Things You'll Need:
- A can-do attitude
- Infant babysitting skills
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Step 1
Before you try to babysit twin babies, make sure you know how to babysit one baby-and are confident at it. This includes, but is not limited to: changing diapers, feeding, napping, and playing. Perhaps you have a sibling you can practice with. If not, offer to be a mother's helper or babysit for free with a parent while you learn. Consult the links below for other babysitting helps.
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Step 2
You might think that babysitting twins is overwhelming. Rest assured, their own parent(s) thought the same thing. But, it's not so bad once you learn a few tricks. First, remember, what you do with one baby, do with the other. For instance, if one has a messy diaper, change her and then change her sibling (whether or not she needs its). It's easier to keep track of who you have helped if you just take care of them both.
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Step 3
Before your babysitting appointment, make sure that you communicate with the parent(s). Find out how long you will be babysitting and what special needs the babies may have. What is their schedule like? What sort of things do the babies enjoy? Parent(s) are an invaluable source in helping you know how to handle their two little ones. Feel free to ask them any questions you may have. Don't forget to have their contact information.
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Step 4
Feeding: While you are watching the babies, they are likely to need some nourishment. Feed them as the parents have instructed you. Don't give them anything that they have not given you permission to feed them. Depending on the age of the baby, you'll have to feed them different. Ask the parent(s) for pointers on how they handle feeding them both. Do they feed one first and then the other, or do they feed them both simultaneously? It's wise to have their food ready before the babies start acting hungry.
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Step 5
Changing: Make sure you know where all the diapers, wipes and other changing gear is before you start to change a diaper. Don't forget to change the other baby while you're at it!
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Step 6
Napping: If you will be watching the babies during a nap time, you'll want to learn from the babies' parent(s) about when naps are and how long they typically last. Normally, naps don't happen until after a baby has been fed and changed. Make sure you consult with the parents on how the nap time routine works. Many babies cry a little bit before they fall asleep.
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Step 7
Will You Have an Assistant? While you are tending the babies, they are likely to cry. And certainly it is very likely that they will both do so at the same time. If this thought scares you, you may want to consider bringing some reinforcement with you, like a sibling or friend who also knows how to babysit. You don't necessarily need a second person, but they can be helpful! When both babies are crying at the same time, first, remain calm. See if you can find out why they might be crying. Have they been fed, changed, napped, or do they just need someone to play with them?
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Step 8
Playing: Playing with two babies is very much like playing with one. You might need to be a bit more creative. For instance, you can play peek-a-boo with them both if you lie them down on their backs and use a soft baby blanket and gently guild it over their faces.
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Step 9
If All Else Fails: Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to stick to the babies' schedule and do all the things the parents have said will make it easier, things still may not go smooth. This isn't necessarily your fault. So, don't take it personal. Rather, do your best to cope. You may have to get a bit off of the routine. Perhaps they aren't taking their nap and are crying inconsolably instead. Try taking them out for a walk (weather and guardian permitting) in a double stroller. If you are alone, take turns rocking them while the other is in a crib. Keep a good attitude and try to enjoy the experience because it's one that not everyone gets to have, after all!
