When you’ve got two singular sensations on the way, it means leveling up to be ready for them. After all, there’s more choreography involved when you’re feeding, transporting, and entertaining two babies the same age—and you want to build in breaks for yourself and your partner as well!
To aid in this important mission, we’ve gathered together a list of supplies to help you more easily manage your multiples. Among the items are recommendations from our wise Parent Like a Pro panelists (including journalist and twin mom Alicia Quarles), real parent favorites from Nanit’s recent Registry Survey, and other tried-and-true ideas to ease the caregiving days ahead.
The Best Baby Registry Items for Twins
1. Baby swing and/or bouncer
AKA somewhere to put the second baby when you’re holding the first. Here are two parent-approved options:
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The BabyBjörn Bouncer Balance Soft was the top bouncer pick on Nanit’s Registry Survey. Lightweight and minimally elegant, the Balance Soft rocks gently as your baby moves. It also grows with your kids: As your child gets bigger, flip the seat fabric on the bouncer frame and it becomes a toddler-sized seat.
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Designed to mimic a caregiver’s natural body movements and rhythms, the MamaRoo Multi-Motion Baby Swing has five different motion and speed options, as well as four different sounds.
2. Nursing pillow
Alicia Quarles is a big fan of the Twin Z Nursing Pillow. “It’s basically like a Boppy for two,” she says. “It’s always a struggle trying to feed your twins at the same time, so the Twin Z is a game changer.” The Twin Z is also great for safely propping up your littles and can be used as a pregnancy pillow.
3. Table for Two twin seats
For bottle feeding, the Table for Two securely holds both babies. Buckle infants in with safety harnesses, similar to a car seat setup. The seats’ angle is designed to aid with digestion, reflux, and colic. Bottle holders on either side keep bottles from getting knocked over or mixed up.
4. Hands-free breast pump
If you’ll be breastfeeding, a pump allows others to pitch in on feeding duties (and give you time off when you need it). The Spectra S2 Plus Double Electric Breast Pump was a top choice for moms on our survey. It only weighs 3 pounds, is quiet, and ultra efficient. Moms also like the Elvie Original Wearable Breast Pump, a discreet and portable pumping option that tucks inside your bra. Rechargeable batteries last for five to six pumping sessions.
5. Bottles
Fact: Two babies go through a lot of bottles. Nearly half of parents who took our survey registered for Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Anti-Colic Baby Bottle. It’s designed to reduce colic and discomfort by slowing air intake, which can lead to gas and fussiness. Plus, breast-like nipples help babies maintain a good latch when nursing.
6. Bottle warmer
With all those bottles, you’ll want a way to get them ready pronto. Nanit parents liked the Philips Avent Premium Fast Bottle Warmer with its speedy heating (within minutes!) and smart temperature controls.
7. Bottle sterilizer
Quarles loves Dr. Brown’s Deluxe Baby Bottle Sterilizer which can sterilize up to six bottles, plus pacifiers and more in one go.
8. A stroller
Sometimes you’ll want both babies in a stroller. Other times, a single stroller will get the job done, if you’re just taking one baby somewhere (to the doctor, say) or have your second babe in a carrier. These two strollers offer flexibility:
- In our survey, parents loved the UPPAbaby VISTA V2 Stroller for its smooth ride and easy maneuvering on city sidewalks and park strolls. Plus, with accessories, this stroller can accommodate up to three kids.
- Lucie Fink is a fan of the Mockingbird because “it's very lightweight and easily converts into a double stroller,” she explains. “We have all the attachment parts for the bassinet or to turn it into two seats. It’s also a third of the price of a lot of other strollers.”
9. Baby carrier
With all babies, but especially twins, a carrier can be invaluable. Wear one baby while the other is in a stroller. Need to get things done around the house? Put one baby in a bouncer and wear the other. You may even want two carriers if you live in the city or generally want on-the-go flexibility. Nanit parents most registered for the Ergobaby Omni 360 Baby Carrier. Babies can ride in multiple positions—front, back, or on your hip—and its ergonomic design is kind to your shoulders and back.
10. Multiple baby monitors
Nanit’s Pro Baby Monitor Multi Pack answers all your twin monitoring needs in one fell bundle. The Pack comes with two monitors and two stands (choose between Floor Stand or Wall Mount). So should your littles be in separate rooms for napping or nighttime, you’ll always be able to tune in. And with the Nanit app’s Split Screen capability, you can see both babies from the same screen.
11. Twin bassinet
If your twins will be sleeping in the same room as you for a while, it’s nice to have a way to do that without dominating the space. Parents’ top bassinet pick in the Nanit survey was the Halo BassiNest Swivel Sleeper and happily, there’s a version for twins as well: the HALO Bassinest Twin bassinet gives each of your twins their own sleeping space, separated by a breathable mesh wall. The bassinet sits next to and can swivel over your bed.
Simmons Kids’ By the Bed Twin City Sleeper is another option. Its slim frame and adjustable height make it easy to tuck in next to your bed.
12. An excellent diaper pail
You’ll be relying on your diaper pail a lot, so it better be top notch at trapping stinky smells and plenty of diapers. In the Nanit Registry Survey, the Ubbi Stainless Steel Odor Locking Diaper Pail was on more than half of parents' registries. Its steel construction stands up to odors better than plastic (which tends to absorb them) and it holds up to 55 diapers.
13. Easy on-and-off clothing
So many diaper changes, so many onesies coming off and going back on…. Save yourself time and trouble by making the process super simple.
“The Magnetic Me onesies are life-changing,” says Fink. “They don't have buttons or snaps, just little magnetic closures that are easy to bust open and close. You probably end up saving hours in the day.”
14. A wagon
Babies come with a lot of gear. Two babies come with even more gear. A wagon, like the Cruiser from Veer, can be a great way to carry it all—and the kids, too, once they’re a bit older—whether you’re headed to the park, the beach, or just the backyard.
15. An activity mat big enough for two
A play mat is another safe place for your little ones to hang out when you’re crossing off to-dos around the house. Look for a mat that’s big enough to fit both your babies. A few suggestions:
- The Play Gym by Lovevery rated most popular on our Registry Survey. Simple and sweet, this mat is designed to engage your baby’s senses with different activities in five developmental “zones.” It’s also made from sustainably sourced materials.
- The Peanutshell Safari 7-in-1 Baby Activity Gym, a Montessori-inspired mat, also sports an understated look, but will entertain your little ones with ribbons, mirrors, crinkle toys, six removable hanging toys and more.
- Want more bells and whistles? The Fisher Price Baby Gym With Kick and Play Piano has them all with piano keys for babies to kick and other toys to grab and shake.
16. White noise machine
Baby sleeping, shhh. A white noise machine helps cancel out surprising sounds that might wake your little one…such as noises from a second little one. Nanit’s Sound + Light Machine also includes an audio monitor and soothing nightlight, just right for setting a serene bedtime mood or mellow middle-of-the-night visibility.
As you’re gearing up, learn more about what life is like when you’re expecting twins.
