Anyone with a newborn will tell you that raising them is a challenge. Two newborns at once? That’s a completely different ballgame. We’re talking about double the mouths to feed, diapers to change, laundry to do, crying to calm… you get the picture. Ready for the good news? People raise newborn twins every day. Other people do it, and so can you!
As a northern Virginia newborn photographer, I’ve met a ton of twin mamas. Here are the top tips from the experts on raising twins – the parents.
How Do You Take Care of Newborn Twins?
1. Ruthlessly Stick to a Schedule
Keeping your twins on the same routine will do wonders for your sanity. If they fall out of sync, you’ll suddenly find yourself dealing with two tiny tyrants who want totally different things at the same time. Instead, get them on the same schedule. If one wakes up, wake the other. If one wants to eat, feed the other, too. Eventually, this puts your newborn twins into the same routine so you can complete these tasks all at once. There are a few ways to do this since, mentally, keeping track of the schedule can be tough when you’re sleep-deprived. A few ideas:
- Keep a dry-erase board that you and your partner update
- Use an app like Baby Tracker or Jumelle Twin
- Follow the guidance in the Double Times Twins Schedule Book
2. Master Meal Times
Unfortunately, doing everything at the same time does mean feeding both babies at once. This can be a challenge at first, but ultimately will help you maintain happier newborn twins. It will take some trial and error, but you’ll eventually learn to breastfeed or bottle-feed both babies at once.
The key here is preparation. If bottle feeding, have two bottles and two spots to seat them in ready before you begin feeding. If you’re breastfeeding, get your breastfeeding pillow ready first. As you get into place, drape burp cloths on each baby for easy use. Be sure to have snacks for you and any additional breast milk or formula nearby. Once you’re done, you can burp one while the other relaxes in their seat.
3. Shop Online
Newborn twins go through wipes, diapers, formula, and burp cloths shockingly fast. You might think you’re stocked up, only to have a sudden emergency when you run out of diapers at three in the morning. When you’re raising twins, it can be helpful to order the necessities online. You can even sign up for subscriptions so they auto-ship at regular intervals. This saves you so much time spent at the store, carrying huge boxes, unloading the car, and stressing over it all.
4. Do Separate Bath Time
The one thing you may not sync your newborn twins up on is bath time – especially if you’re bathing them on your own. You can put one baby in an infant rocker chair or on a soft surface next to you. Then, bathe the other. Once you’re done, and the first baby is all dressed, swap places and bathe the other twin. Around six to ten months, you might consider bathing them together once they’re able to sit up and can use a Keter bath seat, which suctions to the bathtub.
5. Stay Prepared
Every parent who has gone through raising twins notes the importance of preparation. Before the twins arrive, get a pediatrician, shop for all your baby gear, and get your entire house ready. You don’t need duplicates of everything, but many places do offer a twin discount for the items you need two of. When you’re prepping your house, be sure to set up:
- Multiple changing stations (one on each level of the house at least)
- Feeding stations with bottles, breastfeeding pillows, and burp cloths
- Portable cribs in the areas where you spend most of your time
Wrapping It Up: Taking Care Of Newborn Twins In Northern Virginia
So, how do you take care of newborn twins? Aside from the above tips, don’t be afraid to ask for help! It takes a village just to raise newborns – so find your village. Meet up with other people who are raising twins. For example, you can find local support groups via The National Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs. Don’t be afraid to ask your family and friends for help.
And, of course, don’t forget to enjoy this period of life with your newborn twins. This is a unique, transformative time for you and your family. You’ll look back fondly on these days – even if it doesn’t seem like it at the moment. To help you keep those precious memories, be sure to have a newborn twin photo session in Northern Virginia. I provide customized sessions in your home or in my cozy home studio – whatever you prefer! Ready to get started? Contact me today.
Want even more resources? Check out some of my other posts below:
- When Is The Best Time To Schedule Your Maternity Photo Session?
- What to Expect During a Boudoir Maternity Session In Northern Virginia
- When Should You Schedule Your Newborn Photo Session?
Gosh these are so special. I love how gentle and peaceful it all looks How nice that you could capture a few quiet moments with momma during what I am sure is often a crazy stressful time. Great tips, too!