The Essential Baby Registry for Twins

So you are expecting twins? Congratulations! Now comes one of many overwhelming things you will have to deal with .....the baby registry or babies registry.

As a mom of 2 year old twins I did a ton of research on what to register for when I was expecting. I've complied here items that I found invaluable lifesavers during the early months with my twins. If you or someone you know is expecting multiples please use this list as a resource guide to creating your own registry.

The most important rule I would have to say is when you go to the big chain baby stores to sign up for a registry they will give you a list of items you "need" according to them. Take that list and toss it! Not only do you not need half of what is on there but they don't have special lists for anyone expecting more than one.

Before going to create a registry do your homework so you go into the baby superstore armed with a list you created of what you need, what brands you want etc. This is a huge timesaver because let me tell you the baby superstores are a time sucker. I felt like going down 2 aisles would take half a day! Map out the store so you know what items are where so you won't waste time. The other thing I would suggest is think about your needs for the immediate future. Sure it's fun to register for toddler spoons, potty seats and exosaucers but are they really going to use that in the next few months? No! My piece of advice would be to stick to registering for only those items you will need and use in the first six months. Don't forget you will have holdiays and birthdays which give gift-giving relatives another reason to bestow treats on your little ones.

So in no particular order here is the list....or the essentials:

Halo Sleep Sacks

Fisher-Price bouncy seats (2)

Receiving blankets - you can never have too many

Bibs- same as above

Laundry detergent - Dreft or All Free and Clear are good ones. And for the love of god register for more then 1 bottle!

Diapers - in varying sizes they grow quickly

Wipes

Bottles/nipples- in various sizes

Do not register for clothing. Why? Everyone loves to by baby clothing....you will get plenty. If you can't resist then register for onesies. Don't register for outfits....they may weawr them once it's a huge waste when that money could have gone to something more useful.

Strollers- a double stroller (I prefer my Graco Duoglider) and 2 umbrella strollers

Car Seats- Register for the infant carriers (Graco SnugRide is great) and then register for the next size up one as well. The next size up car seat is a huge expense x 2 so if someone or a group of friends is generous enough to get you one that's wonderful!

Rectal Thermometer (vicks). vaseline, aquaphor, brush/comb and nasal bulb syringe(you'll probably get a couple free at the hospital)

Diaper Dekor Plus - (2) if you have a 2 story home or large one story set up 2 diaper changing stations. It's a huge time-saver! And register for tons of refills for the changing unit!

Board Books - you cannot have enough of these and yet people never seem to register or buy them as gifts. Trust me you will want lots of these!

We weren't big on pacifiers but Soothies are great.

Sun visors for your car windows

Do not register for a breast pump. Wait until you have had the babies - you may need to rent a hospital grade pump or your insurance may actually buy one for you.

Milk Bands - something I wish I had had

Hooter Hiders - privacy while nursing this will help you to leave your home which trust me by week 3 you'll be itching to do!

Cribs (2) Pack-n-play (2) I say 2 on these because although my twins co-slept for 2 months eventually we needed the second crib so it was easier to register for it so someone else would pay for it. As for the pack-n-play the second one comes in handy if you are doing any overnight trips which I know right now the thought of bringing them overnight is daunting. You could always pick up a second one at a children's resale store if needed down the road.

Fisher - Price Healthy Care Booster Chair (2) - use these instead of highchairs they clean up easy and save space.

Playmat

Bumbo Seat

A few age appropriate toys - read the labels. Some teethers would be great, something that plays music etc. There's a lot out there in the toy department....just don't go crazy with the scanning gun. You are not reliving your childhood christmas fantasies here!

Other items you do not need:

Bottle warmer: you can warm under hot water or on the stove in a pot of boiling water.

Wipes warmer: this is so unneccesary!

Crib quilt set - they can't have these in the cribs anyway! And now the word is no for bumpers too. Instead I took my nursery theme of Peter Rabbit painted the walls a creamy yellow and got a Peter Rabbit border, picture and growth charts. You don't need the whole crib set it's expensive and since they can't use it it's a waste!

I hope you find this list helpful! Happy registering and happy shopping!