Raising twins: How to cope with twins

It is without doubt that your life changes completely once you become a parent, but once you become a parent to twins, it is fair to say the change is hugely intensified and the big question that follows is…how to cope with twins?  Coping with one baby is certainly hard enough, but what about with two? It is this that is the subject of this instalment of Expert Editions where Emma’s Diary shares her top tips on how to adjust to life with twins.

If you have had more than one baby, arriving home with your babies can feel a bit daunting. You will have had help and support in the hospital and now you are going to have to learn to cope on your own.

Here is some advice on how to make things a little easier:

SOS tips

  • Accept all offers of help from family and friends so you can rest and spend time getting to know your babies.
  • Keep visitors to a minimum. Ask your partner, friend or relative to act as a gatekeeper for visitors – too many can be tiring.
  • Keep one set of nappy changing gear in the living room and another in the bedroom.
  • Arrange clinic appointments for as late in the day as you can. This will give you more time to get yourself and your babies out of the house.
  • Newborn babies don’t need to be bathed everyday, so you could just bath your babies two or three times a week instead.
  • When you cook a meal make extra portions and, if you have a freezer, freeze them to have another day.

Establish your own routine

  • If your babies have been in neonatal care, they may already be in a routine and it’s probably worth sticking to this when they come home. Adapt the routine as they grow up and their needs change.
  • Try to create a routine that is based around the times when your babies feed, sleep and are awake. Working around these times will help you to settle into a rhythm that works for you and your babies.

Get a helping hand

  • Do remember that as well as family and friends, your health visitor, GP and children’s centre are there to support you.
  • TAMBA also gives you information about Twins Clubs where you can meet other parents whose experiences are like yours and get practical support.
  • The Twins and Multiple Birth Association (TAMBA) offers professional support and a range of services to families with twins and multiple births. By joining TAMBA, you will become part of a supportive and friendly community of families who face unique problems and challenges that other families don’t.

For tips and advice on how to cope with twins visit Emma’s Diary.

Read previous issues in the Expert Editions series here.

photo credit: Sleeping duo #twinsofinstagram via photopin (license)

 

11 comments

  1. I honestly don’t know how parents of twins do it! I’m a single Mum to one so the ratio is the same as a couple with twins but I definitely think there’s a big difference!

  2. I only have one daughter and there are times, especially when she’s being difficult, I wonder how I’ll ever manage with twins? But a mum friend who has twins says it really isn’t that difficult. She must follow your tips 😉 x

  3. It must be so daunting coming home with 2 newborns! Looks like you’re doing an amazing job and thanks for sharing The Blonde B

  4. I’m in awe of people who have multiples, they must be superhuman because I don’t know how they get everything done with two babies or more 🙂

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