Moms who are preparing for a double addition in the family or have already become parents of twins - this article is for you. From it you will learn: how best to organize the feeding process, how to choose a stroller for babies, a crib and how to cope with the difficulties of caring for newborn twins.
Feeding features
At first, it will be very difficult for mom to feed her two children and take care of them on her own. After giving birth, a woman's body is weakened, and it will not be easy for her to cope with two newborn babies.
It is advisable to feed the twins at the same time, choosing the most comfortable position: it is best sitting - the children are applied to the chest, turning them to face each other.
Since the intervals between feedings are very small for newborns, this will not only save time, but will also contribute to more prolactin production (which in turn increases the amount of breast milk).
The "feed on demand" regime with double replenishment in the family is unacceptable for many women, since it takes much longer (especially if each baby eats very slowly); and if there is a third child in the family, then he will hardly get mother's attention. As people with experience in raising twins say, if at night one baby got hungry and woke up, then it is better to wake up for feeding and the second - all this contributes to the development of a single food intake regime, and the mother will not need to feed the babies all night in turn.
However, some mothers have to take turns feeding their babies. The reasons for this may be different:
- it is not possible to find a comfortable position for simultaneously feeding two children;
- lack of milk (how to increase lactation). In this case, there is an alternation of breastfeeding and formula feeding: in one feeding, the first baby receives the breast, the second receives the mixture, and in the other - vice versa.
If there is no one to help the newly minted mother of twins (for example, during the day when the husband is at work), then it is better to purchase a special pillow for feeding the twins - it is attached to the waist with a belt, is quite convenient and will help to feed two newborn babies as comfortably as possible.
Do I need to buy two cribs?
Twins up to 3-4 months old can sleep peacefully in the same bed, besides, it will be calmer for them (after all, they spent 9 months in their mother's tummy side by side 🙂), and for parents it is more convenient, not to mention saving space (of course children should have one "sleeping place" for two until they become cramped and uncomfortable).
However, not everything goes perfectly. Sometimes it happens that babies sleep restlessly, interfere with each other, and it is impossible to transfer them to one mode. In such a situation, the purchase of a second bed becomes a necessity. If babies bother each other, and the apartment (house) makes it possible to put two beds, then it is better to place them separately - it will be better for the children if they do not get along together.
In 3-4 months the babies will grow up, and they will feel cramped, and they will very quickly learn to roll over and strive to explore the surrounding space. That's when you should buy a special bed for twins or a second crib.
READ IN DETAIL: How to choose a crib for twins (types of beds)
Double cleanliness - bathing
The first six months, until the children have learned to sit on their own, it will be more convenient to bathe them separately from each other.
- You must immediately prepare all the accessories that you will need when bathing: shampoo, sponge, towel, cream, baby powder, etc. Everything should be at hand.
- Initially, it is necessary to bathe the most restless child, otherwise it is highly likely that he will be capricious in the midst of the water procedures of his (his) sister (brother).
- After bathing, the first child is fed and placed in a crib, and then the second is started bathing.
Separation of duties is especially convenient: mom bathes one baby, and dad bathes another.
When the twins are able to sit on their own, the bathing can be done together. This is where the real fun begins. Stock up on toys - water procedures will give children much more pleasure when they can splash in warm water together and play with each other. If both parents are bathing, then after water procedures the children can be simultaneously applied to the breast - after all, joint feeding after bathing will only contribute to accustoming to the same regimen.
"Together in the fresh air" or "How to choose the right stroller for twins?"
Outdoor walks are very beneficial for children: they strengthen the immune system, promote growth and development. Well, what walks without a stroller? It is not worth buying a stroller spontaneously even for one child, and the choice of the “first transport” for twins should be taken especially seriously. What should you pay attention to?
- It is necessary to clearly understand where the stroller will be stored and will there be enough space for it in the apartment? Measure the relevant part of the room, as well as the doorway and the entrance to the elevator - strollers for twins are quite large.
- Weight is very important. If there are people who will constantly carry out a stroller for you, then you don't have to chase the choice of the easiest one. And if you have to lower it all the time, then you really need to make a purchase, based on your physical capabilities.
- If mom and dad always go for a walk with the twins, then you can buy two separate strollers.
- Appearance is also important: some parents like double strollers, where children sit next to each other ("side by side"), and others - where the arrangement is like a "train" - one place after another. There are also transforming strollers, which are transformed from two-seater with the help of simple manipulations into single-seater.
READ IN DETAIL: How to choose a stroller for twins (types of strollers)
The first year of life for twins is a very difficult time for parents. This period requires maximum attention from all family members. In difficult times, it is important not to forget that one day the difficulties with the kids will end - mom and dad will gain experience, and real double joy will replace the constant excitement for the children.
Raising twins becomes easier and easier over time 😉
