Things to Do With Infant Twins
While some people consider having just one infant in the home a lot of work, having twins requires an additional measure of patience and planning. Caring for more than one baby at a time can be a challenge that some parents fear handling alone or even together. However, as time goes on and you get used to your life with twins, life will get easier again as you learn to deal with both at the same time.
Other People Are Reading
-
Join a Group for Twin Parents
-
Play groups exist in many local areas for parents of twins, triplets and other multiples. As part of these groups, your twins gain socialization skills with other infants their own age while you discuss the trials and joys of raising twins with other parents. A play group at this age offers a larger benefit to the parents than the infants, but it helps build a foundation for later playmates as the children get older. Allowing twins to choose their own playmates, even if they choose different ones, is helpful for creating their own identities.
Set a Schedule
-
For your own sanity, develop a schedule soon after your twins' birth. Creating a schedule that aligns feeding times, naps and bedtimes for both twins allows you and anyone who is helping you to better predict what the twins need and when. For instance, whether you are bottle-feeding or breastfeeding, you can feed both twins at the same time. If you are having difficulty juggling that, assign the task of changing or playing with one baby to the other parent or a helper while you feed the other baby, and switch when you're done. Keeping the twins to a set schedule helps both you and the babies know what to expect and can make for smoother transitions as they grow.
-
Getting Out of the House
-
It can seem overwhelming for a parent who has twins to get everyone up and dressed in the morning, let alone get out of the house. However, to achieve a sense of normalcy in your life, learn how to plan for outings. Keep a bag filled with diapers, wipes, extra clothing and other items you might need when you are out. This eliminates the need to pack the items before you can leave the house. Ask someone to come with you so you aren't left to handle both babies on your own.
Focus on Differences
-
It is easy for parents of twins to focus on the similarities between the twins, dress them the same and give them the same toys. However, even infant twins have obvious personality differences. Treating the babies as individuals rather than identical parts of a pair helps each twin to develop his own preferences. Dress each of the twins in a different outfit so you and others can more easily tell them apart. Address them by their names instead of a general phrase like, "the twins." Purchase only one of each toy, unless it is something each of the twins likes.
Seek Help
-
Parents of twins often feel as though they are the ones who must always take care of them. Yet the amount of care and attention infant twins require may be more than you can handle all the time. Therefore, accept the help that others offer to you and don't be afraid to ask your parents, siblings or friends for assistance if you are feeling overwhelmed. Recharging your own batteries helps you become a better parent to your twins.
-
References
- Photo Credit Comstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images
