A new baby in the family means the lives of the parents will never be the same again. So, how do you think your lives will be changed if you’re getting twins?
No need to worry – as much as it will sometimes feel overwhelming, there are still ways to prepare yourselves for what’s to come. It will make things significantly easier once the twins arrive and the obligations start.
1. Hold on with two of everything
This is the first thing many parents would do – buy two of everything. However, this isn’t a way to go because it’s simply not true that twins won’t share toys. Activity toys like bouncers and rockers don’t need to be doubled. It’s better to spend money on various types of equipment so that it would be easier to rotate the twins between them. There are many individual pieces of children gear that will simplify the things. For example, a double feeding pillow will do the trick, just as well as a change table that gets cleaned quickly. So, it’s better to buy thoughtfully than simply double everything.
2. Diapers, as many as you can buy
The thing with diapers is that you can never have too many, especially when you’re expecting twins. Somewhere between 10 and 20 diapers will be needed every single day. Don’t let yourself run out of them in the middle of the night – start buying them right now. You can choose between disposable and cloth diapers. They come in different sizes, so better get various ones so that you don’t get surprised when you need a bigger size in a matter of days.
3. Preparing the nursery for twins
It’s important to decide where the twins will sleep as soon as possible. Will you keep them in your bedroom or will they have their own room from the very beginning? As much as it can be fun to decorate the nursery for twins, you should stick to the basics in the beginning. The most important thing is to get a crib where both of them could sleep. It will be possible in the beginning, while later they will need to have their individual cribs.
4. Preparation by both parents
A childbirth class is incredibly helpful, especially if you’re first-time parents. However, twins create a somewhat different situation even if you already have kids. In both cases, you’ll need more than a traditional class because twins will demand some things to be done differently than what you would be told on a traditional class. Many cities offer classes specifically for future parents of multiples. You only need to book the class sooner than you would if you were having just one child. The reason behind this is because twins are usually born earlier so you won’t have as much time as you think.
Dads who are preparing for twins should also start planning for the future regarding the financial aspect. They should also start planning the paternity leave but also to look into family health insurance coverage. A financial planner could come in handy here.
5. Appropriate stroller
You will have nightmare walks if you don’t get good double strollers. A double stroller is the most important piece of equipment you’ll get – your mobility and the mobility of your twins will depend on it. It’s not just about getting a double stroller, it’s also about getting a quality one. It will mean your babies will be satisfied and comfortable in it, which automatically means you’ll be happy, too. Before choosing it, consider whether you want a tandem, side-by-side or a tandem. Think also about whether you’ll be using it inside our outside and whether it will be needed for just infants or also toddlers.
[su_note note_color=”#efefef”]Also read: A double jogging stroller: For a safe jog with two children[/su_note]
6. Make sure you’ll get help
It will take some time until both of you get accustomed to a new way of life. New routines will have to be created but unexpected things will happen no matter how well-prepared you are. And that’s ok. In most cases, new parents will need some help from the side. It can be a member of the family, a friend or even a hired help specialized in childcare. Anybody can be of great help when it comes to making meals and doing chores.
7. Learn to stick to the schedule
Be prepared for one thing – you won’t have a lot of sleep, so it’s best to come up with techniques that will provide you with as much sleep as possible. First of all, don’t hesitate to wake your baby while it’s sleeping. If one of them wakes up in the middle of the night to be fed, wake the other one and feed it, too. Try to schedule the same nap times and sleeping schedule as soon as you can. Use a sleep log to notice the patterns. If the babies are rested, both of you will be rested, too.
8. Prepare the siblings
In case you already have one child or more, you need to make sure they know there will also be some changes in their lives. A smooth transition is important for the kids. They will notice some changes even before the twins arrive, so ease the process for them. Don’t let them feel neglected and explain to them what things will be changed. It’s also important to make them feel excited and happy about the twins, too.
Final comment
Getting twins may as well be the biggest thing that will ever happen to you. There will be a lot of joy and happiness, but also occasional frustration. That’s why you should prepare everything you can in order to enjoy your new bundles of joy as much as you can.
[su_note note_color=”#efefef”]Also read: Age appropriate toys for kids – A complete guide[/su_note]
