Summer Solutions for Twins
Yay! Summer is (almost) here! But unless you have an au pair to go with you everywhere (in which case I’m super jealous), navigating summer fun with multiples can be…difficult. Let’s make it a little easier on ourselves, shall we? From a double pool float, to a wagon for multiples (and much more), check out our recommendations for the best gear and summer toys for your toddler twins.
At the Pool
With multiples, pools can be tricky — especially if you’re flying solo.
But not to worry; once the kiddos are old enough to sit up on their own, you can get a really cool interconnected double pool float. These make swimming with twins so much easier—especially when it’s just one parent in the pool—because your tots have to stay together!
Poolmaster Learn-to-Swim Mommy & Us Pool Float ~ $33
This clever pool float can hold two little ones up to 40 lbs each (it’s recommended for babies ages 8-24 months). It has a little holder in the center for things like snacks, little toys, sippy cups, etc. Plus, it has a “half ring” opening for a caregiver to slide in and stay close to babies.
Centipede Ride-On Float ~ $27
For those with triplets (or twins + 1) ages 4 and older, check out this Centipede Ride-On Float. It has three interconnected tubes (so it looks like a centipede…cool! And also, eww), allowing your kiddos to float together, but also have their own space (yeesss!).
Each of the three floats are open and have no leg holes for support, so it’s meant for older children who can swim on their own well.
Important to know is that some users report their floats came with holes in them, creating a slow leak over time. Still, if you get a working Centipede, this is a great (and fun!) option for older triplets.
Twin Swim Float ~ $42
For parents with twins who are at least 6 months, check out the Twin Swim Float. This is a double pool float that comes with five balls and a splash/play area between the two kids to keep them entertained in the water.
Many parents love this float – so much so that it’s often out-of-stock! – but be aware that it’s best for twins who are able to sit up well. The leg holes are on the larger side and the seats sit closer to the top of the water, so if there’s a chance that your babies will get tired and try to lean back, this is NOT the double pool float for them.
Duo Twin Pool Float ~ $49
Another basic tandem float is the Duo Twin Pool Float from Stuff 4 Multiples. This is also for twins who are 6-36 months (or up to 30lbs per child, whichever comes first), and is only suitable for kiddos who can sit up well on their own.
Outdoor Fun
Now: onto the beach, park, soccer field, and of course, the campground. In all of these places, it will help you greatly if your babies are in the same safe spot.
Pop n’ Sit Portable Booster ~ $26
This travel-friendly booster is simple to fold, sets up easily, and sits lower to the ground making it great for picnics on blankets or watching an older sibling play soccer.
The tray is BPA-free (of course) and removable, making this a versatile chair that can be used beyond just mealtime. The Pop n’ Sit can also be used as a booster seat; it comes with safety straps that can be secured onto any chair (see below).
The Pop ‘n Sit is suitable for kiddos 6 mos and older (who can sit up unassisted), and/or who weigh up to 37 lbs. Many reviewers rave about this portable booster, but a common complaint is that because the seat straps are so low, they dig into children’s legs (ouch).
Kidco GoPods ~ $59
For a portable activity center, you can get two Kidco GoPods. They fold easily and compactly for car travel. Be sure to use it on solid, level ground, as some parents have had issues with it toppling over on uneven surfaces. *Follow height and weight guidelines to keep those babies safe.
Ciao! Baby Portable High Chair ~ $58
For camping or for avid picnickers (yes, it’s a real word), I like the Ciao! Baby portable high chair. This high chair simply folds like a camping chair, so it’s great for car travel. Each chair has a tray, cup holder and a seat strap. It can be used up to 3 years (in theory), but the leg holes are on the smaller side. If your baby has some cute, chunky thighs… it won’t last as long.
Summer Infant Pop ‘N Play Portable Playard ~ $76
My pick is the Summer Infant Pop ‘N Play Portable Playard with the canopy so you don’t have to worry about the evil, evil sun. The playard is big enough for your multiples to fit in together and still have room to play.
By comparison, the Graco Pack ‘N Play Sport Playard fits inside Summer Infant’s playard with room to spare.
Wagons
Radio Flyer Deluxe All-Terrain Family Wagon ~ $189
The Radio Flyer Wagon comes with 5 seating and storage options, UV blocking canopy, cup-holders, and more!
We have this wagon and absolutely love it! It’s become our go-to when we take the kids to the park and neighborhood farmer’s market. The only downside is that it doesn’t come apart, so you can’t really fit it in your trunk. Otherwise, it’s pretty awesome.
W4 Wonderfold Quad Wagon ~ $595
You may also want to check out the check out the Wonderfold Wagon (otherwise known as the W4 Stroller Wagon, pictured below), which can accommodate up to four passengers ages 6+ months to 66 lbs per set of seats (the W4 has two sets of seats). In total, the W4 can hold up to 300 lbs (that includes kiddos + whatever other gear you need to bring with you). This wagon — which is like a hybrid of the best parts of both a stroller and a wagon — has a ton of cool features, and can fold down to fit in your car trunk. Awesome!
Bikes & Scooters
Globber Scooters ~ $65
If your twins are anything like mine, they may enjoy racing along on scooters (our driveway is scooter racing central!). We love the Globber scooters because they come in all sorts of fun colors and are easy to adjust (meaning they’ll last you for years to come). You’ll need two, of course.
4-in-1 Tandem Trike from Baby Joy ~ $185
Tandem bikes anyone? If your multiples are good at sharing—lucky you!—check out this this adorable 4-in-1 tandem trike, which is really a hybrid between a stroller and a tricycle.
This trike offers 4 different modes of use, has some storage (for water bottles, sunscreen and such) and has a detachable canopy as well. The canopies and handlebar are all adjustable. Just know that if you own it, all the neighborhood kids will be coming by for a turn!
Angeles MyRider Tandem Bike ~ $372
This adorable tandem trike is meant for kiddos ages 3+, and can hold up to 140 lbs. The child in the front pedals while the kiddo in the back gets a nice ride. Then… switch!
** Be sure to get helmets for the kiddos for any of these bike options. Read about our favorite toddler helmets here.
Water/Activity Tables
A popular summer toy is the ubiquitous water table (and by the way, you can fill it with so much more than water — in the winter, bring it inside and fill it with raw noodles, feathers, or any other fun sensory items!). What MOMs love about this table is the ability to entertain all your kiddos all at once (Seriously – my toddler twins and their school-aged big sis all love playing with it)!
Little Tikes Spiralin’ Seas Waterpark Play Table ~ $57
All water tables get great reviews, though the Little Tikes wins out for the most popular. Around our neighborhood, every other house (including ours!) has one of these puppies – oh suburbia.
Step 2 Cascading Cove Water Table with Umbrella ~ $109
Step 2 has a cool Sand & Water table – one side for water, the other for sand. It also comes with toys, a lid to cover the table, and a large umbrella to protect kiddos from the sun.
Little Tikes Flowin’ Fun Water Table ~ $59
The Little Tikes Flowin’ Fun Water Table is also a really cool, highly-rated water table that kiddos love. It’s unique in that it has 13 interchangeable pipes, fittings, faucets, a scoop, bucket and boat, plus it can connect to a standard garden hose to keep the water a flowin’!
These tables will last for years and provide endless entertainment for the kids. So just sit back, catch some rays (because no one cares about your skin, lol) and relax while the activity table does its job.
You’re welcome.
Happy summertime to all my Parents of Multiples out there!!
