Then Came the reality that we now need to get two of everything! My twins are fraternal girl and boy, ( NO!! they are not identical, even though they look alike, Because they have different parts. One of the many questions, I seem to always answer over and over again) As a new mom i went to my local baby store to start a registry and noticed the list they give you for recommended items needed goes on forever and ever. I quickly realized i needed to minimize the items to what worked best for me and my budget. I strongly suggest to create your registry based on your budget and take the time to look online and read reviews on the things you like.
At the end of this post i will include the list i used to help me plan ahead, if it helps you feel free to copy and paste and add you own items.
I must admit i was extremely blessed by my mom, my family, and friends that attended my baby shower, But I still believe its best to over plan, and Pre and post shower shop. When attending a twin baby shower, the guest often feel the demand to shop for two gifts, although any gift to any new mom is a blessing, I know times are tough and wanted my guest to feel no obligation to bring a lavish gift or gifts.
So i made my registry budget friendly, because whatever you don't receive on that day, you must indeed buy it yourself! (MY POOR HUSBAND!)
I want to stress the pre and post shower shop because with twins its always a touch and go pregnancy, I had a pretty healthy active pregnancy, but was monitored closely because of the fetal growth although i was expected to have a planned c section anytime after 36 weeks, i ended up having to have an emergency c section at 33, and was extremely happy that i had been so prepared already for when the babies arrived a week later.
My following post ill include a lot of tips on pre and post baby shower shopping and a list i used to help me pre-plan and keep organized!
To all my fellow Miraculous Mommies on a budget, DON'T!! be afraid to browse craigslist, i have found amazing name brand, brand new or barely used items at great prices ( TIP: ALWAYS TAKE YOUR HUSBAND ALONG FOR THE RIDE)
When shopping your at your local store,always look for coupons before buying anything! if there isn't a coupon or a good deal you like, but see a better price for it another store or online, most major stores will now price match to online prices or other store adds. this helps you save even more and you don't have to worry about shipping costs and are able to return in store if needed.
When shopping your at your local store,always look for coupons before buying anything! if there isn't a coupon or a good deal you like, but see a better price for it another store or online, most major stores will now price match to online prices or other store adds. this helps you save even more and you don't have to worry about shipping costs and are able to return in store if needed.
The Following is the list i promised on how i narrowed down my baby registry, look out for my post where i post links and pictures to what i actually ended up receiving and buying my self :)
My Twinning Baby Registry
NURSERY
2 Matching Cribs of your choice
2 Matching Bed Sets ( i choose a gender neutral theme, that included the whole bed set in the bag)
2 Mattresses of your choice ( Most baby stores offer discounts for registries with multiple babies)
Glider or Rocker ( OPTIONAL)
Mobile ( ALSO OPTIONAL, i opted out on mobiles)
Changing Table (with storage great for toys and books in the future.)
Changing Pad & Cover
Twin Gear
2 infant carriers ( great for sleeping or nursing babies, also OPTIONAL)
Infant stroller ( i purchased a double snap and go , to use with car seats for almost 6 months then sold it and bought a full size stroller.)
2 infant car seats up to 30 lbs, ( My pediatrician recommended to keep them rear facing until 25 lbs, so they worked for over a year)
Twin Play Yard (Only available online, but works great post c-section and is a bassinet and play pen all in one, great for newborns and easy for travel after they grow out of the bassinets.)
Diapering
Diapers in assorted size ( try to limit newborn diapers, since they grow out of them so quickly.)
Wipes ( try to stick the the sensitive, no smell type, never know if your child will have allergies or sensitive skin.)
Diaper Cream ( i used Burt bees multipurpose ointment, at only $8.99 and last for months, and i use it like crazy, also hypoallergenic and its organic great!)
Diaper Bag ( I used a a large purse style bag with many pockets, since you'll be carrying double the items.)
Travel Diaper Changer
Extra Wipe Cases ( create extra changing places around the house.)
Breastfeeding and or Bottle Feeding
I did not breast feed, due to my children being born prematurely, they were in the NICU so we used bottle feeding, although breast is best, it was easier for dual feedings to use the bottle, if you plan on breast feeding, pump a lot, so you can use a bottle late at night when your really tired.
BREASTFEED BABIES
- Invest in a good dual pump ( Some insurances cover hospital grade pumps, if they don't cover the one you want or like, you can always pay the difference.)
-Look into bottles that are the same brand as your breast pump
- Bottle brushes( if you receive multiple its always great because you will replace them a few times, great to have a couple on hands.)
- Sterilizer ( I used a non name brand one from target, worked great and half the price, also doubled as a drying rack.)
-Bottle warmer (Optional i did not really use mine, because room temperature is just fine and convenient for when your out with baby and cant always warm up your bottle.)
-Nursing Pillow
Bottle Fed Babies
- 4/ 4 oz Bottles for each baby
- 4 -6/ 9 oz Bottles for each baby ( many new bottles and accessories out, research the one brand that works for you.)
- Sterilizer
- Bottle Warmer
- Burp Cloths per baby
SOLID FEEDING
I did not add any Solid feeding items, on my registry because it takes awhile before your child to actual start solid feeding, i preferred more items i could use to start off, and would slowly buying the items after they out grow other things. ( TIP: if you receive any gift cards, you can save them for future items, like a high chair, or cups, spoons and plates.)
BATHING
Baby Bath Tub with newborn sling ( the more basic the better, 1. For safety reasons, 2. your child will out grow the bath tub sooner then you think.)
2-3 Hooded towels per baby
Body wash and shampoo's ( look into a brands with no harsh chemicals or odors.)
I held off on bath accessories and waited to buy them my self once they got older and could actually play with them.
CLOTHING
Tip for Register for clothing, Limit asking for specific items because the stock varies from store to store, also I've noticed people seem to buy what they think is cute. If anything try to choose items 3 months and older, since the first couple of months they grow so quickly.
Add a lot of neutral clothing, socks, and onesies that can be used between both twins.
I would skip the mittens, and try to get clothing with footies and mittens attached
a lot of outfits come with matching bibs and hats for newborns.
SLEEPING
- 3-5 per baby ( I live in Florida, and my children were born in middle of spring close to summer, they where light weight, and come in great prints, and function as swaddles also.)- Extra crib sheets
- Mattress Protector or Waterproof mattress pad
- Wearable or Warm blankets
TOYS AND ENTERTAINMENT
- 2 Bouncer Seats
- 1 Swing (OPTIONAL)
- Play mates per child
- Books or soothing music Cd's
- Baby book per child
Another tip for toys or entertainment things is their are double the items so that means double the mess, and the first few months babies don't really use any toys or are very active yet, you can hold off on buying toys. You will notice the toys will accumulate super fast!
SAFETY AND HEALTH
- Monitor ( so many different monitors on the market, i chose a basic one for the price, but craigslist has some very good camera ones for decent prices, look around.)
- Safety Kits or First aid Kits
- Grooming Kits for each baby ( for hygiene purposes i recommend one separate kit per baby, also a great inexpensive gift that is always nice to receive.)
Hope it helps, Look out for my next post, with an attached list of pre and post baby shower shopping list!
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