Twins Coming Soon. Best Way to Save?

FoxJump on 08/04/2019 - 06:57

Gday

My wife is pregnant with identical twin boys. It's our first and hopefully last set of kids. Due October
The buying stuff begins.

Any advice on top tips for prams/car seats/etc?

We have a Mitsubishi Pajero and a Toyota Prius C.

We've been to two baby shops and think the … Expensive iCandy orange is the one for us because both kids can be carried at the same time while still allowing easy access to the storage pouch at the bottom and they're laid out in a row versus side by side, so we will fit though doors. I'm looking to buy it second hand however not many on sale as it's a new model.

Cot wise I'm thinking second hand ones too with a good clean on the mattress or maybe a second hand frame only with a new mattress.

Car baby seats … Grrr! So expensive. Will probably get two to begin while wife of mat leave and then an additional two later. Friends that have kids still need their baby seats. Pajero isofix mounts are stupid as two baby seats allow zero adults on the second row so I'll have to seatbelt them.
I'm thinking no baby capsule seat. Just the reversible front/rear facing 0-4 months ones.

Clothes - I'm hoping from some hand-me-downs from friends and a batch order from AliExpress. Any thoughts on this?

Nappies: shall I go disposable or washable and save the environment?

Any and all advice is welcome.
Cheerio

Nb: I notice the baby stores don't have discounted gift cards or cash back boo.

Toys & Kids Baby Car Seat Stroller

Comments

  • moar bargains on 08/04/2019 - 13:28
    +2

    Congratulations! The ride of your life is about to begin!

    There's lots of great tips above, and I'll add my 2c from an almost-3y.o. and a 6 week old:

    • Good work planning early. You can keep an eye out for sales and good deals on second hand stuff.
    • Don't bulk buy nappies (if you're going disposable), as you may need to try different brands as some fit better than others depending on the kid.
    • In our experience, when they start having regular wee/pop leaks, it's time to go up a size, even if they don't meet the weight brackets listed on the box/bag.
    • Buy shares in a nappy company because 150 nappies is going to last you about a week with twins for the first month or two (~10 changes a day * 2 * 7 days)
    • Bear in mind that the reversible car seats (anything other than a capsule) may not be suitable for the first few months, as the kids might be too small. Happened with our first, so we hired a capsule from the Red Cross for ~4-6 months.
    • In-a-row prams are easier to get through doors, but they are harder to manoeuvre, and can put a lot of strain on your wife's pelvic floor (which may or may not be an issue, depending on how pregnancy and delivery goes).
    • We started without a baby monitor, but then got one for $25 on gumtree and found it really handy.
    • Stay off Dr Google. There should be some sort of parent helpline in your state (or health direct), give them a call about medical issues rather than googling it, as you will save yourself a lot of stress. But bear in mind that some things have normal variation, and you/your sons may not match their quoted 'normal'. E.g. (hypothetically) A normal newborn does 5 poos a day, and yours is doing 2.
    • All carseats sold in Australia (and not recalled) meet mandatory safety standards, so the $100 Kmart one will be just as good as the $400 baby shop one in terms of safety, so don't buy the sales tactics. Where they will differ is the ease of use, strapping in etc.
    • We found baby carriers really useful (hug-a-bub for first few months, and ergo baby 360 for a little older). It gives you two hands free, while they can have the contact they want. And it's often easier for quick trips into shops etc.

    Probably more, but my day started at 3:30 this morning, so not thinking at my peak ;)

    • [Deactivated] on 08/04/2019 - 13:41
      +1

      What percentage of a day are good hours versus say middling chores versus tantrums/crying?

      • moar bargains on 08/04/2019 - 14:48
        +1

        The 2yo isn't too bad, usually has a couple of meltdowns a day, but they're usually over pretty quick (5-10 mins). He sleeps well, and is getting better at playing by himself. He still has a midday nap, so things usually start well and go downhill as he gets tired, but on the whole he's a pretty good kid. Of course that varies day to day…

        The newborn is a bit unsettled and wants to be held basically whenever he's not asleep or feeding, which is about half the day.

        We (or wife and kids on weekdays) usually manage to get out to something interesting-ish for the toddler each day like playgroups.

        So between get up at 7 and bed for the toddler at 7:30, by far the majority would be good or middling. Probably only really an hour or two which is difficult in that time. Getting the chores done while the toddler is helping or distracted, and you have free arms is the trick ;)

        Do you have kids?

  • Apoca89 on 08/04/2019 - 13:42

    Get a vasectomy - same year as you will reach the safety net.

    • FoxJump on 08/04/2019 - 18:05

      Safety net?

  • iversonjack on 08/04/2019 - 13:59
    +1

    We find that the 'little ones' wipes form woolworths are the best bang for buck, you can buy a box of 6 for the price of 5 individuals i think. They stay moist till the very last wipe. You'll be using a lot of wipes so these ones are great. Other recommendations on here are great and well-covered. All the best! (from father of two girls 4 and 2).

    • FoxJump on 08/04/2019 - 18:05

      I hate those wipes where the first half are great. The next half are sandpaper

      • humdingaling on 08/04/2019 - 18:21

        ps
        Flip the pack upside down so the moisture drips to the top sheets and you dont get a watery mess at the very bottom ;)

        • FoxJump on 08/04/2019 - 18:22

          !
          Doh
          So obvious. Yes thanks!

  • Bargain80 on 08/04/2019 - 14:06
    +1

    Don't know if anyone else has mentioned this, but ask your relatives or friends if they have unused baby/kids stuff/toys.
    My wife and I are not planning to have another baby, so we're happy to donate or sell cheaply for stuff that we don't need anymore.

    • FoxJump on 08/04/2019 - 18:04

      Yes. We have asked. They'll provide maybe.
      They also have their own kids though.

  • CheapandUsed on 08/04/2019 - 14:30
    +1

    Haven't seen it mentioned yet but your profile says based in NSW so don't forget to register for the baby bundle.

    https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/kidsfamilies/MCFhealth/materni…

    Not sure if you get two when having twins though.

    • FoxJump on 08/04/2019 - 14:41
      +1

      The FAQ says they're provided when you leave hospital. Don't see that I need to register

      Twins get two!

  • [Deactivated] on 08/04/2019 - 14:37
    +3

    Forgot to add, if family or friends offer to help , don't be too proud to say 'yes'. My MIL came and stayed with us for both pregnancies and she was a godsend! Amazing cook too:) I almost cried when she left.

    SIL and friends used to bring food over every time they would come to visit.

    • moar bargains on 08/04/2019 - 14:53
      +3

      Should be a rule: if you're visiting a newborn, don't show up empty handed. And a microwavable meal will mean a lot more to Mum and Dad than another isn't-it-adorable onesie or squeaky thing.

      • macrocephalic on 08/04/2019 - 16:28
        +1

        Just be careful that no one is sick, try to limit the number of people who visit, and don't be afraid to say no if you're too tired or busy. Having a sick newborn is stressful! Ours got sick because someone had been near someone with a cold, but didn't realise and hadn't started showing symptoms. Our baby got sick and the visitor got sick at about the same time. It's not their fault, but don't be afraid to be strict with people.

        • FoxJump on 08/04/2019 - 17:33

          Aware of early-visitors.
          Dr said to get all of us that live at home to be vaccinated to the flu and woopiecough

          • [Deactivated] on 08/04/2019 - 17:37

            @FoxJump: Yes, only people who were vaccinated were allowed to hold the baby for the first 40 days.

            • FoxJump on 08/04/2019 - 18:04

              @[Deactivated]: Kinda makes the bassinet/carrycot in the pram a bit pointless hey?

    • FoxJump on 08/04/2019 - 17:33

      Noted.

  • moar bargains on 08/04/2019 - 15:05
    +2

    Also, (assuming your wife is able to), breastfeeding is a skill that takes time and effort for both Mum and baby to learn! Don't hesitate to get a lactation consultant if things aren't going well, because milk is stacks cheaper than formula!

    And you can have a couple of weeks off because new baby, but start setting sleep routines from very early (like first couple of months). Talk to the wife and come up with a plan for a bed time routine. E.g. we did PJs, then a feed, then sing a song/read a book, then a specific phrase (sleep time, nighty night, whatever). A lot of sleep problems come from setting associations that you then have to break to get them to sleep by themselves, so be careful about what you do and if you can/want to keep doing it for the next 2 years.

    • FoxJump on 08/04/2019 - 17:34

      Top tip. I shall jot it down

  • OG Puppy Banana on 08/04/2019 - 15:07
    +1

    Slightly tangential post; Congratulations!

    I am a twin and I can't imagine a better way to grow up than as a twin. You are very lucky!

    Good luck to your family and may your pregnancy be in good health! :D

    • FoxJump on 08/04/2019 - 17:34
      +1

      Thanks.
      Did you parents ever draw a moustache one of you to differentiate between you and your sibling?
      Did they struggle to tell you apart as a baby?

      • OG Puppy Banana on 09/04/2019 - 09:49
        +3

        Haha - Thankfully for our parents, we are different-gender fraternal twins.

        We were always in matching but different outfits and until the age of 1, we were discerned by the fact that my head was larger. Save for that, we looked so similar, even I have to double-take when I look at baby photos of me and my sister!

  • BuyoTheCat on 08/04/2019 - 15:54

    If they are not born yet. They are identical. after birth, they might not be.

    • FoxJump on 08/04/2019 - 17:35
      +3

      I see.
      Esp with the texta moustache I plan on drawing on one to tell them apart.

  • blehgg on 08/04/2019 - 16:05

    baby bunting carpark sale ~ got 2 car seats for price of 1 + change.

    • FoxJump on 08/04/2019 - 17:36

      Wow!
      Where do I sign up for notices.
      Thanks to this post, I signed up my spam email to their newsletter

  • AyjeofSpades on 08/04/2019 - 16:22
    +1

    Congratulations. Most of the things I'd suggest are covered, but something you could consider -

    If you are having a baby shower, you could suggest people write their well-wishes in a baby book instead of a card. Nothing fancy needed, paperback baby books can be as cheap as a hallmark 'Congratulations' card, but serve a practical purpose as well. It's nice seeing people's messages in the front-page a few months later, each time you read their book.

    p.s. It's not as bad as people claim. Don't stress yourself out, learn to laugh when things don't go your way - I'm sure you'll do great.

    • FoxJump on 08/04/2019 - 17:36

      I understand.
      Thank you. Also much more useful

  • macrocephalic on 08/04/2019 - 16:25

    Cloth nappies are significantly cheaper over the period you'll be using them. They are more trouble, and there is a significant outlay. Apparently there's a good used market for them, nothing a lit Be warned, it will probably a whole extra (long) wash every day, and good luck getting them all line dried, you'll probably have to use a dryer.

    They will grow out of clothes really quickly. Our first is only 6 weeks old and he's already stretching some of the newborn stuff, in six weeks he's nearly doubled in weight. Find friends who have kids and ask what they want to get rid of, our friends loaded us up with so many things - because it accumulates so quickly and you'll want it gone.

    Kids clothes are so cheap at places like kmart, or even bonds factory outlets. For the first few months they'll basically just be wearing onesies.

    Keep an eye out for sales on the expensive items (breast pump, thermometer, etc).

    Buy your baby furniture on gumtree, give it a scrub with disinfectant. Paint it if need be.

    You can never have too many spit rags (the old square terry towling nappies). You can never have too many baby wipes.

    Also, gather up all the sample things that you get from places and use them. We ended up with 8 sample pots of sudocream - which might last him until he's out of nappies at this rate.

    • FoxJump on 08/04/2019 - 18:03

      So do you spray the turds off in the garden then put into the wash?
      I have a fancy dryer, so i'm sorted. Fancy = heatpump. That way I don't feel guilty for warming the house in summer then cooling with aircon.

  • Waffles on 08/04/2019 - 17:18
    +1

    Congrats. I'd suggest signing up to local "Pay it forward" groups on FB. We got a lot of junk we needed through them then gave it all back when it suited. Very handy source of toys, clothes and equipment.

    • FoxJump on 08/04/2019 - 18:03

      Willdo

  • fruxo on 08/04/2019 - 17:57
    +1

    Bonds wonder suit. Just stock up on different sizes when it's 50% off. We had so many cute expensive outfits, but in the end he wore bonds 95% of the time for his first few months.

    More importantly, be organized beforehand in terms of freezing food and arranging family members to help etc. And be willing to accept help! We only had one child, but it was very hard. I don't know how we could have handled twins without help.. when they get a little bit older though, twins would have been great :)

    • FoxJump on 08/04/2019 - 18:04

      Bond wonder suit. Got it. i'll have to now spend an hour going through the posts to collate it in a onenote file

      • fruxo on 08/04/2019 - 18:08

        Don't overspend on pram and cots etc if money is tight, they are mostly all fine. People get carried away.

        One of the best things we got was this play mat. Highly recommended despite seemingly a bit expensive. Perfect for no-nappy time.
        https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/447727

        • FoxJump on 08/04/2019 - 18:16

          How would the playmat compare to say … playing on tiles?

          • fruxo on 08/04/2019 - 18:43

            @FoxJump: Tiles are too hard for no-nappy time, you'd have to put something on top. But there will be plenty of accidents, so the one linked is better as it's water proof and can just be wiped. Try it in store. It's really heavy and dense so provides excellent cushioning. You will probably get lots of presents, so getting the play mat is much better than random toys you'll barely use.

          • vandelay on 08/04/2019 - 21:53

            @FoxJump: the dwingular mats are great, and sooo worth it… lasts for years.. my 5 yr old one looks brand new

            with those alphabet tile things.. spilt milk, crumbs get stuck in there.. younger ones try to bite off bits… the mats are easily wiped and not slippery

      • paaj on 09/04/2019 - 15:29
        +1

        Speaking of wonder suits, try and get the suits with zips. F*** doing the buttons whilst wrestling these wriggling kids. Been there, done that!

        • FoxJump on 09/04/2019 - 15:34

          I see there's a bond sale on now.
          Dang. I have to wait to see if anyone gifts me some or if there are some hand-me-downs

        • FoxJump on 09/04/2019 - 15:34

          Trousers with buttons instead of a zipper fly are the worst.

        • danyool on 10/04/2019 - 00:44

          Amen to that!! Buttons and press studs should be banned!!

  • docpol on 08/04/2019 - 18:14
    +1

    Message/Ask all your friends now with kids for their outgrown baby/kid stuff.

    After that, you should be trolling FB baby buy/sell pages and also attending baby expos and browsing baby shops both online and physical stores to get an idea of the ones you like, prices, and which ones you will still need later on after all the giveaways/gifts.

    Then, a couple of months before due date, if no one has offered to do so by this time, ask a close friend to organise a baby shower where you have a baby registry/wish list so you don't double up. Well in your case, double up is good so it should be "so you don't triple up".

    After baby shower, organize your baby stuff then start buying the ones you still need!

    About 1-2 month after babies are born, once you get a semblance of normalcy in your life back, host a get-together/party (it doesn't have to be expensive, could even be potluck) to celebrate their births and show your appreciation for your friends who gave you gifts and hand-me-downs.

    • FoxJump on 08/04/2019 - 18:15

      Okiedokie.

  • FoxJump on 08/04/2019 - 18:17

    I'm going to take all this great advice I've received, and write it in a OneNote file for myself to absorb.

    So much material.

    • John Kimble on 08/04/2019 - 18:59

      Maybe you can make a Wikipage? Before you disappear for a few months/years :p

    • bl1027 on 09/04/2019 - 08:17

      Congrats on your twins! I am due in July and would be grateful if you would share the list with me once you've compiled it.

      The amount of baby stuff is amazing. I spent 45 minutes searching for a cot and was so overwhelmed with the choice that I just gave up.

      • FoxJump on 09/04/2019 - 08:24

        It's a simple list made up of the same advice you've read here.
        PM me for an email so I can email you a PDF of it.

  • rompastompa on 08/04/2019 - 19:01

    Twins Coming Soon. Best Way to Save?

    Contraceptive.

    I don't have much else to add, as there are plenty of examples above. Good luck!! One at a time is hard enough!! :D

    • FoxJump on 08/04/2019 - 19:03
      +1

      One kid was planned.
      The other was not.

      • rompastompa on 08/04/2019 - 19:03
        +1

        When they're older, make sure you tell the one that wasn't planned!

        • FoxJump on 08/04/2019 - 19:14

          Hopefully that moustache I draw when they're born doesn't erase.

          • [Deactivated] on 08/04/2019 - 20:21

            @FoxJump: Identical twins are not always carbon copy of each other. They can have different freckles and birthmarks, slight differences in hair color, skin tone,… etc
            Some are even born bigger and taller than the other.

            • FoxJump on 09/04/2019 - 08:24

              @[Deactivated]: In this came, each has their own "sac" so twin to twin transfer should not be a problem.
              i'll find out when they pop out though.

            • blehgg on 09/04/2019 - 11:25
              +3

              @[Deactivated]: true ~ look at Danny and Arnold.

  • Capo93 on 08/04/2019 - 19:06

    I have twin girls, almost 9(and I’m only 26, don’t ask) best bit of advice I was ever given was when they were about 1, we were at a club for lunch and it came from an older lady selling lions club raffle tickets, she told me to build a tall ladder, climb it and never get down, ohhh how I wish I listened.

    • FoxJump on 08/04/2019 - 19:21

      :)
      I take it those foldable ladders aren't tall enough?

    • [Deactivated] on 08/04/2019 - 19:24

      I have twin girls, almost 9(and I’m only 26, don’t ask

      No need to. I can do the maths :) Did it turn you off sex for awhile? I was 24 and happily married when we found out we were having twins. I almost fell off my chair.

      • FoxJump on 08/04/2019 - 19:32
        +1

        Was it an Ikea tall chair?

    • ilmenite on 08/04/2019 - 21:04
      +1

      Not as bad as finding out about twins at 48!
      It was very hard work for the first three months until they missed a night feed.
      My better half wanted everything new:

      So pram, we went with a side by side, Valco spark duo was our choice, comes with seats which are also bassinets, seats face forwards or backwards, much easier to manoeuvre than the inline supertankers, the only two places we couldn't get into were the baby changing room at the zoo and the paedeatrician's office

      One cot to start with - second needed after 6months was secondhand but with new mattress. All new bedding, put two mattress protectors and two sheets on, makes it easy to remove on in the middle of the night after accidents.

      Car seats, all car seats are to Australian standard so cost is for extra padding and fancy looks. We went with Infrasecure Neons for 0-4yo which were on sale for $120 from Kmart, rear facing for 6months then forwards. Out 4.5yo are still using them now as they don't yet reach the required shoulder height. Will move onto boosters shortly. Don't buy secondhand, any sort of accident makes them dodgy safetywise. Not worth saving such a small amount if they get used daily for 4-5 years.

      As you have twins en route (hope there wasn't one hiding at the ultrasound - it does happen!) it is worth joining your local Multiple Birth Association. They have Facebook pages for hints, tips and selling stuff. The one here in WA also run workshops aimed at twins, eg. Breastfeeding, schooling and social activities eg. Easter and Christmas parties. It also gives a chance to talk to those already battle hardened by twins. There will also be the odd set of triplets to make you wonder how hard it must be with three instead of only two. They also have discounts arranged with shops (always ask for a twin discount, most baby shops will knock something off).

      I think the breastpump was a Spectra, it was noticaby cheaper than most other common options. Good as they don't get milk into the pump itself as there is a seal between vacuum and cup. Spares are also lower cost than most. It also hss an external transformer so it can be used overseas on a travel plug or a new transformer - proved very handy in US and elsewhere. Only drawback was it used to be mail order only.

      • FoxJump on 09/04/2019 - 08:41

        Gday,

        Thanks for your reply.
        Nice know that one cot is enough for the first six months. Where does one buy cot mattresses separately?
        I have also seen the infrasecure ones. They're great priced and have a birth-8 year one too.

        I've emailed my local multibirth assoc to attend their monthly meeting next week.
        yeah I always joked that Mrs FoxJump should have triplets and get it all done. So at the ultrasound I kept asking if there was a third. They didn't find one but we'll find out more at the next ultrasound.

        Noted: Spectra breastpump

        • ilmenite on 09/04/2019 - 08:59

          Cot matresses can be bought from most baby shops. There are two or three different sizes (Ikea's is odd), Best to get a mainline brand cot seconhand (check to make sure all bolts etc are present and best to dismantle yourself if possible as it can be tricky to rebuild without instructions. The missing bolts were available from one of the baby shops and cost about 25% of the cot price). Avoid any with teeth marks.
          Our boys loved the baby swings, one heavily discounted from a baby shop as battery compartment wouldn't open (5min fix) and the other secondhand (had removable and washable covers). I changed both to use powerpacks as they can chew through batteries. Well worth the money.
          Bouncy baby seats are also very good to relax babes and can be rocked using feet leaving hands free.
          As noted elsewhere, don't expect to get much back when reselling stuff. Mothers are especially keen for new babies to have new things, so the secondhand market is small along with the prices.
          Be careful buying clothes from Aliexpress, sizes are generally made smaller than here and returns are hard. Don't be afraid to buy bigger clothes in advance, most places have sales and stocking up on stuff is a good idea. Babies grow rapidly and they won't notice if the onesie is a size or two too big when the right size are all in the wash.

  • [Deactivated] on 08/04/2019 - 19:20
    +1

    In hindsight, what bothered me the most was people CONSTANTLY stopping us and wanting to have a look at the babies , telling us how cute they were , asking us if they were identical . ..etc They were always so lovely and complimentary but after it happened for the 100th time , you just want to be left alone and get your shopping done in peace.

    It is hard enough to get things done when you have babies in tow, but being constantly interrupted by well-meaning strangers gushing over your kids and asking the same questions over and over and over again…It really did my head in.

    The clincher is that a have a boy and a girl twin.How much more obvious can it be that they are not identical twins?🤦‍♂️

    • FoxJump on 08/04/2019 - 19:21
      +7

      Okay. Noted.
      Prepare an information leaflet ready to hand out.

    • bazzato on 08/04/2019 - 19:35
      +1

      We didn't have twins, but found the same issue with just one. I really didn't like it when people went to touch my baby, i mean they are total strangers.

  • bazzato on 08/04/2019 - 19:42

    If you have private health insurance, check if there is any amount claimable for breast pumps etc. We got 75% back (up to $150) so it was better to buy a new breast pump rather than second hand.

    We have had both Mountain Buggy and Citi Select prams and both have been good. Both bought second hand and saved big $$.

    Also check Gumtree. we found large bags of clothes for cheap and much of it was as new

    • FoxJump on 08/04/2019 - 19:47

      I liked the mountain buggy, but with the back lowered - so it's in flat baby land - there's no access for the rear storage ———- that said! … They probably don't need to be flat too long.
      Hmmm. I may revisit the mountain buggy.

      Private health … we didn't pony up the extra cash to include pregnancy stuff in time. Dang'ed 12 month waiting period.

  • MessyG on 08/04/2019 - 19:46
    +2

    Congratulations!!

    1. Join your local FB Buy Swap Sell group.
    2. Check out when your local All For Kids market is on. (https://www.allforkidsmarket.com.au/)
    3. I'm pretty sure there are support services for people having twins - if you haven't been put in touch with them maybe ask at your next appointment.

    As a side, read this article, and print it out and keep it by the bed for when they arrive. Get your wife to read it a lot. I wish someone had of shared it with me.
    https://www.babydoc.com.au/faq/colic-bore-your-baby-to-sleep…

    And just know, that first year is just full on survival mode. Ditch all your standards and ideas of normal and don't be hard on yourselves - it will get better at the 12 month mark!

    • FoxJump on 08/04/2019 - 19:48

      D'oh. The market is for Melbourne.
      Will read article

  • Herbse on 08/04/2019 - 20:14
    +1

    Buy EVERYTHING second hand. Keep it in as good condition as you can, and then sell it when you're done with it. Prams, baby seats, change tables, feeding chairs, breast pumps, bath stands.

    Don't bother with anything brand new. The prices for baby stuff is ridiculous and everything gets damaged and dirty eventually.

    Gumtree, Facebook market and eBay are your friends with most things. Your local op shop will cover you for clothes. If that feels weird to you, just check it out. They have basically brand new stuff for a fraction of the cost. And kids just ruin clothes and grow out of them in months anyway.

    If you're considering reusable nappies, it is a commitment you have to seriously consider. It's gross and very tedious. If you don't stick to it, you've wasted hundreds in costs. It is cheaper and ethical, just a real pain. And with twins, convenience will be key.
    We've found Woolworths brand nappies to be the best value / absorption currently.
    Invest in a sangenic nappy disposal bin, they are a lifesaver and stop your house smelling like nappies.

    Sign up for the family tax benefit.

    Good luck

    • FoxJump on 08/04/2019 - 20:32

      Thanks

  • bloo58 on 08/04/2019 - 20:24

    Congrats on the kidlets,

    We just had our first and while its only one, some of the things we were glad we lashed out on were the pram and car seat

    We got in just before babies r us folded, managed to snag a Steelcraft Strider Deluxe for a good price and initially had the capsule that fitted into it

    But we ended up treating the girl and getting a britax millenia 0-4 car seat and it has paid off, you can hear her thought process when she in a mood and strapped into it, she has a hissy fit that tapers off into 'I'm that comfy I cant really carry on with this' and goes to sleep, best $500 we have spent.. yes they are expensive, but the old cliche stands, price on safety etc…

    Plus ISOFix is not only a million times easier to install into your car, the safety rating is through the roof, it really is rock solid once installed..

    Every thing else can be picked up 2nd hand..

    And on the nappies, personal choice, yeah disposables are bad for the environment, but think about how much water, detergent, napisan you will use, not to mention the man hours of cloth nappies, especially with twins. Disposables are the lesser of 2 evils in my opinion.

    • FoxJump on 08/04/2019 - 20:33

      Both cars have isofix. One is annoying (the Pajero) because the given the three seats at the back, A B and C
      A B C
      ^ ^

      The ^ is where the iso fix mount points place the baby seat in :'(

      • TheLurker on 14/04/2019 - 06:23

        On car seats, I bought a mico AP capsule used near new, and our son lasted 3 months before outgrowing it. A hand-me-down steelcraft capsule lasted to 4 months. Then swapped to used safe-n-sound meridian ahr seat. We've still got all the seats as backups for visitors but they take up a huge amount of space.

        I also bought a SnS maxi rider (for nephews) used which said no accidents but when I pulled the covers off to wash it the foam was snapped and taped back together. Be very wary.

        I researched hard this week on new seats this week and bought a SnS bravo for $349 at baby bunting. It was good in reviews and is a little taller (our boy is already 97th percentile in height at 4.5mo and was born small at 3kg).

        I nearly bought an infasecure kompressor 4 and found it was very bad in tests. I've been mostly referring to https://www.childcarseats.com.au. Note Safety 1st is a brand that scored well and is on clearance as they are merging brand with mothers choice.

        I got chatting with a paramedic at store who said he's seen non isofix capsules launched from vehicles in crashes (baby was ok and still strapped into it luckily in his example). I'll always go isofix now. He also said he liked the SnS models up (old graphene deal looks good) as they use bamboo fabric so easier to clean. He bought SnS Meridian. Out of our budget though on current deals. I didn't feel the seats to up to 8 years were good enough design for young babies.

        I wouldn't suggest setting up seats in two vehicles. We only really used one. Do consider how big seats are as you might end up jamming your knees into the dashboard once mounted behind. Wife's Murano loads better on knee space than my 7 seat Discovery surprisingly.

        Once they refuse bassinets and bassinet pram attachments when awake (3mo), grow out of capsules, don't fit plastic portable baths, want to sit so won't stay put in bouncers, not ready for high chairs, and you get loads of later stage hand me downs this stuff all takes up massive amounts of storage. If you're keeping things for more kids, invest in a shed?

        Good luck with double trouble. A mate has 4 kids, and 6mo twins and loves it!

        • FoxJump on 14/04/2019 - 06:34

          Good tips. Thanks

  • frewer on 08/04/2019 - 21:04

    Congratulation !!! Just want to share our xp with cloth nappies. We did it with our first kid, it was a walk in the park ( coz we got time ). However, we tried a dozen time with our second and it not worth it. Reason are:
    - Time constraint, e.g toddler want to go go go … sometime 2 second is TOO long.
    - Baby sleep smoothly. Nappy wet, baby wake up. You can get away for the first 6 months after that … good luck XD.
    - If you have in law help it "may" works, idk.

    On the up side it does save some $, especially they pop alot in the first 6months.

    • FoxJump on 08/04/2019 - 21:30

      Cheerio

  • Godric on 08/04/2019 - 21:06

    By Logging out of Ozbargain

  • wau2 on 08/04/2019 - 21:34
    +2

    Enrol early into sleep school (if you agree to their methods)
    Sleeep is the number one pain for all babies. That saying sleep like a baby? That person obviously didn’t have kids
    People that say their kids sleep great are just one of the lucky ones lol

    Choose one that goes through private health

    • FoxJump on 09/04/2019 - 08:45

      What is sleep school?

  • Smtjalj on 08/04/2019 - 21:43

    In my opinion, only "brand new" need is cot mattresses, as sids research suggests this is best if possible. Definetely join facebook bss baby groups in your area. Check local council or hire shops for capsules, some are suitable up to 9-12months and make loading into car so much easier, especially if on your own as you can have both babies in car in seconds, even if one is resting on floor etc while get first one clicked in. Buy multiple pairs of ONE kind of sock only, you will lose so many baby socks, if you have all the same, you won't go insane over sock loss! Join a local toy library (my local is $60 per year), most loan out the big, but short term need items like playmats, baby swings, toys.

    • FoxJump on 09/04/2019 - 08:45

      I'm totally with the single-sock-type bandwagon.
      All my socks are literally the same - and theirs will also be of one type too.

  • vandelay on 08/04/2019 - 21:50

    i have two cars, and a total of 6 child restraints/chairs… not all are isofix, so the following product has been a lifesaver (saved me alot of tears and anguish lol) when changing, switching car seats:

    https://www.bigw.com.au/product/infasecure-lockie-seat-belt-…

    very simple to use, buckle in seat, push down as far as you can go and lock it in (then tighten anchor point/belt)

    • FoxJump on 09/04/2019 - 08:45

      I'll take a look - thanks.

  • Mahalo on 08/04/2019 - 21:54

    Gumtree. Lots of good stuff can be found there. Like boori cots. Baby jogger select prams, baby bjorn carriers etc. Just on that you can save at least $1000
    Good luck and congrats!

  • atris17 on 08/04/2019 - 23:31
    +1

    Summary

    • Gumtree Baby Items, Search button “ikea”
    • Facebook Baby Clohting
    • Start from young, good financial education.
    • Get your grandparent involves, as child care is expensive !
    • FoxJump on 09/04/2019 - 19:03
      +1

      All my grandparents are dead.
      Hers are overseas.
      My mother is dead.
      Her dad is in a nursing home.
      Her mum is overseas.

      Eek!

      Good thing we have good friends - how good? time will tell :)

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