5 Essential Buys for your Twin Babies
Before I had twins everyone told me how hard it would be. They gasped and sighed and laughed at my luck; I knew to them it seemed like the bad kind.
But then they arrived - the tiniest, most beautiful little beings - and showed me the enormity of love; that there is always space for more of it. Life with these boys has pushed me to the very edge, but it has also brought me back again, happier than I have ever been before. There’s nothing that can prepare you for becoming a parent of twins, but sometimes the hardest things are also the most incredible.
Here are some of the things that made things a little bit easier along the way...
RED CASTLE
Cocoonababy Nest £130
Whatever the health visitor says, is a truth universally acknowledged that tiny babies hate sleeping in cots. Ours wanted to sleep on me at all times and though that’s sweet in theory, it’s exhausting in practice – and obviously not safe at nighttime. Cocoonababy nests were our answer - a safe, comfortable way to bridge the gap from womb to cot. Originally designed by a paediatric physiotherapist working with premature babies, this nest has a curved design that simulates baby’s position in utero - like a ‘follow up womb’. We put ours right next to each other in a large basinette from BabyBay.
BABYBJÖRN
Travel Cot Light £214.99
I have owned and used (and sworn at) many travel cots throughout my parenting journey, so I feel I can comfortably say that this is a piece of design genius. When you have children (particularly if you have twins), the very last thing you want to do is waste any of your incredibly precious time putting up sleeping equipment (you want to be sleeping). Baby Bjorn have taken all the pain out of travel cots and replaced them with a logical and comfortable design. The mattress is padded (my children love it) the fold up and fold down systems are so easy to use , and the cots even manage to look stylish. At the moment the twins are still sharing one of these but I know I’ll be back for another as soon as they’re old enough. The best baby thing you’ll ever own -twins or not. You are welcome.
WEEGO
Twin Carrier £144.81
This sling was the only reason I had any semblance of a life outside the house in the first few months after the boys arrived. We wore it (and them) at weddings and lunches and parties and they slept and slept and slept. If you’re worried you’ll be trapped inside when you have your babies, get one of these. The best part was that dad could take them off for a walk and give me a break.They’re perfect for newborns (especially premature babes) who just want to be carried all the time. Disclaimer – you need to have a strong back to carry two babies, so know your limits.
ADEN & ANAIS
Swaddles from £11.95
During our week-long stay in hospital after the boys were born, I was struggling to get any sleep one night when a wonderful midwife offered to help. One by one she cuddled the boys and then swaddled them in their purple hospital blankets. Wrapped up like little caterpillars they slept for three hours straight and I became a swaddle fanatic. When we left hospital I tried a few different kinds but fell in love with the Anais and Aden large swaddles. They are brilliant quality (even when you tumble dry them, which isn’t recommended and I definitely didn’t suggest...) and come in a range of lovely designs. Most importantly they are big enough to wrap securely around your babes for the first few months, and also work as sunshades, blankets and muslins. My little girl even makes dens with them! A truly versatile and beautifully made product.
BABYBJÖRN
Bouncer Balance Soft £144.99
I may have three children, but my house sadly didn’t expand to meet those needs. Having two bouncers in a small place is a bit of a nightmare - unless you have these bouncers, that is. Baby Bjorn have just got these so right. The babies love them (meaning I get a peaceful shower in the morning), and my husband loves that they fold up almost flat when we aren’t using them (so they don’t take up a third of the floor space. They are also the coolest, most understated bit of baby kit around, so if you aren’t a fan of brash, colourful plastic, these are for you.
Words by AMY GREENHOUGH
