11 Things You'll Need with Irish Twins- 2 Kids Under 1

If you're having Irish Twins, or 2 kids under 1, you'll definitely need an abundance of these 11 things. 

 Things You'll Need with Irish Twins - 2 Kids Under 1

As I mentioned in Handling Life with Irish Twins, we have some almost Irish Twins at our house, spaced 12 and a half months apart, mostly because Baby Boy decided to come fashionably late.  As you might have guessed, you'll need to stock up on some things with two babies in the house.  Here's a list of the things we had to double up on!

 

What to Get for Irish Twins, 2 Kids Under 1

1. Two Cribs - With a small baby in your house and another on the way, chances are that your first born is not ready to leave his crib. (Nor do you really want him to, in my experience.  Apparently there's lots of things to explore at 4 AM)  You will likely need to arrange for another crib.  For more frugal options, you can also consider a pack-and-play, bassinet, or Rock 'n Play Sleeper.

 

 

2. Two Rear-facing or Convertible Car Seats - Car seats are expensive, but your children's safety is worth it.  Plus, it's the law.  You'll now need two car seats that can rear-face.  I'm a big convertible car seat lover.  They might be more expensive now, but since they grow with your child, it's a one-time expense that's worth the investment.

 

 

3. Two High Chairs - Baby won't be ready for a high chair right away, but when you have a 6 month old and an 18 month old, you'll likely need two high chairs, or at least an extra booster seat.  We used this space-saver high chair and loved it since we could just push it in to the table and it didn't take up any extra room in our kitchen.
4.  Lots of bottles - You'll need some more bottles and nipples with a second baby on the way! I breastfed my first born until 6 months, but then due to my pregnancy, my supply dried up.  If you're able to breastfeed both of your babies, that's fantastic! Be sure to read up on tandem nursing!  If you're having some problems, like I did, just stock up on some more bottles.  I recommend Playtex Drop Ins, mostly because there's less parts to wash, which was a real time saver for us.  You're going to need all the extra time-savers you can get with two babies at your house!

 

 

 

5. More Pacifiers - You will likely not want to re-use pacifiers, especially since with extended use, the nipples can become brittle and pose a choking hazard.  Plus, your second baby may not like the same type of pacifier as your first.  Our oldest took Gumdrop pacifiers, and our second would only take MAMs.

 

 

6. Even More Diapers - For as many more pacifiers and bottles that you will need, go ahead and double, no triple, that amount for diapers.  The most expensive part of having Irish Twins is all those diapers! If you want to save on diapers, consider switching to cloth, if you're not already.  Wondering if cloth diapers are for you? Read here at "Cloth Diapers: If You're Still on the Fence."
7. BIG Diaper Bag - You won't need two diaper bags, but with all of those extra bottles, pacifiers and diapers, you'll likely a need a BIGGER one.

 

 

 

8.  Double Stroller - When your second is born, your first will barely be toddling, if he's walking at all.  He probably still won't be ready for long walks or shopping trips yet.  We had two double strollers, one front-to-back and one side-by-side, because I was hearing good and bad reviews on both types and I wasn't sure which I'd like.  I personally liked our side-by-side stroller better.  It was easy to set up, lighter, and easier to steer than our other one.

 

 

 

9.  Baby Wrap or Carrier - If you're not already wearing your baby, it's probably time to invest in a baby carrier.  At some point, both kids will need you at the same, and unless you have four arms (I wish!) this is a great compromise.  You can snuggle your newborn while still having hands free to chase down your curious toddler. My personal favorite is our Moby Wrap, which is very comfy and versatile.  I even wore it to the grocery store!

 

10.  Lots of time - You've probably figured out by now that you'll need to double most of your current supplies.  You'll also be doubling your time caring for the babies.  Two mouths to feed. Two heinies to wipe.  Two babies to love.  But fear not.  You won't need 48 hours in a day to get it all done.  You'll be surprised at how fast you can transform into SuperMom and make the impossible happen.  Your routines will normalize after the first 6 months when your newest baby has finally exited the newborn phase, and by then you'll be an old pro.

 

11.  A Great Sense of Humor - Sometimes your Irish Twins will be sitting in their two high chairs, and both will suddenly decide that it would be just hilarious to dump spaghetti on their heads, paint their faces with the sauce, and use the remains as finger paints (... this may or may not have happened at our house on occasion...), and you'll have nothing to do but laugh.  With two crazy, curious, and sometimes naughty kids, you'll have lots of "incidents." So don't sweat the small stuff, and laugh when they're making you want to pull your hair out.  Trust me, you'll feel better.

 

More babies, more diapers, more STUFF! But don't forget about the most important things you'll be gaining.  With two adorable, amazing kiddos, you'll also have more love, more laughs, and more joy!

 

What were your must-haves with Irish Twins, or two kids close together?

Did you like these Irish Twins Must Haves? Find more on my Parenting, Kid-Friendly Food, and Kids Crafts & Activities boards on Pinterest!

If you liked these Irish Twins Must Haves you might also like

Raising Irish Twins

21 Baby Must Haves

Best Books for Toddlers

See More Parenting Tips and Ideas

Photo credit: dollarphotoclub.com