Your Baby Registry Guide for Twins and Triplets
As a parent of twins or multiples, you’ll quickly become an Olympic-worthy multitasker: Feeding two babies at once? Check. Cooing at one baby while rocking the other? Check. Making homemade baby food while ordering diapers online? Check. As a parent to twins or multiples, you’ll soon discover you can handle more than you ever imagined (and on less sleep than you ever imagined). So, it makes sense to expect the same hard-working features in the baby products on your registry—items that do double duty and can handle all the cute chaos that comes with multiples. Keep reading to check out the baby essentials and must-haves for your twin (or multiples) baby registry, plus what items you can safely skip.
Double the basics
Plan duplicates of your checklist, specifically pacifiers and bottles. Consider choosing different brands or colors for each child’s bottle so there’s never any confusion over whose is whose. This can be especially helpful if one baby needs a special formula or milk, or if you’re trying to keep track of how much they’re taking in. (Plus, babies go through bottles very quickly, so buying some extras for each kid now may save you time on dishes later.) The same advice goes for pacifiers: color code them, label them or buy different brands—the goal is to minimize germ-sharing between babies. This is especially critical when one baby gets a cold and you’re trying desperately to keep the other one healthy!
Double the essential nursery gear
While there are some things you can share between your babies, certain nursery items, like a crib and crib mattress, should really be bought per child. The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly advises against placing twins—regardless of age—in the same crib, as the risks associated with co-bedding far outweigh any potential benefits. It’s best to get each baby their own crib with a crib mattress, covers and sheets. Thankfully you don’t need to get two of everything for the nursery—opt for a dual baby monitor that lets you keep an eye on both babies simultaneously, as well as a larger dresser for all their stuff.
A double stroller and a single stroller
There’s no getting around the fact that you need an everyday workhorse double stroller that can carry two kids from babyhood through the preschool years. But you’re also going to want a single lightweight or umbrella stroller for those times when you take just one baby to the pediatrician or for a stroll around the block (and get to leave the monster two-seater behind). Note that the usual minimum age for umbrella strollers is 6 months. Until then, it’s often easier to take baby out in a baby carrier or travel system stroller that pairs with your infant car seat.
Two swings or bouncers
There are some items you can manage having only one of, but a swing or bouncer definitely isn’t one of them. As a parent of multiples, you won’t have enough arms—or energy—to soothe and entertain all your babies at once. It’s essential to have several safe, happy spots for the kids while you empty the dishwasher or fold the laundry. (Just make sure you never leave baby unattended or let them snooze in the bouncer, as they aren’t recommended for infant sleep.)
Sound machine
A white noise machine is a great addition to the nursery of any newborn, but you’ll find it’s especially helpful for multiples who can sometimes wake each other up during the night. While a sound machine won’t stop this from happening every time, it can create enough background noise to help keep one baby snoozing even if the others are fussing.
The last thing you’re going to want to do is spend time hauling huge boxes of diapers home—and you’re going to need some 400 to 600 diapers per month for two babies! You might even need to buy two sets if your babies are born different sizes. Instead, you can add recurring diaper deliveries to your registry and let friends and family sign you up for two or three months worth of supplies. As your babies get bigger, it’s simple to log on and change the size of the diapers at any time.
Warehouse club membership
Whether it’s Costco, Sam’s Club or BJ’s, membership is a must. When you’re a parent of multiples you’re going to need more of everything—more wipes, more paper towels, more baby wash, you name it. Buying items in bulk won’t just save money, it’ll save precious time running to the store to stock up on supplies.
Rocking chair or glider
Before you found out there were multiples in your near future, you may have imagined yourself cuddled up with your little bundle in a cozy rocker. It’s a sweet image—and of course you’ll have plenty of cuddle time—but here’s the thing: You likely can’t all fit comfortably together in one glider or rocker. Skip the chair and splurge instead on an oversized loveseat or a small couch that’ll make room for everyone in your fast-expanding family.
Double breastfeeding pillow
A double breastfeeding pillow seems like a brilliant idea, but the truth is a single breastfeeding pillow, often paired with a regular firm pillow, can do the job just as well.
Warmers
Skip anything that warms: wipe warmers, bottle warmers, food warmers. With two babies, you’ll already need plenty of gear, so it’s important to keep it simple whenever you can. Warmers take up space and add time to your routine—two things you definitely want to avoid. Plus, many warmers only warm up one item at a time, making them impractical for twins or multiples.
Bottle props
Even if you master the challenge of breastfeeding two babies at once, it’s likely that at some point you’ll need to use a bottle of pumped milk or formula—and you may want bottle props for this. However useful they may seem, it’s best to leave these off your twin baby registry. Bottle props are not recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as they can increase babies’ risk of choking and ear infections.
These parents have been there, done that. See what they wish they’d known back when they were registering.
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“Having twins can be expensive. Register for things that other folks would love to buy you, but would break the bank if you had to get it all yourself. Think: high chairs, car seats, bouncy chairs and even strollers.” —Jessica R., mom of 6-year-old boy-girl twins
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“Don’t buy two of the exact same design for bouncy seats, play mats or early toys. All kids are different and what one may like, the other may not, so it’s better to have different items.” —Abby S., mom of 7-year-old fraternal twin boys and 2-year-old fraternal twin girls
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“You don’t need two of everything. That said, it was a lifesaver for me to have duplicate baby rockers, infant seats for the house, Miracle blankets, microfleece sleepsack blankets, exersaucers and changing pads. If you’re not sure what you’ll need, register for everything you can think of and then return some gifts for credit.” —Leena D., mom of 4-year-old identical twin girls
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“I wish I’d had my shower earlier! My babies came eight weeks early, five days before my shower. So in addition to having to cancel the shower (bummer!), I then had a houseful of unopened boxes—not what you want to come home to after a c-section. If you’re expecting multiples, have your shower earlier so you have time to organize.” —Allison F., mom of 3-year-old twin boys and a 16-month-old girl
So you’re caught up on all the baby registry must-haves for twins and triplets—but how do you decide which gear to get? We’ve rounded up some of our favorite feature-packed, high-performance baby products to start you off on the right foot.
Best stroller
- Compatible with most other Graco infant car seats
- Can be used as a single stroller
- Offers a variety of extensive features at an affordable price
- Only comes with one rear-facing infant and a toddler seat, so parents of twins will need to purchase another infant seat to use with the stroller
- Not compatible with infant car seats from other brands
This stroller pulls double duty. It offers 12 different seat options and provides room with two infant car seats, two stroller seats or one of each, plus standing options for bigger kids. Plus, it has several features to keep your little ones (and you) comfortable, including two full-sized canopies, convertible seat harnesses and a large storage basket. But perhaps best of all? It keeps parents’ ease top of mind and folds like a single stroller, making it easy to transport and store. Plus, it comes at a much lower price tag than some of the other options on the market.
Best car seat
- Seat pad is machine-washable and dryer-safe. Also includes two removable and dishwasher-safe cup holders.
- Includes a five-point harness and side impact protection for safety.
- Offers three recline positions to ensure the seat fits well in your car.
- At 18 pounds, some parents have cited this car seat as bulky and heavy to carry
This car seat is built to grow with baby—and can be a major money-saver for parents of multiples. It can accommodate from 5 to 100 pounds—making it suitable for newborns and big kids—and can be used as rear- and forward-facing, as well as a booster seat. Plus, it’s designed to take up less space, meaning you might be able to fit two or even three of these across the back seat.
Best high chair
- It offers three different recliner positions and easily converts to a toddler booster seat to grow with baby.
- The wraparound, deep tray and tray inserts help keep food off the floor and are both dishwasher-safe.
- Is a more affordable option
- When using high chairs that attach to adult chairs or the dining table, you’ll need to use extra caution. Make sure the high chair is securely fastened and supported, and keep an eye out for baby’s kicks, which may slide the seat around.
Saving space is a priority when you have a house full of twin baby gear. A high chair that attaches to a standard dining chair lets you avoid tripping over bulky standing styles. Plus, you can slide the chairs close together, making it easy to feed multiple mouths.
Best crib
- The 6-in-1 design means you get a lot of bang for your buck: this crib converts to a toddler bed, a day bed and a full-size bed.
- Offers three adjustable heights to help baby safely get in and out as they grow.
- Comes in white, gray and walnut brown colorways that will coordinate with any nursery design. You can also pair it with a Delta Children dresser of the same finish if you choose.
- Converting the crib may require additional kits or pieces, sold separately.
When it comes to twins, it’s best to get two separate cribs, as each baby will need their separate, safe sleeping area. This convertible crib from Delta Children comes at a lower price tag and is JPMA certified—meaning it’s exceeded safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Bonus: It’s made with non-toxic paints and finishes, as well as sustainable materials.
Best playard
- Wheels on one side let you quickly roll the playard from room to room.
- An innovative squeeze latch makes it ridiculously easy to fold up, stow in the carrying bag and use as a travel sleeper for multiple infants.
- The bassinets offer canopies to help block out the sun as baby rests.
- The bassinets are only suitable for infants up to 15 pounds and unable to push up on their hands and knees.
One of the only playards on the market designed with twins in mind also happens to be one of the best. Removable twin bassinets give you flexibility to put your babies to sleep in different rooms or keep them together. When it’s time to corral the babies in the playard, there’s more than enough room for a twosome (and some toys).
Best carrier
- A wide, padded waist belt distributes weight comfortably and evenly. The belt even includes a small pocket to store your essentials.
- Has up to eight different adjustment options and quickly transforms into two single-child carriers whenever you need.
- Includes 100 percent cotton sleep hoods to offer baby’s head shade and support while they sleep.
- Higher price point than some other carrier options, such as baby wraps and ring slings.
As a parent, there’s nothing quite as sweet as feeling your newborn cuddled against your chest while snoozing in a baby carrier. For parents of twins, however, it’s not quite that simple. But with the innovative and ergonomic TwinGo, you get the chance to keep both babies close—one in the front and one in the back.
Best bouncer
- Includes a 3-point adjustable harness
- Offers a one-speed vibration seat, plays nature sounds and has twinkling lights to soothe baby and keep them entertained
- Seat pad is machine washable
- Can be used from birth up to 30 pounds
- Though the rocker features two recline positions, the AAP and CPSC don’t recommend allowing babies to sleep in inclined rockers or bouncers
Each baby will need their own bouncer. Luckily, this soothing rocker comes at an affordable price point to make that achievable! It offers the perfect spot for baby to relax, with two recline positions and an option for calming vibrations.
Best activity mat
- At 59 inches by 59 inches, it's one of the biggest mats we've seen. It also features thick, yet sturdy padding to keep baby comfortable on any surface.
- It's also one of the most compact mats we've seen and is easy to fold and store. Also includes a soft carry handle for travel.
- The mat is machine washable for easy cleaning.
- Not suitable for the dryer, so you’ll have to find a space to line dry when cleaning the mat.
Great news for parents of multiples: This play mat is super-sized and perfect for two or more babies. It features an adorable meadow-themed fox design and several details to encourage curiosity and the development of gross motor skills, including an adjustable peek-a-book mirror, carrot teether and textured pocket. It’s also great for indoor and outdoor use and suitable for newborns and up.
Best diaper bag
- Offers an insulated double pocket for bottles, as well as exterior packets for other parent essentials
- Includes a washable changing pad
- Carry it four ways: as a messenger bag, tote, clip it onto your stroller or slide it onto your luggage
- On the bigger end when it comes to size—this bag is larger than Skip Hop’s popular Duo Signature Diaper Bag.
This weekender diaper bag from Skip Hop makes it seamless to travel with multiple kiddos—whether it’s a trip to the local playground or a weekend trip away. Not only does it offer plenty of room for diapers, bottles and other essentials, but it also features a drawbridge opening for easy access and two mesh packing cubes that make it easy to keep baby’s tiny things organized.
Best baby monitor
- Two-way communication and remote-controlled zoom let you talk to and monitor your babies without disturbing them in the nursery. Also offers built-in lullabies and white noise.
- Allows you access to the monitor with an extra long range of up to 960 feet. Also offers an “out of range” warning when you go too far.
- Gives alerts for high or low room temperatures.
- The monitor uses “hack-free technology,” meaning it doesn’t connect to WiFi or Internet and must be plugged into an outlet.
Whether you're keeping tabs on two cribs or two rooms, this is the baby monitor for you. It comes with two digital cameras (but can accommodate up to four) and offers a split-screen display that lets you easily switch between separate views of your babies.
Best skin care
- Uses 100 percent plant-based, natural and hydrating ingredients to retain baby’s skin moisture.
- EWG verified, meaning it’s free of concerning chemicals.
- Comes in two fragrance options, as well as a fragrance-free option.
- Might be more cost-effective to shop the brand’s product bundles, like the Baby Bestsellers, rather than individual products.
Speed up bath time—and limit your baby products—with this tear-free, 2-in-1 cleanser, intended for skin and hair.
The Bump Ultimate Stroller Guide:
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
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