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Twin Baby Registry Guide: What to Double (and What to Skip)
Quick Answer
Building a registry for twins is double the joy - and yes, double the stuff. But don’t worry, you don’t have to literally double everything. As about 1 in 30 births result in twins, there’s plenty of real-world wisdom on what twin parents actually need two of, what can be shared, and what clever tricks make life easier.
In This Guide
- Essential items that must be doubled for twins
- Items that can be shared between twins
- Space-saving solutions for twin families
- Budget-friendly strategies for double purchases
- Organization tips for managing twin gear
- Real parent experiences and recommendations
All Products in This Guide
Essential products designed for twin families - what to double and what to share
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Building a registry for twins is double the joy - and yes, double the stuff. But don’t worry, you don’t have to literally double everything. As about 1 in 30 births result in twins, there’s plenty of real-world wisdom on what twin parents actually need two of, what can be shared, and what clever tricks make life easier. Here’s the breakdown:
What to Double
Certain items are non-negotiable must-haves for each baby:
Car Seats (2)
Safety first - you will need two car seats like the Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat (one per baby). If you’re doing infant bucket seats, get a double stroller frame that fits both. Later, you’ll move to two convertible car seats. There’s no sharing or staggering car seats; both babies need their own at all times.
Cribs or Bassinets (eventually 2)
Newborn twins can often co-sleep in the same crib for a short while (it’s called “co-bedding” and some NICUs do it for comfort). But as they grow and start rolling, each will need their own safe sleep space. Plan for two cribs. If you’re tight on space, you might use two smaller bassinets or pack ‘n plays initially. By the time they’re a few months old (or whenever they start disrupting each other), you’ll separate them for sleep.
High Chairs (2)
When it’s time for solids (around 6 months), each baby will need a high chair or booster like the Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair. Mealtimes are messy enough with one baby - two in one chair is impossible! Consider space-saving options like booster seats that strap to dining chairs, or clip-on high chairs for the table, if your kitchen area is limited.
Bouncers or Newborn Seats (2)
Having a safe place to put each baby down is a lifesaver. Two bouncy seats like the BabyBjorn Bouncer Bliss or infant loungers mean you can park both babies while you, say, take a shower (put them in the bathroom with you) or cook briefly. Many twin parents swear by having one per baby so that both can chill simultaneously.
Essentials & Consumables
Diapers, wipes, bibs, burp cloths - yes, you’ll go through roughly twice as many. Stock up on the consumables. (Twins often arrive a bit early or smaller, so you may need some preemie or newborn clothes and diapers, but they’ll catch up.) Also, two diaper bags? You could manage with one big one, but some parents of twins keep two bags pre-packed - e.g., one in the car and one at home - to make outings easier. Not mandatory, but something to consider.
What to Share
Great news: there are plenty of items where one will serve both babies:
Changing Table & Bathtub
You only need one changing station. Set up one changing area with a good setup (lots of diapers within reach!). You’ll change them one at a time anyway. Same with a baby bathtub - bathe them one after the other. (When they’re a bit older and sturdier, some parents do bathe twins together in a full tub with extra hands on deck, but that’s down the road.)
Baby Monitor
One baby monitor like the Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO Video Baby Monitor can cover both - you might get a system with two camera units and one parent receiver, or just one camera that’s wide-angle enough to see both cribs in the same room. No need for two separate monitors.
Thermometer, Nail Clipper, Etc.
All the health tools can be shared. One baby first aid kit is sufficient. You’ll take turns using the snot sucker on each nose (clean the tip in between, of course!). Same with a play mat or play gym for tummy time - they can share one and both do tummy time together side by side.
Toys and Books
Newborns don’t need a ton of toys, and as they get older, you’ll find twins often like to play with (or tussle over) the same toy anyway. You don’t need two of every toy; they can share many items, especially big things like activity centers or walkers (you might alternate them in and out). In fact, having some different toys can encourage them to learn to share and swap. Of course, as they develop individual preferences, you may end up getting a second of a favorite toy to avoid World War III. But start with one of each and see.
Breast Pump
If you’re breastfeeding twins, you’ll likely want a double electric pump (to pump both sides at once - which is standard). You don’t need two separate pumps. One good pump, plus maybe a manual hand pump as backup, is fine. If both parents are feeding babies (e.g., with pumped milk or formula), you might get by with one set of bottles if you wash frequently, but practically, have plenty of bottles so you’re not constantly washing. Still, they don’t need personalized sets - any bottle can go to either baby, obviously.
Special Twins Gear to Consider
Twin Nursing Pillow
If you plan to nurse, a twin nursing pillow like the My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow is extremely helpful. It’s bigger and wraps around you, allowing you to breastfeed both babies in a football hold at the same time. Many twin moms swear this is the only way they managed those early months of breastfeeding two. Register for one; it’s a game-changer for tandem feeding.
Second stroller vs. Wagon
You’ll absolutely need a double stroller. But some twin parents find as kids get older, a wagon with seats (those fancy collapsible wagons) is even more useful for park outings, etc. Not a must from day one, but something to keep in mind. You might register for a specific double stroller (there are inline vs side-by-side - research which fits your lifestyle, car trunk, and doorways).
Baby Carriers (Maybe Two)
Can you baby-wear twins? Yes! Options: You and your partner each wear one baby (so two separate carriers like the Ergobaby Omni Breeze Carrier). Or there are twin carriers that hold both babies attached to you (one in front, one in back or both in front). Baby carriers can be pricey, so decide if you want one or two. It’s possible to get by with one and just take turns, but if you anticipate both wanting to wear babies simultaneously on hikes, etc., register for two carriers.
Extra Large diaper bag
This is a scenario where you might upsize. Twins come with a lot of stuff. A diaper bag for two should be spacious with lots of pockets. You might consider a backpack-style for comfort, and even something designed for multiples. It’s not two separate items, but a single bigger item to accommodate double supplies.
Floor Gear
Some items, like a swing or baby bouncer, you might start with one to see if your babies even like it. But be open to getting a second if it becomes a sanity-saver. For instance, if both babies LOVE the swing and it’s the only way they nap, you may end up with two swings (space allowing). But perhaps they’ll take turns and one can be in a swing while the other is in a bouncer, then swap. The key is to be flexible and see what your babies prefer. It’s wise on the registry to include one of each type (one swing, one bouncer) rather than two of each. You can always quickly buy another if needed once you know it’s worth it.
Twin-Specific Tips
Preemie Clothes and Gear
Twins often come a bit early or smaller. It’s a good idea to have some preemie or newborn-size clothes and diapers. But don’t go overboard - they may size up fast. Perhaps register for a small set of preemie onesies or gowns and preemie diapers, just in case (and keep receipts in case you don’t use them). The hospital may provide preemie diapers initially too.
Think Logistics
Having two means finding hacks. For example, a twin crib (two mattresses in one frame) isn’t really a thing - you’ll do two cribs. But you might consider mini-cribs if your space is tight. Or how about feeding: if bottle feeding, a twin feeding pillow or two bouncy seats can allow you to bottle feed both at once (with you sitting between them). So gear that facilitates simultaneous care is gold. A twin stroller frame for infant car seats is a popular registry item - snap both car seats in and go, very convenient for the early months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Do I need two of everything for twins?
A: No, you don't need two of everything. You'll need two cribs, high chairs, and car seats, but many items like changing tables, bathtubs, monitors, and toys can be shared between twins.
Q:What's the most important item for twin parents?
A: A double stroller is essential for twin parents. You'll also want a twin nursing pillow if breastfeeding, and plenty of diapers and wipes since you'll go through roughly twice as many.
Q:Should I register for preemie items?
A: Yes, twins often arrive early or smaller. Register for some preemie clothes and diapers, but don't go overboard - they may size up quickly.
Q:Can twins share a crib?
A: Newborn twins can co-sleep briefly, but as they grow and start rolling, each will need their own safe sleep space. Plan for two cribs.
Q:What's the best way to feed twins?
A: A twin nursing pillow allows you to breastfeed both babies simultaneously. For bottle feeding, consider a twin feeding pillow or two bouncy seats to feed both at once.
Support Items
Don’t shy away from adding things like a meal service subscription, house cleaning, or postpartum doula contributions to your registry. With twins, you’ll have your hands extremely full, so any help is invaluable. Many registries allow you to ask for “help” as a gift, not just stuff. Take advantage of that - it’s a twin parent pro move!
Above all, remember: twin parents find creative ways to simplify. Your registry should set you up with the basics to care for two newborns, but you’ll quickly learn your own routines and what additional items might help. And twin parents often share wisdom in communities - consider joining a twins parents group (locally or online) to swap tips and possibly hand-me-down gear. Twins can share a lot, including your love and attention. With smart planning, you’ll navigate the double baby adventure with confidence!
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*Subject to availability and Retailer's terms.
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