Simple Strategies to Take Toddler Twins Out Alone

With your twins running around everywhere, taking them out by yourself can be scary. Learn how to take toddler twins out alone and survive!

Take Toddler Twins Out AloneCrossing the street had never felt more excruciating.

My toddler twins were riding their scooters when we needed to cross a busy street. One of them cried the entire time because he didn’t want to hold my hand. He had a meltdown in the middle of the street and “fell” to the ground, so I scrambled to pick him and both scooters up quickly.

When we were almost on the other side, I heard him shout, “My shoe! My shoe!” Apparently, his shoe had fallen off during this crazy commotion. So, I ran back to the middle of the street (with him and the scooters) to fetch his shoe. Meanwhile, my other twin, scared and confused, bolted to the other side of the street on his own.

In typical mom fail fashion, I’m carrying a shoe, two scooters, and a crying child while my other one is running across the street. All in front of a bunch of people in their cars, watching the scene unfold.

How to take toddler twins out alone

So yeah… taking your toddler twins out by yourself can get a little crazy.

It’s one thing if you have two children who are at different ages and stages. You might be able to strap the baby in a carrier while the older one walks next to you. But with twin toddlers, you’re dealing with the same antics at the same time.

No wonder many twin moms can relate to my story. How do you wrangle one twin when the other is zipping to the other side of the park? What do you do when they’re both throwing a tantrum, and you can barely carry one?

I’m happy to say I got through the twin toddler stage intact, and that you don’t have to wing it and hope for the best. By following certain strategies, you can manage twins alone and not only survive, but actually enjoy your time with them.

Here’s how:

1. Pick the right places

The struggle with taking toddler twins out usually starts with the location. If you’re not careful, you’re scrambling after them in a busy, crowded mall or at a park right next to the street. Stick to places like:

  • Confined parks: Toddler-friendly parks fenced in to prevent them from running off in public.
  • Wide, grassy areas: Parks with a wide, open space of grass for your twins to run.
  • Small playgrounds: Toddler-appropriate playgrounds without the big kids.
  • Museums with a toddler area:  Tot areas that include age-appropriate activities.
  • Fenced-in tennis courts: Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. They can run around within the confines of the court.
  • Indoor playgrounds: Although you pay a fee, indoor playgrounds are a safe bet to take toddler twins out alone. Many include age-appropriate activities and equipment.
  • Grocery store. You can place one twin in the shopping cart while their sibling walks beside you.

Take the twins with another adult first before going alone with them so you can get a feel for the place with another adult just in case. When you finally do go alone with them, you can be more familiar with how to get there, where to park, and getting in and out.

And the best time to go? Right when they open. If your twins are awake early, take advantage and be the first to arrive. You can have the place to yourself, and they can run around without too many people.

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2. Go on play dates

Feeling outnumbered? Plan play dates so you have extra sets of eyes on your twins. Moms are more than willing to keep an eye on one twin if you need to chase the other.

If friends aren’t available, mommy groups make a good option (find a few on meetup.com). You might even make lifelong friends and stay in touch.

3. Reinforce safety lessons

You’ve picked the right places and added reinforcements—now it’s time to establish and reinforce safety lessons.

At each outing, remind your twins about important safety issues that are not negotiable. For instance, they have to stay close to you, must walk in parking lots, or hold your hand while crossing the street (ahem).

Explain why they need to listen and do what you ask of them. Let them know that cars might not see them if they dash across the street, or that they need to stay close to you so they don’t get lost. Explaining the reason shows you’re not saying it just to be mean but for their benefit.

Remind them of the privilege of not being strapped in a double stroller. The freedom to walk around instead of being confined means they have to listen to your instructions.

And finally, give a rundown of the rules on your way to the place, and once more before you arrive. Kids do tend to forget or get excited that they disregard all that you’d said earlier. But repeating and reminding them once more, they’re more likely to remember.

4. Just go

I know how terrifying it can be to take toddler twins out alone. They’re mobile and can run in opposite directions. They throw tantrums and aren’t as easily soothed as when they were infants. And there’s two of them, with only one of you.

But the best way to overcome fear is to face it head on. Any time you feel apprehensive is a sign for you to do it. You don’t have to take a trip to the zoo or a long drive at first. Start small. Stick to familiar routes or even a simple walk around the block.

But go. You can feel accomplished for having gone out with them, no matter how exhausting. Plan logistics ahead, do what it takes to make it easier, and explain the rules. Then, venture out beyond your doorstep and have fun.

Conclusion

These days, I can laugh about that dreadful moment when I crossed the street with my twins. But I also recognize that for many parents of twins, the very idea of taking two toddlers out can feel terrifying.

But with the right tips, you can absolutely pull it off. To start, stick to places conducive for young children, especially those you’re already familiar with. Go early or when they open to avoid crowds and have the place to yourself.

If possible, arrange play dates so you have other adult reinforcements. Remind your twins about your rules and expectations, especially right before you arrive. And finally, just go. Don’t let the fear of “what if” hold you back—you can feel proud of yourself for being able to do it.

And should you find yourself carrying twins, two scooters, and a fallen shoe while crossing a busy street, rest assured you’re not the only one.

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2 Comments

  1. Thank you this helps a lot!

    1. Nina Garcia says:

      Thanks Patricia 🙂 I’m glad the article helped!