Caring for one newborn is overwhelming enough, so it can seem downright impossible when you add a second baby to the mix. But with patience and some time-tested tricks and tips, you’ll find that you can add ‘caring for twin babies’ to your success stories.
Here, are our dos and don’ts for caring for twin babies.
Dos
- Synchronise Their Schedules
It is essential to get your twins on the same feeding and napping schedule. Otherwise you’ll find yourself constantly feeding babies: Twin A will be ready to eat just as Twin B goes down for a nap. You’ll only end up tiring yourself out more quickly.The best way to synchronise schedules is, when one infant wakes up to feed, wake the other one up as well. This is the one time where the ‘rule’ about never waking a sleeping baby needs to be broken. Get a twin feeding pillow to make it easier to nurse or bottle-feed both twins at once.
- Connect With Other Twin Mums
Speaking regularly with other mums experiencing the same ‘twin’ challenges can be a great help. Swapping advice and sharing little tricks will make your life much easier. - Choose Gender-Neutral Clothing
Even if you’re eager to clothe your little princess in pretty pinks, dressing boy-girl twins will be much easier in the early months if you opt for unisex baby grows and onesies. It will save money and sorting efforts. - Buy Baby Essentials Online
Twin babies go through nappies, wipes and other everyday items at lightning speed – twice as quickly as having one baby, would you believe it? You could therefore consider doing a big online shop in bulk. This way, there’s no panicking when the nappy supply gets low, no carting giant boxes through the shops, and no mass unloading the car. - Chill Out
Take each day at a time and don’t let the fact that it is hard work stop you from going anywhere. Try not to stress too much about caring for twin babies and enjoy each moment as it comes.
Don’ts
- Separate Older Twin Babies
Once your twins are sleeping through the night, it may be tempting to put them in separate rooms so they won’t wake each other. But that will only teach them to rely on total silence to stay asleep. Let the babies sleep in the same room to get used to each other’s crying. They’ll learn to sleep through anything. If only you could do the same!
- Double Up on Everything
You never know what your babies are going to like and dislike, so it is likely going to be a waste of money if you buy two of everything. For instance, start with one swing or bouncer, then buy another if you need it. More often than not, you’ll find you can get by with only one of each. Of course, you will need two car seats, cots and other essentials.
- Get Clothing With Lots of Poppers
Opt for zips over poppers, Every second counts when you have two!
- Go in Alone
Caring for twin babies is a lot of work. There are two mouths to feed, two sets of nappies to change and two different cries to soothe. So don’t be afraid to get help from friends, family or a nanny to help with baby care and a housekeeper to handle chores.
