Stockpiling Diapers Part Two: How Many?

Preparing for our twins means seriously stockpiling diapers.  In this part of the "Stockpiling Diapers" discussion, we will talk about how many diapers you will need for the first year of life.  Remember, all babies are different and all twins are different, so please keep in mind, these are estimates, not exact figures.  But rest assured, as I'm going through the diapering process with Keegan and Kendall, I will be keeping track of exactly what I use and will update this discussion accordingly. :)   

I have combined internet research along with my own parenting experience to come up with the following:

Diapering- The First 12 Months:

Newborn:    

• Designed to fit up to 10 lbs., this size is pricey becuase they are softer and have special features including elastic stretch sides and an umbilical cord opening.  Some say it's a waste to stockpile too many in this size and I would agree.  Our singleton son Kaylor, fit into this size for only two weeks.    

• One baby will use approximately 10 diapers a day for the first month.  So count on needing around 300 diapers for the first month of life. Times that by two for twins!

Size 1-2:
4 weeks to 5 months

• These diapers will be around a little longer, and you will cut back to using around 8 diapers per day.  (16 per day for twins.) 

• Designed to fit up to 18 lbs., you will use this size until your baby is around 5 months old.  (Kaylor was 17 lbs at 4 months).  Be aware you can find size 1-2 combined, AND size 1 and size 2 sold separately.  I purchased mostly size 1-2 combined and a few boxes of just size 2 to fit at the end of this size range. 

• From 4 weeks to 5 months of age, you will need about 720 size 1-2 diapers. Times that by two for twins!

Size 3:
5 months to 12 months 

• From 5 months of age on babies use about 6 diapers per day.  (12 per day for twins.)

• Designed to fit up to 28 lbs., you will most likely use size 3 until your baby reaches the 1 year mark!  (Kaylor weighed 26 lbs. at his 12 month checkup.)  So you'll need around 8 months of size 3 diapers or approximately 1440 diapers.  Times that by two for twins!  

In Stockpiling Diapers Part One: Where to Buy, I discussed the advantages of using Amazon.com for all my diapering needs. Another advantage of using Amazon when stockpiling, I have the option of no hassle returns.  If I order too many of one size, or my baby reacts negatively to a brand I have stockpiled, I can easily return them as long as I'm within the return guidelines. Below is the Amazon Baby Products Return Policy:

To receive FREE 365-Day Returns on your eligible product(s):
1.    If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you may return the eligible baby product(s) in new and unopened condition within 365 days from the date of delivery for a full refund in accordance with the promotional terms and conditions below.
2.    Just visit our online Returns Center at www.amazon.com/returns and we will guide you through the process and even supply you with a prepaid return mailing label you can print out.
3.    Amazon will process your return and issue a full refund with no deduction for shipping after receiving your return of the eligible product(s).

Happy Diapering!

Stockpiling Diapers Part One: Where to Buy?

Preparing for twins means seriously stockpiling diapers!  After researching many websites and retailers, I have discovered the BEST deal on Amazon.com.  Amazon offers a program called "Amazon Mom", it's free and members get FREE two day shipping with Amazon Prime Benefits AND 30% off all diapers and wipes if you use the "Subscribe and Save Delivery" program.  It is seriously a GREAT deal!  Below is the link for "Amazon Mom" where you can find more information and sign up!

Amazon Mom

With my FREE "Amazon Mom" membership combined with using the "Subscribe and Save Delivery", I get a 30% discount on my orders of diapers and/or wipes.  "Subscribe and Save Delivery" allows you to have diapers and wipes shipped directly to your door once a month, every two months, every three months or every six months!  Also, if you run out sooner than anticipated, it's SUPER easy to click a button and have an extra shipment sent. 

What's the savings?  I am currently getting Huggies Little Snuggler Diapers - Newborn for .16/diaper versus the .29/diaper Target charges for the exact same diaper.  Every month, 1 box of 84 Newborn diapers arrive at my door for only $13.65.

When I have enough of that size, I simply click the Manage My Subscriptions link on my Amazon.com account and cancel the subscription, no risks, no fees, no obligation.  I still can't get over what a great program this is!

I am also getting 1 box of Pampers Swaddlers, Size 1-2, 234-Count sent to the house for $21.76/month.  This averages to .09/diaper compared to .17/diaper Target charges for the exact same diaper.  You should see my stockpile!    

Below is the link to the Amazon "Subscribe and Save Program".  Check it out! 

Subscribe and Save Delivery

Worried about how many diapers to order, ordering too many, or if your baby has reactions to the diapers you stockpile?  See Stockpiling Diapers Part Two: How many?

Big Brother

This here is Kaylor, the soon to be big brother.  He was born September 23, 2004 at 7 lbs. 9 oz. and a whopping 23 1/2" long!  (We'll talk about how his length influenced my current pregnancy later.)  Kaylor LOVES Legos, video games, Hot Wheels, golfing, NERF Guns, collecting rocks and treasures and anything vehicles.  When we told Kaylor about expecting twins, he told us from the beginning, "Mom, I get the boy, and you can have the girl."  This was before we even knew the sexes of the twins!  Kaylor is as anxious as we are to have these babies and I am so excited to see how he takes on his new role in our family.  

Belly at 20 weeks

Here I am 20 weeks pregnant with twins!

20 Weeks!

Today I'm officially 20 weeks pregnant with twins!  How exciting, and scary!  Two babies?!  Thank goodness I have a helping husband, one of the greatest gifts on Earth.  What is the due date you ask?  That is a tricky question for a mother of twins.  Twins are considered full term at 36 weeks so that would make my due date February 14th, 2011.  However our Doctor is shooting for 38 weeks, becuase the longer they can stay in there, the healthier they will be.  So I guess my answer for a due date is somewhere in between February and March!  And that my friends, is just the beginning of the complexity of having twins.  I can't wait to share it all with you.  Here are the 19 week ultrasound pictures of our boy/girl twins Keegan and Kendall.