Having twins is a unique and challenging experience that not many people are prepared for. Twins can be double the work, but also double the fun! If you’re pregnant with twins or know someone who is, it’s important to start preparing for the journey ahead. In this blog post, we will discuss nine tips that will help you prepare for life with twins!
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask For Help
One of the most important things you can do when preparing for twins is to ask for help. Whether it’s from your partner, family, or friends, don’t be afraid to delegate tasks and put your village to work! If you don’t have a village, or at least, not one that can be as hands-on as you need, then you can find a doula near you on Meela. Doulas provide around-the-house assistance, as well as the emotional and mental support you will need during this process. If you’re pregnant with twins, you might be feeling overwhelmed already. That’s normal! Pregnancy is a huge adjustment, and adding another baby (or two!) into the mix can feel like too much. Take some time to rest and relax when you can, and remember that it’s okay to ask for help. Asking for help doesn’t mean you’re weak or incapable—it just means that you’re human! We all need a little assistance sometimes, especially when we’re taking care of two little ones. So, don’t be afraid to ask your partner to take on a few extra tasks around the house or to call in reinforcements from family and friends when you need a break. It’s okay to lean on your support system—they’ll be more than happy to help out however they can. In short, asking for help is essential when you’re expecting twins (or any multiple babies, for that matter!). Don’t try to do everything on your own—you’ll only end up feeling exhausted and stressed. delegate tasks, build up your village, and take some time for yourself whenever you can. Your sanity will thank you later!
Get Organized
If you’re going to be dealing with two babies, you’ll need to get organized! This means creating a schedule, stocking up on essentials, and getting your home baby-proofed. Having a schedule will help you keep track of feedings, naps, and diaper changes. It can be difficult to keep everything straight in your head when you’re sleep-deprived and dealing with two crying babies, so having a written (or digital) schedule will be a lifesaver. You’ll also want to make sure you have all the essential baby supplies before the twins arrive. This includes things like diapers, wipes, onesies, burp cloths, formula (if you’re not breastfeeding), bottles, and pacifiers. It might seem like a lot, but it’s better to be prepared than to find yourself scrambling for supplies in the middle of the night. Finally, you’ll need to baby-proof your home before the twins arrive. This means taking care of things like electrical outlets, sharp corners, and toxic household chemicals. You might not think about these things until it’s too late, so it’s best to take care of them beforehand. By getting organized and preparing your home for twins, you’ll be able to relax a little bit more when they finally arrive. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did!
Invest in Good Quality Baby Products
When you have twins, you’ll quickly realize that you can’t skimp on quality when it comes to baby products. This is because twins often require twice as much of everything—diapers, wipes, clothes, etc. So, it’s important to invest in good quality items that will last. Some things you’ll want to splurge on are diapers, formula (if you’re not breastfeeding), and a double stroller. These are items that you’ll use on a daily basis, so it’s worth it to spend a little extra money on them. Give this twin stroller buying guide a read for more information on finding a good quality stroller. Of course, there are some things where you can save a few bucks. For instance, clothes are something that babies outgrow quickly, so there’s no need to spend a fortune on them. You can also save money by borrowing or buying second hand baby items. In short, don’t be afraid to spend a little extra on the things that matter most. Your twins will thank you for it!
Join a Support Group
Having twins can be overwhelming, so it’s important to find a support system. One of the best ways to do this is by joining a twin parenting group. These groups are usually made up of other parents who are dealing with the same challenges as you, so it’s a great way to get advice and share your experiences. You can find twin parenting groups online or in your local community. If there aren’t any groups specifically for parents of twins, you can also check out general parenting groups or even breastfeeding support groups. Another great way to find support is by talking to friends or family members who have already raised twins. They can offer valuable insight and advice that you might not be able to find anywhere else. No matter how you find your support system, it’s important to have one in place before the twins arrive. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did!
Postpartum Doula
One of the best ways to get help is by hiring a postpartum doula. A doula is someone who provides non-medical support to new parents during the postpartum period. They can help with things like breastfeeding, baby care, and light housekeeping. Having a doula around in those early weeks can be a lifesaver! Of course, not everyone can afford to hire a doula. If this is the case, see if there are any local organizations that offer free or low-cost postpartum support. You can also ask your friends or family members if they’re willing to help out in those early weeks.
Sleep When the Baby Sleeps
This is a piece of advice that all new parents hear, but it’s especially important for parents of twins. In those early weeks, you’ll be sleep-deprived and exhausted. So, it’s important to take advantage of every opportunity you have to rest. Whenever the babies are sleeping, use that time to take a nap yourself. If you can’t fall asleep, at least lie down and rest. It might seem like you don’t have time for naps, but trust us—you’ll be glad you took them! In addition to taking naps when the babies are sleeping, try to go to bed early yourself. This will help ensure that you’re getting enough rest. And, if you can, enlist the help of your partner or a family member to take over baby duty for a few hours each night so you can get some uninterrupted sleep. Sleep is crucial for new parents, so make sure you’re getting enough of it!
Pumping and Storing Breastmilk
If you’re breastfeeding, you’ll need to pump and store your breastmilk. This is especially important if you’re going back to work or if you have a partner who will be feeding the babies while you’re away. Pumping can be time-consuming, so it’s important to find a pumping routine that works for you. You might want to pump after every feeding or every few hours. And, you’ll need to figure out how much milk to pump and how often to do it. When it comes to storing your breastmilk, there are a few different options. You can use bottles with screw-on lids, freezer bags, or silicone storage bags. Just make sure to label everything with the date and time it was pumped. Breastmilk can be stored in the fridge for up to five days or in the freezer for up to six months. So, it’s important to have a plan for how you’re going to use and store your breastmilk. Pumping and storing breastmilk might seem daunting, but you’ll get the hang of it in no time!
Starting Solid Foods
Around six months old, you can start to introduce solid foods into your twins’ diet. This is an exciting time for them (and for you)! When it comes to starting solid foods, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure the food is soft and easy to chew. You don’t want them choking on anything. Second, start with just a few bites at each meal. They don’t need much food at this age, so don’t overdo it. And finally, be patient! It might take them a little while to get used to eating solid foods. But eventually, they’ll get the hang of it and will be chowing down in no time!
Dealing with Tantrums
One of the hardest parts of parenting twins is dealing with tantrums. They’re bound to happen, so it’s important to be prepared. When it comes to dealing with tantrums, there are a few things you can do. First, try to stay calm yourself. This will help diffuse the situation. Second, don’t give in to their demands. This will only reinforce the behavior. And finally, offer a distraction. Sometimes all it takes is something else to focus on to get them out of their tantrum state. Tantrums can be tough, but you’ll get through them! Just take a deep breath and remember that they’re just acting out because they’re upset.
Parenting twins isn’t always easy, but it’s definitely worth it. These little ones will bring so much joy to your life! Just remember to take things one day at a time and to ask for help when you need it. Most importantly, enjoy every moment with your twins. They’ll be growing up before you know it!
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