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What to buy for twins to help make life easier
Feel prepared for the arrival of your two bundles of joy with these twin essentials as recommended by parents and experts. Here's what to buy for twins 2023.
By Kat Storr | Last updated Dec 20, 2023
Finding out you’re pregnant can come as a big surprise, and finding out you’re carrying two babies - or more - can be an even bigger shock. Once the news has sunk in, your mind will probably start racing, thinking about what you’ll need for both of them.
During pregnancy especially, some things won't change - you'll still want to take the same prenatal vitamins and research labour-easing items such as the best TENs machine, for example. But there are also several things you'll need that are tailored especially for twins, such as a twin buggy.
We've collated this list of what to buy for twins using the knowledge of the countless twin parents on our Mumsnet forums. As home to the largest network of online parents in the UK, Mumsnet users are a wealth of useful knowledge about all things pregnancy and parenting related, from the best pregnancy books to read while you're expecting to the most useful parenting books. We always cross-reference the items in our buyers' guides with expert advice and consumer reviews across the internet to ensure we are recommending the top items to make parenting that little bit easier.
Here's our list of what to buy for twins in 2024.
What to buy for twins: at a glance
Best baby bouncer for twins: BabyBjörn Bouncer Bliss | £185
Best double buggy for twins: Mountain Buggy Duet | £649
Best double breast pump: Ardo Calypso Double Plus Breast Pump | £140
Best twin baby carrier: Weego Twin Baby Carrier | £140
Best nursing pillow for twins: Peanut and Piglet Twin Feeding Cushion | £108
Best baby baths for twins: Angelcare Soft Touch Bath Support | £24
Best infant car seats for twins: Joie i-Spin 360 Car Seat | £280
Best steriliser for twin parents: Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep Baby Bottle Maker Machine | £80
Best changing bag for twins: Peanut and Piglet Twin Changing Bag | £49
Best newborn beds for twins: Chicco Next2Me Bedside Crib | £109
1. Best baby bouncer for twins: BabyBjörn Bouncer Bliss
Price on writing: From £185 | Buy now on Amazon
Key specs
Size: 11 x 92.5 x 40cm | Weight: 2.3kg | Maximum weight recommendation: 13kg | Material: 100% cotton | Age range: From newborn (min 3.5kg) to two years (max 13kg)
What we love
Safe
Stylish
Folds flat
Three height settings
Machine-washable cover at 40°C
What to know
Expensive
Toy bar not included in price
Babies may not enjoy being in it once they’re on the move
What Mumsnet users say
“I got two BabyBjörn secondhand ones from eBay for £50 each and sold them for £55 each! They fold flat so you can pop them under the sofa when not in use, and the whole cover comes off and goes in the washing machine and dryer and comes out immaculate. They were invaluable for my twins. They fed and napped in there and were the best purchase.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Orangecloth)
Our verdict
Rating: 5/5
From the moment you get a positive pregnancy test, parenthood can feel overwhelming - twin parenthood doubly so. The juggle of feeding, winding and changing two small babies can feel never-ending, and new parents don’t need the added worry of where to put one baby while they attend to the other. That’s why twin parents swear by baby bouncers to keep their babies safe when they can’t be held.
The BabyBjörn Bouncer Bliss is at the higher end of the market but it’s stylish, sturdy and easy to transport. If you’re bottle feeding your twins, a bouncer can be a great place to feed them simultaneously. If you’re breastfeeding one baby at a time, parents also find the BabyBjörn Bouncer Bliss good for being able to keep an eye on the other baby - you can use a pregnancy pillow or boppy to support the feeding baby as well.
Multi-tasking is something parents quickly become adept at and many twin parents bounce one child with their foot while feeding or winding the other. The baby’s own body weight also gently rocks the bouncer which often sends them off to sleep which is an added bonus.
Parents love this bouncer because it folds flat and can be popped under the sofa when not being used, the cover is machine-washable and it gives good support to your baby’s head, neck and back.
2. Best double buggy for twins: Mountain Buggy Duet
Price on writing: £649 | Buy now on Amazon
Key specs
Size: 31.75 x 63.5 x 88.9cm | Weight: 14.7kg | Maximum weight recommendation: 22.68kg | Age range: Newborn to four years
What we love
Only 63cm wide
Five-point harness on straps
One-handed fold
Four recline positions
The narrowest side-by-side buggy on the market
Height adjustable handlebar
Large storage basket
What to know
Seats don’t sit as upright as others
Heavy to carry when folded
Adding carrycots or car seats can be tricky
Foot brake can be difficult to apply
What Mumsnet users say
“I have a Mountain Buggy Duet and really like it. Yes, it’s a bit on the heavy side but not so heavy that I can't lift it into the car myself. It’s a dream to push and there hasn't been any doorway, shop etc that I struggled to fit through. The basket is plenty big enough.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Lockdownmummy)
Our verdict
Rating: 4/5
While some pregnancy buys - such as the best stretch mark cream, for example - won't change when you're expecting twins (though you may need to purchase maternity clothes a little earlier) it's fairly indisputable that having twins equals needing a double buggy rather than a single. There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a double buggy. The size of your house, car and whether you live in an urban or rural area will all be important. Luckily, there are double buggies available to suit the needs of most families.
We’ve chosen this side-by-side twin buggy because it’s versatile, comfortable and comes at a great price. The Mountain Buggy Duet is the narrowest side-by-side buggy on the market, so is ideal for navigating narrow front doors, public transport and shops. It can be used from the newborn stage up to age four and has four all-terrain wheels which make it ideal for city or countryside living.
Some parents have found the buggy to be heavy to carry when it’s folded flat and it’s one of the heaviest side-by-side buggies we’ve found. Reviewers say that it’s also hard to assemble and switch between seats, carrycots and car seats compared to other brands.
Read our Mountain Buggy Duet Review here.
3. Best double breast pump: Ardo Calypso Double Plus Breast Pump
Price on writing: £140 | Buy now on Amazon
Key specs
Size: 28.4 x 19.3 x 8.1cm | Weight: 0.25kg | Material: BPA-free | Batteries: None | Includes: Three breast shield sizes and a silicone comfort cushion | Additional sized breast shields (22 mm and 36 mm) are available to purchase separately online
What we love
Single or double expression
64 combinations of suction and speed
Vacuum seal technology to stop bacteria, breast milk or impurities from entering the tube or pump
Quiet
Faster than a manual pump
What to know
More expensive than a manual pump
Parts can be fiddly to sterilise
Dependent on being near a plug socket
Not very portable and bulkier to transport than a manual
What Mumsnet users say
“I use the Ardo Calypso Double Plus. It’s good!” (Recommended by Mumsnetter Cocopops2010)
Our verdict
Rating: 4/5
However you choose to feed your twins, there’s no denying that it’s going to be something that takes up a lot of your time, especially in the first few weeks. If you’re breastfeeding, a double breast pump can be a great way of significantly cutting down this time and also help you to boost your milk supply. It could also make for one of the best gifts for new mums if you know a twin-mum-to-be who plans to breastfeed.
You might have read about the disconcerting ‘brrr brrr’ noise some electric breast pumps can make when you’re using them, which can really put users off. However, this is one of the reasons why the Ardo Calypso Double Plus has become really popular with Mumsnetters - it’s quiet, but still powerful. This makes it a great choice for discreet pumping or pumping in the evenings.
This pump has been approved by the NHS because of its BPA-free bottles, hygienic closed system and durability. There are a lot of parts to the pump which could look confusing but it’s easy to assemble, even if you’re time-poor and sleep deprived.
Some mums may prefer wearable breast pumps which can be tucked inside your maternity bra and used while at work or out and about. Others may also be put off by the fact that the Ardo Calypso is more suited to sitting still.
Read our Ardo Calypso Double Plus product review here.
4. Best twin baby carrier: Weego Twin Baby Carrier
Price on writing: £140 | Buy now on Amazon
Key specs
Size: 41.8 x 25.2 x 9.2cm | Weight: 0.96kg | Maximum weight: 15kg | Material: 100% cotton | Age range: Newborn to seven months
What we love
Ergonomic and hip-friendly for babies
Tumble-dryer-safe
Unique two-bag system
Suitable for premature babies
Machine-washable at 30°C
What to know
Expensive
Weight of babies could cause back pain
What Mumsnet users say
“We had a Weego Twin Baby Carrier. That was awesome, as for the first 14 weeks or so they would only nap on me or in the buggy.” (Vetted by Mumset user Toomuchtooold)
Our verdict
Rating: 3/5
If you’ve made a good physical recovery from the birth and have no prior injuries, there’s no reason why you can’t carry twins in a carrier or sling. Many parents find that, in the first few weeks, their babies may not like being put down or sleeping in a cot or Moses basket. This might be especially true if your twins were born prematurely and are quite small.
The Weego is a really great twin carrier that can be used from 1.8kg (4lbs) to 15kg (33lbs) in total. It has a unique double pouch design which has been created to ensure healthy hip development for your babies. The inner pouch supports the babies’ backs and keeps them close to you and the outer pouch supports their heads and necks. It will allow you to keep both babies close to you and be hands-free to cook, eat or do other activities, and shouldn't interfere with your clothes, whether you're back in your pre-pregnancy jeans or still rocking the maternity leggings.
One downside of the carrier is that the clasps can be tricky to do up, especially if you don’t have anyone to help you. Other parents have also said they experienced back pain when their babies were a bit older because of the lack of support. The price of this sling may also put some parents off, but it works out cheaper than buying two separate carriers.
Read next: Are you looking for the best gift for the newest little person in your life? Who better to ask than the parents who've received them all: read our guide to the best baby gifts to find their top recommendations.
5. The best nursing pillow for twins: Peanut and Piglet Twin Feeding Cushion
Price on writing: £108 | Buy now on Amazon
Key specs
Size: 60 x 58 x 34cm | Weight: 3.8kg | Material: Cotton
What we love
Great for tandem feeding
Comfy for mum and babies
Comes with back support
Machine-washable
What to know
Bulky to transport
Expensive
What Mumsnet users say
“A twin feeding cushion was a lifesaver for me.” (Product type recommended by Mumsnet user RandomUsernameHere)
Our verdict
Rating: 4/5
If you want to tandem feed your twins then this cushion could prove invaluable. It’s been designed by a twin mum and has lots of features to make breastfeeding two babies as comfortable as possible.
It has a back support to keep you in an upright position when feeding and also gives you high support which is important if you’ve had a caesarean section.
It’s not exclusively for breastfeeding and can also be a great way of bottle feeding your twins at the same time. If you are breastfeeding, it’s sturdy and thick enough for you to go hands-free once your babies are latched and feeding well.
The cover is 100% cotton and can be removed to wash. However, some parents have said it can be difficult to get back on again and the print does fade.
Related: If you've recently (or not so recently) given birth and are struggling with bladder control, fear not: our guide to the best pelvic floor trainer has you covered.
6. The best baby baths for twins: Angelcare Soft Touch Bath Support
Price on writing: £23 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Size: 57.5 x 31 x 22cm | Weight: 0.82kg | Age range: Newborn to six months
What we love
Anti-slip base
Supportive and safe for baby
Mesh warms to temperature of water to keep baby warm
Can be used as a seat for baby in the bathroom if you’re using the toilet etc
What to know
Quite bulky
Not great for babies who like to splash in the bath
No suction on the base
What Mumsnet users say
“I have the Angelcare bath seat. We've been using it since birth and didn’t bother with a baby bath.” (Recommended by Mumsnetter Pinktruffle)
Our verdict
Rating: 4/5
The Angelcare Bath Support is a good alternative to a traditional baby bath and can work well if you have twins. It’s made from a soft mesh material which warms to the temperature of the bath water quickly to stop your babies from getting cold.
The design safely cradles your babies while also leaving you with two hands to wash and play. Babies can be slippery and difficult to hold when wet so this bath takes that issue away. Another benefit of the design of this bath is that your babies will be able to see each other while they’re in them.
Some parents have complained that the design of the support and the low water fill line makes it seem like the baby is just sitting in a puddle. And as it’s only suitable up to around six months, it’s not a product you’ll be using for very long.
Read next: Pregnant and looking for ways to ease back pain and gently exercise at the same time? Check out our guides to the best birthing ball and the top-rated pregnancy support belt as recommended by Mumsnet users.
7. Best infant car seats for twins: Joie i-Spin 360 Car Seat
Price on writing: £280 | Buy now from John Lewis
Key specs
Size: 65 x 58 x 62cm | Weight: 14.2kg | Age range: Suitable rearward-facing from birth to 105cm/4 years; suitable forward-facing from 15 months to 105cm/4 years
What we love
Spacious and padded seat
Rated highly for crash protection
Easy to install
360-degree rotation
Five-point harness
What to know
Heavy to lift
Not travel system-compatible
What Mumsnet users say
"Joie ispin 360. I got ours a few weeks ago and love it. I chose it because it scored well on ADAC testing which is higher than UK standards (it's German) and it was a reasonable price. Really happy with it." (Tried and tested by Mumsnetter AphroditeGoddessOfLove)
Our verdict
Rating: 5/5
A car seat is one of the most important items you need when having a baby. Sadly, it’s also one of the most expensive and you’ll need two if you’re having twins.
The Joie i-Spin 360 is a really popular car seat because of its excellent safety features. Side panels in the seat automatically engage when the harness is tightened, which adds extra side impact protection, and the headrest offers three layers of protection inside the wings.
It’s comfy for babies of any age, has six recline positions and is suitable up to age four, so it's an investment which will be useful long after you've put away your maternity jeans. The spin feature means it’s easy to get your children out of the car without straining your back as they get older and heavier.
The seat is heavy but, once installed, you shouldn’t have much need to take it in and out of your car. This is because it’s not travel-system compatible which means that it can’t be attached to your pushchair.
Read next: Looking for relaxing ways to ease your way through labour? Check out our guide to the best hypnobirthing book according to Mumsnet users.
8. Best steriliser for twin parents: Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep Baby Bottle Maker Machine
Price on writing: £80 | Buy now from John Lewis
Key specs
Size: 21.6 x 30.6 x 33 cm | Weight: 2.51kg | Batteries: None
What we love
Makes a bottle in two minutes
Suitable for different types and sizes of bottles
Built-in filter system
Screen notification to tell you if it needs cleaning or descaling
Glow nightlight to make night feeds easier
What to know
Expensive
What Mumsnet users say
“Tommy (sic) Tippee day/night prep machine has been a game-changer.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Ivfgottwins)
Our verdict
Rating: 4/5
If you’re bottle feeding your twins, this machine may prove a lifesaver. It can make a bottle of formula in two minutes, saving you valuable time when you have two hungry babies crying for milk.
It works by putting the desired amount of baby formula into a bottle and then into the machine. An initial shot of 70°C water is then dispensed, killing any bacteria present in the formula and dissolving the formula quickly. You then shake the bottle and place it back under the dispenser for the correct amount of cooler water to be added, whether it’s a 4oz or 11oz bottle you’re making.
Parents have said this gadget is quick and easy to set up and that it’s saved a lot of time and stress at night. Again, this is another pricey product and you’ll need to buy more bottles and new filters but this might be a price you’re willing to pay if it makes nighttime feeds more bearable.
Read next: Trying for a baby but unsure of how to track your most fertile days? Read our guide to the best ovulation test to find the tried and tested recommendations from Mumsnetters.
9. Best changing bag for twins: Peanut and Piglet Twin Changing Bag
Price on writing: From £49 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Size: 36 x 16 x 38cm | Weight: 1.2kg | Capacity: 18 litres
What we love
Four ways to wear it
Multiple pockets
Two easy-to-reach bottle holders
Wipe clean and water-resistant
Multiple designs
What to know
Could be roomier
What Mumsnet users say
"I have the new Peanut & Piglet twin changing bag and love it! Nice design and importantly is wipe clean you can use it as a rucksack or messenger bag (it hooks onto our pram with the messenger strap)." (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user RubySlippers77)
Our verdict
Rating: 3/5
Another Peanut and Piglet product that has been designed with the needs of twin parents front and centre, the Peanut and Piglet Twin Changing Bag is bigger than standard changing bags, giving you more space to pack double the nappies, spare outfits and muslins. It has multiple pockets including space for two bottles and a large changing mat.
It’s a really versatile bag because it can be worn or held in four different ways: as a backpack, across the body, with grab handles and as a buggy attachment. The bag is also wipe-clean, water-resistant and comes in a variety of fun prints.
We’ve researched lots of changing bags and read dozens of reviews about this one and the only downside according to parents is that it can be a tight squeeze to get everything you need inside.
Read next: Maternity wear doesn't mean compromising on style, even if you're suffering from swollen ankles: discover the best compression socks for pregnancy to wear under your favourite maternity jeans.
10. Best newborn beds for twins: Chicco Next2Me Bedside Crib
Price on writing: £109 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Size: 94 x 69 x 66cm | Weight: 9kg | Age range: Newborn to six months and up to 9kg
What we love
Includes a travel bag
Six height adjustments and foldable feet
Has two wheels so can be easily moved around
Detachable side for easy access to baby
Breathable mesh window
Can be tilted to ease congestion
Mattress cover is easy to wash
What to know
You don’t use it much beyond six months
Not as lightweight or as portable as a Moses basket
What Mumsnet users say
“The Next2Me [crib] was honestly the best thing I bought for my son and I would 100% recommend one. He loved being close to us, and we loved having him there and he always settled and slept really well.” (Recommended by Mumsnetter queensvillage1)
Our verdict
Rating: 4/5
Before your babies are born, it’s impossible to know how they are going to sleep and what will work best for your family. Nights with twins can be busy at the beginning but one of your main priorities will be making sure they are safe and comfortable when they’re asleep.
The Chicco Next2Me is a great bedside crib which attaches to the side of your bed at the same level as your mattress. It has a detachable side so you can see your baby and easily pick them up when they need to be fed and it’s a particularly great choice if you’ve had a c-section. (And while we're on the subject of bedtime comfort, don't miss our guide to the best maternity pyjamas)
The crib has a six-level height adjustment and it’s easy to fasten to your bed with straps, and it’s also possible to tilt the Next2Me if your baby is congested or struggling with reflux. The mattress is comfy and comes with a washable cover.
This is another product that is well reviewed by parents but is only recommended up to six months of age so some may find it a bit too pricey for the length of time it will be used for.
Read next: Pregnancy can come with all sorts of unpleasant side effects, from pregnancy acne to piles. Fear not, our Mumsnet recommendations have got you covered with our guides to the best haemorrhoid cream and the best skincare for pregnancy products.
What are must haves for twins?
Everyone will have different priorities when preparing for the arrival of their twins, but we think this list of essential items is a good place to start.
Double buggy
Two car seats and adaptors
Clothes - babygrows, vests and sleepsuits
Hats/mittens
Blankets
Two cots or cribs
Nappies and baby wipes
Changing mat
Changing bag
Bottles for feeding - if not breastfeeding
Breast pump - if breastfeeding
Steriliser
Two baby bouncers
Baby carrier(s)
Two baby baths
Should you buy two of everything for twins? What do I need double of for twins?
Buying for one baby can get expensive and finding space for all of your newborn kit can also be difficult, so this can be even more of an issue if you’re expecting twins.
While you certainly don’t need two of everything if you have twins, there are a few items you’ll need for both babies such as a car seat and double buggy. Two baby baths can be useful so they can be bathed at the same time. You will need two cots or cribs for them to sleep in. It is not recommended to let your babies sleep in the same cot.
Some people find twin baby carriers quite tricky to use, but you could buy two single ones for you and your partner to use. Or you could have just one and take turns to put one baby in it when out and about with your buggy.
You will get through a lot of dirty clothes and nappies in the first few months so you’ll need plenty of those - and be prepared to do a lot of washing too.
When do I need to buy for twins?
The answer to this is entirely down to you. It’s great to be organised and to be able to tick things off as your pregnancy progresses but most parents start shopping for twins after the 20-week scan. It’s also worth researching big items such as buggies and cots early because there may be a wait for delivery.
Also, there’s a higher chance of twins being born early and most have arrived by week 37 so your pregnancy will be a little bit shorter than if you were expecting just one baby. While these days it’s easy to order things online for a fast delivery, it will give you peace of mind to have most of the items sorted well before your due date.
How we chose our recommendations
Recommendations from real parents
Our writer, Kat, has used her knowledge as a mother of twins to help create this guide. She's added items she found invaluable when she had her twin babies in 2019. She knows how overwhelming it can be when you find out you’re having more than one baby and found it helpful as a new mum to read reviews of the products that made life that little bit easier for other parents. We also studied reviews of products other twin parents recommended on the Mumsnet forums to find out which items users had bought and rated highly – and which they weren't impressed by.
Expert guidance
We always ensure our information represents the latest recommendations from experts so you can rely on it, and we research each product thoroughly to ensure it follows the latest expert advice and stands up to scrutiny. Here we consulted reputable sources such as consumer watchdogs Which?, and took note of what they recommend for twin parents.
Consumer feedback
We collated all that information and then looked at other consumer reviews to see which were the bestsellers and which received rave reviews after purchase.
Celebrated best products
Finally, we cross-referenced all of the above information to find the best products you need for twins that had won the most accolades and recommendations across the board to bring you a selection of the best ones at various price points. We think there’s something here for everyone.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one. We spend hours researching and scrutinising review websites to see which products come out on top after being tested and used by real customers.
About the author
Kat Storr has worked as a digital journalist for over 15 years and has a strong interest in parenting, education and environmental issues. She has written for publications including Puffin and Ladybird, for whom she writes articles about books for children of all ages, and has worked for Sky News for over a decade, being the online entertainment reporter for four years. Kat has three children, including twins.