Finding out you have a baby on the way is exciting, but learning you’re having two can be overwhelming. Preparing for twins means doubling everything. “From day one, twin moms are outnumbered”, says Caitlin, a mother of two beautiful twin daughters. “If both babies are crying, you pretty much have to pick your favorite. […] You adapt and figure out what works best, but it is a challenge.”

 Caring for twins can be demanding, but having the right essentials can make those first few years easier. Listed below are some of the necessities that will guarantee a more comfortable journey towards raising your twins.

1. A Cot

If there’s one thing you don’t need to buy double of: it’s cots. Called co-bedding, twins who share the same cot regulate each other’s body temperatures and sleep cycles, allowing them to sleep more soundly. It might even decrease the times they’ll randomly wake up at night. This cot from Snüz contains “ComfortAir technology”, which regulates body temperature and maximises airflow, assuring comfort and relief for your children. If you can, make sure to grab a cot with a tilt function whenever your babies reflux.

2. A Pushchair

Just because you have twins, doesn’t mean that you need to buy two strollers. You can purchase one with two seats. That way, you don’t need two pairs of hands to walk your babies around. The double pushchairs on iCandy are large and can support a weight of up to 25kg, meaning they will be able to carry your twins from infancy to early childhood. And since you’ll be travelling in the future, make sure your pushchair compactly folds, so it can fit into the back of your car or the overhead compartment of a plane.

3. A Big Change Bag

Aside from a pushchair, change bags are important for travelling with newborns. For twins, make sure your bag has multiple compartments and pockets to hold double the baby supplies. The bowling style changing bag from Mamas & Papas even comes with a changing mat and insulated bottle compartment, and an adjustable strap that allows it to be worn as a shoulder bag or a rucksack. A couple of other brands will even have built-in clips for easy attachment to prams and pushchairs.

4. Reusable Nappies

Nappies are a no-brainer, though there are many options to choose from. However, for twins, it’s best to purchase reusable ones. According to experts from Money Helper, reusable nappies are not only eco-friendly but cheaper as well. And since you have two babies, this is going to save you a lot of money. Bambino Mio’s Reusable Nappy Set features a removable core that absorbs liquid and is inserted into a pocket in the outer shell. Both of these are machine washable, reducing the labour you have to go through as a parent.

5. A Baby Bath Tub

Newborns are very fragile, so it’s good practice to bathe your twins one at a time. However, introducing not one but two, babies to water can pose a big challenge. Luckily, the right tub can make bath times easier. The baby bath tub from Sobble, for example, meets most of your needs: it’s non-slip, soft, and small enough to fit into standard sinks. It also comes with an adjustable baby stopper that is made of a flexible suction cup, supporting your baby wherever needed.