Already having a toddler, my husband and I made an educated decision to have another child. What we didn't expect was the shocking news that we were having twins. My sister was already a mother of twins, so we pretty much thought we were exempt from a multiple birth. We lived in a small 1200 square foot house and drove small Toyotas. We certainly didn't anticipate this double financial impact. So, we avoided “borrowing trouble” about whether or not we would drown monetarily and began to create a plan.

I'd heard from a friend about mothers of multiples clubs, so I did a little research and found a club here in Portland, OR called Full House Moms. I began going while I was pregnant with twins, seeking support and friends who could give me parenting advice. I was rapidly educated about multiple births, heard horror stories about being pregnant with twins, and how when you finally have your newborn twins you'd wish you could stuff them right back into that empty womb after countless nights with no sleep.

The advice and support from mothers of multiples clubs was invaluable. If you're having twins, I urge you to join one in your area. It's a huge perk to start going when you're pregnant with twins, since you'll have that additional support system in place with they're born. Many of these clubs have “lending closets” that will loan to you many baby accessories. We received a vast array of free baby products, most valuable were the newborn clothes and the must-have nursing pillow. Don't be shy about asking for free baby stuff, these parents have been there and really want to help.

Along the way I met a multitude of other frugal moms, who were that way either by choice or necessity. When my newborn twins had arrived, my obstetrician gave me some free baby samples. That was helpful, but was a drop in the bucket in terms of the baby care products I'd need over the course of one year. In came my frugal multiples moms with information on baby coupons.

Hear me now, you do not need to buy double everything! I know twin parents who purchased 2 changing tables, 2 diaper pails, 2 bassinets, 2 play pens, 2 bathtubs, etc... Double the babies does not mean double all items! It's completely unnecessary. You will need 2 cribs, 2 car seats, and if you can swing it financially, 2 baby carriers (like Baby Bjorns) and 2 bouncy seats. I found the Baby Bjorns to be indispensable when they were newborns. They were so small I could put each of them in one and carry them around. This way, they could have me and I could have mobility. It was a lifesaver.

Many muliples' parents don't know that you can get a 10% discount off an item if you buy 2 of the same. Places like Babies R Us are very willing to give you the discount, however, you must remember to ASK. Toys R Us is another example. Different stores will have different policies, but I always asked and was pleasantly surprised by the number that had this “multiplicity discount”. When in doubt, ask!

This 10% off also applies to preschools. Many will give 10% off one of the twins' tuition. Check this out before enrolling your twins. Just make sure to ASK, again many don't advertise this savings.

Naturally, there's a lot to be said for breastfeeding twins. I did so successfully for 10 months until my milk ran out. However, even if you choose to breastfeed, there will be times you can't be there and you babies will need to be supplemented. I did a lot of pumping, but still had to supplement from time to time, especially in the beginning while I waited for my milk to come in. Or, perhaps you're a mother of twins who's made the decision to bottle feed, or simply doesn't have the milk supply to sustain 2 babies.

There are a sizable number of companies that will give away free products and samples to parents of multiples. Many, but not all require copies of your twins birth certificates.

1. 1. Nestle Infant Nutrition will send you coupons and 5 free cans of Carnation Good Start Formula. Send your birth certificates and a letter stating you'd like the cans and some coupons to:Carnation Good Start Formula, Nestle Infant Nutrition, PO Box AW, Wilkes Barre, PA 18703 Phone: 1-800-782-7766
2. 2. Visit Enfamil's website for free formula at:

   http://www.enfamil.com

3. 3. And Similac also has free formula you can receive from visiting their website http://similac.com/formula-coupons-free-samples

Free Diapers

1. To get coupons for free Huggies diapers, call Kimberly-Clark at 1(800) TEL-SCOT.
2. To get coupons for free Pampers or Luvs diapers from Proctor and Gamble, call: 1(800) 543-0480.

Make sure you ask about any other coupons they might offer for multiples. Proctor and Gamble has something called a Luvs Multiple Birth offer. Call the company for more information, but you'll need to be prepared to send in your hospital discharge papers.

Some companies offering these multiples discounts will want a doctor's signature. So, make sure you call the company before your next visit.

Free Bottles

1. Playtex Products: 1(800) 222-0453. You will get a twin bottle kit, pacifiers, and liners.
2. Evenflo Products: 1(800) 356-2229. You'll get a twin starter kit, coupons, and disposable liners.
3. Gerber has a Multiple Birth Program, call 800-4GERBER. They will send you double the coupons for Gerber products.

Playtex Diaper Genies – Playtex has a Multiples Birth Program that's worth your while to join. It include a coupon for $7 off a Diaper Genie. Call Playtex at 1(800) 222-0453 for additional information.