Baby Registry Checklist for Twins
Twins are twice as nice but require almost twice as much stuff. Although not everything must be purchased in pairs, there are a few essential baby items that each child needs. Money is a concern for many parents of multiples so consider registering for big-ticket items. Oftentimes, friends and family members combine efforts and money to acquire the more expensive things that are necessary for the safety of the twins in addition to the basics. Depending on whether the set of twins is your first birth or your fifth, accepting the purchases of gently used items can be just as good and a whole lot cheaper.
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Big-Ticket Items
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A double stroller saves the aching backs of many parents of twins. Although a large purchase of two bassinets may be ideal, it is not necessary and most likely is only used for the first few months. Consider registering for a Moses basket to lie on the floor as a more budget-friendly alternative. The twins definitely need two cribs and having two portable play pens are ideal for overnight visits with both children as they grow. High chairs are not something that the children can share as they often will eat at the same time. The twins will not be able to leave the hospital without a safely installed and age-appropriate car seat for each child. When traveling to the store, the doctor's office for checkups or any time you leave the house, a double stroller is essential to save you from the potential back pain of lugging the two infant carriers.
Sharing Items
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Bathe your twins individually; this way, you need to register for only one infant tub. Mothers of twins may find it helpful to have two bouncy seats and two infant swings or gliders, but registering for one would suffice. Rotate the children between the comfort items to avoid child boredom and save a few bucks. Since the children may be sharing clothing items and space, there is no need to register for two dressers or changing tables that take up twice as much room in the nursery. Moms definitely need a large diaper bag for the twins and this is one item that may be shared, as opposed to carrying one on each arm. Bathing the twins safely, one at a time, cancels the need for two plastic infant bathtubs. Diapers and wipes are items that are crucial and can be shared between the children. Register not only for newborn diapers but for larger sizes as well because you never know how quickly they will grow.
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The Soft Stuff
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Infants may feel more comfortable when swaddled with a receiving blanket. The twins need receiving blankets, hats, sweaters, pajamas or open-ended sleep nighties and clothing items. Depending on the season when the twins are born, an infant snowsuit or bunting may be necessary. Register for onesies in bulk as the babies can wear them in all weather conditions whether underneath long-sleeved clothing items in the winter or as their only clothing item when the temperature is very high. Numerous fitted sheets for each crib and crib surrounds to avoid bumping their heads on the slatted rails as they grow older, are bedding essentials. Breastfeeding pillows are helpful when cuddling with and nurturing each child during feeding times.
Essentials
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Toiletries are essential for infants. Register for numerous toiletries for the children such as infant cotton swabs, baby wash and lotion, rectal and digital thermometers, hooded infant towels, wash cloths and nasal aspirators. Infant nail files, soft-bristle brushes and nail clippers are items that aren't expensive but definitely necessary as newborns are often born with longer nails due to the use of prenatal vitamins. Fragrance-free, mild laundry detergent keeps baby's clothing clean and soft for newborn skin to avoid irritation. Either when breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, the twins can benefit from the use of bottles. Feeding each infant breast milk through a bottle gives dad some quality time with the children and mom a much needed break. Register for a bottle brush to adequately clean the baby bottles.
Twin Tips and Warnings
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When registering for diapers, refrain from choosing small packs of diapers. Choose the largest boxes available for your registry as they will be used quicker than you may think. A dishwasher-safe bottle nipple container is helpful when sterilizing baby bottles a few months after the twins are born. Although most crib mattresses are made of easy-clean material such as vinyl, waterproof mattress pads are helpful to have in playpens and for changing tables. When registering for toiletries, be sure to ask for the fragrance-free, nontoxic and mild soaps and lotions for newborns. Bumper pads are not recommended for newborns as they are unable to push themselves away from it but may be registered for and used when the twins are a little older.
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References
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