Welcome! You’re now 16 weeks pregnant with twins, and you have an exciting few weeks to look forward to.
You may just get to feel those first few flutters of your babies telling you, “We’re here, mama”. Feeling those first baby movements really helps to make it real.
Your twins are probably starting to make themselves known from the outside, too. I’m guessing your beautiful twin belly looks a little more pregnant these days. It might be time to start lathering yourself in cream and oil to minimize stretch marks.
One of the most fun parts of preparing for your twins’ arrival is creating a beautiful and functional nursery that you’ll love just as much as they will. This week, we’re diving into all things twin nursery—from finding inspiration to planning the perfect layout for your growing family.
You might also want to start thinking about whether you are going to find out about the genders of your babies or keep it a surprise.
Read on to find out what those twins of yours are up to this week.
How are you feeling mama?
Twin Pregnancy Symptoms at 16 Weeks
It’s about now that this stage of pregnancy is often referred to as the honeymoon period. Why? You may have regained the desire for intimacy. Your nausea and vomiting hopefully will have stopped. And you’ll have that wonderful pregnancy glow everyone talks about.
You are not so large that getting around is a challenge. But you may start experiencing shortness of breath, constipation and headaches as those babies start to make their presence felt.
This is the time where you might have an amniocentesis done. Especially if you are 33 years or older. This is slightly earlier than your friends with a singleton pregnancy that will be offered one if they are older than 35.
The best part… your babies are becoming more active and you are likely to feel them move any time from now!
What are your twins up to this week?
Your Twins at 16 Weeks – Height & Weight
At 16 weeks, your twins are each about the size of an avocado. They measure around 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) from crown to rump and weigh approximately 3.5 ounces (99 grams) each.
While they still have plenty of growing to do, their bodies are becoming more proportional as their legs lengthen and their heads start to balance out. Although they’re still tiny, you’ll soon notice those growth spurts, and your bump will keep getting bigger as the weeks go by.
Your Twins Fetal Development at 16 Weeks
At this stage, each twin will have their own little fingernails and toenails.
They are busying themselves with kicking, rolling, and doing handstands which might explain why you may feel those first flutters of movement.
The clever little things will have learned to grasp, suck, swallow and even yawn. You may also start to feel them hiccupping.
In the next couple of weeks, their vocal cords will be fully formed too. It’s incredible that about now they’re also learning to breathe.
Their little brains are developing the processes they need to hear, see and smell. And they will start being able to hear things like your heartbeat which will become one of their most soothing sounds.
They are also discovering each other and have begun that very special bond they will treasure throughout their lives.
From around 18 weeks your twins will spend more time stroking and patting each other than they will be discovering their own bodies.
What you might be wondering about this week
Creating Your Twin Nursery
With two little bundles of joy on the way, you’re probably already thinking about how to set up the perfect twin nursery. It was one of my favourite parts of getting ready for them to arrive.
Designing a space that’s not only beautiful but functional for twins can feel overwhelming, but with a bit of planning, you can create a room that meets all your babies’ needs while being a calming, cozy haven.
While you might be excited to set up their beautiful twin nursery, you may find that they don’t actually sleep or spend much time in there to start with.
It is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) that all babies sleep in your room for at least the first six months, and up to a year, to lower the risk of sleep-related infant deaths.
You may decide that you want to start them off in a co-sleeper or bassinets in your room to help you get some much needed sleep for those first few months.
This will be especially true if they are born prematurely. You will want to keep a much closer eye on them, so you will prefer to have them closer to you rather than in their own room.
And because your days and nights sort of blur into each other so much, they will probably spend more time sleeping in places other than the beautiful twin nursery you spent hours creating for them.
READ MORE: Discover the most practical and safe twin sleeping options.
So all that to say, I am sure you will still want to create a beautiful space that your babies will be able to call their own, so let’s get excited about creating your dream twin nursery:
Where to Start: Planning Your Twin Nursery
The first step is to choose which room you are going to transform into your babies bedroom and to get a sense of the room’s size and layout. Do you have a small space or a spacious room to work with? Either way, thinking through the flow of the room will help you maximize the space. For instance, positioning the cribs along the longest wall might leave room for storage or a feeding chair in the corner.
When you know the dimensions and how much space you have for essentials (like two cribs, a changing table, and storage), you can start building your vision – hello Pinterest!
Choosing a Twin Nursery Theme
Picking a theme is where the real fun begins! Whether you’re going for a gender-neutral palette, a whimsical woodland theme, or a chic, modern look, this decision sets the tone for the entire nursery.
Some moms love classic themes like safari animals or nursery rhymes, while others opt for more subtle décor, using soft pastels or earthy tones.
The key is to pick something that will make you feel at peace and excited about the many hours you’ll spend in the room.
You also need to bear in mind that you probably don’t know the genders of your babies yet so you may want to delay deciding on a theme until after your 20 week scan.
If you’re looking for ideas, there’s no better place than real twin moms who’ve been there! Browse Pinterest boards or Instagram feeds for real-life twin nurseries. You’ll see how other moms have tackled small spaces, made DIY décor, and created practical yet beautiful spaces for their twins.
Seeing other nurseries can spark creativity and give you the confidence to create something special for your own babies.
If you want to get started, go check out our Twin Nursery Pinterest board for some inspiration.
Double the Cribs: Arranging Sleeping Space for Two
With twins, the first big decision is how to position the cribs. Some parents prefer placing cribs side-by-side or head-to-head against one wall. Others opt for a shared crib set up in the beginning (which is what I did with my girls), transitioning to separate cribs as the babies get older. Whichever you choose, make sure the cribs are safe, up to code, and sturdy enough for your growing babies.
Having the cribs side-by-side with space between them will make it so much easier to help settle both babies at the same time, as you can pat their backs through the sides of the cribs while you sit on the floor in between.
Looking for ways to make your life easier will pay off in hours of caught-up sleep, so consider practical day-to-day issues rather than esthetics when deciding where your cribs should go.
If you’re working with a smaller space, you might want to consider mini cribs or convertible cribs that can grow with your little ones. These are especially great for maximizing floor space while giving each twin their own sleeping area.
Nursery Organization: Smart Storage Ideas
Twins come with twice the gear, and keeping everything organized is key and will be a big time saver for you. Think about multifunctional furniture, like dressers that can also serve as changing tables. Add in closet organizers, baskets for toys and blankets, and stackable bins for all those diapers and wipes. Wall-mounted shelves can also provide extra storage while keeping the floor space clear for playing and crawling!
The Essential Checklist for Twins
Wondering what you’ll actually need in your nursery? Below is a quick list of essentials, but you will find a comprehensive list in our Shopping Checklist for Twins (it’s free) if you haven’t already grabbed it:
- Two cribs (or a shared bassinet for the early months)
- A changing station with plenty of storage for diapers and creams
- A comfortable chair for feedings. I used one like this as it reclined so I could sleep in it; it was wide and had low arms, so I could easily fit a twin feeding pillow, plus me and two babies. I spent HOURS in this chair
- A dresser for clothes, swaddles, and blankets
- Sound machine or white noise device (you’ll love this for getting them to sleep!)
- Soft lighting or a nightlight for those late-night changes
- Plenty of storage baskets and bins to keep things tidy
READ MORE:
Twin Baby Gear: My Top 14 Twin Mama Must-Haves
Our Ultimate Guide to Preparing for Twins
Lighting and Décor: Creating a Calming Environment
Lighting can make a huge difference in the overall feel of the nursery. Soft, dimmable lighting is ideal for creating a calming space for sleep, while blackout curtains help ensure those daytime naps are restful.
Keep décor soothing by choosing muted colors, soft textures, and minimal patterns that won’t overstimulate your babies. Adding a cozy rug or a few plush toys (once they’re old enough) can help make the room feel warm and welcoming.
Designing a Budget-Friendly Nursery
It’s easy to feel like you need to spend a fortune, but there are so many ways to design a beautiful nursery without breaking the bank.
Start by checking out second-hand stores for furniture, or even ask friends or family if they have gently used items.
DIY décor projects, like painting your own wall art or repurposing old furniture, can also add a personal touch while saving money. I made some beautiful wall art for my nursery, and it was a lovely way to create a personal touch to their room.
Personalizing Your Nursery for Each Twin
Even though your twins will be sharing a space, it’s important to include personal touches for each baby.
Custom name signs, personalized blankets, or unique wall decals are great ways to give each twin a special corner of the room.
Even subtle differences, like color-coded storage bins or a unique stuffed animal for each baby, can make the room feel like it belongs to both of them individually.
Final Thoughts, Mama
Designing a nursery for your twins is such an exciting part of preparing for their arrival. At 16 weeks, you’re in the perfect stage to start planning, gathering inspiration, and creating a space that reflects your family’s unique style. Remember, it’s all about making a cozy, functional, and loving space where you and your twins will create countless memories. So, grab a notebook, start brainstorming, and have fun!
I hope you have found this week’s 16 Weeks Pregnant with Twins guide informative and helpful. If you want to check out last weeks’ article, you can find it here at 15 Weeks Pregnant with Twins.
I look forward to catching up again next week when we talk about how to create a Twin Travel System to help you get out of the house once your babies arrive!
Take care and much love.
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