Baby registry for twins: what to double (and what to share)
Expecting twins doesn't mean everything in twos. Some things genuinely need doubling, others share just fine — and doubling blindly gets expensive fast. Here's how to sort it.
What you truly need in twos
- Sleep: two sleeping bags, and eventually two cots (at the start, one shared crib or two carrycots)
- Car seats: two R129 (i-Size) rear-facing infant carriers — non-negotiable for safety
- Clothes: twice the bodysuits and sleepsuits — the fastest-churning category
- Carrying: two carriers if two adults will carry
What can be shared (at least at first)
- The changing table, the baby bath, the mobile, the play mat
- The steriliser and bottle warmer: one is enough
- The baby monitor: one unit covers a shared room
- Play toys: no need to double everything straight away
The centrepiece: the double pushchair. Side-by-side (won't fit some doorways) or tandem (longer) — try it in store before adding it. It's often the biggest gift, perfect for a group contribution between loved ones.
Quantities that double (and those that explode)
- Nappies: plan generously, but don't over-stock the newborn size
- Bottles: up to 8–10 if bottle-feeding exclusively, to get through a day without constant washing
- Bibs, muslins: count double, they turn over fast
The real trap: unwanted duplicates
With twins, loved ones often give "in twos" spontaneously… and you end up with four bouncers. An online registry where each gift shows the desired quantity (2 sleeping bags, 1 double pushchair) and greys out once reserved avoids that waste. That's exactly what a registry that lets you say "I'd like 2" gives you.
Tricks from twin parents
- A colour code per baby (dummies, bottles, socks): you tell them apart at a glance, especially at 3am.
- Feed them together: when one wakes, wake the other. A twin nursing pillow frees your hands; if you mix in bottles, plan around 6 bottles per baby.
- Rent the bulky gear. In France, the Jumeaux et Plus federation runs an equipment-rental service (pushchairs, playpens…) and sales — ideal for things used only a few months.
For the shared basics, start from our full baby registry checklist, then double what needs doubling.
Frequently asked questions
- Do you need to buy everything twice for twins?
- No. Double up on sleep gear, sleeping bags and bodysuits, but many things are shared: changing table, bath, a bouncer used in turns.
- Which stroller for twins?
- A double stroller (side-by-side or tandem), or two infant carriers compatible with a double chassis. It’s a perfect item to be gifted as a group.
- How do I avoid costly duplicates with twins?
- An online registry automatically greys out what’s already reserved, so you won’t receive the same big-ticket item twice.