Preparing the nursery for the fourth trimester may differ from family to family depending on variables such as season and weather, babies' weights, laundering facilities, as well as country and clothing customs and parenting styles. Shopping for multiples can be fun but costly, so take some time to consider sales, shopping online, and sharing items with friends and family. Below you will find a list put together by our multiples parents. Make adjustments and enjoy the adventure of gathering up new baby threads and basics!
It is always best to buy clothing slightly big to allow for shrinkage and growth. Babies outgrow newborn sizes quickly so keep this in mind when purchasing one-piece sets or fitted clothing. Always choose for comfort and softness. Take notice of zippers, snaps, buttons and tags. Will they scratch? How easily do fasteners close? Choose the outfits that open and close easily for quick diaper changes.
Socks and booties are a necessity. Even in warm weather feet can become cool when your babies are inactive or asleep. Knit caps are a cozy addition to your layette and offer a soothing touch, keeping ears and soft little heads warm. Remember that newborn babies do not self-regulate their body temperature so a baby hat should be considered for the first two weeks, longer if your babies are preemies.
It's not always necessary to buy two of everything for twins or three of everything for triplets, etc. It's also not necessary to have some of the larger equipment items immediately. The items listed below are needed in the first three months.
Threads for EACH baby
6 one-piece, leg-snap pajamas or gowns
2 blanket sleepers for winter babies
6 cotton side snap undershirts shirts or "onesies"
1 or 2 snowsuits for winter babies
4 pairs of socks or booties
6 receiving blankets
8 burp cloths (cloth diapers are great for this!)
1-2 pairs of mittens if your baby is a scratcher or a winter baby
1-2 hats appropriate for the season (wide brimmed in summer, covers the ears in winter)
Nursery Basics
baby sling/front pack/snugli
crib/cradle/basinette depending on preference (many parents use one for all of the babies the first few months)
6-10 fitted crib sheets
fitted waterproof mattress pad for each crib
1 bouncy seat/infant chair or seat PER baby
1 swing (possibly 2 if you have triplets and lots of room for them!)
rocking chair
Changing Table Basics
changing table
diaper pail
Diaper rash ointment, Desitin, Balmex, A&D or Baby Gold Bond Powder
baby wipes or lots of baby washcloths and warm water
several waterproof lap pads
If cloth diapering:
3 to 4 dozen cloth diapers PER baby
2 dozen reusable wipes (washcloths or disposable wipes) PER baby
8 diaper covers PER baby
4 sets of diaper pins (if not using pinless diapers) PER baby
Ivory Snow, Dreft or other gentle laundry detergent
If using disposable diapers:
Disposable diapers - ten to twelve per day PER baby.
Breastfeeding Basics
Several nursing pads
2 -4 nursing bras
Nursing pillow/Boppy pillow
Lansinoh
Bottle Feeding Basics
6 4-ounce and 6 8-ounce bottles with matching nipples, rings and extra bag liners if necessary PER baby
bottle brush
dishwasher basket for nipples, rings and small accessories
sterilizer if not using dishwasher to sterilize
bottle warmer (optional)
6 bibs PER baby
several burp cloths (can use cloth diapers)
formula - may wish to wait for a recommendation on type of formula from pediatrician
Medicine Chest Basics
vaseline and sterile gauze if your boy is circumsized
rubbing alcohol and q-tips for cord care
gas drops
Infant Tylenol
saline nose spray
baby decongestent
liquid Benadryl
thermometer - one PER baby labeled unless using ear thermometer
bulb syringe - one PER baby and labeled
calibrated medicine dropper or syringe for measuring dosages
Bath Time Basics
Gentle baby bath such as Baby Magic or Johnsons & Johnsons
Baby Shampoo (or just use baby bath at the beginning)
baby safe scissors or clippers
Baby bath tub (just one is enough)
2 - 4 hooded baby towels
lots of baby washcloths (have many uses!)
Travel Basics
1 car seat PER baby
jumbo diaper bag
stroller
Our Multiples' FAQ:
Section I - Suspecting and Diagnosing Multiples
Section II - Preparing for Multiples
Section III - Pregnancy & Childbirth
Section IV - NICU
Section V - Going Home/Postpartum
Section VI - As They Grow
Section VII - Resources
Section VIII - Miscellaneous/Special Tips & Inspiration
