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Having one baby is challenging enough; having two at the same time: downright impossible. This statement is only true if you don’t prepare yourself mentally and physically for the arrival of your two new bundles of joy. Mental preparation is pretty self-explanatory, but physical preparation implies getting your house ready. There are many things to take into consideration when having twins, and it’s best to take care of them while the babies are still in the womb. This way, you’ll have all the time in the world to make sure everything is up and running and in place for the new members of your family.
1. Choose the names
Names are a very important thing to decide on before birth. After all, your children will use them their whole lives. The trick with twins is to choose names that go well with each other. Yes, they’re individuals and their names should represent that, but they’re also twins, and having name combinations can be super cute.
You can opt to be as original or as traditional as you want. Of course, you should ask your loved ones for advice. If you already have children, it’s a nice sentiment to involve them in the decision as they’re bound to accept their new siblings more easily. Take time to decide on the perfect names for your twins, as this is truly the first important decision you’ll make for them.
2. Stock up on supplies
Supplies should be your priority in the months to come. You’ll be surprised how many pairs of diapers you’ll go through. It’s two babies we’re talking about, after all. This is why you should make sure the pantry is well-stocked before birth. The months of the pregnancy are ideal for stocking, as you don’t have to buy everything at once. You can simply purchase something new for each shopping trip. You’ll also be more likely to find discounts when you have the time to pick out your supplies.
Aside from diapers, you’ll also need baby formula (just in case), a breast pump, pacifiers, baby wipes, and baby powder. You should also take the time to look for bibs and bodysuits. With twins, it’s easy to find sets that end up costing less but looking adorable.
3. Prepare the other children
If you have more children, you’ll have to prepare them for the new arrivals. The smaller your kids are, the more open communication is important. Don’t underestimate your kids, they understand things perfectly regardless of their age. That’s why it’s important to make sure they realize you still love them even though the new babies are coming. Jealousy of new siblings is common because most of your attention will be devoted to the twins.
Explain to your kids that the twins just depend on you more because they’re so small. You should also involve the other siblings in activities such as putting the babies to bed or bathing. Prepare the food for the babies together, too. This will help them see the twins as their siblings and accept them more easily.
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4. Baby-proof the house
Even though your babies might be newborns now, pretty soon they’re going to be crawling all around the house. Children are naturally curious and want to explore new places and you shouldn’t discourage that. It’s very important for their development not to be afraid of new things and to familiarize themselves with the world. However, you should take steps so that your babies are safe. Baby-proofing before birth gives you time to figure out all the logistics. Put yourself in the mind of a toddler and you’ll easily see what the danger zones are.
Wall sockets should be covered and all stairs should be blocked off. You may even consider putting up a baby gate at the entrance of your kitchen as it’s full of danger for an unsupervised baby. Baby-proofing becomes even more important when you’ve got two toddlers roaming around as they’re prone to getting into trouble together. You know what they say, two heads are better than one.
5. Buy the essential furniture
All of the baby furniture should be purchased beforehand. After all, your babies are going to have to have a place to sleep and their own car seats right away. It’s easy shopping for just one kid, but with twins, it can get expensive. You still want your children to be comfortable and safe, but instead of buying two of everything, you might want to opt for twin versions of furniture.
In that spirit, twin baby prams could prove to be more useful than buying two separate sets of strollers. The same goes with twin baby cribs. Opting for adjoined furniture has another benefit, too. It makes your children feel less lonely. Twins share a special bond and being physically close to each other while discovering the world can help them feel safer and more open to the environment. As professionals from Maxi Cosi point out, ensuring comfort for your baby will give you peace of mind as well.
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6. Make sure you have some help
The matter of the fact is, regardless of how organized and in control you are, you won’t be able to handle two babies at once on your own. That’s why it’s important to develop a support system before pregnancy. You ought to know there’s someone you can count on.
If your SO is in the picture, divide all the future tasks upfront and make sure to have them with you every step of the way. Otherwise, you can turn to family and friends. Support groups are also an option for new mums. If all else fails, you can always hire a professional.
Conclusion
As you can see, proper organization is key to welcoming your twins into the world. A little confidence goes a long way, too. With these tips, you’ll know exactly what to pay attention to and how to handle any potential problems. Being a parent might be the toughest thing you’ll ever do, but it’s also the most rewarding one so enjoy every minute of it regardless of how hard it gets.
