When you find out you’re having twins, it can be a shock to the system. If one new baby changes your life, then twins completely flip it upside down—in many great and not-so-great ways. If your double-blessings are growing up living in a one-bedroom apartment or modern townhome, you’ll deal with even more unique challenges. We’re here to help you deal with the unexpected roadblocks that arise when raising twins in an apartment.
- Start Preparing Early
Are we ever really ready for twins? I’m not so sure, but there are steps we can take to at least make sure we aren’t left scrambling. Finish your nursery around the 32-week mark so that you aren’t left struggling to move things around last minute with a giant belly. Twins tend to come earlier, so time is of the essence. Make sure that you have two separate cribs or bassinettes, as it can be dangerous for your twins to share a sleeping space, especially once they’re able to start rolling over.
- Dealing with Noise
If you live in an apartment community with thin walls, you know just how difficult it can be to get peace and quiet. You’re bound to run into the sounds of other kids playing, beeping horns, conversations, slamming doors, or maintenance. Unfortunately, if one baby wakes up, it generally sets off a chain reaction of crying newborns.
To prevent noisy neighbors from ruining your peace and quiet, try using a white noise machine to drown out the other sounds. A fan or air purifier can also be effective tools, just make sure they’re out of reach of little hands, especially as your twins begin to grow and explore their environments.
- Getting Outdoors
If you don’t have an outdoor space where your twins can sit in the grass or learn to crawl, it’s still important for them to get out and about. Whether they’re just coming along to the post office or meeting up for a play date, make sure your little loves are getting enough time out of the house.
- Double Trouble
Double strollers are an amazing invention for twin babies, but they’re often cumbersome and difficult to maneuver. This can spell disaster if your apartment has small hallways or elevators. Make sure to measure the width of your hallways before you make that stroller purchase so you’re not making too tight a turn around the corner.
