Nappies
Start buying as soon as possible. If
this is your first pregnancy then talk to other moms about which brands are best and the prices you can expect to pay. Look out for specials and then buy in bulk. With multiples it’s impossible to have too many nappies. My twins went through 600 nappies in the first month alone!

Clothes
When buying prem and newborn clothes stick to very basic outfits like vests, babygrows and socks. Newborns spend most of their first few weeks wrapped in blankets and they also grow very quickly. Fancier clothes are better shown off after three months. Ackermans have very< reasonably priced newborn clothes
About six weeks before your due date wash your babies clothes and store them in freezer bags which will keep them clean and fresh.

Bottles and dummies
If you’ve decided to bottle-feed you’ll need at least 10 bottles to start with (for twins). Colour code them – for example, use red screw on rings for one baby and blue for the other. This way you won’t mix up their bottles, especially if your babies are on different formulas. This also helps them at a later stage to identify their own bottles. Do the same with their dummies. I used two sterilizing buckets, one for bottles and one for teats and dummies.

Shopping
Stock up on groceries way ahead of time. If you have a C-section you won’t be able to drive straight away, nor will you be able to push a trolley or carry heavy shopping bags. Pre-cook and freeze meals for when you come home. Also stock up on items such as sanitary towels and panty liners as you will need plenty in the first few weeks. If you are breastfeeding stock up on breast pads and buy a few bottles of Schlehen Elixir berry tonic and rescue remedy to help you cope and keep your strength up.

Spring-cleaning
Have your carpets, couches and curtains steam cleaned just before the babies are born and ensure that your home is well dusted. Smokers should start getting used to smoking outside!

Get packed
Pack your bags at least six weeks before your due date as most multiples arrive early. Pack extra nappies as multiples often end up spending more time in hospital. Don’t forget the surgical spirits.

Sleep
Try to get as much sleep as possible before the birth. Sit with your feet up on a cushion to prevent swollen ankles.

Enjoy the last of the peace and quiet – life will never be the same once your multiples have arrived!