Dad's Guide to Twins

Raising twins is a crash course in everything, including how quickly they pick up on the manners you model for them. 💡 Quick Takeaways Twins naturally observe and copy each other, which can fast-track manners and social skills Start modeling “please” and “thank you” from infancy, even before they can talk Twin-to-twin empathy is a unique opportunity you won’t have with singletons Consistency between you and your partner is key as your twins will absolutely notice the difference Expect setbacks; toddler twins testing limits is completely normal You Have a Secret Weapon: Each Other Here’s something I noticed pretty early with my twin girls that I never experienced with my singleton boys. When one of our twin girls used “please” and got what she wanted, the other watched. And then tried it herself. Twins are each other’s constant social mirror. That’s a huge advantage when it comes to teaching manners, because you’re not just teaching one child. In a lot of ways, you’re teaching two who then teach each other. Twins develop social referencing (looking to others for cues on how to behave) earlier and more frequently than singletons, largely because they have a built-in peer from day one. That means the modeling you do (and that they do for each other) is amplified in a twin household. Start Before They Can Even Talk One of the best pieces of advice I can give you is to start using “please” and “thank you” with your twins way earlier than feels necessary. I’m talking infancy. When I handed my girls their bottles, I’d say “Here you go, please enjoy!” and when they’d bat their little arms I’d say “Thank you for being such good eaters.” Silly? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely. The reason this works is that language development is built on repetition and exposure. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children begin understanding social language patterns long before they can produce words. By the time your twins start talking, “please” and “thank you” will already feel like a natural part of how the world works in your house. When to start expecting them to use it: Most toddlers can start signing or saying “please” around 18–24 months. With twins, I found that when one of my girls said it first, the other followed soon thereafter. Peer pressure, twin style. Make Manners Part of Your Daily Routine You don’t need special lessons or Pinterest-worthy activities to teach manners. You just need to weave them into the moments already happening a hundred times a day. At snack time, hold the crackers for a moment and ask, “What do we say?” At first, you’ll answer it yourself: “Please!” Then hand them over with a big smile. At pickup time after a mess, pause and say “Thank you for helping clean up, girls” even when the “help” made things worse. A few routines that worked really well in our house: Snack and mealtime prompts. Every hand-off of food became a “please” and “thank you” moment. Twins sitting together at a table makes it easy to do this with both at once. The morning greeting. We made “good morning” a thing. Two little voices saying it back to you at 6am is honestly one of the best parts of twin parenting. Sharing transitions. When one twin was done with a toy, we coached them to “offer it” rather than just dropping it. “Do you want to give that to your sister? Can you say here you go?” Small moments, big foundation. Twin-to-Twin Empathy: The Real Prize Here’s what genuinely surprised me about raising twin girls: the empathy that developed between them was something I didn’t expect to witness so early. When one of my daughters fell and scraped her knee, her sister (before she could even form a full sentence) walked over, crouched down, and patted her on the back. Nobody taught her that specific behavior. She had just watched us comfort her sister, and she replicated it. Empathy in twins develops through a combination of close observation, shared experience, and what researchers call “emotional contagion”. Essentially when one twin “catches” the feelings of the other. The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry has published research showing twins score higher on certain empathy measures early in life, likely because of this constant emotional feedback loop between them. What this means for you as a dad: You can actively cultivate this. When Twin A is upset, narrate it for Twin B. “Your sister is feeling sad right now. What do you think would make her feel better?” You’re building emotional vocabulary and empathy simultaneously. It works, and it’s something singleton parents genuinely can’t replicate the same way. When They Fight… Let me be real with you. Teaching manners doesn’t mean your twins won’t have Wrestlemania-style conflicts over who gets the red cup. They absolutely will. My girls could go from holding hands to full-on screaming in record time. The key is using those conflicts as teaching moments without turning every spat into a lecture. When things get heated, get down on their leve

You’ve probably noticed it happening. One of your twins comes home from soccer practice and announces, “I’m not as fast as Emma.” Or maybe during dinner, one twin says, “Everyone likes Tyler better than me.” Welcome to the comparison phase. It’s completely normal, but it can be tough to watch. Quick Takeaways Twins naturally start comparing themselves around ages 4-7 as part of normal development Constant comparison can lock kids into narrow roles (the athletic one, the shy one) Minimize direct comparisons in your language and celebrate each child’s unique strengths One-on-one time and separate activities help each twin develop their own identity Focus on personal growth over competition (compare them to their past selves, not each other) Why This Happens (And Why It’s More Intense for Twins) Around ages 4 to 7, kids develop social comparison skills. They’re figuring out how they stack up against other kids, which is a totally normal part of growing up. But for twins? This process is on steroids. My girls have always had a built-in comparison point who’s the exact same age, in the same house, often in the same classroom, and looks just like them. When other kids compare themselves to random classmates, twins are comparing themselves to the person they have spent their entire life with. The comparison thing really kicks into high gear during elementary school. One twin gets picked first for kickball while the other waits. One breezes through reading while the other struggles. This is when peer relationships and visible abilities (athletic, academic) become hugely important to kids. For twins, every difference gets magnified. The Identity Problem Here’s what I’ve noticed with my girls and other twin families. When comparison becomes constant, twins often fall into complementary roles. You get the athletic one and the artistic one. The outgoing twin and the shy twin. Some specialization is fine. Actually, it’s normal. But it becomes a problem when a child feels stuck in their role or believes they can’t succeed in areas where their twin shines. Kids who are constantly compared to their sibling struggle more with self-esteem, particularly if they see themselves as coming up short. They might avoid new activities out of fear they won’t measure up, or they become overly competitive in ways that damage their relationship with their twin. Stop the Comparison Language (Even the Subtle Stuff) This seems obvious, but you’re probably doing it more than you realize. I know I was. Instead of “Your sister is so good at sharing, why can’t you be more like her?” try “I need you to take turns with the Legos.” Direct, specific, no comparison. Pay attention to how you describe your twins to other people while they’re listening. I caught myself calling one of my girls “my social butterfly” at a family gathering. Guess what that implicitly said about her sister? Yeah, not great. Here’s what helped me break the habit: Describe behaviors, not comparisons (“Please use your inside voice” vs. “Why can’t you be quiet like your brother?”) When praising one child, don’t reference the other at all If you’re about to say “more like” or “better than,” stop and rephrase Notice labels you’ve assigned and actively use different descriptions for each child Create Space for Individual Identities Each twin needs time to be seen as a whole person, not half of a pair. Regular one-on-one time with each parent is non-negotiable. Even 20 minutes of focused attention helps. For example, I’d take one daughter out to lunch with me and the other daughter the next week. Those individual conversations are where I really got to know each girl as herself. Consider separate activities based on individual interests. For example one twin does soccer while the other does gymnastics. You’ll see that each twin gets to develop skills and friendships independently. Sure, it’s more complex logistically (welcome to twin parenting), but the benefit to their individual development was huge. They don’t have to do everything separately. But at least one different activity gives them space to breathe. Celebrate Different Strengths (But Make It Real) Kids can smell fake praise from a mile away. Don’t manufacture equivalent compliments (“You’re both winners!”). They know it’s nonsense. Instead, notice genuine individual qualities. For example, one of your twins may be incredibly persistent when learning something new. She’ll practice the same piano piece 20 times until she nails it. Her sister demonstrates creativity in problem-solving. She’ll find three different ways to build the same Lego set. Point out character strengths like kindness, humor, curiosity, or courage. These aren&#8217

When my twin girls were toddlers, I’d take them to the park and watch something fascinating happen. Other kids would be running around, forming little groups, negotiating who got the swing next. Meanwhile, my girls would find a quiet corner of the sandbox and build elaborate castles together, completely content in their world of two. It was sweet. It was also a little concerning. Here’s the thing about twins: they come with a built-in best friend. That’s amazing, but it can also become a comfortable bubble that keeps them from developing friendships with other kids. I learned this the hard way when one of my daughters had a meltdown at a birthday party because her sister was playing with someone else. Why Outside Friendships Matter (Even When Twins Have Each Other) My wife and I used to joke that our girls were set for life. They’d always have a playmate, always have someone who understood them, always have backup. And while that’s true, we realized they also needed to learn how to be interesting, capable people on their own. When twins build friendships outside their twin relationship, they will develop stronger individual identities and more diverse social skills. They learn to navigate different personalities, practice introducing themselves (a skill my girls literally never needed with each other), and discover they can be valued for who they are individually. Plus they can see other benefits like: Each twin develops confidence in social situations without relying on their sibling They practice different social roles (sometimes the leader, sometimes the follower) They bring new ideas and games home from their individual friendships They learn that being apart doesn’t mean being alone or unloved They develop resilience for future separations (different classes, different interests as they age) Understanding Why Twins Stick Together Before I share what worked for us, it helps to understand why twins gravitate toward each other. It’s not stubbornness or social anxiety (though those can be factors). It’s perfectly logical. My girls shared everything from day one. Same womb, same nursery, same developmental stage, same inside jokes. When faced with a playground full of unfamiliar kids, retreating to each other made complete sense. They had a shared language, shared history, and zero uncertainty about how the other would respond. Dealing with the Tough Stuff When one twin is more social than the other. This was us. One daughter made friends easily. The other struggled and would cry that nobody liked her (even though that wasn’t true). My instinct was to have the social twin help her sister. Bad idea. This created dependency and prevented the quieter twin from developing her own skills. Instead, I worked with my quieter daughter separately. We practiced conversation starters. We talked about how to join a game already in progress. We built her confidence through role-play when there was no social pressure. I also had to accept that she’s naturally more introverted. The goal isn’t to turn her into her sister. It’s to give her the skills to make friends when she wants to, even if she’ll always have a smaller circle. When they melt down over separation. The first time we tried individual playdates, it did not go well. Tears, protests, the whole thing. We started smaller. One twin helped me make cookies in the kitchen while the other read with Grandma in the living room. Same house, different rooms. Then we gradually increased the distance and duration. I acknowledged their feelings without immediately rescuing them. “I know you miss your sister. She’s in the backyard with Mom. You’ll see her at lunch. Right now, you get special time with me.” The key word is “gradual.” We didn’t force dramatic separations overnight. When they genuinely prefer each other. Look, some twin pairs are truly best friends. That’s not a problem to fix. The goal isn’t to make them prefer other kids or to force them apart. It’s to make sure they have the skills to engage with others when needed (school, sports, eventually jobs and relationships). Think of it as expanding their toolkit, not replacing their favorite tool. What Works at Different Ages Toddler stage (18 months to 3 years): At this age, we focused on parallel play and didn’t expect much actual interaction. We attended toddler playgroups where the emphasis was on free play with parents nearby. The twins got comfortable being around other kids without pressure to engage. We’d bring toys to share (bubbles were a hit) and just let proximity do its work. Preschool years (3 to 5 years): This is when outside friendships really started to matter. We got more intentional about creating situations where each twin played with different kids. Birthday parties, preschool friendships, and neighborhood playmates became important. We also started

That double stroller has been your best friend for two years. But now your twins are getting bigger, more independent, and honestly, wrestling two squirming toddlers into that beast for a quick Target run feels harder than just letting them walk. Except walking means you’ve got two little people who can dart in opposite directions while you’re standing there with exactly two hands. I’ve been there with my twin girls. That transition from strapped-in-the-stroller to walking-beside-me-in-the-parking-lot was genuinely terrifying at first. But here’s what I learned: most twins between 18 months and 3 years can master staying close through consistent verbal cues and clear boundaries. It takes patience and plenty of practice runs, but it absolutely works. Why This Stage Feels So Overwhelming Parents of singletons have it easier here, and that’s just math. They’ve got one kid and two hands. You’ve got two kids who can run in completely opposite directions, both with the impulse control of, well, toddlers. When my girls first started wanting to walk everywhere, I felt like I was constantly choosing which child to chase down while the other one headed toward traffic. Not a great feeling. You’re not being overprotective. You’re being realistic about the fact that toddlers have zero danger awareness and maximum confidence. Start Practicing at Home First Before you expect your twins to stay close at the grocery store with all its colors and excitement, practice in your own driveway. This is where they build the muscle memory without the high stakes. Pick one simple phrase and stick with it. We used “stay close” with our girls. Some families say “stay in the bubble” or “be my shadow.” Whatever you choose, use that exact phrase every single time. Don’t switch between “stay here,” “come back,” and “don’t run off.” Toddlers need that repetition. I practiced with my girls every time we walked from the car to the front door. “Okay, we’re going to practice staying close. Show me how you stay right next to Daddy.” Then I’d narrate what I saw: “Look at that! You’re both staying close. Your feet are right next to mine.” The advantage here is that home practice is low pressure. Nobody’s watching, you’re not trying to actually accomplish an errand, and if it goes badly, you’re already home. The One Non-Negotiable Rule In parking lots and crossing streets, everyone holds hands or touches the cart. Period. No exceptions, no negotiations, no “just this once.” Present this to your twins as a simple fact of life, like gravity. “In parking lots, we always hold hands. That’s the rule for everyone, always.” If one of them refuses, pick her up and carry her, saying calmly, “I see you’re having trouble with the parking lot rule. I’ll carry you to keep you safe.” Turns out, being carried is way less fun than walking. After a couple times, both your twins will chose to hold hands. Natural consequences are powerful teachers. Your First Public Outings Start small. Really small. Your first practice run shouldn’t be a full grocery trip. It should be a five-minute walk to check the mailbox together, or running into the gas station to pay. Before you get out of the car, state your expectations clearly: “When we get out, you’re both going to hold the cart with both hands. We’re going to walk together to get milk, then come right back. If you let go of the cart, we go back to the car.” Then follow through exactly. The first time one of your twins lets go, scoop her up, grab her sister, and go straight back to the car. No milk. The lesson is more important than the errand. Position yourself strategically. I kept one girl on each side of the cart. Some twin dads have each kid hold a different part of the cart. Others do a “hand chain” where one twin holds Dad’s hand and the other twin holds their sibling’s hand. Experiment to find what works for your specific twins. When They Go in Different Directions Here’s the twin-specific nightmare scenario: one bolts left toward the toy aisle while the other sprints right toward the automatic doors. Your response depends on the danger level. In low-danger settings like a fenced playground, let one twin explore briefly while you retrieve the other, then sit together for a minute. “I had to stop playing with Emma to go get Jack because he didn’t stay close. Now we all have to sit together.” Natural consequence, lesson learned. In high-danger environments like parking lots, scoop up both and carry them back to the car, one under each arm, regardless of who did what. The rule was simple: if anyone lets go, everyone gets picked up. Catch Them Doing It Right I praised my girls constantly when th

The transition from two naps to one is honestly one of the trickier phases of twin parenting. I remember when my girls hit this stage around 16 months, and suddenly our predictable rhythm fell apart for a few weeks. One twin was ready, the other wasn’t, and we found ourselves managing different schedules while also trying to keep everyone from melting down by 4 p.m. Here’s what I learned from our experience and what actually works when your twins are making this shift. Quick Takeaways Most twins transition between 15-18 months, but they don’t always do it at the same time The transition period usually lasts 2-6 weeks of some days needing two naps, other days just one Aim for a midday nap around 12:30-1:00 p.m. once they’re fully transitioned Early bedtimes (sometimes 30-60 minutes earlier) can save you on rough one-nap days Your twins will eventually sync up, even if they’re on different schedules temporarily How You Know They’re Ready For One Nap Your twins might be ready to drop that morning nap when they start fighting it consistently, taking forever to fall asleep, or when one nap becomes ridiculously short (like 20 minutes). With my girls, one would lie in her crib talking to herself for 45 minutes while her sister crashed immediately. Here’s the thing though. Your twins won’t necessarily be ready at the same time. One of my daughters was clearly done with two naps a solid three weeks before her sister. This is completely normal, even though it feels frustrating when you’re trying to manage two different schedules. Research shows that even identical twins can hit developmental milestones at different times (and sleep transitions definitely count as milestones). If one twin is ready and the other isn’t, resist the urge to force them onto the same schedule right away. A twin who drops a nap too early becomes overtired, which paradoxically makes everything worse. They fight sleep harder, wake up more at night, and turn into tiny cranky humans by dinner. I learned this the hard way. What the Nap Transition Actually Looks Like The switch from two naps to one rarely happens cleanly. Most kids (twins included) go through this weird in-between phase where some days they need two naps and other days they can handle just one. This phase lasted about a month with my girls, and I honestly thought it would never end. You’ll know you’re in the transition when your twins are cranky, clumsy, rubbing their eyes constantly, or getting weirdly hyperactive in the late afternoon. These are classic overtired signs. When you see them, move bedtime earlier that night. Sometimes we’d do bedtime at 6:30 p.m. instead of our usual 7:30 p.m., and it made a huge difference. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, toddlers this age still need 11-14 hours of total sleep in a 24-hour period. If they’re only napping once, that single nap needs to be solid (usually 1.5 to 3 hours), and nighttime sleep becomes even more important. Creating a Schedule That Actually Works Once both twins are fully on one nap, you’re aiming for that nap to fall right in the middle of the day. We landed on 12:30 p.m. as our sweet spot, but anywhere between noon and 1 p.m. works for most families. Here’s what our typical day looked like: Wake up: 6:30-7:00 a.m. Nap: 12:30-2:30 or 3:00 p.m. Bedtime: 7:00-7:30 p.m. Your twins can probably handle about 5-6 hours of awake time before they need sleep at this age. So if they wake at 7 a.m., they’re ready for a nap by 12:30 p.m., then can stay up until 7:30 p.m. for bed. Adjust based on what you’re seeing from your own kids. The length of that single nap varies a lot between twins. One of my girls would sleep for three hours straight, while her sister topped out at two hours. As long as they’re getting enough total sleep and seem happy, you’re golden. When They’re on Different Schedules If your twins stay on different schedules for a while, you’re going to need some creative solutions. When one of my daughters still needed that morning nap and the other didn’t, we’d put the sleepy twin down in our bedroom while her sister had independent play time in the living room (with my wife or I nearby, supervising). Here’s what worked for us: Morning nap twin slept in a different room temporarily Non-napping twin got special “quiet time” with books or puzzles Afternoon nap stayed synchronized for both in their shared room We maintained this split schedule for about three weeks Yes, this is more work for you. There’s no getting around that. But it respects where each twin is developmentally, and honestly, they did sync up eventually. Most twins align their schedules once they’re both fully established on one nap. During this phase, the afternoon nap when both twins were sleeping can become a much needed lifeline. That is your time to recharge, get

Let’s be honest: even if you think you have an excellent memory, the combination of sleep deprivation and caring for two babies will quickly prove you wrong. Those early weeks with twins at home create a perfect storm of exhaustion that makes even the simplest details slip away. Here’s the reality: you’re responsible for keeping two little humans alive and thriving, but your brain feels like it’s running on fumes. That’s where logging becomes your lifeline. Why You Need to Track Everything In those first weeks, you’ll find yourself asking: Which baby ate last, and when? Who had the messy diaper an hour ago? How long have they been napping? When is the next feeding due? Did we give them their medication today? Without a system to track these details, you’ll spend precious energy trying to remember information your tired brain simply can’t hold onto reliably. The Simple Solution: Write It All Down The rule is beautifully straightforward: Just fed a baby? Write it down. Just changed a diaper? Write it down. Put them down for a nap? Write it down. Gave medication? Write it down. Choose Your Logging Method The best logging system is the one you’ll actually use consistently. Here are several options to consider: Traditional Pen and Paper Always available, no battery required Easy to leave by the changing station or nursing area Both parents can quickly jot down information Can use a twin tracking log like these Mobile Apps Baby Tracker, Glow Baby, and similar apps designed for new parents Often include helpful features like growth tracking and feeding timers Can send notifications for upcoming feedings or medication times Digital Spreadsheets Excel or Google Sheets allow for easy data analysis later Can be shared between parents for real-time updates Great for parents who love organizing data Shared Documents Google Docs or similar platforms let both parents access and update from anywhere Perfect for when one parent is at work and wants to check in on the day’s progress Father of twins Chris Wejr shared that his “mirror was covered with times as we’re trying to figure who fed at what time and how long and all those sort of things” during the chaotic first few months with his twin girls. A visible, low-tech system for tracking feeding times and durations might be all you need. Personalize Your Log for Maximum Value Eric Langenderfer, a father of identical twin boys, mentioned that while in the hospital, they were required to chart everything, which he found inconvenient on paper. When they brought the babies home, he created a small online database where he and his wife could log feedings and other activities from their phones, including timestamps. Make your logging system work for your family by including: Essential Daily Tracking Feeding times and amounts Diaper changes (wet/dirty) Sleep periods Medication schedules Special Moments First smiles, coos, or other milestones Unique twin interactions (like holding hands) Funny or memorable moments from each day Health and Development Notes Questions for the pediatrician Concerns or observations about either baby Growth measurements and appointment reminders Parent Check-ins Simple mood tracker for both parents Notes about what’s working well or causing stress Reminders to support each other Turn Your Log into a Powerful Tool Your log isn’t just a record, it’s a valuable analytical resource. After a few weeks of consistent tracking, look for patterns: Fussy periods: Does one baby get cranky at the same time each day? Sleep patterns: Are there natural rhythms you can build routines around? Feeding issues: Could certain times or amounts be causing problems? Growth trends: Are both babies developing at healthy rates? These insights can help you anticipate needs, adjust schedules, and even identify potential health concerns early. Avoid Common Logging Pitfalls Don’t aim for perfection: Missing an entry here and there won’t ruin anything. Focus on consistency over completeness. Don’t let it create stress: The log should make your life easier, not become another source of anxiety. If you’re spending more time logging than caring for your babies, scale back. Know when to ease up: As your twins develop predictable routines (usually around 8-12 weeks), you can gradually reduce the detail of your logging. Your Communication Lifeline Perhaps most importantly, your log serves as a crucial communication tool between caregivers. Instead of trying to remember and relay every detail when your partner comes home, they can quickly scan the log to understand the day’s events. This eliminates the constant “Did you feed them?” questions and helps everyone stay informed without lengthy explanations. The Bottom Line Those first weeks with twins can feel overwhelming, but a simple logging system will help you: Keep your sanity by eliminating the mental burden

With twins in the house a big point of contention will be sharing. You might think that the easy way for you as the parent would be to get two of everything. However, this surely won’t work all the time and definitely doesn’t build character. And as we all know, your job as a dad, of course, is to “build character.” Right? Twin dad Kris Lloyd noticed that even when he bought “two of everything” for his non-identical twin girls, they wouldn’t necessarily use them at the same time, and “they always want the same exact” item the other twin is currently using. He found that the second item often “hardly got used much”. This was often the case in our home where one girl always wanted what the other had even if there were two identical items. So you have to solve the root problem to get a peaceful and happy home: teach your twins how to share from a very early age. Turn Timer Be careful when trying to force sharing. Instead of forcing one twin to hand over a toy to the other, focus on the concept of taking turns between twins. One trick that worked for us was the turn timer. We used a portable kitchen timer as the “turn timer”. When our girls would fight over something we’d pull out the timer, declare that it was so-and-so’s turn now and that it would be the other’s turn when the timer went ding. We’d set the timer for a minute or two based on how long we thought our child’s attention span was. After starting the timer, we’d ask the kid with the coveted item: “What happens when the timer dings?” and make sure they understand the turn-taking process. Yes, your twins get plenty of opportunities to share between themselves and other siblings. However, they still need some help and structure to get them in the good habits you are hoping to help them develop. It does baffle me that the kids will often listen to a small kitchen timer instead of just being obedient when my wife or I ask them to do something. Oh, well. There is nothing wrong with some extra tools in the parenting toolbox. Distract If taking turns isn’t going as smoothly as you’d like, then try the old distraction technique. Say, “Hey, look at that!” or pull out another toy or delicious food item to distract the sad, I-didn’t-get-what-I-want twin. Wait a Minute Especially when your twins are young, their attention span is extremely short. This means two things: First, set the turn timer for a very short time. Second, don’t be surprised if the item they were fighting over is discarded and your twins have moved on to something else rather quickly. The good news about sharing is that typically, your twins will be sharing better and earlier when compared to other singletons their same age. Here are those tips rewritten specifically for helping twins learn to share: Model the Behavior Your twins learn by watching adults and each other. Make a point of visibly and verbally sharing things with your twins and between family members. For example, say, “I’m going to share some of my popcorn with both of you,” or “I’m sharing my book with Mommy so we can read together.” Father of twins Tim Robinson emphasizes teaching good manners and communication from a young age. He insists on phrases like “Milk please” or “Excuse me, Mommy/Daddy”. He observes that this approach helps them interact, sometimes resulting in one twin saying, “Excuse me, brother, can I have that toy please?” which he finds “the cutest thing I’ve ever seen”. Use Positive Reinforcement Praise your twins when you see them sharing with each other, even if it’s a small act. Use descriptive praise, such as, “I love how you shared your blocks with your sister. It made her so happy to build that tower together with you!” You should verbally praise your kids when they share. That will encourage this good behavior. Encourage Empathy Help your twins understand each other’s feelings. Once they are old enough to express their feelings, you can ask, “How do you think your sister (or insert the twin’s name) feels when they don’t get a turn?” or “Look how happy your brother is now that they get to play with the toy car too.” Respect Their Individual Possessions Give each twin a choice about what they are willing to share. Before playtime, let them each put away any special toys they don’t want to share with their twin. This teaches them that their individual possessions are respected and may make them more willing to share other items. Help your twins understand that some items belong specifically to each of them, while others are family toys meant for sharing. Use labels, special boxes, or designated spaces to make these boundaries clear. Play Cooperative Games Engage your twins in games that require teamwork

One of the challenges with twins is that they get sick. Sickness doesn’t always strike both twins simultaneously. Your twins will catch a cold, get the flu, have a stomach bug, or come down with any number of other contagious illnesses. This brings up the question: how do you keep one twin healthy when the other is sick? Is it Worth it? Every time one of our twins get sick, we have to ask ourselves: does it matter if the other kids get sick too? Is this one of those colds or stomach bugs that they’ll get eventually anyway? Does this “build their immunity”? These are very subjective questions and the answers really depend on your parenting style. Generally speaking in our house, if the child doesn’t have a fever, we aren’t too concerned if the other kids catch it. That said, when in doubt, always give your pediatrician a call. Many parents of twins find it’s often a losing battle to prevent the healthy twin from getting sick. Rather than focusing solely on prevention, it may be more helpful to also prepare for the inevitable, such as by stocking up on sick-day essentials for both children. Father of twins Aaron Ameen shared his experience that since all three of his young children attend daycare, they experience a “revolving door of sickness”. He observed that illness completely overthrows any established routines and systems, making it a particularly tough time for parents, especially if the parents also fall sick. When the children are sick, they don’t sleep as well, requiring one or both parents to take time off work, which creates practical challenges for working parents. Separate Them Keeping your twins from spreading their germs is an almost impossible task. When your twins are infants, you can’t teach them good health habits and they can’t take care of themselves. Toddlers and older kids don’t always practice good hygiene, will forget to cover their coughs and sneezes, and tend to do a poor job washing their hands. If you want to improve your odds of preventing the spread of the illness, you could isolate your sick twin in his or her room. Avoid sharing clothes, toys, towels, kitchen supplies, etc. that the sick twin uses. Twin dad Tim Brien shared that when one of his kindergarten-aged twins gets sick, the other also has a “really, really hard time,” and they usually keep both children home from school. He also mentioned that when both of his two-and-a-half-year-old twins were sick, they amazingly tried to take care of each other. Think Sanitation Keeping your whole family healthy starts before anyone gets sick. Teach your twins good practices like how to effectively wash their hands. We like to have our kids sing “Happy Birthday” twice while scrubbing their hands so they know they washed long enough. Teach your twins to cough or sneeze into a tissue or into their elbow or sleeve. They should never sneeze or cough into their hands. You should not stress excessively about sanitizing the entire house. It’s okay to let everyone get sick and recover, rather than making yourself crazy trying to prevent it. Balance what is right for your family and situation. Lower Your Expectations During a sick period, it’s okay to let routines and schedules slide. The focus should be on getting everyone through the illness, not on maintaining a perfect schedule. This includes being more relaxed about screen time or a lack of routine. Keep Yourself Healthy You are the primary caregiver, and if you get sick, it makes caring for your twins (especially if one or both is sick) much more difficult. While caring for your sick twin(s) make sure that you do everything you can to stay healthy. Eat well, get your rest, and wash your hands. If you get sick on top of having to care for sick kids, things will get really tough. The best sick times in our family are when my wife and I take turns being sick. This way there is always a parent available to carry the load while the other recovers. Father of twins Chris Titus described an instance where his wife was sick, and he took over the entire nighttime shift to care for their twin infants so she could get a full night’s rest and recover. This highlights the importance of proactive teamwork between you and your partner, especially when one parent is ill. Sometimes instead of an illness, one twin gets injured and the other twin is totally fine. Instead of worrying about cross contamination, you’ll need to shift attention to care and recovery. Here’s an example of when one of our twin daughters needed stitches. Picture by Kourtlyn Lott The post How to Keep One Twin Healthy When the Other is Sick appeared first on Dad's Guide to Twins.

We’ve got identical girls and often rely on their mannerisms and personalities to tell them apart. If you rely on this too, or hope to, be careful: twins switch personality traits at will. For example, one of our infant girls would be shy one week while the other was a social butterfly. Just when you thought that was the pattern, they switched and the social standout would cry hysterically with strangers. Go figure. We’ve seen switching of twin personalities and traits from an early age in all these cases: who is a good eater who is a wiggle worm who wakes up first who takes good naps who drinks her bottle in one sitting who smiles at strangers who makes what sounds (when our girls weren’t talking yet) who steals toys from the other So if you want to keep your twins straight, particularly if they are identical, combine multiple data points in identifying each. Combine personality traits and even subtle visual clues to properly identify who is who. It is fascinating to watch the switcheroo happen. Just keep your eyes open and enjoy the journey. Twin dad Todd Courtney observed that his identical twin boys would “flip back and forth” in terms of being empowered or following, with “role reversals that happened throughout their childhood” Jonathan Snowden, father of twin girls, noted that his daughters, Elizabeth and Lucy, do not “stick to, like, one characteristic or act a certain way” but “interchange with each other”. He explained that one day Elizabeth might be the loud and active one, and the next day Lucy would take on that role, as “they just interchange with each other with their personalities.” Andy Slinger, a father of identical twin boys, observed that his twins’ personalities would switch over time. He noted that as his boys grew up, they “jumped between different personality types”, with one sometimes being the leader and then the other taking on that role. What Does the Science Say About Twin Personalities? Personality is about 50% heritable. Extensive twin studies have consistently found that roughly half of the variance in personality traits is attributable to genetics. This is based on comparing identical twins (who share 100% of their genes) to fraternal twins (who share about 50% of their genes). Identical twins are consistently more similar in personality, even when raised apart, which provides strong evidence for the role of genetics. The remaining half of personality variance is attributed to “non-shared environment.” This refers to unique experiences that one twin has that their twin does not. These are not shared family events, but individual experiences like different friendships, teachers, illnesses, or even a different reaction to the same shared family environment. This is the key factor that causes even identical twins to have distinct personalities. The post Twins Personalities Switch appeared first on Dad's Guide to Twins.

Having two newborns simultaneously can feel overwhelming, but establishing a predictable schedule is your secret weapon for maintaining sanity and helping your twin babies thrive. Think of your twins as having a completely blank calendar when they arrive and it’s up to you to fill it with the structure they need for healthy development. Creating and sticking to a consistent schedule for sleep, feeding, and play will not only benefit your twins’ development but also give you and your partner precious opportunities to rest, recharge, and tackle household tasks. The effort you invest in establishing these routines now will pay huge dividends as your twins grow. We tried to keep our twin girls on the same schedule as much as possible. We found that helped create a more predictable routine in our home. Here are some things to consider when managing your newborn twins’ schedule: Choosing the Right Twin Newborn Schedule for Your Family Consider Your Support System The type of schedule that works best for your twins depends largely on your family’s unique situation: If you have helpers (partner, family, or hired help): Synchronized schedule works best: have both twins eat, sleep, and play at the same times This allows adults to rest together during sleep periods Enables tag-team parenting during awake times Makes household management more efficient If you’re flying solo during certain hours and synchronized doesn’t work: Staggered schedule might be your lifesaver, offset twins’ schedules by 1-2 hours Prevents the chaos of two hungry, crying babies simultaneously Allows you to give individual attention to each baby Gives you brief breaks between feeding and care sessions Tim Murray, father of identical twin girls who were six weeks old when he shared his story on the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast, explained their feeding strategy. During the day when both parents were present, they found it easiest to feed the twins at the same time, with one parent taking each baby. At night, they intentionally staggered their feedings to manage the workload and prevent both babies from being “apoplectic”. He also mentioned trying to keep their daughter at home on a three-hour feeding schedule (12, 3, 6, and 9) similar to the twin that was still in the NICU. Example Twin Newborn Daily Schedule It’s important to understand that your newborn twins’ schedule is not a strict, by-the-clock routine. In the first few weeks and months of life, your twins’ day is primarily dictated by their basic needs: eating, sleeping, and a little bit of “awake time” for interaction and diaper changes. Their sleep-wake cycle isn’t fully developed yet, so they won’t distinguish between day and night right away. The following is not a strict schedule, but a general example of a 24-hour pattern you can expect with newborns, based on the principle of “eat, activity, sleep.” This is a helpful framework to follow, but be prepared for flexibility and to respond to your twins’ cues. Morning: 7:00 AM: Wake up and feed. 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM: “Play” time (or, more accurately, quiet awake time). This can include a diaper change, a little tummy time, cuddling, or simply talking to your baby. 8:30 AM: Sleep. Midday: 10:30 AM: Wake up and feed. 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Awake time, including a diaper change and gentle interaction. 12:00 PM: Sleep. Afternoon: 2:00 PM: Wake up and feed. 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM: Awake time, diaper change, and more interaction. 3:30 PM: Sleep. Evening (Cluster Feeding & Winding Down): 5:30 PM: Wake up and feed. 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Awake time. This might be a good time for a warm bath, baby massage, or quiet cuddle time to prepare for the night. 7:00 PM: Sleep. 9:00 PM: Wake up and feed (often a “cluster feed” where they feed more frequently). 9:30 PM – 10:00 PM: Diaper change and a final check-in. 10:00 PM: Bedtime. Overnight: 1:00 AM: Wake up and feed. 1:30 AM: Diaper change, if needed. Keep lights low and interaction minimal to teach the difference between day and night. 1:45 AM: Back to sleep. 4:00 AM: Wake up and feed. 4:30 AM: Diaper change, minimal interaction. 4:45 AM: Back to sleep. The Art of Consistency and Flexibility Staying Consistent Once you’ve chosen your approach, commitment is key. This means: If both twins are on synchronized feeding schedules but only one wakes up hungry, you’ll need to gently wake the other twin for feeding Following through even when you’re tired (and you will be tired) Trusting the process: your twins will eventually adapt to your lead When to Be Flexible Remember, you’re working with tiny humans, not robots. Be prepared to adjust when: Your twins show signs they’re ready for longer stretches between feedings Growth spurts temporarily disrupt established patterns Sleep needs change as they develop (this will hap

Taking care of one child is already going to require a lot of sacrifice on your end, but having twins is automatically going to double your efforts and your financial needs. You can save a lot of money if you know where to shop and what you can get for free (or at least with a discount). There are actually a lot of stores out there that offer discounts and a lot of free stuff for twins if you follow their shopping promos and keep an eye on store offers. While many programs aren’t specifically for twins, every little bit helps. See which of the following could help find free stuff for twins: Brands & Programs Offering Samples or Rewards These programs let you try products for free: Enfamil Free Products There is also the option to become a member of Family Beginners in Enfamil. Enfamil offers free baby products if you sign up for them right after your babies are born (you can inquire about it from your doctor) or you could give them a call to sign up for their membership network. This not only guarantees free stuff for twins but also lets you receive coupons that you can later use for discounted shopping. Beech Nut Product Coupons for Twins Call Beech Nut to get a special packet of discounts and some free samples for your twins. Call 1-800-233-2468 to make your request. Gerber Baby Food Discounts As a parent of twins, Gerber will give you coupons for discounts on their different lines of food products. Call 1-800-443-7237 to request a packet for parents of twins. Pampers Club Earn points from purchases which are redeemable for diaper samples, gifts, toys, coupons. Similac Provides formula samples and a free Shutterfly baby book among other perks. Retailers With Free Baby Registry Boxes Many major retailers offer welcome kits or boxes full of baby essentials when you create a registry. While most require minimum spending or shipping, they can still offer great value (especially with twins). Retailers tend to only let you get one welcome box even if you’re having twins. So you get get more volume by trying multiple of these offers: Amazon Baby Registry Welcome Box Get a free welcome box (swaddle, bottles, diapers, wipes, coupons) by creating a registry, adding 10 items, and having at least $10 purchased. Available to Amazon Prime members. Target Baby Registry Welcome Kit Register with Target and add 10+ items, then spend $10+ (you or someone from your registry) to unlock a welcome kit full of samples, bottles, diapers, lotions, and coupons. It’s valued at over $100. Walmart Baby Registry Welcome Box Create a baby registry and request the free Baby Box. Ensure your registry has been active for seven days. Add a minimum of 20 items to your registry. Have over $25 of purchases from your registry, either by you or others. Contains sample products like Pampers, wipes, pacifiers, etc. Availability may vary. Babylist Hello Baby Box Requires adding 3 Babylist store items and 3 from other stores to your registry. Then spend (or a gift giver spends) $30, plus a shipping fee (around $9). Includes a great mix of items like bottles, diapers, swaddles. Macy’s Baby Registry Gift Box Register with Macy’s and purchase $50+ of items; pay a small shipping fee ($6.50). Box includes baby clothes, diapers, pacifiers, and more. Nonprofits & Local Support Resources Facebook Buy Nothing Groups/Nextdoor: Seek out local groups where neighbors give away baby items like toys and clothing. These community-based groups are excellent for finding free, secondhand baby gear from people in your area. Hospitals and Pediatricians: Many provide free samples of diapers, formula, and skincare products upon request. You’ll be at the doctor a lot during the pregnancy and with newborns so don’t forget to ask for samples! Many local organizations and mutual aid networks offer diapers, formula, and gear for low-income families. If you need help beyond retailer samples and registries, look for your local food pantries, United Way or the National Diaper Network. You may receive formula, diapers, or other essentials through WIC or hospital programs. Where to Start For variety and convenience: Start with Amazon, Target, or Babylist registry boxes. Looking for formula or breastfeeding supplies: Try Enfamil, Similac, or Gerber. Want diapers: Use rewards programs like Pampers. Want more tips on saving money with twins? I talk more about this in Chapter Eight of my book, the Dad’s Guide to Raising Twins: How to Thrive as a Father of Twins. Picture by Manda. The post Free Stuff for Twins (Plus Discounts for Twins) appeared first on Dad's Guide to Twins.

Once you find out that you are expecting twins, your mind races with tons of concerns and questions. Whether you’ve had children already or not, a twin pregnancy brings new unknowns that frankly can be overwhelming. It’s time to talk with your doctor. Talking to Your Doctor You’ll want to find a good doctor that you can trust and with whom you can have a comfortable relationship. You need to feel comfortable asking any questions and asking follow-ups if you still have concerns. But what should you ask when you go to the doctor? Example Questions to Ask Your Doctor Twin Pregnancy What can I expect during my pregnancy with twins? How will this pregnancy be different from a singleton pregnancy? When should we expect to feel movement with our twins? What are the risks associated with a twin pregnancy, and how can I manage them? Are my doctor visits based on my actual due date or my realistic due date (measurements of both me and the babies)? Mom’s Health During Pregnancy How often will I need to see a doctor for prenatal care, and what tests will be performed? How much weight I am I expected to gain? Exactly what does that mean in terms of how much more I should be eating? How can I make sure I’m getting enough nutrients and calories to support two babies? How much water should I drink each day? Can I exercise? What kinds are approved for moms of “high risk” pregnancies? What are the chances I’ll have to go on bed rest? What is cervical length screening and when will you check mine? Twins’ Health in Womb What are the possible complications with twins and when should I worry? Are my twins identical or fraternal, and how does this affect my care plan? Do my twins share a placenta (monochorionic) or have separate placentas (dichorionic)? How will you monitor for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) if my twins share a placenta? How often will you measure each baby’s growth individually? What happens if one twin is significantly smaller than the other? How will you monitor for cord entanglement or compression? Medication & Medical History: Are any of my current medications unsafe for twin pregnancy? How does my medical history (previous pregnancies, chronic conditions, family history) specifically impact twin pregnancy risks? What over-the-counter medications should I avoid? Genetic/Screening Questions: Should we consider additional genetic testing given that we’re having twins? How accurate are standard screening tests (like cell-free DNA testing) for twin pregnancies? If one twin has a genetic condition, what are our options? Work/Lifestyle Planning: At what point in pregnancy should I plan to stop working or reduce hours? What accommodations might I need at work during pregnancy? When should we consider modifying daily activities or household responsibilities? Specialized Care: Will I need to see a maternal-fetal medicine specialist (perinatologist), and if so, when? Should I work with a nutritionist or dietitian during my pregnancy? What additional specialists might I need during this pregnancy? Emergency Preparedness: What’s your protocol if I go into labor when you’re not available? Which emergency room should I go to if I have concerns outside office hours? Should I have a backup birth plan if complications arise? Delivery Planning: Will my delivery be based on my actual due date or realistic twin pregnancy due date? What is your policy on delivery timing for twins (at what week do you typically recommend delivery)? If I’m planning a vaginal delivery, what happens if the first baby is born vaginally but the second needs a C-section? What type of anesthesia options are available during twin delivery? How many medical staff will be present during delivery, and what are their roles? What is your experience delivering twins vaginally? What are the chances that I will need a cesarean delivery, and what are the risks and benefits of this procedure? How can I prepare for the birth of my twins, and what can I expect during labor and delivery? What is your experience delivering twins via C-section? At how many weeks will you schedule a c-section? Do you have rights to deliver at my hospital? Does my hospital have at least a Level II NICU? How flexible can my birth plan be given the unpredictability of twin delivery? What decisions might need to be made quickly during delivery that I should think about now? What happens if one or both babies are breech? Practical Considerations: What are the signs of pre-term labor I should be looking for? What do I do if I experience them? What symptoms warrant an immediate call or trip to the hospital? Should I take any additional supplements beyond standard prenatal vitamins? Are there any specific warning signs unique to twin pregnancies I should know about? What are your policies about travel during twin pregnancy? How will you coordinate care if I need to be hospitalized before delivery? What should

Episode 327 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Stephen Dause, father of twin girls. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including: Finding out they’d have twins just after 24 year old adopted son moved out Concerns and anxiety about sleep and wife’s health Going to the hospital twice during pregnancy Choosing a MFM specialist over traditional OB TAPS and TTTS monitoring At 34 weeks, gestational hypertension sent Mom to hospital C-section delivery Emergency hysterectomy to stop bleeding after birth Dad’s emotions dealing with traumatic birth experience Power outage when they got home from hospital Taking time off work to take care of babies and his wife Child care plans – finding a daycare Daily schedule for 4.5 month olds and more… Connect with Stephen via his twin dad posts on Reddit here. Podcast Transcript This is transcript auto-generated so please forgive any mistakes. Joe Rawlinson (Host): Yes, your twin pregnancy and delivery may have some crazy surprises. Today on the podcast we’re talking with a twin dad who shares his experience of how their delivery did not quite go according to plan. Now there was a huge surprise after their twin girls were born in the operating room, how they overcame that challenge and more today on the podcast. Welcome to the dad’s guide to twins podcast, the podcast that’ll help you survive and thrive as a father of twins. Now, here’s your host, the author of the book, the dad’s guide to twins, Joe Rawlinson. Hey everybody. Welcome to the podcast. This is Joe Rawlinson. I’m glad that you’re with me today. As always, you can find me on the web at dadsguidetowins.com where you’ll find all previous podcast episodes and tons of resources to help you along your twin parenting journey. Today’s episode is brought to you by my second book for dads of twins. It is called Dad’s Guide to Raising Twins, How to Thrive as a Father of Twins. This book will guide you through those first several years with your twins to help you overcome the common challenges that you’ll be facing. You can get a copy of this book for yourself at RaisingTwinsBook.com. Today we are continuing our Father of Twins interview series with the Father of Twin Girls who are happy and healthy now, but there were some hiccups and some surprises that were a little bit scary in the pregnancy and during delivery that we’re going to talk about today on the episode. Today I’d like to welcome to the show Father of Twins, Stephen Dause. Welcome to the show, Stephen. Stephen Dause (Guest): Thank you. Current Age and Twin Interactions Joe Rawlinson: Stephen, how old are your twins right now? And what’s something exciting about this age? Stephen Dause: They are four and a half months. Something exciting about this age that just happened, started happening maybe a couple weeks ago was I noticed they started talking and babbling and cooing to each other just with, and sometimes when they’re both lying down, they’ll look at each other and start talking, especially if we hold them to each other’s face and they just smile and laugh. It’s really something special because that’s something that parents of multiples get to experience, I guess, that singletons don’t exactly in the same way. So it’s pretty neat. Joe Rawlinson: Yeah, that’s one of the joys we have as dads of twins. We can watch that happen between our twins. Let’s rewind a little bit back in time to when you found out that you’d be having twins? What was your family situation like at that time? Family Situation When Finding Out About Twins Stephen Dause: Well, so when we found out, we had recently helped our 24-year-old adopted son move out. He was 16 when we adopted him eight years ago, and we slowly helped him mature and become independent, and we had just sort of become empty-nesters, so to speak. And then we found out we were pregnant, and started the process of welcoming, or so we thought, at least one biological kid into the family. Joe Rawlinson: Yeah, that’s quite a transition there between an adult and having babies right on the heels of that. What was the experience like from your perspective with the twin pregnancy? How did that progress? Twin Pregnancy Experience Stephen Dause: It was pretty challenging. My first reaction was just anxiety over not being able to get enough sleep, especially because I have some health conditions that already make that difficult for me. And then it quickly turned into anxiety over making sure my wife was healthy and that the twins were healthy and growing properly. She was quite nauseous, especially early on, but throughout the pregnancy, we had to take her to the hospital twice and I guess around week 14 or 15. Thankfully, all she needed was fluids, but she just couldn’t

Hey Dads, it’s completely normal to need support during the twin pregnancy. Yes, support for you. During a twin pregnancy, the physical and emotional spotlight is naturally on your partner, but your role, your mental health, and your emotional well-being matter deeply. Here are some ideas on how to maintain your mental and emotional footing during this intense time: Acknowledge Your Experience Your feelings are valid, including excitement, anxiety, and being overwhelmed. These are all normal responses to impending parenthood, especially with twins. You’re going through a major life transition too. Your identity and responsibilities are changing significantly. Doubt doesn’t mean you’re unfit to be a twin dad. It means you care. Good dads worry; great dads learn to manage that worry instead of letting it run the show. Find Support Systems Connect with other twin dads who have been through what you are experiencing. Look for local twin parent groups or online forums specifically for fathers of multiples. Maintain friendships by scheduling regular time with friends who can provide perspective and emotional support. Consider therapy if you feel you need an extra hand. A few sessions with a therapist can provide valuable coping strategies for this unique stress you’re experiencing. Communicate Openly Share your feelings with your partner. Try saying “I’m excited about the twins but also feeling [fill in the blank with your emotions like being nervous or overwhelmed]” Be specific about your needs when talking with your partner. For example, “I could use some time to process” is better than bottling up emotions. Remember your partner isn’t a mind reader. They may not realize what you’re experiencing unless you share. Open, frank, and honest communication with your partner will help the twin parenting journey go a lot smoother. Practice Self-Care Maintain your physical health. During the twin pregnancy, you actually have more time than you will once the twins are born. Keep up with regular exercise, adequate sleep, and proper nutrition. These will directly impact your mental wellbeing. It’s easy to lose yourself in pregnancy prep. Try to keep at least one regular activity that grounds you. Continue hobbies while you can. Keep participating in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Keep in mind that some of these might need a pause once the twins arrive. Set boundaries since it’s okay to decline additional responsibilities when feeling overwhelmed. Prepare Practically Educate yourself about twin development and care as that can reduce anxiety. Research is helpful but obsessively reading about premature birth risks, twin complications, or sleep deprivation stories can send your anxiety into overdrive. Stick to trusted sources, and give yourself permission to unplug. Get involved in twin preparations. Setting up the nursery or researching gear gives you purpose and something within your control. Creating a registry, budgeting, reading parenting books will help. But leave space for flexibility, mistakes, and unknowns. Twins bring chaos. You’ll adapt. You don’t have to be 100% “ready”. Learn practical baby care skills. This will give you confidence in your abilities and will reduce anxiety about the future. Remember You’re a Team You’re not just a supporting character. You’re an equal parent preparing for a life-changing experience. Taking care of your mental health now sets the foundation for being the father your twins will need to be. Listen to twin dad Steven Driver’s experience of overcoming a traumatic birth experience of his twins. The post Maintaining Dad’s Mental Health During a Twin Pregnancy appeared first on Dad's Guide to Twins.

When I found out we were having twins, one of my first thoughts after the initial shock wore off was: “Where are we going to put all their stuff?” Our modest three-bedroom home suddenly felt tiny. But after some creative planning and real-world experience, I discovered you don’t need two of everything or a mansion to raise happy, healthy twins. Here’s how to prepare your home without drowning in baby gear. Strategic Thinking Before Buying Place to Sleep Will you have the twins in your room or in their own room? When you bring them home from the hospital, you need a place for them to sleep. Where will that be in your house? Think through your plans for those first few nights at home – perhaps they will be in your room. Then think about long-term sleeping arrangements – likely in their own room. Place to Eat Think about where you’ll feed your infant twins. Will it be in a rocking chair? In the nursery, or the family room? You’ll need a comfortable place where you can sit and feed the twins. Make sure this will let you feed both at the same time. Place to Change Diapers Twin babies go through lots of diapers. Newborn twins can go through 20 diapers a day. You’ll need a place to change them. This could be a dedicated changing table or just on the floor. Yes, you could even use your bed – but remember that they might have an accident or leakage. Do you want that mess on your bed? Place for Baby Stuff You need a place to store your baby clothes, diapers, and supplies. A simple changing table or dedicated furniture will work. Baby Proofing You don’t have to baby proof your house before your twins come home. Baby proofing requires that you prevent trouble that could be within a baby’s reach. As newborns, your twins can’t reach anything and aren’t mobile. If you are short on time, you can wait to baby proof your home until later. The Twin Registry Audit Before you register for or purchase anything, ask these three questions: Do we absolutely need two of these? Will this item be outgrown within months? Does this serve multiple purposes or just one? I saved hundreds of dollars and valuable square footage by realizing we didn’t need two baby bathtubs, two high chairs, or two play mats. One large play mat worked perfectly for both babies. The Grow-With-Them Mindset Invest in items that adapt as your twins grow: Convertible cribs that transform into toddler beds Strollers with modular configurations for different ages Space-Maximizing Solutions By Room The Nursery Vertical Storage is Your Best Friend Wall space is often underutilized. Consider: Floor-to-ceiling shelving units Over-door organizers for small items Wall-mounted baskets for diapers and supplies For example, IKEA Kallax shelves and fabric bins color-coded by category—green for clothes, blue for blankets, yellow for toys. This system makes it easy to find what you need quickly. Just remember your baby-proofing for when the twins become mobile. Smarter Furniture Choices Choose cribs with built-in storage drawers underneath Use a dresser with a changing pad on top instead of a separate changing table Consider mini-cribs if space is extremely tight When you set up your twin nursery, see if you can position the cribs in an L-shape in the corner, which opens up floor space for playing while keeping the cribs accessible from three sides. The Living Room Create Zones Instead of Taking Over Rather than letting twin baby gear dominate your living space: Designate one corner for baby activities with a small toy basket Use furniture with hidden storage (ottomans, coffee tables with drawers) Invest in gear that folds away when not in use Multi-Purpose Solutions A pack-and-play can serve as a playpen or napping spot Ottoman storage can hold toys and serve as seating Sofa cushions can become safe play barriers during tummy time The Kitchen Streamlined Feeding Station Wall-mounted bottle organizers keep counters clear Hanging fruit baskets can store formula, baby food, and snacks Magnetic strips on the fridge can hold feeding schedules and notes Create a dedicated “twin feeding zone” in one corner of your kitchen with everything needed for bottle prep, which can save countless steps during those early sleep-deprived months. Clever High Chair Solutions Space-saving high chairs that clip to the table Chairs that fold flat when not in use Booster seats that attach to regular dining chairs We opted for booster seats rather than standalone units with large footprints. The Bathroom Bathing Without the Bulk Sink inserts for newborn bathing save space over baby tubs Shower caddies repurposed for baby bath supplies Tension rods with hanging mesh bags for toy storage Smart Organization Behind-the-door towel racks with towels for each baby Adhesive hooks for washcloths Magnetic containers on the side of a metal cabinet for small items Clever Twin-Specific Hacks The Rolling Command Cent

Fathers expecting twins often have specific concerns that tend to be exaggerated or misguided. You just don’t know what you’re getting yourself into and that leads to some irrational fears. I know, I’ve been there. Here are some of the most common fears that you don’t need to stress out about: “I’ll never be able to tell them apart” – This fear is usually overblown. Even identical twins have subtle differences that parents quickly learn to recognize. Plus, many parents use temporary identification methods like different colored clothing or nail polish until they become familiar with each child’s unique features. “We’ll need two of absolutely everything” – While you’ll need some duplicates, twins can share many items. They can use the same changing table, bath, play area, and many toys. Even for sleeping, twins often share a crib initially before transitioning to separate ones. “Bonding with two babies simultaneously will be impossible” – Fathers often worry they won’t be able to form strong individual bonds with each twin. In reality, relationships develop naturally over time through everyday interactions, and most fathers find they connect differently but equally with each child. “Our finances will be completely devastated” – While twins do increase expenses, careful planning and accepting hand-me-downs can significantly reduce costs. Many twin-specific expenses are temporary, and the long-term financial impact is often less severe than initially feared. “There won’t be any time for my relationship with my partner” – Though the early months are challenging, many twin parents develop efficient teamwork that eventually allows for couple time. The shared experience often strengthens relationships rather than destroying them. “I’ll never sleep again” – Sleep deprivation is real with twins, but it’s temporary. Most twins establish sleep patterns by 4-6 months, and tag-team approaches with partners can ensure everyone gets some rest. “I won’t be able to handle the crying times two” – Fathers often imagine constant dual meltdowns, but in reality, twins don’t always cry simultaneously, and parents quickly develop coping strategies for when they do. “I’ll never be able to give them enough individual attention” – While one-on-one time requires intentionality with twins, many fathers find special moments with each child through everyday routines like feeding, bathing, or bedtime. “I’m worried about how to handle both babies at the same time” – You won’t break them if you’re mindful of what you’re doing. Practice with holding one twin before you try to hold both simultaneously. Raising twins can be challenging but it is totally worth it. If you’re worried about some of these issues, hang in there. You can do this! The post Common Overblown Fears of Expectant Twin Fathers appeared first on Dad's Guide to Twins.

As a father of twins who’s done countless grocery runs, I’m going to share what actually works when you need to brave the supermarket alone with your infant twins. This isn’t theoretical advice—these are battle-tested strategies that have saved my sanity during that challenging first year (and beyond) with twins. The Easy Button Are you overwhelmed by the stress of hauling the twins to the store? Hit the easy button and get your groceries delivered or do a curbside pickup run. Many large grocery chains offer curbside pickup or you can use your favorite delivery app to get stuff delivered directly to your doorstep. There is no shame in letting others do the work for you. Just keep in mind that you will pay slightly higher prices for groceries purchased with these more convenient methods. That said, if you’re ready to get out of the house and do a grocery store adventure with the twins, you can do this. Let’s go: Before You Leave the House 1. Time Your Trip Strategically Shop during your twins’ most content period—typically after a feeding and nap. This reduces several of the problems that can happen when you’re out. Try shopping during early mornings (7-9 AM) as they tend to be less crowded with shorter checkout lines. Always avoid the dinner rush (4-6 PM) at all costs as the grocery store is a zoo and crazy busy. 2. Pack Your Twin Diaper Bag Properly A trip to the grocery store still needs the basics you’d take whenever you leave the house with the twins: Two complete changes of clothes Double the diapers you think you’ll need Pre-measured formula or expressed milk if bottle feeding Pacifiers with clips (your twins will drop them otherwise) Extra burp cloths for inevitable spit-ups A small toy for each child to distract during meltdowns 3. Have a Solid Plan You can’t just expect to leisurely stroll down the aisles and look at all the options. You need to be prepared. Create a detailed shopping list organized by store layout so you know the route you’ll be taking. Use a grocery app that remembers your regular items and can show you where they are located. Keep the trip focused—this isn’t the time for browsing. Get in and get out! Transportation and Setup Options Once you’re at the store, you’ll need to figure out how to transport your twins AND the groceries. Here are some options: Option 1: The Twin Stroller + Basket Method Use a double stroller with large storage underneath Bring a collapsible grocery basket or reusable bags Fill the basket as you shop, storing it under or hanging from the stroller Best for smaller shopping trips (15-20 items) Option 2: The Car Seat in Cart Configuration Keep twins in their infant car seats Place one car seat in the main cart basket (secure it) Then for the second child pick what works best: Place the second car seat in the cart’s child seat area if possible Use a cart designed for two car seats (available at some stores) Bring a second cart if the store allows it Always make sure your car seats are secure and won’t fall off the cart. Option 3: The Babywearing + Cart Combo Wear one twin in a front carrier Keep the other in a car seat placed in the cart Alternate which twin you wear each trip Best for maximum shopping capacity while managing twins solo as you have more cart space During the Shopping Experience 1. The Entry Strategy Park close to cart return areas, not necessarily the entrance since you’ll know you have to return the cart. Set up your transport system at the car before taking babies out of the car. Have your shopping list immediately accessible on paper or your phone. 2. Managing the Shopping Process Shop efficiently—this isn’t the time for comparison shopping. Use one hand for pushing/steering the cart and keep the other free for grabbing items off shelves. Place heavy items under the cart, not with the babies. 3. Dealing with Twin Meltdowns When one starts crying, keep moving—motion helps. Sing or talk to them constantly, even if you feel ridiculous. If both melt down simultaneously, find a quiet corner to address needs before continuing. Ignore the judgmental glances from others. Focus on taking care of your kids. 4. Checkout Success Tactics Choose self-checkout for small trips and a quicker exit. For staffed lanes, look for cashiers who make eye contact and smile at babies. You have an ally here. Have payment ready so you can quickly finish up the transaction. After Checkout 1. Getting to the Car Ask for help to your vehicle if available (many stores offer this). Let the grocery store employee help load up your vehicle while you tend to the babies. If you’re still solo, put the babies back in the car first and secure them. Turn on the air conditioning. Then load up the groceries. Return the cart to a return area close to your car, never leaving babies unattended. 2. The Home Arrival System Once you’re home, take the babies inside first,

As a father of twins, you’ve probably heard it all: “Shouldn’t they be walking by now?” or “My son was talking in full sentences at this age!” These well-meaning comments from friends and family comparing your twins to singleton milestones can be frustrating and sometimes even worrying. Let me share some perspective and practical advice on how to handle these situations with confidence. Our twin girls had two notable developmental milestones that caused many people to comment. First, our girls never crawled in the traditional sense – on their hands and knees. One of them figured out how to scoot across the floor while sitting by extending her legs out and then pulling herself forward. We called this the “bum scoot” and once one girl started, her sister mimicked that behavior and they never looked back. They went straight from their “bum scoot” to standing and walking. Second, our girls had some speech issues until they were early elementary school age. My wife and I could understand our girls. The girls could understand each other. However, other people, including close family and friends struggled to understand what our girls were saying. This feedback ultimately led us to take our girls to speech therapy where they quickly improved their speech skills and have been good communicators ever since. Understanding Twin Development is Different Twins often follow their own developmental timeline, and for good reason. Multiple factors influence their development patterns: Prematurity: Twins are more likely to be born early, which means their developmental timeline should be adjusted for their corrected age. Shared Resources: During pregnancy, twins share nutrients and space, which can impact early development. Social Dynamic: Having a constant peer creates a unique environment where twins may prioritize different skills than singletons. Individual Personalities: Just like any siblings, each twin has their own strengths, interests, and pace of development. Practical Ways to Handle Comparisons Educate with Confidence When Uncle Bob mentions how his grandson was walking at 10 months, try responding with: “Twin development is actually fascinating – they often focus on different skills first. Lucas is becoming quite the climber while Emma is working on her vocabulary. Their pediatrician is happy with their progress on their twin-adjusted timeline.” Keep some facts handy about twin development to share when these conversations arise. Knowledge is empowering and helps redirect well-intentioned but misguided concerns. Focus on Individual Strengths Instead of getting defensive, highlight what each of your twins is excelling at: “While they might not be walking yet, have you noticed how Ben can stack blocks with amazing precision? And Sarah’s ability to communicate what she wants without words is impressive!” Create a Support Network of Twin Parents Connect with other twin parents who understand your reality. When my twins were missing some of the typical singleton milestones, it was the parents in my twins group who reassured me this was normal and temporary. Track Progress Your Own Way Rather than comparing to standard milestone charts, keep a journal of each twin’s individual journey. Note when they master new skills relative to their own previous abilities. This perspective shift can be remarkably freeing. When to Genuinely Consider Concerns While managing unwanted comparisons is important, sometimes concerns raised by others deserve attention: If both twins are significantly behind in multiple developmental areas If one twin is progressing much more slowly than the other in several domains If either twin loses skills they previously had In these cases, consult with your pediatrician. Early intervention, when needed, can make a significant difference. Celebrating the Twin Advantage Your twins are developing unique skills that singletons often don’t acquire as early: Advanced social negotiation: Twins learn to share, take turns, and resolve conflicts from day one. Empathy: Many twins show remarkable awareness of their co-twin’s emotions early on. Independence alongside interdependence: Twins often develop a healthy balance of self-reliance and cooperation. The Bottom Line Your twins aren’t behind—they’re just taking their own path. When well-meaning comparisons come your way, take a deep breath, share a bit of twin wisdom if you’re up for it, and remember that you have front-row seats to an amazing, unique developmental journey. Trust your instincts, celebrate each triumph on your twins’ timeline, and remember—those singleton milestones were never meant for the twin experience anyway. The post How to deal with family and friends that compare your twins to singletons appeared first on Dad's Guide to Twins.

As a father of twins who has weathered countless “double emergencies,” I’m here to tell you that yes, you will survive those moments when both babies need you desperately at the exact same time. Whether it’s one spitting up while the other has a diaper explosion, or both wailing for different urgent reasons, these situations are inevitable with twins. Here’s my battle-tested approach to handling these high-stress moments. First, Take a Deep Breath It sounds simple, but it’s crucial. When both twins are in crisis mode, your stress level skyrockets. Take a 3-second deep breath. This micro-pause helps you think more clearly and approach the situation with a calmer mindset. Remember: neither baby will suffer permanent damage if you take a moment to collect yourself. Assess and Prioritize Quickly assess which situation is more urgent: Is either baby in danger? (Choking, breathing issues, bleeding) Which situation will worsen more quickly if not addressed? Which baby is more distressed? For example, in the spit-up vs. diaper blowout scenario, the spit-up usually needs immediate attention if it’s affecting breathing, while the diaper situation, though messy, can wait an extra minute. Create a Safe Spot for the “Wait” Baby Keep designated safe spots in key areas of your home where you can place one baby while tending to the other: A secured swing A crib or playpen A bouncer seat with harness A safely positioned car seat (on the floor, never elevated) On a blanket on the floor Even if they’re crying, knowing they’re safe allows you to focus on the more urgent need. The Contain and Return Method Let’s imagine that you’ve got one twin spitting up and the other with a diaper blowout. Here’s what you could do: 1. Place the blowout baby on a waterproof changing pad in a safe area 2. Quickly wipe any spit-up from the first baby’s mouth/nose and position them to prevent choking 3. Return to the blowout baby to start the cleanup and change that diaper 4. Go back and forth as needed, dealing with the most critical aspects of each situation first Preparation Is Your Best Defense Having strategic supplies positioned throughout your home will save you countless times: Keep fully stocked changing stations in multiple rooms Place burp cloths and wipes in every room where you spend time with the twins Use waterproof mats under babies whenever possible Keep a “quick-change” bag with diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes in your main living area Use What You Have In true emergencies, get creative: A clean kitchen towel can temporarily contain a blowout Paper towels can handle spit-up if burp cloths aren’t within reach A towel on the floor can become an impromptu changing station It is OK to improvise. Just keep your babies’ safety your number one priority. Call for Backup When Possible If someone else is home or nearby: Use a specific, direct request: “I need you to take the baby in the blue onesie right now” Assign the simpler task to your helper if they’re less experienced (like asking a young child to bring you a diaper for their baby brother) Don’t waste time explaining everything—just get the immediate help The Aftermath Once both situations are under control: Give yourself credit for handling it Clean yourself up if needed Take a moment to reset before moving on Don’t forget this moment as it should give you confidence handling future craziness Remember This Truth Every twin dad has been through these double emergencies. What feels impossible now will become just another Tuesday in a few months. Your ability to handle these situations will improve dramatically with experience. The fact that you’re reading this article means you care deeply about being there for both of your babies. That commitment is what matters most—not whether you handled a particular situation perfectly. Trust me when I say: you’ve got this. And when you don’t feel like you’ve got this, just do the next right thing for whichever baby needs it most urgently, then move to the next. Before you know it, you’ll be the one giving advice to new twin dads. The post How to handle competing twin needs when they’re both urgent appeared first on Dad's Guide to Twins.

The urge to compare twins is one of the most natural yet challenging aspects of parenting multiples. Each of your twins is a unique individual so let’s discuss some practical ideas to avoid comparisons and celebrate each child’s unique journey. Understanding Our Comparison Instinct Parents of twins often feel guilty about comparing their children, but it’s important to recognize that this tendency is both natural and common. Our brains are wired to notice patterns and differences, and having two children of the same age makes comparisons almost inevitable. The key isn’t to eliminate comparative thoughts entirely (that’s unrealistic) but to manage them constructively. Why We Need to Minimize Comparisons Frequent comparisons can have lasting impacts on your twins’ development: They can create unnecessary anxiety about meeting milestones They might foster unhealthy competition between the twins Children may develop fixed mindsets about their abilities Twins might feel pressure to conform to or rebel against perceived roles Self-esteem can be affected when one twin consistently develops skills later than the other Practical Strategies for Avoiding Comparisons Instead of comparing developments, try these mental shifts to reframe your thinking: Replace “better/worse” thoughts with “different” observations Focus on each child’s progress relative to their own past not their twin’s progress Celebrate unique interests and abilities rather than shared twin milestones Remember that development isn’t a race, it’s a personal journey Words shape thoughts and behavior. Practice these communication habits to change your language patterns: Use individual names instead of “the twins” and encourage others to do likewise Describe specific actions one child does rather than making comparisons Share unique stories about each child Avoid phrases like “the athletic one” or “the creative one” Create separate records for each child to document your twins’ individual journeys: Keep individual baby books or journals for each twin Take solo photos, not just twin pictures Write personal letters or notes about each child’s unique moments Record specific memories and milestones about one twin without reference to their sibling Managing External Comparisons Others will inevitably compare your twins. Here’s how to handle it: Educate family members about the importance of treating each child individually Provide teachers with information about your approach to twin parenting Respond to comparative comments with positive statements about each child’s unique traits Model the behavior you want others to follow Practical Daily Techniques Create Individual Time Schedule one-on-one activities with each child Alternate who gets to do things first Create special traditions with each twin Find opportunities for separate experiences Celebrate Differences Support different interests and activities Allow different clothing choices Respect different friendship groups Encourage unique hobbies Acknowledge achievements independently Avoid rushing one child to “catch up” Celebrate progress rather than timing Take time each day to: Note one unique quality about each child Reflect on individual interactions you had with each child Plan individual activities with each twin When Additional Support Is Helpful Sometimes, parents need additional support to manage comparison concerns. Here’s where you can get some help: Consider consulting a child psychologist familiar with twin dynamics Join twin parent support groups to discuss strategies (here’s a big list of twin parenting clubs) Seek guidance from experienced twin educators Work with healthcare providers who understand twin development Breaking free from the habit of comparing twins is a journey that requires patience, mindfulness, and practice. Remember that occasional comparisons don’t make you a bad parent—they make you human. The goal is not perfection but progress in seeing and celebrating each child’s unique path. As your twins grow, you’ll find that their differences become as beautiful as their similarities. By consciously working to minimize comparisons, you help create an environment where each child can develop confidently and independently, secure in their own identity while maintaining their special twin bond. The post Avoiding Twin Comparisons (how twin parents can encourage individuality) appeared first on Dad's Guide to Twins.

What do you do when one of your twins wants all the attention and gets upset when anyone is showing affection to their twin? We found this particularly troublesome with toddler twins. For toddler twins, you’ll need to adapt your strategies to match their developmental stage. Toddlers are still learning to regulate their emotions, communicate effectively, and understand social dynamics like sharing attention. Here’s how you could help your young twins: Acknowledge and Name Emotions Simplify language to match their understanding. Observe their behavior (e.g., whining, hitting, clinging) as these are primary ways toddlers express emotions. At this age, toddlers might not have the words to express their feelings fully, so helping them label their emotions can be helpful. For example, you can say, “I see you’re feeling sad because [brother/sister] is getting a hug. You want a hug too, don’t you?” Name the emotion for them, such as “mad” or “sad,” so they start to learn how to recognize their feelings. Offer hugs, gentle pats, and soothing words like “I know you’re feeling frustrated” or “It’s okay to feel sad.” You can then model how to express these feelings with words instead of actions like crying or pushing. Model Sharing and Taking Turns At this stage, your toddler twins are just learning how to share and take turns. So, model the behavior you want to see by taking turns giving affection. For example, give one twin a hug, then give the other twin a hug right after. This helps them understand that attention can be shared. You can even count or narrate the process to make it clear, like, “First it’s your turn for a cuddle, and then it’s [brother’s/sister’s] turn!” Toddlers respond well to simple routines and clear cues (thus the success of a bedtime routine). Reassure and Redirect When a toddler gets upset because their sibling is receiving attention, you may need to reassure them and immediately redirect their attention to something else. For example, you could say, “I’ll give you a hug after we play with this toy together.” Distraction works well with toddlers, so redirecting them to an engaging activity can help break the cycle of jealousy or frustration. For example, “Let’s look at this picture!” Praise Positive Behavior Immediately Praise the toddlers immediately when they exhibit positive behavior, like waiting their turn for affection or showing interest in their twin’s happiness. Keep the praise simple: “Wow, you’re being so patient! Great job waiting your turn!” Toddlers thrive on immediate feedback, so acknowledging even small moments of patience can encourage them to repeat those behaviors. Separate Time with Each Twin With toddlers, you’ll want to create more opportunities for one-on-one time for each child. Toddlers are still very dependent on individual attention to feel secure. Even brief moments of individualized attention can make a big difference. Short, separate sessions with each child can help them feel loved without feeling like they’re in competition. For example, one could have a quiet story time while the other plays, then switch. Even short periods of dedicated attention, like reading a book or playing peek-a-boo with each child individually, can make a big difference. Encourage independent play by providing age-appropriate toys and activities that allow them to explore their own interests. Simplify Boundaries and Expectations Use clear, simple rules for behavior, such as, “We don’t grab. We ask for a turn” or “We share the love” when you see one twin getting upset. Toddlers understand short, simple rules more easily than complex explanations. Be consistent in how you respond—always gently remind the upset twin that they will get affection too, but that everyone needs to take turns. If they persist with unwanted behavior (like pushing), calmly but firmly guide them to use their words or gestures instead. Use Physical Affection for Both at the Same Time Since toddlers love physical affection, you can often combine affection for both twins at once. For instance, give both of them a hug or sit them on your lap together. This can reduce feelings of competition and help them understand that both can receive love simultaneously. Parallel play is also helpful at this age, where you engage in activities side by side (like coloring or playing with blocks) and show affection intermittently as they play. Focus on Positive Interaction Between Them Encourage your toddlers to interact positively with each other. When one twin shows affection toward the other, like giving a hug or sharing a toy, immediately reinforce that behavior with praise: “Wow, that was so nice of you to share!” Model positive interactions by engaging them in joint activities where they can both experience the joy of cooperation, like building a tower together or playing peekaboo. Praise them for working as a team. Set a Routine for Affection Toddlers feel more secure when they have routines, so try to incorp

Episode 318 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Aaron Ameen, father of identical boys. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including: Moving across the country during the twin pregnancy Helping others tell the twins apart Juggling a full time job and running your own business while raising twins Toddler’s reactions to having twin babies in the house Finding daycare for twins and a toddler Handling careers after birth of twins The twin delivery experience Taking paternity leave Creating boundaries when working at home Daily routine for one-year-old twins and more… Connect with Aaron on his website aaronameen.com or email him [email protected]. Podcast Transcript This is transcript auto-generated so please forgive any mistakes. Joe: Tell us a little bit about your family right now. How old are your twins and what’s the family dynamic right now? Aaron: We have three young children – three-year-old daughters who just turned three about two weeks ago at the time of this recording, and then our twin boys. They’re identical boys who will turn one in about three weeks. So three right under the age three – pretty busy household here. Joe: That’s crazy. I mean, I always tell people if you can make it through that first year with twins, you can do anything – especially if you have a toddler in the mix. That’s extra crazy. So what is something kind of exciting about this age with your boys? Aaron: So far, we’ve really enjoyed and been very lucky that the kids all get along. At first, we were worried about our daughter maybe getting jealous or there being some competing dynamics, but there’s been a really warm environment among our kids. The boys love their sister. There’s nothing she can do wrong in their eyes. She loves to kind of rough house with them and we’re always worried that she’s going to hurt them, but everything that she does to them, they just end up laughing and smiling. They’re really interactive. They love to babble and talk to each other and now they’re starting to kind of babble towards us. Not sure if they’re quite saying anything or if they know what they’re saying yet, but the developmental pace at which they’re developing at this kind of 11 month to 12 month mark is pretty incredible. Not two months ago, they weren’t even crawling and now they’re pretty close to walking. Joe: Do they kind of hit their milestones about the same time, or is one kind of ahead of the other? Aaron: There’s been some variation. With crawling, one of them made it about probably three weeks ahead of the other one. But now for the most part throughout this first year, they’ve hit milestones around the same time – teeth coming in, and they really are identical. We can tell them apart, but there’s still times that we mix them up a bit. Certainly any family members that don’t see them often or friends, they can’t tell them apart at all. Even at the daycare, it’s a game we play every morning where the teacher guesses which one is which, and they’re still working on getting it right. Joe: Do you have some kind of system that you have in place to help other people tell them apart? Aaron: We try and point out some of the distinguishing features to us. One of them has more curly hair, the shape of their face is a little bit different, they have a different smile, but we don’t label them or anything. One thing we don’t do though – I know a lot of people dress their twins in identical clothes – we do at a minimum put them in different outfits so that you only have to figure out which one is who one time per day because then you’ll be able to tell by the outfit. Joe: I was so afraid of mixing up our girls because we have identical girls. Like you, they look really close, very similar. I was afraid to dress them the same. Eventually, like you’ve discovered, you notice the subtle physical differences or their mannerisms and such. But other people, they still mix them up. So I’m like, okay, we’ll make it easier for everybody else. We’ll dress them in different colors and stuff like that to help out. Aaron: If they have to come back and keep asking you all the time, then it’s harder for everyone. So might as well make it easy. Joe: So your daughter is interacting with them – has she always been positive towards them or did you see any jealousy early on with your daughter? Aaron: We’ve been really astonished. She has not really shown any aggression or anything like that towards them. There’ve been a couple moments where I think she, when she saw each of us holding one – like when mom had one and I had one, and then she was on the ground – we’ve seen a couple glances over of her feeling a l

I just saw a list of new innovative baby products. Let’s talk about whether those products would be a good match for your twins. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), an organization representing companies that make products for babies, toddlers, and children, has released their 2024 Innovation Awards list. Let me highlight some notable winners. The Parents Pick award went to the HALO Easy Transition Sleep Sack. This product is perfect for swaddling babies while keeping their arms free and legs in a spacious pouch. It allows babies to roll over safely, move, and self-soothe without being completely restricted. For twin parents, you’ll need one for each baby. The Editor’s Pick was awarded to the Graco Read With Me 4-in-1 Convertible Bookshelf Crib with Drawer. This innovative crib features bookshelves on the short side and can transform into different configurations as your child grows: from crib to daybed to toddler bed. However, twin parents should note that each baby needs their own sleep surface, and the bookshelf feature might be impractical if cribs need to be placed side by side. The Tried and True award went to the Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One Convertible Car Seat. This car seat adapts from 5 to 100 pounds and can be used in both rear-facing and forward-facing positions. It features easy adjustment of the headrest and harness without rethreading or reinstallation. In the Play/Entertainment category, the Skip Hop Discoverosity 3-in-1 Sensory Table won top honors. This 24-piece set includes tools like wooden tongs, rollers, animal scoops, and rakes for digging, sorting, and sculpting. While it works well for floor play with twins, the table configuration only comes with one seat. The Safety category winner was the Munchkin Mini Thermometer, featuring no-touch infrared technology. It displays color-coded readings: green for normal temperature, red for elevated, and blue for too cold. Its compact size makes it perfect for diaper bags or nightstands. The On the Go category recognized the Tula Printed Mesh Explore Carrier. This adjustable carrier allows babies to face toward or away from the parent. While it’s designed for one child, parents of twins might consider buying two for tandem wearing, similar to Baby Bjorn carriers. The Boppy Travel Bassinet won in the Nursery category. It’s lightweight and compact, making it ideal for travel. Twin parents would need two units for safe sleep arrangements while visiting family or on vacation. The Diono Connect 3RXT 2-in-1 High-Back Booster won the Child Restraint Systems category. At less than 17 inches wide, these seats are notable for fitting three across in most car back seats – a crucial feature for growing families. In the Technology category, the Cybex e-Gazelle S Stroller stands out with its 20+ configurations and ability to carry two children up to 50 pounds each. It features stadium seating and an electric assist for uphill climbs. Finally, the Environmentally Friendly category winner was the Dekor Eko Diaper Pail. This hands-free system helps contain odors and uses post-consumer recycled materials for both the unit and refills, making it an eco-conscious choice for managing twin diaper disposal. The post 2024 JPMA Innovation Awards Winners (Are They Twin Friendly?) appeared first on Dad's Guide to Twins.

If your twins look alike, can they share a passport? The simple answer is no, twins can not share a passport. Each person needs their own passport document. We’ll dive into more details below but remember to follow the laws of your country in regards to passports. For our family here in the United States, we first got passport cards for our children (including our twins) because we knew we had a road trip to Canada on the calendar and didn’t have other international plans on the horizon. Plus passport cards were cheaper and since we had to renew more often with younger children we went with that option. Fast forward to getting passport books for our children, everyone in the household got a passport. Sure, our identical twin girls look the same to most people. However, you can’t walk up to border control, show one passport and then hand it off the other twins. The only possible way I see sharing a passport working would be if one of your twins was traveling without her twin. Then there would be no way to tell one twin from the other. Unless fingerprints are involved. Even identical twins don’t have identical fingerprints. Sharing passports seems more like something you’d see in a movie than is actually practical in real life. Bottom line: don’t share passports. It can only lead to trouble. Here’s why… Legal Necessity Passports are legal documents that verify an individual’s identity. Even though your twins may look identical, they are distinct individuals in the eyes of the law. Each twin has their own unique identity, complete with a separate birth certificate and social security number. Consequently, each twin requires their own passport. Security Concerns Using the same passport for twins could pose significant security risks. It could lead to confusion at border control, cause delays in travel, and potentially result in legal issues. Immigration officials are trained to match passport photos with the individuals presenting them, and having two people using one passport would raise immediate red flags. Application Process The process for obtaining passports for twins is essentially the same as for any individual child. You’ll need to submit separate applications for each twin, along with their individual birth certificates, proof of citizenship, and passport photos. Be prepared to pay separate fees for each application. In some countries, there may be slight variations in the process for twins. For instance, in the United States, if you’re applying for passports for twins under 16, both parents or guardians must be present at the passport acceptance facility, unless one parent has sole custody or provides a notarized consent form. Cost Considerations The cost of obtaining passports for twins is simply double the cost of a single passport. However, keep in mind that expedited processing, if needed, will also double in cost. It’s wise to budget accordingly and apply well in advance to avoid rush fees. Planning Ahead Apply for passports well before your planned travel date. Standard processing times can take several weeks, and unexpected delays can occur. It’s better to have the passports in hand months before your trip rather than anxiously waiting as your travel date approaches. Organizing Documents Keep essential documents like birth certificates and proof of citizenship readily available. Make copies of all important documents and store them separately from the originals. This can be a lifesaver if documents are lost or stolen during travel. Labeling and Identification Clearly label all of your twins’ belongings, including passports, to avoid mix-ups. Consider using different colored passport holders or luggage tags to easily distinguish between your twins’ items. Your Twins’ Passports While twins cannot share a passport, the process of obtaining individual passports for them is straightforward. The key is to plan ahead, stay organized, and be prepared for the unique challenges of traveling with twins. Remember, each twin’s passport is not just a travel document, but a symbol of their individual identity. By understanding and following passport regulations, you’re setting the stage for smooth, enjoyable international adventures with your twins. For more information on passport regulations and travel tips for twins, consult your country’s passport agency (here’s the U.S. passport information) or visit reputable travel websites specializing in family travel. Happy and safe travels with your twins! The post Can Twins Share a Passport? appeared first on Dad's Guide to Twins.

Twins typically weigh less than singletons, averaging around 5.5 pounds each compared to 7 pounds for singletons. This is due to factors like shared resources and space in the womb. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), twins are more likely to experience growth restriction, which can lead to lower birth weights. Range of Birth Weights The birth weight of twins generally ranges between 4 to 6 pounds. However, variations can occur, with some twins being born with extremely low or higher birth weights. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that over 50% of twins are born with low birth weight, defined as less than 5.5 pounds. Growth Comparisons Twins often grow at a slower rate compared to singletons, particularly in the third trimester, as resources become limited. According to the CDC, this phenomenon is known as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), which is more common in multiple pregnancies. Factors Affecting Birth Weight Factors such as maternal health, gender of the babies, and maternal age play significant roles in determining birth weight. ACOG notes that adequate prenatal care, maternal nutrition, and avoiding stress can positively influence birth weight. The types of twins you’re expecting can also impact birth weight. Impact of Delivery Method Cesarean sections are common in twin deliveries, which can influence birth weight records due to the timing of delivery. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development states that planned cesarean sections are often recommended for twins to prevent complications that could arise from vaginal deliveries. Safe Delivery Timing Twins are often delivered earlier than singletons, with viability starting around 24 weeks. However, ACOG suggests that the ideal delivery time is between 36 and 37 weeks to balance maturity and the risks associated with prolonged pregnancy. Effects of Low Birth Weight Low birth weight in twins is associated with several health risks, including respiratory distress syndrome, feeding difficulties, and developmental delays. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the importance of managing these risks through specialized neonatal care. Post-Birth Considerations Twins, especially those with low birth weight, may require NICU care. The WHO recommends long-term monitoring to ensure they reach developmental milestones similar to their singleton counterparts. Reducing Low Birth Weight Risks Expectant mothers of twins should focus on prenatal care, a balanced diet, and stress management to reduce the risks of low birth weight. ACOG highlights that regular check-ups and proper nutrition are crucial in achieving healthy birth weights. The post Twin Birth Weight: An In-Depth Look appeared first on Dad's Guide to Twins.

One common question that arises about twin pregnancies is that of the process of water breaking. Since there are two babies, can it happen twice? Let’s explore the intricacies of water breaking in twin pregnancies, addressing the possibility of it happening twice and the what that means for you. Before we start, let’s make sure you know about some key vocabulary associated with pregnancies: Amniotic sac: The fluid-filled membrane that surrounds and protects the fetus during pregnancy. Amniotic fluid: The protective liquid contained within the amniotic sac. Preterm labor: Labor that begins before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Preterm birth: Birth that occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Can a Woman’s Water Break Twice with Twins? The short answer is: it depends. The possibility of water breaking twice in a twin pregnancy is directly related to the type of twin pregnancy and the number of amniotic sacs present. Diamniotic Twins (Most Common): In diamniotic twin pregnancies, each twin has its own separate amniotic sac. This means that water breaking can indeed occur twice, once for each sac as each twin prepares for birth. The time frame between each water break can vary significantly, from minutes to hours or even days in some cases. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), approximately 70-80% of twin pregnancies are diamniotic. In these cases, the rupture of membranes (water breaking) can occur independently for each fetus. Our identical twin girls were diamniotic twins which meant they each had their own amniotic sac. We never saw a double water break since they were born via c-section before that could happen. Monoamniotic Twins (Rare): In contrast, monoamniotic twins share a single amniotic sac. In these cases, water breaking will likely happen only once, as there is only one sac to rupture. Monoamniotic twin pregnancies are more rare, and come with increased risks such as umbilical cord entanglement, twin to twin transfusion syndrome, and preterm birth. Additional Considerations: It’s important to note that in diamniotic pregnancies, both sacs may rupture simultaneously, giving the impression of a single water breaking event. Additionally, twin pregnancies have a higher risk of early labor and preterm birth compared to singleton pregnancies. If water breaking occurs, especially before 37 weeks of pregnancy, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) can lead to complications for both the mother and babies. Risks and Complications: Water breaking, particularly if it occurs prematurely, can lead to several risks: Infection (chorioamnionitis) Preterm labor and birth Umbilical cord compression Fetal distress The Mayo Clinic emphasizes the importance of prompt medical care in cases of preterm labor to manage these risks effectively. Delivery Methods: The delivery method for twin pregnancies depends on various factors, including the type of twin pregnancy (diamniotic or monoamniotic), the position of the babies, and other health considerations. While vaginal delivery is possible for many twin pregnancies, cesarean section may be necessary in some cases. It’s essential to discuss delivery plans with your healthcare provider throughout your pregnancy. What to Expect in Your Twin Pregnancy Whether a woman’s water can break twice with twins primarily depends on the type of twin pregnancy. In diamniotic twin pregnancies, which are most common, it is indeed possible for water to break twice. However, in the more rare monoamniotic twin pregnancies, water breaking will likely occur only once. Understanding the nuances of water breaking in twin pregnancies can help expectant parents be better prepared for what to expect. However, every pregnancy is unique, and it’s crucial to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider throughout your twin pregnancy journey. They can provide personalized advice and care based on your specific situation. Remember, if you experience any signs of water breaking, especially before 37 weeks of pregnancy, seek medical attention immediately. With proper care and monitoring, many of the potential risks associated with preterm labor and birth can be effectively managed, leading to the best possible outcomes for both mother and your twins. The post Water Breaking in Twin Pregnancies: Can It Happen Twice? appeared first on Dad's Guide to Twins.

As a father of identical twins, one of the biggest hurdles you’ll face each school year is helping teachers distinguish between your twins. It’s crucial for both the twins’ individual development and the teacher’s ability to provide personalized attention. It isn’t uncommon for teachers to have trouble telling your twins apart – even we as parents sometimes do a double-take! But in a classroom setting, clear identification is vital. It helps prevent mix-ups in grading, ensures each child gets the right feedback, and allows the teacher to build individual relationships with each twin. Here are some things you can try to help teachers tell your twins apart: Color Coding Clothes Assign each twin a color. One may be your “blue boy” and the other your “green guy.” Every morning, one twin puts on a blue shirt while the other sports a green one. To keep things interesting, use different shades and patterns within each color family. Unique Accessories Look at watches, earrings, wristbands, and other accessories to differentiate your twins from each other. For example, if your twins love superheroes, one can wear a Batman watch, while the other has a Spider-Man one. These accessories are not only easy identifiers but also conversation starters that help teachers remember which twin is which. One of our girls has her ears pierced, the other doesn’t. This helps tell them apart unless they both have their hair down over their ears! Different Styles We’ve found that contrasting clothing styles work well too. Do one of your twins prefers button-up shirts, while the other loves graphic tees? This difference in style reflects their personalities and makes it easier for teachers to remember who’s who. Hairstyles We’ve had fun experimenting with different hairstyles. When our girls were young, one always had bangs and her sister didn’t. It was a small difference that made a big impact in telling them apart. Shoes Footwear can become another identifier for your twins. Try different styles, brands, colors, etc and this will give teachers an easy visual cue to who is who. Explaining Differences At the start of each school year, provide teachers with a written list of distinguishing features. For example, unique birthmarks, scars, moles, hair parts, etc. Name Association Linking names to personality traits helps. For example, you may have a “Jolly Joe” and a “Silent Seth” which reflect their energy levels and demeanors. This technique can been a hit with teachers but be sure not to give them nicknames that could be demeaning. Check in with teachers regularly, especially in the first few weeks of school. This allows you to tweak strategies if needed and ensures the teacher feels supported. Additional Help for Teachers: Labeling Belongings: Everything from backpacks to lunch boxes should be clearly labeled. Use durable, waterproof labels to ensure they stay put. Visual Aid: Create a “twin cheat sheet” for teachers. It’s an infographic that highlights your twins’ differences in appearance and personality. Teachers will find this incredibly helpful. Encouraging Personal Interaction: We always encourage teachers to spend one-on-one time with each twin. This helps them get to know each twin as individuals, beyond their identical appearances. Patience and Understanding: It takes time for teachers to learn the subtle differences between twins. Offer encouragement and appreciate their efforts to get to know your twins as unique individuals. In conclusion, helping teachers distinguish between twins requires a bit of creativity and consistent effort. But with these strategies in place, we’ve found that teachers quickly learn to tell our girls apart, allowing them to provide the individualized attention that every child deserves. Remember, the goal is not just to tell them apart physically, but to celebrate and nurture their unique personalities and strengths. The post How to Help Teachers Tell Your Twins Apart appeared first on Dad's Guide to Twins.

Raising infant twins undoubtedly presents unique challenges, but it also offers countless rewarding experiences that are both heartwarming and enriching. As an expectant father of twins, it’s important to focus on the positive aspects and the unique joys that come with raising two babies at once. Here are some of the best things about raising infant twins, supported by my experiences and insights of other twin parents: Double the Milestones Shared Milestones: One of the most exciting aspects of raising twins is witnessing their milestones together. From their first smiles to their first steps, seeing both of your children reach these developmental stages simultaneously can be incredibly heartwarming. The joy of celebrating these moments is doubled, creating twice the memories to cherish. Mutual Learning: Twins often learn from each other. When one twin masters a new skill, the other is usually not far behind, inspired by their sibling’s achievements. This mutual learning can expedite their development and make milestone moments even more special. Unique Bond and Companionship Built-In Playmate: Twins have a built-in playmate from birth, fostering a unique and powerful bond. This companionship means they always have someone to play with, share secrets, and grow alongside. The sight of your twins interacting, laughing, and comforting each other is truly magical. Empathy and Social Skills: Growing up with a twin helps children develop empathy and social skills from an early age. They learn to share, cooperate, and navigate social interactions with their sibling, which can positively impact their relationships with others as they grow. Double the Love and Joy Two Unique Personalities: Each twin has their own personality, quirks, and ways of expressing love. Experiencing the unique traits and growth of two distinct individuals is a joy. Watching how their different personalities complement and contrast with each other adds a fascinating dynamic to parenting. Endless Cuddles and Affection: Having two babies means you receive double the cuddles, kisses, and affection. The bond you form with each twin is special and unique, and the love they give in return is boundless. Support System for Each Other Comfort in Each Other’s Presence: Twins often find comfort in each other’s presence, especially during challenging times such as doctor visits or new environments. This built-in support system helps them feel secure and confident, knowing their sibling is always by their side. Teamwork from Day One: Twins often learn the value of teamwork early on. Whether it’s working together to build a tower of blocks or collaborating on a creative project, the sense of teamwork developed between twins can be incredibly strong and enduring. Parent and Community Support Shared Experiences: As a parent of twins, you become part of a unique community. Connecting with other twin parents can provide invaluable support, advice, and camaraderie. Sharing stories and tips with those who understand the unique journey of raising twins can be both reassuring and enriching. Efficient Parenting Skills: Raising twins can sharpen your parenting skills quickly. The need to manage two infants simultaneously teaches you to be more organized, efficient, and resourceful. These skills not only benefit your parenting but can also translate into other areas of your life. Look on the Bright Side While raising infant twins can be demanding, the positives far outweigh the challenges. From double the milestones and unique bonds to shared experiences and personal growth, the journey of parenting twins is filled with countless rewards. Embrace the joy, love, and fulfillment that come with raising two wonderful individuals who will share a lifelong bond. Remember, each moment, no matter how small, is twice as precious when shared with your twins. Enjoy the adventure and cherish every step along the way. The post The Joys of Raising Infant Twins: A Positive Perspective appeared first on Dad's Guide to Twins.

Here is a question from Justin. He says he has 20-month-old boy/girl twins, and he says the biggest issue right now is biting. “Do you have any advice on how to keep them from biting each other? That would be great.” Biting is a challenge with any kid, of course. But particularly twins because they’re usually playing together, or spending time together and it’s much easier for them to want to reach out and bite each other. When our twins would bite each other, we would: stop the behavior verbally explain that biting was not acceptable redirect the offending twin into another activity This worked okay for us as long as we were consistent in our enforcement. Testing Limits Of course your twins are going to start to look for the limits of your discipline, and they’ll start to challenge that. But if you are consistent in the actions that you take as a parent to counteract their bad behavior they’ll start to seek attention in other ways. Find the Why Try to identify why your twins are biting in the first place. Are they teething? Do they want attention? Is it triggered by something that’s happening in your home or the actions of others? Then try to address the root cause instead of just the symptom of biting. When your child is biting the other child, you definitely have to stop their behavior, because it’s not acceptable and can clearly cause distress for the other child. Communication Encourage your twins to use their words to express what they want, if they want to share, need some help, or if someone is doing something that doesn’t make them happy. With very young twins, they may not have words because they can’t talk yet. We taught our kids basic baby signs so they could express themselves a little bit. And that helped us communicate with them much earlier than we would have otherwise. Teach them some basic baby signs so they can express when they want something, when they want more of something, or when they’re done with something. It’s going to help mitigate frustrations that they have in communicating and deter biting as well. Role-Playing Once the biting incident has stopped and during a calmer time, you can help prepare your twins to avoid trouble next time. Use role-playing to demonstrate how to handle conflicts without biting. This can help twins practice appropriate reactions in a controlled environment. Use puppets to act out scenarios where one puppet bites and the other responds appropriately. This can be a fun and engaging way to teach lessons to your young twins. Calm Down Spaces Create a calm-down area where each twin can go to relax when they feel overwhelmed. This space can include calming items like stuffed animals, books, or sensory toys. Instead of time-outs, some parents use time-ins where they stay with the child in the calm-down space to help them process their emotions. Empathy Building Regularly talk to your twins about their feelings and the impact of their actions on others. Helping them understand how biting hurts their sibling can build empathy. Use emotion charts to help your twins identify and communicate their feelings. This visual tool can be particularly helpful for young children. Physical Outlets Ensure your twins have plenty of physical activities to release their energy. Activities like outdoor play, dancing, or sports can reduce frustration and aggression. If biting is related to teething, provide appropriate teething toys to satisfy their need to bite. Routine and Structure Maintain a consistent daily routine to provide your twins with a sense of security and predictability. This can reduce stress and biting incidents. Incorporate regular breaks and quiet times throughout the day to prevent overstimulation, which can lead to biting. Parental Modeling Model calm and controlled behavior during conflicts. Show your twins how to handle disagreements peacefully. They are always watching how you interact with your partner, other children, and friends. Stopping the Biting for Good You can create a supportive and effective plan to address this challenging issue in your home. Remember, every child is different, and it may take time to find the right combination of techniques that work for your family. Keep observing, adjusting, and most importantly, stay positive and supportive towards your twins as they learn and grow. Picture by Donnie Ray Jones The post How to Stop Twins From Biting Each Other appeared first on Dad's Guide to Twins.

Your twins are invited to a friend’s birthday party. Of course they should bring a birthday gift. But the question is: should they bring two gifts (one from each twin) or one gift (a joint gift from both)? Whether to bring one gift or two to a birthday party when you have twins can be nuanced and subjective. Based on the advice from other twin parents, here are several perspectives and unique ideas to consider: Single Gift Giving one gift allows for several benefits: Cost and Practicality: Many parents suggest that one gift is practical, especially if it’s a more substantial or meaningful present. This approach can alleviate financial strain and ensure the gift is something the birthday child will genuinely enjoy. Since my twins have been old enough for an allowance or to make money on their own, they often prefer to pool their funds together to buy a larger gift than one could have purchased on her own. Collaboration: Some parents recommend involving both twins in selecting the gift. This joint effort can help foster teamwork and shared decision-making between the twins. As the parent, you might need to be the tie breaker if needed because, as you know, your twins won’t always agree. Presentation: A single gift, perhaps personalized from both twins, can be presented in a way that signifies it’s from both of them, such as including both names on the card or wrapping. Getting the credit for the gift has been important for our twin girls. So they both closely oversee gift wrapping and labeling operations. Two Gifts When each twin gives a gift to the birthday child, it gives: Personal Touch: Bringing two separate gifts allows each twin to give something unique, reflecting their individual relationship with the birthday child. This can make the gifts feel more personal and thoughtful. If your twins are like mine, they will often have the same friend groups so that might mean they both know exactly the same things about the birthday child. Equal Participation: It ensures both twins feel equally involved in the act of giving. Each twin gets the opportunity to independently choose a gift, which can be important for their sense of individuality. My twins will stake a claim on the gift they want to give a friend so the twin’s sister won’t “steal” the idea and use it. Variety: With two gifts, there’s a chance to offer a variety of presents, catering to different interests of the birthday child. One twin might choose a toy, while the other might opt for a book, providing a good balance of distinct gifts. My girls will often get very different gifts for friends so that does keep it interesting. Compromise Solutions It is possible to have a combined yet distinct gift option for your twins to give their friend. Dual Components: Consider a gift that comes in parts, such as a set of building blocks or a craft kit that can be divided between two packages. Each twin can present one part, highlighting their individual contribution while still maintaining a unified gift theme. Complementary Gifts: Another approach is for the twins to give complementary items, such as a backpack and matching lunchbox, or a book and a related toy. This maintains the idea of two gifts but ensures they complement each other. Shared Theme: Choose gifts within a shared theme but slightly different, such as two different characters from the same TV show or two different sets from the same toy line. This can be an exciting way for the birthday child to expand on their interests or grow their favorite collection. Social and Emotional Considerations When in doubt, reach out to the birthday child’s parents or other families that are attending to ask for guidance. Communication: Some parents recommend checking with the host family about their preference. They might have a particular stance on the matter, which can guide your decision. Cultural Norms: Understanding any cultural or family norms regarding gift-giving can also be helpful. Some cultures might have specific expectations about gift quantity or nature. The older your twins are, the more likely they will have strong opinions on what to do. Involvement and Ownership: It’s important to consider the twins’ feelings about the gift-giving process. Ensuring they both feel involved and valued in the act of giving can be crucial for their social development. Avoiding Competition: Bringing two gifts can sometimes inadvertently lead to comparisons or competition between the twins. Balancing this by ensuring both gifts are of equal significance can help maintain harmony. Practical Tips Let’s keep it real. In addition to your twins’ needs and those of the birthday child, you can only do what is practical for your family right now. Financial Balance: Set a budget for the total amount you’re willing to spend on the gift(s). Whether it’s one significant gift or two smaller ones, staying within this budget can help manage expectations and finances. Quality Ove

Episode 309 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Kris Lloyd, father of non-identical girls. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including: Found out at 8-9 weeks about twins Trouble free pregnancy and delivery Getting support from family and friends Hospitals were busy for regular scans and had to push for a plan. 37 weeks of pregnancy water broke, emergency c-section after about a day Dad was not allowed in room due to operation. Formula feeding babies Transitioning back to work When twins started crawling Slept through night since about 12 weeks Daily schedule for 9 month olds Started in parent’s room for first 6 months Time off with work 3 weeks (partner 8-9 months) Working Monday-Friday 60 hours a week and still staying connected with twins Didn’t need two jumpers, walkers, etc. as only one wanted to use it at the time. Childproofing the house now that twins are mobile and more… Connect with Kris on Instagram. Podcast Transcript This is transcript auto-generated so please forgive any mistakes. Joe: Today I would like to welcome to the show, Father of Twins, Kris Lloyd. Welcome to the show, Kris. Kris: Hi. Joe: Kris, how old are your twins right now and what’s something exciting about this age? Kris: They are turning nine months old tomorrow and I’m finding that this is the age now where they’re starting to, you know, not so much just stay still now. One of my twins, Carly, she’s started crawling yesterday properly. My other twin, Casey, is now starting to try and crawl as well. They’re sort of more involved with everything now. They’re not just, you know, food, sleep. They’re not just basically just drinking their milk, going to sleep, and playing. They’re so involved now, and they’re becoming a real personality now and finding, “Yeah, that’s the best bit that’s happening right now is that I’m starting to realize they’re becoming a person. They’re in a weird way that may sound, they’re starting to have their own little personalities. The way that you’re starting to realize what they like and what they don’t like, what gets them happy, what makes them excited. Joe: They’re very similar reactions. Like you mentioned likes and dislikes, are they similar or are they very different? Kris: Similar with the likes and dislikes as in they both love weetabix and snacks and crisps like baby flavored crisps. They have the same dislikes, but as people, they are very different ones, very, like, Casey’s very much wants to be involved with everything, wants to play with everything, wants to get involved. Whereas Carly, my other twins, she’s very much, will sit back and, you know, sort of watch what’s going on and learn and then progress. Joe: Are your twins identical or non identical? Kris: Non identical. They’re DC, DA, I think the term is DC, DA twins. They’re non identical. And as they are getting a bit older now, I’m starting to realize big differences with them. They are very similar if you were to look at them and don’t see them every day. I feel like you would say, “Oh, they’re pretty similar.” But as a dad, I can tell them. That’s right. We spend so much time with our kids. We start to notice a lot of the differences really early. Joe: What’s a typical daily schedule like for your nine-month-olds as far as sleeping, eating, stuff like that? Kris: They’ve always been good at sleeping. They’ve always pretty much from about, I’d say about 12 weeks, they’ve always slept right through the night. We’ll give or take, you know, at the odd feed here and there, but not often. But now they tend to sleep from about half, six, seven o’clock at night until about, again, they normally wake up about four, half, four, have a bone, so you give them a dummy. I think, what is it you call them? America pacifiers. Joe: Pacifier, yep. Kris: Yep, you give them that and they will go doze back off then go back to sleep for about half six, until about half six, seven in the morning. So they sleep really well. And I find that with twins, my partner finds this more, as she tells me, with twins, if you have a routine, it works a lot better for them and for you. They just seem to, they know if you go say five minutes past when they should be asleep, you know, because they kick off, they start crying get an upset so it’s they’re really really good really good like they they sleep until about half six seven o’clock most mornings they’ll go get up we’ll feed them a bottle we will then take them downstairs play they’ll have like you know a few slices of toast cut up and then they will go down for a sleep about half past half past nine ish roughly until about half past ten then quarter to 11. And then agai

Episode 308 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Kris Pruett, father of four boys including fraternal twins. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including: When twin fraternal boys look very different Developing different interests in children One twin physically gifted vs other not Having two additional boys after twins Dealing with congenital heart disease for third son Sharing a room as twins Setting behavior expectations with children Teaching money skills with allowance Moving twins to homeschool during pandemic Handling sibling rivalries and dynamics Keeping marriage strong while raising young children Why keeping twins on the same sleep schedule saved their sanity and more… Connect with Kris via the Team Graycen page on Facebook. Podcast Transcript This is transcript auto-generated so please forgive any mistakes. Joe: Today I would like to welcome to the show Father of Twins, Kris Pruett. Kris: Thanks for having me. Joe: Kris, how old are your twins right now and what’s something exciting about this age? Kris: So my twins are actually, they just turned 10 the week before Christmas this past year. And two boys, paternal, they don’t look a thing alike. And the exciting thing right now, I think is just seeing their different personalities come out, seeing their different interests as they get older. Like I said, they look starkly different. My wife’s Hispanic, so and I’m Caucasian. So one of my boys is obviously darker, complected than the others. That’s a fun dynamic for whenever we have to tell people that they’re twins and they’re like, no way. But seeing their personalities grow, seeing their interests differ is pretty fun. Joe: That is fun. We have identical twin girls, so I never quite experienced what you’re describing, but it seemed like once they got out of the infant baby stage, where you’re always in the double stroller carrying around, nobody ever seemed to know that they were twins. You mentioned some developing interests in your boys at this age. What are they, what are they into these days? Kris: So it’s interesting. One of my son has always been more physically gifted. He walked first, he crawled first, he rolled over first. He’s been a lot more spatially aware of like his own physical body and, and all of that type of thing. And the other one has been more, I guess like software, he’s been drawn more to like whenever he plays on his iPad, he’s a little bit more gifted in that area. I’m like playing video games and different things like that. So, but he’s less physically gifted. Like he walked, or it took him longer to start walking. It took him longer to start crawling. So that’s been interesting. So my son, the more physical one is interested in flag football and, and soccer and those types of things. And he’s faster. He’s taller. He’s, you know, just more physical. And then the other one wants to play e-sports, you know, he wants to play video games and those kinds of things. He does want to play soccer. He’s interested in that, but not near as excited, you know, visibly on him. You can’t really see that visible excitement about physical activity. Joe: Has that physical difference been consistent since birth? Kris: Since birth, yes. Yeah. So we had them at 33 weeks and four days. And they were supposed to be due in like February. We had them the week before Christmas in 2013. So yeah, we had them late 2013 and whenever they were born, maybe A was Braden, he was 4’8″ and then Jackson, the more physical one was 5’5″ and that has been the way ever since they were born. At this point now, I think Jackson’s about four inches taller than Braden and weighs about a hundred and five pounds. And, uh, and then he also outweighs Braden as well. So they’re, they’re very big disparity between the two. That’s what also makes it kind of funny when we say they’re twins because of the, of that four inch height difference. So they always assume that Jackson’s the older one whenever Braden is, um, he’s actually three minutes older. So there’s one contraction in between the two of them. And as we tell people that they’re like, Oh, that’s wild, you know, like they would have no idea. Joe: Yeah. We know we have some friends of eternal twins as well. And they have a big size difference between their boys. And yeah, you wouldn’t know at first glance if they ever twins or just brothers. You mentioned other children. Are they older or younger than your twins? Kris: So the twins came first and then six years later, it was a couple of weeks after our twins turned six, we had baby number three. And he was born full term, 38 weeks. Um, he was like eight, 14 when he was born, um, size wise. And then, uh, we had anoth

Episode 307 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Casey McCurdy, father of 7 year old boy/girl twins. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including: Managing twins in first grade Separating twins at school and twins’ reaction Different friend groups Different activities for all 3 kids Deciding which parent will stay at home with kids Overcoming infertility and having twins via IVF donor eggs Mom had daytime morning sickness first two trimesters Being there with wife during pregnancy Delivered at 33.5 weeks after 60 hours of labor Being a veteran with mental struggles with PTSD, anxiety, depression Getting twins to breastfeed successfully NICU for three weeks and going home without your children Juggling work while kids in NICU Using FMLA and coworkers donated some time off Kids on oxygen after coming from NICU for about a month Having a third child after twins Challenges of three very young children Help twins feel uniquely celebrated on birthdays and more… Connect with Casey on Instagram or email. Podcast Transcript This is transcript auto-generated so please forgive any mistakes. Today we are continuing our father of twins interview series with a twin dad who shares his story about overcoming their challenges with infertility overcoming challenges with anxiety depression and PTSD that was kind of triggered again by the birth of the twins and managing young school-aged children and the crazy logistics that that requires we talk about that and so much more today on the show Today’s show is brought to you by my two books for Dads of Twins. You can get a special deal, save 20% on the combo of these two books, Dads Guide to Twins and Dads Guide to Raising Twins. If you go straight to my website and order there, dadsguidetotwins.com/books. You can save 20% off of list price for those books and you’ll get free shipping if you’re here in the United States. Today I would like to welcome to the show, Father Twins, Casey McCurdy. Welcome to the show, Casey. Thank you, Joe. How are you doing today? I’m great. I’m glad that you’re on the show today. Casey, how old are your twins right now and what’s something exciting about this age? So my boy-girl twins are seven and I would say something exciting about this age is just how much is going on, changes with them. They’re in first grade now. And so there’s a lot of school activities, a lot of friends that we’re making play dates with. It’s a very busy time of year for us, a busy season of life, but it’s totally different than when they were infants or toddlers. Now, are they in the same class at school or are they separate? They are not. They are actually in separate classes. One of the things that their school has done is put them in separate classes to kind of let them develop their own kind of school personalities. And it’s been wonderful with my son. He’s really kind of come into his own and had his own, developed his own voice and his own personality is really starting to show through. And your daughter’s same kind of thing or is a different reaction? She’s always been more of a source of nature and has always had no problem with sharing her own thoughts and sometimes she could talk over her brother. So it’s been really beneficial for them to be in separate classes and she’s really blossomed. She’s very social, made lots of friends. So it’s been cool to see the development for both of them. Is this their first year apart or like kindergarten or preschool where they separate as well? Preschool, they were together. And then kindergarten, that was the first time they were apart. And the way their classrooms work, they can actually go between classrooms for different activities. And so they still get to see each other. They see each other put lunch for recess throughout the day. And what’s entertaining is that the teachers always tell me they’ll walk by each other, say hi, and then go play with their own friends. Was this like a school district school policy or did you and the parents want them separated? As far as I know, it’s not a school policy. It’s just something that they recommend with twins and we didn’t have any problems with it. We thought it would actually be pretty good for them. So and it’s worked out pretty well. Yeah, it sounds like it has. Our girls, we’ve had them at school together and separate and there’s advantages and disadvantages of both, but it sounds like your kiddos are having a good experience in their own little classes and friend groups. Definitely. You mentioned play dates and social life for seven-year-olds. Now, if they each have their own little circle of friends, I suppose you may be getting pulled in lots of different directions. How are you managing the kind of logistics of tha

Episode 306 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Steve Idlett, father of twin boys. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including: being a stay at home dad with their first child when the hospital is far from home the twins were 6 weeks early dealing with 3 weeks in the NICU using a camper to stay close to hospital daily routine for 8 month old twins putting kids in day care creating a family that loves music raising a toddler and infant twins what is working with feeding the twins when one twin wakes up before the other and more… Connect with Steve on Instagram, steveidlett.com, at the Teague Farmers Market, or Buffalo Trade Days. Podcast Transcript This is transcript auto-generated so please forgive any mistakes. Today we are continuing our Father of Twins interview series with a fellow dad from Texas as he shares his journey of raising three children ages three and younger, including eight-month-old twin boys. We talk about everything from the shock of discovery of learning they be having twins to how he keeps a positive perspective and attitude in parenting to help him through the ups and downs of every day. We talk about that much more today on the show. Welcome to the Dad’s Guide to Twins podcast, the podcast that’ll help you survive and thrive as a father of twins. Now, here’s your host, the author of the book, the Dad’s Guide to Twins, Joe Rawlinson. Hey everybody, welcome to the podcast. This is Joe Rawlinson. I’m glad that you’re here today. As always, you can find me on the web at dadsguidetotwins.com, where you’ll find all previous podcast episodes and tons of other resources to help you along your twin parenting journey. And to help you along that journey, I’ve put together a ginormous list of baby gear that you will need for your twins. So rather than search all over the place, trying to find what you need, you can find this big list to add to your twin baby registry or to ask for as gifts from your friends and family or maybe just double check your preparations as you prepare for and raise your twins. You can find this entire list by just going to my website, dadsguidetowins.com and from the main menu click gear and it’ll give you all those things that I recommend from strollers to cribs, to baby gear and feeding equipment, to you name it, to help you along your journey. So once again, just go straight to the website, dadsguidetowins.com and click on the gear item in the menu and it’ll take you right there. Today I would like to welcome to the show, Father of Twins, Steve Islet. Welcome to the show, Steve. [Steve Idlett] Hey man, how’s it going? [Host: Joe Rawlinson] It’s going great. Thanks for coming on the show today. Tell me a little bit about your family. [Steve Idlett] We have a little girl who’s two and a half and we just had twin boys. And so it’s me and my wife and three kids right now, three kids under the three, as they say. [Host: Joe Rawlinson] How old are your boys right now? [Steve Idlett] They are eight months. [Host: Joe Rawlinson] And are they identical? Are they fraternal? [Steve Idlett] No, they’re fraternal. They look identical. I always tell everybody that they’re fraternal. And, uh, and one of them, he looks, me and him are identical twins, but his brother, but him and his brother, they’re fraternal twins, but a lot of people act as they can’t tell him apart, but, but you know, as the parent, you can really tell them apart pretty quick. [Host: Joe Rawlinson] Was that ever a challenge for you, even in the beginning? [Steve Idlett] Um, no, uh, not really. They were, they had a little bit of different weight, weights on them. So one of them kind of seemed chubbier cheeks and stuff in the other. So it’s it’s kind of easier to tell them apart, but, uh, you know, now sometimes now they’re both kind of filling out. If I’m looking at them kind of from the side or from a top down position every now and then I’ll be like, wait a minute. Oh, you kind of look like your brother today, you know, but, but some of our family can’t tell them apart, which is, again, it’s just kind of, I don’t know, maybe it’s a parent thing or something. You just know which one’s which, but they look pretty close. [Host: Joe Rawlinson] That is fun. Yeah. We have identical girls and they like, like your boys, there was like a weight difference at birth. So that made it a little easier, but even now, uh, I mean, they’re teenagers now. Sometimes I’ll look across the room and still mix them up. Um, like you say, like from the profile or from behind or something. Anyway, so. Did I ever try to, you know, do that on purpose? [Steve Idlett] Um, they, they, they have tried to do that on purpose, but usually they’re so, if they’re intenti

Episode 305 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Dave Cox, father of non-identical boy twins. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including: From joking about possibility of having twins to actually having them One twin was breech so had to go to hospital for cesarean One twin had breathing issues and almost had to fly to Sydney for intensive care 2 weeks in special care (one step down from NICU) Managing time off (12 months for Mum, 6-8 weeks leave for Dad) Size difference so big they wear different sized clothes Toilet training wrapping up with their boys Dad broke neck when twins were 7 months old causing immobility Ongoing surgeries and complications made it impossible to lift and move with twins Day care four days a week and nanny on 5th day of week Losing last daytime nap – getting shorter and shorter Adjusting your perspective makes all the difference and more… Connect with Dave on Instagram. Podcast Transcript This is transcript auto-generated so please forgive any mistakes. Joe: Today we are continuing our father twins interview series with a father from Australia who shares his journey as a twin dad. Including what happened when he had an accident at work and that dramatically changed the trajectory of his career and his family life, and the things that he was able to do with his twins. We talk about how he overcame those challenges and some of the other ups and downs of raising twin boys today on the show. Welcome to the Dad’s Guide to Twins podcast, the podcast that’ll help you survive and thrive as a father of twins. Now, here’s your host, the author of the book, the Dad’s Guide to Twins, Joe Rawlinson. Joe: Hey everybody, welcome to the podcast. This is Joe Rawlinson. I’m glad that you’re here today with me. As always, you can find me on the web at dadsguidetotwins.com, where you’ll find all previous podcast episodes, as well as a ton of other resources to help you along your twin parenting journey. Today’s show is brought to you by my second book for dads of twins. It’s called Dad’s Guide to Raising Twins: How to Thrive as a Father of Twins. You can get a copy of this book for yourself at raisingtwinsbook.com. Once again, that’s raisingtwinsbook.com. Today I would like to welcome to the show, Father of Twins, Dave Cox. Welcome to the show, Dave. Dave, how old are your twins right now and what’s something exciting about this age? Dave: They are three years and eight months at the moment, just getting towards the end of toilet training, and one of them is pretty much fully toilet trained. And we’re just going through that stage with Wesley of he’s at the, he’s fully toilet trained for weeks, but he is frightened of doing poos on the toilet. So we’re just at that stage where he’s just about to overcome that fear. So it’s very exciting to almost be out of nappies. Joe: How long have you been trying with the toilet training? Dave: Probably 18 months. Joe: And have one of your twins been more eager and more successful than the other? Dave: Yeah, it’s funny. Wesley was actually the first one to show interest and was very successful. And then all of a sudden he sort of regressed because we’ve only found out in the last sort of two weeks, he’s told us that the noise sounds like a storm and he’s scared of storms, not the noise in the toilet sounds like a storm. And that’s why he’s scared of it. I’d never consider that as a possibility, but kids are paying attention to what’s going on around. Yeah. And when he said that I was like oh he’s not just being a pain in the butt. Joe: So do you have identical twins or are they non-identical? Dave: No, they’re not identical so they’re very very different they’re, it’s an enormous size difference they’re in completely different size clothes and everything so they’re very easy to tell apart. We actually get accused of lying about them being twins as opposed to people asking if they’re twins. So they’ve from birth they’ve been a big size difference? Dave: Yeah so there was about 800 grams difference at birth. Joe: That’s pretty good. Are they your only? Dave: Yeah, my wife is starting to talk about more and I still haven’t just kept saying I still haven’t recovered from these ones yet. Just give me time. Right. I don’t know. During toilet training is the best time to have a conversation either. Joe: Right. Yeah, no. So looking back to when you found out that you would be having twins, what was your reaction to that? Dave: We always sort of joked about it because Sarah, my wife, her older brothers are both fraternal twins. So genetically it was always a probability. And all of our friends always used to joke that we’d be the ones

Episode 304 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Patrick Edgett, father of twin girls. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including: raising a four children including having 3 under 3 managing terribles twos and opinionated toddlers challenges of getting twins to sleep climbing out of cribs and how to fix that moving two weeks after birth of twins switching jobs right after twins’ birth about a month in the NICU for both twins when one twin came home a week and a half before the other having another child after twins potty training twins one twin had an eye problem that took awhile to figure out phasing out nap time twins going to preschool taking time to spend with kids individually and more… Connect with Patrick on Instagram. Podcast Transcript This is transcript auto-generated so please forgive any mistakes. Host: Today we continue our father of twins interview series with a twin dad from Southern California. We talk about overcoming the terrible twos with twins, making big life changes after the twins are born as far as moving houses and switching jobs, and how to advocate for yourself with your twins doctor when you think something is wrong with one of your children. We talk about that and much more today on the show. Welcome to the Dad’s Guide to Twins podcast, the podcast that’ll help you survive and thrive as a father of twins now. Here’s your host, the author of the book, The Dad’s Guide to Twins, Joe Rawlinson. Joe Rawlinson: Hey everybody, this is Joe Rawlinson. Welcome to the Dad’s Guide to Twins podcast. I’m glad that you’re here with me today. As always, you can find me on the web at dadsguidetotwins.com. Today we’re chatting with a fellow twin dad about his adventures in twin parenting. Before we jump into that chat, I want to let you know that today’s show is brought to you by my two books that I’ve written for dads of twins. First is Dad’s Guide to Twins and the second is Dad’s Guide to Raising Twins. These books will get you through the pregnancy, through the newborn phase, up in the toddlers and beyond. You can save 20% if you get both of these books on my website directly. You go to dadsguidetotwins.com/books. Once again, that’s dadsguidetotwins.com/books. Plus if you’re in the US, I’ll ship those books to you for free. So save 20% plus free shipping. Man, what a great deal. Today, I would like to welcome to the show, Father of Twins, Patrick Edgett. Welcome to the show, Patrick. Patrick: Thanks for having me. Excited to be here. Joe: Patrick, how old are your twins right now and what’s something exciting about this age? Patrick: They are four, sandwiched in between a two-year-old and a seven-year-old. The thing that’s most exciting for me is they’re really at a fun age of interacting right now. So for us, the two and a half to three and a half years are a version of the terrible twos. And so they’re kind of past that and it’s getting a little bit more fun and a little less headache at the moment. Joe: So let’s talk about those terrible twos. It’s true, it’s kind of a misnomer that they’re called terrible twos ’cause they usually stretch into the threes. So what were some of the challenges you had with that age range? Patrick: Yeah, they become very opinionated very quickly. And I definitely agree that it’s more of the terrible two and a halfs. I think a big part of it centers around sleep. Sleep has always been a thing that’s been really important to my wife and I about not only us getting our sleep, but having both the twins and the other ones on a pretty good schedule and that seems to just break overnight when they hit two and a half. All of a sudden they can climb out of their crib, which was a fun one. You’re sitting there watching TV at night and all of a sudden there’s a little human next to you that’s not supposed to be there. So that combined with other versions of them having their own opinions is really kind of how it showed itself. Joe: Did they both learn to climb out of the cribs at the same time? Patrick: Just one. There’s Twin A. That’s Stella for us. She would found a way, she would pull her mattress up and she would like Fred Flintstone moving her entire crib all the way to the door. We actually have video footage of it because it was too funny. And she would start blocking the door with her crib, which was pretty insane. They were on laminate flooring. And it got so bad to the point where I had to take a 45-pound plate weight and put it under her crib so she couldn’t move it anymore. But she was and still is the onry one when it comes to sleep. Joe: Do you have two girls or one of each? or what do you have? Patrick: Yeah, two girls. I call it the gaggle of children. All four of t

Episode 303 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Greg Parks, father of boy/girl twins. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including: When one twin climbs out of the crib Handling twins with two older children One twin in NICU for 9 days while other twin is home Welcoming another baby into the family after twins Sleeping arrangements for all the kids Baby monitor technology to keep tabs on kids Exponential work when attention divided with twins Never use twins or younger kids as an excuse for not doing something with older kids Finding opportunities to get one on one time with the kids Financial tips for young children Balancing finances as a large family and more… Connect with Greg via email. Podcast Transcript This is transcript auto-generated so please forgive any mistakes. Today, we continue our Father of Twins interview series with another twin dad, a fellow Texan father of five, including boy-girl twins. Share some of the challenges of welcoming twins into the family when you already have a couple of children, plus what happens when a fifth child arrives after the twins. That plus some tips on teaching your children how to handle finances and money at an early age. Welcome to the Dad’s Guide to Twins podcast, the podcast that will help you survive and thrive as a father of twins. Now, here’s your host, the author of the book, The Dad’s Guide to Twins, Joe Rawlinson. Hey everybody, welcome to the podcast. This is Joe Rawlinson. I’m glad that you’re here today. As always, you can find me on the web at dadsguidetotwins.com, where you can listen to all previous podcast episodes and find other resources to help you along your twin parenting journey. If you are still expecting twins, I have a special gift for you today. You can get a free audio book version of my first book for dads called Dad’s Guide to Twins over at freetwinbook.com. Once again, that’s freetwinbook.com. Today, I would like to welcome to the show Father of Twins, Greg Parks. Welcome to the show, Greg. Hey, thanks a lot, Joe. Glad to be here. Greg, how old are your twins right now and what’s something exciting about this age? We have boy, girl, twins, Evan and Ava, and they are going to be turning three March 12th. An exciting thing right now, I think watching the two of them interact, they keep each other so much company and they really keep each other in line. Just last night, our son, so Evan, the boy, twin, has figured out how to climb out of his crib, though it’s lowered all the way to the ground. We took all the bolts out and everything. And this just started last night. And so went back, put him in, he’s pretty upset, put him back in. Well, no joke, we’re listening on the monitor. And after about the fourth or fifth time that I put him back in his crib, I hear him call out to his sister. And his sister tells him, they call each other Wubba. I don’t know where that came from, but she tells him, “Wubba, stay in bed.” And he says, “I want to get out.” And she says, “Wubba, stay in bed. Go night night.” And she was, you know, keeping him in line and telling him what to do. And from that, he decided, “Well, I guess I better stand back because my sister told me to.” And so just watching them communicate and, you know, have almost, almost have like, their own language and their own jokes has been so fun to watch as they interact with each other. That is fun. That’s crazy. That just happened. If you have a unique situation, Greg, because as soon as one of my girls figured out how to climb on the crib, her other sister mimic that exact behavior and it was just chaos. Congrats to your daughter for being the mom in the room and telling everybody to stay put. That’s crazy. Yeah. I think it’s a combination of being a mom. She very much has a motherly instinct with her dolls and of course watching my wife, Andrea, take care of our little one. But it’s a fine line between a motherly instinct and I think just being bossy. And, she is definitely the enforcer of the two of them, to the point that she usually takes the lead and he follows on pretty much everything. So it definitely has the positives as in last night. But it can also be a case where she’s just, she’s just being bossy. She needs to cool off. So, that’d be fun to see how it plays out. They both start breaking out of jail and how that turns out. Oh yeah, yep. Now twins are not your only children, right? What’s your family makeup look like these days? So we have a great rambunctious family of seven total, two adults and five kids. Our oldest son, Nolan is 10. Our next daughter, Madison, is eight. And then we have Evan and Ava, of course we’re two year old twins. And our youngest Bailey just turned one this last Sunday, on January 14

Episode 302 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Chris Decent, father of boy/girl twins. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including: Older sibling’s concerns transforming into wonderful big sister Going through multiple failed adoptions before getting the twins When one twin spent 4 months in the NICU Selling their home right away after birth to move closer to the hospital Deciding to have Mom stay home with the kids Discovered about autism after twins were missing milestones Having each child at different levels developmentally Getting special needs children into school that matches their needs A child’s tantrum vs autism meltdown Sleep challenges with twins When twins don’t look alike and more… Connect with Chris via email for any questions about ASD. Podcast Transcript This is transcript auto-generated so please forgive any mistakes. Today, I’d like to welcome to the show Father of Twins, Chris Decent. Welcome to the show, Chris. Thanks for having me, Joe. Chris, how old are your twins right now? What’s something exciting about this age? They will be six in about a month at the end of February. And I think what’s most exciting right now is just seeing how they get interested in things, whether it’s trains or cuckoo clocks, which my son is currently in love with. Just kind of seeing how their brains work and what is most interesting to them. That’s fun to watch them. And you’re into like, they’re turning into little humans and they have different interests and stuff. That’s pretty exciting. Feel like we’ve been in the survival phase for a while now. My twins both have some special needs that we’ll talk about a little bit today. So that’s been another thing that’s been interesting is although they’re twins, my daughter is developmentally probably about a year behind my son. So in some ways, it feels like déjà vu. We keep going Groundhog Day, going through the same things, but it’s been quite a wild ride. Are they your only children? I also have an 18-year-old who’s a freshman at Mississippi State. Fantastic. So that’s Bulldogs, right? That’s right. And she’s the best big sister ever. Part of our story is that we actually adopted the twins at birth. And my 18-year-old set up an Instagram account for them that’s called Decent Double Trouble. And it really just kind of is a way to follow their story and all the things that they’ve been through in the last six years. So her name is Claire, and she’s the best big sister anyone could hope for. Great. It’s always good to have an extra pair of helping hands, especially when they’re like, she was obviously old enough to help when the twins came home. She was. She doesn’t live with us full time, but she’s here all the time. And, you know, it’s interesting too, as part of our journey that, when Claire was writing her essays to get into Mississippi state, she was awarded a very prestigious scholarship at Mississippi state. What she wrote about is the twins and how her life has changed. And I’ll never forget the opening line to her scholarship essay. It starts by saying, “Will I get enough presents? Will I have to share my room?” Those are the first thoughts that went through her head when I called to tell her that she now had a brother and sister. And she just talks about how she was a little bit selfish as a 12 or 13-year-old kid and how the last 5 and 1/2, 6 years have really changed her world and how Cooper and Scarlett have really changed her view of the world. And as a dad, there’s nothing that warms my heart more. That’s great. That’s great to see her evolve in that phase as a big sister. I know we have two boys, we had two boys before our twins were born, but they were too young to express what you just said Claire expressed to you, right? They were surely thinking something like, am I still going to get attention? Am I still going to get everything they need? But they couldn’t articulate that. So that was pretty cool that she was able to. Well, you know, it’s always been amazing to me is how she, when I, you know, I didn’t see those words or her put those words on paper until about a year ago. And for me to think about, wow, I had no clue you had those thoughts when you were 12 or 13 years old. It’s just, it’s such a reminder that our children see and hear so much more than we ever think they do. And they have their own thoughts, whether they articulate those to us in the moment or not. But what we do, what we show them, how we’re there for them, all those things matter. And she’s a great reminder of that. Absolutely. You mentioned that you brought the twins home. You adopted them at birth. So how much advanced notice did you ge

Burping is essential for your twins to release air trapped in their tummies after feeding, preventing discomfort and gas. After a good burp, your babies will go from squirming, crying, and agitated to calm and happy. We would always proactively burp our twins right after feeding. This helped prevent their discomfort if we waited. The challenge is that if you’re feeding your twins at the same time, how do you burp both twins when they are finished eating? Let’s talk about some examples of how to burp twins even in some of the complicated situations you’ll find yourself as a father of twins. Before we jump in, remember that if you have any concerns about your twins’ digestion or issues with feeding, be sure to talk with their pediatrician for personalized advice. How to Burp Twins Simultaneously: When faced with the challenge of burping both twins at the same time, an good system makes the process smoother. Here are some practical tips: Double Duty Hold: Hold one baby against each shoulder, supporting their necks and heads with your hands. Gently pat or rub their backs simultaneously. You will likely have to position each baby one at a time. This method not only helps release trapped air but also offers comfort to both babies. Be sure to put a burp cloth on your shoulder to catch any spit up. Lap Burping: Sit down with a baby on each knee, ensuring their heads are supported. Pat or rub their backs rhythmically, and if necessary, adjust their positions to find the most effective angle for burping. Position burp cloths under their heads to catch any surprises. Partner Assistance: Enlist the help of your partner or another caregiver. Sit facing each other with a baby on each lap and take turns burping. This way, both twins receive the attention they need a the same time. Here’s a twin dad example of holding and burping both twins at the same time: Individual Burping of Twins: While simultaneous burping is efficient, there may be times when burping one baby at a time is more practical. Here are some tips for individual burping: Rotate Feeding Positions: Alternate which baby you feed first during each feeding session. This allows you to focus on one baby at a time for burping, ensuring both receive equal attention. Utilize Supportive Equipment: Invest in baby gear that can assist in individual burping. If you’re by yourself, be sure you have something nearby that can safely hold or support one of your babies. We’d use a twin nursing pillow or bouncy seat as an extra pair of hands if we needed to focus on feeding or burping one of our twins but still keep an eye on her sibling. Create a Routine: Establishing a consistent routine can be beneficial. For example, if you have a specific order for feeding and burping, it becomes easier to manage the process for each baby individually. Remember that if you’re feeling overwhelmed by yourself, it is just fine to help each twin one at a time. Managing simultaneous feeding and then burping twins will take some practice. Here are some great examples of burping your twins from our friends at Twiniversity: Medical Perspectives: According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), burping is an important aspect of infant care to prevent excessive gas and discomfort. The AAP recommends burping babies after every 2-3 ounces of formula or when switching breasts during breastfeeding. Like I mentioned earlier, we tried to be proactive in burping after feeds. If you wait too long, your babies will let you know something is wrong. Additionally, pediatricians emphasize the significance of proper head and neck support when burping infants. Always be mindful of your babies’ developmental stages and adjust your burping techniques accordingly. Don’t let their heads flop around! Supporting Your Partner: Helping your partner with the burping process is essential for shared parenting responsibilities. When my wife was breastfeeding our twins, I would bring each baby to her one at a time. My wife would get the baby feeding and then I’d hand her the second baby. Once one baby finished eating, my wife would had that twin to me and I would do the burping and clean up. Once we switched to bottle feeding, my wife and I would each take a baby and feed that twin individually. After feeding, the parent with the twin would handle the burping and clean up. Here are some ways you can actively support your partner: Take Turns: Alternate burping duties with your partner. This ensures both of you get some respite and actively contribute to caring for the twins. Assist with Feeding: If your partner is breastfeeding, you can assist with bottle-feeding one of the twins. This allows your partner to focus on burping the other baby. Create a Supportive Environment: Ensure a comfortable and calm environment during feeding and burping. Dim the lights, play soothing music, or engage in gentle conversation to create a relaxing atmosphere for both your

Let’s talk about stroller options for your twins plus one other child. You could have a singleton child and then you have the twins, or you could have the twins and then you have a singleton child. Some of these configurations I talk about below can work for either one of these scenarios. The premise of a lot of the twin strollers I mention below are that you have a standard double stroller with some kind of add-on like a standing stool or a third seat attachment. Thus a lot of double strollers right out of the box are not going to handle twins plus one. They’re built for double occupancy, and then you still to install some kind of add-on attachment. But first, let me share what worked for us. What We Did with Our Twins Plus Two We didn’t have twins plus one, we had twins plus two. We already had two toddler boys when our identical twin girls were born. We had four kids, ages three and younger, and we had to solve the same dilemma of how to transport everybody where they needed to go. We already knew that we had the two toddlers and we knew we had the twins coming. We got the inline Snap-n-Go stroller where their car seats could snap into the frame with one girl in front of the other behind. We used that stroller while the twins were infants and they were in their infant car seats. At that phase of our adventure, our toddler boys just walked around. Alternatively, we also had wearable baby carriers, Baby Bjorns. So my wife could wear a baby in the Bjorn and I had the other baby in a Bjorn. For example, we went to Disneyland when our girls where still babies. We took a double umbrella stroller that was the pack mule for our toddler boys, the twins when needed, and it carried our diaper bags and stuff. My wife and I each wore one of the twins in a Baby Bjorn on our chest. That way we were able to maneuver everybody around through the crowds. This same setup also worked when we were out in public at the grocery store or when we went for a walk. You can be creative in how you’re carrying the twins. You could wear them, toddlers could walk, you can get a stroller, and you can get dedicated strollers with attachments that will fit twins plus one, which is what we’re going to talk about right now. Here are some popular solutions for strollers for twins plus one: Valco Double Stroller with Joey Third Seat Use the Valco double stroller with an extra jump seat. This is a standard side by side double stroller, but it has an attachment that sits on the front so that your plus one kid is right up in the front. The third child sits in front of your twins. Your twins are going to be sitting side by side, and they’re going to be staring straight ahead and seeing the back of this little attachment chair that fits in the front. Sometimes these attachments are called joeys like the baby kangaroos that sit up front in momma’s pouch. To create this twins plus one stroller setup for your family, you’ll need these two pieces: Valco Baby Trend Duo double stroller – this a standard side-by-side stroller for your twins. Valco Baby Tri Mode Duo X Toddler Seat – this is the front seat joey-style attachment Zoe Trio Another option is from Zoe. There’s the twin model of the Zoe stroller and there’s a trio version where instead of a joey seat like the Valco, you basically have a single stroller that sits in front of the double stroller. At first glance, it looks like your double stroller rear ended and attached to a single stroller in some kind of sidewalk collision. This kind of stroller setup requires that your kids are old enough to hold up their own heads. This makes for an extra long train of babies that you’re going to be pushing around. If you need a little shorter, more compact solution, consider the other options we’re discussing here. Bugaboo Donkey + Ride On Board If you haven’t heard about the Bugaboo Donkey, it is not priced like a donkey. It is priced more like a thoroughbred racing horse. It is one of the most expensive stroller options out there but does come highly recommended. So if you have the money and the budget to buy the Bugaboo Donkey (or if your in-laws want to chip in and buy this Cadillac version of a double side-by-side stroller) by all means, go for it. The Bugaboo Donkey Duo version has a side-by-side stroller setup. It can handle side-by-side bassinets, car seats with attachments, and side-by-side seating as the kids are able to hold their heads up by themselves. With Bugaboo’s third wheel attachment, you have a ride for your toddler. It’s an attachment that goes on the back axle of the double stroller. It’s basically underneath the handlebars between you pushing the stroller and the babies that are in the side-by-side stroller. I’m not sure this would be great for super long distances, but definitely if your toddler gets tired and wants a ride, they can probably sit on this easy breezy and get

Watching your twins learn to talk at the same time may sound like double the chaos, but did you know there are twin-specific aspects of language development? Language acquisition in twins has long fascinated researchers, and recent studies are shedding new light on this unique phenomenon. Twins, whether identical or fraternal, often share a special bond that goes beyond genetics. They can have their own secret language, known as “twin language,” which helps them communicate with each other before they start speaking in full sentences. While this early form of twin communication allows them to develop language with each other, twins typically lag behind single-born children. Our identical twin girls would babble and squawk at each other and seemingly were able to communicate that way despite my wife or I not understanding the gibberish. Twin Language Development Is Slower Researchers have found that twins tend to reach language milestones later than single-born children. These milestones include babbling, first words, and sentence formation. The root causes of delayed language development in twins are typically thought to be: genetics premature birth environmental factors (like attention from parents) We saw some speech delays in our girls while simultaneously seeing rapid learning first hand with our twin girls. Once one girl figured out a skill, her sister would see that, mimic the behavior, and shortly thereafter master the skill. As long as one of the twins figured something out, her sister was never far behind. The unique language development journey of twins Twins have a language development journey that is quite distinct from that of singleton children. From the moment they are born, twins are exposed to double the amount of language input. They are constantly interacting with each other, engaging in conversations, and exchanging ideas. This constant communication serves as a crucial foundation for their language development. Twin parents’ attention is also divided and that can lead to less one-on-one attention with each twin. Less attention means less time to focus on speech and language development. The role of genetics in language development in twins Research suggests that genetic factors contribute to individual differences in language abilities. Twins may inherit certain linguistic traits, such as a predisposition for language learning, from their parents. These genetic factors can influence the speed and ease with which twins acquire language skills. However, it is important to note that genetics alone cannot account for the language development observed in twins. The environment and the unique social interactions they experience play a significant role in shaping their linguistic abilities. Early language intervention for twins Early language intervention is crucial for maximizing the language development potential of your twins. You, as the parents, play a vital role in nurturing their language skills from an early age. Engaging in interactive activities such as reading books, singing songs, and engaging in conversations can stimulate their language learning. It is important to create a language-rich environment where your twins are exposed to a wide range of vocabulary and language structures: Use descriptive language Ask open-ended questions Encourage your twins to express themselves Provide opportunities for social interactions with other children I loved to read bedtime stories to my twins as part of our bedtime routine. However, reading wasn’t limited to only right before bed. We always have books around the house that lead to opportunities for the kids to discover and read by themselves or with a parent. Create a supportive and encouraging environment where your twins feel comfortable expressing themselves and taking risks in their language use. Twin language and its impact on overall development Twin language, also known as “cryptophasia,” refers to the unique language system that twins develop to communicate with each other. This secret language can have both positive and negative impacts on their overall development. On one hand, twin language fosters a strong bond between twins and enhances their communication skills. It allows them to develop a shared understanding and a sense of companionship. Because your twins are always together, they are good at interpreting each other’s intentions that are communicated via babbles, grunts, cries, and sounds even though it isn’t a formalized language. As our girls got better with their speech, we had one twin daughter that would occasionally “translate” her sister’s requests so we or other people could understand. Excessive reliance on twin language can also hinder their language development in the long run. Twins may become less motivated to communicate with others outside their twin relationship. This can limit their exposure to different types of language and speech – l

It can be a big challenge to come up with Halloween costume ideas for twins – whether your twins are the same gender or not. However, if you are open to a bit of creativity and messing around to find the ideal costume, then here are some Halloween costume ideas for twins: Wizard of Oz Our girls have dressed up as Dorothy and the Wicked Witch from Wizard of Oz. This was a fun pairing, especially when they were standing together. Even if they were separated, the costumes still stood on their own and people could guess what they were. This was one of our favorite twin girl Halloween costume ideas we’ve used. Superhero Duo The superhero world is massive at the moment, with films bringing comic book superheroes back to the forefront of everybody’s attention. There are many different superhero duos out there from which you can generate ideal Halloween costume ideas for your twins. Using a superhero duo for your twin boy toddler Halloween costumes will make for great memories. The first duo that comes to mind is Batman and Robin. They are the epitome of the superhero duo world, and the costumes can be extremely varied as there are just so many different eras to choose from. You might also consider a pair from the X-Men or the Avengers: Or celebrate the recent Superman vs. Batman match-up: Plus, who can resist some cute little turtles? Star Wars. Always Star Wars! If your family is like mine, we love Star Wars. Twins and great pairs are showcased through all the Star Wars movies. Luke and Leia: R2D2 and C3PO: Twinkies Your twins are so cute, you could gobble them up: TV Legends Think of people from your favorite TV shows, or more importantly, your kids’ favorite shows. Most cartoons or children’s shows have at least a pair of characters you could use for costume ideas. Breaking bad babies… Mickey and Minnie Mouse: Your Favorite Movie Characters You and your kids love movies. Why not use some of those familiar characters for Halloween costumes for your twins? Many movie character pairs make great twin costumes for babies, toddlers, and beyond. Best buddies Woody and Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story: Mike and Sully from Monsters, Inc: Remember you twins don’t always have to be dressed up in the same theme. Here’s a Snow White and a Vampire! Just Go for Cute When all else fails, dress your twins up so they look great! You don’t have to have a matching pair or a theme everyone else is using. Try one of these ideas: Princesses from different galaxies: Classic Dr. Seuss’ Thing 1 and Thing 2: Lions! Despicable Me “Despicable Me” Minion costumes are a natural match for twins (or any multiples). To make these costumes, all you need are two yellow hoodies, overalls and some goggles. Maybe a little yellow face paint to help finish the illusion off! You can also find a packaged equivalent for around $20, but where is the fun in that? It’s much more fun to create the costumes with your kids! Sporting Rivals Dress your twins up in the uniforms of rival sporting teams. Just make sure you aren’t asking your twins to change allegiances for the night! In our house, my wife and I each graduated from rival universities so we could likely pull this off without much difficulty. Rules of Thumb for Costuming Your Twins this Halloween Remember that Halloween is about having fun and creating fun memories with your twins. Don’t stress too much about the perfect matching outfits and that everything goes smoothly. Because it won’t! When you mix twins of any age with later-than-usual bedtimes, unfamiliar costumes, and lots of candy, you’ll be in for a fun ride. Keep these guidelines in mind when picking the Halloween Costume for your Twins: Make sure your twins can move in their costumes Avoid extra costume accessories that you’ll end up having to carry after the first block of trick or treating Try to find a twin theme for the costumes to take advantage of your twins’ unique “twin-ness” Ask your twins what they want to dress up as Respect your twins’ wishes (more of an issue when they get older) if they don’t want to dress up to match or be a pair The potential for funny Halloween costume ideas with twins is limitless, so make sure you don’t send them out as the same thing as last year! Get creative and give them interesting and engaging costumes they will not be likely to forget in a long time! Here are several other great lists of Halloween costume ideas for twins: 20 Cute & Coordinating Halloween Costume Ideas for Twins Halloween Costume Ideas For Twins Top 10 Halloween Costumes for Twins Double Your Fun! 12 Best Halloween Costumes for Twins What costumes have you used for your twins? What ideas do you like? Special thanks to the parents on my Dad’s Guide to Twins Facebook page for sharing their costumed twins! The post Halloween Costume Ideas for Twins (Kid Tested and Parent Approved) appeared first on

When you bring your babies home, can you let twins sleep in the same crib? Absolutely. Should twins sleep in the same crib? It depends… At the hospital, the nurses had our twins together in the same bassinet. When we got home, we just continued this pattern. From their time in utero, each twin has constantly been with their sibling. Why not continue? Do twins need their own crib? Current safe sleep recommendations for twins are that each twin has his or her own crib. Let’s look into some of the challenges of this recommendation for twin parents and what worked in our family when our girls were babies. Twins Sharing a Crib When we brought our twin babies home, we already had two older boys (both under the age of 3). One of our sons was still in a crib. We knew we wanted to eventually move him to a big bed and then move his crib to our twins’ nursery, so we only started with one crib in our twins’ room. From the day our girls came home from the hospital, they shared a crib. We found that our twin babies would actually turn towards each other when they were sleeping side by side in the same crib. Your infant twins have a special bond and are very familiar and comfortable with being in each other’s space. As newborns, your babies aren’t going to move around much so where you put them is where they will stay in the crib. This means that we could have both babies sleep together without them interfering with each other too much. We’d swaddle each baby individually and then have another blanket swaddle them together. (Remember to not use bumper pads in the crib.) Twins in the Same Crib and SIDS The primary reason that each twin should have their own sleep surface is to reduce the risk of Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). According to the Mayo Clinic, one factor that could increase the chances of SIDs is sharing a bed with siblings, parents, or pets. Yes, there are other factors and much is unknown about SIDS but if you can eliminate any risks in your control, please do so. Two cribs are best for twins. Each crib mattress should have a tight, fitted sheet. Always put your babies down to sleep on their backs and make sure their cribs are free from stuffed animals, toys, bumpers, pillows, etc. If You Only Have One Crib for Twins When your twins must share a crib, try to make the space as safe as possible for your babies. Your infant twins are small and can both easily fit in the same crib. You can: Place the twins in opposite ends of the crib Position babies such that they are head-to-head (this avoids one kicking the other) Establish the routine of always putting Twin A in one spot and Twin B in the other spot Move the twins to separate cribs when they start getting active (see more below) Picture by @holasona_la Where Are Your Twins Sleeping? Evaluate your home and your twins’ sleeping arrangements. Is their room upstairs or in a far-off corner of the house? Do you want the convenience of having your twins close to your master bedroom for nighttime care? Current medical recommendations are that your babies sleep in the same room as you for the first year. With twins, the logistics of this can be quite challenging or even impossible. Do what you feel is best for your family. Clever baby gear like the HALO Bassinest helps you fit two babies in the smaller space of your room when you don’t have room for two cribs. Spend Money Over Time Do you need two cribs for twins? Yes, eventually you will. Do you need to buy both right now? No. Can twin babies sleep in the same crib if you’re short on cash? Yes. Many twin parents are tight on cash and can only afford one crib at a time. If this is your situation, you can space out the crib purchases over time so that you don’t have a huge expense all at once. Or ask for cribs as baby shower gifts or from the grandparents! What about wiggly babies? Eventually, your babies will start to wiggle and hit each other when they share are a crib. Don’t freak out. They were doing this in the womb for months (just ask Mom). If it doesn’t bother them, it shouldn’t bother you. When to Separate Twins in Crib How long can twins stay in one crib? We kept our girls in the same crib for several months until they started getting bigger and rotating around. We knew it was time to separate when were jarred from sleep because Twin A had put her foot on Twin B’s head and Twin B was crying. When that time arrived, we put two cribs in the same room, with one baby in each. The girls seemed to miss each other at first but would call out to each other via squawks or gurgles in a form of echolocation (think bats) to make sure their sister was near. Hard to Sleep? So you may ask: Don’t they wake each other up if they sleep in the same room or crib? No, not necessarily. Typically one twin can sleep through the cries of the other. You’ll even find one of your babies with arms or legs sprawled over the other with bot

Twins share many things but do they have the same blood type? Our identical twin girls share the same blood type and have the same blood type as their mother. However, that doesn’t mean all twins share the same blood type. Yes, twins can have the same blood type. But the answer isn’t that simple. The types of twins you have and the genetics of the parents all come into play when determining your twins’ blood type. Do twins always have the same blood type? No, twins don’t always have the same blood type. Your twins blood type is determined by genetics and their parent’s blood types. Twins often have the same blood type but do not necessarily have to have the same blood type. It often depends on the types of twins. Identical twins almost always have the same blood type. Fraternal twins can have the same or different blood types. Do identical twins have the same blood type? Identical twins share the same DNA which includes the genetic codes that determine blood type. Having the same DNA all but guarantees that they will have the same blood type. So yes, in addition to the same hair color, eye color, and physical features, your identical twins will share the same blood type. There is the rare case where there is a mutation in the DNA of one of the twins and that could lead to different blood types for identical twins. But I wouldn’t count on that happening with your twins as it is very uncommon. What type of blood will they have? That depends on the parents and the genetic roll of the dice. Do non identical (fraternal) twins have the same blood type? Since blood type is determined by the genetic rules in each child’s DNA, fraternal twins won’t necessarily share the same blood type. With non identical twins, the blood type of each child is determined independently of the other. It is like comparing blood types of two siblings because they don’t share the DNA like identical twins. Fraternal twins could each have their own type from the list of 8 common blood types. What blood types could my twins have? According to the Red Cross, there are 8 common blood types (A+, A-, B+, B-, O+, O-, AB+, AB-). The most common blood types are O positive and A positive. AB negative is very rare but maybe not in your case as everything depends on your genetics. How is the blood type determined in your children? It is passed genetically from the mother and father. Which parent determines the twins’ blood types? If you remember your biology class in high school, genetic attributes from the mother and father help create a matrix of possibilities for the child. The twins’ blood type then becomes a genetic game of dominant and recession traits with a sprinkle of statistics. This determines the type of genetic traits that are passed down from parents to their children. Depending on the blood type of each parent, there are numerous possible blood types the children can have. Due to all these possible combinations, the twins won’t necessarily have the same blood types as the parents. Yes, you could have four different blood types between Mom, Dad, and each of the twins. If you want to dive into all the possible blood type combinations, compatibilities, and some data, the Cleveland Clinic has some great information about common blood types. Do Identical Twins Share Blood? During the twin pregnancy, twins can share blood. This happens when identical twins share a placenta in the womb also known as monochorionic twins. Because these twins share a placenta, they share the blood from the placenta that contains all their nutrients that they get from Mom. Occasionally, this leads to a serious medical condition called Twin-to-Twin Transfusion syndrome where one twin donates blood and nutrients to their twin. This results in one twin getting too much blood and nutrients (and getting larger) and the other twin getting too little (and not growing enough). This results in complications for both twins. Why is blood type important? If you or your children ever need a blood transfusion, it is important to have matching or compatible blood types. Otherwise, your blood may have an immune response that basically attacks the foreign blood in the system. Generally speaking, the donor’s blood type has to match (have the same letter) as the recipients blood type. Any one with type O blood is a universal donor. Does Blood Type Matter During Pregnancy? During the twin pregnancy (or any pregnancy for that matter), there can be complications if the mother’s blood doesn’t match that of the baby or babies. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, Rh Disease happens when the Rh factor (that’s the positive or negative sign with the blood type) is a mismatch between mother and baby. It can also happen when blood types don’t match. Just like if you got a transfusion of blood that didn’t match your blood type, Rh disease can cause antibodies in moth

Are you expecting twins and trying to find good names for your future children? I’ve put together some giant lists of twin names that rhyme to help get your creative juices flowing. When my wife and I were expecting twins, we struggled to find good names that we could both agree would be good fits for our identical twin daughters so I hope the following list of rhyming twin names is helpful to you and your partner. Jump to: Twin Boy Names That Rhyme Twin Girl Names That Rhyme Boy/Girl Twin Names That Rhyme Rhyming names can include those with similar sounds both at the beginning and ending of the names. Pronunciation may also play a factor in how these names sound together. Always test the twin names you pick out loud, verify you’re OK with nicknames, and how they sound with your last name. Here are additional guidelines on how to name your twins. One word of caution about using twin names that rhyme is that the similar sounds can be confused when calling your children. Often you want it to be crystal clear who you’re talking to (or about). If the rhymes are too powerful and the names too similar, it could cause some communication issues in your family. Twin Boy Names That Rhyme Have twin boys joining your family? Here are some rhyming name pairs to give you some ideas: Mason and Hassan Ethan and Kieran Aiden and Jayden Carter and Karter Oliver and Ameer Henry and Emery Luke and Rukh Caleb and Zayd Noah and Ezra Leo and Arlo Oscar and Omar Finn and Quinn Max and Jax Eli and Levi Samuel and Jamal Ryan and Kian Gavin and Alvin Adrian and Darian Austin and Justin Logan and Rogan Anthony and Giovanni Benjamin and Ramin Cameron and Daimon Christopher and Asher Dominic and Malik Gabriel and Rafael Harrison and Emerson Isaac and Aaric Jackson and Paxton Kyle and Nile Owen and Rowan Stephen and Teagan Tristan and Hassan Victor and Hector Zane and Duane Apollo and Harlow Beckham and Ibrahim Edgar and Nasser Griffin and Tarquin Icarus and Cyrus Jasper and Kasper Lionel and Nathanael Maximus and Amos Orion and Soren Preston and Weston Spencer and Jasper Titan and Hasan Ethan and Arjun Aiden and Kaiden Carter and Slater Henry and Andre Luke and Rourke Noah and Jonah Leo and Mateo Finn and Kin Max and Dax Eli and Malachi Samuel and Emanuel Ryan and Julian Gavin and Kevin Adrian and Fabian Austin and Tristan Logan and Hogan Anthony and Lorenzo Benjamin and Rahim Cameron and Ramon Dominic and Cedric Gabriel and Miguel Harrison and Jefferson Jackson and Braxton Kyle and Lyle Matthew and Nathaniel Owen and Bowen Patrick and Frederick Quentin and Trenton Robert and Herbert Stephen and Kevin Tristan and Christian Wesley and Bradley Zane and Shane Caspian and Eamon Edgar and Roger Holden and Walden Icarus and Lazarus Kendrick and Roderick Maximus and Remus Spencer and Lancer Titan and Dalton Uriah and Zachariah Wyatt and Prescott Liam and William Ethan and Nathan Aiden and Hayden Carter and Parker Oliver and Xavier Henry and Bentley Luke and Duke Leo and Theo Samuel and Daniel Ryan and Brian Andrew and Drew Adrian and Ian Austin and Dustin Logan and Morgan Anthony and Tony Benjamin and Jason Cameron and Damian Christopher and Lester Dominic and Cormac Elijah and Micah Harrison and Garrison Isaac and Zach Patrick and Derrick Stephen and Evan Apollo and Marlowe Caspian and Darian Edgar and Jaeger Finnian and Eamon Jasper and Casper Preston and Westin Quincy and Vinny Zachary and Alaric Caleb and Rafael Liam and Adam Ethan and Julian Aiden and Owen Carter and Hunter Liam and Sam William and Graham Mason and Jason James and Ames Benjamin and Amin Daniel and Nathaniel Oscar and Kozar Lucas and Marcus Alexander and Zander Isaac and Zak Ezekiel and Uriel Jason and Mason Nathan and Jonathan Evan and Ivan Adrian and Hadrian Sebastian and Bastian Noel and Joel Caden and Aidan Ian and Kian Roman and Solomon Brandon and Landon Tristan and Kristian Julian and Darian Wyatt and Rhett Jacob and Caleb Gavin and Kavin Sean and Eamon John and Ron Milan and Dylan Damian and Simeon Lorenzo and Enzo Simon and Aimon Ramon and Damon Orion and Sion Kieran and Darrin Ibrahim and Rahim Mohammed and Ahmed Zayn and Rayan Finn and Flynn Kian and Adrian Callan and Allen Harlan and Marlan Cian and Darian Seán and León Tyrone and Jerome Vaughn and John Rhys and Bryce Quinn and Flynn Collin and Dylan Keegan and Reagan Griffin and Raffin Kieran and Lachlan Alban and Elan Twin Girl Names That Rhyme Expecting twin girls? Here are some rhyming name pairs to inspired your name search: Emma and Selma Olivia and Sofia Ava and Zara Isabella and Arabella Sophia and Dalia Mia and Maya Charlotte and Scarlett Amelia and Amina Harper and Jazper Emily and Amelie Avery and Beverly Sofia and Livia Ella and Stella Grace and Larice Victoria and Astoria Chloe and Zoe Camila and Mila Scarlett and Juliet Penelope and Calliope Riley and Kiley Emilia and Amalia Aria and Sariah Leah and Shayla Hailey and Bailey Aurora and Zara Lucy and Lacey Anna and Ivana Leah and

Baby gear for your twins is constantly changing. New products are always coming out. Fortunately, my friends over at Twiniversity.com just released their 2024 Twinnie Award Winners where they highlight the best gear for twins. That award list goes through a whole bunch of baby gear that is useful for your twins including dozens of products. In this podcast, I highlight those products that are twin specific. Of course a lot of baby gear that you need for twins is just standard baby gear that any baby would need – a singleton baby, twin, triplets or quadruplets. Check out Twiniversity’s list for recommendations of general baby gear. I’m going to focus on the gear that is specifically made for twins and some of my thoughts on the products that they mentioned on the list. Listen to the podcast as I discuss the: Best car seat stroller for twins: Baby Trend Double Snap-n-Go Stroller Best tandem stroller for twins: Graco DuoGlider Stroller Best side by side stroller for twins: Zoe The Twin+ Best jogging stroller for twins: BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie Double Jogging Stroller Best twins plus one stroller: Zoe The Trio+ Best product for bottle feeding twins: Table for Two Best single baby carrier: Ergobaby Omni 360 All-Position Baby Carrier Best double baby carrier: Weego TWIN baby carrier Best twin bassinet: HALO Bassinest Twin Sleeper Best travel crib: Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard with Twin Bassinet Sleeper Best play yard: Romp and Roost play yard. Best twin breastfeeding pillow: Twin Z Pillow Be sure to check out Twiniversity’s complete list of award winners for additional products you might need. What is your favorite piece of twin baby gear that has made all the difference in raising your twins? Or if you’re still expecting, what’s something that’s come highly recommended to you from your local multiples group or from our friends or family that have twins already? Leave a comment or tell my on Twitter or Instagram. Subscribe to the Podcast To subscribe to the podcast, please use the links below: iTunes (for your iPhone, iPad, iPod, etc.) Stitcher Subscribe via RSS (non-iTunes feed) Share Your Thoughts Please let me know what you think of this episode of the podcast, you can contact me with any questions or comments or leave a comment on the blog. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review on iTunes by clicking here. It will help other parents of twins find the show! Download the Podcast Download the podcast in .mp3 format (right click and “save as…”) The post Reaction to 2024 Twinnie Baby Gear Award Winners – Podcast 294 appeared first on Dad's Guide to Twins.

Episode 293 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes Today we continue our father of twins interview series with professional magician Wes Iseli, father of identical twin boys. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including: Juggling family while performing 400 shows a year as a magician Finding out about expecting twins at the 5 month checkup Healthy birth and home soon there after Twins not talking yet Getting to the twins to sleep at night Take turns with different behavior Homeschooling because they want to see kids Don’t worry about all the negative things and more… Connect with Wes on his website. Podcast Transcript This is transcript auto-generated so please forgive any mistakes. Joe Today we continue our father twins interview series with a professional magician, who is a father of identical twin boys, who talks about how he juggles the responsibilities of fatherhood, while traveling on the road for all the shows, and how he and his wife manage that, while taking the whole family from show to show, plus the benefits that they’ve seen from homeschooling, their children and some key fatherhood insights that give us some good perspective along your twin parenting journey, All that and much more today on the show. Intro Welcome to the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast the podcast that will help you survive and thrive as a father of twins Now here’s your host, the author of the book, the Dad’s Guide to Twins, Joe Rawlinson. Joe Hey everybody. This is Joe Rawlinson. Welcome to the dads twins podcast. As always, you can find me on the web at dads guide twins.com. Today we’re chatting with another father of twins about his experience raising twins. Before we jump into that interview, I want to let you know that today’s show is brought to you by my first book for dads it’s called Dad’s Guide to Twins. If you’re listening to podcast, I know you love enjoying audio. You can get a free audiobook version of my first book by visiting freetwinbook.com. Today I would like to welcome to the show father of twins Wes Iseli. Welcome to the show, Wes. Wes What’s up, man? How are you? I’m excited. I can’t wait to get into this. Joe Fantastic. glad that you’re here. So what’s How old are your twins right now? And what’s something exciting about this age? Wes There’ll be three in September. And they are at a fantastic age man. I’m a magician. So we’re on the road all the time. We homeschool our 11 year old daughter and then we have two and a half year old twin boys. And we travel around as a family of six doing show to show so they come with us they get to experience different things. In the wintertime it was we’re doing a show and the babysitter just hanging out with the twins in the RV while my daughter does magic and then she’ll go back in the RV and then we all go out to dinner afterwards and then go home. Now that it’s springtime, and we’re doing you know, the most recent show we did was a school fundraiser. They had a gym, like a gym I guess in the backyard. What do you call it a playground area. So the babysitter just took the kids in the playground area wore them out they had a blast. They come up on stage they take a final bow one really likes the wave one really likes to blow kisses they own have their own little personality. And they did the audience. I can’t think of a better way to in the show. They get so excited they run across the stage they jump in my arms my wife holds the other baby. I introduce Julian Julian always runs to me I introduce him and then I tickle Lex and he’s bunching up ready for it. And take a Final Bout and then run it back to the babysitter we pack it up and go. It’s just a fantastic age. We have five acres here on a property. I have hiking trails that I love. And my little boys are just following me around like little little helpers. We had fire pits and I was breaking out the fire pits from the winter. And they were helping me I pretended to strain with the wheelbarrow and they pretended to push it like they were helping me it was adorable. We get lots of pictures so that sounds like a fun age for sure. It’s a great age, man. Joe Do you involve them in your shows other than just coming out the end? Wes So at two and a half there’s really not a lot they can do you know and we I’m a different kind of animal. We have our own reality show that follows my family around doing 400 shows a year. We also do 400 shows a year. So the kids have to be able to hit their marks and if they don’t hit their marks, I have to be able to cover for them to make it look like that was part of the show. So writing a fail into the show that if it’s a success, it’s a success. If it’s a fail, it’s still a success. It’s hard to write for two and a half. When in September, maybe next year there’ll be in the

Episode 292 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Peter Esbrandt, father of four-year-old identical twin girls. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including: When Mom started bleeding at 8 weeks Shared placenta TTTS worries Early labor 2.5 months before due date and then bed rest for Mom Mom had high blood pressure that lead to early delivery Surprise breathing issues for twins Discovering a milk allergy while in NICU Deciding to have mom stay home with twins Taking their first vacation with twins Keeping marriage strong through the parenting journey and more… Connect with Peter via email. Podcast Transcript This is transcript auto-generated so please forgive any mistakes. Joe Today we continue our father of twins interview series with a father of twins as we talk about his journey as a dad from the pregnancy to now having almost four year old identical twin girls, including the surprises that came along the way during the pregnancy that resulted in early delivery of those twins, what surprised him the most after birth, dealing with late bloomers when twins hit milestones a little later than expected. We discussed even the great question of traveling with young children: what wins out? Twins getting a nap on a regular schedule? Or you having fun on your vacation? We talked about that and much more today on the show. Intro Welcome to the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast the podcast that will help you survive and thrive as a father of twins Now here’s your host, the author of the book, the Dad’s Guide to Twins, Joe Rawlinson. Joe Hey everybody, this is Joe Rawlinson, welcome to the show. I’m glad that you’re here. Before we jump into the interview with one of our fellow fathers of twins. I want to let you know that today’s show is brought to you by my store twintshirtcompany.com where you can find dozens of t-shirts designed specifically for us as fathers of twins. We have shirts for moms of twins and for the grandparents for twins. And for the twins themselves. These make great gifts and are fun to wear. Head on over to twintshirtcompany.com. Today I’d like to welcome to the show, father of twins, Peter Esbrandt, father of identical twin girls who are turning four. We start out our conversation discussing when he and his wife decided to start trying to have children. Peter We tried off and on six, seven months. Almost got frustrating to be honest with you. And then we were both getting up there and age. And I told her I said a I think it was around November. I said hey, we’re gonna try one more time. Until my birthday we’ll see what happens. So it was quickly after that we found out she was pregnant. She started spotting at eight weeks so there was a scare. Went to have an emergency ultrasound and then that’s when they found out there was two in there. So it just kind of completely threw us for a loop. You know, she freaked out, didn’t know what to do. I mean, what do you do, but so from there, you know, typical, we were seeing our normal or normal doctor followed by an ultrasound specialist because they were I don’t want to get it wrong but shared the same placenta but they had different sex. So they were sharing the same food source and different sex so they were afraid of the twin the twin transfusions went to a specialist everything was working smoothly. The wife’s a different animal when it comes to pain. So I don’t know the exact dates but it was around. So they were technically due the end of September, I think around the 30th of September, around Fourth of July. Even a little bit before that. She was telling me I think I’m having contractions. And I blew it off like hey, you’re pregnant, you know, like normal pains live with it. So when we went to the ultrasound specialist, he made she made mention to him. So they hooked her up to a machine and he’s like, Well you actually are having contractions. So she got admitted to the hospital over the Fourth of July weekend. I didn’t think she was going to get out of there. Luckily, that same doctor come to visit and we kind of pleaded with him and he’s like, Hey, if she goes home and she stays in a bed like I’ll let her go home and I’m like, please just let her go home. You know, like I didn’t want to balance all of it. So she went home. Joe This is still two months before the estimated delivery, right? Peter Two and a Half correct. So she went back home and then I mean any twin, pregnant mom, she got big, you know and she kept swelling. And I kind of had an idea what was going on because we would see the ultrasound specialist and he would always report back to the doctor and he called the doctor on the last visit and he’s like her blood pressure is high. And I’m comfortable. Like whenever you’re ready to pull the trigger. Let&#