This resource has been written to help you deal with the special problems of raising twins. We hope that browsing through this will be like talking to a mother of twins in person. In these pages you will find the answers to many questions asked by mothers of twins. Please bear in mind that this is not a resource on baby care. It is simply a compilation of ideas and methods that worked for us, and from these you may be able to find the right way for you. If one method doesn't work, try another. Use this resource in conjunction with other books on baby care. Of course, when in doubt, do speak with your doctor, especially if you are having unusual or difficult problems. He/she is always your best source of information.

SHOPPING LIST FOR TWO:
If your twins are your first children, you will soon find that outfitting them can be an expensive proposition. Many things are used such a short time, that it may be worth it to borrow or buy used. Our local club will try to help you in the buying and/ or loaning of any equipment that you need on a short term basis. These lists of clothing and equipment are meant to be a general guide for you in your preparations for your twins. Depending on budget, space, individual preferences, how often you wash, etc. you may want or need more or less of items suggested.

Clothing:
-Disposable diapers: at least 16 a day, preemie sizes are available
-Cloth diapers: 8 dozen
-Diaper pins: 6-8
-Plastic pants: 8-10                                                  
-Undershirts: 10-12
-Nightgown/ sleepers: 8-12
-Sweaters: 2-4
-Booties: 4-6
-Buntings or sacks: 2
-Bibs: 8-10

Bedding:
-Mattress pad: 2-4
-Crib sheets: 4-6
-Receiving blankets: 6-8
-Crib blanket: 2-4
-Quilted pads: 4-6 (nice for use on changing table and in crib)

Formula equipment:
-Bottles: 12-16 eight oz size
-Nipples: 16-20

Misc:
-Crib: 2, you don't need two cribs right away. Some moms were able to put both babies in the same crib (one at each end). Depending on how fast your babies grow, you may not need a second crib for a few months.
-Car seats: 2, Wisconsin state law requires that all children under two years of age be placed in a safety approved car seat. The types of car seats that have carrying handles were highly praised by the moms who used them. If your twins fall asleep in the car, you can carry them inside without waking them.
-Twin stroller: 1
-Infant swings: 2, preferably battery operated
-Diaper bag: 2, most moms had one large one and one smaller one, depending on the outing.
-Diaper pail: 1 or 2
-High chair: 2

Optional, but nice items:
-Gate
-Johnny jump up: 1 or 2
-Playpen: 1, you can put both your twins in it right from the start. At this early age they will get used to it, and it will save you a lot of valuable time later on when they are older. Remember not to wait too long to use the playpen, or they may balk at the idea.
-Port-a-crib/ play-yard: 1, friends and family's homes are rarely outfitted for a visit by infant twins. -Nursery monitor
-Bath rings: 2, although you really can't use these until your twins can sit-up, they are very helpful especially if you have to bathe them by yourself.
-Microwave oven: great for warming bottles, baby food, defrosting dinner

PREMATURE TWINS:
Premature births occur more often in births of twins than singles. If you are the parents of premature twins, you are living through a very difficult time with your tiny babies. Two mothers who experienced their twins premature births and the subsequent days, weeks, and months of their care in the neonatal units have recorded some of their thoughts, feelings and suggestions about that time......

"The parents of premature twins are often faced with emotional adjustments when their twins are born too soon. They are not able to hold and cuddle their newborns. Instead the babies are quickly whisked away from them to an intensive care unit. the respirators and monitors are put in place. These machines may be needed for days, even weeks, to keep the infants alive.

It is helpful for parents to learn some of the medical terms to better understand the care given to their babies. terms such as ventilators, pressure levels, oxygen levels, blood gasses, apnea, and bradycardia are just a few used by doctors and nurses. due to the many problems faced by premature babies, consultations with neurologists and cardiologists are often necessary.

Parents may also have trouble bonding. it may be hard for them to realize that the babies really do belong to them. the tiny infants seem totally dependant on doctors and nurses for their care. Moms & Dads are urged to reach into the isolettes and touch their babies. They are also welcome to visit 24 hours a day if they wish. The professionals involved are very aware of the anxiety felt by the parents. They do everything they can to help them understand what is being done for the infants. Parents may feel a great loss by not being able to hold and care for the babies they gave birth to. It is very hard to leave the hospital without their children.

The weariness, the constant worry, and the many trips to the hospital are exhausting. it may take months for these little ones to reach five pounds. Thanks to the constant advances in medicine today, even the tiniest of twins are surviving. Babies born at just 26 weeks gestation, many weighing under two pounds, are growing up to be perfectly normal toddlers.

Its a long, weary road for parents of premature twins. But, they too, will have their special day, the day their tiny miracle twins come home. They too will share the joy and excitement of being in the 'special group', the parents of twins."
-Susan Teel

"We started building a bond between us and our babies right away. The babies' medical chart was left on the isolette, so we took the privilege of reading it every day we came to visit. This way we knew how their day went while we were away. We were given literature about the equipment and the terminology used. This information provided us with many answers to our questions. We were never afraid to ask the nurses or doctors questions, they were always there to answer you and give their support.

It is always a big day when your babies show improvements. When our girls came off the respirators and the tubes were removed, we could see their faces and heads for the first time. They were breathing on their own finally. We could now hold their warm, petite bodies in our hands for the first time. Once your infants are strong enough, they begin to eat by guavage. They start with such a small amount, many times a day. From this time on, progress was showing and our babies were getting stronger.

During our pregnancy we dreamt of having a normal, healthy delivery and leaving the hospital with two beautiful babies. having premature infants changed the dreams we had. It is a new learning experience. My advise to parents of preemies is get involved in the beginning and stay there. Read and learn everything you can about them. Not knowing about your special babies can be scary. learn all you can and your worries will lessen."
-Connie Gardner

NURSING AND BOTTLE FEEDING:
We asked some of the mothers in our club to tell how they nursed or bottle-fed their twins. We have put some of the more interesting and important ideas in this section.

"I nursed for three months. I alternated nursing one baby and bottle feeding the other, and then changed babies at the next feeding. When alone, I sat on the couch nursing one and lay the second baby on the couch beside me, propped the bottle with a pillow and guided it with my hand."

"I bottle fed my twins. When the babies would wake up at the same time at night, I would take one big pillow and lay them both on it and feed them the bottles."

"I usually held them for feedings unless they were both hungry at the same time, then I would lay them on each side of me while i sat on the sofa and held their bottles."

"After six weeks I stopped breast feeding and started bottle feeding. I found infant seats to be perfect for feeding both girls at the same time. I would put the seats on the floor, on either side of me, and held both bottles."

"I would breastfeed my newborn twins by sitting on the couch and pulling up the coffee table so that my feet were propped on the table and my knees were bent. I would then place a pillow across my lap and lay the twins on the pillow. This way I could feed both babies at once. When the twins were about two months old, I switched to breastfeeding one at a time."

No matter what method you choose for feeding your infants, it is not always easy to jump up and get these items once you are holding two babies. Have these items within reach at each feeding:
1. damp washcloth
2. burp cloth
3. extra nipple
4. telephone

Feeding both babies at the same time seemed to make things easier for most moms. "By letting my twins eat at separate times I ended up being "on-call" 24 hours a day! It seemed like I would just finish feeding and diapering one baby, and a few minutes later the second baby would begin crying."

If you have trouble getting both babies awake to feed together, try these methods:
1. Open up their sleepers, but be careful not to get the babies chilled
2. Change the diaper of the sleeping baby
3. Rub the bottoms of their feet briskly
4. Wash their face with a damp cloth
NEVER SHAKE YOUR BABIES TO WAKE THEM UP!

When feeding separately, many mothers liked pacifiers, they seem to give babies that extra sucking when another twin needs to nurse or be fed.

If you bottle-feed, your husband will be more likely to become involved, especially during the night. Here's how some moms solved the night-time feeding dilemma:
1. Split up the babies, mom & dad take turns each feeding one baby as they wake up.
2. Change nights, mom one night, dad the next. Don't be afraid to use earplugs if it is your turn to sleep.
Different types of bottles:
Because you can't watch both babies every second while they are eating, an ordinary bottle can sometimes slip out of place and your baby will continue sucking the nipple getting only air and not formula. Disposable nurser bottles are easy to use while feeding your baby while he is sitting up. Force out all the air before giving it to the baby. If your child doesn't care for one type of nipple, try another brand, most nurser nipples fit each other's bottles.

Formula Tips:
1. Making a days worth of formula in the morning saves a lot of time during the day. Either fill enough bottles for the day and keep them in the frig, or fill a pitcher with enough formula for the day and pour it as needed.
2. A microwave oven is nice for warming bottles quickly. But you must use caution, and always check the formula to be sure it is not overheated. Always gently shake the bottle after microwaving to avoid "hot spots" in the formula.
3. Buy your formula by the case, it will save you from making unplanned trips to the grocery store. Toys R Us, warehouse food stores and discount stores usually have the best prices. Although prepared formula is really convenient, it is also very expensive. Powdered formula is usually the cheapest.
4. For removing formula stains on baby clothes, try soaking overnight in Clorox 2, or use Shout pre-treatment. You could also try placing semi-diluted Lestoil on the formula stain and leaving it on for 20 min, then wash as usual.

BURPING:
There are several ways to burp twins....
1. Burp each baby separately
2. Place both babies on their stomachs and pat their backs
3. Place one baby on your lap and shoulder burp the other
Don't forget to have a burp cloth ready, it is not always easy to jump up and get one when you are holding two babies.
You can buy quilted fabric and make dozens of baby bibs inexpensively. Cloth diapers make excellent burp cloths.

FEEDING SOLIDS:
Most mothers agree that when it comes to feeding solids, it is much easier to use one bowl and one spoon. It is simply too confusing and much more time consuming to use two. Of course, if one baby is sick, you will want to use separate dished and utensils.
When the babies get old enough to sit in high chairs and begin feeding themselves, buy some of the little round suction cup holders. Moisten them and press them onto the high chair tray and press the bowl of food on top. This inexpensive gadget will prevent lots of spills and save you many clean-up jobs.

DIAPERS:
What can we say-- except that you will be using thousands of diapers before your twins become potty trained. You have several options....
1. Use a diaper service, the cost is not much more than disposables and clean diapers are delivered right to your door each week.
2. Use disposable diapers, they are most convenient for use, especially while away from home. Warehouse food stores and discount stores usually have the best price
3. Use cloth diapers, you will need about 8 dozen. The pre-folded type will save time.

Get into the habit of changing diapers before each feeding. That will save you time, and will usually prevent babies from waking up during valuable naptime because of very wet diapers.

Diaper your twins on a changing table in their bedroom, or in the kitchen to save steps and strain on your back.
If using cloth diapers, keep a diaper pail in the bathroom so that after rinsing out soiled diapers you can drop them right in the pail. If you have an automatic washer, don't bother to wring out diapers by hand before you put them in the machine. Simply empty the diaper pail in the washer and use the spin cycle.

Disposable pre-moistened towelettes are a convenience most mothers feel are almost a necessity. Watch for sales and stock up by the case. Empty wipe containers are great for storing blocks, legos, puzzles, etc.

One mom gave this recipe for home-made wipes:
1 T baby shampoo
2 T baby oil
2 1/2- 3 cups water
1 roll quality paper towels ( Bounty/ Viva, do not use generic brands)

In a large container mix shampoo, oil, and water GENTLY. If you stir too hard, you will end up with a mountain of bubbles. Place roll of paper towels in mixture- make sure towels are moistened on all sides. Cover the container tightly with lid. Rubbermaid or Tupperware containers are good choices. Note: These wipes will begin to mildew if not used after a couple weeks.

Setting up a second changing station is especially helpful if you live in a two-story home and your twins bedroom is upstairs. You will save countless steps by having diapers, wipes, changes of clothes, etc stored in a convenient location. Living or family rooms were most popular places for a second changing station.
If you happen to have premature twins, you may have difficulty finding preemie size disposable diapers. Kimberly-Clark does make them, call them at 1-800-447-9423 to order a case.

CLOTHING:
Preemie size clothes are available at most specialty baby stores, and some larger department stores such as Sears, JCPenneys, and Toys R Us.
Avoid outfits with pull-on pants and instead buy pants with snaps on the legs. It is easier and much faster to change diapers when you don't have to pull the pants on and off for each diaper change. Try using infants gowns at night so you don't have to deal with snaps when you are tired.
Hang complete outfits together in the closet to save time and space when dressing twins.

SELECTING A STROLLER:
Shop around. There is no perfect stroller for twins or triplets. Each family must decide which features are most important for their use.
Consider the following:
1. Most strollers are constructed for babies 4 months or older
2. An empty twin stroller usually weighs twice as much as a single stroller
3. Cheaper brands may not be strong enough to bear the weight of two older infants
4. A twin stroller with babies in it will be harder to push than a single stroller.
5. Consider larger wheels for a more comfortable ride and ease in pushing.
6. The stronger constructed, more durable strollers with large wheels will be larger and heavier when collapsed.
7. Most twin strollers cost twice as much as a single stroller.
8. Strollers with a heavier, more durable construction and extra conveniences will cost more than standard models.
9. Used strollers may be available through the local mothers of twins clubs.

Safety:
Sacrifice economy, if necessary, in considering safety features
1. Good brakes
2. Strong safety straps
3. No sharp edges
4. Good back support
5. Rugged construction
6. Good balance- so stroller wont tip over when one baby is removed
7. No clamps on umbrella strollers as they have low stress level and break easily

Comfort features:
1. Padded, adjustable back support
2. Cushioned seats
3. Foot rests
4. Play trays
5. Storage space
6. Wind resistant canopy, also block sun
7. Wind shields for cold windy climates

Weigh collapsible features as to primary use of stroller:
1. If stroller is used every day for walking and rarely transported in a car, consider the comfort features more strongly.
2. If stroller is usually transported in a car before being used for shorter periods of time, consider the collapsible features more important.
3. It is important to remember that a collapsible twin stroller will take more room than a single stroller, if your car is small.

Some types of strollers available:
1. Convertible carriage/ stroller: for small babies, not as convenient for toddlers
2. Side by side: each baby has separate seat and leg room, twice as wide as regular stroller and will not always fit through doorways and store aisles
3. Piggy Back: a single stroller with a buddy or booster seat attached. the primary purpose of this type is for one baby and one toddler. These strollers may tip over if the baby in front is removed first.
4. Tandem: beware of models labeled tandem, but are really piggy back models
5. Face to face: babies can see and play with each other, same width as a single stroller, in most models babies share the same leg room, models that allow for double leg room are longer and harder to maneuver.
6. Both facing same direction: babies have separate seats and plenty of leg room, but they can't play, or fight, with each other.
7. Two single strollers fastened together with clamps: use clamps on fixed wheel models only. Clamps break frequently and can cost $7 and up for each replacement. Front wheel swivel on inside lock together sometimes making it difficult to push and steer.
8. Umbrella strollers: these cheaper models usually do not have adequate back support and foot rests. Most twin models are made by fastening two single strollers together with plastic clamps.

TRAVELING:
On long trips:
1. travel at night when possible, the children are usually asleep then anyway
2. Use a diaper bag with bottle holders on the outside of the bag for easy access to the bottles when you are in the car. You can also try putting your extra bottles in a small cooler or empty soda bottle carton. This will give you easy access and the bottles will stay upright.
3. Put two extra scarves or men's ties in the diaper bag to use in emergencies to secure a child to a restaurant high chair or store cart.
4. Have a set of earplugs in the glove box to use when the children are screaming and you can't pull over

At the grocery store or shopping mall:
1. Use two carts. Push one & pull one. Either put both babies in one cart and groceries in the other, or put one baby in each cart.
2. You can buy a harness to hold one baby in the front of the cart while the second baby is in the back of the cart. One mom bought heavy duty nylon straps and sewed velcro to the ends. She would sit both her twins up in the cart and wrap the straps around their waist and the cart to keep the babies in place.
3. Buy a sack type baby carrier such as a Snugli. You can keep one baby in the cart and the other in the Snugli. The Twin Matey is another carrier specifically for twins, and carrying both babies at the same time. This works well when they are lightweight, but after a few months they may become too heavy to carry two.
4. Find a parking space near an abandoned cart. It is easier to put the babies in the cart and then push them the cart in the store.
5. Most moms agree that using your twins stroller to grocery shop was not practical, but may work well in department stores or the mall, if you do not plan to have many items.

General Tips:
1. Use a backpack style diaper bag. This leaves both hands free and the bag doesn't slip off your shoulder.
2. Always repack your diaper bag upon returning home. This way when you have to leave, you are always ready to go. Place a note on top of the diaper bag listing anything not able to be put in the diaper bag before hand (bottles, special food).
3. Have the car ready and loaded before you put your twins in it. They should always be the last thing to go in the car, so that you do not have to leave them alone in the car.
4. Strangers are bound to stop you to talk to you about your twins. If you are in a hurry and don't have time to chat, try looking straight ahead and avoid eye contact as you go about your business.

BATH TIME:
First of all, most doctors will tell you it is unnecessary to bathe your babies everyday. Bathe the babies when it is convenient for you. You may want to bathe them both the same day, or it may be better for you to bathe them on different days. As your babies get older and can sit up, you can bathe them both at the same time, commercial bath rings can be very helpful to keep them upright.

"As I fold my clean clothes, I put them into baby bath packs and store them in the bathroom. Each pack consisted of a receiving blanket, baby washcloth, baby hooded towel, one piece pajama or layette gown, pair of socks if needed, spit up washcloth, diaper. This way when it is bath time, you are all set to go."

TWIN SCHEDULES:
Keep a written record of each baby's activities because it can be very difficult to remember things accurately with two. This will be helpful to learn your twins' patterns to help you anticipate how much time you have for other things between baby care. You may plan to keep both twins on the same schedule, but they simply may not agree with your plans, especially if they are different sizes. It also will be helpful in communicating with your pediatrician. Your doctor may ask: How many hours does each twin sleep? How many bowel movements does each twin have? How many wet diapers for each? How much formula or how often do they eat? It also can be helpful for your husband and babysitters so they can anticipate who needs to be taken care of next, and about when. Create a chart to keep track of each twins naps, feedings, diaper changes, and other important facets of their first moths of life. It can be used for either bottle fed or nursing babies, and can be adapted for you r individual needs.

The following are some things you may want to chart:
1. Feedings: keep track of when each baby has eaten and how much, especially with young and preemie infants. It is hard to keep track mentally with two babies, and it will be easier for you to make sure each baby is getting enough. Add up all the amounts for a daily total amount of formula.
2. Diapers: keep a written record of diaper change times and whether the diaper was wet or soiled, especially for preemies and breastfed babies, as a way to make sure they are getting enough food. Add up all the diaper changes for a total number for the day.
3. Sleep: keep a record of the time each twin went to bed and when they got up, then mark the total hours at each naptime. Add up all the hour for a total number of hours of sleep for the day.
4. You can record the following in a comments section:
a) medications given (amounts, times, etc)
b) weekly weight if you have a scale at home
c) bath days

SICK BABIES AND VISITS TO THE DOCTOR:
Here are some tips for taking your twins to the doctor:
1. Try to get someone to go with you.
2. Use your carry cradles or handled car seats to carry your babies into the doctor's office.
3. Or use your stroller, most buildings have ramps.

If your twins are sick, here are some easy ways to give medicine:
1. Lay the baby on his back and put the medicine in the nipple of his bottle and give it to the child like a pacifier. They also sell infant medicine dispensers similar to this.
2. Use a syringe or dropper to give baby liquid medicine. Squirt the medicine slowly on the side of the mouth along one cheek.

Other tips:
1. Invest in a digital thermometer- its easy to read, its cleaner because disposable probe covers can be used.
2. Keep a written record of medicines given. Its easy to loose track of what time each baby got their medicine.
3. Get both babies immunized on the same schedule if possible. Check with your health insurance ahead of time to see if it covers immunizations at your doctors office. Otherwise, go to your county Health Department for immunizations at a reduced cost.

TWINS ARE INDIVIDUALS:
Twins have a birthright to individuality just as any single born child. Never get into the habit of referring to them as "the twins"; call each twin by his or her own name. Treat them as two distinct individuals by encouraging each child to develop his own skills and talents. Encourage each child to develop his own skills and talents. Encourage each child to cultivate individual friends as well as mutual ones.

Choose names for your twins carefully. Rhyming names may be cute, but can also be confusing.

Treat them as individuals when dressing them also. Dressing them alike for special occasions can be fun, but don't get hung up on it. Many twins become resentful of always having to look the same, while some twins enjoy dressing alike.

You will discover your twins will like to have their own possessions. Choose two different colors to mark their possessions. Mark shoes inside with colored markers or with different color shoelaces.

MISCELLANEOUS HINTS FOR MOMS OF TWINS:
If the blues get you down, don't hesitate to call another mother of twins. She knows what you are going through and she will be happy to talk to you and try to help. Sometimes just to talk to someone that understands will work wonders.

If there is a teenager living close by who is interested in helping do a little cleaning, or taking the babies for a walk while you have a few minutes to yourself, by all means take advantage of it. Even a child of 10 or 11 can help out by entertaining the babies while you do some work around the house.

If your twins are identical and you're having trouble identifying them, try putting some red nail polish on the nail of the older twin. Some people use bracelets, but these have been known to get removed once in a while. Try painting names on cribs, that way if the babies need attention at night, parents will know which twin they are taking care of.

A very good idea is to get a 9 ft spiral cord on your telephone, or a cordless phone. You can fold laundry, do dishes, prepare meals, and keep an eye on the children in a different room while talking.

NEVER do half a load of wash- even if it means washing your clothes with the baby things. A netted, mesh bag is great for washing small baby items such as socks so they don't get lost in the washer.

There is one thing that all mothers have agreed on, and it is one of the most important things to remember... DON'T BE AFRAID TO LET YOUR HOUSEWORK GO! Never plan to clean the whole house in one day. Split up household chores so that you do a little bit each day. Have a schedule and stick to it as much as possible, but don't get upset if everything you planned for that day isn't finished. Don't plan any big home projects in the first few months. There are enough things that have to be done daily, and the things that can wait will still be there in a few months when you have more time and energy.

Take a nap the first month home whenever possible, it will help you through the day and you will be more alert for the night feedings.

Nursery monitors saved many steps while checking to see if the twins were awake or still sleeping. With the monitor on, you can work in another part of the house, take a nap, or even go outside to rest or chat with a neighbor. If you turn a radio on near where the babies are, you can be sure it is working as long as you hear the music.

Scotch guard all cloth baby items, like the diaper bag, stroller, port a crib, and even sheets.

Rectangular laundry baskets are handy for storing PJ's and bed linens, you can slide them right under the crib. The crib ruffles keep them hidden.

"I purchased three key rings (they come in assorted diameters) and three clamps/ hooks with a swivel base at the hardware store. Attach the rings to the handle of the stroller and attach the hooks to the rings. This provides a very secure system to hold your diaper bag and your purse, keeping your hands and arms free."
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
This was reprinted in it's entirety with permission from the Waukesha Mothers of Twins Club from WI.