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Expert Q&A

	By Nancy Phillips LeRoy Interior Designer Allied Member ASID

I just found out we're expecting twins. It's very overwhelming, so I'm tring to get ready now. Do you have any ideas at all about how I can set up the nursery for two babies?

- Jess, Albuquerque

Twins are challenging! It should be the goal of the family to make day to day care as functional as possible, especially during the first few months when life will be very busy and stressful.

In regard to setting up the nursery, there are several things to look at. If this is your first pregnancy, you have the opportunity of purchasing matching or coordinating cribs if the budget allows. (One thing to keep in mind about twins: whether fraternal or identical, they are individuals. Don't feel as if everything they have much match. For harmony in the room, you might simply like to have the furnishings or decor coordinate on some level -- such as, white cribs in different styles.) If you already have a crib, you could try to locate a matching one or if you don't want to own more than one crib you might "borrow" one from a friend or relative. Two cribs aren't your only option, however: some parents have the twins share a crib until about six months of age.

Look at the closet in the nursery. Think about how the space could be best utilized for clothing for two babies. You might want to install shelving and rod systems to segregate each child's clothing. Your local home supply store will be able to assist you with a wide variety of choices.

Now for the changing table. There will be many times when each baby will need to be changed at the same time and there will be two adults needing space. If you're not comfortable with changing diapers on your bed or the sofa and want a changing table -- this is a good time to forgo the traditional changing table and build a custom one! You can design it as simply or as complex as the budget and your space allows. To get some ideas, think of kitchen base cabinets and counter tops. Decide if you need shelving or drawers or a combination of both. If you decide on a combination, you might consider fashioning a "baby island." Use two unfinished dressers measuring 30" wide on either end (back to back, one per baby) with open shelving for diapers, wipes, blankets and other necessities in the center. Cover the entire length with a 24"wide x 3/4" thick piece of plywood, which you have covered with padding and a vinyl (washable) fabric. (Remember, plywood comes in 4' x 8' sheets, so your tabletop can be as long as eight feet without needing a joint in it. Paint or stain and decorate the entire unit depending upon your taste and style, and hang mobiles above and/or a mirror alongside (low) to keep the babies entertained at changing time.

I also recommend installing a bulletin board above each child's side. Frame and hang the hospital picture of each child with that child's name on the bulletin board. Use the bulletin board to post specific information about each child, post notes to other care givers about the child, record feedings and any other information that helps to make care easier and less stressful and communicate information to all care givers. Additionally, put up pictures of the children as they grow and change. (Don't use thumbtacks or pushpins in the baby's room - look for alternatives like clips, or fashion a board with short lengths of string or ribbons running across the front, and use clothespins to attach materials.)

This changing, clothes storage and communication center can assist you in your daily child care activities, keeping information about each child organized and communicated to all concerned -- and hopefully will lower your stress.

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