Parenting twins is like stepping into a whole new world. While there is definitely truth to the idea that having twins means having double the fun, it also means that you will face a few challenges that are unique to your friends’ experiences. Whether you are still waiting for your twins to arrive or they have passed the newborn stage, you can always use these parenting tips for raising twins to streamline your busy schedule.
Make Identification Simple
Parents of twins have a unique way of telling them apart. However, those hectic first few newborn days could leave you feeling sleep deprived and unable to focus during critical parenting moments such as late night feedings. While those adorable matching outfits are cute, try to give your identical twins separate looks until you can easily tell them apart. Even something as simple as a different colored blanket could help you avoid a mistake such as waking the wrong one up for a feeding. Once your kids are older, try using this strategy with items such as shoes or cups so that teachers and other adults can quickly tell them apart.
Keep a Feeding and Medicine Log
Speaking of feedings and other infant care tasks, you can also keep a log to help you remember who has already been fed and how much they ate. Medication journals are also helpful for you to avoid accidentally doubling up on one of your kid’s doses. Since keeping up with two children’s health and growth changes gets challenging, be sure to bring this log to doctor’s appointments so that you have a handy reference to any questions they ask during appointments.
Label Identical Toys
People often try to practice fairness when giving your twins gifts, and it is always a good idea for each of your children to have their own version of favorite toys. However, as they grow older, this can also create situations where your twins argue over which one is theirs. Labeling identical toys with LeeLee labels for kids helps you step in and end these battles. Having a sense of ownership also motivates your children to take care of their toys at home.
Practice Baby Wearing
Those baby carriers come in super handy when you have one child who needs to be held while you tend to other chores. Having two hands free also means that you can change one baby’s diaper when you are out in public while knowing that the other one is safely held against you so that they cannot run off during a critical moment.
Accept Help
New parents often don’t want to feel like a burden. However, all of those people offering to help really do want to spend time with you and the twins. Have a few tasks in mind when someone offers to help such as folding clothes or washing out bottles. This way, you can instantly give someone something to do. They’ll be glad to help, and you can check one more thing off of your to-do list.
Give Them Each One-On-One Time
Twins tend to have such a close relationship that it is easy to forget that they need some autonomy. Try to give each of your children one-on-one time each day. Whether you read a book together or give each kid a bath independently, this special time together makes each one of your twins feel important.
When your family instantly doubles, you have got to have a plan. With a little careful planning and organization, you can sail through these early years and enjoy each moment that comes as a parent raising twins.
