Essential Baby Proofing Products for Twins: What You Need to Keep Your Little Ones Safe

As parents, ensuring the safety of our little ones is always a top priority. When you have twins, that priority is doubled, and so is the need for a thorough baby-proofing plan. As a mom of two sets of twins, I've spent countless hours researching and implementing the best baby proofing practices to keep my babies safe and sound. In this post, I'll share with you the essential baby proofing products and tips that have been invaluable in creating a safe environment for my little ones. Whether you're a parent of multiples or a parent-to-be preparing for the arrival of twins, this guide will help you navigate the world of baby proofing with confidence.

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Outlet Plugs

It goes without explanation why one would need outlet plugs around the house. We have these in every outlet in every room on our main floor. We have yet to have any kids figure out how to remove our pull these out. However, it seems that anytime I pull one out to charge my phone or plug something in, I lose it and need to replace it. This is why I always have extras in a drawer whenever I need them.

Cabinet Latch Locks

These are my favorite cabinet latches. I have tried a couple different kinds and these have been the easiest to install and use on a daily basis. The ones I have used in the past were hard to operate and broke easily. These are spring loaded which makes it easy to push down when trying to open a door. They are made with heavy sturdy plastic so are difficult to break. They are pretty easy to remove and it don't damage my cabinets or leave any residue behind. I have these on my bottom kitchen cabinets, bathroom cabinets and cabinets for our built in bookshelves.

Wall Anchors

Anything that has the potential to tip or fall over should be anchored to the wall. This is to protect your children from furniture potentially falling on them. I have used only these wall anchors in our house and have loved them. They are super simple to install and have a minimalistic appearance. I have used this on our toy shelf and china cabinet on our main floor along with dressers in bedrooms. They are also easily to detach if you would like to move the furniture for cleaning.

Tension Gate

We had a friend give us a baby gate that is very similar to this one. It is a tension baby gate that we have at the top of our stairs in our two story foyer. Again, I love this gate because I do not need to drill holes into our banister. Something that I wanted to avoid if at all possible. The tension on the gate is extremely strong and we have yet to have one of our kids knock it loose. Ours also has extension panels that allow for us to adjust to size to best fit the space.

Extra Wide Baby Fence

This gate is by far my favorite baby proofing item. It is extremely sturdy and versatile. I have it at the bottom of our stairs in our two story foyer. I could not find a tension gate wide enough for the bottom of our steps so had to think a little more creatively. I was able to bungee cord it to the rails so that it cannot be pulled away from the staircase. I was adamant about finding a gate where I did not need to drill holes in to our wood railing. I can also detach the gate and use it as a play pen. It can be moved and manipulated to gate almost any space. My mom also has one at her house for the top of her stairs and brings it with her to places that she anticipates aren't baby proofed.

Corner Protectors

I mainly use the corner protectors on our air return vents along our baseboards. Our kids are constantly rolling on the floor and falling over. It would be extremely easy for them to fall down and knock their head on the sharp corner. I have not them on tables or shelves but could be used there as well. These can be placed anywhere where you feel they could hit a sharp corner.

Banister Guard

We have a two story foyer in our house. I had nightmares that I would have my back turned helping one twin and the other would be crawling through the banister. It literally made me break into a cold sweat. I did some research and found these banister guards on Amazon. I now have these up on our second floor and between our kitchen and sunken living room. They are extremely easy to instal and require a little time and some zip ties. It has significantly decreased my anxiety when my kids are around the banister.

Essential Support for New Parents of Twins: What You Really Need When Coming Home from the Hospital

Bringing home newborn twins is incredibly rewarding and overwhelming. It comes with a unique set of challenges that singleton parents don't experience. As a parent of twins, you are faced with double the joy, double the love, and double the care. If you were like me and having twins as your first children, you are also navigating parenthood for the first time. In the whirlwind of feedings, diaper changes, and sleepless nights. A support system and assistance can make all the difference. In this post, I'll delve into the essential help and support you truly need when coming home from the hospital with newborn twins. From practical assistance to emotional support, I'll explore the ways in which family, friends, and community can rally around you during this special yet demanding time.

Personal Experience

My husband and I were becoming first time parents to twins. I felt like I had read all the books to prepare me for newborn twins but still had no idea what I was doing. While still in the hospital, I remember both my husband in shock about the fact that you had to feed babies every three hours for an entire year. It became a quick realization that we had a steep learning curve ahead of us. I was also aware that I would be recovering from a c-section and did not know what I would or would not be able to do. It was obvious to us that we would need some some of assistance.

I am very fortunate that my parents live about twenty minutes away from our home. Prior to delivery, I had asked my mom if she would stay with us for a little bit to help us get our bearings. She stayed for about three nights until we felt like we had a handle on our routine. After that, I knew that she was only a phone call and quick drive a way. She would come on a regular basis to help with my recovery, carrying babies and tasks around the house. She is a master at finding things that need to be done and simply doing them. I never had to ask if she could do something, she just did it. The woman helped feed my babies, did my laundry, cleaned my bathrooms, and picked up the kitchen. While we were in the hospital she deep cleaned our entire house prior to us coming home. She was a huge support in helping us transition into twin parenthood.

For our second set of twins, my parents watched our older boys while we were in the hospital. While we knew what we were doing the second time around, life with newborns and toddlers proved to be a whole new bucket of crazy. I also came down with the flu the day after delivery which made our transition home a little trickier. My mom stayed with us again to help manage the chaos as I healed from another c-section and recovered from the flu.

Two weeks after Isaac and Emma were born, Isaac developed a stomach bug that resulted in blood in his stool. This occurred in the middle of the night in the midst of a major snowstorm. At two in my morning, my parents hopped in my dad's truck and drove to our house. My mom stayed at our house with the boys and Emma while my dad drove us to the emergency room with Isaac. For the next three days while we were in the hospital, my parents stayed at our house with our other three babies. We finally came home on Christmas Eve. They completely shifted their Christmas Eve traditions in order to be present with our family. We all got Chinese takeout, watched Christmas movies and snuggled our babies.

For both pregnancies, we had family and friends prepare frozen meals for us. Our neighbors coordinated a meal train for us and delivered food to our house over the course of two weeks. We also created some of our own freezer meals as well. This is something we were so happy that we did and is something I recommend to any expecting mom. We froze chili, chicken pot pies, lasagna, and breakfast burritos. My sister-in-law made us individual serving bags of taco meat. This was extremely helpful while I was on maternity leave and needed a quick lunch option.

While I felt extremely supported by my parents and friends, having twins still felt like an extremely isolating experience. I felt my entire universe had shifted and paused while the rest of the world continued living life like normal. Nothing about my life, body or routine felt normal. While many came in to visit and hold the babies, I felt as if no one truly understood what was going on in my world.

Practical Tips for New Twin Parents

1. Change your language from "visitors" to "helpers" The phrase "sleep when the baby sleeps" was not said with twin parents in mind. I was so flustered when anyone would give me this advice because I also had to wash bottles, do laundry and shower when the babies slept, and that's if they happened to fall asleep at the same time. How on Earth was I supposed to sleep when the babies slept? If friends and family are coming over to see the babies, don't be afraid to put them to work. Reframe your thinking in that they are not "visiting," they are "helping." You can even state this to anyone stopping by to see the babies. The last thing you need is to feel like you need to host company while taking care of twin newborns. You've got enough on your plate. Ask them to switch your laundry, clean your kitchen, or watch the babies so you can sleep. Do not be afraid to tell them what you need.
   

2. Make freezer meals prior to your babies arriving With so much going on, the last thing you need to do is think about what's for dinner. We made freezer meals prior to both sets of twins and it made a huge difference. Friends and family also brought us meals after the babies arrived. Freeze some of your favorite recipes if you are able. It is so nice to have your go to comfort food handy during the newborn stage. Grab and go food like breakfast burritos are also great to have on hand. My husband froze over fifty breakfast burritos prior to our second set of twins arriving. I laughed and poked fun thinking he went overboard. I quickly ate my words, along with the burritos. They were gone in less than a month.
   

3. Create a structure I am a girl who thrives in structure. I love routines and predicability. I am the opposite of spontaneous. It was challenging for me when I had two newborns who had no sense of routine or able to tell the different between day or night. With my need for routine and my husband's system oriented engineering brain, we quickly figured out a flow for our days. We would fall into our roles and were able to create predicability with each other when everything else felt out of wack. He would always wash bottles and pump parts. He coordinated our meals. He also got up in the middle of the night with me to help feed babies. I could consistently rely on him to do these things so that my focus could be on our babies. Don't think that we did have challenges within this. It took us a while to figure out how we needed to communicate our needs with each during this phase. We also struggled when our structures got out of wack and something didn't follow the predictable routine the other was expecting. The newborn phase will definitely make you and your partner better communicators.
   

4. Take advantage of delivery services Prior to becoming parents, I rarely used any type of delivery service. It wasn't worth the additional cost to me. We live within miles to a variety of grocery stores and restaurants. Developing a routine with wake windows and feedings can feel like a full time job. I did not want to disrupt our newly establish system to run to the store. This is where I tapped into delivery services. I used Walmart delivery several times when we were getting low on diapers, wipes or butt cream. Since it is a flat delivery charge, I would add other additional items if needed. Maternity leave and the newborn phase is a time when I prioritized convenience and tried to account for it in our budget.

Emotional Support for New Twin Parents

1. Build Your Village The newly postpartum phase is a very vulnerable and personal experience. Everything in your life feels knew and unknown. Surrounding yourself with love and positivity is crucial. Have people that you can connect with whether that is family, friends or other twin parents on social media. Instagram is a great place to connect with people who have walked through the twin newborn phase. Outside of my husband, my person was and is my mom. I knew I could call her day or night with worries or concerns, and I definitely did. I still do. I knew that if I was struggling and overwhelmed, I had people I could reach out to. Just knowing they were there if I needed them was the most reassuring.
   

2. Fresh Air and Movement I happened to have both sets of twins in the dead of winter. If you have experienced Iowa winters, you know they are extremely unpredictable. One week it's a sunny forty degrees and the next it's a blizzard with negative twenty degree wind chill. If having newborn twins wasn't tricky enough, we delivered during the coldest week the winter of 2021. When we came home from the hospital, we discovered that our furnace broke. I anxiously watched the weather for warmer weather and an opportunity to get myself outside Luckily as things warmed up during my maternity leave, I was able to get fresh air more frequently. With our oldest boys, I was nervous to pack up my babies and go anywhere myself. Putting the babies in the stroller and going for walks was a great first step to helping me feel comfortable leaving the house. The fresh air and movement was also therapeutic. I would pop in my headphones, listen to a trashy pop culture podcast and soak up the sun. It was a way to prioritize myself while still being with my babies. Fresh air is magic for babies. If our babies were fussy during witching hour my husband would walk them around the perimeter of our yard and catch up with out neighbors. If nothing is working, take them outside!
   

3. Make the Mundane Magical Self care and taking care of yourself can be hard to prioritize when taking care of two newborns. I tried to identify every day experiences and turn them into moments of self care. I would use essential oil shower steamers to level up my shower experience and upgraded my skin care products. I would wear under eye patches during a feeding. I found myself starting to look forward to these otherwise mundane moments. I would even throw the babies in the car and to the drive thru for a the Starbucks latte or Chick-Fil-A fountain Diet Coke. Nothing turns your day around like a perfect fountain Coke from Chick-Fil-A. I developed a love for long drive-thru lines. My babies were happy campers in their car seats while I sat in beautiful silence or listened to a podcast. If babies stayed happy, I'd go for a random drive around town. Identify times in your day that you can infuse some mini-moments of self care. The accumulation of these moments will brighten your sleep deprived soul.

Professional Support for New Twin Parents

If you live far away from your support system and are financially able to hire support, there are many options available to fit your needs. You can work with each professional so that their support is tailored specifically to you and your family.

1. Nanny A nanny typically works in the family's home, providing personalized care for children. Nannies may have a set schedule and are responsible for various aspects of childcare, including feeding, bathing, and engaging children in educational and recreational activities. This is a great alternative option to daycare. Nannies can often be more flexible with their hours and support compared to a traditional daycare center. There are resources and companies out there that can support in matching you with a nanny that will fit your needs.
   

2. Postpartum Doula Most people think doulas are specific to the birthing process. Postpartum doulas provide the same level of support but are focused on life after birth. A postpartum doula provides physical, emotional, and informational support to families during the postpartum period. They assist with newborn care, offer breastfeeding support, provide guidance on infant soothing techniques, and help with light household tasks. Postpartum doulas can also help support you in determining your routines and structures as a new twin parent.
   

3. Au Pair An au pair is a young adult from another country who lives with a host family and provides childcare in exchange for room, board, and a cultural exchange experience. Au pairs typically work limited hours and are considered part of the family during their stay. Our friends have triplets the same age as our oldest set of twins. The are both originally from out of state and neither set of grandparents live nearby. They hired an au pair after delivery to help with childcare needs. It was a way for them to build their village when they didn't have family nearby.
   

4. Night Nurse A night nurse, also known as a newborn care specialist, provides overnight care for newborns, allowing parents to get much-needed rest. They assist with feedings, diaper changes, and soothing techniques, helping newborns establish healthy sleep patterns. Usually the night nurse
   

5. Lactation Consultant A lactation consultant is a healthcare professional who specializes in breastfeeding support. They provide education, guidance, and assistance to mothers experiencing breastfeeding challenges, such as latching difficulties or low milk supply.
   

6. Postpartum Therapist A postpartum therapist is a mental health professional who specializes in supporting individuals experiencing emotional challenges during the postpartum period. They provide counseling and therapy to address issues such as postpartum depression, anxiety, and adjustment difficulties.

I understand how draining and overwhelming twin newborn phase can physically, mentally, and emotionally be. You may feel like the world has stopped spinning and you are living the movie "Groundhog Day." Remember that this phase is fleeting and it too shall pass. Take moments to pause, reflect and smell your babies. That newborn smell is better than any scent in the world! Build your village and rely on them regardless if they are friends, family or professional help. Carve out moments for yourself and get outside. You've got this and you are made to be a twin mama!

Must-Have Products for Twins: A Guide for Parents of Babies Under One

As a seasoned twin parent, I understand the unique challenges and needs that come with caring for two little ones. I've curated a list of out tried-and-tested products that made a real difference in our lives during that precious first year. These items have earned our seal of approval for their practicality, durability, and overall usefulness. Whether you're a soon-to-be twin parent or already knee-deep in diapers, I hope this guide helps you navigate the world of baby products with confidence and ease. This list is intended to supplement and built upon the products listed in "Essential Newborn Twins Survival Kit: Top Products for Bringing Your Babies Home from the Hospital" as your twins begin to grow out of the newborn stage.

Fellow twin mamas let me know what I've missed! What products were essential for you when your twins were under one? Let me know in the comments!

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Twin Feeding Products

4Moms High Chair

The amount of high chairs on the market are overwhelming! Where do you even start? There is a high chair in every price point and for every need. You have minimalistic high chairs, foldable high chairs, table top high chairs amongst many others. When looking for a high chair, determine your budget and what the main things you want in regards to functionality. For my mom, she wanted high chairs that were collapsible and easy to pull out when the babies were over. For me, it was ease in cleaning. That was the main reason for why I purchased the 4Moms high chair. It is extremely easy to wipe down at the end of a meal. After using these high chairs for awhile, I learned that there are many other reasons why I love it. The tray is extremely easy to take on and off with one hand while holding a baby. However, it is strong enough that babies cannot knock it off. I also love that the crotch post is attached to the seat rather than the tray. This makes it much easier when taking the tray off and on. The tray lays flat on the counter when taking the baby out of the seat rather than wobbling all over causing the left over food to fall all over the counter and floor. This seems like a little thing but a feature I love. They are a little of a splurge for a purchase I have never regretted.

Weighted Straw Trainer Cup

This is hands down my favorite cup for training our babies to start drinking from a cup. We didn't have these with our first set of twins and went through so many different cups and never found one we really liked. The weighted straw is a game changer. The straw allows for babies to drink from the cup from any angle. They are also very durable and leak free. Ours have been dropped and carried all over our house and are still going strong. The only downfall is that there are more parts to clean.

Silicone Bibs

The little pocket at the bottom of these bibs are fantastic. The silicone makes them extremely easy to clean and wipe down. Get yourself at least four of these bibs! That way you have some ready in case you don't get them washed prior to the next meal. I would also roll them up and put them in our diaper bag if I knew we'd be eating out. Your babies will drop tons of food into the pocket. Once the food on their tray is gone, they'll just dig into the pocket for the next round of the meal.

Snack Cups

As your baby begins to start eating and becoming more curious about solid food, you will want to have different snacks ready to go and on hand. The spill proof lid makes them easy for transport. Cereal and puffs quickly became a first favorite for all of our babies. We had these cups filled and ready in places like the diaper bag and car perfect to head off any tantrum or meltdown.

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Twin Sleeping Products

Zipadee-Zip Sleep Sack

At first glance, it's hard to understand why any baby would like this sleep sack. You would think the enclosed arms would drive them nuts. Trust me, they LOVE it! The enclosed arms create a sense of comfort and security while allowing them to safely move and roll around at night. This thing also has to be laced with some type of magic sleepy dust because our babies immediately relax and snuggle up the instant we put them in their Zipadee-Zip. They are happy campers when we put them in their cribs and are able to put themselves to sleep. The sack comes in a variety of sizes and patterns. You can also get it in fleece or cotton. We have used and loved both fabrics. We switch between fleece and cotton based on the season and temperature.

Bamboo Sleepers with Cuffs

We have tried so many different types of sleepers. We've tried cotton sleepers, footed sleepers, sleepers with snaps, sleepers with zippers. The list goes on and on. My mom had gifted us our first bamboo sleeper with cuffs and they instantly became our favorite style. The cuffs give the option to make them footed and if you want mitts over their hands. The bamboo fabric is extremely soft and stretchy. They cost more than a standard cotton, footed sleeper, but last at least twice as long due to the stretch in the fabric. Our babies are still wearing their eighteen month sleepers even though they are in twenty four month and 2T clothes. There are many different brands and patterns out there for bamboo sleepers. Some of my favorite brands are Little Sleepies, Caden Lane, and Angel Dear. Save yourself the trouble of trying out every sleeper like we did and start with the bamboo sleepers with cuffs.

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Twin On the Go Products

Zoe Twin Stroller

Our Zoe Twin Stroller goes with us everywhere. It currently lives in the trunk of my minivan. It has become my security blanket any time we leave the house with our crazy crew. I used the Snap and Go Stroller Frame until they outgrew their infant car seats. The babies were not walking yet when we transitioned them into convertible car seats. I still needed something to contain and transport them easily. Like high chairs, there are plenty of double strollers out there. I originally picked the Zoe Twin Stroller because of it's light weight and how easily it collapses. I am also tall and wanted a stroller that I did not need to hunch over to push. It is a high quality stroller and has recently gone through many product upgrades including adjustable handle bar height, car seat compatibility, larger storage pockets, upgraded harnesses and all terrain wheels. We have the original version and I envy anyone who has purchased the new one!

Go With Me Venture Portable Chair

We own two of these portable chairs and they also live in my trunk, right next to my stroller. I discovered these when we were at a get together and saw someone using it with their singleton while I was struggling to wrangle my two babies. I added them to my Amazon cart that night. We use these for anytime we are eating and don't have access to a highchair. We've pulled them out at birthday parties, outdoor gatherings at our neighbors', and when we visit grandparents in Minnesota. They take up minimal space when they are collapsed and are easy to pack and go.

Extra Large Play Yard

There is one more item you need for the trunk of your minivan! We took this play yard everywhere just in case we needed it. It is great for babies that are rolling and scooting around. I always found that I was holding or chasing a baby at a gathering and unable to interact with anyone else. The play yard allowed me to be more hands free while ensuring my babies were safe in an environment that was not baby proofed. This play yard also comes with a canopy to protect from the sun. I would also put this up in our backyard for the babies to play in while our two year olds played on the swing set. It is easy to collapse and comes with a bag for easy transport.

See Kai Run High Top Sneaker

This one is for all the early walkers out there. As your baby nears their first birthday, they may be crawling, pulling themselves up and beginning to take their first steps. I stumbled across the the See Kai Run brand on an end cap at Target. I have only seen them that one time at Target but they are also available on Amazon. I love this brand because they are designed with a beginning walker's development in mind. They are super flexible, have a wide toe box and are extremely easy to put on. They also have adaptive styles to accommodate for orthotics. I have purchased the adaptive style just for the ease of getting on and off. On top of being extremely functional and age appropriate, they are super cute.

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Twin Playtime Products

Sit Me Up Floor Seat

How do you entertain two babies who are rolling and barely able to sit up while playing with two toddler boys? The Sit Me Up Floor Seats, that's how! When our second set would get tired of laying on the floor, I would put them in our Sit Me Up Floor Seats next to us. They were entertained watching the boys play and run around the house. I would also load up the tray with baby puffs to keep them busy. We also would put the babies in these and set them on our kitchen table during family meals or if the boys were doing a puzzle at the table.

Evenflo Exersaucer

We got our Evenflo Exercausers second hand from a friend who was getting rid of their baby stuff. This is the product that our babies played with the most. They would spend so much time in their saucers. Every twin mom wishes they had at least one more set of arms. This toy is about as close as it gets. We had two Exercausers and would placed them right next to each other and our twinnies would giggle and interact with each other. With our second set of twins, the older boys would stand next to the saucers and play with them as well. There are three different heights so that it can grow with your baby. They work so great that my mom even got two saucers for her house as well. There are plenty of different themes for the saucers. We had a circus theme and jungle theme saucer while my mom had beach theme saucers.

Activity Play Mat

One of the earliest toys our babies engaged with was an activity play mat. It is where all four of our babies learned to roll and where we practiced tummy time. It was my first way of keeping our babies entertained as they moved out of the newborn phase. It is nice to have a mat that both babies can fit under. However, I usually only had one baby under the play mat at a time. This was a way that I could entertain one of the babies if I needed to soothe or feed the other.

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Twin Teething & Wellness Products

Sophie La Girafe Baby Teether

You have probably seen these teethers all over the place and wondered why anyone would pay that much for something that is going to get slobbered on. I say this because this is what I thought. I had gotten a couple Sophie La Girafe teethers as a baby shower gift and just thought the hype was due to good marketing and a cute product. I was a hundred percent wrong. These teethers really are as amazing as they say they are. There is something about the texture and shape that made it the go to teether toy for all of my babies. After four kids, we had about six of these things strewn across the living room floor. The babies would gnaw on poor Sophie so intensely that I thought they'd rip her little leg off. Sophie La Girafe has gotten us through four teething babies with our sanity in tact.

Wellements Teething Oil

I have loved every Wellements product that we have used with our babies. The teething oil is one of my favorites for when the poor giraffe needs a break and is just not cutting it. It provides a numbing sensation to give them some natural pain relief. It is definitely one of those products you want to have on hand.

Wellements Chest and Foot Rub

Also get yourself a tub of the the Wellements chest and foot rub for when you have sick babies. It is an all natural, baby safe version of Vick's Vapor Rub. If our babies had a cough or runny nose, I would use this before bedtime to help soothe and provide comfort. It has eucalyptus and lavender essentials oils that have a relaxing effect. It can also be utilized during witching hour or if your babies are little extra fussy. I like the chest and foot rub so much that I've used it for myself!

Infant Tylenol

We have about three of these Tylenol bottles sprinkled around our house. We always have our house stocked with infant Tylenol. When you need it is not when you want to be running out to the store to get it. It is one of the first pain relievers you can give your baby and has helped us during teething, ear infections and fevers. Note that store brand generics are a much cheaper option when stocking up.

Zarbee's with Agave

Our pediatrician recommended Zarbee's with Agave as a cough medicine for our babies under one. It is an all natural cough syrup that uses agave to soothe and suppress your baby's cough. Our kids are continuously coming home with a daycare cough. We give this to them at night to help suppress their coughs and make it easier for them to get a restful night's sleep. Take note that you want to purchase the Zarbee's with agave and NOT the Zarbee's with honey. Babies should not have honey prior to the age of one.