Essential Items to Buy When You're Expecting Twins

Found out you're expecting twins? Congratulations! It's an exciting moment, often followed by a slightly panicked look at the shopping list. Two babies must mean buying two of absolutely everything… right? Thankfully, no.

As a twin mum, I'd focus on making the early days practical rather than filling the house with every twin gadget on the market. Here's what is worth planning for, what can wait and where you may be able to save money.

The quick twin newborn essentials checklist

Start with safe sleeping arrangements for both babies, appropriate car seats, nappies and wipes, enough comfortable clothing for regular changes, feeding supplies suited to your plans, and a way to get out with two babies. The rest can be added gradually.

1. Safe sleeping: plan for both babies

You'll need a safe sleeping arrangement for each baby. Choose a firm, flat mattress with a fitted sheet, and keep sleep spaces free of pillows, toys, bumpers and loose bedding. If you're considering cot sharing in the early months, check the current NHS and Lullaby Trust advice for twins and ask your midwife or health visitor for guidance. Baby sleeping bags can be practical when used according to the manufacturer's safety guidance.

2. Nappies, wipes and changes of clothes

Two babies can get through a surprising number of nappies! Keep a modest supply of each baby's current size rather than buying mountains of one size before they're born. Set up a basket of wipes, nappies, muslins and spare outfits wherever you'll spend most of your time. A second portable changing mat can be more useful than a fancy changing station.

3. Feeding equipment that fits your situation

What you need depends on whether you breastfeed, bottle-feed or combine the two. A feeding pillow, bottles and sterilising equipment may help, but you don't need to buy every option in advance. Your midwife, health visitor or infant-feeding team can help you plan around your babies' needs, particularly if they arrive early or need extra support.

4. A double buggy that works for your actual life

Before falling in love with a double buggy online, check whether it fits your front door, car boot and regular walking routes. Side-by-side and tandem models both have advantages. Try lifting and folding one in person if possible. Check that it's suitable for newborns and compatible with the car seats or carrycots you expect to use.

5. Car seats and the journey home

Each baby needs a suitable car seat for travelling by car. Make sure seats fit safely in your vehicle, follow current UK fitting guidance and don't rely on second-hand seats unless you know their complete history. Booking a fitting demonstration before the birth can save a lot of stress.

6. Clothes and everyday essentials

You'll want enough babygrows, vests, socks and muslins to cope with regular changes. But don't overbuy tiny sizes: newborn twins can arrive at different weights, and babies grow quickly. A few soft, easy-to-fasten outfits are usually more useful than lots of complicated matching clothes.

What don't you need two of?

You might be able to share books, many toys, a baby bath, a changing station and some larger equipment. Think carefully before buying twin-branded products just because they're marketed to families with multiples. Ask another twin parent what they actually used before spending.

Three things I'd do before ordering everything

Measure doorways and your car boot. Make a list of essentials for the first two weeks rather than the whole first year. And ask friends and family to contribute practical items, meals or time instead of duplicate presents.

A little reminder

You don't need a picture-perfect nursery to welcome your babies. You need safe basics, support and space to get to know two new little people. The rest you can figure out together.

And if you’d like a meaningful gift alongside all the practical essentials, the Books for Twins bundle is a keepsake created specifically for twin families.