Becoming parents is an exhilarating journey, to say the least.
And when you’re expecting twins — that’s a whole other layer of excitement.
While you get double the cuddles, there’s also double the trouble!
If you’re a mom-to-be who’s got two babies on the way, don’t panic, I’m here to share my tips, advice, and personal experiences as a double-duty mom of twins.
I’ll go through all you need to know, from what to do during your twin pregnancy to how to kit out their rooms, and everything in between.
Here’s how to prepare for twins, from a doctor and twin mom.
In this article: 📝
- My twin pregnancy journey
- When should I prepare for twins?
- How can I prepare my body for twins?
- Preparing for twins pregnancy checklist
- Preparing for twins postpartum checklist
- What does a mom of twins need?
My twin pregnancy journey
For a long time, my partner and I struggled with conceiving.
But after our arduous fertility journey, we were so excited (and in all honesty, terrified!) when we found out we were having twins! 👯♀️
As a doctor, I found myself immediately flashing back to studying Obstetrics and listing out all of the potential problems that can be faced with a multiple pregnancy.
Mixed with the added anxiety of previous pregnancy losses, I found it hard to focus and prepare.
But I knew it was crucial for my partner and to equip ourselves with the right knowledge and resources, to make our lives with twins doable — and, actually, a lot of fun!
I drew insights from reputable sources like Twin Trust, NHS, and other twin parents’ experiences, including my older sister who had twins 11 years before me!
So I’ve got some great tips to share to any twin mom who wants to hear them.
When should I prepare for twins?
Well, it’s a personal choice, but, for me, I think, the earlier the better.
The longer you have to navigate, learn, and plan, the more prepared you’ll feel.
Early preparation allows you to make informed decisions, organize your lives, and create a supportive environment for your babies.
What week do most twins come?
Twins often arrive earlier than single babies, so it’s worth making sure you’re prepared well in advance.
According to the NHS, most twins are born before 37 weeks.
But some twins can be born even earlier, so it’s wise to have everything ready by week 30.
This time frame gives you a bit of buffer, so you can be ready for any unexpected early arrivals.
👯♀️ What type of twins are you expecting? Read more: 7 Different Types of Twins
How can I prepare my body for twins?
The first step in preparing for twins is to make sure your pregnancy is as healthy and comfortable as possible — looking after your body.
After all, it’s going to be looking after three of you for the best part of a year!
Preparing your body for a twin pregnancy involves taking care of your physical and mental well-being.
1. Healthy diet 🥗
Make sure you’re getting the right nutrients, like folic acid, iron, and calcium.
A balanced diet supports the healthy development of your babies and helps you maintain your strength.
Toward the end of your twin pregnancy, it’s worth looking into meal prep and nutritious food delivery services, especially for the first few weeks postpartum.
Or you can ask family and friends to help out, too — every little helps, and a healthy diet is key for your postpartum recovery.
2. Plenty of sleep 🥱
Rest is crucial for any pregnant woman, but it’s especially vital if you’re carrying twins.
Make sure to get enough sleep and listen to your body when it signals the need for rest.
3. Attend regular check-ups 👩⚕️
Stay in contact with your healthcare provider throughout your twin pregnancy.
Regular prenatal checkups are even more important with twins, since they often come with a higher risk of complications.
They’ll monitor the health of both you and your babies, so your pregnancy journey is as smooth as possible.
It’s also worth talking with them about your birth plan, as they may have suggestions specific to your twin pregnancy and circumstances.
4. Stay active 🏃♀️
Gentle, regular exercise can help with the physical demands of a twin pregnancy.
Have a chat with your healthcare provider for advice on the best activities for you.
👯♀️ Looking for the perfect matching names? 60 Ideas for Twin Baby Names
Preparing for twins pregnancy checklist
So, once you’re pregnant with twins, what else can you do to prepare for their arrival?
Well, to help you stay organized and ensure that you’re well-prepared, here are a few important things to start thinking about as you embark on your twin journey.
5. Twin nursery setup 🛋️
You don’t really need much in your babies’ nursery — jut a few essentials:
- Two cribs: My tip? Choose cribs as large as your home space can manage — trust me, these babies grow fast. Twin cribs are great for the first 3-4 months, but once they can roll over, it’s not as safe to keep them in the same crib. Plus, I found that if one twin needed tending to, the other was more likely disturbed if they were sleeping right next to her!
- Changing table: Or even just a chest of drawers, with lots of storage underneath for diapers, creams, wipes, and quick outfit changes for those inevitable poonamis.
- Comfy chair or sofa: We got a two-seater sofa bed, so one of us could comfortably sit or sleep in the room with our twin girls, since they had their own nursery. The extra space was also handy for double feedings!
6. Decide on your twin sleeping arrangements 😴
During the newborn stage (and, for many twin moms, the first 6 months) it’s important to have an adult in the room with the babies while sleeping at night, if you’re planning to have them in cribs or bassinets.
There are a few ways you can do the first 6 months — chat with your doctor about the best option for you and your babies:
- Safe co-sleeping
- Moses baskets or bassinets next to your bed
- Cribs in the same room as parents
- Separate nursery for the babies where an adult is present when sleeping.
7. Do you need to buy two of everything with twins? 💸
Now this is a tricky one — you certainly don’t need two of all the essentials.
But there are a few must-haves that you will need two of:
- Two car seats
- Double stroller for easy mobility
- Twice as many diapers and wipes
- Twice as many baby clothes
- Two sets of bedding, like sleep sacks
- Baby bouncers — this was something we couldn’t live without. From one twin mom to another, it’s well worth investing in a baby bouncer that’s good-quality and comfortable. It was an absolute life saver for those moments when both girls needed me and I was on my own — I could place one in the bouncer (they both loved it), deal with one of then, then swap them over!
- Pacifiers for each baby
And some things you only need one of:
- Baby monitor
- Changing unit
- Sterilizer
- Diaper bag — there are some excellent ones with lots of compartments that can fit everything, with back pack styles that are super easy to hold.
- Toys — an important lesson for your twins in sharing!
- Books — no need to get duplicates.
- Playmat — just make sure it’s big enough for both babies.
8. Get your twin baby feeding supplies 🍼
With twins, when you’re doing those feeds every few hours in the early days, it all adds up — to around 16 bottle feeds a day if you’re formula feeding!
Some quick tips from a twin mom who’s been there:
- If you’re breastfeeding, a twin nursing pillow, pump, comfy nursing bras, and breastfeeding tops are a must.
- If you’re formula feeding, stock up on formula, bottles, and sterilizing equipment, with some essentials stored in the car, too — just in case.
9. Read up on parenting resources 📚
During your twin pregnancy and the first year, you’ll find yourself reading more about subjects like sleep, weaning, and the various colours of baby poop than you did subjects at school!
Research and get your information from reputable sources with evidence to back them up, like the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and NHS.
Books on general parenting and ones specific for twins are helpful, too.
Attend antenatal classes about the unique aspects of caring for twins — these can be tricky to find, so do your research, or reach out to the twin moms in your area on Peanut.
🤰 What your babies are up to right now? Twins in the Womb: Week by Week
Preparing for twins postpartum checklist
Once your twins are here, there’s still more prep work to be done!
10. Twin baby health and safety 👷♀️
Preparation is key when it comes to keeping your twins safe.
Here are my twin baby safety tips:
- Get baby monitors for each crib or one that shows both cots at the same time. We got one that we could see from our phones and a main unit, which was great for keeping an eye on our girls and for peace of mind.
- Stock up a first aid kit with baby-friendly supplies. I have to admit, as a doctor, I went a bit overboard with this one, but it’s always better to be over-prepared than underprepared!
- Start babyproofing as soon as your twins start to explore. They’ll find weird and wonderful ways to put themselves in situations that make your heart drop, but if you’ve prepped with the babyproofing, you can at the very least minimize your panic!
11. Make sure you get enough sleep 🛌
Let’s talk about the magical land of sleep — or lack thereof — when you’re navigating the world of newborn twins and beyond.
Brace yourselves, because those precious bundles of joy won’t be clocking in a full night’s sleep anytime soon.
Tiny tummies demand attention around the clock, day and night.
So, how do we survive the nocturnal adventures without turning into sleep-deprived zombies?
Teamwork is key!
Some parents take turns catching z’s away from the nursery, so at least one of you gets some solid shut-eye while the other tackles baby duty.
Another strategy?
Tag-teaming those nighttime feeds — don’t be afraid to call in reinforcements. from family and friends.
Extra hands in those early weeks can be a game-changer, stopping exhaustion from setting in like an unwelcome guest — and, most importantly giving you a chance to recover from birth.
Communication is your secret weapon.
Be open about how you’re feeling, and don’t hesitate to snatch those moments of rest whenever you can.
The good news? This sleep-deprived phase won’t last forever.
12. Consider getting professional help 🤝
It might sound daunting, but seeking professional guidance from a lactation consultant, parenting coach, or a multiples support group can be invaluable.
If you’re after someone more hands-on, there are nannies and doulas that can be helpful during the day or even overnight, even if it’s just a couple of days per week — if your budget allows — to give you and your partner a bit of rest and support.
13. Develop a routine 📆
Trust me: establishing a routine is so important when preparing for twins.
While it may seem challenging to synchronize the needs of two babies at the same time, having a structured daily schedule can provide stability for both you and your babies.
Perseverance is key!
Create a feeding, sleeping, and playtime routine that works for your family, and be prepared to adjust as your twins grow and their needs change — from shifting wake windows, sleep regressions, and as you learn their baby cues.
What does a mom of twins need?
So what’s the most important thing you can get ready when preparing for twins?
Well, it’s probably no surprise…
15. Strong support system 🫶
That’s right — one of the most helpful things for a mom of twins is a robust support system.
For me, having a supportive and hands-on partner was a great help when preparing for twins — after all, you’re a team about to embark on a huge project together.
Keeping your communication clear, discussing plans together, and managing your expectations from each other makes the whole journey so much smoother.
Line up help from friends and family for the first few weeks — even if they come over to make dinner for you or washes a couple of bottles, it can really help so much.
Whether it’s emotional support, practical help, or just someone to talk to, having a reliable support system can make a significant difference during pregnancy and after the twins arrive.
I also found it incredibly useful to join online communities or local support groups for mothers of twins to share experiences and seek advice — there are lots of great twin mom groups on Peanut!
Asking for help is not a weakness, nor does it mean you’re not a good mom — I can’t stress that enough.
My partner and I called on as many people as possible — after all, they say “it takes a village” for a reason!
As challenging as preparing for twins can be, being at the other end of the first year, I can honestly say that the magic and joy of having these two in our lives is second to nothing.
Embrace the chaos, stick together, and remember: it’s all part of the wild ride of twin parenthood.
And take it from a fellow twin mom — it only gets better and better!
You’ve got this, mama!