This contest is now closed. The winner has been notified. Sorry if it wasn’t you.
When we began to work out the details of this giveaway with Brica, the makers of these elegant baby items, we were a little embarrassed about asking them to double up the prize package. But they graciously agreed to make it twin friendly — and everyone else who enters is welcome to give the extra items to a friend.
Behold the prize package! The items in this photograph will be sent to the winner, plus an extra set when appropriate.
2 BRICA Fold ‘n Go Travel Bassinets: This bassinet weighs less than 3 pounds and it’s the only travel bassinet to meet strict ASTM bassinet safety standards. It has a steel frame with the Safe-T-Lock system, sets up and folds down in seconds, and has a carry handle when folded. The mattress is removable and includes one fitted sheet. It’s easy for everyday use at home, too. For newborn through 15 lbs. or when baby begins to turn over.
2 extra fitted sheets (each bassinet comes w/ one)
2 Fold ‘n Go Booster Seats: These are lightweight, easy to pop up and fold down, have stain-resistant fabric and are a cinch to transport. They fit into an overnight bag. For ages 6 months and up.
2 BRICA Snack Pods: The dual-compartment pod attaches easily to almost any car seat or stroller.
2 BRICA Clip-on Wipes Case, plus 3 refills (for each): This easily attaches to any bag or stroller for quick access to antimicrobial wipes.
2 BRICA Baby In-Sight Mirror This wide-angle, shatter-resistant mirror is crash tested to the same standard as car seats. A 2011 Cribsie Award winner.
2 BRICA UV Alert Shades: The color indicator on the shade turns blue when UV rays are present. The shades help filter both UVA and UVB rays. They can stay down or retract.
To enter this random drawing, comment below with your best advice for a new twin mom. On Friday, July 22, 2011, we will select a winner. Please feel free to share this giveaway on your twin mom forums (although we realize that reduces your own chances of winning). U.S. Residents only.
try to enjoy it as tough as it can be! it will get better….. eventually. 🙂
Ask adult twins what they liked and disliked about the way they were raised what they recommend about parenting twins.
Ask for and accept help! Here’s what was a huge help to me: a close friend offered to organize my friends & neighbors for food-deliveries. She planned out a calendar and over email, coordinated friends who volunteered to bring meals over. Because she was so organized, we had meals delivered a few times a week for over a month. We had twins, we needed the extra help!
This is my first pregnancy and I’m expecting twins so my only “advice” is to listen and learn from twin mommies who’ve walked in our shoes.
Our family motto is: “It could always be worse.” Remember, it could be triplets! (With no offense meant to parents of triplets, etc. Just remember to keep some perspective.)
My advice is to plan on getting two of everything. We thought we could get by with just one swing and one bouncer seat. Wrong! It’s better to be over prepared than to not be able to soothe both babies.
My advise is to get on a schedule that works for your family. My husband and I took shifts the first 3 or 4 months when our boys were born. He would watch/feed the boys from 7PM to 1AM while I slept and then I took over after 1. Get as much rest as you can, everyone will say sleep when they sleep, but seriously it was so hard to get them both sleeping at the same time. And don’t let anyone talk you out of breastfeeding twins. I exclusively pumped for my twins, while not exactly the same as breastfeeding, they still got breast milk only for the first 13 months of their lives. You can do it!
Don’t reject any offer for help. You’re not superwoman and don’t underestimate what you’ve just been through birthing twins
It doesn’t get better; you just get better at it. That’s my advice for any mom…but being a mom of twins…it’s especially true. You’ll conquer one obstacle only to encounter another. You’ll just find you slowly get better at dealing with it all!
AGH! I want this!
I am a pregnant with twins, but these are my frist so I don’t have a ton of advice to offer yet. I’ve heard some great advice for the first few months, though:
Have a few boxes of the tiny diapers on hand for the first month, as twins are generally smaller than singleton babies. Tape the receipt or gift receipt directly to the box just in case they grow out of them too fast so they can easily be exchanged for the next size up later on.
Go to bed around 8 and “get up” (for the day) around 7. This gives you more time to catch some sleep in between feedings and will hopefully make you feel more rested.
Have an extra diaper bag packed and ready to go in the car with essentials in case of an emergency trip. Make sure to pack enough for two babies and change the items out as needed. Include things like a change of clothes, diapers, wipes, formula, bottles, binkies, etc.
My twins are only 7 months, but I can only advise to do everything at the same time when possible; feedings, naps and bedtime. If one wakes to eat, feed the other one or you will find as soon as the first one goes down, you get comfortable, the 2nd will inevitability wake up.
Doing everything at the same time (twice) helps so much in the long run!
before you nap, have everything ready for the next round: diapers, bottles (if applicable), clothes, etc.
Also, towels and receiving blankets make excellent bottle props.
My Brest Friend is a great nursing pillow, I still use ours!
My advice would be to try and get sleep whenever you can!
twice the work twice the love!!! enjoy each stage ~ while you are in it, you may want it over, but once it is over you miss it for some crazy reason!
I only have one, and thats hard enough! So my advice would be – say YES to any and all help offered!
Ask for help!
If there is an older sibling to the twins, encourage him/her spend time with each twin individually. This is special bonding time between them that often gets forgotten when the dynamic is 2 + 1. This is advice handed down from my mother-in-law, a twin mama for 36 years.
I am an almost-“twin mom” (we adopted my oldest as a baby, and he and his sister are only three months apart), and I remember that first year being really, really difficult. My best advice is to take lots and lots of photos of your two little ones together. I absolutely love looking at photos of my “twins” playing together, eating together, sleeping together…so sweet. The best part of being a mom of multiples is seeing their interactions with each other and watching that sibling bond, which is already so naturally strong, grow and develop.
I am currently pregnant with twins and they are my first but I did receive some great advice from a friend who has 9 month old twins.
She recommended getting them on the same feeding schedule if at all possible and as soon as possible.
Nap whenever they are napping!!!!
She also said even though the days are hard and long nothing beats seeing your smiling babies first thing in the morning.
Relax and remember that as long as you and your babies are alive at the end of the day, you have done something extraordinary.
Brehelp, take it one day at a time and ask for (and accept) help!
Breathe and repeat: It’s going to be ok. I can do this. It’s going to be ok. Then breathe again.
Try to relax and enjoy the chaos! They grow up way too fast!
Don’t hold onto any preset, prebaby “rules”. You’ve decided you are absolutely not going to use pacifiers (for whatever reason) but 4 weeks in realize that one or both of your babies has a really strong suck mechanism and would benefit from them? Then use one, and don’t beat yourself up over it (as I did). This can apply to anything. And don’t be afraid to delegate, lots of people will ask, “Do you need anything?” because they don’t know what you need and they want to help. Be creative–ask someone to take your dog for a walk or to pick up something that you need at the grocery store on your way over.
I am a new mom and so far the best advice I have received is to take help when it is offered…no one can do it alone!!
allow some time for yourself by asking for help
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. People will be much more willing to offer help in the beginning than later on. Make a schedule of who wants to help with what and when. Also try to make your twins share the same schedule. It will be easier on you and them in the long run. And just because you’re having twins doesn’t mean you can’t breastfeed. Lots of moms do it and you can too!
Just breathe! It’s going to be a wild ride!
Enjoy the babble! We have all seen the adorable videos on the net, but each set of twins has their own cooing and “talk” within a few months. Enjoy your separate time with each of them and revel in the connection they form with each other!
Everyone has great advice on how to cope with caring for twins. I accept every single piece of advice I hear, but for myself…..I’m gonna try and enjoy every minute of this wonderful rollercoaster ride I’ve been blessed with to experience. Hope you do the same!
I’d have to say to remember that if you can’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of your kids so ask for help when needed, take it when its offered! And no parent if perfect, just be the best parent you can be
Sleep when the babies sleep. That advice was given to me as a mom of one baby. I imagine it would be even more helpful when you have two!
my twins are 5 years old and i have a 6 month old. my advice would be:
enjoy every minute
rest when you can
buy 2 of everything
join a support group (very important!)
stay on a schedule
read as much as you can about caring for babies
it does get better. i love my twin boys and wouldn’t have it any other way.
Just take it one day at a time and NEVER be scared to ask for help. Also, they usually sleep better when they are together as that mimics the way they were in the womb.
Have quality time and unique rituals with each of your twins, beginning at a very young age, even it’s just a special song you sing to each one individually or certain clothes that aren’t shared.
Surround yourself with a support system of family and friends. Never be afraid to ask for help.
All it takes is a simple smile, a giggle, or just that look from your babies and the whole world disappears…
Definitely ask for help.
just for today, a lot of patiece
I just have one and imagine I’ll have my hands full in about 6 months when I have a 14 month old and a newborn, so I am in awe of what twin mamas do every day!
What helped me the most when my son was born was treating him like my one and only job (besides eating and sleeping for myself!), letting cleaning or other tasks wait until I was ready and able. It helped me to not worry about doing anything but getting that baby through another day, and then suddenly, it got easier and the feeding and diapering and napping moved from absolute immediate foreground to seamless background. As someone above mentioned, making it from dawn to dusk with all surviving is a big feat!
Know and embrace that each of the children are INDIVIDUALS! 🙂
breathe, focus on the moment, ask for/accept help often!
get a baby nurse! It helps to have extra eyes, hands and energy and especially from someone who has experience with twins already.
Say “yes” when people offer to help!
Best advice? Remember to laugh. Seriously. Somedays you will forget what your own laugh sounds like 🙂
I don’t have twins, but I can imagine that it is tough. Remember to breathe, take all the help you can get, and take every free moment you can spare for yourself. Even if its a simple smile in the mirror in the morning.
Take care of yourself first sometimes- you will be that much better able to take care of your babies!
Just take it moment by moment and if something isn’t working for you, no matter how many people give you the advice, don’t do it. Do what works for you and your babies.
I am the mother of a singleton 20-month-old son. And I have to admit, the thought of twins makes me want to hyperventilate! Double kudos to all you parents out there with twins!! My brother and his wife are expecting twins in the fall. I sent them a link to this site, because I think they have no idea what they’re in for! 🙂
The advice I give to any parents is to sleep whenever you can. Especially with twins, that probably means you’ll need to get help so you can take a nap. I’m not very good at asking for help, but I’ve had to get better at it since I became a mom. So don’t be afraid to ask family, friends, whomever to come over and give you a break – every day if you can!
Accept any help that is offered.
When someone offers you the chance to shower or rest take them up on the order and don’t feel guility. The small break will make you a happier mommy which means happier babies. Plus with twins there is probably twice the spit up guility hair so a shower may be in order.
it’s not so much advice as to say, moms with twins are some kind of super amazing type of woman. way to go mothers (and dads) of twins!
My best advice for any mom is patience, patience, patience. Patience with youself, patience with you little ones, and patience with others who try to help you. And remember that they are our this age once so enjoy it.
Take time for yourself and sleep when the babes sleep.
sign up for moms groups and let the generous strangers bring you food! Also get as much help from family and friends as possible.
I would say that the best advice is to try and relax. There are so many risks but you have been doubly blessed
Remember that every child is different, even identical twins. Celebrate their uniqueness, even if one sleeps through the night better than the other 😉
Sleep as much as you can!
Find time to spend with each baby alone, so you can have special snuggle time memories with both.
My advice comes from watching a close friend of mine who had twins and learning from her. Let others help you. It can sometimes be hard to accept help (I had a hard time with that, I felt like I could do it all and clean the house! Ha!) but, definitely take others up on their offer to bring food or even to just come help hold one baby while you change the others diaper. 🙂 Also, I think that it is so valuable to join a moms of multiples group. You get to spend time with other moms who know what you are going through and your kids get to have fun with lots of other playmates.
First my hat goes off to a mom with twins.
My advice would be to relax and not fight it. Babies sense your energy and the calmer you are the more relaxed and easy going they will be.
This is for the slightly older twin set… When my twin cousins were little my aunt would put them to bed the night before in their clothes for the next day. She claims that it made the next morning and getting them out the door to daycare just a tad easier and that made a world of difference to her.
Get through the first 6 weeks and you’ll be fine! The first 6 weeks are the absolute hardest for any mom, especially a mom with two little ones! And also, keep the camera at hand!!!
Best advice is to take help when offered!!!
Most women like to live life according to “Plan A.” Moms of twins must adjust to life in “Plan B.” Just keep saying to yourself (in the midst of dirty diapers, late-night feeds, fussy Baby #1 or #2, etc.), “OK, we’re moving to Plan B.” I’m 6 weeks into life as a mom of twin girls and Plan B is starting to feel more comfy!
My best advice is don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Sleep, sleep, sleep.
Hi! I am a soon-to-be- twin mom! I would love to win this give-away… My advise is to learn to accept help.. I am very independent, and I am trying to teach myself now to learn to accept help, as I am sure I will need it. Learn to accept graciously… : ) Hopefully I can do this : )
One of my favorite pieces of advice I’ve received so far is to stay in your pjs when people come over to visit – they won’t stay as long (unless you want them to!).
I am a twin mom of 8 month olds and I would say get out of the house as soon as possible. The longer you leave it, the scarier it becomes. That and to remember that whatever it is that’s making you crazy, it will probably change in about 3 weeks.
Always accept help from others and don’t feel a twinge of guilt about it! Great giveaway!
Wow, what an awesome giveaway! I think my best advice would be to change your expectations of the things you can do. It’s okay if the floor isn’t scrubbed as frequently. Cut yourself some slack.
Wow! You’ve really put together a great prize package for twin moms! I am happy to pass this along to my followers.
My Advice sleep when they are both asleep if your lucky enough for them both to be asleep at the same time.
Oops. Guess I forgot “my best advice for a new twin mom”… Newly expecting parents of twins can learn a lot from other parents that have “been there, done that”. So, my best advice is to connect with other Twin Parents through local twins clubs and online twins communities — like TwinParenthood!
Hi – my boy/girl twins just turned 10 weeks. My best advice is, if you can swing it, hire someone to come help you a couple of hours a day (or 1x a week if that is more budget-friendly). It makes all the difference in the world to know there is a set time that you can get out by yourself if you need to and/or you’ll have another pair of hands to help. I have a sitter that comes for a few hours every day during the week and I am confident it is the only reason I am still sane 🙂 Well worth every, single penny!!
Just remember, everything is a phase and this too shall pass!
I think my best advice would be: Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Take advantage of the people who love you and want to help.
I’m a first time expecting mom, but I assume similar advice I have been given would work for expecting twins too- sleep when the babies are sleeping and ask for help when you need it! Fun giveaway- I’m glad to share my other half of the winnings as I know about 47 other moms that are expecting!!
AlI have to say to twin mom’s is wow, and I hope in just a few weeks I can make it through too!!
I agree with everyone’s advice on accepting help when offered. Having a set of extra hands goes a long way. Thanks for the giveaway.
I don’t have twins (yet:)), but I’m a twin and my sister has almost 2 year old twins. I think my best advice would be you don’t need two of EVERYTHING. When my sister was pregnant she purchased everything (including teethers, toys, and clothes in doubles). Your babies will share their toys, and matching outfits are cute sometimes, but with the number of outfit changes babies go through a day it isn’t practical to plan on them matching at all times. Stick to buying multiples of important things, like swings.
Sleep whenever you can, take the help when offered, get connected with other twin parents, and let go of being a “Super Mom.”
Leave all of your expectations at the door, because if you need/want to do anything non-twin related it all becomes a window of opportunity. Rally the troops, let and ask people to help. But the most important, is to savor every second with your babies. Because with two, time will go lightening fast.
Remember yourself through it all!! You can only be a good mommy if you are rested and take care of yourself. And it does get asked!!
I suspect patience would be my advice, however I am 3.5 mo. pregnant with twins, so I’m the one actually looking for advice!!
I am not a mother of twins but I do have two sons who are 17 months apart and they are 2 1/2 and 14 months old. Sometimes it feels like I have twins but I know that mothers of twins work so much harder than I do. I believe that any mom who is a mother of twins is a superwoman. My best advice to any mom is to remember “this to shall pass.” Babies don’t stay babies forever so try to enjoy the good times and remember that the bad times do not last forever. One day your baby will be grown up and you’ll miss the baby stages.
I do not personally have twins, although I have nannied for twin boys for years in addition to my 16 month old, and the next boy in the oven! 🙂 My best advice would be when offered help, take it! Your friends and family wouldn’t offer if they didn’t truly mean it. Don’t feel guilty for accepting help because this is a journey meant to be done together, not alone. Also, when help is around, take a nap – a guilt free nap, for sanity’s sake!
Manage your expectations! When I plan on not getting any sleep for a number of months with newborns, for example, I’m pleasantly surprised when I get a decent night’s sleep! When I plan for it to take me 30 minutes to get out the door before going somewhere, I’m happy when it “only” takes 20. 🙂
Well— my twins are due in about 1-month– so I can’t offer twin advice but I have enjoyed reading all the comments. Of note, I am a mom to a 2 year old son and the best advice I can offer from that experience is to all those planners put there… sometimes things are out of your control and you have to go with the flow… trust your instincts and it will all turn out ok.
Sleep whenever the babies are sleeping. And find the time to take a shower everyday. In other words, when you aren’t taking care of the babies, take care of yourself. 🙂
Keep things in perspective. Just keep telling yourself that each day they are healthy, that they are getting bigger, and with each passing day it gets easier to get things under control. Savor those special moments of infancy, because they will soon only be a memory.
yay for twins! My best advice is to just relax and let things go when they need to be let go. Trying to keep everything just perfect is really stressful when you have 2 people depending on you. So cut yourself some slack, just breathe, relax and cuddle the babies, sleep, feed, whatever they are doing right now. Don’t try to cook for other people, keep the house clean, etc. All those things will come in time when their schedules and your schedule adjust.
I don’t have twins so I’m kind of guessing here. Maybe – put them in separate rooms so they don’t wake each other up? But maybe they will be sad if they aren’t together.
Take any and all help offered! And ask for help, too. I think getting a person to clean the house/apartment makes a world of difference if you can afford it. Or have really nice friends who’ll do it for you. :0)
I am a mom of 5 month old preemie twin boys. My advice would be take lots of pictures! It’s amazing how fast they grow. Our boys were 3 months early and every Friday in the NICU we took a pic of them together if possible. We still do it at home and it’s amazing to look at how they have changed in such a short time.
Ask for help (spouse, mom, mother in law, etc.) and necessarily with the baby care…help with the dishes/laundry/cleaning, help with older sibling, help with grocery shopping or meal prep, help with anything so that you can love those babes!
Don’t be afraid to accept help!! People that offer are in your life and love you (or have been there themselves!) and it is their joy to come along side you in the journey. Also, having a perfectly clean house is gone. let it go. you will be fine. 🙂
I am still expecting my twins, and my best advice so far is listen to your doctor! I was threatened with preterm labor at 21 weeks, and because my doctor caught it early I am now 34 weeks and still going strong. Although its been a boring 13 weeks at home on bedrest, I know my babies are getting closer and closer to coming out of the hospital at the same time as I do!
Accept help and just do your best!
I’m 6 months into my twin pregnancy, and my advice is that I am trying to get as organized as possible before hand because I know it will beautiful chaos when they arrive. I’m de-cluttering my apartment and trying to make plenty of space for all the baby supplies we’ll need. Hopefully that will make me feel less like the walls are closing in on me. Also, I am stocking up on all non perishable household items that I don’t want to run out of (eek that makes me sound like one of those extreme couponers) – things like bathroom toileretes, dishwasher detergent, trash bags, etc. The little things pre-twins it’s no biggie nipping to the drug store for but with twins will be the last thing on my mind.
And, when they arrive I’ll be trying to go for a walk outside everyday even if it is just for a few minutes around the block. I have a feeling that a change in scenery and fresh air will help me keep things together.
Slow down, breathe, it will go by so fast! I took lots of pictures because honestly now that they are older I don’t remember their first year much at all. I accepted help from friends and family. I got involved with my local twins club – until my kids were 3 they thought all kids came in pairs. Nap when they are down, you need your rest. We bought diapers EVERY time we went to the store because you will need them. With a 2 story house, we had a pack-n-play in the living room so they could nap there as well as their room.
My advice is to be patient with yourself and your partner. Two babies are a lot to juggle, but in time you will find your rhythm. Eventually, you’ll have your routine down so well, you (and your partner) will be able to confidently handle both babies at the same time- you can give each other a little break every now and then. : )
My advice to new twin moms is dont be afraid to ask for help!! Its hard to adjust to life with newborn twinnies, and while some things may move to the back burner ( cleaning, laundry, groceries) dont feel bad for asking for help! Whether its from family, or your husband, ask for what you need!
Stay on a schedule with them! I kept mine on the schedule that they were on in the NICU and it really was a lot easier than when I tried to feed on demand! My family Dr told me that I could take them off and my mom was criticizing me about my schedule so I tried taking them off and made myself crazy! So my advice is to stick to a schedule!
take all the help you can get even if you are wanting to do it on your own that’s great but it will ware you down trust me and take everything in baby steps, day by day, if its not done today you still have tomorrow.
Don’t keep thinking how much easier it would be with one baby. Figure out what works for you and your twins! Take advice for what it is advice. What works for one Mom may or may not work for you! Remember most people are just trying to help you. Use what works and forget about the rest. The most important thing right now is you and your family! Try to remember even on your hardest day twins make you get twice the love!
i’m not a mama of twins but i think that one of the best advice i’d ever heard is once your little babies become a little older and finally able to wrap their little arms around you for a hug, to never be the first to let go. i have done this ever since i heard it… whenever my son comes up to me for a hug, i never let go first. i let him hug me for as long as he wants. i love it. it reminds me to always live in the present.
Everyone says “sleep when the babies sleep.” For me, this is not realistic (otherwise we would never have clean bottles, ha!) The best thing you can do is get your babies on a schedule, and never turn down help. Power through and it will get better!
Know that you can do it because so many moms have and as a single mom with 2 boys that are 6 month old preemies…if I can do it then anyone can. Do what works for you and not what everyone tells you to do. Know that twin and higher order multiples mothers are super moms…we made 2 brains, 2 hearts, 2 humans. Also…you dont have to buy 2 of everything!
My best advice – invest in a large dose of a sense of humor. Lauging through the moments when there’s two adorable little ones asking for your attention, or crying with hunger, or yelling in pain because of new teeth – just remember the milestones and the all the amazing fun moments will outshine the ones that are trying. And, you are a rockstar – twins is A LOT of work, no matter what anyone says – what you do everyday with your twins is amazing!
firstly, i would like to say i dont think i am eligible to enter the competition as i live in the uae, but as a first time mum with twins i would like to share some advise.
mums + dads you are already super with the pregnancy of your twins, and a safe delivery, you dont need to be super in any other way but giving your babies the love affection and one on one time they need. so dont worry about those 3 dirty dishes, or that your hair is ina pony.
spend every little minute second bonding with your blessings and most important getting your well needed rest and you time. they dont sleep all day for long and when they are on the move you will be wishing you backed up those opportunities for rest.
congratulations to all singletons, twins and multiple parents out there you are all truely blessed with the innocent unconditional love your baby/babies brings.
Don’t guilt trip yourself! Sometimes it’s just too much energy to put in bows or cute outfits, they are cute anyways.
I have twin girls, be patient, accept help whenever it is offered, and cut yourself some slack. You are going to have good days & you are going to have bad days. The good days are incredible!
Get them on a schedule as quickly as possible and accept any and all help.
My advise is to enjoy each stage and each day of your babies lives. When they’re newborns you can’t wait for them to sleep through the night and may wish you could skip past the sleepless nights, but before you know it you’ll be packing away little onsies they no longer fit in and missing their sweet newborn-ness. Another word of advise is to take all the help you can get! I wasn’t shy when someone offered I’d say okay, what day works for you? An extra pair of hands makes such a difference when you have 2 babies!
I don’t have advice…but my cousin just had twins on Thursday! So I would love to win it for them.
When one baby wakes up in the middle of the night for a feeding you should wake the second baby up as well.
That everything gets easier after the first year!
My advice: accept as much help as you can get! You need it.
I don’t have twins, but the best advice I can give is to just enjoy them because they grow so fast. I can’t believe my daughter is already almost 3 months! Cherish the little things, like how they scrunch up when they snuggle and bury their head in your shoulder – they won’t do it for long. Accept help to cook and clean, but don’t stress about your house not being clean. If you’re able to nap, do it! I can’t, so I make sure to accomplish one task a day (laundry, kitchen, bathroom, bills) so I don’t go crazy, and if I get more done. I feel like superwoman 🙂
The Miracle Blanket swaddler helped my boys sleep twice as long at a time.
I can’t give any advice but maybe some encouragement. As a mom of one I am so amazed and totally routing for any twin moms I see out in the world. When I bump into a mother of twins or more at the store, I always think “Go Her!” because I can’t even imagine how challenging and rewarding it can be to be a mother of twins.
Invest in darkening curtains for their room and a “sleep mask” (those eye covers) for yourself! Everyone can get some rest!
Twins are simply God’s blessings doubled! Pinch yourself each day for the gift!
Oh my best advice…I hate saying it even now because I am not good with change, but expect change…daily! If you like their schedule now, don’t get too attached because i will be different tomorrow. But the good news is, it goes both ways! If you hate something that is happening now, don’t worry because next week it’ll be completely different 🙂
Yes, you can do it. Yes, you will do it. This is my mantra! I would say a few things: You realize what matters. You buy only what you need. You do only what’s important. Enjoy the small moments. Take a break. Regardless of whether your twins were spontaneous or IVF…they’re yours, and there is no need to feel offended or not worthy of the 1000 of comments you will get every time you leave the house with them. They truly are a miracle, they are amazing, and at 10 months, I still can’t believe they are mine! And, let’s face it, they are a handful! But they are worth every tear, every minute lost of sleep, every frustration, every overwhelming sensation. They are worth every second of it all. It is a beautiful experience you get to share with your partner, family, friends…not everyone gets to have this opportunity if their lives, and it really is a very special thing. Good luck!
Accept help from family and friends….take lots of pictures (and not always of the twins together…..don’t put pressure on yourself or compare yourself to other parents. Trust your instincts!! 🙂
I don’t have twins and Im actually pregnant with my first baby but I do have a lot of friends and relatives that have twins and I actually went to lunch with one this past weekend. We were discussing baby furniture and the merits of convertable cribs and whatnot and she told me to stop stressing and just get whatever I want because if my next babies are Twins (like hers were) we will have to have two cribs anyways and they wont match! I know that isnt exactly advice but stress is never worth it! Enjoy! 🙂
I am pregnant with twins so I’m more in the taking advice than giving role…but for the sake of this giveaway, my advice would be – get prepared early (buy the baby essentials, try to have an earlier than normal baby shower, etc.) because with twins it’s so unpredictable if/when you’ll have to go on bedrest and when you’ll deliver!
Shower every day. You’ll get 5 minutes to recharge.
Take a class that is specifically geared towards having multiples! I’ve had many moms-to-be say it’s very reassuring to talk to other future parents of twins who have the same worries. Classes are also frequently taught by somebody who survived multiples of her own so the practical advice can be a lifesaver. And don’t forget to sign up earlier than regular classes suggest since most moms of twins have their babies before 37 weeks!
I am the mother of a 12 year old boy and now we are starting all over with twins that are due in December. My advice to a rookie twin mom would be to take life 1 day at a time, except help from family and friends and enjoy every second of their lives because it goes so fast!
Don’t have twins myself but the best advice anyone gave me before the birth of my son – Forgive Yourself. Being a Mom is hard and we’re often our own worst critics.
Enjoy all the moments. The good, the easy, the tough, the sleepless, and so many more… Everyone always tells you they grow up fast but you don’t quite understand what they mean until you experience it for yourself. (Mine are only/already 3 month and 18 months and it feels like time just flew by, yet they both have so much life still ahead of them.) Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Just have fun and do your best.
My best advice for a new twin mom is “it’s okay for them to cry a little”. It’s absolutely impossible for you to meet 2 needs simultaneously, so sometimes there will be crying, and that is okay. I tell myself it is good exercise for their lungs 🙂
PS – loved the twin series, thank you so much!
Take any help that’s offered! And try to have things in mind that people can do if they offer.
There are so many good suggestions, but the ones I like best are take help that is offered. Also, don’t forget to feed yourself.
My advice for a first time mother of twins would be, be patient. It will feel like its never going to get better. Not only do you have one newborn demanding your attention but now you two!! Just take deep breaths and remember as the days go on your lil ones will get into a routine and things will start to go by smoothly. When people offer or ask if there is anything they can do or help with dont be afraid to accept the help. If they didnt want to help out they wouldnt be willing too even if it is doing your dishes or washing a few loads of laundry for you. Most of all ENJOY them while they are little because before long they will be running around into everything and you will be wishing they were little agian. 🙂
Take help when it’s offered to you. Repeat after me, “Yes, you can pick up groceries for me. Yes, you can fold my clothes for me. Yes, you can vacuum my house, walk my dog, drive me to the doctor, stay and help me while we’re at the doctor, watch the babies while I get my hair cut” and on and on and on! Take it because it won’t last forever. Heck, it won’t last long!
I don’t have twins, but I am expecting #3 in November after a LONG gap between the first two and this one (youngest is 6), so I’m trying to prepare myself by resurrecting all of the brilliant advice I used to give others when my kids were babies. 🙂 I think my top piece of advice was always to tell people to put the baby down every once in awhile. Do not ever get the baby lulled into a place where s/he cannot sleep except in your arms. Otherwise you will be sleeping in a rocker with the baby forever. And I especially cannot imagine how this would be helpful with twins. Let the baby learn how to soothe him/herself a bit, given that all his/her needs have been met.
The best advice that I could give any mother would be to accept help and this will especially go for mothers of twins. Don’t be shy to say I need some help to a friend or family member, most people will jump at the opportunity. 🙂
Just enjoy them! Take time to enjoy each one seperately whether it’s just rocking one b/c he woke up cranky or changing ones diaper b/c he had a blow out. 🙂 They are only teeny tiny for so long enjoy every second!
Advice for moms of twins? Go easy on yourself!
I would say ask for help! You don’t have to be Super Mommy!
I always wanted to have twins! I am only a few weeks pregnant right now so there’s hope…!
I guess my advice would be something about do the best you can, and then know that if you can accomplish this, you can do anything!
If someone offers to help, let them! And if they don’t know what to do, just say ‘please, clean for me!’
My advice is to not put to much pressure on yourself. You’re just learning the ropes and it will take time. Do what feels right for you and your babies. Eventually you will find your rhythm with the babies and from there everything will fall into place. Also, don’t shy away from all the curiosity you will get from family and strangers, embrace it! 🙂
Take help whenever you can get it!
My best advice is to stick to a schedule with a lot of laughter thrown in. The first year is the hardest trying to juggle eating, sleeping and keeping the babies clean if there is a set schedule from the start it will be a lot easier to know what is next instead of wasting time trying everything to find the right solution to a baby (or babies) cry. This to will pass and you want to have it documented so the more pictures the better.
My advice would be, do what’s right for you. With babies, everyone has their own opinion, from feeding to furniture. Just because it’s advice, doesn’t meant that you have to follow it. Also, don’t feel guilty for not following it.
Try to sleep whenever you can.
Get them on a schedule. Once they are both on the same schedule it seems soo much easier! I got my twins on a schedule and stuck to it and they do soo great when on it!
Don’t feel like you have to be super mom (though you already are for raising twins!)
Wow what a giveaway!
My best advice is to accept any help people offer. If it is cooking a meal, watching the babies for a few hours while you go out or whatever. My mom and aunt (from Alabama) came and helped and they were such angels at that time. Man!!
Just know that is will get better! People are still telling me that now and my little ones are 1 now. Lol. Oh yes and take lots of pictures it will go by fast! (I didn’t believe that when people were saying it to me but it did!) And keep them on a schedule!! That is something I did that I am SO glad I have done especially after hearing from other parents who didn’t.
~Blessings!
Don’t turn down any offer of help!
My advice would be: remember to laugh at the crazy days when you feel like nothing is going as planned. Laughter helps everything feel a bit less chaotic!
Don’t think that you have to follow every piece of advise that is given to you. Whatever you do is what is right for your unique family. There is no such thing as perfect, so just breathe you’ll be great.
As hard as it is, give them a little individual time each day. Feeding them, while bathing them, or even just some eye contact.
Use recieving blankets as burp cloths! Love and embrace their differences. Enjoy those special little moments you have with each of them. They know when their diaper is off 🙂 (not really), but they do have really good aim and will poop and pee on you and all of their surroundings. The biggest thing is to relax. There will be stressful times, but if you remind yourself to relax and take care of business without stressing about it everyone will be happier. Oh yeah…you will become a pro at diaper changes (picture the Nascar pit crews!) I find its a good time to sing to them or just talk to them individually.
Take lots of pictures, it flies by so fast!
Get a sharpie – and label everything…. makes it easy for dad to jump in and help.
Just remember how rare it is that anyone has enough money saved up that they feel they can afford to have kids. Your life will change (for the better!) and you will adapt. Everything will soon be fine and you will find your way in the world of mothering twins.
It’s so tempting to hog those little bundles to yourself, especially those first few weeks, but accept all the help that’s offered. The nurses in the hospital, family, hubby, and friends are all there to help, so let them!! There will be plenty of years for you to play supermom!!
Expect ANYTHING! Be flexible! And ask for help if you feel you can’t cope. Allow hubby to help- in his own way- even if its not your way. Enjoy them- they really grow quickly. And trust your instincts- do what feels right to you- we feed our little girls on demand and no problems yet- now 29weeks! Get out of the house as often as possible!
NEVER forget to take time for yourself. No matter how busy you are you need to take 10 minutes to breathe!
Take time out for you, especially when things seem overwhelming. Call in help from a friend so you can recharge.
My best advice for a new mom is to ask for help. I think it would be nearly impossible to do everything yourself (single parents are my new heroes), and most people seem to want to help, but just don’t know what they can do.
Pick a schedule that works for you and stick with it. Otherwise, you’ll never be able to eat, sleep, or take a shower again!
Loss the baby weight slowly. I spent way to much time stressing about fitting into my pre-baby jeans. Just buy new ones if you don’t want to keep wearing the maternity ones. It will make you feel better about yourself.
Sleep whenever you possibly can! If both babies fall asleep at the same time, drop whatever you’re doing (I’ve left the table just as dinner was hitting it because I saw a precious window of opportunity) and go to sleep. You never know when you’ll get another chance!
my best friend recently had twin girls, and i visited her with my 3-month-old right after they were born. my best rookie mom advice to her at the time was do whatever you need to do to survive those first few months, and nothing else. just survive!!!
The number one tip for new parents of twins – accept help! Although, I see that has mentioned many times already, so I will add:
– get a front/back stroller
– don’t be afraid to have them in the same room (they won’t wake eachother up)
– if you breast-feed don’t be afraid to supplement with formula so you can get some sleep
– get a double boppy if you plan on breastfeeding
– get two baby bjorns & two backpacks; one for you, one for your husband
Double the trouble means double the fun!!
Best advice I can give is to join your local moms of multiples club! Its a great resource for everything twins related. Obviously you can make friends with other twin moms who understand the challenges of raising twins. But there are lots of other benefits as well! My local chapter has a very active message board where I can post questions and research twin related topics. Each year, most twin clubs offer a baby gear and clothing sale where you can sell your gently used items and score great deals on the things you need. Last, they also offer plenty of play groups and planned outings both with and without kids. A twin club is a great help to every mom of twins 🙂
Unsettled baby? This WORKS!
Learn the 4 S’s.
1. Swaddle
2. Suck (pacifier, finger…whatever works!)
3. Swing (swing baby in your arms side to side & try holding baby
with it’s belly on your forearm, palm up, with head towards your hand, that way you can help hold the pacifier in)
4. Shhhhhhh (maintain a constant shhhhooshing from your own mouth)
My advice is to get an Itzbeen baby care timer. You can easily keep track of when baby was fed, diaper changes, etc. It’s great!
accept offers of help from family and friends,its so nice when they bring over a meal or offer to do some laundry
My advice would be to always remain positive, even though at times you will question your ability to care for two babies at the same time and wonder if your cut out for this job, since motherhood is a lot of work. Two is always better than one…consider your twins a blessing and while they certainly will be a handful, imagine having double the fun watching them grow with each day that passes. Some people are only ever blessed with one child, if that, so the miracle of two is something that you should relish and focus when things get tough.
I would think you need to get them on a good schedule as quickly as possible!
Miracle blankets are a must for swaddling.
Congratulations on twins! You are doubly lucky.
That being said, just realize that even though they both might be in matching outfits, their personalities will be quite a bit different. There will be an older child complex, and a younger child complex. They will cry at different times (or yes, sometimes even at the same time), they will sleep differently, learn different things at different times, and show you how two identical little people can turn out so individualistic.
Do what comes naturally to you, take it in stride, and once you get to know them then you will be a pro at juggling the two of them at one time. You’ll be the envy of all the mom’s on the block!
Good luck, and enjoy!
Enjoy their twin language – it’s amazing to watch/hear language develop at astonishingly young ages with twins. Twins are amazing!
Having twins is a true blessing. I had someone say to me at the store “wow, double trouble. I’m glad it’s you and not me!” All I could do was politely smile and walk away thinking yes….so glad it is me!! My twins are my first children. Everyone asks how do you do it? I answer back with “lots of love. I don’t know what it’s like to just have one, nor would i want to. Two is all I know.” All the advice I can give is to enjoy every moment. Fill those moments with love, lots of hugs and kisses, and time to just sit back, relax and take it all in. It all goes fast.