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The role of the Registered Nurse or Newborn Care Provider is to feed, soothe, bathe, change & provide all other gentle care to baby through the night.

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Night Nannies Baby Registry Must-Haves for TWINS!

Night Nannies Baby Registry Must-Haves for TWINS!
Twins Baby Registry Must-Haves!

So you’re having twins, congratulations! It can all be overwhelming but don’t worry- we got you! Our team will help you get prepared with all the gear to welcome home your newborns below in Night Nannies Baby Registry Must-Haves for TWINS!

Night Nannies Baby Registry Must-Haves for TWINS!

Yes you need a double stroller, 2 car seats and lots of clothes. you may not have thought of:

  • Diapers – This one may sound obvious but did you know a single baby goes through about 2,200 diapers in the first year? That’s 4,400 for your household! So yes- stock up on the preemie and newborn sizes because your infants will most likely be smaller than the average 7-8 pound singleton for a while. We also suggest being ready with the next size up diaper too. Future-you will thank today-you for keeping sizes 1, 2 and 3 somewhere in your house. When the babies grow out of the previous size they need the next size up quickly! This is because let’s face it, the babies will have enough blow-outs without having diapers that are too small!
  • The Double-Playpen – As they grow you will be thankful that the twins have a safe space to explore and play. You’ll also be thankful that all the toys are contained in one place! A play center that keeps babies safely enclosed is something the family will use for years indoors and outdoors.
  • Twin Sleeper – 2022 safe sleep recommendations include babies sleeping in the same room, but not the same bed as parents for the first 6 months of life. Additionally the only safe sleeping space for a baby up to age 1 is flat on their backs, without any blankets or items in their crib. For twins, their sibling could be considered another “item” in the crib! A twin co-sleeper checks all the boxes for safe sleep while allowing your newborns to be close to you for feeding. They’ll also be close to each other for comfort.

Twins Registry Items for YOU

Don’t forget to think of yourself when the twins arrive. Birth recovery and those first weeks and months home are exhausting and might have you doubting yourself. This is normal, but giving yourself some grace will help the whole family. Here are some ideas:

  • “One Handed Foods” – If you’re blessed to have friends organizing a meal train don’t forget to put portable foods on your list of likes. Whole dinners are wonderful but protein smoothies, fruit, granola bars…even hot dogs and hamburgers will get you quick energy when you might not be able to sit down. Stock the house with foods you can prepare and eat with one hand. While you’re at it get a whole bunch of straws. Vitamins, protein and nutrients are vital for you during this time where you’re recovering from birth and going on little sleep. If you’re breastfeeding having to-go foods and drinks on hand will help keep milk production up too.
  • Baby Breeza – The Baby Breeza is known as a kind of a “baby Keurig,” making formula instead of coffee. And this is AMAZING if your twins take formula overnight. Keep it on your nightstand and you won’t even have to get out of bed! If you’re nursing, there’s also a Breeza that will also safely thaw breastmilk, warm milk and make baby food. You can control all this from their app!
  • Help – We talk a lot about how many new parents have to be their own Village because friends and family aren’t available. There are resources for you though. Night nannies like us, daytime babysitters and your local Parents of Multiples chapter are all here for you. And if you’re experiencing postpartum depression or ever have thoughts that scare you, contact Postpartum Support International.
Postpartum doulas recommend foods for parents of newborn twins


You can see the whole Twins Registry here. Tell us if we missed anything on Facebook or IG! We make a commission from these sales but we actually really love and use all these items.

CDC Health Alert: Parechovirus in Newborns & Infants

The CDC has issued a health advisory that a particularly dangerous strain of parechovirus called PeV-A3 is currently circulating in the United States. CDC Health Alert: Parechovirus in Newborns & Infants describes this illness and how parents can keep their infants safe.

CDC Health Alert: Parechovirus in Newborns & Infants
CDC Health Alert

CDC Health Alert: Parechovirus in Newborns & Infants

As the CDC alert states: Parechoviruses are “a group of viruses known to cause a spectrum of disease in humans. Clinicians are encouraged to include PeV in the differential diagnoses of infants presenting with fever, sepsis-like syndrome, or neurologic illness (seizures, meningitis) without another known cause.” While these viruses are not new to the US, the PeV-A3 strain appears to effect infants, the elderly and the immune compromised most recently.

Symptoms

There is no vaccine for PeV-A3. Parents can look out for these symptoms and contact their pediatrician:

  • fever
  • diarrhea
  • irritability
  • respiratory differences than usual, such as seeming to work hard to breathe or breathing very fast.
  • botchy or discolored skin

In babies age 6 months or older, common symptoms also may include upper respiratory tract infection, fever, and rash.

How Can I Keep My Infant Safe?

Parechovirus is contagious via fecal, oral and respiratory routes. The incubation period is unknown but the CDC reports that a person can remain contagious for up to “3 weeks through the respiratory tract and up to 6 months through the gastrointestinal tract”. This means the best ways to prevent transmission are ones with which we are already very familiar:

  • hand washing with soap and water for all caregivers, before and after feeding and eating and especially after diaper changes.
  • sanitizing
  • mask wearing
  • social distancing
  • cleaning and sanitizing surfaces
  • keep baby out of crowded spaces and limit the amount of well wishers who want to kiss and hold baby.

This alert will be updated as more information becomes available. More tips on staying healthy in general are here. As always parents should consult their child’s primary care physician with questions or concerns.

Sleep Travel Tips for Babies

Updated, November 21, 2023 – Your newborn and infant routines might get thrown out the window during travel. And that’s okay because travel is hard on adults too, and you might want to change things up to make sure everyone is happy. Here are five sleep travel tips for babies to help you minimize meltdowns from our night nanny, baby nurse and postpartum team.

Sleep Travel Tips for Babies: What to Know

Practice at home.

  • Practice at home
  • Keep the same routine if you can
  • Don’t rely on strollers or swings for safe sleep
  • Slow down by stay flexible
  • Be ready when relatives question your parenting choices!
  • Many times babies are not used to sleeping in a travel bed or pack-n-play. So, our night nanny team likes to suggest put baby in a travel bed for naps at home in the weeks leading up to the trip. Your child might think this new crib is exciting, so go ahead and get the novelty out of the way at home!
lSeep Travel Tips for Babies

Keep sleep routines as close to home as possible to help baby feel secure.

  • Dress your baby in the pajamas/sleepsack/swaddle blanket that she’s used to.
  • If renting a full-sized travel crib from a hotel, bring bedsheets from the crib at home to recreate that familiar sleep environment.
  • Do the same sleep routine you do at home. Familiarity allows baby to know what comes next is sleep.

New places and not being at home is exciting for little ones. Remember that patience is your best tool to help your child get to sleep. They need time to explore The New Place and maybe get over being a little nervous outside of home

Try to stay on baby’s time.

  • If possible, try to keep naptimes and bedtimes as close to the same schedule as at home.
  • When traveling across time zones, gradually adjust baby’s bedtime in the days leading up to the trip so baby is on the time of your destination. You can do this by adjusting bedtime in 10 minute increments.
  • Some parents like to travel at night so baby can sleep and wake up in destination refreshed. If you’re driving, partners can alternate napping and caring for baby during the first day. If you’re flying, make sure to bring pacifiers to help with ear discomfort.

Remember these Sleep Travel Tips for Babies Once You’ve Arrived…

No swings or strollers for infant safe sleep.

  • The only safe place for babies to sleep for extended periods is alone, on a firm flat mattress and flat on their backs.
  • Here are recommendations to create a safe sleep environment.

Slow it down.

  • Don’t expect to have a jam-packed site seeing schedule. All the new sights, sounds, and experiences are very stimulating and exciting for baby. Baby could get fussy if overstimulated and too exhausted.
  • Remember that sleep begets sleep. Keeping baby awake longer may work for one night or one nap, but fighting against baby’s natural rhythms leads to meltdown.
  • While it is nice to have alone time with your partner, caring for a baby can be even more exhausting than usual when traveling. Try no not stay up too late yourself!

Have Surprises Ready!

Part of travel is, well, the traveling. Extended times in the car, train or place can get a little boring so be prepared with toys, books and snacks that your baby hasn’t seen before. It can be something simple from the dollar store; the novelty of a new toy will take up time and keep little one occupied. For a little while anyway! 🙂

Don’t forget about YOU

Be ready in case you hear variations of: “But he doesn’t look tired!” “Oh come on, a little (insert allergen/unsafe food) won’t hurt!” “You slept on the bed and you turned out fine!” Be ready with your come back, deep breathes and extra patience!

Weigh the options of accepting help, especially if you’re in the postpartum phase. If a well meaning relative looks after your newborn, therefore allowing you to sleep, it might be a win/win! You’ll get in a nap to maintain your immune system and energy levels.

Sleep Travel Tips for Babies
vacation Travel Tips for Babies

Keeping Illness Away and Travel with Kids

  • Research your destination – Respiratory illness is a fact of life. Check to your destination before you go so you can be prepared and comfortable.
  • Masks and mask mandates, have stopped but it’s not a bad idea to carry masks with you to use in crowded areas.
  • Sanitizer – Handwashing is best, but if you don’t have the opportunity to properly wash your hands, sanitizer is a good second option.
newborns need sleep even when they don't look tired
breastfeeding newborns on demand is normal and should be encouraged
newborns and infant safe sleep means sleeping on their backs

10 Steps to Safe Sleep for Baby

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updated its Safe Sleep Guidelines today. Here are 10 steps to safe sleep for baby with a breakdown of each guideline. The new 2022 issues and recommendations addressed by the AAP are added in pink.

list of Steps to Safe Sleep for Baby
Safe Sleep for newborns and infants

10 Steps to Safe Sleep

  1. Tummy time is recommended during awake times so that baby can exercise. This also ensures that babies don’t develop flat head syndrome from being placed on their backs too much.

2. Flat, clear surface: Place baby on a firm, flat surface clear of toys, crib bumpers, blankets  & other items. This also means no crib wedges, sleep positioners or other items marketed to help infants sleep more soundly. Keep baby’s airways clear without any risk of the head lowering and restricting airflow by placing them in the supine position.

3. Room Sharing: Keep baby in the same room as you, but not the same bed for NEW – at least 6 months. Previous advice was to stay in the same room for at least the first year of baby’s life. We certainly acknowledge that millions of families happily co-sleep with no problem and it’s often a cultural norm. But in terms of minimizing SIDS, the only safe space for baby is alone, in a crib free of sheets and pillows.

4. Avoid Smoking: in the home and around baby. There’s no risk-free amount of smoke for your baby. This includes secondhand smoke. NEW -The AAP has addressed other substances besides smoking stating simply: Avoid parent and infant exposure to nicotine, alcohol, marijuana, opioids, and illicit drugs.

5. Use a fan: Air circulation minimizes the risk of SIDS by 72%. You can use a ceiling fan or a portable oscillating fan. Both will work to keep the air flowing and reduce the risk of re-breathing air that has already been exhaled with carbon dioxide

6. Breastfeeding: If you can, nursing your newborn for at least 2 months has been shown to reduce the risk by 50%. This counts for milk given from a bottle as well as from the breast. The reason breastmilk helps is because it promotes brain growth, builds up the immune system and reduces instances of reflux. Lowered instances of reflux keep airways clear.

7. Vaccinate: Immunizations are proven to reduce to risk of SIDS.

8. Don’t let baby overheat: Dress appropriately for the temperature.

9. Give a pacifier: As the AAP has noted sucking on a pacifier requires forward positioning of the tongue, thus decreasing this risk of oropharyngeal obstruction. Be sure not to use a string or other attachment device when using a paci.

10. Avoid products that go against safe sleep guidelines: While they can still be found at many resellers, inclined sleepers have been banned for sale. The Consumer Product and Safety Commission (CPSC) ban affects rockers, pillows, nappers, wedges and sleep positioners. This ban took effect in 2022. Infants should not be put in these for sleep.

NEW– The AAP addresses weighted sleep sacs and swaddles stating that Weighted swaddles, weighted clothing or weighted objects on or near the baby are not safe and not recommended.  As far as swaddling goes, it is still recommended to help newborns stay comfortable but there is no evidence that swaddling is a SIDS deterrent.

NEW – The AAP specifically calls out cardiorespiratory monitors and other commercial devices that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS or other sleep-related deaths. Not only is there no evidence to support these product claims but the use of products claiming to increase sleep safety may provide a false sense of security and complacency.  

In other words, monitors and cribs that claim they will buzz or ring if baby’s breathing stops or heart rate lowers should be avoided.

babies will not choke sleeping on their backs
back sleeping is safest
back sleeping is safest for baby, trachea and esophagus are unblocked
unblocked
baby sleeping on stomach shows how trachea blocks the esophagus
blocked

This list was created using the AAP’s latest recommendations.  To learn more we recommend visiting the National Institute for Health for an interactive virtual safe sleep environment.

10 Steps to Safe Sleep for Baby
cribs for kids Safe Sleep demo

Alexa, Help With the Baby!

updated June 11, 2022 – Smart home devices are hands-free which is already a huge value to new parents! But how can Google and Alexa specifically help with newborns and infants? Alexa, Help With the Baby! contains Amazon Echo skills for new and expecting parents.

We all know we can order food, set a timer and check the weather…so here are 6 skills you may not have known about to help with newborns, infants and toddlers.

Alexa, Help With the Baby!
happy family

“Alexa, Help With the Baby!”

Integrate with Amazon Prime:

Order diapers, groceries and other essentials for 2-hour or same day delivery.  With delivery, you’ll never be without diapers, wipes, groceries and other home essentials. This means convenience, but also safety because you won’t have to bring your newborn out into crowds. This can be even more of a time-saver for parents with newborn twins and triplets.

Expecting parents can also sign up for discounts and coupons before baby arrives. 

Play white noise…safely: 

White noise, or reproducing the gentle “shhhh” sound baby is used to hearing in the womb, is a well known way to calm babies and help them get to and stay asleep. There are concerns however that white noise that’s too loud or too close to babies’ ears can harm hearing and speech development.  Playing white noise via the Echo means parents can control the volume and duration of white noise.

Secure baby monitor:

The Echo Dot (audio only) or Echo Show (for audio and visual) can be purchased as companions to the main device and can moved from room to room for safe monitoring of baby’s nursery and other areas.  Because the Echo is typically tied into your home wifi, hacking is rare, but for extra protection, families can password protect or even use fingerprint authentication to secure Alexa. 

Just say, “Alexa, drop in on the nursery” to check in on your baby anytime!

Play music, jokes and stories of course! 

Ask Alexa to play gentle chimes, dance-party music, kid-friendly jokes or even tell a story to help engage the whole family. We personally like this better than kids TV programming -or worse yet, the news!- droning on in the background of a home. No commercials and families can get moving, laugh and talk together without having to sit around the television.

Enable “Baby Stats“

Baby Stats is Amazon’s skill to track diaper changes, feedings, weight, pumping sessions and sleep.  Breastfeeding moms never have to worry about forgetting which side baby last nursed on, and parents have all baby’s vital information ready for the pediatrician. This is another great one for parents of multiples! Baby Stats also stores this information so it can be shared by babysitters, nannies and anyone else caring for baby. Baby Stats can also provide a daily “kick count” and due date countdown during pregnancy! 

Enable Alexa Routines

As it says on Amazon, Alexa routines “consist of a single trigger, which is the event which starts the Routine, followed by actions which are the things Alexa does during the Routine.” You can create Routine for Baby’s Bedtime for example. One way this could work is to say “Bedtime” and then Alexa will dim the lights and play soft music while you put on your infant’s pajamas and transition to the quiet of nighttime. When your child is older Alexa can be a bedtime countdown timer.

Do you have older kids? Read about keeping them safe while using iPads and other devices.

As with all electronic devices, experts warn that usage should be limited.  In an NPR interview, Solace Shen a psychologist at Cornell University who studies how children interact with robots, said: “These devices offer more engagement and interaction than just passively watching TV, but that interaction is still impoverished compared to talking to a parent or teacher.”  Shen says to treat Alexa as you would a tablet, with strict limits. If you have more Alexa tips, let us know!  

Alexa Skills for Parents of Newborns
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