Well, hello there, twin mama! Chances are very high that you will have had your babies by now. 60% of twin babies will have been born by week 37, and there is an increased risk to babies that go past 37.6 weeks. So, if you are still waiting for your babies to arrive, hopefully, your hospital team has arranged an induction for you so you can keep those babies of yours safe.
If your babies have arrived, then CONGRATULATIONS! You may still be navigating those crazy first days with your babies at home, or you may still be in the hospital and reading this as you recover from the birth. Either way, I hope everything is going well.
This week’s theme is all about bringing your newborn twins home—those precious first few days and how to navigate them. We’re here to offer some support and practical tips to make the transition a little smoother.
Let’s dive straight into it this week.
What you might be wondering about this week
Bringing Your Newborn Twins Home: Navigating The Early Days At Home With Twins
As you prepare to bring your newborn twins home, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Those first few days will be filled with new experiences and adjustments, but with a little planning and some support, you’ll navigate them like a pro.
Let’s walk through some of the most common questions and tips to help you feel more confident during this special time.
Creating a Calm and Organized Home for Your Twins
The first few days at home with your newborn twins will likely feel like a blur, so creating a calm and nurturing environment will really help ease everyone into this new life with each other.
Using essential oils that are safe for babies will help create a wonderful, calm environment for you and your babies. Make sure to use an electric oil infuser rather than a candle burner as you will be overtired and not paying attention to potential hazards like you usually would.
Organizing your space can be a lifesaver. Set up baby “stations” throughout your home to make diaper changes, feedings, and clean-up easier. Consider placing a basket or caddy with essentials like diapers, wipes, burp cloths, and bottles in different rooms so you always have what you need close by.
Adjusting to Life with Two Newborns
Life with two newborns is intense, especially in the first few days at home. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed by the constant cycle of feeding, diapering, and soothing.
But remember, mama, it’s okay to take things one moment at a time. You might feel like you’re just barely keeping up—and that’s completely normal.
With two little ones to care for, the key is to stay flexible. Some days, one twin will need more attention, and that’s okay.
Don’t worry if everything doesn’t go as planned; this phase is all about survival. Be kind to yourself, rest when you can, and know that it gets easier as you find your rhythm.
Navigating Twin Feeding: Finding a Routine in the Chaos
Feeding twins can feel like a round-the-clock task in the early days. Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or doing a mix of both, finding a routine that works for you is key.
If you’re breastfeeding, tandem feeding (nursing both babies at the same time) can save time and help establish a rhythm, but it’s perfectly okay to feed them one at a time if that feels more manageable.
For bottle-feeding, prep ahead by organizing bottles and formula, so it’s easily accessible during those late-night feeds.
Try keeping track of each baby’s feeding times and amounts to make sure they’re both getting enough. In time, you’ll find a routine that works for everyone.
Surviving the Sleep Deprivation in the Early Days
Sleep deprivation is a reality for all new parents, but when you’re caring for two newborns, it can feel like you’re running on empty. If you can, sleep when the babies sleep, even if it’s just a short nap here and there.
If you have a partner or support system, take turns doing nighttime feedings so that each of you can get some rest. It’s also okay to ask for help from friends and family—whether it’s someone watching the babies while you sleep or bringing over meals.
Your sleep will be fragmented, but even a few hours can make a big difference in how you feel. Be patient with yourself—you’re doing an amazing job.
Managing Newborn Crying: How to Soothe Two Babies at Once
It can feel overwhelming when both babies cry at the same time, but with practice, you’ll learn to handle those moments with confidence.
When this happens, start by trying to figure out what each baby needs. It could be that one is hungry, while the other just needs a diaper change or some comfort.
Swaddling can help soothe fussy babies, as it mimics the cozy environment of the womb. Using white noise or gentle rocking can also work wonders for calming them down.
Remember, it’s okay if one baby has to wait a few minutes while you tend to the other—you’re doing your best, and your babies will be just fine. Just sing to them, rock them, or pat them with a spare hand so they know you are there and will get to them as soon as you can.
Caring for Yourself While Caring for Two
In the whirlwind of caring for two newborns, it’s easy to forget about yourself, but taking care of your own needs is crucial.
Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water, especially if you’re breastfeeding, and try to eat nutritious meals throughout the day.
Quick snacks like granola bars, fruit, and yogurt can help keep your energy up.
If you’ve had a C-section, be mindful of your physical limitations and ask for help when lifting or moving things. Whether you had a vaginal birth or C-section, give yourself grace to recover at your own pace. Postpartum recovery takes time, so rest whenever you can, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support.
The Importance of Skin-to-Skin Bonding with Twins
Skin-to-skin contact is a wonderful way to bond with both of your babies in those first few days. It helps regulate their body temperature, stabilize their heart rates, and can even promote breastfeeding by encouraging the babies to latch.
You can hold one baby at a time or practice “double skin-to-skin” with both twins on your chest. If you need a break, your partner or another family member can also do skin-to-skin to help calm the babies.
These bonding moments are precious, and they provide comfort not just for your twins but for you as well. Take your time and enjoy these early moments of connection.
Balancing Attention Between Twins
One of the biggest concerns for new twin parents is making sure each baby gets enough attention. It’s completely normal to worry about this, but know that you’re doing your best, and that’s enough.
Some days, one baby may require more attention due to fussiness, feeding needs, or other factors, and that’s okay.
Try alternating which baby you hold or feed first, or spend some individual time with each twin when the other is sleeping.
Over time, you’ll find a natural rhythm for dividing your attention, and both babies will thrive on the love and care you’re giving them, even if it’s not always perfectly balanced.
When to Call the Pediatrician: Knowing What’s Normal and What’s Not
It’s completely natural to feel anxious about your newborn twins’ health in the first few days. You might wonder if they’re eating enough, if their breathing is normal, or if certain behaviors are cause for concern.
Trust your instincts, mama.
If one or both babies seem overly lethargic, have difficulty feeding, or show signs of jaundice (a yellow tint to their skin), don’t hesitate to call your pediatrician.
It’s always better to ask questions and get reassurance than to worry in silence. Your doctor is there to support you and your babies, so never feel bad about reaching out if something doesn’t feel right.
Building Confidence as a Twin Parent
The first few days at home with twins can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to second-guess yourself. But remember, you’re learning, and every day you’ll grow more confident in your abilities as a twin parent.
Listen to your babies, remain calm, breathe deeply, and enjoy one of the most special times you will ever experience in your life.
Take things one step at a time and focus on the small victories—whether it’s successfully calming both babies or making it through a day of feedings without too much stress.
And…. ask for help. People want to help, and they may not know what help you need, so don’t be shy about asking. You don’t have to do it all alone.
Be assured your natural instinct will kick in, and within a few days, you won’t be able to remember what life was like before babies.
Most importantly, give yourself grace—you’re doing an amazing job, even on the tough days, and your babies are lucky to have you.
Before you go…
This is the last in our twin pregnancy series, so I just want to finish off by saying a massive THANK YOU for letting me be a part of the most exciting journey of your life.
No amount of advice can possibly prepare you enough for the journey you’re about to embark on, as every journey is so different.
Yes, it will be hard; yes, you will be more tired than you ever thought possible, but you will get through it mama – I believe in you.
You will be a strong mama bear with two gorgeous babies to love, nurture, and grow.
There is nothing more precious in this world.
Congratulations. You got this mama!
Much love
Don’t forget to share your new arrival news in the Twins & More Facebook Group. We would love to help you celebrate, and I can’t wait to see their little faces and share in your excitement – I’ll see you over there.
