5 Tips For New Parents of Multiples

Last updated on August 24th, 2023 at 07:19 pm

Here are 5 helpful tips to help ease the stress of being a new parent of multiples.

1. Set Up A Schedule

Maybe you’ve never been an organized person or gag at the idea of a pocket calendar. GASP! But now is the time to dust off the planner and make a schedule. Enlist friends and family members that are available to spend time with you during the week to accompany you on errands or just for a cup of coffee. Even if they are not comfortable being hands on with the twins, the company and adult conversation is needed for a new parent of multiples.

2. Set Realistic Expectations For Your Home.

Having twins changes the function of everything in your home. Your beautiful couch is now a changing table. The expensive rug you finally purchased after of searching is now a messy play mat. Your fridge that is normally stocked with healthy choices is now packed with snacks, breast milk, and take-out containers. IT’S OK. Set realistic expectations for your home.

Figure out the three most important chores and make those, and only those, non-negotiable. For example, in my home everyday I hold myself accountable for taking out all the garbage/diaper pails, starting (and finishing) one load of laundry, and do the dishes. If I can do more, gold star for me! If not, at least I accomplished the housework in front of me AND took care of my twins.

3. Plan To Leave Early.

It’s time to realize that you’re not a spur of the moment type of person anymore. If you start getting everyone in the car when it’s time leave, guess what, you’re probably already late. Babies have a 6th sense for knowing when it’s the most inconvenient time to dirty that last diaper, spit up over their clean outfit, or request one last feeding. Try to give yourself a 30-minute head start if possible. If you’re supposed to leave the house by 11, at 10:30 the diaper bag should be packed and you’re getting the babies in their car seats. Try to practice this for your outings and you may avoid (sometimes) being the crazy lady with screaming kids who is also running late.

4. Remember: Your Spouse Is Your Teammate.

I think we are all guilty of keeping a tally sheet in our head from time to time when it comes to responsibilities for the twins. Everyone has a part to play, but sometimes your part seems overwhelming. Sleepless nights are unavoidable. Try to remember that your spouse is your teammate not your opponent. The common goal is to take care of these babies and go back to sleep. Let your spouse help where and when they can. Keep in mind that there is no scoreboard in sight. Communicate respectfully with your partner and you’ll find yourself working side by side instead of against each other.

5. Do what you can, not what OTHERS do.

Oh look, there she is again clogging your newsfeed. You know her, the woman that always has her make up on point. She’s dressed like she just stepped out of magazine. And even her children are perfectly primped and complete angels. She breastfeeds, she cloth diapers, and she just crafted all of her children’s Halloween costumes! Disclaimer: SHE’S NOT REAL. Do what you can do, not what she does and don’t beat yourself up about it. Remember you’re doing great and it’s only going to get better.

Are You a New Twin Parent?

Check out Natalie Diaz’s book:
“What To Do When You’re Having Two
The Twin Survival Guide From Pregnancy Through the First Year”

In What to Do When You’re Having Two: The Twins Survival Guide from Pregnancy Through the First Year, national twins guru and founder of Twiniversity (and twin mom herself!) Natalie Diaz provides a no-holds-barred resource about life with twins, from pregnancy and birth all the way through your duo’s first year of life.

Accessible and informative, What to Do When You’re Having Two
is the must-have manual for all parents of twins.

Buy Now

Have you taken your expecting twins class yet? We offer a great class on demand so you can take it on your own schedule! There are so many video modules covering everything from your twins’ baby registry to your first week at home with twins! Sign up today to get started before your twins arrive.

Need some twin parent friends? Get the support you need with a Twiniversity Membership. Benefits include a monthly twin parent club meeting on Zoom, access to a private Facebook group just for twin parents, and a video library of twin parenting lessons. Visit Twiniversity.com/membership to join today!