Having twins is something that a lot of people simply don’t expect.

While a pleasant surprise for sure, when  it happens it changes quite a bit your decorating plans that need to be done before your little ones arrive.

Decorating for twins may seem like a daunting task, but it can be done with some planning and focus. Twin nursery decorating requires many of the same priorities as other nursery decorating. Here are 5 things to consider for decorating for twins to consider as you prepare for the big day.

Gender Considerations

All expecting parents grapple with the question of whether or not to learn the gender of a child before he or she is born.

Like all things, that question is more complicated with twins, but not necessarily for twin nursery decorating.

If you find out the genders before they arrive, you can plan accordingly. If you do not, you can still decorate simply by using neutral colors and style, and making whatever adjustments you see fit after they are born.

Don’t Buy Second Bed Right Away

A lot of expecting parents of twins tend to run out and buy two cribs as well. They assume that their babies are going to need to sleep separately.

That’s not necessarily the case either, as these little ones have just spent months sharing a womb. In many cases they’ll sleep better – at least initially – in one crib as long as there is room.

Decorating for twins does not necessarily mean you need two beds at the start.

Don’t Double-Up On Everything

Most people assume that if you’re having twins, you’ll need two of everything.

That’s not true either, particularly when it comes to decorating. For instance, you don’t really need two changing tables.

Unless you have four arms, you won’t be able to change them both at the same time. You also don’t necessarily need two dressers, as that’s just going to take up a lot of room in the nursery.

Don’t Skimp On Laundry Supplies

Nearly every nursery has some sort of laundry receptacle, as people don’t generally have the time or the interest in walking every piece of dirty baby laundry to the washing machine.

However, your twin nursery should include at least a large hamper or basket for the twins’ laundry, as you will be going through twice as many clothes as new parents of a singleton.

Don’t Forget the Timing

Every expecting parent wants to have the nursery finished before the baby or babies arrive.

If you’re expecting twins, you almost certainly already know that twins tend to come earlier than singletons. As such, your twin nursery should be done early as well. That way you can rest easy that everything will be ready to go when they arrive on the scene.