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Double Trouble: How to Furnish Nurseries for Twins
Setting up a nursery for twins can be challenging, but with a little forward thinking, doubling up can yield rewarding results
Logistically, parents with twins are faced with a unique set of challenges when it comes to designing their nursery layout and selecting furnishings. Here are some of the most important things for expectant parents to consider.
As if becoming someone’s mum or dad isn’t already daunting enough, expectant parents of twins have double the amount of anxiety when it comes to smoothly prepping a space so it’s ready to welcome and care for two newborns.
The essentials
Expert in all things nurseries and kids’ rooms, interior designer, founder of Nest Design Studio and mother of three, Belinda Nihill, says that the biggest challenge parents of twins should plan for is utilising the bedroom effectively.
“Forward thinking about how you can create the best use of space for cots, the change table and seating is key,” says Nihill.
In terms of bedding, the best cots are sturdy and should have slatted walls so that there is plenty of air flow. This also means the babies can be easily seen from a distance.
Expert in all things nurseries and kids’ rooms, interior designer, founder of Nest Design Studio and mother of three, Belinda Nihill, says that the biggest challenge parents of twins should plan for is utilising the bedroom effectively.
“Forward thinking about how you can create the best use of space for cots, the change table and seating is key,” says Nihill.
In terms of bedding, the best cots are sturdy and should have slatted walls so that there is plenty of air flow. This also means the babies can be easily seen from a distance.
Nihill also recommends bringing in a nice big chair (or two). “I’ve had twin mums request small lounges or oversized chairs for nurseries to accommodate two people to feed the babies, or help settle them at the same time,” she says.
As you’ll be feeding each bub more than 10 times a day early on, you’ll definitely be in need of a nursery chair or couch that you’ll be comfortable spending a lot of time in.
Decorating ideas for gender-neutral nurseries
As you’ll be feeding each bub more than 10 times a day early on, you’ll definitely be in need of a nursery chair or couch that you’ll be comfortable spending a lot of time in.
Decorating ideas for gender-neutral nurseries
Interior designer Elena Del Bucchia, who is based in Canada, couldn’t agree more. When discussing the design of her first bub’s nursery she says: “Our chair was comfortable and happy, and made both of us dread our sleepless nights less.”
You also need to decide what you’re going to do regarding sleeping arrangements. “While you might start the twins off in the same cot, they’ll quickly need their own sleeping space,” Nihill says.
It’s best to opt for separate cots to help the twins settle and to avoid one disturbing the other too often throughout the night. Streamlined rectangular cots work best to make the most of your floor space, as you can fit them flush against the wall.
It’s best to opt for separate cots to help the twins settle and to avoid one disturbing the other too often throughout the night. Streamlined rectangular cots work best to make the most of your floor space, as you can fit them flush against the wall.
“It’s vital you plan out and have space for two cots, a change table and ample comfy seating for caring for, cuddling and doting on your new babes,” says Nihill.
Layout
Some new mums and dads prefer to place the change table closest to the door, in the activity zone of the nursery, and the cots and easy chair in the furthest corners away from the door, in the relaxation zone. This is so parents can peer in without disturbing the twins and also so that they can easily transfer a sleeping bub from a nursing chair into the cot.
Other parents prefer to have the cots closest to the door so it’s easier to access a crying or hungry baby at 3am. It’s also a good idea to place the change table close to the cupboard or dresser so clothes are always close at hand.
Plan a nursery to nurture baby’s senses
Some new mums and dads prefer to place the change table closest to the door, in the activity zone of the nursery, and the cots and easy chair in the furthest corners away from the door, in the relaxation zone. This is so parents can peer in without disturbing the twins and also so that they can easily transfer a sleeping bub from a nursing chair into the cot.
Other parents prefer to have the cots closest to the door so it’s easier to access a crying or hungry baby at 3am. It’s also a good idea to place the change table close to the cupboard or dresser so clothes are always close at hand.
Plan a nursery to nurture baby’s senses
Putting the cots next to a window is a big no-no for safety reasons, as well as to prevent draughts, noise, cooler temperatures and light from disrupting the baby’s sleep.
The layout of your nursery is really up to your personal preference. It’s wise to go with what is most practical for the space you have, and whatever you feel most comfortable with for you and your new family members.
The layout of your nursery is really up to your personal preference. It’s wise to go with what is most practical for the space you have, and whatever you feel most comfortable with for you and your new family members.
Storage hacks
When you’re changing in the region of 20 nappies a day, you won’t be able to get away with skimping on storage in your twins’ nursery. Think of all the nappies, clothes, powder, baby wipes, lotions and baby oil you’ll be churning through.
“For the best use of space, you can’t go past a dresser that doubles as a change table with change pad on top,” says Nihill says. “You can then keep all the nappies and creams within easy reach, stored in the drawers underneath.”
For the change table-dresser combo, Nihill says you’ll want to ensure the dresser you select isn’t too low or too high, so that the change table sits between hip and waist height on you. This is for the safety of your baby and health of your back and shoulders.
When you’re changing in the region of 20 nappies a day, you won’t be able to get away with skimping on storage in your twins’ nursery. Think of all the nappies, clothes, powder, baby wipes, lotions and baby oil you’ll be churning through.
“For the best use of space, you can’t go past a dresser that doubles as a change table with change pad on top,” says Nihill says. “You can then keep all the nappies and creams within easy reach, stored in the drawers underneath.”
For the change table-dresser combo, Nihill says you’ll want to ensure the dresser you select isn’t too low or too high, so that the change table sits between hip and waist height on you. This is for the safety of your baby and health of your back and shoulders.
Other valuable storage pieces to help you stay sane include a nappy bin, preferably close to the change table (to keep the nasty smells at bay), a big laundry hamper (which will fill quickly), and door hanging storage pockets for all the little items that are easily misplaced (bibs, burping cloths, towels, dummies, washcloths, booties etc.). The designers also recommend you add a second rod to the babies’ cupboard for all the tiny outfits you’ll be accumulating.
Tips for bedrooms that grow with your kids
Tips for bedrooms that grow with your kids
Don’t be fooled into thinking practicality trumps style when it comes to organisation in a twins’ nursery. “[Use] open storage shelves and baskets for storing soft toys and books,” Nihill suggests, “and for making sure you have some display space for all the little special things [you’ll no doubt collect].”
The finishing touches
Like any new parents, you’ll want to make your twins’ nursery extra special with personal touches. “Make the room reflect your decorating style and display things that are important/special to you and your family,” says Nihill.
There are so many ways to add sentimental and personal touches to your nursery. Bring in an antique rocking horse or dollhouse you loved as a child, frame and hang your ultrasound picture or first family photo from the hospital, or paint a colourful family tree mural using low-odour paint – all will welcome the new babies to the family.
Del Bucchia recommends adding in picture rails to make an attractive artistic feature of your twins’ first story books. “Books add colour and whimsy and made the room look like a little fairytale,” she says.
Like any new parents, you’ll want to make your twins’ nursery extra special with personal touches. “Make the room reflect your decorating style and display things that are important/special to you and your family,” says Nihill.
There are so many ways to add sentimental and personal touches to your nursery. Bring in an antique rocking horse or dollhouse you loved as a child, frame and hang your ultrasound picture or first family photo from the hospital, or paint a colourful family tree mural using low-odour paint – all will welcome the new babies to the family.
Del Bucchia recommends adding in picture rails to make an attractive artistic feature of your twins’ first story books. “Books add colour and whimsy and made the room look like a little fairytale,” she says.
You could also put up pretty wall paper in a soothing shade, hang an eye-catching mobile that plays a calming lullaby, add quirky decals to cheer up neutral walls or place a fluffy sheepskin rug on the floor for comfy tummy time. Decor and theming ideas are only limited by your imagination.
Also consider adding in a pretty night light or a low-wattage lamp that is dim enough to allow the babies to get to sleep, but still allows you to easily come and go during the night without stubbing your toe on the cot leg or dresser.
TELL US
Have you designed a nursery for twins before? Let us know what piece of furniture or layout worked best for you in the Comments.
MORE
Browse more nurseries for inspiration
Also consider adding in a pretty night light or a low-wattage lamp that is dim enough to allow the babies to get to sleep, but still allows you to easily come and go during the night without stubbing your toe on the cot leg or dresser.
TELL US
Have you designed a nursery for twins before? Let us know what piece of furniture or layout worked best for you in the Comments.
MORE
Browse more nurseries for inspiration