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You don’t need two of everything! That’s according to Marion Smith, chairman of the South African Multiple Birthing Association (SAMBA), who says a lot of baby equipment and toys will simply go to waste if you double up. “Obviously you do need two of the essentials, such as bottles, cots and sleeping sacks, but you really don’t need two compactums or baby monitors, and you really don’t need two of every toy.” In fact, when it comes to toys one of each is probably better, she suggests. “You want them to learn how to share.” They could also share clothes, it’ll just mean more washing. “There’s no reason twins can’t share clothes. The matching clothes thing is usually only for the parents’ benefit,” says Marion. “Getting two different outfits is better because they can mix and match and, as they grow older, this helps them learn to share and negotiate.” The only thing they shouldn’t share? Shoes. “Shoes take the shape of the feet that wear them. This is why shoes worn by others may be harmful to your child’s foot development,” explains Vernon Lever, a podiatrist from Lever and Amler Podiatry in Johannesburg.