The First Year with Twins 11 Months Old

Last updated on January 6th, 2023 at 08:10 pm

Learn what to expect with your infant twins 11 months old, including tips, tricks, and advice from real twin parents who have been there.

All content on this website, including medical opinion and any other health-related information, is for informational purposes only and should not be considered to be a specific diagnosis or treatment plan for any individual situation. Use of this site and the information contained herein does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.

Your Twins 11 Months Old

Welcome back returning twin parents! Hello and welcome to the new twin parents who are just finding us today!

You made it through your first ten months as a twin parent and you’re now almost a year into your twin parenthood. What a huge accomplishment! Little known secret: we knew you could do it!

Now what? Well, this is a good place to start. We have plenty of information and resources to help you navigate twin parenting with your twins 11 months old.

Our twin parenting tips come from our very own experienced twin parents from around the world! These parents have all been there, done that, and are ready to share their tips and tricks with you.

This first year is full of excitement, questions, and even some anxiety. Not to worry, we’ve got your back. We’ve laid out all our best tips, tricks, and advice for twins 11 months old.

Got preemies? Make sure to consider your premature twins’ corrected age when reviewing whether or not they are meeting their milestones at appropriate times. In the vast majority of cases, preemies catch up by school-age and go on to succeed at the same level as their peers. Read more about preemies and developmental milestones here

The First Year with Twins 11 Months Old — Twins 11 months old

What to Expect with Twins 11 Months Old

You’re so close!!! Your twins’ first birthday is just around the corner! Can believe it?? Start planning that 1st birthday party! (which is really for YOU!) If you need ideas, we’ve got you covered! Read first birthday themed party ideas here
At 11 months old, your twins are becoming more confident and they’ll be very clear about what they want and don’t want to do.
Let your twins help with basic tasks, like cleaning up toys at the end of playtime. Make a game out of asking them to find specific toys and dropping them in a bin. Or hand them each a wet washcloth to “help” clean up their spot at the table. It won’t be of much help to you but they will think it’s fun to be just like mom and ad.
Babies at this age love a special comfort toy (buy now). It provides them with a constant source of comfort in a world where nearly every day their world is rocked with something new. This toy may be a small stuffed animal or small blanket. Once your twins each find their own “lovey”, buy a couple of spares because you will eventually lose one or leave it at someone’s house.
If one or both of your babies are pulling up to stand but aren’t cruising yet, motivate them by placing a favorite toy a few feet away so they have to sidestep to get it. This will increase stability and coordination.
One benefit of having twins is that they always have a playmate. But soon it will be good to start having playdates with other babies or older children to introduce them to a wider variety of kids. This will help them develop important socialization skills. Don’t stress about doing this all the time — even once or twice a month will make a difference.
Babies biting? This is a very normal part of development, but it sure hurts! And if your twins are biting each other, that’s something you definitely need to address. Make sure you don’t react too strongly but do say “Ouch, that’s hurts.” and give a matching expression. Learn more about biting here
Does it sound like your twins might have their own twin language? Or that they understand each other’s babbling? Because both twins are developing at the same rate, they often reinforce each other’s attempts to communicate and copy one another’s immature speech patterns. Although “twin talk” may be cute, you should help your twins learn to use correct language when speaking by talking to them individually and reading to them so they hear plenty of words. Learn more about when twins start talking here
Start planning a little getaway with your partner without the twins. This is great way to celebrate making it through the first year and will also give your twins some time alone with other people you trust, such as family or close friends. Make this an annual goal: Get away with your partner at least once a year, just the two of you. This will allow you time to reconnect and keep your relationship strong.
Worried that one twin is developing faster than their twin? This is totally normal, even with identical twins. Try your best not to compare the two. It’s so hard not to! This will be one of your biggest challenges throughout their lives.
Try not to label your twins, such as “the shy one” or “the loud one”, which can put your kids in a category that may be difficult to change later on in the eyes of your family and friends. Discourage your family members from doing the same as well. As the twins grow, it’s important that they feel valued as individuals as well as having a close relationship as twins.
Keep an eye out for those 1st year molars. They often surface towards the end of the first year and when they come in expect a few rough days. Read more teething tips here
At 11 months old, your twins will be taking 24 to 32 ounces of breast milk or formula in a 24-hour period, plus solid foods three times a day.
Expect to go through 70 diapers per week for twins from now through their first birthday. Here’s where you can stock up: buy on Amazon. If your diapers are leaking on a regular basis, that’s the sign that you need to move up a size. If leaks are happening just at night, switch to an overnight diaper (buy on Amazon) or add a diaper booster pad (buy on Amazon).
On average, most babies will sleep 12-14 hours out of 24 and for twice as long at night (8-10 hours) as during the day. However, if your twins are still waking to eat at night your sleep will still be interrupted.
If you haven’t already, look into joining a local moms of multiples club (aka twin club). Read about local twin clubs here or join our Twiniversity monthly twin club on Zoom by signing up for a Twiniversity Membership.

Common concerns from the moms who have been there with twins 11 months old

When should I worried if they don’t say any words?
What can we do to keep our twins safe while they try to climb?
How can I teach them to be gentle with each other?
Why won’t my babies sleep through the night?
Why don’t my twins seem to like each other suddenly?

The Twins Tale Podcast by Twiniversity is an intimate look into the lives of twin parents and their twins at all ages and stages, from birth through college. We interview twin parents in the trenches and ask all the burning questions you want to know about raising twins: schedules that work, feeding your twins, getting out of the house, finding sanity, and so much more. Subscribe for FREE today!

Milestones & developmental leaps parents have noticed with twins 11 months old

What’s going on with development in twins 11 months old?

One or both of your babies are probably trying to pull themselves up to standing around this time.
You might see that your twins have finally mastered the pincer grasp. This opens a new world of snacking and playing for your twins.
You may see your twins waving their hands hello and good-bye. They’ve learned this from mimicking you!
This is a common time to hear baby’s first word. “Dada” is most common as the D sound is easier than most others to say. They’ll be saying “Mama” before you know it.
Play peek-a-boo with your twins. They are finally understanding this concept.
Your twins might be attempting their first steps now! Get the camera ready! Walking is common by 13 months, so don’t worry if they aren’t trying yet.
You twins are becoming more mobile than ever. Have you started babyproofing? Read more about keeping your twins safe here around the house here.
Your twins are probably trying to stand unassisted by now. Be prepared for lots of falling as they get their balance.
Many parents report their twins start cruising along furniture around now to get the hang of walking.
Once that first tooth breaks through it’s time to start a consistent oral care routine. Start slow with a child-sized toothbrush (buy on Amazon). You may opt to use a smear of fluoride-free toothpaste (buy on Amazon) about the size of a grain of rice.
This month may bring about new communication between your twins. Their incoherent babbling might make sense to them as they crack each other us! Don’t forget to record some of these “conversations”.
Your twins should bear weight when brought to a standing position. You may even see them bouncing on their legs.
Your babies are probably clapping now.

Inform your doctor if your child:

Doesn’t bear weight on legs
Doesn’t sit with help
Doesn’t babble (“mama”, “baba”, “dada”)
Doesn’t play any games involving back and forth play
Doesn’t respond to name
Doesn’t seem to recognize familiar people
Doesn’t look where you point
Doesn’t transfer toys from one hand to another

Challenges you might experience with twins 11 months old

There are some challenges to look out for with twins 11 months old

Your twins’ lack of communication skills might be frustrating you and them. You might see they are beginning to throw things in frustration. Learn how some twin parents have dealt with their twins throwing things here
Twin parents often report lots of falls as their twins begin to master standing and walking. Hang in there, this phase doesn’t last too long.
Separation anxiety may be rearing its ugly head again this month. See how one twin mom deals with this here
This is often around the time that your twins may begin fighting over toys and even you! Learn how to encourage sharing from an early age here
Parents say that dealing with twins with food allergies can be stressful around this time as you are learning who is allergic to what during these early months. Learn more tips to help deal with food allergies here

Tips from Parents of Twins 11 Months Old

Take some tips from experienced twin parents!

Put a mat or rug under their high chairs
Don’t wait for someone to offer to help. ASK!
Books are great for a little quiet entertainment for your twins
Let them try to self-soothe before you run to them
Prep as much ahead of time as you can
Re-check babyproofing often, just in case you miss something

Personal Advice from Parents of Twins 11 Months Old

“Wear one (or both) twins if you can to encourage bonding. It’s also helped us with our shy twin; he can still say hi to people, but be reassured we’re close by. Stick to your routines. Especially when holidays are approaching. We strayed during Thanksgiving and it took days to recover. I wasn’t a “routine person” with my singleton, and that was easy enough, but with two it’s been so necessary. As they get older it’s so tempting to wing it, but it’s not worth it! I’m finding it really helpful to prep meals ahead of time if I can. (Because with 3 under 3 that’s soooo easy, LOL…) so when they’re cranky and hungry it’s faster to get on the table. I’m really working on letting go of trying to have my house super organized. There’s no time for that!” Laura S.

“Work on self-soothing for baby to get back to sleep. Baby-led weaning is a lot of work but also so rewarding and enjoyable at times. Lots of independent playtime on the floor to continue working on strength. Read all the books. Take time to notice as their play shifts focus from demolishing everything to more focused tasks. Keep chugging along, somehow the first year is almost over!” Katie T.

“Make plans for them to see family/friends who should have a close relationship with them as often as possible so they don’t feel “stranger danger” against them. Imitation games with gestures are very entertaining this week. Keep a couple of toy and board book options at the changing table.” Melissa D.

“Accept that you are going to get less sleep during these periods of developmental growth, whether it’s a new skill or a new tooth! Remember that all babies are different when it comes to eating solids. Some may not take to it as easily as others. Resist the temptation to stay up late as “me time.” Go to bed soon after the kids go to sleep. You need all the sleep you can get! Start thinking about the first birthday and have fun coming up with party ideas! If either of your babies is less cuddly because they are so active, try to remember that they are eager to practice a new skill. The cuddles will return!” Laura M

“Keep a schedule especially for the nighttime routine. Promote a lot of floor time. Roll with the punches. Give a toy or something very interesting while changing the babies — they are quick. Babyproof and consolidate them in one area!” Amy V.

“Every day they are going to learn something new and amaze you, but they are also going to learn new things that are going to drive you crazy. My girls learned how to stand up while taking baths this week and lets just say bedtime has become my least favorite time of day this week. That being said, it’ll get different. They may start to do some new annoying, scary, or tiresome thing next week but just know it will change, sometimes for better, sometimes not, but every new thing they do is because they are developing their personalities and exploring life and boundaries!” Jennifer K.

“Trust your instincts when they are sick. The baby food self feeders keep them busy. Don’t try and keep them up when the time changes. Don’t spend too much money on toys-they like empty water bottles just as well. Baby proofing everything is impossible. Just do the best you can.” Hannah L.

https://www.twiniversity.com/2018/04/12-ways-to-capture-twin-milestones/

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Questions you might have for your pediatrician about your twins 11 months old

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends babies get doctor checkups at birth, 3 to 5 days after birth and then at 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 24 months. Reminder that twins = two co-pays for each doctor’s visit.

Should we be getting rid of bottles now?
Are there any foods that are off-limits?
Should we start a food allergy prevention program?
How can we foster language development in our twins?
Is it okay to give water yet?
Should we be doing anything to prepare for a transition to milk yet?

You might want these items for your twins 11 months old

Crawling Tunnel (buy on Amazon)
Soft blankey lovey toys (buy on Amazon)
Soft soled cruising shoes (buy on Amazon)
Stacking cups (buy on Amazon)
Shape sorters (buy on Amazon)
Push button toys (buy on Amazon)
Finger foods for babies (buy on Amazon)
Teething biscuits (buy on Amazon)
Nonslip baby socks (buy on Amazon)
Push toys to practice walking (buy on Amazon)
Twin Go twin baby carrier (buy on Amazon)
MAM Pacifers for 6+ months (buy on Amazon) — throw out the 0-6 month pacifiers
Expandable Play Yard (buy on Amazon)
Bath kneeler and elbow rest (buy on Amazon)
Baby bath seat (buy on Amazon)
Bath toy storage (buy on Amazon)
Bath toys (buy on Amazon)
Baby hair rinsing pitcher (buy on Amazon)
Bath spout cover (buy on Amazon)
Infrared forehead thermometer (buy on Amazon)
Toy keys (buy on Amazon)
Toy cell phone (buy on Amazon)
Baby musical toys (buy on Amazon)
Mesh chewers for soft fruits and veggies (buy on Amazon)
Baby bowls, spoons, and plates (buy on Amazon)
Childproofing items (buy on Amazon)
Dr. Brown’s Cheers 360 Trainer Cup (buy on Amazon)
MAM Learn to Brush Set (get two — buy on Amazon)
Tom’s of Maine Fluoride-Free Strawberry Toothpaste (buy on Amazon)
Munchkin Mozart Music Cube (buy on Amazon)
Soft sensory books (buy on Amazon)
Double stroller (check out our double stroller guide here)
Structured baby carrier (buy on Amazon)
Teethers (buy on Amazon)
High chairs (buy on Amazon)
Romp & Roost LUXE Playard (learn more)
NoseFrida the “Snotsucker” (buy on Amazon)
Baby toys like the Whoozit (buy on Amazon), the Winkle (buy on Amazon), Take Along Tunes (buy on Amazon), and a floor mirror (buy on Amazon)
For more recommended baby products, click here

You might want these items for yourself

Twins monthly milestone baby blanket (buy on Amazon)
Milestone baby photo cards (buy on Amazon)
Self-care items such as makeup, hair products, new clothes, or anything to make you feel human again

twins 11 months old

Feeding and nap schedule for twins 11 months old

You’re really going to want a schedule for your twins 11 months old! Be adaptable, but try to be as consistent as you can. Here is a suggested feeding and nap schedule for twins 11 months old.

7:00 – Wake up time! First feeding of the day (bottles or breastfed)
8:00 – Free playtime
9:00 – Breakfast (solids)
10:00 – Nap (at least 1 hour)
11:00 – Feeding (bottles or breastfed)
12:00 – Free playtime
1:00 – Lunchtime (solids)
2:00 – Nap (at least 1 hour)
3:00 – Feeding (bottles or breastfed)
4:00 – Free playtime
5:00 – Dinnertime (solids)
5:30 – Bath time
6:00 – Book time & final bottles or breastfeed
7:00 – Bedtime

Do the best you can every day to keep them on the same feeding and sleeping schedule. When you get off track try again for the next feeding or nap.

Do everything in your power to feed your twins together to make sure you get breaks. If they are on opposite feeding schedules, you will never get a break — and you deserve one!

https://www.twiniversity.com/2020/01/sleep-regressions-a-tired-twin-moms-advice/

Sleep advice from The Sleep Lady

When it comes to your twins 11 months old, you may feel like they are starting to finally get the hang of sleep training. Stick to the plan and the routines you have set up and we promise, any sleep regressions will pass!

The Sleep Lady, Kim West, LCSW-C says: “Your child should go into their crib calm and not too sleepy. You want them fed, dry, warm, loved and awake enough to know what’s going on. If her eyes are drooping, her body is kind of limp or she falls asleep in less than five minutes, she was probably too drowsy. Try the next night with a slightly more calm but awake child.”

See more of what The Sleep Lady Recommends about your twins’ sleep here.

When to call the doctor

It’s better to overreact 100% of the time than to underreact once.
Natalie Diaz, Twiniversity Founder and Mom of Twins

When it comes to calling your doctor or seeking medical advice, you have to learn to trust yourself. If you feel something isn’t right, it probably isn’t when it comes to your twins 11 months old. When in doubt, call. That’s why the offices have an answering service and staff on call at night or on the weekends.

That being said, there are a few guidelines to follow. There are a few circumstances under which you should call your doctor and get medical advice, or even call 911. When you call you should have a pen and paper handy and be prepared to give the following information over the phone:

Immunization records
Any medications, dosages, and times last taken (even over the counter drugs)
Medical history
Your baby’s temperature
Mention that the baby is a twin, in case of a contagious illness

Any time you see the following symptoms with your twins you should contact your pediatrician immediately.

Blood in vomit
Blood in stool
Seizure
Suspected poisoning
Bleeding you cannot stop
Unable to move
Limpness
A rectal temperature of 100.4 or above
Sleeps more than usual or will not wake up
Yellow skin or eyes

Call your doctor as soon as possible if one or both of your twins experiences any of the following.

Refusal to eat for multiple feedings in a row
Diarrhea or vomiting
A cold that will not resolve itself or gets worse
Unexplained rash
Signs of dehydration (no tears, no wet diapers, sunken eyes, sunken soft spot)
Ear drainage
Will not stop crying

When to call 911

Please note that when you call 911, you and your baby will be taken to the nearest emergency room. This may or may not be located at your preferred hospital.

Your baby is turning blue or taking more than 60 breaths per minute
Your baby has a seizure which lasts more than 3 minutes or you cannot reach their doctor by phone immediately
Suffers from convulsions, unconsciousness, or irregular breathing following a fall or from bleeding
You think your baby may have a skull, neck, back, or pelvic fracture (DON’T move your baby)
Your baby suffers from a compound fracture where bone is sticking out from the skin (cover it with a clean cloth and do not touch it)
Your baby has bleeding you cannot stop after applying pressure for 10 minutes

Again, learn to trust your gut. When in doubt, call and see what your doctor thinks. Believe it or not, they’re happy to help.

What you should read for twins 11 months old

Twiniversity membership — Check out our Twiniversity Memberships today!

We know that twin parenting can be very isolating and overwhelming. No one else will truly GET YOU like other parents of twins. That’s why we launched Twiniversity Memberships as a way to offer our twin parents more ways to connect with other twin parents (virtually) and gain more parenting education. Highlights of these memberships include monthly Twiniversity twin club meetings hosted on Zoom, a private Facebook group just for twin parents to ask questions, and a learner library with exclusive videos of Nat’s tips and tricks for twin parenting. Click here for all the details on what the memberships include!

Don’t forget to do these things with twins 11 months old

Chaos has officially become your new normal your twins 11 months old. We have put together a few things to remember that will surely help you out in the coming weeks. You’ve got this!

Start thinking about their first birthday! It’s starting to sneak up on you and you don’t want to be running around any more frazzled than necessary to get a plan together. Think about traditions you want to start.
Schedule 1-year pictures. You’ll be glad you have them many years from now, even if you just have a friend help take something nice for you. It doesn’t have to be expensive.
Plan a big date night. Date nights can be one of those things that almost seem like a chore, but once you’re on a date with your partner, you can’t remember why you put it off. Plan one and go out!
You know your babies best. Don’t let anyone else convince you of something when it comes to your babies. Trust your instincts and don’t let people push their ideas on you. Remember this when it comes to feeding, sleeping, everything. As long as babies are happy and healthy, you do you!

An excerpt from Twiniversity founder Natalie Diaz’s book, “What To Do When You’re Having Two“

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Weaning Your Twins

When to wean your twins can be a difficult decision for many moms. I’m actually not sure if weaning is harder on the mom or the twins! The weaning process can happen at any time from a few weeks after the babies are born to years later. The process itself can take days, weeks, or months. It all depends on you and your family. There is no one perfect way to do this, but there are ways to make it easier on you and the babies when the time comes.

Here are my best tips for making weaning as painless a transition as possible for all of you.

Go Gradual

Start by dropping one feeding every few days. When you drop each feeding, replace the breast milk with a glass of milk (or formula if they are under a year) and a snack and replace the time that you normally would’ve spent nursing with snuggling or story time. This way, the twins won’t feel like they’re losing out on their quality time with you. Going “cold turkey” would probably be a very difficult transition for your twins and make them feel disconnected from you and each other. Slow and steady wins the race during the weaning process. I also suggest dropping the last feeding of the day last, as the bedtime feeding provides a great deal of comfort as well as nutrition.

Put Your Twins in the Driver’s Seat

If you’re not in a rush to wean, you can try letting the twins decide when they’re ready to wean instead of making the decision for them. The downside of this technique could be that the twins never make this tough decision, or one decides to continue breast-feeding while the other one stops. If one twin continues and one twin stops, the one who’s no longer nursing might start to feel jealous of the time that you’re spending with the one that still is. Just be careful and make sure that you spend one on one time with each of them to make up for this.