Most Popular

People often ask me what are some of the most popular topics people check out on this blog. So here are the two most popular. The picture of my twins' diapers, size by size, gets me every time!

Diaper Backward Spells Repaid

"Discharge" -- A spectacular word!

I'll follow up with more popular posts in the coming weeks.

A Twins Mom-to-Be Wish List

New Year - New Babies!

I have recently learned of two families I know who are now expecting twins in May and June, so this year is going to a spectacular and memorable year for them for sure.  I'm very excited for them!

So today I am going to focus on what I think every twins' mom should be equipped with before getting home from the hospital and additional items to be on the lookout for after they come home.  I'm also going to explain why.

You won't need double of every kind of toy or piece of equipment, but sometimes 2 of the bigger, every day items might save your sanity.

2 carseat/carriers

This is an obvious one, but if you don't plan ahead you will realize how expensive carseat carriers and the whole combo sets can be!  My advice is to do your research, watch for sales and when family asks what they can buy, you should make sure to ask for assistance with these items, which you'll use every day.

1 twin stroller (different than a double stroller)

There is a "twin" stroller and there is a "double" stroller.  When shopping around, find out if you're looking at  a twins style or a double.  Some brands will say "Twin" stroller, but look closely and see what the real details are and how they will or will not work for twins.  The reason I suggest this is because a true twin stroller will usually have the same size seats for the babies/children and the double stroller usually has one smaller unit and one larger, enabling only one carseat to be clicked in for daily use.  For example, it might be referred to as a 60/40 split.  The bigger kid goes on the 60 side (up to 60 lbs.) and the smaller kid goes on the 40 side (up to 40 lbs.)  In this style you cannot click two baby carseat carriers into it.  That is not what you want to have happen as a mother to twins and you don't want to find out after you fall in love with the style or buy it that it doesn't even work for your needs.  That would be a very expensive mistake!

I personally have 2 twin tandem strollers, which is the type on which the seats are one in front of the other.  I call one my "winter beater" because it's a little older and I'm willing to allow it to get all salted up and dirty from the winter weather and slushy parking lots.  The spring/summer stroller will hopefully stay in clean and "pretty" condition for a few years.  The kind of strollers we have are the Peg Perego Duette and Duette 2.  I was able to find both of these strollers for $100.00 and $150.00 on online classifieds ads.  This is a far cry from the minimum $850.00 for a brand new Peg Duette!! Yikes!

The beauty of the tandem style is that you will more than likely have no problem getting through doctor's office doorways, mall doorways, down aisles in tight stores and so on.  Additionally, you can get tandem brands that allow you to setup the seats in three ways. 1. Both babies facing away from mom/dad 2. Both babies facing mom/dad or 3. Babies facing inwards, looking at each other.  I personally enjoy my twins facing each other so they can interact and keep each other occupied.  I am sure when they are older I will be facing them away from each other on days they are fighting or having tantrums.

When the twins are babies, the tandem stroller will accomodate both infant carseat carriers.

  

You will also become an expert at manoeuvring that sucker in no time!   People will probably stare at you in awe as you come down the mall or hall.  The one thing these tandems don't have is a back up beeper signal, which I really think they should have!  They have them on mini-vans, so why not gigantic strollers too??  You do need room to back up and turn, but with patience you'll figure out how to do it like an expert in no time.

The triple stroller is another story and if you have to go the route of a triple stroller, don't be surprised if you feel like you're on exhibit as onlookers' eyes bug out as you pass by.

**I don't recommend the most current versions of Peg Perego, which have "steering wheels" (see above pic) to move the front wheels.  I used the triple mentioned above of this brand as well, and it was impossible to turn the wheels all the way to make tight turns.  The wheels are only able to turn so far and do not swivel like the older models do.  I really do recommend getting a gently used older model that allows for all of the wheels to turn a full 360 if needed. 

2 High Chairs
I recommend a full sized high chair versus getting the type you attach to a kitchen table or a booster seat.

What I like about the free standing/full sized high chairs are they are spacious for the baby, they have a large tray/eating surface, they have a 5 point harness (at least you should try to get a 5 point harness,) they can recline 2-3 positions, they adjust up or down in height.

The booster seat or table attachment chairs cannot compare to the above.  We used the full sized chairs for our twins' first 17 months.  During that time we could adjust each baby's chair for their specific needs.  For example, one of the twins didn't have very good neck control when he first went into the highchair, so we could recline him to a comfortable position so he wouldn't struggle to drink his bottle.  You can't do that with a booster or attachable chair.  They don't recline.

We have the Fisher Price Rainforest Healthy Care High Chairs and I love them.  They are easy to clean.  The seat cushion comes off very easily and can be thrown in the washer with the harness and hung to dry without losing shape.

4 bassinets
I suggest 2 bassinets in mom and dad's room and 2 on the main floor where you will probably spend most of your time.  This will be a huge time saver for you, as you will not have to run up and down the stairs all day long when they wake or cry.

2 or more playpens
We used one playpen in our household and had an extra playpen at each grandparents' home.  Our twins were able to take their naps in a shared playpen--they didn't need each need a playpen.

1 or 2 swings
I would suggest starting with one swing and seeing if each baby will even like a swing.  I know many babies don't end up enjoying the swing and it becomes a very large dust collector.  We had one swing from our first child and we did end up getting a hand-me-down swing, which was in perfect condition.  Our babies loved the swing.

1 Exersaucer
This is an item, which I didn't see a need for two.  By the time the babies can go into an Exersaucer, they are most likely bigger and a little more independent.  Both babies will not necessarily want to do the exact same thing or even care if they do.  We would usually put one baby in the Exersaucer and the other in the Jumperoo if we needed some free hands time.

1 Jumperoo
See above.

1-2 Tumzees

What is a Tumzee?  It's a fairly new, Canadian product, that is meant for assisting with the development of a baby's upper body strength (shoulders, arms, necks.)  It's an addition to regular tummy time.  Many babies hate being on their tummies during a period when it is very important for their development.  Our babies, given that they were so premature, needed all the help they could get with this area of development.  They spent the majority of their first 3 to 3.5 months on their backs or sides and very rarely on their tummies.  We had a lot of catching up to do and the Tumzee helped.  It can get babies eye level up to the area of their toys dangling off the playmat, for example, and that can begin to interest them in holding their heads up and using their arms to do so.

2 Bumbos

I love the Bumbo! I think it one of the best recent baby inventions!  Since it helps children sit before they are technically at an age they can do it on their own, it is a really big help for preemie babies (as long as they are at a point they can hold their own heads up.)  You can take the Bumbo when you're on the go and easily put it in your trunk and use it at the park for picnics or where ever you won't have a proper high chair.  Until the grandparents were able to get enough high chairs for the twins we would often take at least one Bumbo with us when we visited. The tray you can attach is also a great accessory to have for playtime or eating time.

2 interactive playmats

At first your babies will most likely fit on one playmat together fine, but as they grow it will become more awkward and a fight for the babies to reach for toys they want.  I ended up getting a second playmat when they were obviously too big to share one.

Dozens of receiving blankets
When you think of twin babies think double the spit up, double the mess and double the need for blankets/burp cloths and the like.  You will have much less time for laundry, which is the reason I say you will need dozens of receiving blankets (I didn't use burp cloths--too small.)

4-6 sleepsacs
For example: Back to Sleep or Grobag. Depending where you live, you may want to have the light weight ones and some heavier weight sleepsacs.  It will also depend when the twins are due to be born.  If they will be born spring-summer, then I would suggest having 4 light weight sleepsacs and maybe 2 heavier/bigger ones, which can be grown into in the fall/winter and vice versa.

The Back to Sleep brand in particular offers the choice of being able to bundle the baby.  You can easily put the baby in the sleepsac, zip the baby in, then wrap a matching piece of material around the back and tummy to bundle the baby snug, which secures with some velcro.  This was a nice feature in the early days and a big time saver if you're not good at getting a nice tight bundle on your own with a receiving blanket.  The other bonus is that it can't unravel when the baby shifts and moves about, as a receiving blanket probably would.  If you end up living in a NICU for a while, you'll probably have the process of bundling a baby with a blanket down pat, and the baby will probably be snug as a bug.  Either way the sleepsac is quick and easy and I loved them.

Diapers
Tonnes and tonnes of diapers.  Again, when people begin to ask what can they help you with/buy for your twins on the way or once they've arrived, ask for help with diapers.  Whether the gift is actual boxes of diapers or gift cards to the bulk store or grocery stores/pharmacies.

Bibs...many...many...many!! 

We had about 60 bibs in the early days, especially when they were bottling and learning to eat new foods.

I could go on and on I am sure, but these are the main things I recommend without thinking about it too much. 

Diaper Backward Spells Repaid...

Diaper backward spells "repaid." Seriously.  I'm being repaid twofold! I must have really put my parents through a lot of crap during my diaper days!

I have been told many a time that as a toddler I used to take off my diapers aftering waking from my naps and would proceed to wipe the poopy ones on bedroom walls at home and the babysitter's.  Oh my! Gross.  I proceeded to teach my younger brother how to carry on the tradition when he was capable.

Talk about karma!  Once the babies were home we were going through about 16-20 diapers a day. It got to the point I was dreaming of diaper change times because that's all it seemed I was doing in the early days.

When it comes down to it, diapers have been a big part of our lives.  I'm not sure that everyone gets excited about the first time a diaper is put on their baby.  I do know that as new parents many are afraid or not sure how to change their baby's first few diapers, but most dive in and figure it out.

When it comes to the NICU experience, a diaper is not always the first thing put on a baby.  Instead it's leads and monitors and sticky tapes, breathing apparatuses and who knows what else? Then the diaper might come.  There may not be a diaper that actually fits this "newborn" baby.



The Stages of Diapers of the Twins: Preemie Small, NB, 1, 2 & currently in 3.
You can see the # "7" written on the Preemie diaper on the left, which I explain in this post.



In all 3 of my cases, my babies were born suddenly and in an ill-prepared hospital without a NICU on site, therefore there were no teeny tiny diapers to put on their tiny new bodies.  In each case, however, the size of the diaper was the least of anyone's worries.

Preemie #1 was transported to an appropriate unit and one of my first memories of him was him spread out on a warming bed in a very big diaper, pretty much swallowing up his lower body and torso.  It was on very loose to avoid irritating his premature skin.

If I thought Preemie #1 was swimming in his first diaper, I was rudely corrected when Preemie #2 and Preemie #3 arrived.  These two were more than 2 pounds less than their big bro.  Finding ourselves in the "wrong" hospital again, they were not equipped with anything less than the standard newborn diapers.

Once the twins arrived at their NICU, on went the tiniest diapers I have ever seen!  Pampers Premature Small.  Wow.  It amazed me that diapers were made this small!  These diapers weigh 7 grams.

How do I know how much a diaper weighs and why do I know this??  Well, in the NICU a baby's bodily functions are monitored every 3 hours or less.  The nurses in the unit will hand write "7" or whatever the weight of each diaper on the front to indicate how much the diaper weighed before the baby did his business in it. 

My Cabbage Patch Kid "Preemie," Circa 1985.
His leg is the same size as my 2 lbs Preemies' diaper!
The "Preemie" is in a NB size diaper rolled up.

Why would we want to weigh the diaper after the baby has worn it?  To be pretty certain that the baby's fluid intake and urine output are balanced.  Bloodwork and other assessments are carried out too in order to monitor the baby's nutrition, but one of the first obvious indicators of  problems appears or does not appear in the diaper.

When it comes to changing a premature or NICU baby's diaper it can be outright terrifying for the parent.  As premature babies' parents we are facing wire leads, tubing, monitors, machines, sticky things, tape, and a fragile baby connected to it all.  We must stand outside the incubator, putting what are most likely gloved hands and arms through two small access holes to be able to work with the baby.  It sucks learning to change a diaper for the first few times for any person or parent, but throw in an incubator and the awkwardness of manoeuvering through all of the wires and the fear of harming the baby and it can be a pretty terrifying, albeit very memorable experience.

Tonight I'm reminiscing about diaper changing for a particularly good reason.  This month is Prematurity Awareness Month in the United States and November 17, 2011 is the First World Prematurity Awareness Day.  A fellow preemie parent is currently working on "40 Diapers. 40 Days," to help create premature birth awareness and raise funds for a NICU in Haiti.  She is painting 40 diapers and taking donations and a silent auction will be held at the end of 40 days.

I know what a scary and trying time the NICU process is, but can only imagine how much more difficult it would be living in a situation where a NICU is not the norm and most likely unattainable for most babies born too soon.

If you can, please visit her site at http://www.thepainteddiaper.com/ and support her along the way.

This Thursday, November 17, please wear purple to show support and help raise Prematurity Awareness!  It's not talked about enough.

Thank you.

Trying to Save a Buck or Two (Loonie or a Toonie)--COUPONING!

I just got my latest Nestle coupons package in the mail, which leads me to today's post.

I have always been a bargain shopper or a person who tries not to spend full retail price on the merchandise I buy, whether it's clothing, food, or anything else for that matter. Restaurant specials, buy 1 get 1 deals are always nice. The bargain shopping usually led to a bit of shopaholicism for things like clothing and especially shoes!

Then came babies! When baby # 1 arrived, I refused to spend full price on diapers or food.

I found an awesome place that sold "seconds" for diapers. Yes, they exist. They sold diapers at an amazing price for a gigantic bag of 120 diapers. They were not specially packaged in air-tight bags and had been deemed not acceptable for packaging by manufacturing quality control.

The diapers had small things wrong with them, such as the velcro tab was slightly short or long. Or the cartoon character print was slightly off colour or hard to make out. Boohoo. I really didn't care if I could see a certain red character in full, since it was just going to wind up in the garbage anyway! Even better, if you found that one of the diapers was just way too wonky and unuseable you could return it and swap for a better one. This is what I call a great deal and great customer service!

I also began to "stalk" the Thursday flyers in the newspaper. This is what I look forward to every week...the flyers...It is also the only thing I read these days, aside from the random magazine in a doctor's waiting room.

Like a pro, I quickly speed read and scan through up to 8 or so flyers every week to see who has the best deal on cereals, jarred baby foods, formulas, diapers, wipies, and on and on! I can always count on my go-to stores to usually have the best deals every couple of months. I also go online to see the flyers now and then, but I do prefer a good old fashioned paper in my hands--it's easier to circle and star the deals!

This leads me to my other new obsession. Tracking down as many diapers and baby food coupons for any brand. I have no preference as to what type of diapers my babies wear, as long as they do the job. As for food, I do have a preference for certain brands of purees and meals made for my growing boys, who are not yet toddling, but ready for such foods.

If you have twins, as many know, stores often will give a twins' discount...although many of the major stores are starting to steer away from that as the number of twins born continues to rise. Not cool. I have found some places though that do ensure that they help out families of multiples. I registered online with a couple of companies and was prompted to contact customer service if I have twins to request duplicates of sample packages and regular coupons and deals to come in the mail. This is a nice bonus.

One of my favourite shows to watch lately is called, Extreme Couponing. With the stock market crash in 2008, couponing has been on the rise for many families. Coincidentally, my first son was born in 2008. The thing that gets me and keeps me watching this show, is how much the United States' manufacturers are willing to give away!

Watching this show, you will see average families, trying to save a buck or two, rummaging through garbage bins, soliciting neighbours for their weekly flyers, registering online for e-coupons from grocers and any other way they can get ahold of this free money!

What continues to amaze me, is many of the grocers double the coupon discount and often these extreme couponing super-heros walk out of the store taking their merchandise with them, all the while being PAID to do so! Amazing!

People put in long hours to source the flyers, find the best deals and target the stores in which they make their coupon buys, usually in one huge shopping spree! Some of these people work more than 60 hours a week tracking down flyers, meticulously tagging, labelling, filing the coupons in filing systems. The stock they maintain in their own homes is unbelievable!

One of the women on the show had fraternal twins. She was a coupon clipping superwoman. She said she tries to save in any way she can and her best savings ever was having twins--2 for the price of 1 for her hospital labour and delivery stay! Cute.

Previously I wrote about being glad to live in Canada for all the benefits we receive...but when it comes to couponing, I think I live on the wrong side of the border!

Either way, I continue to look for the deals and use the coupons when such deals show up. If a box of diapers is advertised as $11.00 off, then why wouldn't I want to throw in my $3.00 off coupon for the added discount? Coupons are not hard to clip and save and really not hard to file. I often keep some coupons in my car's glove box, some in my wallet and some in my diaper bag, just in case I come across a great deal.

I can't see Canadian couponing ever really getting to the extreme of our American counterparts, as many of our coupons already read statements such as, "Not to be used in combination with any other offer." Others might stipulate that they cannot be used on items already on sale, for example. The rules here seem to be tighter. We cannot "stack" deals as easily--meaning we can't use several coupons on one item being purchased to make it free or nearly free.

On Sunday I went into one of our superstores and neatly organized my items at check-out, all which were on sale, along with their corresponding coupon. The cashier was so stressed out trying to manage my 9 coupons. I can only imagine how she'd react if she had been presented with hundreds of coupons as such Extreme Couponers do to cashiers.

As a mom of twins, my top coupon clipping is done for:
Diapers
Wipies
Formula
Baby food
Baby "snacks," puffs, pinwheels, etc.

The last time I bought my twins' baby foods, purees and toddler recipes, I encountered another mother in the aisle, whose eyes practically bugged right out of her head when she saw my stack of 75+ jars of food, big and small. They were all on sale AND I had coupons! So if I can use them, I'm gonna use them!

When I come into coupons that are for brands I don't use, I sometimes put a free ad up on the local classifieds website and send them off to someone in need.

You can also often see formula coupons/cheques offers to swap on the web classifieds, which is a very resourceful method for moms out there who really want to stretch their hard earned money.

There are many ways to get your hands on decent coupon offers and it doesn't take too much work, unless you go to the Extremes.

I've always heard other people talk like using a coupon is "cheap" or beneath them, however, like the saying goes, "A penny saved is a penny earned." I'd rather keep that $3.00 I saved by using the coupon and put it towards something else, like a coffee or a couple of dinky cars for my sons to get some use out of, rather than spend it on a box of diapers that really will end up in a garbage can in the very near future!

World Twins Day - July 3, 2011

Happy World Twins Day to all my readers...if there are any! :) 

It seems there is always something to celebrate each morning I wake up.  I always thought the idea of twins was cool and unusual before I had my own.  It seems these days, however, when I am out and about most people I encounter know twins somehow.  They are often moms of twins that I come across and they have all kinds of advice for me.  Some of the "advice" some of these people give, I wonder why they even opened their mouths to tell me because it is not always so inspirational and sometimes kind of depressing!  For example,  "Having twins never gets any easier."  Gee...thanks!

To start, my experience was a rude introduction to having twins, seeing as they were only 27 weeks along.  Most people I have met in person have twins that were "termies" or 2-4 weeks early, but never 27 weeks or less. 

I do have to say, however, that as the days pass, it really does get easier.  I am in a routine.  I know how to deal with my two babies and how to get through the days with their older brother without wanting to hide (most days I can do it anyway!)

Before my babies were even a thought, I never realized how hard it is to pick out two boys' first and middle names at the same time (we actually had 4 first and 4 middle chosen.)  I never realized how much it cost to have two babies at one time...especially the diapers...up to 20 diapers a day in the early days?!?!  Ouch.  I think our bank account is still recuperating from the shock.

Never did I think how often a baby pees or poops would matter.  For about 12 months we talked in weight gain of grams, not pounds or ounces.  The smallest weight gain was a celebration, especially for the one twin with a heart problem called patent ductus arteriosus, which was making his body burn more calories than needed.

There are so many things to think of when you have twins, but most of the time it is nothing but fun. 

The best part about having twins is seeing two sweet little smiling faces and seeing the smiles they bring to others' faces on a daily basis. :)

So Happy World Twins Day and I hope the twins that you may know have brought a smile to your face today. :)