What "must haves" can you suggest..

Hi!

My husband and I are trying to figure out what to buy for our babies when they get here. The thought of "2 of everything" is a bit overwhelming.

Can anyone suggest "must haves" and how many? We want the babies in the room for the first few months (figure it will be easier to nurse), but the "cozy" ( forgot the name, the bed that slides to your bed) is soooo expensive.

I thought about buying 1 swing and 1 bouncy chair, rather than 2 of each, I figure that will save a little bit of money.

I think we are going to go with the snap and go stroller for winter, and decide next spring what kind of other stroller to get, off road etc...babies are due in mid december and i can't imagine trudging through the snow those first few months!

What about carrying sacks?? Diaper bags?? any recommendations...We are going to find out the sex in 2wks and I want to start buying things :banana: ...

Anyway sorry for the ramble, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

thanks!!
rebecca

 

I think you are definitely better off to NOT go out and buy two of everything. I thought I needed two of everything (swings, bouncers, exersaucers, etc.), but come to find out that each baby had their own likes and dislikes.

One thing that was a must have for me was diapers, wipes, and formula (if you plan to use it). If I had to do it all over again, I would have started stocking up on those things before the babies came. They are such a huge expense, and buying them over time would have helped to alleviate some of that added financial burden.

 

Hi Rebecca!!

I'm excited to see the responses to this. I can tell you what I've gotten so far and what I think we need but I'm looking forward to see what more experts can tell us!!

I have 1 bassinet for when they're little in our room. We have two cribs but will probably use just the one for the first few months. I'm not sure on the pack and plays. I definitely want one for the main floor of the house. When my son was little he loved his swing and sometimes it was the only thing that made him happy so I'm planning on having 2 of those. My sister gave me one so I just need to buy one more. She also gave me 3 "bouncy"/vibrating seats so we're set there. Of course we'll have two car seats (still need to buy those). My mom got us the Kolcraft Contours double stroller. We really like that one because you can use almost any car seat brand with it. We just have to buy an extra car seat adapter but that's 30 bucks or less depending on where you get it. I'm planning on just one diaper bag that is a decent size. I can't imagine trying to carry around 2 of those plus my purse plus the babies.

One question I do have - when do we need high chairs?? I know we need two of those but I wasn't sure when. Didn't know if we could hold off awhile. That's all we have so far I believe. We have a baby bath and changing table and a rocker on the way. Looking forward to hearing from everyone else!!

 

When you bought the diapers - did you get a certain brand or keep the receipts?? We're afraid we're going to get a bunch of one kind and they won't work right for the babies or something. We thought about buying a package every time we go grocery shopping. Any hints on this? We thought maybe we'd just set aside money but I doubt that will be as effective. We'll somehow use it.

QUOTE(idtwinstx @ Jul 2 2008, 10:07 AM) [snapback]856652[/snapback]
I think you are definitely better off to NOT go out and buy two of everything. I thought I needed two of everything (swings, bouncers, exersaucers, etc.), but come to find out that each baby had their own likes and dislikes.

One thing that was a must have for me was diapers, wipes, and formula (if you plan to use it). If I had to do it all over again, I would have started stocking up on those things before the babies came. They are such a huge expense, and buying them over time would have helped to alleviate some of that added financial burden.

 

2 swings - they loved them and would both be swinging in them at the same time and got them to nap together too.
2 - bouncy seats - easier to feed them both at the same time and they are elevated which helps with reflux and gas.
2 - cribs
2- car seats
1 diaper holder
1 hamper
i got the twins pack n play with double bassinet, when i put them in it they rolled to the middle and wound up on their bellies even with the things that go on their sides to keep them on their back because it sunk in the middle. the cozy i wish i got. maybe someone would buy it for you or you can get one on ebay or craigslist for cheaper
2 high chairs at around 5 months i started to use those
snap and go sounds great for the winter or until they out grow the car seats
1 bath tub
diapers i bought newborn size 2 boxes, size 1 2 boxes and size 2 2boxes. they grew out of newborn quick so size 1 i used for a bit
formula you never really know if it will agree with their tummies so if you stock up on that and they don't agree with it then you need to change formula. i know some people who went through quite a few different ones until they found the right one.
save money on the bedsets and just buy bed sheets i never used the comforter and still haven't
i have breatheable bumper pads only to keep them from sticking body parts out of crib
2 bouncers i used when they were 4 or 5 months old
toys you don't need to of teethers just get a couple different ones. bottles i got 10 of. bibs you will need when they are a bit older, burp cloths are a waste of money i just used a reg towel since they grow out of them so quickly and they dont really catch everything.

CONGRATS AND HTH FEEL FREE TO PM ME IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS

 

this was suggested to me when i was preggos and it was awsome (of course these were our first kids and we only had a little dog )
we have a large table in front of our sofa and we got two extra contoured changing pads and kept them one the table.
it was so great, i was able to sit on the sofa or lay down and take a nap when they were sleeping. they could sleep there, get changed there and they were very close to pick up and feed. we also had a smal basket with diapers, cream and wipes next to the couch and a small trash can so i did not have to keep getting up. great for when you are first home.
we laugh because some day we will tell them they spent the first few months of there life on the table. of course nights were in the crib.
we also had 2 swings (they ended up napping in them so i was happy we had two)
2 exersaucers but they were both given to us. Milicon Drops for gas when we made formula bottles i would just put a few drops in the bottle before i would give it to the babie. you cant have enought of this stuff. stock up on baby wash, baby wipes, and diapers. lots of spit rags.
sure i can think of more but both are sleeping and i must use this time wisley
please pm me if you need anyting

 

This is what worked for me great:

2 swings - my girls would take long naps on there and would be entertained there too
2 boppys - these are great for feeding, hanging out, tummy time, etc
1 exsaucer
2 bassinets - they'll use them until they are about 4 to 5 months but they both won't fit in one; If you can get a good deal on this, I recommend buying them used since they only use them for a few months. Craigslist.com is a great site to buy from.
1 Playpen - it doesn't need to be the twin one - it's much more expensive and the regular one get the job done just as good. I bought the twin playpen but you don't really need it. Save your money and get the standard one.
Diapers - you'll be using Newborn sizes for a few months and twins go through 400+ diapers the first few months.
1 bouncer - make sure they even like this before you throw the box/receipt away and don't get a 2nd one unless both babies like it.


GOOD LUCK!!!!!

 

QUOTE(LMW1015 @ Jul 2 2008, 10:14 AM) [snapback]856666[/snapback]
When you bought the diapers - did you get a certain brand or keep the receipts?? We're afraid we're going to get a bunch of one kind and they won't work right for the babies or something. We thought about buying a package every time we go grocery shopping. Any hints on this? We thought maybe we'd just set aside money but I doubt that will be as effective. We'll somehow use it.


I wouldn't buy a ton of newborn size because we were not in those for long (and my boys were pretty small when born about 6 pounds a piece). We got a lot of size 1's and 2's. We reaally didn't buy that many, so it wasn't like we ever had any leftover, but I would just buy at WalMart because, in my experience, they take everything back without hassle.

Instead of "saving" money for diapers (unless you are a good saver, I really am not), you could buy Walmart or Target giftcards and reserve those for diapers or formula. That would be a good way for me to set aside the money for the items.

Hope this helps.

I just have to say of any of the things that I was most overwhelmed as far as expense goes, it was diapers and formula. It is absolutely outrageous.

 

Ditto on the expense of formula and diapers. But what really got me was day care!

I had the same experience with the twins bassinet pack n play. Definately not worth the money. Just get two regular pack n plays; it'll be cheaper and more flexible in the long run.

Mine lived in their boppies the first few months. They napped in them, ate in them, relaxed in them.

You don't need high chairs and exersaucers until later. Mine started liking the exersaucer around 6 months. We bought one and borrowed one from a friend. (We needed two.) We didn't buy high chairs until they were 7 months old.

For diapers, mine have tolerated all kinds of brands. In the beginning we used the Pampers Swaddlers, but they did fine on the Target and Wal-mart brands, Huggies and Luvs. We just happened to like the Swaddlers best. Now, we buy in bulk from Sam's and use the generic.

I think buying gift cards and keeping them for formula/diapers is a great idea.

 

Here's what we had:

2 Miracle Blankets (MUST HAVE, IMO)
2 Swings (took all naps in them until 8 weeks)
2 bouncy seats
2 high chairs (started using at 6 months)
1 exersaucer
1 jumperoo
2 cribs (used from Day 1 - although they shared one for 3 months)
2 boppy's (only really used one, though)
1 activity mat (baby gym)
0 Pack N Play (haven't used it at all)
2 carseats
1 Diaper Champ
1 Graco Duoglider
1 bathtub (for sink)
2 breathable bumpers (didn't put in until 7 months, though)
2 crib mirror toys
2 mobiles

We didn't buy any diapers or formula in advance. We had diapers and formula from the hospital and we just bought what we needed as we went along. We also use cloth diapers part-time so we don't use a ton of disposables and I was breastfeeding (at least one of them) so we used mostly breastmilk.

hth
jenny

 

Good topic!
Now I havent had my babies yet, I'm about 25 weeks, but just wanted to let you know what we've gotten/bought so far...
2 swings-got one for a shower and borrowed the other
2 bouncers-bought one and borrowed the other
2 boppys
2 cribs-we plan on putting 1 in our room until they are about 3 months
2 dressers
1 changing table
2 angelcare monitors-to put mom at ease alittle
1 bathtub
1 diaper genie
1 diaper champ
1 playmat
1 graco quattor tour duo
2 car seats
2 bedding sets-I plan on using the bumpers at first then when they can move around we'll see
4 swaddle me's
1 wipe warmer

As far as carrying sacks or slings...they totally freak me out; its totally illogical but I feel like the baby would fall out-wierd I know. But we're going to get the babybjorn carriers.
As far as diaper bags I think we are going to buy the dadgear messenger bag (we definately want messenger bag style). I've heard the skip hop duo is good as well.
We've been buying diapers when we go to the store. We have 1 box of size 1, 1 box size 1-2, and 1 box newborn, and about 10-15 other packages of various sizes. Most of the diapers we have bought are the pampers swaddlers or pampers swaddlers sensitive. We bought 1 package of huggies but EVERYONE I've talked to says Pampers worked best hands down. We've bought about 6-7 tubs of sensitive wipes too.
Oh, and we're going to buy the new BPA free avent bottles when they come out...this month I think.

 

I purchased so much early like diapers, just purchased various sizes so I knew I'd be ok. Ways to cheap out... yes buy the cheap portacots with the bassinet and change table. I have only one, and one twin sleeps in there and the other one in the crib during nap times. If you plan on travelling to visit family and friends/camping/ etc. you will need two. Mine were 100.00. You can even use these until you save up for a crib. I also used a Moses basket and loved it. Both slept in there in the beginning and great to transport them up and down the stairs.

I had a 1 swing and 1 bouncer but if you can borrow a swing it would help. I only had one twin interested and by 3-4 months they are rolling around and are on the floor most of the time. If you end up with a colic baby the infant to toddler chairs are often large enough for them to sleep in, and if both twins are reflux you can buy another for 30.00 or so.

Try to buy items that transform into older toys as well -- the infant to toddler rocker or an exercauser that changes into a play station. I have 2 exercausers and great for when you need to take a shower. Both are different.

The lamaze toys are great -- lots going on -- go for bright, crinkle sounds, and variety of texture. Also little stuffed animals are a hit. The fabric books are fantastic.

I bought the bathtub with the sling -- it has a bump in the middle that would hit their back -- the cheap ones are better or just the sink is so quick.

I didn't use my bumbos very much just floor or exercauser.

Bibs with snaps (I've heard Walmart?) I hate the velcro ones now, they stick to all their clothes. In the beginning I didn't have enough bibs but by 4 months I only like to use the snap ones.

Nice clothes you don't have to iron... unless you iron them now you won't have a chance to later.

ZIPPERED SLEEPERS -- must must have in various sizes. if you buy snaps check them first to make sure they are easy or just a few snaps. In the middle of the night you will thank me. This is actually number 2 on this list.

number 1 most important..... A GOOD CAMERA. Easy, light, put in your purse camera. Take lots of pictures before hand to know how to use it. With a video camera component on it. Stock up on Memory cards. Know NOW how to save and store video. Down the road.. you wont care what they were wearing, what toys they had, what bed they were in... it will be those photos and video. And take a ton of pictures with you and each baby and both babies and as a family. Ask every person who enters your room, ask the nurses. Every day in hospital take 3 pictures of you with your babies. Get professional ones done too, heck Walmart a couple of times.... You are always the one taking the pictures and nobody thinks to take a picture of YOU !!

Heather

 

Congratulations on your twin pregnancy! Here's my list of things I would consider "must haves:"

2 boppy's (I thought I would only used one but heavily used 2 for the first year)
2 Vibrating chairs (we had Fisher Price Papasan and loved them--especially for my reflux-er)
2 carseats
1 changing table
2 cribs
2 Swaddlers (at least 2--4 would be better so you can wash them)
1 Swing
2 high chairs (started using at 5 months)
1 exersaucer
1 activity mat
2 Pack N Play (these are great for seperating for sleep training and can serve as a spare crib)
1 Diaper Champ
1 bathtub

If you end up bottle feeding:
12 bottles (loved glass since they don't have BPA)
2 Formula pitchers
1 Drying rack

We saved the money for diapers each month while I was pg and it really, really helped. Between gift diapers and what we saved, we had almost the whole first year covered. A pp had a good suggestion about buying gift cards.

Good luck!

 

Congratulations on your twin pregnancy! It's not quite as scary as I thought it would be. :lol: I had many single things left over from ds1 so we didn't have to get 2 of everything. I also have a friend whose b/g twins are 18 mos older than mine so I got a lot of her stuff too. My number one tip is buy any and every thing that you can used! Brand new is nice but not necessary. Consignment stores will become a budget family's best friend. Here's my list "must haves:"

2 boppies - esp good for bottlefeeding in the early months
2 bouncers/vibrating chairs - they slept/vegged in these for months; we still use those for solid feeding sometimes
2 Swings - 1 travel; 1 full size (I had 1 with reflux; full size swing was best for her). They slept in those many a night
2 carseats with bases
1 co-sleeper - we didn't attach it to our bed due to our bed's placement. It was about 1 foot away from me though. They slept in that together until 7 mos (a bit longer than they should have weightwise) then transitioned to cribs in their room.
2 foam sponge bath pads - I stack them to keep their head higher than the rest of their body. More skin was covered with water = warmer baby.
Plastic backed bibs - at least 25 - 30 if you have a reflux baby.
Burp cloths - we mainly use cloth diapers. The ones that have the thick middle rock! Again at least 25 - 30 if you have a reflux baby
1 bathtub
2 cribs - but we just started using those in the past 6 weeks
2 high chairs - We have 1 but need another. We use it for stashing 1 with toys while we do whatever with the other
2 exersaucers
2 bouncer / jumperoos
1 activity mat - but if you get a second it's nice to switch

If you end up bottle feeding:
3 / baby - we use drop-ins. I love the lack of sterilizing. We boiled the nipples 1 x per day and done.

You can stock up on any size diapers. Wal-mart will exchange diapers without a receipt so you should be okay unless they are out of your brand/size.

Good luck and have fun! It goes by faster than it seems.

 

[SIZE=14pt]Two words GARAGE SALES[/SIZE]!!! I have gotten so much from garage sales the last 6 months it's amazing, I'm currently 25 weeks pregnant. I didn't buy my car seats or cribs at garage sales because it's hard to tell how old they are or if they've been recalled. I have bought tons of clothes for about .25 a piece. Just make sure they look o.k., no spit up stains etc. . ., and definitely wash before they wear them.

If you look for good deals on decent looking things at garage sales it won't matter if they use them for a long time or not because hey, you only spent 5.00 on it versus 40.00 ;o) I used to have a shoe fetish, now I go to garage sales, it's become my retail therapy!!

 

Someone mentioned a formula pitcher-where can I find one of these? And whats makes them formula pitchers as compared to a regular pitcher?

 

Help, help and more help. Hired or family or mixture of both. I wish we had spent more $ on help and less $ on things.

 

I agree with the pp's lists. Here are my suggestions:
Pampers Swaddlers are the best for newborns. Once you outgrow the swaddlers (up to size 2), I found Huggies Supreme (now called Natural fit) to be the best for my son, but a lot of people I know with daughters still liked pampers.

I have one son already and I'm not having another shower so I am addicted to craigslist and ebay! I got a travel swing, high chair, playpen, exersaucer, jumperoo, bath tub, activity mat, and winter cover for the car seat for $100 from a woman who lived 5 minutes from me from craigslist! I also got the jovvy big caboose brand new for $282 on ebay! I love it!

We travel alot, so I got another pack n play so they will both have a travel crib when they are older. I plan on keeping them both in one pack n play in my room until they are over the 15 pound top part limit (probably just a month or so). I'll keep the other pack n play downstairs for diaper changes and naps.

My son took all his naps in his swing the first 6 months so, I am borrowing another full size swing from a friend in case they both love it as much as my son.

Another twin mom recommended having 4 bouncy seats. 2 for downstairs and 2 for upstairs. It makes sense since I remember dragging my son's up and down the stairs all the time. I had one, got one on craigslist, and I'm borrowing one. I figure I'll leave two downstairs and have one upstairs with the travel swing.

Definitely can wait on high charis, exersaucers, jumperoos, larger car seats. You won't need most of these until they are at least 5 to 6 months old! I'm planning on asking for the car seats for christmas from the grandparents!

 

The double snap n go stroller is my best purchase so far!!!!

 

QUOTE(Hsuter @ Jul 2 2008, 10:38 PM) [snapback]857817[/snapback]
Someone mentioned a formula pitcher-where can I find one of these? And whats makes them formula pitchers as compared to a regular pitcher?



Dr. Brown's makes a formula mixing pitcher with a plunger to make powdered formula. It's easy to use and is supposed to be better because you don't have to shake the formula.

 

What I could not do without was 2 bouncy seats. With my singleton, I never once put him in a bouncy seat (what was the use when I could hold him all the time?) With 2, I HAD to have the bouncy seats. That is where I put the babies when I had to potty, that is where I put one when I was nursing the other.

 

I would NOT stock up on diapers or formula. With diapers, you will find that you prefer certain brands because of fit and price. Also, many babies have allergic reactions to diapers and you may have to shop around to find what works best.
Ditto that on formula. We only switched formula once, but some babies need to try 5+ formulas to see what works best with their little tummies.

If you do stock up, tape the receipt to the packages so that if you need to return them, the store won't hassle you.

 

I tend to be a low-equipment person and we don't have anywhere to put more stuff in this house anyway. So the only thing we have two of is two car seats--if need be these can double to set them in. I swore off bouncy seats when my older son pitched himself out of one at six weeks.

Someone gave me two boppees, but I haven't the faintest idea what to do with them. I never had them with my older kids. I'm not planning on using bottles at all, so I'm not sure what else they are for. What else do you do with them? ardon:

We got a double jogging stroller because the only place we go out as a family is to the park. We figured we needed the big wheels.

I also have an ez-2-nurse pillow and a small stash of diapers that we used up the expiring coupons on. Hopefully we got the right sizes. I only got one package of newborn because they're already measuring over seven pounds each. But then a single package of diapers will only last a couple of days with twins. :unsure:

I loved having a pouch with DS and have seen pictures of people putting two babies in together when they are very small. We'll see if that works--if not it should at least be handy to pop one in at a time and carry the other. I also bought some fabric to make wraps, which are supposed to be more versatile for carrying two babies.

We got a co-sleeper so we could fit them both on my side of the bed at first; when they get too big for that we'll probably just sleep one in the crib and one in the playpen.

I have lots of blankets to set them down on the floor on or wrap them up in--if I can keep my older kids from playing with them all the time. ardon:

 

QUOTE(Hsuter @ Jul 2 2008, 10:38 PM) [snapback]857817[/snapback]
Someone mentioned a formula pitcher-where can I find one of these? And whats makes them formula pitchers as compared to a regular pitcher?


I mentioned these...I bought Baby Trend pitchers from BRU. They were great because you could make larger amounts of formula at a time and they have a "grate" at the top that helps to mix the powder better. Plus, they close very tight to keep it fresh.

 

Thanks for the info on the formula pitchers...I will have to get one!

 

Here's what I have used over the past 6 months: I bolded what I consider must haves in the beginning.

One EZ-Nurse Twins pillow. This has been a lifesaver, and I consider a must have if you plan on nursing.
2 Swings. One was left from my son, the other I borrowed, and returned about a week ago, when babies were 5.5 months old
2 Bouncy seats. One was left over, one a new gift. They are different kinds, so babies don't get bored, can move them back and forth. These are also most portable than swings. You can put them in the bathroom with you while you shower, take them outside to the patio, etc.
1 bassinette. Used for first 6 weeks, babies slept together in it.
2 cribs. Put babies together in one until 5 months old, then separated them.
1 pack'n'play with changing table attachment. This is what I used for my changing table for 5 months. Now I change them on the floor.
2 carseats. - Must haves.
4 carseat bases. - Must haves, because in the beginning you are limited in time, so the quicker you can get the babies out, and then back home the better. Also in the winter you might have the baby covered, and if you have to mess with getting the carseat installed right, you'll have to take the cover off. Not fun when it's snowing out.
1 jogging stroller - love this for around neighborhood
1 Graco duoglider - I hate this monstrosity of a stroller. Wish i had got the SNG.
2 Snuglis - great for taking babies out, especially since I hate my stroller.
2 Exersaucers - started using at 5 months, both purchased second hand, and different kinds, to keep things interesting.
1 jumper - leftover form DS.
2 booster high chairs - just started using 1 week ago.
2 bumbo chairs

Hmm, that's about it. I would not stalk up on stuff, for all the reasons listed previously

 

I think I must be the queen of low baby gear. Living in Mexico (and rural Mexico to boot) has really taught me that you don't need all that stuff. It's fine if you want it, but don't fool yourself into thinking it's a requirement.
The only things we ever had two of for baby gear we are still using at almost 4. Convertable car seats and high chairs like this one.. I do see the advantage of infant car seats, but we were able to walk most places during their first year (when I was off work) so I decided better for us to go with a luxary stroller than carseats that we wouldn't get a lot of use out of. You really need to think about your lifestyle and what things you will need and want to do with your babies, rather than what moms who's lives might be much different than yours.
For me the list of must haves is very short:

A quality stroller that suits your needs and will hold up well for 4 years. (You can often get great deals on used strollers--the top brands have 20 year guaruntees.)

 

Pampered chef has a great plunger pitcher for mixing formula.

 

I just put my cooled boiled water measured into bottles leave at room temp. Then purchased 2 formula holders (usually has 3 compartments for pre-measured formula) then when I needed a bottle I just add and shake. This way you don't have to warm the bottles which will save you so much time. Babies don't need warmed bottles dispite what your mother may say. I found it helpful to get my girls used to various temperatures ... room temp or slightly warmed for the cooler days. I have just a new pitcher for holding water.

I HATED THE DIAPER GENE I found it stunk, the refills are soooo pricey, it never seemed to cut. I now just have a bathroom garbage pail and either use grocery bags or other bags. I throw it out at the end of the day. I found my mother who helped me could never get the hang of it. You could buy a garbage pail with a flip up lid. I was so disappointed with it.

I agree with Mexico above, sometimes what you think you NEED is not really a NEED just a preference. By about 3 -4 months likely they won't be using the swing, bouncer, change table, boppy, playmat, etc. So space out your money and think ahead of the other toys you will want for them like exercausers, ride-ons, outside playset .... Whatever you can get at a garage sale or borrow it is so worth it. Some of my favourite outfits were used and I liked knowing other babies were in the same outfits and some other mother was enjoying their babies too. With the way things are these days it is wise to be more thrifty.

heather

 

Congratulations! I would agree that you don't need two of everything, but two of some things can definitely help.

We have two of the fisher price newborn to toddler rockers - these are great because they vibrate, which seems to soothe our two (ours are 6 weeks old), and they are also great because they have different levels - great for reflux.
We also have two swings - we have the fisher price rainforest travel swings. The babies don't seem to like them that much if they are wide awake, but after a bath when they're all swaddled, it definitely helps to get them to sleep. I would try one of each first though, to see if your babies like them, and then get more later if need be.

Ours are in the same crib right now, but not sure how long that is going to last for, as at night, they bust out of their swaddles, and sometimes manage to thump the other one, waking them up.

We didn't buy a changing table, instead, we just bought one of those thick curved changing pads for around $20, and use that on a regular table. I didn't buy any actual changing pad covers, just a few of the generic waterproof pads that you can use anywhere. They cost way less, and are less likely to have anything leak through to the change pad incase of an accident.

For diapers, we've been using diapers.com, and have never bought them from a regular store. You can buy them in bulk, and there is free shipping for orders over $49, and they don't charge sales tax. Delivery for me has always been two days later. We've been using pampers swaddlers and have never had a blowout yet. I tried a couple of the bumgenious cloth diapers, and although they work really well, I found my babies to get overheated in them (southern cali heat is brutal). They are pretty pricey, but if the heat isn't that bad where you live,it could be worth trying those.

We have the baby trend double snap n go. I looove this stroller. Its incredibly easy to live in and out of a car, you can steer it with your little finger, and it has great storage underneath. I'll be disappointed when they grow out of it.

For our diaper bag, we have one of the diaper dude ones. So far so good. Plenty of room, love the pockets, and that it looks like a regular bag.

The twins have BM (I pump) during the day, and formula at night, so if you're planning on pumping at all, I love the medela pump n style. If you're using any formula, the poops can get stinky, so I would recommend the diaper genie II, as it really gets rid of the stink.

If you're planning on using bottles, the Dr Browns ones are awesome for getting rid of the gas (they have a new polypropelene BPA free version if you're worried about BPA).

My new must have are two boppy pillows. I only bought them a couple weeks ago, as it was really hard to feed two wriggly babies at once, but these make the job sooo much easier, and the babies also like to just hang out on them and look around.

With regards to clothing, I bought very little in the newborn size, as I wasn't sure how big they'd be when they were born, or how long they'd wear newborn for.

Ok, hopefully thats it! Happy shopping.

 

They have a good deal on the papasan swing at albee baby:
http://www.albeebaby.com/fisher-price-natu...adle-swing.html

 

Here's my list, but before you go out and buy stuff, have you hooked up with your local twins club? We always have people wanting to sell stuff. I got a Pack n Play for super-cheap and it's like new. Also don't be afraid to borrow stuff if you can. We borrowed two bassinets that we only used for 4 weeks before moving them into their cribs - what a money saver!



Absolutely loved the Swaddle Me blankets. We ended up with 12 (they were on sale 2 for 1 and DH went a little nuts) but probably would have done fine with 6. They spit up a lot so definitely need more than 2.

When I had help the first month we used Playtex drop in bottles. Once I was on my own I found the Podee hands-free bottles and they saved my life. They don't work well for everyone but we worship these bottles.

Two bouncy chairs or rockers (we have one of each).

They spent a lot of time just on the floor, but it was nice to have a play gym and they loved the exersaucer and jumperoo. They out-grow them fast though, so I was also very happy that most of the stuff was borrowed!

As far as diapers, we had a box of newborn Swaddlers and a couple of packages of other brands. Once we figured out what we liked I sent DH out for some more. Initially we went through about 20 diapers a day.

Formula - we brought home as many samples as they would give us from the hospital, then at their first appt we asked for more samples. I was BFing for the first few weeks, but ended up doing formula the first night home (they would nurse constantly and formula at least gave me a couple of hours of sleep) so it was nice to have some of it in the house.

One thing I didn't have but have since seen on-line is the Boppy newborn lounger. I liked to sit in bed with the babies but obviously couldn't hold them both all the time. The normal Boppies seemed too big at first and I thought they'd just roll off of a regular pillow. The lounger looks like a great way to have my babies close to me while keeping my hands free and not having to put a bouncy chair on the bed. Wish I'd seen it sooner!

My girls never really liked their swings. We definitely could have done with only one or even none at all, so maybe get one and see how they like it.

Congrats on your babies!