Preparing for Twins: A Checklist of Everything You Need to Do

Overwhelmed with what to do to get ready for your twins? Check out this preparing for twins checklist so you don’t overlook important tasks.

Everything moves pretty quickly in a twin pregnancy, don’t you think?

For one thing, we only find out later that we’re having twins. While I knew I was pregnant for a few weeks, I didn’t realize I was carrying two until my first doctor’s appointment confirmed it.

Second, a twin delivery usually comes sooner than a singleton one. I only had up to 38 weeks to deliver, and even then, still gave birth early. Other twin moms deliver even earlier still due to the type of multiples they have or complications that come up.

And finally, we’re mentally preparing for twins and a new lifestyle of raising two babies. What can already feel overwhelming—expecting a baby—is made even more so by the fact that we’re now dealing with two.

Our window of a twin pregnancy feels shorter on both ends and crammed with tons of things to do in the middle. Whatever time we have during pregnancy can feel crazy and chaotic. We’re wondering how we’ll survive with twins while dealing with the actual steps to getting ready for them.

Preparing for twins checklist

Rather than scrambling to discover what I needed to do and when, I wrote it all down and ticked them off as I got them done. If anything new came up, I simply added it to the list to make sure I didn’t lose sight of it.

Because keeping all this information in your head feels stressful. What should be a straightforward timeline of tasks can seem like an impossibility. Plus, you’re likely to forget something you told yourself to do when you haven’t written it down.

And referring to a checklist like the one below helps you avoid overlooking something you need to do but hadn’t considered. Checklists are a fantastic gauge of whether you’re on track with preparing for twins.

I’ve learned a lot about time management and organization, especially as a twin mom. That we’re likely to follow through when we write those tasks down. We’re also more confident and reassured when these tasks are out of our heads and written on paper.

So, take a look at these steps to prepare for your twins and finally feel organized:

1. Enroll in childbirth, infant care, and CPR classes

Knowledge goes a long way. In these classes, you’ll learn tricks like which way to face your babies when changing diapers and how to breathe through contractions. Your hospital likely offers these classes, and you can even tour the place and get familiar with the protocol when you arrive to deliver.

Free printables: Join my newsletter and get your Twin Pregnancy Checklist below for a convenient way to keep track of everything you need to do:

2. Narrow down a few names

Whether you decide on a name months before or on the day you meet your twins, start looking into potential names. You’ve got two sets of names to come up with, so have fun with what you come up with. You might choose unusual old fashioned names, popular ones, or those that are significant to you.

Consider the meaning behind the names, the initials the names make, how the twins’ names sound together, and even fun nicknames.

3. Select baby announcements

You won’t have your twins’ pictures yet, but look through templates or create your own announcements so you’ll have them ready to go. This is a perfect task to prepare before the twins arrive. Choose online templates (virtual or printed), or even create your own if you’re crafty.

4. Buy comfortable maternity clothes

As you progress through your pregnancy, you’ll need clothes to fit your expanding belly. Maternity clothes are also useful after the twins are born (after delivery, you’ll be the same size as you were at about six months pregnant).

They don’t have to be ugly or frumpy—many stores offer affordable options. And just because you’ll likely be home with the twins, don’t think you won’t need them at home, either. Regular clothes—even your sweat pants—might not cut it.

Learn 5 misconceptions about maternity clothes.

5. Get familiar with your maternity leave policy

How can you prepare for twins financially? Start with your work place. Once you’ve shared the news at work, look into your maternity leave options.

Each state and workplace has its own rules, so schedule a meeting with HR or your boss to discuss your time off before and after delivery. Talk about when you should stop working, your maternity leave laws and rights, and duties to pass to fellow coworkers.

Get more tips on what to do at work before going on maternity leave.

6. Select a pediatrician

We found our pediatrician by asking my doctor for referrals. You can also find yours through your insurance network and research reviews online.

Then, call their offices and ask to spend a few minutes to speak with and learn more about them. Are you comfortable with their practice? What are their office hours and policies for last-minute appointments and sicknesses?

Learn 15 interview questions for pediatricians you should ask at each visit.

7. Take a hospital tour

Know your way around the hospital before the big day. Many hospitals offer tours so you know the steps to take and the places you can expect to be and wait.

For instance, you’ll find out where to park, which floor to check in, where triage is located, and the typical delivery rooms you’ll be in. You’ll learn their policies, from when and how many visitors are allowed to whether children can visit.

Since you’re carrying twins, you might ask about visiting the operating room. Even if you have a vaginal delivery, you’ll still be in the operating room should any problems arise.

8. Pre-register for your hospital stay

The last thing you need as you’re wheeled into the hospital with heaving contractions is to fill out paperwork. Be prepared and pre-register for your hospital stay ahead of time. Mail your registration before you arrive, and call to confirm that they have your information on file.

That way, you won’t have to fill out forms upon arrival because everything is already in their system.

9. Prepare your other children for their new siblings

Share your pregnancy with your kids when your belly begins to show so they can be prepared for the big day.

Read books about welcoming a new baby so they can see other people in the same situation. Let them know what to expect, even challenging situations like lots of crying and their parents taking care of the twins.

And encourage them to look for ways to help care for the babies. They can read to the babies, make funny faces, hold a bottle, fetch a diaper, or pat them to sleep.

Get tips on how to handle twins after having a singleton.

10. Sign up for a baby registry

Start compiling a list of items you’ll need when the twins are born, especially with basics like car seats, sleeping places, and baby clothes and outfits. This will come in handy not just so people know what to gift you for a baby shower, but so you have a list of items you still need to get.

And choose from more than one store to make it convenient for friends and family to shop. A variety of stores will also offer different price points to shop from.

Learn exactly what you need to have on your twin baby registry.

11. Research health insurance

Start researching health insurance, especially if you and your partner are covered separately. Calculate the costs of adding the babies to either health insurance so you can decide which one to add them to.

Even if you only have one insurance provider for the family, give them a call so you know what you need to do to add them. For instance, they might need you to add the twins within 30 days of birth.

You can also talk to your Human Resources staff, as they might have their own procedures of adding your twins to the insurance.

12. Look into childcare

Preparing for twins on a budget? One of the biggest costs is childcare once you’re back at work. Many parents won’t decide on childcare until after a baby is born, but begin researching options now so you know what to look for.

Compare costs, convenience, and your own comfort level with each childcare provider. Consider options like hiring a nanny, asking family to help, enrolling in a day care or in-home facility, or a nanny share.

If you’re looking into daycare centers, ask if they have a waiting list—if so, now would be a good time to get added.

Make sure to ask these nanny interview questions.

13. Make a game plan for when labor starts

Labor can happen any time, especially when it comes to twins. Make a game plan of what to do when contractions start and you need to get to the hospital.

For instance, ask your doctor when you should head to the hospital as well as the signs to look for that you’re in labor. Decide who will babysit your older kids while you’re away. Labor might happen under circumstances you can’t control, but preparing will help you feel less overwhelmed.

Get more tips on what to do when you’re in labor with twins.

14. Install the car seats

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, which means I will earn a commission—at no extra cost to you—if you make a purchase.

As you get closer to your due date, learn how to install your car seats as well as best practices on how to secure your twins in place. For instance, you always want the chest plate high on the chest to protect their fragile rib cage, not below in front of the belly.

You might even hire a car seat specialist or ask your state highway patrol to make sure you’ve installed them correctly. You won’t be able to leave the hospital unless you’ve secured the car seats correctly and they’re ready to go.

15. Buy, assemble, and test-drive big-item gear

Get all your twin gear in order a few months before the twins arrive so you can give them a test-drive.

For instance, practice opening and closing the double stroller so you’re not scrambling or stuck wondering how to close it. Experiment with the different settings on the swing, and set up the bassinets so they’re ready to go.

You’ll also want to assemble furniture and big items like the cribs and changing tables. Even better: get your partner or someone else to do it for you, as these can be strenuous on your already-tired pregnant body.

16. Ask for help

Do you have family and friends nearby willing to help? The twins aren’t here yet, but discuss if they can help when the big day arrives. You might ask your mom to stay a few days or weeks, or friends to drop by on weekends with extra food and helping hands.

If you don’t have family and friends nearby to help, consider hiring help. Look into night nurses during those exhausting nights or the teenager next door to play with the kids while you’re with the twins. You can also use a cleaning or grocery delivery service to take the load off your plate.

Learn how to take care of twins alone when you don’t have a “village” nearby to help.

17. Wash the baby clothes

Your twins’ skin may be sensitive to clothes, either store-bought or hand-me-downs. Wash the baby clothes with a skin-sensitive laundry detergent before putting them in the closet or dressers.

You’ll likely keep washing their clothes in baby-safe detergent until they reach the one-year-old mark. At that point, you can wash their clothes with regular detergent.

Find out how many clothes to buy before they’re born.

18. Decorate and assemble the nursery

Begin putting the twin nursery together as your due date comes closer. After you’ve assembled your big twin baby gear and furniture, don’t forget the other parts of the nursery. Install the shelves (don’t forget to secure them to the wall!) and fill them with books. Place baby clothes in the dresser drawers or closet.

If you plan to paint or apply wall decals, do so before adding the furniture for easy access (and to let the paint smell air out!).

19. Pack your hospital bag

When it comes to a twin pregnancy, anything can happen, from an early labor to complications you didn’t expect. Some twins are born pretty early, so having your bags packed will save you a ton of time.

Even if your twins aren’t expected to arrive earlier than usual, pack your hospital bag and keep it with you so you have everything you need ready to go. And encourage your partner and babysitter (if you have older kids) to do the same.

Take a look at these hospital bag essentials.

20. Stock up on household supplies

The last thing you need after bringing your twins home is to realize you’re out of toilet paper and cleaning supplies. It’s easy to overlook—we’re so prepared with baby items but can forget the other household items we need to keep our home going.

Avoid last-minute trips to the store by stocking up on household supplies and must haves. Buy items like toilet paper (these are my favorite), toiletries, and other frequent purchases.

Take a look at what to stock up on before your twins arrive.

21. Cook and freeze food

You likely won’t cook fresh meals every day when the twins are born. One simple way to still eat nutritious food is to cook these meals now and freeze them for later (these containers work great for freezer meals).

Another option is to gather take-out menus and restaurant gift cards so you’ll have food on hand when you don’t have much time.

22. Stock up on entertainment

The first few weeks and months with twins can also be a whole lot of doing… nothing. You’re breastfeeding twins, carrying a sleeping baby, or otherwise not able to do much or get around.

Load up on entertainment like movies, books, music, podcasts, and your favorite television shows to pass the time. I watched plenty of movies and shows on my phone, especially in the middle of the night when I needed to stay awake to breastfeed.

Conclusion

A twin pregnancy can be one of the biggest whirlwinds you’ll experience, especially as you get used to the idea of life with twins.

With this checklist in hand, now you know the practical steps you need to take, without worrying about whether you’ve overlooked a key task. Regardless of where you are in your twin pregnancy, this checklist will make sure you have everything you need before the big arrival.

Welcome to the world of twins, mama!

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