Hey there, mama! You’re officially 15 weeks pregnant with twins, and things are probably starting to feel real, right?
As your belly grows and those flutters turn into kicks, it might be time to start thinking about something that can feel both exciting and a little overwhelming: shopping for your twins!
Double the babies means double the love, but it also means double the gear. The good news is, with a bit of planning and some strategic choices, you can shop smart and be totally prepared for the arrival of your little ones.
I have lots to share (including a free gift for you to download 👇), so grab a cuppa and a notebook, and let’s chat all things shopping for your twins!!
How are you feeling mama?
Twin Pregnancy Symptoms at 15 weeks
Week 15 can feel like a bit of a turning point in your pregnancy. For many mamas, the notorious first-trimester symptoms, like nausea, morning sickness, and extreme fatigue, may finally be fading into the background. This is often a time when your energy levels start to pick up again, making it easier to start focusing on preparing for your twins—like getting that twin baby gear shopping list in order!
But, if you’re still feeling some of those lingering symptoms, or if new ones are cropping up, that’s completely normal too. Carrying twins means your body is working double-time, and that can lead to some unique experiences, especially as your belly grows and your hormones continue to shift. Let’s talk about some common symptoms you might be feeling and ways to handle them:
Energy Levels: Coming Back to Life, But Still Needing Rest
You may be noticing a slight boost in energy compared to the early weeks of pregnancy. The second trimester is often referred to as the “honeymoon phase” because many women feel more energized and a little more like themselves. However, it’s important to remember that growing two babies is a lot of work for your body, so even if you’re feeling a bit more energetic, don’t push yourself too hard.
Round Ligament Pain: Growing Pains Are Real
As your uterus expands to make room for two growing babies, you may begin to experience round ligament pain. This is a common symptom in twin pregnancies and feels like a sharp or aching pain on the sides of your abdomen or pelvis, especially when you move too quickly or change positions. It’s caused by the stretching of the ligaments that support your growing uterus.
Tip: To ease round ligament pain, try to move slowly and avoid sudden movements. When the pain flares up, gently support your belly with your hands when rolling over or standing up. Stretching exercises and prenatal yoga can also help strengthen the muscles and ligaments around your abdomen, providing more support. And, of course, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for more personalized advice if the pain becomes too uncomfortable.
Heartburn: Twin Pregnancy and Digestion
Heartburn tends to rear its head more frequently in the second trimester, especially in twin pregnancies. The reason? As your uterus grows, it starts to push up against your stomach, making it easier for stomach acid to creep up into your esophagus. Hormonal changes also relax the valve between your stomach and esophagus, which doesn’t help matters.
Try eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day rather than three large meals. Avoid spicy, fatty, or acidic foods that can trigger heartburn, and drink plenty of water between meals instead of with meals. Keeping your upper body elevated after eating can also prevent acid reflux. If heartburn is keeping you up at night, try propping yourself up with extra pillows to sleep at an incline.
Frequent Urination: Double the Bathroom Breaks too…??
If you’ve been finding yourself running to the bathroom more often, you’re not alone. At week 15, your growing uterus is already putting extra pressure on your bladder, which is more noticeable in twin pregnancies. This can make it seem like you always need to go, even when your bladder isn’t completely full.
Tip: While it might be tempting to cut back on your fluid intake to avoid frequent bathroom trips, staying hydrated is essential, especially during pregnancy. Instead, plan your bathroom breaks into your daily routine and take note of how much you’re drinking in the evenings—cutting back just a little before bedtime can help reduce those middle-of-the-night trips to the bathroom.
What are your twins up to this week?
Your Twins at 15 Weeks – Height & Weight
At 15 weeks, your twins are each about the size of an apple! They’re growing quickly, measuring around 4 inches (10 cm) long from crown to rump. While their length is starting to increase, they’re still pretty light, weighing in at around 2.5 ounces (70 grams) each. Though they may be small, their growth is happening at a rapid pace, and they’ll soon start filling out as they continue to develop in the coming weeks.
Your Twins’ Fetal Development at 15 Weeks
Even though your twins are still tiny, an incredible amount of growth and development is happening this week!
At this stage, your babies’ skin is still very thin, almost translucent, and not quite developed into the smooth baby skin you’ll be snuggling after birth. However, it’s beginning to form multiple layers that will continue to thicken as they grow. Right now, if you could peek inside, you’d be able to see the underlying blood vessels through their fragile skin.
Your twins’ ears, which started out lower on their heads, have now moved up to their proper positions. More excitingly, their inner ears are developing rapidly, and they’re starting to hear sounds from both inside and outside the womb. Right now, they can hear the sound of your voice, your heartbeat, and the whooshing of your blood flow. While these sounds are muffled, your twins are beginning to get used to the rhythm of your body.
This is a great time to start talking, reading, or even singing to your babies! It might feel a little funny at first, but it helps your twins become familiar with your voice, which can be soothing once they’re born.
Even though your twins won’t take their first real breath until they’re born, their lungs are hard at work getting ready. Although they aren’t breathing air yet, they’re practicing the motions. Your babies are “breathing” in amniotic fluid, which helps their lung muscles strengthen and develop. This movement is a crucial part of preparing their respiratory system for life outside the womb.
The brain and spinal cord are becoming more sophisticated, and those adorable jerky kicks and punches they’re practicing will soon become more coordinated.
They’re also beginning to develop their sense of touch. They’re starting to explore their environment by touching their faces and the walls of the amniotic sac and will soon discover they have a womb buddy! This tactile exploration is crucial as it helps their brain understand physical sensations and spatial awareness.
What you might be wondering about this week
Twin-Specific Gear: What’s Essential vs. What Can Wait
When you’re preparing for twins, it’s easy to feel like you need to buy two of everything right away. But the truth is, some twin-specific gear is essential from the start, while other items can wait.
Prioritize the basics, such as a double stroller, twin bassinets, and car seats. Items like twin feeding pillows and specialized baby carriers are also incredibly helpful in those early days.
However, certain things can wait until you figure out your routine, such as extra baby bouncers or high chairs. You’ll find that some baby gear is situational, and what works for one twin mom might not work for another.
Choosing the Right Double Stroller
A double stroller is one of the most significant purchases you’ll make. There are three main types: side-by-side, tandem (one seat behind the other), and convertible strollers.
Each has its pros and cons, so think about your lifestyle.
A tandem stroller might be the best fit if you live in the city or have narrow doorways. However, side-by-side strollers are often easier to maneuver and let both babies have a view of the world, which will become more important as they get older. You will find that you will use a stroller for longer than someone who has just one child.
I used a side-by-side stroller and LOVED it, and my girls were around 2.5/3 by the time we stopped using it. The twin stroller I had was a Mountain Buggy Duet; however, since my girls were little, they have launched newer, lighter-weight models like the Mountain Buggy Nano that I would definitely go for if I were to have twins again. What I loved about this brand was that it had all the accessories to mix and match my bassinets and infant car seats, and the wheelbase was the same as for a single stroller.
Convertible strollers allow you to use them as a single or double, giving you flexibility if you want to use it for just one baby on occasion.
Read more: Creating a Twin Travel System
Preparing the Nursery for Twins: Space-Saving Tips
When preparing a nursery for twins, space is at a premium. Don’t worry—there are plenty of space-saving solutions!
Consider cribs that are designed for small spaces or can be converted to toddler beds later on. This not only extends the life of your crib, it also extends the time before you need to buy big beds and possibly move your twins into their own rooms if you are short on space. This is what I did and it worked a treat.
To avoid clutter, use vertical storage solutions like shelves and hanging organizers for clothes and diapers.
Think about keeping the nursery functional but cozy. Since your twins will likely share the room for the foreseeable future, choose furniture that will grow with them.
Babywearing Twins: Is It Really Possible to babywear two?
Yes, babywearing with twins is possible! There are a few different carriers that make this manageable.
Twin-specific carriers, such as the Weego Twin, MiniMonkey Twin or MiniMonkey Tandem or the TwinGo Twin Carrier, are designed to allow you to carry both babies at once. They are either a front carry or a front/back carry with one in the front and one in the back.
Wraps and slings can also work for twins, though they take a bit more practice.
Babywearing is a lifesaver for parents of multiples, especially when you’re on the go or need to keep your hands free around the house.
Have a read of my article Twin Baby Carriers: An Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Baby Carrier for Twins where I go into detail about all things baby carriers for twins.
Twin Registry Essentials: What to Include
Creating a twin baby registry can be overwhelming, but think of it as an opportunity to ensure you’re ready for the big day. Some twin-specific essentials include:
- Twin feeding pillow: Makes feeding two babies at once much easier, whether you plan to breast or bottle feed.
- Double breast pump: If you’re breastfeeding or pumping, a double electric pump is a must-have.
- Twin pack-n-play: Great for keeping both babies safe when you need a break.
Don’t forget to register for diapers, wipes, and extra baby clothes. People love buying the cute stuff, but you’ll need plenty of practical items too.
My Twin Baby Gear: My Top 14 Twin Mama Must-Haves article will help you get all the key essentials sorted, and then you can focus on buying all those cute adorable twin outfits I know you can’t wait to dress your gorgeous duo in.
Stocking Up on Diapers: How Many Will You Really Need?
With twins, you’ll go through a lot of diapers. On average, newborns use about 10-12 diapers per day. Multiply that by two, and you’re looking at up to 24 diapers daily during the newborn stage!
Plan on stocking up or subscribing to a diaper delivery service to ensure you’re always prepared. It’s also a good idea to organize a diaper station with plenty of wipes and creams within arm’s reach—believe me, you’ll be glad you did!
Car Seats for Two: Safety and Convenience
Car seats are another big purchase you’ll want to make early on. Since both babies need to be rear-facing at first, ensure you find two infant car seats that fit side-by-side in your car. Some car seats are narrower and specifically designed for families with multiples or smaller cars. Don’t forget to purchase extra car seat bases if you have more than one vehicle—this will save you a lot of hassle.
Feeding Two Babies: Bottles, Breastfeeding Gear, and More
Feeding twins can seem daunting at first, but having the right gear makes all the difference. If you plan on breastfeeding, a twin feeding pillow can help you nurse both babies at once. A double breast pump is a must for efficiency. If you’re bottle-feeding, opt for a bottle system that is easy to clean and quick to use—think about bottle warmers and sterilizers too.
Consider having at least 8-10 bottles on hand so you’re not constantly washing bottles, especially during those first few months.
Budgeting for Twins: How to Save on Big Purchases
Let’s face it—having twins can get expensive pretty quickly, but there are plenty of ways to save!
Look for second-hand baby gear in good condition, especially for items such as cribs, changing tables, and even clothes. Often, these items have only been used for a minimal amount of time and are still in excellent condition.
It is also something for you to remember that once you have finished using your twin gear, you can usually sell it for a good price, especially if you look after it and keep it in good condition. I did this with my twin bassinet accessories that I had for my Twin Stroller. They were super handy for about six months, but then once my girls had grown out of them, I was able to sell them for around 70% of full retail price. It helped fund the cost of the next things I had on my list, such as floor seats and Jolly Jumpers now that they were sitting and wanting to get more active in their play.
Additionally, online parenting communities often have groups where twin parents sell gently used items for a fraction of the price. And many stores offer twin discounts, so don’t hesitate to ask.
Clothing for Twins: How Much Do You Really Need?
When it comes to baby clothes, it’s sooooo easy to go overboard, especially with all the adorable matching outfits available for twins. However, you really don’t NEED that much.
Start with basics: 10-12 onesies, sleepers, and socks per baby should be enough. Babies go through clothes quickly, especially if they are spilly babies, and you will have that times TWO. You will end up doing a lot of laundry so if you are able to cycle through the washing piles fairly regularly then you can keep you number of outfits lower. However if you have to head to the laundromat then you may need to stock up so you have enough on hand. If you find yourself short, it’s easy to grab more as you go.
You will find a list of the clothing items you should purchase, along with suggested quantities in our handy Shopping Checklist for Twins which you can grab by clicking on the image below 👇
Final Thoughts: Take it Step by Step and buy as you need to
Shopping for twins doesn’t have to be overwhelming, mama! Take it one step at a time, focusing on the essentials first. You’ve got this! You’ll be so glad you took the time to prepare in advance, and when your babies arrive, you’ll have everything you need to welcome them home. And don’t forget to grab our Shopping List for Twins.
Much love, and I will see you again next week for Week 16 where we share some inspiration to help you design the perfect nursery for your twins.
Take care
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