The First Year with Twins 9 Months Old

Last updated on November 1st, 2023 at 09:05 am

Learn what to expect with your infant twins 9 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 9 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 8 months as a twin parent and you’re now heading into your ninth month of 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 9 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 9 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. Learn more about your preemies and developmental milestones here

What to Expect with Twins 9 Months Old

At 9 months old, your twins’ pincer grip — what they use to pick things up — is starting to develop, making it much easier for them to handle and play with objects. Give them plenty of opportunities to practice with toys or safe household objects (wooden spoons, mixing bowls, etc.) of all shapes and sizes.
At this age your twins have the ability to understand cause and effect, which means that one action causes another action. Look for toys that have buttons, pulls, and switches that create an effect, such as a sound, light, or motion. Stacking cups (buy on Amazon), shape sorters (buy on Amazon), and toys with lids are great to encourage problem-solving skills.
Are your twins having a hard time concentrating on activities? It might be because there’s too much background noise. Your twins’ brains are not mature enough to stream sounds, which means that they cannot select what they hear by focusing on it. During playtime, turn off the TV, turn down the music, and see if that helps them to concentrate more.
Is it OK for your twins to watch TV? The AAP discourages children under 18-month-old from any screen time (other than video chats). But is that realistic? Not really. Especially for parents of twins, having to entertain two babies all day long is exhausting and you’re always looking for what else you can do with them. Instead of banning TV, use it mindfully and for short periods of time. Interact with your twins while they watch to make it a social activity. Put on a quality children’s program (you can’t go wrong with Sesame Street) and point to objects and name them as they shown, repeat rhymes to reinforce the rhythm, and and act out any actions that go with them.
Talk to your twins to describe your activities throughout the day so they develop an understanding of the world. Remember that you are your twins’ first teacher — everything you help them to understand in these formative months forms the basis of their curiosity, self-belief, memory, vocabulary, imagination, and much more.
Your twins will soon start cruising (walking while holding on to something like a table or wall). Make sure that the furniture is sturdy and will support their weight and move any items with sharp edges out of the way. Don’t leave your twins alone while they’re cruising. Take off their socks to that their toes can grip the floor and help them balance.
Thinking about taking a swim class with your twins? Just a heads up –you’ll need a second adult with you in the water. Ah, the joy of twins! Baby classes in general can be very difficult if there’s only one caregiver for two babies. But if you only take one class, make it a swimming class. This will promote a healthy respect for water and encourage their development too. It’s also a fun family activity to enjoy on a weekly basis.
At 9 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.
Start introducing stage 2 and stage 3 solids, which combine more than one flavor.
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.
Are you worried that you’re not getting into shape fast enough after your twins pregnancy? Please cut yourself some slack. Your body will need a full year to recover from your high risk pregnancy. There are no trophies for postpartum body bounce-back, so quit trying to keep up with the Kardashians. That doesn’t mean you can’t eat better or start to exercise. Just know that recovery takes time and you can’t hold yourself to the same standards as your friends who had just one baby at a time, let alone celebrities with a whole staff to cater to their every need (yes, even Beyonce).
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.

Want to be the first to know about giveaways, deals, and more just for twin parents? Sign up for the Twiniversity email list! Subscribe today to get emails about giveaways, events, weekly article roundups, and more! Pregnant with twins? We’ll be sending you a weekly twin pregnancy email to keep you on track with your pregnancy to-do list! Click here to learn more… and while you’re at it, check out our Complete Baby Safety Course and Twin Parent Memberships.

Common Concerns From the Moms Who Have Been There With Twins 9 Months Old

Am I splitting my time well between my twins?
When will my babies sit up alone?
How can we manage separation anxiety?
Should my twins be sleeping through the night yet?
What can I do to make sure my twins are eating enough?

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 9 Months Old

What’s going on with development in twins 9 months old?

One or both of your babies may begin to try to pull themselves up to standing around this time.
You might see that your twins have finally mastered the pincer grasp.
You may see your twins waving their hands hello and good-bye. They’ve learned this from mimicking you!
One or both of your twins can probably understand the word “no”.
Play peek-a-boo with your twins. They are finally understanding this concept.
One or both of your twins may be showing signs of getting their first tooth. They may be fussy, drooling, and irritable as they begin teething. Check out some of our best teething tips here.
You twins are becoming more mobile than ever. Have you started babyproofing? Read about keeping your twins safe around the house here
Your babies are probably pointing at things with their fingers.
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.
Your twins are probably sitting up without assistance now.
Your babies may begin to hold their own bottles and pacifiers around now.
Your babies should recognize their names by now.
Your twins will pass objects from one hand to the other.
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 9 Months Old

There are some challenges to look out for with twins 9 months old

Staying ahead of babyproofing the house is becoming more difficult as they are moving and getting into things more. Learn about Learn more about making your house safer with babyproofing here
Many parents report trouble getting their twins to nap around this time. See how some Learn how some parents get their twins to nap here
Your twins may seem to hate solids and be displaying picky eating tendencies. Read about how to introduce solids here
This is often around the time that your twins may begin fighting over toys and even you! Learn how to encourage your twins to share from an early age here
Many twin parents report that this is when their babies start trying to escape. They try to escape their cribs, diaper changes, even car seats. Be patient, it will pass.

Tips from Parents of Twins 9 Months Old

Take some tips from experienced twin parents!

Triple check your babyproofing
Keep both babies on the same schedule
Don’t ever run out of teething crackers
Let them start working on learning to self-soothe
Prep the diaper bag the night before
Don’t forget to take care of you

Personal Advice from Parents of Twins 9 Months Old

“When your baby is fussy – add water! Any sort of water is a great distraction, drinking from a cup or bottle, bath time, play with a bowl of water. Go outside to explore and keep their minds busy. Don’t pick up the baby every time they cry. Offer other soothing options to avoid creating a “scream for attention” pattern. Go on a play date. My kids finally like other kids and its been fun to see them engage. Offer baby self-feeding options: hard apple chunks, jicama spears, large carrots, etc. baby loves to feed themselves and explore new textures and tastes.”
Kat T.

“Organization makes everything easier. Don’t compare the two when it comes to milestones. Try to give them each one on one time. Having them on a consistent bedtime routine helps a lot with sleeping. Snuggle them as much as you can because time is going by so quickly.”
Anna D.

“Don’t push food too hard if they aren’t taking it try again in a few days. Baby gates are your friends. Helps keep them safe. Keep papers and other things you need well out of reach. Take some toys with you when going places to help keep them entertained. Check diaper bag frequently make sure you have the right clothes in there for the weather.”
Shannon S.

“Don’t be afraid to use medicine such as Tylenol or ibuprofen to help ease their pain. Read to them. Lately, I have started noticing the twins paying attention when I read to their big brother. Don’t overreact when they have minor bumps or tiny accidents. Their reaction is often based on yours. We have struggled with diapers rashes. Especially for twin B. We switched back to the name brand diapers and it got better. Sometimes you just have to spend a little extra money. Buy a baby “corral” system. Interlocking gate panels that create a safe enclosed space for the babies to play. Otherwise, you won’t be able to leave the room to use the restroom without wondering what they will get into!”
Betsy F.

“Remember that “perfect” is not a requirement when being a good mom. Having one baby is hard for people and we’re doing two! Try to focus less on having the perfect picture moments and just be present with the twins and enjoy them being little because soon they will be toddlers!”
Jessica M.

“Stay in a good routine especially bed time routine so there’s no sleep regression. Cut up finger foods very small so they can learn to feed themselves. Keep outlets, wires, and anything potentially dangerous covered as they get into everything. Use their individual names when speaking to each one as they’re starting to understand more, and won’t be confused by which name is theirs. Lower the crib mattress as they start trying to climb out.”
Terry H.

12 Ways to Capture Twin Milestones

Got twins? Us too! The Twiniversity Podcast with Natalie Diaz was created BY parents of twins FOR parents of twins, from your pregnancy days through your twin’s teenage years, this podcast covers it all. It’s all about parenting twins, offering plenty of strategies for making life better, parenting hacks, and, of course, humor. We are laughing WITH you every step of the way.

Questions You Might Have for Your Pediatrician About Your Twins 9 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.

Doctor Questions PRINTABLE – 9 Months Old

What are the best kind of sippy cups for my twins?
What foods should we still be avoiding at this age?
Should we start a food allergy prevention program?
How often should my babies eat solids?
How can we help with cold symptoms?
What is the best oral care routine for 9 months?

You Might Want These Items for Your Twins 9 Months Old

Diaper Booster Pad (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)
White noise machine (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 9 months old

Feeding and Nap Schedule for Twins 9 Months Old

You’re really going to want a schedule for your twins 9 months old! Be adaptable, but try to be consistent when you can. Here is a suggested feeding and nap schedule for twins 9 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
6:30 or 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!

Sleep Regressions: A Tired Twin Mom’s Advice

Sleep Advice From the Sleep Lady

When it comes to your twins 9 months old, you may feel like they will ALWAYS need you to be within arms reach in order to fall asleep and stay asleep. We can assure you that eventually things really DO get better, even with twins!

The Sleep Lady, Kim West, LCSW-C says: “Most babies can now pull themselves up and stand—which creates some new twists at bedtime or naptime when you put them down in the crib and they can pop back up again. I usually tell parents not to intervene (if the baby knows how to get down), or to put the baby down once, but only once. While you are sitting next to the crib, pat the mattress, and encourage your baby to lie down. If you sit, he will be more likely to sit down to be on your level.”

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 9 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 9 Months Old

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!

Don’t Forget to Do These Things With Twins 9 Months Old

You probably feel like you’re starting to fall into a bit of a routine with your twins 9 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!

Check-in with your partner. This is a great time to check in with your partner. Make sure you’re on the same page and taking care of yourselves and each other to prevent twin parenting burnout!
Save mementos and take notes. You’ll be glad you have records of everything when you finally get around to setting up those baby books one day!
Don’t compare. This goes for your whole family. Is one twin lagging just a bit behind the other when it comes to meeting milestones? That’s okay. Are you having a hard time finding the balance between being a wife and a mother, even though your sister picked it up no problem with her baby last year? That’s okay. You and your babies are different. Let’s be honest, it always looks easier from the outside anyway.
Do one thing you enjoy. Find something you enjoy and make time for it. Is it binge-watching the latest season of your favorite show? Is it checking out a new restaurant in town? Going on an overnight trip to a spa? Maybe just sleeping for a few uninterrupted hours? Whatever it is, make time for it and do it at least once during this month.

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

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

Trains, Planes, and Automobiles

Whether it’s a simple car trip to grandma’s house or a cross-country flight, any type of travel with young twins can be an adventure all on its own. But that doesn’t mean that you have to be house (or neighborhood) bound for your entire twins’ first year! Follow these tips from Twiniversity moms who have mastered the art of twin travel and the trip will be a lot less bumpy.

Before heading out on a big trip, make sure that you write down lists of all the items you’ll need to bring with you for every member of the family. These lists can be anywhere – on your phone, on a notepad, or on a sheet of paper. Just make sure that they include everything you need and that you check them while you pack your bags. Not only will these lists come in handy when you’re packing for your trip, they’ll ensure that you have everything with you when it’s time to come home. The lists should include things like medications, favorite toys, and even underwear and socks or a particular outfit that you want the twins to wear on the trip. This will take all of the guesswork out of packing and make your destination feel like home away from home.

BUY THE BOOK