Getting out of the house to go shopping and run errands with newborn twins can feel overwhelming. The good news is with the right preparation, timing, and strategies, you can make these trips smoother and more manageable.
From packing essentials to choosing the best stroller and handling feedings on the go, small changes make a big difference. As a mom of twins myself, in this post I am sharing my practical tips to help parents of twin babies feel confident and calm while enjoying time outside the house with both their newborns.
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Preparation Is Key
The first thing you will want to do is time your outings strategically. I always prepped to go out directly after feedings were complete. Ideally, your outing will fall at a time after you have fed your babies simultaneously. As newborns, my twins would go to sleep after a feed, which gave the biggest window before the next feed.
If you familiarize yourself with a newborn twins schedule, you fill find your babies eating at the same time doesn’t always happen. This can be one of the trickiest parts of outings, since it’s not guaranteed they will eat at the same time at this age. If this happens, either wait until the next feed to go out or bring extra bottles as needed for your outing. At the very least, time your outing after at least one twin has just eaten.
I also recommend avoiding peak fussiness times (this was late afternoons and evenings in my house). This reduces the chance of meltdowns while you’re away from home.
You will also want to choose easy-to-change clothing for your twins. Dress your little ones in outfits that are easy to remove and replace. I recommend onesies or zip-up sleepers to make diaper changes faster and less stressful.
Pack What You Will Need for Two Babies
When shopping with twins, a well-packed bag is your lifesaver. Use the twins diaper bag list below to ensure you have everything you will need. If you would like a printable version of this list, you can get it by clicking here.
Babies:
- Diapers
- Wipes in portable holder
- Portable changing mat
- Diaper rash cream
- Bag for dirty diapers
- Extra sets of clothes (2)
- Burp cloths
- Bottles for each baby (if needed)
- Formula (if needed)
- Bibs (optional)
- Small baby toys
- Blankets
- Pacifiers
- Pacifier clips (optional)
- Bulb syringe (nasal aspirator)
Mom or Dad:
- Nursing cover (if needed)
- Disposable nursing pads (if needed)
- Adult Tylenol / Motrin or other medicine
- Water bottle
- Snacks
- Wallet / keys / phone
- Gum / mints (optional)
- Toiletries that are needed
- Phone charger
- Hair ties (optional)
Siblings:
- Change of clothes
- Diapers (if needed)
- Toys
- Snacks
- Books
- Sippy cup or bottle
Miscellaneous:
- Hand sanitizer
- Kids Tylenol / Motrin
- Plastic bag for dirty clothes
- Travel laundry stain remover (optional)
- Band-aids
- Hand lotion (optional)
- Hats / mittens / socks (if needed)
- Sunscreen (if needed)
- Nail clippers (optional)
- Brush / comb
- Tissues
I recommend always having your diaper bag stocked with the items like clothes, pacifiers, etc. so you’re ready for quick trips. Just add a few extra diapers and formula (if applicable) before you leave and you will be ready to go.
Transportation Tips for Shopping with Newborn Twins
When traveling by car, I recommend two infant car seats with a double frame stroller for errands. This is the lightest weight and most practical option for getting your twins into and out of the car, especially if they are napping. It can also be beneficial to put a caddy in your trunk with extra diapers, blankets, and wipes for emergencies in case you forget something at home.
Related: Check out this article on the best car seats for twins for tips on selecting car seats for your needs.
If you will be walking and/or using public transportation, you will probably prefer a double stroller that has two bassinets. Learn where elevators and ramps are on your route. If possible, try to travel during off-peak hours for more space and less stress. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for assistance when boarding or exiting your mode of transportation too, people will generally be more than happy to help.
Stress-Free Tips for Shopping and Errands with Twins
Now that you know how to time your trips, what to pack in your diaper bag, and how to manage transportation, let’s review a few more tips for getting out of the house with newborn twins.
1 – Use a Double Stroller Efficiently
Choose a stroller that’s easy to maneuver and fits through store aisles. With newborns, I personally think a tandem double stroller usually makes the most sense here.
Make sure the stroller has enough space to handle a diaper bag for twins, which will be a little larger than normal. I also loved using stroller hooks, because it saved stroller space with a spot for my purse.
2 – Know Exactly Where You Will Go
Short, targeted trips are easier than long excursions. Use shopping lists to save time, and consider online ordering with in-store pickup (when possible). Complete the errands you must do first. Then, if your twins are doing well and you have time, you can throw in an extra errand if you want to.
3 – Feeding On The Go
Have a plan for feeding two babies when out and about. If you are breastfeeding twins, scout stores with nursing rooms or family bathrooms. If you have a car, you can nurse in the car. Use a nursing cover if you want more privacy.
For bottle feeding, ensure you have enough bottles and they are prepped for feeding your babies when needed. Learn how to warm baby bottles on the go here.
Another option are these pre-made formula bottles. During the newborn stage, I loved these. They hold the right amount for a newborn’s feeding and you simply screw on a Dr. Brown’s-compatible collar with a Dr Brown’s newborn nipple and feed your babies. They are more expensive than using powder formula, but I found it to be worth it for the convenience.
4 – Bring a Helper Whenever Possible
A partner, friend, or family member can be invaluable. Having extra hands to push the stroller or care for one of the babies makes a huge difference and provides emotional support.
5 – Be Flexible
Even the best plans can go off track. Do your best to keep a calm mindset. If your babies are crying, it’s okay and to be honest it’s bound to happen. By knowing this, it will help you remain calm when it does. If needed, you can always abandon your plan and go back home.
6 – Enjoy Your Time Out
Getting out of the house with twins requires a lot of work and planning. Once you are out, if your babies are at peace, take that time to revel in your time away from home. Outings are a chance to get fresh air, a change of scenery, and to feel like a normal human being again. Remind yourself that it’s okay to enjoy that taste of freedom while you are there.
Shopping and leaving the house with newborn twins can be challenging, but it’s completely doable with preparation, patience, and flexibility.
Keep your essentials packed, plan your timing, and use tools like double strollers and helpers to make life easier. Over time, leaving the house will feel more routine – especially as your twins get older and have a more reliable schedule.
