Twins Advice - Arlington,TX

I had triplets a few years ago. Try to get prepared ahead of time. Try not to overbuy though.

First, focus on preparing for the basics -a place to sleep, diapers, wipes, clothing - don't go to crazy- focus on the quick washables like onesies and sleepers, you will probably be too busy to do alot of outings with dressy clothes and you never know how quickly they will grow.

Sleeping - try to co-bed them in a crib as soon as you can - my boys slept soundly together until they were about 4 months old, when they started to escape their swaddling and flail about. I also suggest learning how to swaddle those babies!!! It is critical for them and you to sleep and this will help. Try getting the video "The Happiest Baby on the Block" for some awesome help at this and some calming techniques. My husband even watched it and took it as gospel.

Buy bottles and a pitcher and try to make up a days worth of bottles at a time - this will save time and give your helpers something to do - washing several bottles at once and having some on hand helps you to get the needed sleep you need when you can get it and frees you up between feedings. Set up diapering stations in the main area of your house (den/living room) where you spend the most time so you can keep an eye on your son and the babies and don't have to leave the room to change a quick diaper. I kept a big basket with wipes, butt paste and diapers (and a fresh supply of plastic bags for dirties) and kept it in the living room.

A few weeks after delivery you may want two swings or a swing and a bouncer to ease any reflux or sleeping issues.

Also, join a local moms club or MOPS and get meals after they are born!!!!! Call me if you need info aobut a MOPS group in your area (MOPS stands for Moms of Preschoolers!) www.MOPS.org

I hope this helps. Good luck and God bless you

C.

First off, Congrats! I have twin boys born Feb. 08. Get ready as much as possible before they arrive. I know that you can find tons of stuff from other moms of multiples through the various multiples clubs around the metroplex. Most have sales or post stuff for sale. A few things we used right away were swings, swaddles/blankets, onesies, and tons of burp cloths. Ours slept in their swings for a few months because of reflux, so to us they were a necessity. Once they were in a crib, they shared a crib, so you can get away with one for a bit. We also followed the book, Happiest Baby on the Block...quite the lifesaver! So swaddles were also important, and since we swaddled we only used onesies for a while. For burp cloths, I'd recommend the cloth diapers, we thought they were much better than those that are sold as burp cloths. As far as strollers, we had two. One was a frame that the infant car seats fit into, which we loved! It was so easy to get out and about with them. In fact, we have it in our garage along with the infant carriers...let me know if you would be interested in them. Our second stroller is a side by side. We started using that once they outgrew the infant carriers, and we all love that one as well. The boys look and play with each other while we're out strolling around. Other bits of advice...get them in a routine right away. We fed, diapered, put them to bed at the same time. That helps so much! Oh, and if you go the formula route, get a formula mixing pitcher (dr. brown's makes one) and make bottles ahead of time. We do at night for the next day. Also, you can register online with the formula companies (similac, enfamil, nestle, etc.) and they will send free samples and checks for $$ off formula. You can also do this with the diaper companies (huggies, pampers, etc.) and they also send free samples and coupons. Wow, this got really long, so if you have any other questions just let me know. Just remember that things will get easier....it won't always be as crazy as it is in the beginning. Good luck, it's quite a fun journey, as I am learning everyday!

The different twins groups often have big sales with lots of great twin stuff. The North Dallas Mothers of Twins has one in March and October. Look online for the one in Plano, etc. I'd also join a club, as they are great support and you will meet a lot of moms with twins who can give you great advice! I am a member of the North Dallas one (www.ndmotc.org)

I would just start out with one of certain things - swing, bouncy seat, exersaucer, etc. Chances are you won't need them both at the same time. Also, you might be able to start out with just one crib, depending on how big they are and how well they sleep together.

My twins are 2 1/2 and it is a lot of work but so fun. Congrats!

join at www.pamom.org for the plano club; you already missed the nov. 1 big sale but many moms sell through classified ads that are free to members. you have very good advice. I also recommend two bouncy chairs from FisherPrice the aquarium one; those were my best friends through both twin sets; helped with reflux, helped entertain while I took care of the other, etc. you can get a lot of great advice if you join pamom. good luck. get lots of rest now....