Finding out you’re having multiples can not only be a surprise to you, but also a shock to your bank account. We've been down this road before, and we're here to help. The first thing to remember is, you don’t need to buy double (or more) of everything! Multiples are expensive. Save that money. You’re going to need it (for daycare. Insurance. Tuition. Braces. Food…) Knowing when to buy double, and when just one of an item will suffice will help you keep the unnecessary spending in check.
Here’s a list of things that you do and don’t need to buy double of:
You Only Need 1 of These
Strollers
You have a few choices with using just one stroller, so the final determination should be based more on what you expect to do. You have the twin strollers where the kids are back to back (inline) or the ones where they’re next to each-other (side-by-side). If you’re planning on jogging with them, the side-by-sides also come in “jogger” style. (Eventually, you will also have the choice of two umbrella strollers, once your kids get big enough.)
Speaking from experience, my wife and I found that side-by-side strollers are a nightmare when trying to shop! They don't fit well down store aisles. Ours was the jogger version, so we loved it for that purpose. However, it got to the point where we began leaving one parent outside the store with the kids in the stroller while the other parent shopped.
The side-by-sides also allow the twins to fight with each other, much like sitting beside each other in the car. The inline, however, doesn’t quite stop this issue. As they get older, the kid in the back can kick the one in front!
We stuck with our side-by-side until our kids were old enough for umbrella strollers. They’re cheap, easily maneuverable, and you can split the kids up when they’re bickering. The only problem with these is you need two adults to manage them at the same time. So, when it was just one parent out and about with the twins, we would pull out the behemoth side-by-side jogger again.
So, pick one type of stroller for now, and grab some inexpensive umbrella strollers when they get older. Whatever you choose, look for features! You’ll want them to easily collapse and be small enough to fit in your trunk or back of your vehicle. You’ll also want drink holders!
Changing Tables
Starting out with new babies, a lot of parents like having a changing table in multiple areas of their house. This is a nice-to-have, not a need. As you become a baby-changing pro, you’ll find you can change them pretty much anywhere. Couch. On top of a dresser. Floor. You name it!
If you know this going in, just get 1 table. Some get by with never buying one at all.
Swings, Jumpers, and Bouncy/Vibrating Chairs
With these, you should start with one and take a “wait and see” approach. Try your twins in each, see which they like. It’s very possible both twins will not like the swing and/or the bouncy chair. Each of mine really loved one or the other, but not both. So, we ended up using just one of each, even though we’d bought double. If you discover both really like the same item, then it’s time to make your second purchase. This way they can both have fun at the same time, and you can relax a bit!
Diaper Bags
Believe it or not, these can be pretty expensive, especially depending on the brand/style you go with. So, you don’t need two, you just need a really big one!
Some of these come in beautiful pastel colors with flowers and butterfly patterns. Some are more unisex. Here’s where some don’t care what they carry. Some do. If you or your spouse care, find one that you’re both happy with so you don’t end up having to buy two after all.
Bathing Tubs
You only need one. It’s hard enough washing the wiggly little kids, be easy on yourself and wash one at a time.
Baby Monitors and Humidifiers
This depends on whether the twins are in the same room. If they are, you only need one.
Tummy Time Playmats
Just get one. This will be a good time for tummy time and bonding time with their sibling.
Time to Double Up
Cribs
You need one crib per child. Giving the baby their own space to sleep, devoid of anything that can hinder their breathing, helps avoid SIDS. So, no pillows, crib bumpers, blankets, toys, stuffed animals...or other babies. SIDS is scary stuff, so it’s best to avoid it however possible.
So, you’re going to want two. That doesn’t mean there aren’t still ways to save money though. You can buy cribs that convert to toddler beds and then to twin size beds. Word of advice, though, the conversion to twin beds often requires added pieces that come in a kit with rails. We didn’t buy this, so when by the time we needed it, I couldn’t find the kit. Instead, I bought rails and got creative with a drill!
In the Car
Of course you’ll need two car seats, but you may not think to get two of the mirrors that let parents see their kids. Remember, infants are in rear-facing car seats, so you won’t be able to see them without these. We had planned ahead and installed just one mirror. When coming home from the hospital, I couldn’t see both twins using that mirror. I had what I believe to be a panic attack about halfway home, stopped, checked the second kid, and then hurried the rest of the way home. I immediately went to buy a second mirror!
You’ll also want two sun shields for your car windows.
The rear facing car seats usually come as “click-ins”, meaning they double as baby carriers. If the one you’re looking at doesn’t, look elsewhere!
High Chairs
Again, you’ll need two. However, we went with a conversion choice here too. We bought portable high chairs that we could use anywhere, including our own home table. These are cheaper than the bigger versions, but they also take up less space. With multiples around the dinner table, you’re going to need that space.
Bottles
You’ll be going through a lot of bottles. Daily. You’re going to need a supply of extras so you don’t run out. If all of yours are in the dishwasher when the babies get hungry? God help you!
Early on with babies, you often need to monitor the amounts of food they’re taking in to ensure they’re staying healthy and getting the appropriate amounts of all they need. This is especially important for multiples who are often born smaller than other babies. So, for this purpose, you may want to mark or color code the bottles per child.
The suggested amount of bottles for one baby is 6 bottles, so start with 12.
Slings or Other Types of Baby Carriers
These are really cool and a great way to bond with your babies. You’ll need two. However, buy just one to see if you and the baby like the feel of it before you get your second one. You may find you prefer a different style.
Hopefully this list helps you save where you can. You can save even more by whittling down your baby registry accordingly!
Be sure to check out our other parenting advice.
*Also published on FamiliesofMultiples.com