by Cyndi Li

Created on: September 26, 2007

As a mother of twins, I have a pretty good idea what to get for parents who are expecting twins. We all have different plans though, so don't be shy and ask about what parenting style they intend to use. Will they breastfeed or bottle feed? Do they plan on using cloth or disposable diapers? Pacifiers? Once you know their plan, buy, buy, buy.

The number one necessity is diapers. When my twins were really little they went through, on average, 100+ diapers a week. As they grew the number came down, but by that time I'd used up all the freebies, and then some. Buying bigger size diapers is a great idea. Mom and Dad can put them away for future use. If they're planning on using cloth diapers, buy some and get some detergent too. If they're planning on using a diaper service, make a financial contribution to help defray the cost.

Another thing I never had enough of was, burp (Spit-up) cloths. I had them strategically placed everywhere. In the bedroom, living room, kitchen, diaper bag and just about any place I went. I never knew when or where they were going to spit up, so I had them all over the place, including the car.

Spare pacifies are a must if they are part of the parenting plan. I lost more pacifiers than I care to mention. I left them at the doctors office, the Laundromat and at other peoples homes. Once, I unknowingly threw one away after it had accidentally gotten wrapped up with a soiled diaper. It was to late to salvage it, but it taught me to look before I tossed.

A baby monitor is a wonderful gift also. I tried to get a lot of chores done while the twins slept. However, I was always nervous about not being able to hear them if they woke up so I was constantly checking on them. Having a monitor really put my mind at ease, and I was able to get a lot more accomplished.

If they plan to breastfeed, investing in a good breast pump is a must. You may not be able to afford one all by yourself, but others might be willing to pitch in. If they plan to bottle feed, all I can say is bottles, bottles, bottles! Find out what style they intend to use and load up on them. Don't forget the bottle brush!

Parents of multiples can never have enough clothes. Though this could be risky, as many twins are born at a low birth weight. A gift certificate is a great idea, in place of actual clothing.

Those little jars of baby food can get real costly when buying for multiples. My cousin bought quite a few of them, and I put them away till it was time to introduce solids to my twins. It was a big help.

I think though, the best gift I received was help. Offer your assistance when you can. A special way to do this is to make a homemade coupon booklet. On each coupon just write in whatever it is you are willing to help with. Laundry, shopping, babysitting, cooking, massage etc. Instruct Mom and Dad to use them as needed.

Offer to sit with the twins so Mom and Dad can have some alone time. If your not comfortable babysitting by yourself elicit the help of a friend or relative. Between the two of you, you should be able to handle it for a few hours.

Over all, buying for twins is much like buying for a single; you just double up on most things.

Just remember to save all your receipts in the event something needs to be returned, and as with any purchases made when the sex of the baby isn't known (Or in this case babies) stick with uni-sex colors like yellow and green when purchasing clothing.

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