Top tips when buying for Twins

I get a lot of enquires from soon-to-be and new parents of twins searching to find the right nursery & baby products for their babies. If you thought buying for one baby was challenging & expensive, buying for two seems to be 3 times as difficult.

Buy the best pram you can afford

The right pram = mobility. Mobility is so much more critical when you have two to get around. Be prepared to invest in the best pram to suit your lifestyle.

Remember, you can’t carry your babies in a sling together and it’s much harder to heard two wandering toddlers & pre-schoolers, so not only are you pushing more than average but you’re likely to use your pram more than parents of one.

Manoeuvrability is your top priority. Choose a pram that has large, air filled rear tires. It makes it easier for you to get up and down stairs & curbs and over obstacles. They are also more comfortable for parents to push.

Whether you choose a twin (side-by-side), stadium (long with one seat slightly raised behind the other) or inline (second seat attaches underneath) make sure the centre of gravity of your pram (where your babies' weight is centred) is in the middle or at the back of the pram. This will free up the front wheel and make your pram easier to steer.

Make sure your pram will fit into the boot of your car, will fit through a standard doorway and is easy to fold. All these factors make your pram easier to use in the long term. Also, if you want to fit baby capsules to your pram, check to make sure your chosen pram can accommodate two.

Buy 2 in 1 cots

2 in 1 and 3 in 1 cots appeal to parents because they assume they will get more use from them. But frequently by the time you are ready to convert the cot into a toddler bed baby 2 is on the way and parents end up buying a bed for baby 1 and put baby 2 in the cot.

It’s different with twins in two ways. Firstly, if you have the time to make a third baby, it’s likely to be cheaper to buy the new arrival its own cot rather than buying two single beds for your twins. Secondly, most twins share a room and two toddler beds are going to fit much more comfortably in their room than two single beds.

Don’t bother with 3 in 1 cots, you’re never going to have the room to convert cots into day sofas or desks.

Now you’ve got the cots invest in 2 quality mattresses

Your 2 in 1 cots are likely to accommodate your babies until they are at least 4, possibly 5. They are going to be sleeping in those cots for at least 50% of their time so it’s worth investing in good quality innerspring mattresses.

Also, as much as you can, look for mattresses made from natural fibres and free from chemicals, they produce fewer emissions in your baby’s sleeping space.

Choose the right high chairs

Your high chairs provide two extra pairs of arms. You’re more likely to put your baby into a high chair earlier and use it more frequently than parents of singles.

Irrespective of the high chair you choose make sure it reclines. A reclined position is better for a younger child and more comfortable. Some babies are happy to have their bottle and a snooze in a comfy high chair; bliss.

Look for a high chair that has a slim profile so you don’t feel your space is cluttered all the time and preferably one that folds flat so you can stash it away when you've finished for the day.

Alternatively you might want to choose a high chair that grows with your child and converts to a children’s chair for the dinner table. If so choose chairs that have an infant insert and tray option. Initially it’s expensive but over time you won’t have to buy booster seats or other children’s chairs.

Not a change table but change stations

It’s not too difficult to move one baby to a centrally located change table but when you’ve got two you want your change table to come to you. One centrally located change table is a good start. Strategically placed change stations are a smart addition.

Keep stocked nappy caddies or wallets in the most lived in rooms of your home. That way you can conveniently change your babies anywhere without having to carry them around.

Also keep a stocked nappy wallet in your car and invest in a good quality nappy bag. Your kids stay sticky for about 23 years so it’s always handy to have a nice quality bag that you enjoy taking out with you but can also handle the tough stuff (as well as carry the treasure kids of every age seem to accumulate during their travels).