If you're carrying twins (or more), you'll probably need to rest as you get bigger, so the second trimester is the ideal time to begin shopping around.
Don't buy two of everything
It is a myth that twins can't or won't share. This is especially true when it comes to activity toys such as rockers, bouncers or anything electric. When shopping for your newborn twins, it's much better to buy different types of equipment so that you can rotate the babies between them.
You'll make life much easier by stocking up on all the little items that they'll both want when they see their twin has one: sippy cups, pacifiers, snuggly toys, teethers, and rattles. Finally, there is one item that you absolutely must have two of — car seats.
How many bottles do you need for twins? You'll want 8-16 bottles so that you can make it through at least half the day (if not the whole day) without having to wash bottles. Bottles come in various sizes like 4 oz, 8o z, 9 oz, 11 oz, etc. If you want to save money, buy a larger size.
Can I feed my twins from the same bottle? The official answer here is a resounding no. However, if you find that you accidentally feed both babies from the same bottle, don't panic. Many of us have in the middle of the night.
Tuck a burp cloth or rag under each chin or on each chest, so that it will be close by. Start with your less dominant hand first; if you are right-handed, give the baby on your left the first bottle so that your capable hand is free to help. Once the first baby is "plugged in," start feeding the second baby.
Can my twins sleep in a single cot? You can put your twins to sleep in a single cot while they're small enough. This is called co-bedding and is perfectly safe. In fact, putting twins in the same cot can help them regulate their body temperatures and sleep cycles, and can soothe them and their twin.
Twins (or triplets) will definitely require more swaddles. Four swaddles per baby (8 total) is my minimum recommendation for twins. With all the spit-ups and diaper leaks, times two, you will want a clean blanket at your disposal all the time.
Current estimates state that a family with twins should plan to shell out nearly $26,000 per year—but that's not entirely accurate. Still, it's a great motivator to set—and maintain—a family budget.
Fraternal twins, which are not identical twins, are the most common type of twins.
Age. People over 30, and particularly those over age 35, are more likely to conceive twins. 4 This is because the level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) rises as birthing parents get older. FSH is responsible for the development of eggs in the ovaries before they are released.
While 40 weeks is the full gestation period of the average pregnancy, most twin pregnancies are delivered at approximately 36 weeks (range 32-38 weeks depending on the type of twin pregnancy).
A few said that the first two months with twins are easy (being in the rose-colored glasses phase), then reality hits from months 3-6 (when the sleep deprivation catches up), then it can get easier again.
They can bathe together once they're ready for the big tub, but for now there's no great need for two. Swings, jumpers, and the like: Babies love these sort of contraptions, but although it makes sense to get a variety (like say a bouncer, swing, and walker), you don't need two copies of each.
I would argue that one large activity mat will work well for twins, and that you don't need two loungers, bouncers, or swings. Think about your lifestyle and as long as you have one safe place for each baby (maybe even on each floor of your house) you are good to go!
Antenatal care with twins
If your babies do share a placenta, you are likely to have at least eleven antenatal appointments and you'll be under the care of an obstetrician. However, if your twins have separate placentas, you will be offered eight antenatal appointments and you will see your obstetrician at least twice.
You shouldn't share the same bed with your twins because it increases the risk of SIDS. But the AAP does recommend that you room-share — having your twins sleep in your room, each in their own bassinet or crib — ideally for the first six months.
After all, most new parents have their hands full with just one baby! The reality is that raising multiples is hard. You have double or triple the feeding, diapering, and laundry and, as a result, less time to spend cuddling and getting to know each baby.
Soft cotton blankets are a good choice; look for blankets that are lightweight and thin, not thick or fuzzy. Finally, swaddle your twins individually. Don't wrap them up together!
It's important not to be put off breastfeeding because you're having more than 1 baby. Breastfeeding is a great way to soothe your babies and helps you build a strong bond with them. It's perfectly possible to breastfeed twins, triplets or more. Lots of twins are breastfed until they start eating solid foods.