The prospect of raising twins can seem like a daunting task. There are two little mouths to feed, two bottoms to diaper and just two sets of everything at the same time. While having two babies does mean a few difficult moments, it can also be the most fulfilling challenge you’ll ever experience. Although, the beginning of this journey can be completely overwhelming. Follow some basic tips to have a smoother ride.
Sync schedules
Syncing the sleeping and feeding schedule of both the babies. It will allow you to get some rest when both babies are napping. Pediatricians always recommend that the best way to do this is by waking up the other baby when the first baby wakes up for feeding. While everyone will tell you that you must not wake up a sleeping baby, this is the only exception to that rule. You can use a twin feeding pillow in order to make it easier for you when feeding the babies.
Get help
It’s no sin to need or want help. Looking after twins is a huge task. You should encourage more people to help you. Get family or friends to stay with you for an extended period of time if you need them. You can also hire help who can help you with certain aspects of taking care of your babies. You can hire help for your house chores too while you concentrate on your babies.
Invest in a double stroller or twin carrier bag
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It will be difficult for you to carry your babies constantly and at the same time. Therefore, you must buy a double stroller for your evening walks or other leisurely activities that you do. The double stroller may be even more useful to carry around all the needful supplies that the twins would need.
Purchasing two of every item is not important
It is one of the most common mistakes done by parents. They tend to start buying two of everything. While you will have to buy two of essential things like car seats, strollers, cribs etc., but you might not have to do it for little things such as toys, books, talcum powders. It might look like you will need it but it’s not required. This will save you money in the long run.
Go for neutral gender clothes
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Twins can be both a boy and a girl. In such cases, parents try to buy different clothes and it becomes a huge expenditure. You don’t have to buy them all the clothes based on their gender. You may want to dress up your girl in frocks occasionally, but for the regular wear, you may go for clothes that are neutral so that you can interchange them whenever needed.
Do chores alternatively
You cannot be alone in parenting. It’s a two people job. And when you have twins, it is much needed for both the parents to be there. You will need to talk to your husband and work out on the time shifts for attending the babies. You can do it together or separately, whatever works best for your family. Divide works in such a way that it suits your time as well. Your husband can take the babies out for a stroll, buy the groceries or do laundry. This way you both can have your separate me-time to relax.
In the end you have to find out what works for you. These tips will get you started. You just have to hang on and know that the early stage is exhausting but it leads to a beautiful journey.
