What should I have ready before giving birth?

Most pregnant women and parents-to-be start “nesting” a few months before the impending birth. This can be about the practicalities, but it’s also very much about the cosiness of getting ready for the newest addition to the family.

It can feel nice to be ‘in control’ by having everything ready for when the babies come into the world, but with some things it’s completely impossible to know if it’s something that your own babies will need.

It might be a good idea to make a little rule for yourself so you don’t end up overbuying things before the babies even arrive. For example, if the item you want to buy can be obtained in an hour, then it can wait and doesn’t have to be ready.

Having twins requires a little extra preparation, as two babies means double up on many things – but not everything. Here’s a list of practical equipment that you might want to have ready at home before the birth:

Car seats (if they will be transported home by car)
If your babies are being transported home from the hospital in a car, it is of course crucial that they each have a car seat to sit in. Therefore, have the car seats ready in the car some time before the expected due date.

Sleeping space
Of course, your newborn twins will also need a place to sleep. It can be difficult to know in advance whether they’ll be happiest sleeping together, separately, in separate rooms or something else entirely. That’s why it’s a good idea to get a bed, bedside, cradle or something else that can easily be “remodelled” into a double bed or two single beds if it turns out that your twins aren’t quite ready for the sleep plan you’ve laid out for them.

Pushchair
There are plenty of prams out there, but twin prams are a more complicated matter. The selection is not very large (and largest online) and it’s an expensive item. It can therefore make sense to be well in advance when choosing a vehicle. Should you prioritise a long sleeping space, should it fold down to take up as little space as possible, should it only be used for sleeping or also as a means of transport. There are many things to consider when choosing a pram.

Changing area
A changing station isn’t just a changing station when twins are coming. Again, you need to consider whether you need space for two at the same time, whether it’s just a quick “changing station” or an area where you have time to interact with one child while the other is not right next to you. It’s a good idea to set up the changing station so that you’re in a good position, as many nappies need to be changed on a day like this. In the midst of the chaos and nappy changing, a changing mat on the floor can also be the solution so that no babies roll down while you have your eyes on the other one. Don’t forget to have newborn size nappies ready too.

Eating
It’s a good idea to get a nursing pillow, as it can be used for breastfeeding or if you need to bottle feed two babies at the same time. If you already know during pregnancy that you can’t/shouldn’t breastfeed your children, it may make sense to get bottles and/or a breast pump. It can be very individual from child to child which bottle they will eat from. It may therefore be a good idea to buy different “heads” for the first bottle to ensure that the children are fed right away.

Changing bag
It’s not necessary to buy a nappy changing bag before you’re ready to welcome your twins. However, it’s a good idea to think about whether you have a bag that’s ergonomically good to carry while your hands are often full. You might therefore consider whether a backpack makes more sense than a crossover. The good thing about having your changing bag organised before the birth is that it can be used to pack the much talked about “hospital bag”.

Then, of course, there are the little things like seasonal clothes, duvet, blanket and cloth nappies. Also consider whether a baby carrier or wrap might make sense for your everyday life, leaving your hands more free. There are, for example, twin baby carriers.

Many things for newborns can easily be purchased later, depending on your twins’ needs and the space in your home. However, planning ahead is often worth its weight in gold with twins, but remember, the most important thing is to have the basics ready, then everything else can be quickly and easily purchased if the need arises.