Are you expecting new twin babies in the next few weeks? I totally get it, the anticipation can be exciting, overwhelming, & exhausting all at the same time. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back! I’ve rounded up my top 6 tips for getting your home ready for your new twin’s arrival in just two weeks. As a mom who’s been through the twin newborn phase & offers Virtual Twin Birth Coaching, I’ve gathered some unique ideas & tips that you might not have thought of before!
1. Declutter your home
Decluttering your home can sound like a daunting task, especially when you’re expecting twins! But it’s easier than you think to get your home ready for your newest additions. To be honest, decluttering has always been overwhelming for me, but I feel SO much better when I declutter my space. It is always worth the effort for me & the family in the long run.
Here are some steps to follow to declutter before the twins arrive:
Step 1: Choose two or three rooms that you frequent most often (most likely this will be your living room, kitchen & bedroom).
Step 2: Start by noticing where things tend to pile up. For me, that’s always been the island in the kitchen. Find a new place for these items to go so they stop piling up!
Step 3: Let’s clear out what you don’t need or want anymore). Go through each pile, junk drawer, & shelf and ask yourself, “Do I still need or want this item?”
Step 4: Make 3 piles, “Keep, Donate, Toss” & put everything into 1 of those piles. (I love using boxes so I can just toss the items in)
Step 5: Organize the “keep” items, throw away the “toss” items (or recycle if possible) & give away the “donate.”
Turn on some music and make it fun! Asking a friend to come over & help can be so much fun & make the task happen even faster. What are some ways you get motivated to declutter? I have a declutter essential oil blend that I put into the diffuser before I get started.
By following these simple steps over the course of just a few days or a weekend, you can quickly create a stress-free & comfortable newborn-ready environment in your own home. I mean who doesn’t want that?
2. Batch cook
The thought of cooking a ton of food in one go can be intimidating, especially if you are pregnant with twins. But let’s be real, batch cooking is a lifesaver, especially when you’re getting ready to welcome your newborn twins into the world & you will have double the duties as a new parent. You’ll thank yourself later!
Here are a few simple steps to follow to get started:
Step 1: Plan out your meals. Take an hour to choose recipes that are easy to make in large quantities, & make a list of all the ingredients you will need.
Step 2: Go grocery shopping. Try to do this a few days before you plan to start cooking, so you have everything you need on hand.
Step 3: Set aside a block of time to cook. Depending on how much you want to make, you may need several hours or even a full day to get everything done. Consider getting the help of a friend or family member to make it more fun!
Step 4: Cook in batches. Prepare one recipe at a time, and portion it out into individual servings. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and be sure to label everything with the name of the dish and the date it was made.
Step 5: Freeze your meals. Once everything is cooked and portioned out, place the containers in the freezer. They will keep for several months, so you can have a variety of meals ready to go whenever you need them.
By following these steps, you can create a stockpile of nutritious, homemade meals that will make the first few weeks with your newborn a little bit easier!
Psst: wanna skip the cooking? You can hire a postpartum doula to prep meals for you, come to your home & cook a fresh meal, or create a meal train so you have nutritious meals delivered & available to you. Virtual Twin Birth Coaching Calls cover everything from pregnancy to postpartum planning & care!
3. Stock up on essentials (& not just baby essentials)
You’re likely already thinking about things like diapers, wipes, bottles, etc.
But have you considered stocking up on regular household items like paper towels, toilet paper, & dishwasher soap?
My best tip would be to set these items up with some version of subscribe & save so they’ll show up on your doorstep & you never have to worry about running out those first few months with your newborn twins!
Tip: Sit down & walk through a typical day & all the things you do at home. (example: laundry, dishes, & preparing food) What are all the things you need to complete these tasks? Write this down & have your partner do this as well.
My top places to order subscriptions from:
Truly Free (laundry)
Branch Basics (EWG-certified cleaning products) (link for $10-off)
4. Put together a baby care basket or stations
A baby care basket, sometimes called a “downstairs” basket is a lifesaver during those first few weeks home with your new twins. You & your partner will be thanking you later!
Oftentimes, you’re in one space with the twins for most of the day & find yourself “trapped” under one, if not both, of your sleeping babies without the supplies you need!
A baby care basket can solve that for you. Basically, it’s a container you can keep in each room of the house (or each level depending on your preference) that has all the essentials for the babies so you’re not running around from room to room or up & downstairs to get the things you need.
Usually, the baby care basket includes diapers, wipes, burp cloths, extra clothes, pacifiers, & anything else you might need for the babies frequently.
I also like to think about including things for a mom like nipple cream, breast pads, chapstick, a filled reusable bottle of water, etc.
In addition to keeping you from running from room to room, a baby care basket will help you stay organized & keep your home clutter-free.
I am a firm believer that these can decrease your stress daily ESPECIALLY with twins. I remember only a couple of days after birth, my husband was either with our son or preparing our meal, & I needed to change diapers. All I had to do was simply grab the basket from the side table & get to work. I did not need to call for help, get out of bed, or move the little ones to their bassinet while I grabbed all the supplies. The convenience is worth the time now to set up these baby stations.
5. Light your home the right way
Maybe this is important to me because I’m a photographer, I don’t know 😉 but lighting is one I don’t see talked about too often!!
Proper lighting can help create a calm & comfortable atmosphere for both you & your twins.
First, look at the rooms you’ll spend the most time in (typically the kitchen, living room, & bedrooms). You’ll want to consider the type of lighting you have in each room.
Do you want to add a lamp option (yes, even in the kitchen)?
Under cabinet lights?
How about a dimmer switch for the overhead lights?
What about small wall plug-in lights to help light the way in the halls for the middle of the night?
What about closets? (so you don’t have to turn the bedroom lights on?)
The right lighting can help frustrating or overly stimulating situations feel much more calm & peaceful.
Adding rechargeable lights to our closets was a game changer. Our changing tablet was in our closet so if one of the twins needed a diaper change or I needed something the motion sensor went off instead of turning the bedroom light on. Check out some of these options.
Finally, safety is also a consideration when it comes to lighting. Make sure that all cords & outlets are safely tucked away & secured to prevent tripping or electrical hazards.
6. Prepare YOUR wardrobe (Yes, YOURS!)
Of course, we’re thinking a lot about how to prepare for the twin babies, but don’t forget about yourself! I don’t know about you, but when I feel comfortable & good nothing can stop me! And that starts with getting dressed in something that fits well in the morning, right?!
Preparing your wardrobe for the first 2-3 weeks postpartum is an important step in getting ready for the arrival of your new baby. Our bodies are amazing! They have just grown 2 little humans & of course, there are changes. How can there not be? So prepare yourself by preparing your wardrobe.
Comfort & functionality are key during this time! You’ll want to focus on loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that can accommodate changes in your body shape. It will allow for easy breastfeeding access if you plan to breastfeed as well.
I lived in these tank tops throughout the first 18 months. They are so comfortable & versatile for breastfeeding & pumping.
Consider investing in a few nursing bras, loose-fitting pants or leggings, & comfortable tops that are easy to pull up or down. Some women also find it helpful to have a couple of nursing-friendly dresses on hand for a dressier option. I wish I’d planned my wardrobe, I would have made sure to have a comfortable pair of jeans that fit well.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you will likely still be bleeding for a few weeks, so having a few pairs of comfortable & absorbent underwear or postpartum pads on hand is a good idea.
Remember, the key to preparing your wardrobe for the first few weeks postpartum is to prioritize comfort & practicality. By doing so, you can focus on bonding with your new baby without worrying about your clothing or physical discomfort!
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