Like the Girl Scouts, the motto for all mamas of twins should be “Be Prepared”. Any mom of multiples can tell you that preparation and planning can make all the difference between chaos and calm.
To help you on your way to multiple parenting success, I’ve organized a list of suggested items to keep in your diaper bag so you, too, can “Be Prepared”:
- One diaper for every two hours per baby that you will be out (plus four extra, just in case)
- Baby wipes in a closed bag (Kirkland/Costco make great portable wipes)
- At least one set of clothing for each baby in a separate plastic bag (in case of a liquid spill)
- Changing pad (disposable or standard)
- Diaper cream (get a travel size just for your diaper bag)
- A few plastic bags (the small bags for dog poop are fantastic for this)
- An extra shirt for you! (we always forget about us)
- Blanket for each baby
- Hat (sunscreen, too, if baby is over six months)
- Bottle for each child. If you’re using powdered formula, carry an extra serving just in case.
- Extra breast pads if you’re breastfeeding
- Burp cloths/bibs
- Pacifiers plus a spare or two. (On the Go Pacifier wipes from One Step Ahead wouldn’t be such a bad idea either)
- Enough baby food for one and a half servings plus a spoon for each child
- First aid kit that includes antibiotic spray, band-aids, packet of Advil for you, $20 and insurance card copies for you and the twins, along with emergency phone numbers
- Hand sanitizer and more hand sanitizer
- Toys for the road!
Yes, I know, this seems like a lot for one diaper bag, but remember, you do have two babies! When choosing a diaper bag, you don’t always have to go the conventional route. A messenger bag works just as well, or anything you can sling over your shoulder so you can be hands free for your kiddos. If you’re an overachiever you can also stock your everyday stroller with:
- Bag for each child containing:
- Set of clothing (remember to periodically change sizes as they grow)
- Diaper
- Wipes
- Shoes if they’re old enough to walk
- Rain cover for stroller
- A poncho for you (you can’t push a stroller and hold an umbrella!)
- Bottle of water
- A pump to fill a flat (if you have air-filled tires)
- Shirt and pants for you
- Small foldable shopping bags
- Small garbage bags
- Snack bar (for you)
For more practical tips like this, or to learn more about Twiniversity, a specially designed series of classes for NYC’s multiple parent crowd visit: http://www.Twiniversity.com, become a fan on the Twiniversity Facebook page, or e-mail Natalie@TiredTwinMom.com. Good luck and congratulations on your multiples! –Natalie Diaz, a mother of five year old boy/girl twins, is the founder of Twiniversity and current Director of the Manhattan Twins Club, the USA’s largest multiple club in under the National Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs. She is also the Twin Expert at New York Family Magazine and spokesperson for twin families throughout the United States. Her company Twiniversity offers lectures to expectant and new families of multiples which provide preparation, motivation and inspiration to all who attend.