Clothing & Equipment List for Quadruplets and Quintuplets

A SUGGESTED COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT FOR QUADRUPLETS AND QUINTUPLETS – MULTIPLE BIRTHS

NOTE: The writers of this fact sheet do not accept any responsibility for the purchase of any of these items nor do they recommend one product over another. In order to ensure the safety of your children, please check out all product safety regulations before you make your purchases and especially when using second hand or borrowed items.

The clothing and equipment items contained on this list are suggested only. (Higher number represents quintuplets.)

You may not need or want every item.

Car Seats – It’s the Law! Babies MUST be securely placed in properly installed car seats even when being brought home from the hospital.
Appropriate stroller[s] , could be a combination of twin and/or triplet strollers (see Multiple Births Canada’s Strollers Fact Sheet for greater details on stroller brands, types and details.)

JUMELLE: The Best Baby Tracker App Keep easy track of which baby did what, when and for how long. Hints, tips and ideas for coping with 2 or more babies.

Single stroller(s) in case you wish to take only one child out at a time
Rocking chair
Two cribs can do for at least the first few weeks. To spread out expenses purchase additional cribs as the need arises. Babies enjoy being co-bedded and saves on one set of sheets at laundry time. Be sure that all mattresses are of a good quality.
2 or 3 Playpens- especially important if you have an older child(ren) or large pet. While travelling or visiting, playpens can double as cribs.
2 or 3 Baby Swings. Not all children like swings, so try to borrow extra if you need to.
Change table – not always essential. A low dresser and padded top will also work fine!
Sunshades for vehicle windows
4 or 5 day cradles
7 to 9 dozen cloth diapers (also useful as shoulder burp cloths)
24-36 pairs of outer-style plastic pants
8-10 packages of newborn size disposable diapers
Diaper inserts or liners
4 or 5 diaper pails. Diaper pail rinse (1/2 cup white vinegar per half pail full of water as a presoak works as urine neutralizer in diaper pail)
Handiwipes – soft wash clothes work just as well and are cheaper in the long run. Some infants have skin reactions to what is in handiwipes.
16-20 receiving blankets
12-15 baby blankets
16-20 bibs
12-14 fitted crib sheets
10-12 quilted pads, plastic on one side
3 per baby, Nighties – you may wish to use nighties until the umbilical cord stubs fall off.
8-10 baby towels
14-16 small, soft face cloths
A few comfortable outfits each for visiting
Sweaters, bonnets, bunting bags, socks, booties, hats – amounts dependent upon the season
Snowsuit per child. If your babies are born in the Spring, wait until Fall to purchase suits so you will purchase correct sizes.
Rectal/digital thermometer
Large diaper bag, convenient sized bag or backpack (allowing your hands to be free), for outings – check out the Luggage Department as some carry-on baggage may suit your needs
Mild baby soap, Vaseline, Q-tips, rubbing alcohol (for naval), Penaten/Zincofax cream, baby shampoo, mild laundry soap, baby nail scissors, baby oil/lotion (Purchase small sizes initially in order to ascertain whether or not your babies will have any allergies)
A batheze leaves your hands free to wash the baby (bath rings are not recommended as the suction cups can easily come detached while in use).
A plastic bathtub, should you wish to use one. The large tub area frightens some children and a plastic tub can fit directly into the bathtub to make the area smaller. Can be recycled as the children grow – put on the lawn with water in Summer for play, to hold toys, bathe dolls.
Age-appropriate colourful toys.
Nightlight(s), baby room monitor
Padded head rest per baby (fits into car seats to stop baby’s head from rolling around. Especially useful with premature babies. The head rest should not infere with the car seat straps.
At least two Baby Snuglis, one for each parent. If you have caretakers, you may wish to purchase/borrow more.
6 large bottles per baby for use with pumped breast milk or if formula feeding
small bottles for pumped breast milk, water or juice
4-cup measuring cup (for measuring water for formula)
Bottle and nipple brush
Formula is available by the case at drug stores and supermarkets. Shop around for the best prices. Try to make a deal with the store manager to buy larger quantities and receive lower prices. Prices change week to week, even at the same store. These are called ‘Lost Leaders.’
1 baby book per child to record day-to-day milestones, camera/video camera, back up stick so photos will not be lost

NOTE: Bumper pads and Baby Quilt Comforters are not recommended due to concerns regarding Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) related to crib deaths. This is be a big concern when dealing with premature infants. Their inability to throw off the baby quilt should it cover their face or push away from the bumper pads puts them at great risk of smothering.