What are the essentials to set up a nursery for twins?

Question

Do you need an armchair for breast feeding in that room? Can i use an existing table for a change table? any decorating tips?

Answer 1

I am answering your questions both as a mother and as a professional interior designer and I hope this helps.

Armchair is preferred although not absolutely necessary. If one twin wakes up during the night for feeding and you stay in the nursery, there is a greater chance that the other will wake as well. At the same time, if the layout of your home doesn't allow for a comfy chair somewhere real close to the nursery, you'll find yourself being inconvenienced by a hike across the house when you're really not at all awake, and that is no fun.

No, no, no you cannot use a table for a changing table. Although all moms have changed at least a couple of diapers on a table, desk, or kitchen counter, the changing table you intend to use routinely should be safe and comfortably padded. A lot of the changing tables on the market have practically located storage for diapers, wipes, and the like, and most importantly, safety features. It will seem like you've hardly blinked an eye when the babies will be able to roll over and move about, so don't delay getting a proper changing table.

Decorating a nursery is one of the most fun projects. A theme is great fun, and that will depend to some extent on whether your little ones are boys or girls, and your personal preferences. Teddy bears, the sky, animals... are all unisex themes. When shopping for furniture for the room, look at items that grow with the kids -- there are cribs that convert into toddler beds, and opt for good quality dressers which will last at least until the kids are nearing their teen years. Buying good quality doesn't mean spending a fortune -- shop around, find out if your area has a manufacturer of baby furniture which is sometimes open to the public. Window treatments are important in a nursery because some babies will wake up the minute sunlight starts to come through the window, so take care to choose something with a black-out or room darkening feature. Good luck!

Answer 2

I have five year old twins - take it from me. Other than two cribs everything else is up to you and what you think you would be comfortable with. Do you want to breastfeed in that room? If so than you'll need a chair of some sort that you will be comfortable in. Do you feel you'll be doing a lot of diaper changing - in that room? If so than a table (any small table will do) with a diaper changing pad on it will be needed. The only decorating tip I have is don't put up a border. My twins picked at it as soon as they could reach it. If your concern is making everything tie together decorating wise - fabric goes a long way. Slip cover the chair, use fabric with a Velcro edge and attach it to the table to help disguise it and so you can hide things, like the diapers while they're little - or toys when they get bigger, under it. Paint the wall a soothing color and use a projector to outline your favorite cartoon characters on to the wall and paint them in with acrylic paint. Have fun with it. Regarding the table for a changing table? I used a four drawer dresser for storing their clothes than put a chaging pad on the top held stable with velcro.

Answer 3

I have twin boys that are now 21, in fact, one has a 3 mo old daughter. In their nursery I had 2 cribs, one changing table, a rocking chair and a dresser. Since I wasn't sure if one was a boy or girl we decided to paint the room light blue and our theme was rocking horses. I had sheets, comforters and bumpers in rocking horses along with a rocking horse light and a white changing table. I believe I bought an extra comforter and hung it on the wall. I did not breastfeed as my twins were born 10 wks early and were in intensive care for 9 wks. Bottle feeding worked best as my husband helped and as the twins got older I would put them in rockers and have bottles in my left and right hands. The key is to have a lot of diapers and formula if you decide not to nurse. You'll be washing clothes every day so make sure you have enough onezies and pj's. What a joy, I hope everything goes well for you. The best of luck. Email me anytime. [e-mail] OH-I have a 13yr old daughter too!

Answer 4

As far as an armchair for feeding, are you going to be in that room when you are feeding? If so, it's a good idea, to make it comfy for you. Some prefer to do this in the same room as the TV, as to have something to do while feeding as if they talk to the baby, he/she might get the idea this is the time for play. As far as the existing table as a changing table, is it the right length and width, with sides so as not to allow the baby to fall? If so then you could put an washable pad on it and go with it. You need baby beds for both, a dresser or shelves to house their clothing that isn't hung in the closet. A convient shelve or area for diapers, powder, wipes and so on. A small lamp as the overhead lights are too bright to use late at night on the little ones eyes. You need a baby monitor, so when you aren't in the room, you can still know what's going on in there. You need to be sure to have lots of receiving blankets, bibs, nightgowns, t-shirts and one piece sleepers for cooler nights. When the baby's are older, i have found it very useful to have a mobile hanging over the bed to entertain the baby during nap times, it helps to relax them and they drift off to sleep easier. MAKE SURE TO HAVE A SMOKE ALARM in the room.

Answer 5

essentials--2 cribs. the rest is all up to you. my boys slept in the same crib for about 2-3 months before i separated them. they are almost 4 now and are still in the same room--they will not have it any other way. i breast fed with a boppy on my favorite recliner in the living room watching tv until i passed out from exhaustion. as for decoration--pick something YOU like, they won't notice till they are older!