How Caring for Newborn Twins is Different from Singletons

Are you expecting twins? Learn how caring for newborn twins is different from singletons and what you can do to manage with two babies.

“Our bodies are only meant to carry one baby during pregnancy,” my doctor said. I sighed, knowing right then and there that caring for newborn twins would be a challenge.

Caring for newborn twins is difficult, beyond the pregnancy and its complications. Supporting them financially, from child care to education, takes a toll on anyone’s pocket.

Then there’s the part where you handle two tantrums. Two kids going through the same developmental stages. Two little people who need you right this minute.

No wonder I felt terrified of having twins.

I already had an almost-three-year-old son when I first learned about the twins. I still remember how crazy I got during those sleep-deprived, newborn months. My husband, mom and I took care of one baby, and I still felt like it wasn’t enough.

How caring for newborn twins is different from singletons

Two babies with the same three adults, plus my eldest to contend with seemed all but impossible. I’ve already gone through caring for a singleton. I needed to learn how different caring for newborn twins would be.

And yes, the differences were stark. This is why twin moms can often only relate to other twin moms. While caring for one baby has its own challenges, adding another one to the mix takes it to a whole other level.

Now that the twins are out of the womb, let’s compare how caring for them differed from caring for my singleton:

1. Newborn twins are smaller

Like my boys, more than half of twins are born prematurely. And while you’ll sometimes get the six-pound twins, more often they’ll be five pounds or less. They might need NICU time as is often the case with preemies. They may have respiratory issues from being born early. Or they might have jaundice.

You may also face weight gain issues. I breastfed the twins for a year, but didn’t hesitate to give them formula when it meant gaining weight. Make feeding a priority to keep your babies healthy.

Free resource: Are you struggling with getting your twins to sleep through the night? My guide, How to Sleep Train Twins can help! Join my newsletter and download a preview chapter below—at no cost to you:

2. Newborn twins need to be on the same schedule

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With twins, you can’t tailor your days according to their needs. Instead, you rely on a schedule for both of them.

For instance, with a singleton, you can feed him when he looks like he’s hungry. You put him to sleep when he starts rubbing his eyes. And while you can look for newborn sleep cues, juggling two of them makes it nearly impossible to get any break.

And so you place them on a schedule that works for both of them. You rely on the clock more so than on cues. You feed them at the same time. When one baby wakes up earlier than the other, you put him back to sleep or play with him until it’s time to nurse.

Tip: Use the My Brest Friend Twin Deluxe nursing pillow—a serious lifesaver!

If you bottle feed like we also did, get two infant bouncy chairs once they’re a few weeks older. P

lace each baby on each seat so you can hold both bottles for them. They’ll learn to hold bottles, but for now, the seats elevate and hold them enough for you to hold the bottles. (In the early early days, I either nursed them at the same time or we’d bottle feed individually).

Find a routine that works for you and the twins and stick to it and they’ll grow accustomed to a typical day.

Keep them awake for no more than an hour and a half, then put them to sleep for an hour or two. Once they wake up, feed, change their diapers and play with them, again for no more than an hour and a half. Repeat the routine throughout the day until your bedtime routine.

Get tips on how to breastfeed twins.

3. Baby gear and ‘extended arms’ are a must for newborn twins

You may find yourself alone with the twins like I did. And head’s up: you won’t be able to carry both twins or hold them to sleep at the same time.

Instead, use a swing like this. While you hold one baby, place the other one in the swing. Baby wraps are also fantastic to keep your arms free. Again, while one baby is in the swing, the other is in the baby wrap. And keep the twins in separate rooms for their naps so they don’t wake each other up.

4. Fewer options for being out and about with twins

Singletons are much easier to bring out and about, and that’s beyond the newborn stage. I was able to bring my singleton one-year-old to the beach since I could carry him or wear him in a wrap. But I couldn’t do the same with the twins because I had no way of carrying them through the sand.

Instead, you’ll bring the double stroller with you everywhere. I’d feel so scared that they’d both cry at the same time and there wouldn’t be a chance to do much about it.

Work on building your confidence on bringing them out alone. Start small, like a stroll around the block. Most of the challenge is in packing up and getting yourself out the door. Once you’re out, the twins will likely enjoy the change in scenery.

And if they cry, it’s not the end of the world—they’re simply telling you they doesn’t like something. Make your way back home, or pick the crying baby (or babies) and soothe him. The more you face your challenges, the more confident you’ll feel in bringing them out.

Conclusion

While caring for newborn twins is different, in many ways, they’re also like singletons.

They’re still individual people with their own unique quirks. One will like the pacifier, the other won’t. One will sleep like a champ while the other wakes up in 45 minutes. It’s the taking care of two babies part that makes life with twins different.

Still, newborn twins have their special traits as well. They’ll have an instant friend, a sidekick for life. They’ll snuggle close to one another like they did in the womb. And they’ll fill your home with noise and love.

Because yes, our bodies are only meant to carry one. But, as they say, double the trouble, but double the love. And I’m so glad that while our bodies have their limits, our hearts don’t.

Get more tips:

• Finding it Hard to Raise Twins? You’re Not Alone.
• Scared to Be Alone with Baby when Your Partner Goes Back to Work? How to Manage:
• Moms of Multiples: When Does Caring for Twins Get Easier?
• Twin Baby Registry Must-Haves
• Beat the High Cost of Twins Using These Sneaky Ways

Are you struggling with getting your twins to sleep through the night? My guide, How to Sleep Train Twins can help! Join my newsletter and download a preview chapter below—at no cost to you: