We have found our top three recommendations for the best pack n play for twins and included the product details, the pros and cons of each and all other information we feel you will need to choose the best pack n play for your twins.

1. The Baby Trend Twin Nursery Center is our #1 recommended pack n play.

It has extra features the other pack n plays we found for twins just don’t have.

When your twins are first born, a pack n play can be a great first place to have your twins sleep at night.

We placed this pack n play next to our bed and had each twin sleeping in one of the two removable bassinets. That made it easy for me, as the breastfeeding mother, to lean over and pick up each twin when they needed to breastfeed.

This will be the place you lay your twins down to nap throughout much of the day. During the day, many parents have this crib in the main sitting room. At night, many parents bring this crib into their bedroom.

Product Details:

Colors: Comes in Color Shown

Price: $249.99

Lowest Price: Amazon.com

Amazon Rating:

Below we have included the main pros and cons of each pack n play.

Pros:

★ Advantage Over Our Other Recommended Pack n Plays–The Deluxe Parent Organizer is an awesome feature that allows you to keep diapers, wipes, clothing and outfits right next to the pack n play.

★ Two removable rock-a-bye bassinet each convert to standalone rockers

★ Removable rock-a-bye bassinet comes with canopy and carry handle, plush fabric and mesh sides for proper ventilation

★ Flip away changing table and deluxe parent organizer. Use only household mild soap and warm water. Do Not Use Bleach. Do Not Machine Wash

★ One-hand locking mechanism and large wheels with brakes

★ Electronic music center with volume control, nightlight, and vibration

Cons:

• Only available in 1 color

• Twins will quickly outgrow the bassinets

2. The Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard with Twins Bassinet is the second pack n play we recommend.

Product Details:

Colors: Comes in Color Shown

Price: $179.99

Lowest Price: Amazon.com

Amazon Rating:

Below we have included the main pros and cons of each pack n play.

Pros:

★ Advantage Over Our Other Recommended Pack n Plays– It is less expensive.

★ The Pack ‘n Play Playard with Twin Bassinet is roomy with 2 cozy quilted bassinets for twins

★ Removable bassinet is perfect for napping, making it easy to transition to a portable playpen

★ Quilted mattress pad creates a comfortable nap space

★ Convenient carrying bag for no-fuss travel and storage

Cons:

• Only available in 1 color

• It does not have a changing pad or organizer for diapers, wipes and other baby items

3. The JOOVY Room2 Twin Nursery Center and the Joovy New Room2 Portable Playard is our third recommendation.

Note: The Nursery Center and the Playard Must Both Be Purchased

The JOOVY Room2 Twin Nursery Center and Joovy New Room2 Portable Playard are sold separately.

Price: $75.33- Nursery Center; $119.99- Playard = Total is $195.32

Lowest Price: Nursery Center and Playard

Amazon Rating:

Product Features:

★ Advantage Over Our Other Recommended Pack n Plays– Much larger than other two pack n plays

★ Includes bassinet and changing table (playard sold separately)

★ Bassinet holds twins up to 15 lbs each or 30 lbs total, removable center divider

★ Great for use with one baby, twins or multiples

★ Changing table holds up to 25 lbs, water resistant surface is easy to clean

★ Changing table is removable and flips over when not in use

Cons:

• Must be purchased as two individual items

• Does not include a parent organizer bin for accessories

• It does not have a changing pad or organizer for diapers, wipes and other baby items

In summary, a pack n play for twins is an excellent, useful place to have for your twins. It can be used for naps, to change diapers and as a safe play area for your twins.

Comment below and let us know if you have purchased any of these three pack n plays for twins and what you think about them.

The post The Best Pack n Play for Twins appeared first on TWINS Magazine.

Polar Body Twins or “Half Identical”

What happens when the egg splits and then each half meets a sperm? That’s what scientists and researchers propose happens when a polar body or “half-identical” twins form. These twins are very much alike but aren’t a 100% DNA match — sharing about 75% of their genetic DNA. (Less than identical twins but more than fraternal twins.) To date, polar body twinning remains a theory. Believe it or not, there are no definitive tests to confirm whether you are carrying polar body twins even though there have been confirmed cases.

Semi-Identical Twins

This unique twin type identifies as identical on the mother’s side but shares only half their father’s genes! Semi-identical twins develop when two sperm fertilize a single egg, forming a triploid, which then splits. In 2007, the Journal of Human Genetics described a case where one hermaphrodite twin (someone born with a discrepancy between their internal genitalia and external genitalia) was raised as a female, with both testicular and ovarian structures, while the other was anatomically male.

Boy/Girl Monozygotic (Identical) Twins

Did you know identical twins are almost always the same gender because they form from a single zygote containing male (XY) or female (XX) sex chromosomes? However, there are a few reported cases of a genetic mutation in some male twins where one twin loses a Y chromosome and develops as a female. The female twin would then be afflicted with Turner’s Syndrome, a genetic disorder in girls caused by a missing or defective X (female) chromosome. It occurs in 1 of 2,000-2,500 live female births. There are many different features associated with the syndrome, and not all girls have all symptoms. Still, typically they are short in stature and lack ovarian development, have hearing disorders, abnormal fingernails, toenails, and drooping eyelids (Ptosis). The only other time gender differences would occur in identical twins would be if one twin experienced a gender transition process.

Mirror Image Twins

Mirror image twins make up around 25% of identical twins. This unique twin type occurs when the fertilized egg splits late – more than a week after conception. This type of twins can develop reverse asymmetric physical features, such as birthmarks or swirling hair whorls on opposite sides of their bodies. So, when these types of twins face each other, they appear to be exact reflections (like looking in a mirror).

Superfetation: Twins Conceived Separately

Typically, when a woman’s egg is fertilized, her cycle is interrupted, and her ovulation ceases. Rarely, an egg can be released while she is already pregnant, resulting in twins that are conceived at different times! This happens when eggs from two separate menstrual cycles are released as opposed to normal fraternal (Dizygotic) twins, where multiple ova are expelled in a single cycle. This is a rare occurrence in humans but is common in animals and usually results in twins or higher-order multiple pregnancies where the fetuses show noticeable differences in gestational development. Sounds crazy, but this Arkansas mom was pregnant with two babies conceived about two and a half weeks apart.

Heteropaternal Superfecundation: Twins with Different Fathers

Yes, you read that right. Twins with different fathers are possible. Sure, the definition for twins clearly states, “Twins are two babies who are simultaneously born from one mother.” But what about the dad? We know that when a woman releases multiple eggs in a single cycle, known as hyper-ovulation, it results in fraternal twins. However, superfecundation happens when the eggs are fertilized by sperm from separate incidences of sexual intercourse. In a nutshell: A woman with multiple sexual partners could have twins with different fathers (heteropaternal superfecundation). Genetic testing and advances in technology have made it evident that twins with two fathers only apply to fraternal twins, not identical twins. This situation can also occur when twins are the result of fertility treatments. This happened in 1995 with a pair of IVF Dutch twins. There was a mix-up in the lab when a piece of lab equipment had been accidentally used twice, causing another man’s sperm to be mixed in with the father’s and fertilized with the mother’s sperm. The result: two babies of different races.

Twins of Different Races: So rare that the odds against this are a million to one!

As mentioned above, heteropaternal superfecundation explains cases of fraternal twins with differing racial characteristics. The case above was due to a lab mix-up during an IVF procedure. However, in the United Kingdom back in 2005 and described as a “one in a million” occurrence, fraternal twin girls were conceived from two bi-racial parents. Each inherited different genetic characteristics from their mixed-race parents. (Essentially, one was white, and the other was black.) For this rare occurrence to take place, there must be a combination of circumstances starting at the exact moment of conception. This phenomenon can occur when both parents are of mixed race; each is conceived from a separate egg fertilized by a separate sperm (fraternal); and each sperm and egg must carry the genes for particular skin color (i.e., black/black or white/white).

Conjoined Twins

In short, conjoined twins are identical twins that do not fully separate from each other due to the incomplete division of the fertilized egg. The individuals will be connected to specific body parts and may share tissue, organs, or limbs. As the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia states, “Conjoined twins occur once in every 50,000 to 60,000 births.”

Parasitic Twins

Parasitic twins are conjoined twins that develop asymmetrically, with a smaller, less formed twin dependent on the stronger, larger twin. In Cairo, Egypt, back in 2005, a case of parasitic twins gained worldwide notoriety and even featured on The Oprah Show. Manar Maged was born with a second head attached to the skull of her own. While the head could blink and smile, it was not capable of independent life. The weight of the appendage would prevent Manar from crawling or sitting upright, prompting surgeons to remove it when she was ten months old. On February 19, 2005, doctors performed a thirteen-hour surgery to remove the attached head. The girl was released from intensive care in March 2005. Unfortunately, she passed away from a brain infection shortly before her second birthday on March 25, 2006. A variation of parasitic twinning is called “the fetus in fetu.” This occurs when an abnormally formed mass of cells grows inside the body of its identical twin. These cells survive during pregnancy and even occasionally after birth by tapping directly into the host twin’s blood supply.

Curious to find out more? Check out this report on a man who discovered a fetus in fetu as an adult.

The bottom line

Although most of us are familiar with fraternal and identical twins, many aren’t aware of the other unique twin types out there. After reading about these rare and unique twin types, you may have discovered a whole range of unique twin combinations that you may not have known were possible. But one fact remains true, regardless of what type of twin you are or have, the birth of twins is a miracle indeed.

The post Have you heard of these rare and unique twin types? appeared first on TWINS Magazine.

A study by CDC in 2015 showed that 4 out of 5 women (83.2 percent) have started out breastfeeding their infants, and almost 46.9 percent were able to continue for three months exclusively. 

During the early days after childbirth, the breasts produce colostrum – a thick and yellowish fluid that many call “liquid gold.” The colostrum is protein-rich, low-sugar, and loaded with beneficial compounds that babies need to thrive both early and later in life. Studies show that breastfed infants had reduced risks of asthma, type 2 diabetes, obesity, ear and respiratory infections, eczema, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Not only does it help infants but breastfeeding also has some notable benefits for mothers. It lowers a mother’s risk of developing hypertension, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, breast (affects 7,500 women per year), and ovarian cancer (affects around 2,000 women per year). With all of these benefits, you would think that every parent would be breastfeeding by now, but statistics show that such is not the case.

There is still a significant gap or a caveat. In a collection of statistics by Child Trends, parents who are younger, unmarried, have lower educational attainment or live in poverty report low breastfeeding rates. There is also a diversity based on other demographic factors such as ethnicity, maternal age, marital status, and maternal education play a significant role in the decision of whether or not to breastfeed.

For some women, breastfeeding is not an option. Some choose not to. Some are physically unable to produce enough milk, no matter how much effort and preparation they put into it. There are also cases when women have medical conditions when it’s best for them not to breastfeed. The decision to breastfeed or formula-feed is based on a woman’s comfort level, specific medical conditions, and lifestyle. Judgement from others shouldn’t be a factor.

Your parenting journey is as unique as you, and though challenging as it could be, it should be one that strengthens the connection between you and your baby. 

10 TIPS FOR BUILDING A STEADY MILK SUPPLY THROUGH BREASTFEEDING

Mothering twins and multiples comes with unique challenges. Breastfeeding one baby is one thing but what if you’re feeding two of three? We understand that mothers worry about producing enough breast milk, and here are a few tried and tested tips for creating more fluids and building a steady supply, fast.

1. Start immediately 

The breastfeeding journey starts right after your baby is born, so don’t wait. Your infant is used to feeding on demand through your placenta. Now that she is out of your womb, you need to establish skin-to-skin contact and develop a pattern by offering your breast so that he or she can immediately receive the immunologic advantage of your colostrum, especially crucial in this new environment where infections and diseases abound. Introducing your breast during the first hours of life also trains them to suck more vigorously, which is essential to establishing supply and demand. With this, you even start stimulating his digestion and a regular bowel movement.

2. Nurse on demand

This is where you will see the magic of the breastfeeding journey. The more your infant nurses, the more milk your breast will produce. So if you’re worried about not being able to provide enough for your twins or multiples, believe me when I say, “You can!” and that there will be enough as long as you take their cues, which boosts milk production faster than you expect.

3. Pump in between nursing periods

While this might leave you sore for the next three days to a week, it is essential to building an enormous supply that meets your baby’s needs. After every nursing session, we advise that you pump for an additional 10-20 minutes to fully empty your breasts, signaling for your body to make more milk. 

4. Eat and drink more

The saying, “You can’t give from an empty cup,” is authentic. Caring for newborns is a tedious job, which might leave you a little less concerned about your well-being, which is counterproductive when you are trying to establish a sufficient milk supply. Prioritize eating and sleeping enough because nothing can tank milk supply faster than a dehydrated or undernourished mom. It is also vital to hydrate. Carry a water bottle everywhere you go and drink at least 3 liters to sustain your needs and the babies. 

5. Supplements

Mothers breastfeed their infants because of the promise of nourishment. However, if the mother is not getting adequate nutrients, it could cause malnutrition in her babies. Mothers should have a conscious effort to have sufficient amounts of iodine, vitamin B6, B12, E, folic acid, iron, calcium, copper, magnesium, phosphorous thiamine, riboflavin, and zinc, especially those who are not reaching their 2200 daily calorie intake. Plant-based moms need to mind their serving of vitamin B12 because they are only present in animal meat fibers, and are crucial for tissue health, red blood cell production, and brain function. 

6. Munch on lactation cookies

Now, you might wonder, “how on earth can a cookie influence lactation?” I get you. I mean, it’s just a cookie, right? But with the right ingredients, they can do magic. Lactation cookies contain galactagogues (ex. turmeric, oatmeal, fennel seeds, milk thistle, etc.) or substances found in herbs and food that promote lactation. They are usually combined with some ingredients such as brewers yeast, which are rich sources of B vitamins, chromium, selenium, and protein that boost energy and the immune system. You will also see flax seeds for fiber and omega fatty acids that promote healthy digestion, heart health, and cholesterol improvement. Wheat germ for zinc helps prevent post-partum depression and boosts increased immunity.

7. Massage your breasts

A breast massage or compression therapy while nursing is a great way to push more milk out and evenly empty the breasts. 

8. Get lots of rest!

Breastfeeding or not, you need your sleep, mom! Ideally, try and get 7-8 hours per day, and add naps when you can. When you are sleep-deprived, your body releases a hormone called cortisol, the stress hormone, which may decrease milk supply. Adjusting your sleep patterns to support your twins isn’t always easy but do what you can to get some extra z’s when you can. Engage family members to help, or sleep when the twins sleep to allow your body to heal and recover.

9. Don’t play favorites

Some breasts produce more milk than the other, that’s normal, but it doesn’t mean that you’ll abandon the other just because the other performs better. Remember that our breasts react to stimuli. The more our babies nurse, the more we produce. If the boob is not producing enough, all the more you need to offer it to your infant so that it gets the stimulation, it needs to provide more. Another option is to pump on that side that’s not producing enough milk.

10. Get expert help

In conjunction with your doctor, a lactation consultant is someone you can get advice and opinions from when it comes to milk supply issues. She can point out where you’re lacking, what you can improve, what latching position is more beneficial, and what techniques you need to undertake as best practices. Supportive as he may seem, your spouse doesn’t really have the experience to provide a piece of sound advice on the matter, and we have to accept that.  

Each person’s journey in life is unique, and breastfeeding is no exception.

Choosing to breastfeed or otherwise is a personal choice. Whether your reason not to breastfeed is because of underlying medical complexities, or because it’s just not in your comfort level, whatever you choose is okay. You’re a parent who wants what’s best for your family, and breastfeeding should not be the ultimate gauge for your child’s love.

Be kind to yourself and embrace motherhood. It’s the best role there is!

The post 10 Tips to Increase Your Milk Supply When Pumping for Twins appeared first on TWINS Magazine.

According to the Center for Disease Control, there are 5 important steps every mother can take to reduce the chance of delivering an infant with a birth defect. Here are there top 5:

#1: Take Folic Acid Supplements Throughout your pregnancy

If you are pregnant, having a high enough amount of folate in your blood (blood folate concentration) is important to help to prevent a neural tube defect in your developing baby.

#2: Manage pre-existing health conditions before and during your pregnancy

Pre-existing conditions like diabetes and obesity have been attributed with higher rates of birth defects. Getting control of them before becoming pregnancy can be an important way to achieve a health pregnancy.

#3: Know your family history

Knowing the health history for both yourself and your partner is key. If either of you have a family health history of a birth defect, developmental disability, newborn screening disorder, or genetic disease, your baby might be more likely to have one of these conditions as well. This can be very important information to share with your health provider.

#4: Tell your doctor about every medication you take

Taking some medications during pregnancy can increase your babies chance of having a neural tube defect. This is why it is important talk to your doctor before starting or stopping any medications before and during your pregnancy.

#5: Don’t let your body temperature creep up too high

Many women don’t realize that high fevers or high body temperature during pregnancy can increase the chance of birth defects. You can protect your developing babies by protecting yourself from infections, managing fevers, and keeping your core body temperature normal.

These are just a few of the things the CDC recommends. If you are concerned about the possibility of a birth defect talk to your doctor about the risk factors and how to avoid them.

The post January is Birth Defects Prevention Month appeared first on TWINS Magazine.

In this guide, we offer a plan for finding a great pediatrician and some important questions to ask. 

Step 1: Start your list 

The first step is to start compiling a list of potential providers for your babies. This can be done by asking other moms, looking at online resources and talking to your OB/GYN. Once you have a list of potential doctors you can move on to the next step. 

Step 2: Do your homework 

Once you have your list of names its time to start doing a little digging. In this step you will use a few resources and do a little looking into each potential doctor. With websites like Health Grades and Vitals.com you can do everything from check where a doctor earned their medical degree to read extensive patient reviews. 

Another important part of this step is to talk to moms in your area. While you might have asked them for names in step 1, asking about doctors reputations is an important part of step 2. Perhaps the doctors online reviews are good but several moms note how hard it is to make an appointment. This is very important information. 

Step 3: Schedule a time to meet the doctors 

Many moms-to-be skip this important step, but it should not be overlooked. Most pediatricians are happy to meet with expectant moms for an “interview.” They will only be able to offer a few minutes out of their busy schedule but these doctors know that having a rapport with new parents is important. Once you have your short list of names, give the office a call and ask about scheduling a brief time to meet the doctor. 

Step 4: Ask questions 

When you meet with your babies potential doctor, there are a number of important questions to ask. Some lists will suggest asking things like any sub=specialties, office hours, other doctors in the practice and logistical questions. These are things you can find out in step 2 and can save some time to ask the important questions. The best kinds of questions to ask are things like:

• What is the philosophy of your practice?
• What tests are handled in the office? 
• Do you respond to questions through e-mail? 
• Do you offer same-day sick visits? 
• What is your schedule for baby well visits? 
• How do you treat twins differently than singletons? 

Step 5: Making your decision

In the end, you will probably have a good sense of who the right fit is for your family and your babies. In the early weeks and months, you will work very closely with your pediatrician so having a good rapport is key. 

Follow these important steps and you will be on your way to finding the perfect provider for your babies. 

The post 5 Steps to Find the Perfect Pediatrician for Your Twins appeared first on TWINS Magazine.

The problem is, most new parents have no clue what items are necessities. The minute they set foot into a baby store, they get overwhelmed and start to panic. Before you know it, they’ve scanned 10 pages (front and back) worth of baby items, most of which will never leave the box.

To make things easier on gift-givers and moms and dads alike, we’ve rounded up the best gifts for new parents they’ll actually use.

Convertible Car Seat

Out of all the baby gear new parents will need, a car seat ranks at the very top of the list. In fact, you’re not even allowed to leave the hospital without one. With the right car seat, parents can feel confident driving their bubs around town even above the typical 10 kph dad speed limit.

Our pick: Britax Marathon ClickTight

The Britax Marathon is one of the highest safety-rated car seats and features a unique ClickTight installation system that uses your car’s seat belt. God knows how much blood, sweat, and tears we’ve all shed struggling with the LATCH system on most car seats. Now safely securing your little ones in the car is as easy as buckling a seat belt whether in a front-facing or rear-facing position. The only thing missing from this car seat is a cup holder (sold separately). 

Crib

Some parents prefer to keep their baby in a bassinet or co-sleep for the first few months. But once the baby outgrows the cradle or when parents have had enough of the little blocker hijacking their sexy time, whichever comes first, a crib is a necessity.

Our pick: Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib 

This eco-friendly and non-toxic crib has a stylish and open contemporary look that is guaranteed to make a statement in any room. Choose from a variety of solid or two-tone colors and four adjustable mattress positions, perfect for vertically challenged moms. Once the baby can get out of the crib on his own, the Hudson easily converts into a toddler bed and a daybed for each stage of your child’s growth.

Crib Mattress

A top-quality mattress can help provide a safe, comfortable resting environment and help the baby sleep better and longer so you too can sleep like a baby; or better yet, like a dad who can sleep through a baby screaming in the middle of the night.

Our pick: Newton Crib & Toddler Mattress

The Newton Crib & Toddler Mattress has one of the highest safety ratings. It’s 100% organic, hypoallergenic, and chemical-free. This two-stage mattress is firm enough for an infant yet cushy enough for a growing toddler. The patented Wovenaire® core is zipped into a breathe-thru (machine washable) cover, which provides maximum airflow, reducing the risk of SIDS. However, complete peace of mind comes with a hefty price tag, but totally worth it in our opinion.

Muslin Swaddling Blankets

Muslin is a magical multi-use material no parent should be without. This soft, stretchy, warm, and breathable fabric can be used as a blanket, burp cloth, sunshade, nursing cover, change pad, even a towel.

Our pick: Aden by Aden + Anais Swaddle Plus, 4-pack 

This Aden + Anais adorable 4-pack ensures you always have a security blanket for every situation. Whether you use it to swaddle baby to sleep or wear it like a supermom puke cape, the multifunction muslin is one blanket to rule them all!

A Compact Stroller

After the first few months of living in the mombie apocalypse battling a hungry, stinky, ankle-biter, most moms come out the other side victorious, ready to finally take a shower and face the new world. A compact stroller is the perfect set of wheels to travel with a baby around town or on a plane.

Our pick: Gb Pockit Stroller

The Gb Pockit is the world’s smallest folding stroller. It’s sufficiently compact to fit into a plane’s overhead compartment and folds and opens easily with a push of a button. The stroller comes newborn-ready and can accommodate children up to 55 lbs! Other great features include a comfortable reclining seat, a large sunshade, and a storage basket. 

An Ergonomic Baby Carrier

A baby carrier is another convenient way to get around when you can’t put your newborn down. Not only that, but having baby snuggled up next to you can help relieve colic, increase bonding, and lull baby to sleep. 

Our pick: ERGObaby 360 Baby Carrier

This ergonomic carrier keeps the baby seated in a comfortable frog-legged position, which promotes healthy hip and spine development. It also provides maximum comfort for parents, whether they wear baby front-inward, front-outward, on the hip, or on the back. The adjustable, velcro waistband offers extra support and the built-in hood protects the baby from the elements and provides privacy when nursing in public. 

Portable Change Pad

Parents change an average of 2200 diapers a year! That’s a lot of poop explosions and golden showers to contend with. A reliable, portable change pad can help make clean-ups quick and effortless while providing a soft surface for the baby.

Our pick: Keekaroo Peanut Diaper Changer

The Keekaroo is a soft changing pad made with a durable outer shell that is water-resistant, slip-resistant, and non-toxic. The diaper changer can securely rest on top of a dresser or table and doesn’t require any covers or additional pads. Just wipe it down after a diaper change, and you’re done. It also has raised edges to prevent babies from rolling off as well as a safety strap and comes in many fun colors. 

Baby Bottle (that closely resembles breastfeeding)

A breastfeeding mother may want to give her baby a bottle from time to time to share some feedings with dad or to escape for a few hours to sniff candles at Bath and Body Works. Whatever the reason, a bottle that closely mimics the breast can help with the transition.

Our pick: Comotomo Natural Feel Baby Bottle 

Mama didn’t raise no fool! Babies can easily tell the difference between a mom’s nipples and bottle nipples. With the Comotomo bottle, babies get a feeding experience that closely resembles breastfeeding, with a soft, squeezable bottle and naturally shaped, slow-flow, silicone nipples. The wide nipple base helps babies form a tight, vacuum seal similar to breastfeeding, and the dual air vents prevent colic. Plus Comotomo is BPA, PVC, and phthalate-free, and super easy to clean.

Double Electric Breast Pump

For moms who plan on transitioning baby to the bottle because they’re returning to work or need the occasional “me time,” a breast pump is essential. Trust us, there is nothing worse than having to ask your husband to milk you; kind of a MOOOd killer.

Our pick: Medela Sonata Smart Double Electric Breast Pump 

This new breast pump from Medela is an ultra-quiet, innovative double electric smart pump that automatically adjusts suction to ensure you’re pumping consistently and efficiently. Moms can also easily track feedings by connecting to the MyMedela app on their smartphone and get access to helpful lactation information and other valuable content to help moms achieve breastfeeding success.

The Best Car Seats for Twins

A Multifunctional High Chair

Unless mom and dad want to spend the first few years of parenthood battling each other for the title of who wore the baby food best, a high chair is a no-brainer. Although babies won’t be eating solids for the first 5 months or so, some high chairs can double as infant seats.

Our pick: Peg Perego Siesta High Chair

The Peg Perego is a multi-function high chair that grows with the baby from infancy to toddlerhood. The soft padding and five reclining positions. It keeps babies happy and comfy through playtime, cat naps, and meals. And the chair has nine height positions allowing the baby to eat at the table with the rest of the family, with wheels that automatically lock for safety. There is also plenty of room to store extra bibs, burp cloths, and clean clothes in the storage net.

Digital Thermometer

Fevers are a common occurrence with babies and young children and can sometimes require medical attention. Having an accurate thermometer that you don’t have to stick in your baby’s butt isn’t just a nice-to-have but can also be a lifesaver.

Our pick: Kinsa Digital Smart Thermometer

The Kinsa Digital Smart Thermometer takes accurate readings in seconds and can sync with your smartphone, so you can conveniently keep your family’s health information on hand for doctor’s appointments or emergency hospital visits. Even more, the thermometer includes a fun bubble-popping game to distract older kids and put them at ease.

A Nasal Aspirator

When a baby is stuffed-up, it’s hard on both the child and the parents. They’re irritable, cry a lot, and have trouble sleeping. And that’s just the mom and dad. Unfortunately, a box of tissues won’t fix the problem. Until a child learns to blow his or her nose, they’ll need assistance in blasting those pesky boogers away. In comes the nasal aspirator. 

Our pick: NoseFrida “The Snotsucker”

Before nasal aspirators, parents had to suck the snot out of their babies’ noses with their mouths! NoseFrida, aka the Snotsucker, was created by a doctor who was probably sick and tired of doing snot shots. So out of necessity, he came up with this simple but highly effective long blue plastic tube that you place the tip inside your baby’s nose, while you suck the boogers from the other end. Don’t worry, the disposable filters prevent any rogue snot rockets from blasting down your throat. Yeah, parenting (wait for it) sucks sometimes.

Are there any other products you think parents shouldn’t live without? Let us know in the comments.

The post Best Gifts for New Parents They’ll Actually Use appeared first on TWINS Magazine.