music for extra reassurance, which can be a great help in keeping both babies happy.

10. Double up on nappies and wipes
You’ll be using a lot of nappies when you have twins! Make sure you have plenty of nappies and wipes on hand. Consider subscribing to a nappy delivery service so you always have a stock at home and avoid running out at the most inconvenient moments.

11. Organisational solutions for double storage
When you have twins, you have to double up on many things, such as clothes, nappies, toys, etc. It can quickly become overwhelming without good organisation. Invest in storage solutions such as drawers, baskets or shelving to keep both babies’ things organised. Use colour-coded baskets or labels to separate the two babies’ belongings and make your everyday life more manageable.

12. Swaddle cradle, possibly with a motor
When both babies need reassurance, it can be difficult to manage with two arms. An electric sling cradle from e.g. Moonboon can be a huge help as it can give the baby a rocking motion without your constant intervention. If you have two sling cradles, you can have both babies rocking at the same time, giving you a little extra freedom to take care of other things.

13. Twin changing bag
A large changing bag that is spacious enough to carry everything you need for two babies is an absolute must. Make sure you find a changing bag with many compartments so you can organise nappies, bottles, clothes and wipes for both babies.

Many parents of twins also find it handy to have a bag with a double bottle holder and extra space for snacks and toys. Baby Dreamer makes a great backpack changing bag and it also comes in a model with a detachable cooler bag. Having a backpack instead of a crossover bag can be super convenient, leaving your hands free.

14. Rolling trolley for changing station
To make it easier to change two babies at once, a rolling trolley that acts as a mobile changing station can be a great help. Fill it with nappies, wipes, changing clothes and ointments and you can easily roll it from room to room so you always have everything you need at your fingertips.

15. Twin activity mat
As babies start to become more active, a twin activity mat can be a great way to stimulate them both. Choose an activity mat that’s large enough to accommodate both babies and has exciting toys and mirrors to keep them both entertained. This will allow them to play together and stimulate their development.

16. Baby Brezza for formula feeding
If your children are bottle-fed, Baby Brezza is great. Powder in one container and water in another container and at the touch of a button, the machine makes a perfectly mixed bottle at the right temperature!

Having twins requires a lot of preparation and planning, but with the right products you can make your life easier and give your babies the best environment to grow and thrive. Being well prepared can make a big difference when you’re in the midst of the busy and magical time with two little babies.

Share your own must-haves for twins in the comments section.