Thursday, July 30, 2009

Registry Recommendations for Twins

Figuring out what all you'll need for your twins can be overwhelming, especially for first-time parents. I had time on my hands during the second half of pregnancy so I did a lot of research! I used the Twin Essentials list from www.twinstuff.com as my basis, then compared notes with the book Baby Bargains, and recommendations from friends and other MoMs as well as reading tons of reviews to compile my registries. I registered at Target and Babies R Us, with a smaller registry on Amazon.com for a few things like the co-sleeper and Ergo carrier, then bought other things ourselves if I found a better deal elsewhere (e.g. the Ultimate Crib Sheets were cheapest at Wal-mart).

Below are my recommendations. I list what I suggest getting and how many of each item (much of that is from twinstuff.com); in parentheses after most items I list my personal recommendation for specific brand or type. Hope this is helpful! Feel free to ask questions or make other recommendations in the comments section. These items should get you through the first four to six months or so. After that you'll need baby-proofing equipment, toys for older babies, etc.

TWIN ESSENTIALS

BABY GEAR/ FURNITURE
  • 2 infant car seats (Graco Snug Rides. UPDATE: I recommend the Chicco Keyfit or (less expensive) the Safety 1st Comfy Carry Elite).
  • 2 convertible car seats (First Years True Fit convertible car seats--These can certainly wait till later if you want to spread out expenses. UPDATE: While the TrueFits were, at the time, one of the best seats for extended rear-facing, there are some other good options now. The TrueFits have a pretty tall shell but only rear-face to 35 lbs. If you want to extended rear-face to 3 or 4, you may need a seat with a higher RF weight limit, such as the Diono Radian or the Graco MySize (though some parents have had trouble tightening the harness enough when the child is in the seat). For a small budget or back-up seats, Cosco Sceneras are a good bet. Also, the FB group "Car Seats for the Littles" is a great resource for questions about what car seat is best for your size/age of children, your vehicle, etc. Lots of techs on there who are very knowledgeable.
  • 1 double stroller that takes infant car seats (Baby Trend Double Snap 'n' Go)
  • 1 double stroller for after they outgrow their infant seats (Baby Jogger City Mini double; many MoMs recommend getting a tandem as well. Again, this can wait till later.)
  • 2 cribs (Ikea and Graco cribs are really good value for the money!)
  • 2 crib mattresses (First Years Sweet Dreams crib/toddler mattress--great deal at Wal-mart)
  • OPTIONAL: 1 large or 2 small bassinet(s) (Arm's Reach Original Cosleeper--goes up to 40 lbs, making it a great choice for multiples)
  • 4-6 cosleeper/Pack n Play sheets (I found some cheap on Amazon)
  • Dresser/storage unit (4-drawer chest Saddlebrook, pecan--only $100 at Wal-mart)
  • 1 portable playard/bassinet/changing station (Graco Pack n Play in Margo--great deal at Albee Baby.)
  • 1 rocking chair/recliner (Got a glider from a friend; already had a La-Z-Boy. Use both a LOT!)
  • Backpack-style diaper bag (Sienna backpack diaper bag from Babies R Us. Insulated bottle pocket has room for 2 bottles!) OR messenger-style diaper bag. We started out with the Sienna bag but now mostly use the Diaper Dude. We got it for $19.95 from RedEnvelope.com! :) The messenger style makes it easier to find things.
  • 1 swing; later 2 if both like it (Fisher-Price Rainforest Open-top Cradle Swing-worth its weight in gold! Plugs in! :))
  • 2 bouncy seats (Fisher-Price Soothe 'n' Play Bouncer)
  • 1 Bumbo seat with tray; 2 later if they both like it (a great item to buy used)
  • 2 jumperoos, or 1 jumperoo, 1 Exersaucer (1 FP Lights & Music jumperoo, 1 FP Rainforest jumperoo). Fine to start with 1 and see if they both like it.
  • 1 wrap (Moby Wrap; I kind of wish I had gotten a ring sling instead. I've heard good things about the Didymos wraps as well.)
  • 1 Front carrier (Ergo carrier; can be used for front, hip or back carries. Very ergonomic for both Mom and baby, can be used for several years!)
  • 1 table Lamp (DH installed a dimmer switch in the babies' room instead, which was great when we needed to sneak in there for nighttime feedings and didn't want to wake them up too much!)

CLOTHING/DIAPERING

Newborn Clothes (some preemie may be helpful, too; Walmart or Carter's are good sources for preemie clothes)
  • 8-12 Sleep n Plays or similar, preferably with zippers
  • 4-6 shirts until umbilical cord falls off
  • 10 Newborn onesies (Carter's 5-packs are great. Ross has great prices on them. Long-sleeved if winter babies)
  • 8-10 Gowns with elasticized bottoms (0-3 or 0-6m size)
  • As for other cute outfits, I didn't register for any; we got plenty at our baby shower
  • 2 snowsuits, pramsuits, or bunting if needed. Consider BundleMe Lites for warmer climates
  • 2-4 Fleece outfits / sweater or jacket: for winter
  • hangers (didn't need these b/c so many gift outfits came w/hangers)
  • 2-4 bonnets or caps: for summer
  • 2 pairs mittens
  • Hand mitts for outfits that don't come with them (to prevent scratching themselves)

0-3 month, 3-6 month, 6-9 month, 9-12 month:
  • 15-20 onesies in each size (again, I'd recommend Carter's, get a mix of short and long sleeve based on season, plain white and patterned)
  • 8-10 pairs of pajamas in 0-3 months.
  • 4-6 outfits in 0-3 months (you'll probably receive a lot as gifts)
Beyond that I would hold off on buying many clothes in the bigger sizes; after the babies are here, you'll develop a better idea of what you like (i.e. a creeper and shorts/pants versus 1-piece outfits, snaps versus zippers, etc.).

  • Diapers: 4-12 packs in sizes preemie, Newborn, and 1 (Different diapers work for different babies, but Pampers Swaddlers seem to be a big hit. Unfortunately they only go to size 2-3. They're a good choice for stocking up pre-babies. Also throw in a pack each of Huggies, Luvs, and possibly Target or Walmart-brand diapers. We like the Target brand--Up & Up.)
  • Wipes (Target's "Up & Up" wipes are the best!)
  • Diaper pail (We have the Baby Trend New Diaper Champ; not a big fan.)
  • 1 contoured changing pad
  • 1-2 changing pad covers
  • Some type of organizer for the diaper area (I got a diaper stacker with front pockets for diaper rash cream, etc., and also have a decorative wooden box for storage on the changing table.)
  • 8-12 receiving blankets (Some MoMs recommend up to 20. 6-8 would have been fine for us.)

FEEDING/BATHING

  • Twin nursing pillow (EZ-2-Nurse twin nursing pillow)


  • 12-20 Bibs, ideally velcro or snap not tie kind (More if you have two reflux babies like we do!)


  • 1 Breastpump & breastmilk storage bags (I rented the Medela Lactina; hospital-grade pumps are great for MoMs)


  • 2 Boppy pillows (great for bottle-feeding 2 at once when they're little plus useful for tummy time, etc.)


  • 4 Boppy covers


  • Bottles and nipples as needed (try several kinds; we like the Playtex VentAires and Gerber ClearViews)


  • 1-2 bottle organizer/drying racks (1st Years Spin & Store Dry Rack Organizer)


  • 1-2 bottle brushes (Circo 2-pack from Target)


  • 2 dishwasher baskets for feeding accessories (Munchkin dishwasher baskets from Target)


  • 1 formula-mixing pitcher if you plan to formula-feed (the Dr. Brown's Formula-Mixing pitcher makes up to 36 oz at a time; for twins you'd need to make two batches to have a day's worth of formula if you exclusively formula-feed. The Pampered Chef Family-Size Quik Stir pitcher makes a day's worth for twins at once. This saves a lot of time!)


  • 1 infant tub (Summer Infant Mother's Touch Deluxe Baby Bather; the EuroBath tubs look great, too.)


  • 8-12 baby washcloths


  • 2-4 hooded towels


  • Baby wash/shampoo (Aveeno unscented)


  • 20 burp cloths (cloth diapers work great)


  • Soaps & Lotions (For our super-sensitive-skinned babies, we like Aveeno, Dove, Eucerin and CeraVe cream.)


  • 2 Highchairs or booster seats (Fisher-Price Rainforest booster seats. If you bottle-feed, you may wish to get chairs that also recline for bottle-feeding once they outgrow their bouncy seats.)


  • SLEEPING/SAFETY
    • 2-4 pacifiers (don't get too many, and get different kinds to see what your babies prefer; ours love Soothies)
    • 2-4 pacifier attachers (we use Soothie paci clips. They tend to come off though. Try to get your babies hooked on a different kind of pacifier if you can!)
    • 4 mattress protectors (Ultimate Crib Sheets) Alternatively, just buy more crib sheets and be prepared to change them often. :)
    • 4 Fitted crib sheets (Carter's easy fit blue jersey fitted crib sheets)
    • 4-6 sleep sacks (2 microfleece sleep sack sets from Halo--each includes 1 NB swaddle, 1 small, plus 2 cotton Sleep Sacks; we had winter babies)
    • 2 types of swaddlers (2 Kiddopotamus SwaddleMes, 2 Miracle blankets; get 2 more if they work for your babies so you can swap out if one gets dirty)
    • Optional: 2 "Blankies" (Koala Baby Luxe blankets from Babies R Us)
    • Optional: 2 Breathable crib bumpers (BreathableBaby Padded Mesh bumpers)
    • Baby Monitor (Sony 900MHZ Baby Call Monitor)
    • Smoke alarm / carbon monoxide detector for baby's room

    DÉCOR/OTHER
    • 1 Vaporizer (ask pedi whether cool or warm mist)
    • 1-2 playmats (Tiny Love Gymini 3-D Activity Gym and a discontinued Tiny Love playmat)
    • Tummy time mat (optional; we have one from Tiny Love)
    • Curtains/valances, cribskirts, etc., as needed (we got the Tiddliwinks sailboat stuff from Target)
    • Wall art
    • (We got the Ahoy Mate wallpaper border from BRU)
    • Storage baskets as needed (You've probably already thought of this, but if your babies will be on more than one floor of your house, you'll want a diaper changing area on each floor, even if it's just a basket with a changing pad, diapers and wipes. You'll also want places on each floor to put them, e.g. a Pack n Play on the first floor or a second set of bouncy seats so you don't have to make too many trips up and down stairs.)

    FIRST AID KIT
    • Aquaphor
    • Tylenol Infant Drops (dye free!)
    • Mylicon (non-staining!)
    • A few teethers/teething rings
    • Bandages -- assorted sizes
    • Triple antibiotic ointment
    • Bandage pads (for places that bandages don't fit or areas that are too big for bandages)
    • Gauze
    • First-aid tape to hold bandage pads and gauze in place
    • Cotton swabs -- keep in a small plastic bag to prevent contamination
    • Nail clippers (We got a Red Cross Health and Grooming kit that contained a lot of this stuff)
    • Tweezers
    • Emery boards (great for the sharp edges of the nails)
    • Scissors
    • Alcohol wipes
    • Alcohol
    • Nasal aspirator (the hospital will usually send you home with 2)
    • Medicine dropper and spoon (Tsp and ML)
    • Temperature tester
    • gripe water
    • Vaseline
    • Saline Spray for breaking up nasal congestion (Little Noses saline drops)
    • Diaper rash ointment (We have and like Balmex, A&D, and Boudreaux's Butt Paste)
    • Sunblock (check with Pedi for safe age to start using it usually after 6 mo.) Neutrogena
    You'll also want some board and cloth books, rattles, and some hanging toys to swap out so they don't get bored of those on their bouncy seat toybars and playmat. You might also consider a ring-stacking toy, soft cloth blocks, and other toys for the 4 months + range. A take-along arch or two for the car seat/stroller might also come in handy. (We have one from Tiny Love.) FOR MOM
    • Nursing bras
    • Breast pads
    • Breast shields
    • Cream for Nipples (Lansinoh cream)

    Sunday, July 26, 2009

    Discounts and Freebies for Multiples

    Hooray for awesome companies that have multiples programs! Their number is dwindling, so send in your letters soon before any more companies discontinue their multiples programs! I got my information from someone on the Multiples board on thebump.com. Here's what you do: After your multiples are born, make copies of their birth certificates for every company you want to write to, along with a copy of a request letter. Here's the template I used; feel free to make changes so they are not getting hundreds of the same letter. ;)

    -->
    Your Address
    Date
    To Whom It May Concern:
    On [date], [my husband] and I became the proud parents of twins, [name] and [name]. We understand that your company offers special benefits for families with multiples. We would love to take advantage of your offer. Attached are copies of our twins’ birth certificates. Please feel free to call us at [your phone #] if you have any questions.
    Thank you for your support of our family!
    Best Wishes,

    [Your Name]



    Here is the list of addresses I used, along with my notes on what I received and when from each company. (I sent my letters the first week of June.) I received a list of 60 addresses and have already deleted the ones that have discontinued their multiples programs. In many cases, I got my letter "returned to sender." I am leaving those in the list in case any of you are ambitious enough to try to find updated addresses for those companies. If so, let me know and I will update this post!

    --> --> -->
    Evenflo
    Attn: Multiple Birth Program
    1801 Commerce Dr.
    Piqua, OH 45356
    Learning Curve Brands
    Attn: Multiple Birth Program
    2021 9th St SE
    Dyersville, IA 52040
    6/23: Rec’d 2 packs Take & Toss sippy cups, 2 Lamaze learning toys
    NESTLÉ Nutrition
    PO Box A W
    Wilkes Barre, PA 18703
    (Did not attempt; go through your pediatrician to get FREE CASE of Nestle Good Start!)
    Pampers Multiple Birth Offer
    The Procter and Gamble Co.
    Box 599
    Cincinnati, OH 45201
    6/17: Rec’d coupons for 1 free Jumbo pkg Pampers, 1 $5 coupon, 2 $2 coupons, 1 $1 off wipes coupon
    Advil Forum on Health Education
    Dept. CAM
    1500 Broadway, 25th Floor
    New York, NY 10036
    American Baby Basket
    Gift Headquarters
    P.O. Box 734
    New York, NY 10113-0734
    Attempted-not known
    Beechnut
    13023 Tesson Ferry Rd Ste 105
    St. Louis, MO 63128
    6/23: Rec’d 2 free samples rice cereal, lots of coupons
    Boudreaux's Butt Paste
    1600 Brian Drive
    Columbus, IN 47201
    6/11: Rec’d 2 bibs, 2 tubes baby lip/cheek balm, 2 small tubes butt paste, other free samples
    Bristol-Myers
    Multiple Birth Program
    2400 W. Lloy Expressway
    Evansville, IN 47721
    Earth's Best Baby Food
    Earth's Best Consumer Relations
    The Hain Celestial Group, Inc.
    4600 Sleepytime Dr.
    Boulder, CO 80301
    7/25: Received coupons for free jars of Earth’s Best baby food (and cents-off coupons)
    International Playtex
    700 Fairfield Ave
    P.O. Box 10064

    Stamford, CT 06904
    NSF address; un able to fwd
    Gerber
    Multiple Birth Program
    445 State Street
    Fremont, MI 49413
    6/10 Rec’d bathtime fun book, pack of TY cards, coupons for 1 can GoodStart and 8 2-packs of Gerber 2nd Foods purees, 2 NB onesies, bath pack (loofah, shower pouf, brush)
    Heinz Baby Food
    P.O. Box 57
    Pittsburgh, PA 15230-0057
    Johnson & Johnson
    199 Grandview Rd.
    Skillman, NJ 08558
    6/15: Rec’d letter saying all coupons are on their websites, www.baby.com
    7/13: Rec’d packet of meds coupons (Tylenol, Mylicon, etc.)
    Kimberly-Clark Corporation (Huggies)
    Multiple Birth Program
    Department QMB
    P.O. Box 2020
    Neenah, WI 54957
    6/16: Rec’d 2 $3 coupons, 3 $1 coupons, sent back Birth Certs
    Kolcraft Enterprises Inc.
    ATTENTION DONATIONS
    10832 NC Highway 211 East
    Aberdeen
    , NC 28315
    Called 6/4 to offer to send free Jeep twin stroller if we pay $20 S&H. Stroller arr’d 6/8
    Mead Johnson (Enfamil)
    Attn: Public Affairs Dept.
    2404 Pennsylvania St.

    Evansville, IN 47721
    7/2: Rec’d $5 Enfamil check
    Mustela
    Expanscience Laboratories dba Mustela
    1537 Waukegan Road
    Waukegan, IL 60085
    6/27: rec’d free samples vitamin barrier cream, stretch mark cream, no-rinse cleansing fluid
    Little Me
    PO Box 172
    Cumberland, MD21502
    Playtex Products
    20 Troy Road
    Whittany, NJ 07981
    6/25: rec’d 2 $5.99 coupons for Diaper Genie or refills, 1 $3 off coupon for any Playtex feeding product
    President's Choice formula
    204 North Main St
    Gordonsville, VA 22942
    T Ringling Bro's Circus
    Customer Service-Baby Program
    Feld Entertainment
    8607 West wood Center Drive
    Vienna, VA 22182
    (Received vouchers for 2 free circus tickets!)
    Sassy
    2305 Breton Industrial Park Dr. SE
    Kentwood
    , MI 49508
    BOGO order form for feeding bowl set, less mess spoons, teether or plush pal
    Totally Toddler
    P.O. Box 227215
    Dallas TX 75222-7215
    6/11: 2 coupons for any T.T. product free
    JPMA Safe And Sound
    236 RT. 389 West Suite 100
    Moorestown, NJ 08057
    Not deliverable as addressed
    Polly Klaas Foundation
    PO Box 800
    Petaluma, CA 94953
    6/26: Rec’d child safety kit
    Flanders Marketing (include SASE)
    P.O. Box 5323,
    Aiken, SC 29804
    Free samples of Flanders Buttocks Ointment
    Associated Hygienic Products
    3400 Rivergreen Court
    Suite 600

    Duluth, GA 30096

    Lever Brothers
    390 Park Ave
    New York, NY 10002
    Not deliverable as addressed
    Little Tikes Co.
    Contribution Committee
    2180 Barlow Road
    PO Box 2277
    Hudson, OH 44236-0877
    Rec’d letter with 1-time 10% discount code
    Mondial Consumer Services
    Attn: Multiple Birth Program
    600 Mondial Pkwy
    Streetsboro, OH 44241
    Not deliverable as addressed
    Mother’s Little Helper
    27520 Hawthorne Blvd
    Suite 125
    Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
    No such #; unable to fwd
    Spencer’s Inc.
    Attn: Quality Control
    PO Box 988
    Mt Airy, NC 27030
    Today’s Kids
    Consumer Services
    PO Box 207
    Booneville, AR 72927
    Not deliverable as addressed
    Whitehall Robbins
    Product Quality
    1407 Cummings Dr
    Richmond, VA 23261-6609
    Not deliverable as addressed
    RC2 Brands/ The First Years
    ATTN: Multiple Birth Program
    100 Technology Center Drive
    Suite 2A

    Stoughton,MA 02072
    Block Drug Co
    Cornelison Ave

    Jersey City, NJ 07302
    Attempted—not known
    One Step Ahead/Leaps and Bounds
    PO Box 517
    Lake Bluff, IL 60044-0517
    Rec’d $5 off coupon plus 10% discount off product total
    Very Necessary
    Post Office Box 807
    Roseville, CA 95678-0807
    Healthtex
    C/O LT Apparal Group
    100 West 33rd StreetSuite 1012
    New York, NY 10001
    Called 6/10: No longer running multiples program.
    Basic Comfort, Inc
    5151 Franklin Street
    Denver, CO 80216
    Regal+Lager, Inc.
    Attn: Customer Care Dept.
    Regal Lager, Inc.
    1100 Cobb Place Blvd.
    Kennesaw, GA 30144
    Luvs Multiple Birth Offer
    The Procter & Gamble Company
    P.O. Box 599
    Cincinnati, OH 45201
    Sensational Beginnings Catalog
    P.O. Box 2009
    987 Stewart Road
    Monroe, MI 48162
    Rainbow Kids, Inc.
    Dept. Free Hats
    PO Box 31817
    Bellingham, WA 98228
    PBM Products Inc.
    Attn. Deborah Burdyck
    204 North Main Street
    Gordonsville, VA 22942
    Called 6/5 to say they’ll be sending coupons for formula and I can call back the 5th of each month to request 2 more and remind them I have twins.
    6/20: Rec’d 2 $5 off Parent’s Choice formula coupons
    First Years
    Attention Multiple Birth Program
    One Kiddy Dr.
    Avon, MA 02322
    Pfizer Consumer Health Care Group
    Attention Consumer Relations Dept
    235 E. 42 St., 6th floor
    New York, NY 10017
    Earth's Best Family Program
    P. O. Box 15958
    Lenexa, KS 66285-5959
    Returned to sender
    Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., Consumer Affairs Dept.
    One Ocean Spray Dr.
    Lakeville-Middlesboro, MA 02349
    6/19: Rec’d 1 coupon for free 64-oz juice, 1 55-cents off coupon
    McNeal Consumer Healthcare
    Mail Box 790
    7050 Camp Hill Rd.
    Ft. Washington, PA 19034
    6/15: Rec’d a bunch of $1 coupons for children’s Tylenol, Motrin, Mylicon
    Ross Laboratories (Similac)
    625 Cleveland Ave.
    Columbus, OH 43216
    (Did not attempt; go through your pediatrician to get FREE CASE of Similac!)
    Nancy C. Jensen
    Family & Consumer Sciences Agent
    12175-125 St.
    North Largo, FL 33774-36945
    Rec’d pamphlets on infant development 0-12 months. This is actually a county extension agent; contact your own.
    Audio-Therapy Innovations
    Consumer Affairs
    2519 W. Pikes Peak Ave
    Colorado Springs, CO 80904.
    Attempted-not known unable to forward
    Nature’s Goodness
    Bay Valley Foods Consumer Response
    P.O. Box 763
    Horsham, PA 19044-0763
    6/13: Rec’d coupons for 4 free jars baby food
    Carnation
    800 N. Brand Blvd.
    Glendale, CA 91203
    Nursery® Water Promotions
    P.O. Box 43382
    Atlanta, GA 30336
    Seventh Generation, Inc.
    60 Lake Street
    Burlington, VT 05401-5218
    6/25: Rec’d coupons for diapers, wipes, and cleaning products, incl a coupon for 1 free package of diapers!


    UPDATE: Check here for an updated list compiled by a MoM with infant twins:
    http://srbknight.wordpress.com/2012/11/29/multiples-discounts/