Discovering you are pregnant with one baby can bring a whole range of emotions, but what about when you are faced with the prospect of having two or even three babies? As a midwife and mum of 5, including twins, I can tell you that as wonderful and joyful multiples can be, it can also be overwhelming. This overwhelming feeling is often exacerbated for first time parents. Taking care of a single baby seems like a 24/7 job; taking care of twins or triplets is something most parents can’t even comprehend.

So, if you are a parent of twins or triplets, here are a few tips that will help you cope during those early months.

Feeding routines

Feeding more than one baby an seem like a never ending task. It’s a continuous cycle, where you feed and burp one baby, then the next, and then again, the first. So, the best way is to try and keep the same feeding times for all of them. By feeding them together, you’ll save yourself from becoming more exhausted. Some people wonder if it’s possible to breastfeed twins or even triplets and the answer is yes. Many mothers are able to exclusively feed their babies, and some will need to supplement with formula or donor breast milk. You may want to feed your babies one directly after the other, or you might want to feed them together in tandem. Tandem feeding is achievable but can take a bit of practice! 

Sleeping

After a busy and tiring day of taking care of your multiples, all you want is a good nights sleep. This can be difficult with one baby, and with multiples, is often utterly exhausting. If you have support at home, get help with the babies through the night. When one wakes to be fed, feed the other (others), in time they will all mirror each other in terms of sleep patterns. This will allow you to get short snippets of sleep in between wakings. As with singletons, twins and triplets should sleep in their own space at night, in your room for at least the first 6 months. Their cribs should be clear of heavy blankets and toys. Individuality dressing twins or triplets in matching outfits may look adorable, but it’s important to recognize that each baby is an individual. From the start, treat each child as their own unique person. This can mean choosing different clothes, toys, and accessories for each of them. Not only does this celebrate their individuality, but it can also help you avoid early confusion when identifying who is who! As your children grow, this approach fosters their sense of self and individuality, which will be essential as they develop their personalities. Many multiples will like to wear matching clothes when they are small but usually grow out of it an oppose doing so as they reach school age.

Equipment

Having multiple pieces of equipment at hand can give you so much relief. For instance, you may need multiple feeding bottles, highchairs, car seats, etc. however, and it also means babies can share many things, so you don’t have to accumulate a lot of clutter. Such items include changing mats, playmats, strollers, breast pumps, portable crib nursing pillow, etc. Double and triple pushchairs come in all shapes and sizes so do check them out during your pregnancy, making sure you know how to set them up and collapse them back down again. As these items are usually quite big, ensure you have space in your car boot if you have one.

Coping with twins or triplets might be challenging, but it is not impossible. Having a routine and a schedule can be really helpful. 

BE PREPARED

To ensure you are fully prepared for your new arrivals, consider enrolling in the NowBaby Preparing for Twins and Multiples. This comprehensive course provides valuable information on physical and practical preparations, helping you feel more confident and ready.

Empower yourself with knowledge and support by joining the NowBaby family. Learn more and sign up here