2007GuideToTheFirstYear

Getting Started: Twinfant Layette
Do I need two of everything? The answer is no. Check out the following
suggested items to get you started on building a layette for twins.
Clothing
Linens
Nursery Furnishings
• Diapers, cloth – 31 ⁄2 dozen
•
Waterproof crib mattress
Bassinet (or crib)
(+ 4 diaper covers per
cover – 1 per crib
•
Crib (1 or 2; infants can
baby) Diapers, disposable
•
Quilted crib mattress
co-bed until 4-6 mos.)
– Newborn triplets will use pads – 2 per crib
•
Bottles, if bottlefeeding,
about 1,000 per month;
•
Rubber flannel crib
6–12 per baby,
twins, 650 per month
pads – 2 per crib
•
•
Breast pump & storage
Baby undershirts –
Crib sheets – 4 per crib bottles, if nursing (check Equipment
6 per baby
•
Crib bumper pads –
rentals before purchasing a •
Onesies – 4 per baby
1 set per crib
pump; some pumps simply
•
Cotton one-piece outfits/
•
Receiving blankets –
aren't strong enough, look
sleepers – 5 per baby
5 per baby
for very strong units, also
•
Two-piece knit outfits –
double-pumps are helpful)
•
Heavier blankets –
2 per baby
2 per baby
Diaper pail /disposal system
Sleepers – 3 per baby
•
Rubber flannel lap
Diaper bag(s) (backpacks?)
•
Baby hats – 2 hospital type, pads – 4 per baby
Dirty clothes hamper
1 fancy
Burp cloths – 12 per baby
Night light(s)
Booties – 3 pairs per baby
•
Baby wash cloths – 8
Changing table – 1 will do
•
Sweater – as needed for per baby
Small penlights
climate or 2 per baby
•
Baby hooded towels
•
Baby monitor – 1 will do
•
Washable bibs – 6 per baby – 3 per baby
•
Large, upholstered rocker
Expressing Milk for Preemies
• Begin regular pumping within a few hours of giving birth
• Stick to a schedule of pumping every two-to-three hours (with
one break at night) to build and maintain your supply (Short,
frequent sessions are better than long, infrequent sessions)
Infant car seats – 2
• Bathtub – 1
Bouncer seats – 1 or 2
Head supports – 2
Nursing pillow – 1
Boppy pillows – 2
Baby carriers or slings – 2
Swings or gliders – 1 or 2
Stroller – 1 double s-by-s
Cordless phone
Voicemail system or
answering machine
• Be sure to pump for a few minutes first. This not only keeps
them from getting too much milk, it ensures that the milk is
readily available and is the calorie-rich hind milk.
—Margann Duke, M.S., C.P.C., and Trina Lambert
• Select a quiet, private place with comfortable seating
• Take care of yourself by eating properly, drinking lots of fluids—
especially water, and resting whenever you can
• Relax with deep breathing, massage, hot compresses, mental
exercises and music
• Connect with your babies by keeping their pictures or objects
with their scents at your side, to assist with "letdown" and milk
flow
• Surround yourself with supportive family members and friends
• Ask the NICU nurses to make sure your twinfants are introduced
to nursing from your breast before being given a bottle nipple
• When starting to breastfeed preemies, begin with one at a time
Best items to buy in quantity,
in advance:
• Receiving blankets—2 dozen should be adequate.
Very versatile. You’ll use them a lot, for everything. Swaddling,
Covering. In car seats. In bouncers.
• Burp cloths—cloth diapers work fine, you’ll need 3-4
dozen if not more.
• Bibs—several dozen should do.
• Onesies—better than cute outfits; have 1-2 dozen ready.
• 2-3 large fleecy blankets for floor-time.
• Wipes—Lots. You can never have too many. And babies
never outgrow them.
• Bottles—at least 12 per baby means less washing.
16 GUIDE TO THE FIRST YEAR © 2007 TWINS Magazine. To subscribe: call 1-888-55-TWINS or www.TwinsMagazine.com