If you’ve been meaning to do some research to find out what needs to be done before you bring your newborn twins home, then look no further. This is the ultimate list of things you’ll need to arrange, compiled by mums who have recently had twins themselves.

What you need straight away

1. Two baby capsules or car seats

You will need these just to get home from the hospital! There are two options; either baby capsules or reversible car seats.

Baby capsules can be bought new from baby superstores (for around $250 each), or hired from specialist companies or from some councils (for about $100 for 6 months). Some multiple mums find them invaluable for carrying sleeping babies in an out of the car and they are convenient if you go out visiting. Capsules are designed for babies until around 6 months or 9kg. There are strict weight and length requirements and they would then be moved into a car seat.

Car seats you can also use from birth, they start as a rear facing seat and then you turn them around to a forward facing seat when a baby reaches weight and head control requirements. With car seats you have the task of getting a baby in and out of the seat which can disturb some sleeping babies.

It’s important to choose your baby capsules or baby car seats well before your babies arrive, as some cars or 4WDs may need modifications or special accessories to fit a baby capsule or car seat correctly. Whether you use capsules or car seats, they are usually positioned directly behind the passenger and driver seats (if you have an older sibling they would sit in the middle position, as they are more able to climb in and out of their seat).

2. Two rockers or baby swings

The rockers are placed on the floor and you can gently rock one baby with your foot while nursing or feeding the other baby. Rockers are also great to place the babies in and take them outside or into different areas of the house for them to see their new environment. Rockers are a cheaper alternative to swings which are a motorized and have a stand. Some babies love the sensation of a swing and then can be great settlers for babies. A good option is to borrow or hire a swing and see if your babies like them first.

3. A double pram

Choice has some great advice for those buying double prams, click here. In general, the seats must recline right back for a newborn, so a side by side pram is the best first option. Many twins clubs have prams available to hire, which is a good option so you can get a feel for the features you want before going to the expense of purchasing a pram. You’ll have to decide what you will be doing with the pram and what your family circumstances are. If you already have a toddler or if you will be adding another child to your family then you will need a pram that can have a toddler seat attached. If you will be doing a lot of walking around your neighborhood then you will need a pram with big wheels, one that turns easily and is comfortable for babies to be in. If all you will be doing is visiting shopping centres then a stroller would be adequate.

The bigger prams are awkward and heavy to lift in and out of cars; strollers are more compact and a lot lighter (remember if you are having a c-sect, and you will not be able to lift a heavy pram for 6 weeks!). Also look at sunshades and rain covers as well. We used both of our covers often.

4. Nappies, Nappies and more Nappies

First you will have to decide if you will use disposable or cloth nappies. Newborns require around 8-12 nappy changes each per day. If you are going to use cloth then you will have to work out what type of cloth nappy; flats, pre-folds, fitted or all in ones. For all types of cloth nappies you will need approx 36-40 nappies, plus 10-12 waterproof nappy covers and a nappy bucket (be aware that these can be a drowning hazard for small children).

With disposables you will be looking at 112 plus nappies required per week (4-5 boxes per month) for your twins for the first couple of months. Start off with Newborn and then move up to Infant when the babies reach the next weight bracket. If you have bought too many Newborn nappies, you can usually swap the unopened box for the next size up as long as you keep the receipt. You will also need lots of baby wipes and a tub of nappy cream just in case you need it.

As nappies and wipes are a big expense, you should keep your eyes peeled and buy in bulk when they are on special. Disposable nappies cost around 34c each and wipes cost about 7c each (or approx 21c per nappy change).

5. Feeding accessories

How do you plan on feeding your babies? If you are twin breastfeeding then you will probably need a breast pump. You can hire them from most chemists, or if you are planning on buying one, the electric and even double pumps are more time efficient than the hand held and battery operated ones which slow and tiring.

Milk storage bags for the freezer will be needed and some bottles and teats. Even if you are planning on breast feeding, it is a good idea to have a tin of formula on hand just in case you need it. There may be a time when you have to offer a top up feed.

If you are formula feeding, then you will certainly need bottles and teats. You will need at least 10-12 bottles and teats if you are bottle feeding twins. Sterilisation is very important and there are several ways of doing it: soaking solution, steam sterilizers, boiling on the stove top or using the dishwasher (not recommended for newborns), but the most common method these days is using a steam sterilizer. There are lots of choices to make in terms of brands of formula, bottles, and sterilizers, as well as different techniques for making up the formula, so speak to a health professional for advice. Asking friends, joining a twins club or logging on to a forum is a good way to find out what others recommend based on their experience.

A breastfeeding pillow is also highly recommended for both breast and bottle feeding. It allows you to tandem feed or single feed, gives you support and keeps the babies comfortable and positioned correctly.

You will also need at least 20 bibs or burping cloths/cloth nappies on hand, as burping is a constant task and there is lots of mess to clean up with all the possets (small mouthfuls of regurgitated milk). If your babies have reflux, you will need around 30-40 bibs in order to keep on top of the mess.

6. Somewhere for them to sleep

You basically have two options, either a bassinette for each baby or have them co-sleep in one cot. You will need at least 4 sets of cot/bassinette sheets and blankets. Note that quilts, pillows and bumpers are not recommended because of SIDS. You will not need two cots while they are little, but you will certainly need two cots from about 3 months.

Wraps, bunny rugs and muslins are a must!! These keep the baby wrapped in a nice and secure fashion. The baby feels comfortable and warm; it also stops the jerky arm and leg action that disturbs their sleep. Just remember how cramped they were in utero. Wrapping is calming, but note that there will be the odd baby that really doesn’t like it.

Wraps are usually recommended until the babies are around 12 wks, then either a sleeping bag or correctly tucked-in blanket is the next step. Sleeping bags are great as they reduce the SIDS risk and keep the babies warm as they can’t wriggle out of them like they can with a blanket.

7. Baby bath and bathing stuff

For bath time you’ll need two towels, two washcloths and a nice gentle baby wash for newborns. Their skin is so sensitive and there is no need to bath them everyday or to even use baby wash every bath. A gentle sponge all over is all that is needed. On days that you do not bath them, then you can also give them a sponge bath instead.

You’ll only need one bath as you can only bath one at a time until they are strong enough to sit up and support themselves completely (about 6 months).Try to borrow a plastic bath from a friend for the first month or two, as it’s easier on your back and only needed when they are very small. Baths take up a lot of storage space and you are going to need the space for other things like nappies.

8. Clothing

Clothing in small sizes is advised for twins; most multiples arrive early (before full term) so have a couple of sets of size 00000 clothing on hand. When they are newborn, singlets and jumpsuits can be a better option than all in one bodysuits as newborn poo will go everywhere and you may have to do a complete clothing change several times in one day. Singlets do not get as much poo on them as bodysuits, but bodysuits are great for older babies whose shirts tend to ride up on their bodies as they are lying down so much.

You will need 12 grow suits (terry cotton for summer or polar fleece for winter), 12 singlets, 2 pairs of mittens, 12 pairs of socks/bootees, 6 hats for the correct season and then depending on the season, you will need 6 jackets or cardigans as well for your babies. If they are small babies then 00000 clothing will fit them right away, though they will probably not be in this size for more than a week or two. Its best to buy more of the 0000 and 000 size to grow into.

When buying clothing, you want easy to do up and take off clothes. Avoid clothes that do up at the back, or that have fiddly zips or buttons. Newborns usually hate being undressed and will protest loudly, so the quicker you can undress and dress them the happier you will all be. Pop studs are great, and make sure there is plenty of room for their feet when they are wearing jumpsuits.

It is a good guide when dressing your babies to give them at least one extra layer of clothing more than what you are wearing. Babies have trouble regulating their temperatures and get cold easily but can also overheat too.

9. A large baby/nappy bag

You will need a nappy bag that is spacious; remember you will be carrying double amounts of everything like nappies, changes of clothing, bottles and bibs. When packing your bag you can economise on some things, eg one set of spare clothes that will fit both babies should be sufficient for short trips to the shopping centre.

Look for a bag that is easy to get stuff in and also easy to get stuff out. You want roomy compartments. Also look at how you will carry the bag - will you want to carry it or put it on the pram? If you are to carry it you can look at backpack styles or make sure the shoulder strap is nice and wide, because they get heavy!

If it is to go on your pram, make sure that it will fit on the handles properly but not tip the pram over. Some prams have one bar to push and strollers have several handles.

10. A change table

While you can probably manage without a change table with only one baby, it is highly recommended that you get a change table as you will spend twice as much time changing nappies and it’s important to take care of your back. You will only need one change table for twins as you can only change one baby at a time. Change tables with lockable wheels on them are great as you can move the table to be where you will be; at night time the table can site near their cots and during the day you can move it into the living area so everything is close at hand.

If you can get a change table with shelves, they are a great place to store nappies, wipes, creams, and a couple of changes of clothes as it is when you are changing them that you will realise that their clothes are soiled.

Some other things to have on hand:

- Some nice soft floor blankets, as twin babies often spend a bit of time on the floor than singletons. Make sure that the blankets are easily washable. Depending on the style, the blankets can also be used to cover babies with while in the pram.
- Nail clippers or nail scissors. There nails grow so quickly and they can scratch themselves and you.
- Dummies, whether you like them or not, it is a good idea to have a couple on hand just in case you have a baby that has reflux, or has periods of being unsettled. They can save your sanity and your babies are not necessarily going to get ‘hooked’ on them!
- Breast pads and maternity pads for you of course.
- If you are breast feeding make sure you have a pyjama top or nightie that can unbutton or that is discreet to lift up. You are going to spend a lot of time breastfeeding and you want to be wearing practical clothes. Buy extra pairs before you go to hospital as milk will be going everywhere while you get the hang of it.
- A baby carrier is invaluable for carrying around an unsettled baby while still trying to do the washing and general tidying. You can use a single carrier for the one baby; there are also twin style carriers available as well, but keep in mind they can be awkward due to the weight of picking up two babies at once.
- Antibacterial pumps and moisturizing hand wash as you will be forever handling dirty nappies.
- A pre wash soaker to remove poo stains from clothing.
- Lots of face washers and bibs to clean up spills.

Optional - these are useful but not essential

A deep freezer - cook up a storm while pregnant if you can; casseroles, pasta bakes, soup, quiches. Each morning take out a meal, let it defrost and then you or your partner can simply heat it up and prepare a side dish of rice or pasta or a salad. Extra vegetables can also be thrown in as well at the last minute. Dinner will only take 10 minutes to prepare and you know that it is a healthy option as you need to maintain good health and strength during those early weeks.

A baby monitor - if you live in a small house or unit, then there is probably no need for a baby monitor, but if you live in a bigger house then they do come in handy. You really only need to hear the babies when they are crying; there is no need for the monitors to be so sensitive that you can hear every snuffle and whimper of your children. It will drive you to distraction if you can hear too much. They also come in handy if you spend time outside while the babies are asleep, you will be able to hear them and attend to them quickly when they wake up for a feed.

Things that you will need later:

- Highchairs (get something easy to clean as they will collect crumbs and food scraps each times they are used)
- Feeding bowls and spoons (best to buy a multiple pack with large quantities as you will need them).
- Portacots if you are going to be travelling or staying at their grandparents’ place.
- Sipper cups (only buy one or two at a time and try it out before buying more, many either leak or are too hard to get the water out).