Baby Registry Guide for Twins

Each baby must have his or her own car seat, no question about that. Since multiples tend to weigh less than singletons, and it’s not unusual for them to be preemies, you may want to consider the safest options for the smallest babes. This car seat is designed so low birth weight babies (starting at 4 pounds) can ride home safely. ($110, walmart.com)

Although many moms put their tiny twins to sleep in the same crib in the early weeks, once they get a bit bigger, you’ll need two. Might as well get this important purchase out of the way sooner rather than later. An ideal solution is this convertible crib with all the standard safety features—and a toddler bed conversion kit. As your kiddos grow, this investment-worthy crib can be converted from crib to toddler bed to full-size bed, so you’ll save money—and time—down the road. ($400, giggle.com)

Cue sighs of relief: You only need one stroller. But it has to be a double stroller, and those have a reputation for being unwieldy, overpriced, or both. This trim model proves those assumptions wrong. Its rubber-coated EVA rear wheels have great shock absorption. It offers seven seat configurations, and it quickly collapses to a standing fold, without having to take either seat off. ($400, buybuybaby.com)

Swings are hit or miss as far as whether any particular baby will like it. Normally, if a mom is tight on space, she can take a wait and see approach before buying one. But in your case, we say get one. You don’t need two, but you do need to have all the baby-entertaining ammo you can get! This swing is big on features (gentle motion, music, a seat that doubles as a bouncer) but not in size. It takes up 40 percent less space than standard baby swings. ($180, diapers.com)

One (roomy) diaper bag will do the trick. This style lets you load up while staying organized. The outer fabric can easily be spot-cleaned, the lining inhibits growth of odor-causing bacteria and mildew, and the removable straps can be adjusted for to wear over the shoulder or to hang on a stroller. Zipper closures are easy and quiet, and the insulated bag includes an eight-piece grab-and-go food container set. Plus, we’re in love with this platinum-peach color combo. ($100, nordstrom.com)

Play yards aren’t one per customer (thankfully!) but a model that’s geared to twins is a must-have. Here you get two comfy side-by-side bassinets with canopies. They’re separated in such a way that each little dreamer can get her beauty rest, even if her sibling is moving. ($250, target.com)

Here’s a smart way to keep tabs on two babies, without setting up two traditional monitors. Or any at all, actually. Each little love wears a small button that snaps onto their clothing. These “monitors” filter through an app, which gives you all the information you could want on your phone. It’ll alert you automatically about breathing, movement, or any other unusual activity, so while you may still feel the need to do so, you won’t have to check your phone every five seconds. Plus, you’ll get the readings for both kids on one phone. ($100, target.com)

Nobody’s saying breastfeeding is easy with two hungry little ones. But it’s most definitely doable, especially with this hardworking nursing pillow. There’s a small indentation in the top that makes it easy to adjust one baby without worrying that the other is going to roll off. And you’re able to keep both hands free while tandem nursing, in case, say, you wanted to eat a snack and click through the DVR. ($59, target.com)

If you have a partner who regularly goes out with the babies when you do, you will probably opt to get two single carriers, each suited to your personal preference. But all you single moms out there are going to want this little number so you can sometimes have the option of leaving the double stroller home. And if you’re a single mom in a city, it’s a no brainer. This twin carrier can be adjusted to hold one or both kiddos and even includes a built-in diaper bag with (two!) insulated bottle holders. ($160, walmart.com)

Many parents of twins tell the same tale. For every kindly stranger who ogles and touches a baby in the supermarket, there are three who are drawn to twins. Keep your babies asleep and away from germs—and get out of the store faster—with a light, breathable canopy for each infant seat. It has a special closure that lets you get baby in and out of the car seat without having to take it off. ($25, diapers.com)

While it’s not an absolute must, having two highchairs will make feeding time much easier. But this 4-in-1 system can accommodate two children at the same time to make mealtimes easy—or as easy as they can be with twin kiddos. This supper seat converts into four chair options: highchair, infant feeding booster, toddler booster, and youth chair. And its features a removable, dishwasher-safe tray; reclining seat; and 6-position height adjustment—all at an affordable price. ($190, albeebaby.com)

You’ve no doubt figured out you’ll need to travel with two pacifiers (at least!) but you don’t need to pick up two separate paci holders. This cute keeper separates suckers and has a stroller clip for easy-peasy access. ($8, albeebaby.com)

Again, another place to put the babies to be entertained is never a bad thing. Behold the ultimate play mat! At 5 feet by 5 feet, it’s more than ample for your dynamic duo to share a few laughs over the colors and shapes, while you delight in the durable (and easily cleanable) fabric. ($30, giggle.com)

One of these beauts will serve both babies well. The lullabies are played in really high-quality sound compared to your typical piece of musical baby gear. The gentle vibrations and interactive plush toys included with this bouncer will keep your wee one happy until it’s his turn in the swing. Perk: The music and nature sounds included last up to 20 minutes. ($60, diapers.com)

This may be a non-essential for moms with only one baby to wrangle, but for super moms like you, it’ll be quite the day saver. This handy unit has four simple timers to help the weary and sleep-deprived remember when diapers were changed, bottles given, medication dispensed, and the times and lengths of naps. You can also set up reminders to yourself, such as from which side your baby last nursed. ($25, buybuybaby.com)