Twins Gear Checklist: What to Double, What to Share

Double these, no debate

Car seats — two, fitted before the birth, and check they fit across your back seat together.

Sleep spaces, sleep sacks and bottles. Twins rarely nap on the same schedule for long, so two safe surfaces matter.

Muslins, bibs and sheets: buy more than you think, then a few more.

Share these happily

Changing mat, bath support, nappy bag, white noise machine, monitor and playmat. One of each is plenty.

A single monitor with a wide view usually covers two cots better than two separate cameras.

Gear that specifically helps with two

A twin feeding pillow lets you tandem feed, which halves the length of the day.

A double pushchair — side-by-side for wide pavements, tandem for narrow shops and doorways. Measure your front door before ordering.

A carrier plus a bouncer means you can hold one and settle the other with your hands free.

A double electric pump is close to essential if you are expressing for two.

Buying and timing

Twins often arrive early — have the car seats, sleep spaces and a first pack of nappies ready by around thirty weeks.

Buy the big items in one size up where you can; twins are often smaller at birth but catch up fast.