Perhaps you were shocked when you first found out you were having twins. Or maybe you were instantly excited and happy to get two babies for the cost of one pregnancy. Many parents overestimate how much energy they'll have when the babies are born. Sometimes they aren't prepared for how much effort is actually required to juggle the care of two babies. Here are some tips to help you through the early weeks and beyond.
Baby basics
Choosing between breast-feeding and bottle feeding is a personal decision. Many mothers of twins are able to breast-feed successfully. Some supplement with formula if they need to. A lactation consultant can help you come up with a plan that works for you.
Next, you'll want to experiment with bottle- or breast-feeding both babies at the same time, or one after another. It might take some trial and error - and an extra pair of hands - to come up with a routine that works for everyone.
Sleeping arrangements are also important. Studies have shown that twins may sleep better and wake up at the same time if you put them in the same crib.
Divided attention
At some point, both children will need to be tended to. Parents of twins learn to gauge whose needs are more urgent. You'll soon be able to tell the difference between the cry of a baby who needs you, and one who needs you right now. Parents may feel frustrated by not always being able to soothe both babies at the same time. This is a common complaint among parents of twins. Attending a support group for parents of multiples will help you see that these feelings are normal. Other parents may also share valuable advice and resource ideas, too.
Development and separation
Sometimes, twins don't hit milestones in the same way as single birth babies. One twin may make strides in motor skills, while the other has a burst of language development. Also, twins always have a built-in playmate to "talk" to, so they may be less inclined to explore beyond this comfort zone.
That's why it's important to separate your twins from time to time. This will let them enjoy new interactions and experiences with other people and places. You'll also want to do this so you can have one-on-one time with each child. Start doing so when they're babies, and keep offering separate opportunities as they grow and develop their own interests. Having time apart from one another will help their personalities blossom.
When it comes time to enroll the twins in school, parents may have to decide whether to keep them in the same class or split them up. Most experts agree that very young children do well in the same class. By the time they move to first grade, though, it's a good idea to separate them. This way, the classroom focus will be on their individual development, not constant comparisons to their "other half."
Of course, the bond shared by twin siblings is a special one. Their close connection means that they may never feel alone. Such confidence will serve them well as they grow into happy, secure adults.
