Need tips on gear for twins

[2due]

Hi Everyone!

We are finally just getting around to buying some baby gear for our twins (due 3/6/04) and I would like your input on what items you purchased/received and your opinion of them. Is there any item you absolutely didn't need, like bottle warmers, etc? Any item you couldn't do without.

Infant car seat -

Stroller, tandem or side-by-side?-

Diapers-

Bassinets, worth it?

Bouncy seats-

Swings-

Cribs, 3-in-1 or just plain old crib-



Thanks for your input, and good luck!
Lori

[ReesesPB]

Hi! Congrats! I hope your pregnancy is going well. We have 11 month old b/b twins. I thought it was great to have two bouncy seats and two swings. I breastfed for the first three months, but when I started bottle feeding I would feed them in the bouncy seats or on boppy pillows at the same time. They also took naps in either the swings or bouncys for the first few months.

I also liked the tandem stroller that fits the infant car seats - this was great for the little ones! Now I think they sell a double snap n' go which is probably lighter and more convenient. We have the Graco Duo Glider. When they outgrew the infant seats we did purchase a side by side and I like it because it is so lightweight. We use that much more often than the Duo Glider now.

I would say a really important thing is a rocking chair where an adult can have comfortable room to hold two babies. We have a leather rocker recliner with big fluffy arms and we call it the miracle chair because it is the only place to calm two babies on your own. If they fall asleep you can kick back the recliner and try to rest. It is hard to fully sleep with two babies on top of you, but you can relax or watch TV or something.

Bassinets - We bought two and ended up only using one for both boys. We switched them to the crib after 2 months. It was convenient to have them in our room at first, and we could move the bassinet around the house, so they could sleep anywhere during the day. But it isn't necessary and I am sure they will do fine in the crib. I would recommend putting them in one crib together for the first few months.

[mytwingirls]

Here is what I was thinking:

STROLLERS: we are definitely going to by side-by-side stroller. Tandem strollers are so big and heavy. I am still thinking in between Maclaren and Combi (someone could give me some advice here)

INFANT car seat: I registered for Graco SnugRide

BASSINET: we are not buying any. Since our twins will sleep in the same crib for a while, bassinets weight limit is only like 15-20lb. That means that you woud use them for about a month or so. I would reather spend the money towards a nicer crib.

CRIB: probably one that converts into toddler bed...not twin bed. Those are a little expensive, since we have to buy two of them :) I saw a very nice at JC Penney that I'll probably go for.

The rest of the stuff: I registered for one bouncer seat and one swing, one mega saucer activity center, two boppy seats, two baby bjorns carriers, one activity gym. Basically, one of each. We'll see what they like and use. It's always easy to go back and buy one more if needed.

Friend of mine gave me an awesome book. It's called "Baby Bargains". They compare EVERYTHING you will need for the baby. They have tests, parents reviews...It's wonderful.

Melisa

[boys,boys,boys!]

Originally posted by mytwingirls
Here is what I was thinking:

CRIB: probably one that converts into toddler bed...not twin bed. Those are a little expensive, since we have to buy two of them :) I saw a very nice at JC Penney that I'll probably go for.

Melisa

We found a crib at Wall-mart that converts into a toddler's bed,
transitional bed, day bed and a full-size bed for only $75 (matress not included). I think it is called a 5 in 1 bed. We put it in lay-a-way.

I am also going to do the one swing, one bouncy seat thing because space is limited and you can always rotate them around. As Melisa said "you can always buy more stuff later."

[Lrobins]

We used our borrowed bassinet for about a week. We LOVE the bouncy chairs. We use them all the time for naps, to hang out in, ect, and they can be used as toddler rocking chairs.

I would get to boppies. We use the boppies all the time for feeding, they hang out in them, sleep in them and do tummy time on them.

We have a double snap-n-go which is amazing and I would not trade it for anything!

I agree with the rocking chair...I have spent hours in ours.

I hope this helps.

[denverduo]

Infant car seat - Graco Duo Glider with Infant Carriers that latch into the car and stroller! This thing is a god send, a little bulky but totally worth it. I go walking in the dirt with it, or shopping, or to the mall. It is great and if the babies are sleeping they don't wake up when you transfer them from Car to stroller, Vice/Versa.

Stroller- It is a Tandem Stroller with Stadium Seating, so far it is awsome. My girls are 3 months and 3 weeks tomorrow.

Diapers- Any that I have coupons for. I like Espscially for baby (BRU) or Huggies so far.

Bassinets- Totally worth it, ours slept together in one for the first couple months, then we seperated them but kept them in our room. Now they are sharing a crib in their own room.

Bouncy seats- Totally worth it, I can bath one while the other plays on the counter in her seat, my neighbor feeds her 6 month old in her bouncy seat on the counter, and they really like them. I recommend getting one with lights and that vibrates, they really love the lights and bumps!

Swings- A lifesaver! I put them in the swings twice a day when I want to shower or clean, or just need a break! Make sure you get some that have reclining seats so the infants can sit in them and get flopped over front wards.

Cribs- We have two Baby's Dream Serenity Series 3-in-1 Cribs and I LOVE them, they are beautiful and will last forever. We just have to assemble them into the toddler beds, and then the double bed frame. Once you purchase these you only ahve to get mattresses from there on out. Well, and bedding. Cheaper than buying a new bed frame each time.

Good Luck!

[homebirthedtwins]

SWINGS-essential!!!!!!

slings--also essential. I double slinged both of mine for a while.
I use the Maya Wrap Pouch.

bouncy seats- didn't use them much

GET A REALLY COMFY RECLINER OR GLIDER, asap. You'll need it near the end of your pregnancy and for the first year or so. Make sure it is comfy and gives you lots of options.

doubler stroller--peg perego twin tender!!! Folds up easily and compact, for a double that is. Also can be steered with one hand. My husband won't use anything else.

baby food grinder---great invention!!!

[TracyTwins]

While I have not had my twins yet (EDD 1/18/04), I have been at home my entire pregnancy and have had a lot of time to research baby products and speak to others about them. I will pass on the info. that I learned about strollers. When I first found out that we were having twins, I only wanted a tandem stroller. I went to the baby store with my husband and decided on the peg perego duette ($500). I knew it was expensive, but I felt that a stroller was an important item to splurge on. However, after speaking with other mothers of twins, I soon discovered that the side by side strollers was more practical. Here are the reasons why...almost all tandem strollers (with the exception of the peg perego duette) only have 1 seat that fully reclines. So, the stroller is fine while the babies are in the infant carriers, however, once they move out of them, only 1 baby would be able tolie fully reclined. Additionally, I read numerous articles that when the babies get a little older, the baby in the back will usually start kicking the baby in the front or pullling his or her hair. Not to mention, I heard the tandem strollers can be difficult to maneuver. The Peg that I was interested in also weighed over 40 pounds (not including the weight of the babies) and was massive in size. Everyone told me that it was just too bulky, and that I would never use it by myself, unless my husband was with me.

So, I began searching for the best side by side stroller. I was concerned about the stroller not being able to fit through doorways, and then I read that as long as the stroller is not wider than 30 inches, that it will fit through doorways. Again, after much research, and conversations with other twin moms, I decided on the Maclaren Twin Traveller ($350). The Maclaren is basically an umbrella stroller, but much stronger with more perks. So, what I was encouraged to do, was to get 2 infant carriers and a double snap n go ($80) and then get the maclaren for once the babies are out of the carriers (since the maclaren does not hold infant carriers). The maclaren is designed to be used from birth (since both seats fully recline), so if you don't want to go with the infant carriers, the maclaren would be able to accomodate the babies from birth. Also, the maclaren is only 28 inches wide and very lightweight (compared to the big mamma peg perego duette).

Anyway, just wanted to pass on the info. that I have received. Hope this helps.

[TracyTwins]

The Baby Bargains book is the best!!!!!!!! I refer to it all the time and even brought it with me to the baby store when I registered. This book is definitely worth purchasing!!!!!

[~Doublehugs~]

mytwingirls: Hi! I saw that you mentioned the Combi stroller. I found it at babycatalog.com for only $265.00 with free shipping. At Target and other web sites it is going for as much as $350.00. This it the one that my DH and are getting.

Jennifer :)

[nvhiker]

My boys are just under 5 months, but this is what I've learned so far...

A recliner (big) is a life saver! I spent most of the first couple of months living in it day and night. Now, I use it mostly for feeding, but still sleep in it occasionally if we are having a bad night.

Mylicon gas drops are amazing. I don't know what I would have done without them the first 2 months.

I have a double jogging stroller which I don't use very much yet. It is too wide to go through most doors which is a definate consideration. I picked up a couple of the deluxe umbrella strollers (they have a canopy and a basket under) which I use far more. I really wish that I had the double snap-n-go and still might pick one up. Hauling two carriers in and out while shopping gets to be a pain.

I LOVE my Graco Snugride!!!!! It snaps in and out so much easier than any other brands that I tried.

Swings are a must. I have a full size and the portable one, and love them both. I take the portable one while traveling and on day trips too. The babies did sleep in them sometimes at first too.

My boys don't use their bouncy seats too much, but most of the moms here couldn't live without them.

A mobile and the floor gym are great. I didn't really think it was going to be a big deal, but they LOVE them. Definately entertains them a lot.

I used my boppies a lot for propping. I laid them on their tummies when they were gassy. I also turn the boppy upside down like a horseshoe then place a blanket in it and they nap in it or I put them in it after meals to help with reflux.

Last, but certainly not least, you can never have enough burp cloths! I have about forty and use them all!

Good luck and have fun. Try to take in every moment, even though the first couple of months are difficult. They change soooo fast, but it gets easier and is a wonderful experience!!!

[Laurie13]

I think it's smart to just get one of each of some of the things and see how the babies like them. Ours had no use for the swing for a long time and then suddenly they loved them and used them alot but we could have probably lived with just one.

We could not have lived without two bouncy seats, we used them a lot for naps and feeding and playing. The boys never really got into the fancy toy bars on them, they got in the way more than anything and now they get mad they cant chew on them. I would have lived without those.

We agree on burp cloths, LOTS of them!

We got the pack n plays with the bassinet and changing station, never used one of them. Set one up in the living room but they never napped in it because they had to be on a tilt due to reflux and the changing station was ok but too low and made my back hurt so we just use the floor and you can do both at once then. So I wish we hadn't got both of those with the extras.

Obviously you will need two nice high chairs. Get ones with the 5 point straps. Register for those, we had ours sit in the basement in the box for a long time but we use them now and will for awhile and they are nice.

We love our Snug rides and Duoglider!!!!!! I don't like my side by side stroller, too wide.

I have lots more ideas but these are the main tips I have.
Register for all kinds of things, you can always exchange or take back for different things.

[Anne7476]

I would like to add one thing that seems to have helped my daughter with her twins. I'm not sure what they are called but its a jumpy seat, hangs on the door casing. The girls are now 7 months old and they just love theirs, builds strength in their legs, they love standing now, they laugh out loud and just jump, got them on video should send it to America Funniest Videos.

[Laurie13]

Our boys love the bumper jumpers too, they bounce like crazy for a long time and laugh and giggle, it is the best show in town! :)

[Judi]

buying 2 of everything.

I had heard that swings were ESSENTIAL, bought one and used it maybe a total of about 4 hours. My girls HATED it. I sold it before they were 4 months old. Big waste for our family.

Bouncy seats....CRITICAL for us. Used them as feeding seats and entertainment seats until about 6 1/2 mos (when they finally outgrew them)

Stroller: Important to get a really light one b/c you will be lugging it in and out of the car and potentially on/off airplanes. This should last you several years, so don't skimp on cost. I got the Combi Twin savvy on Ebay for about 20% less than retail. Good deals there.

If you do get the infant carriers, go with Graco and seriously look into the Double Snap and Go stroller. You can strap both car seats directly on to the frame, it is lightweight and easy to collapse, with a huge basket. Best 80 bucks I spent, b/c it gave me confidence I needed to get out of my house with twin newborns starting at about 3 wks.

good luck..

All you really NEED is a huge supply of love and hugs for these 2. Everything else is fluff.