The First Year with Twins Week 52

Last updated on October 30th, 2023 at 05:38 pm

Learn what to expect with your infant twins 12 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 12 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 twin parenting year! Congratulations! Woo hoo! 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 12 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 12 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 preemie developmental milestones here

What to Expect with Twins 12 Months Old

We hope you have a big birthday blowout planned to celebrate making it to the BIG ONE!!! This is a HUGE milestone for parents of twins! Celebrate it like you just finished a marathon and treat yourself to something special. You deserve it!! Most babies experience separation anxiety at this age, so aim for a smaller group of your closest family and friends. Keep the party short (60 – 90 minutes is ideal) and start the party half and hour after they wake from a nap and make sure to feed them before the guests arrive. Don’t go overboard on gifts — they will probably have more fun with the wrapping paper — and if guests ask for gift ideas, tell them to bring children’s books to build up your twins’ library.
As you reach the end your twins’ first year, reflect on just how much you’ve learned and be proud of yourselves as parents. You are officially baby experts!
Are your twins showing signs that they’re almost ready to walk? It could be coming any day now. I hope you’ve got your running shoes ready! Read more tips to deal when your twins start running in opposite directions
Your twins are now capable of patting, poking, and pinching. Don’t be surprised if they start doing this to each other, the family pet, and to you. They are testing their own strength and abilities. Keep a close eye on them to redirect this behavior when you see it. Take your baby’s hand and do a gentle touch to their sibling or pet while saying, “nice” and “gentle” to encourage positive behavior.
Cheap fun can be found in almost any (safe) household object. My twins used to love climbing on a case of paper towels, rolling through laundry, and ripping up junk mailers. You don’t have to spend a fortune on toys when they are all around you. Read more ideas for cheap and diy fun here
At around 12 months, your twins will be able to tell the difference between a photograph of him/herself and that of another baby. They are beginning to understand that they are separate from you. Self-awareness is growing at a rapid pace as well as increasing control of how their bodies move.
After they hit their first birthday you can start to wean them off bottles and have them drink cow’s milk from a cup. Most babies start with whole milk but check with your doctor if your child has a dairy allergy or intolerance on alternatives.
It will be a while before your twins can eat successfully with a spoon but they will love trying. Give them plenty of opportunities with thicker foods like yogurt and applesauce.
You may be getting ready to move up from an infant car seat to a convertible car seat. This isn’t necessary until your twins outgrow their infant seats by height or weight, but when that day comes, make sure you do your research. Learn more car seat tips here
If you’re still breastfeeding and need help weaning, we have can help. Read more about weaning here
As you reach the 1st birthday, your twins need about 14 hours of sleep a day. They may have two naps totaling 2-3 hours or one 2-hour nap, plus 11-12 hours of sleep overnight. When they are ready to transition to just 1 nap a day, plan to put them down after lunch, around 1:00 pm.
When to get rid of the pacifiers? The AAP says around their 1st birthday. Pacifier use should decrease around 12 months as not to impede speech and, eventually, be limited to bedtime. Aim to be done with pacifiers by their 3rd birthday, but default to your pediatric dentist or pediatrician’s recommendations. Learn more about dropping the binky habit here
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 12 Months Old

How do I deal with double tantrums?
When should I worry if they aren’t walking yet?
What can I do to encourage my twins to share?
How delayed is too delayed when it comes to twins and language?
How can we cut costs with twins?

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 12 Months Old

What’s going on with development in twins 12 months old?

At 12 months, your babies are probably waving at you when you come home or leave
Your twins are probably passing items between one another now.
Many twin parents confirm that their twins were saying “Dada” and even “Mama” around now
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 might notice your twins are sorting and stacking when they play nowadays.
You twins are becoming more mobile than ever. Have you started babyproofing? Read more about keeping your twins safe here
Many parents report that their twins start cruising along furniture around now to get the hang of walking.
It’s time to start a consistent oral care routine if you haven’t already. 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 twins may be throwing things by now. It’s great for a ball outside, but keep an eye on the breakables for a bit.
You might see your babies put their limbs out to help with dressing. When you take out their jacket they might thrust their arm at you.

Inform your doctor if your child:

Doesn’t crawl
Can’t stand when supportive
Doesn’t search for things you hide
Doesn’t point at things
Doesn’t learn gestures like waiting or shaking head
Loses skills they once had
Doesn’t say single words like “mama or “dada”

Challenges You Might Experience With Twins 12 Months Old

There are some challenges to look out for with twins 12 months old

Are your twins biting? This is a common complaint around this time. Read more about how to deal with biting here
Many twins struggle with the transition from formula to milk. Read what some twins parents had to say about making the switch
Some twin parents say naps become more difficult for their babies at about 1 year. Read more on nap schedules for 1 year 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 sharing here
Parents say that they are dealing with twins who get into everything, now that they are mobile. Learn about keeping your babies safe here

Tips from Parents of Twins 12 Months Old

Take some tips from experienced twin parents!

Don’t be too quick to dismiss a new food if your babies don’t like it at first
Don’t beat yourself up if the baby books aren’t done yet.
The first birthday party is as much for you as them. Enjoy it!
Prepare for them to fight. A lot.
Don’t compare your twins to other mom’s singletons
Take more pictures than you think you should. They will LOVE to look at them with you soon!

Personal Advice from Parents of Twins 12 Months Old

“Accept that they will do things at different speeds. Be kind to your partner. Be kind to yourself. The toys are always messy, just deal with it. Stop worrying and just watch them, they literally are changing right in front of us.”
Jenna W.

“Keep them busy or they will keep you busy getting into trouble. Mess their schedule up once a week if they will let you. Rotate your toys. Snuggle and love them because they are almost one. Give them food they can feed themselves. I feed them oatmeal for breakfast and they have finger foods for lunch and dinner.”
Jessica W.

“Take in every last moment and celebrate the imminent milestone of their 1st birthday! Silence is suspicious. Peek-a-boo is the best game ever. I should have started planning their party already. They are eating 3 meals and snacks now! Feed them actual food whenever possible! You’ll start to miss the infancy stage. This is a trap set by mother nature. Do not fall for it.”
Shanen O.

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 12 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.

PRINTABLE – Doctor Questions 12 Months Old

When can we get rid of the bottles?
How much whole milk should my babies be drinking daily?
Should I worry if my preemies haven’t caught up in size yet?
How much water should my twins be drinking each day?
What vaccinations will they be getting today?
When is a good time to stop using pacifiers?
When is it safe for my twins to use a pillow and blanket in their cribs?

You Might Want These Items for Your Twins 12 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)
Indoor bounce house
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

A super cute Twin Mom T-shirt (buy on Amazon)
A funny Twin Dad T-shirt (buy on Amazon)
Self-care items such as makeup, hair products, new clothes, or anything to make you feel human again

twins 12 months old

Feeding and Nap Schedule for Twins 12 Months Old

You’re really going to want a schedule for your twins 12 months old! Be adaptable, but try to be as consistent as you can. Here is a suggested feeding and nap schedule for twins 12 months old. You will notice that milk is primarily given in addition to a meal, not used as a meal itself now.

7:00 – Wake up time! Breakfast and Milk
8:00 – Free playtime
9:00 – Snack
10:00 – Nap (at least 1 hour)
12:00 – Lunch and Milk
12:00 – Free playtime
2:00 – Nap (at least 1 hour)
3:00 – Snack
4:00 – Free playtime
5:00 – Dinner and Milk
5:30 – Bath time
6:00 – Book time & Milk
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 Advice From the Sleep Lady

When it comes to your twins 12 months old, you may feel like your babies are struggling to nap. You might be wondering what-if anything-can be done about it.

The Sleep Lady, Kim West, LCSW-C says: “In order to make sure that your child is getting the most out of their daytime sleep, you need to understand your child’s minimum nap requirements. For the first six months, it’s important to just follow your baby’s sleep cues and help them get as much sleep as they need. Beyond six months, you can begin to follow a flexible schedule for their meals and naps, which can be accomplished with gentle nap training.”

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 12 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 12 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 12 Months Old

Chaos has officially become your new normal with your twins 12 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!

Enjoy their first birthday! This day is as much for you as it is for them. Maybe more. Enjoy it and celebrate how far you have all come in just 1 year!
Get some cute frames. Go through and frame some of your favorite pictures from the last year and enjoy a walk down memory lane.
Plan a trip. Maybe you and your husband go away for a weekend. Maybe you and your sister book a spa treatment nearby and spend the night in a fancy hotel. Or maybe you just go to an Airbnb and spend the night in a small beach town, eating tacos and changing from bathing suit to bathing suit. Just do SOMETHING to get out of the monotony.
Give yourself a pat on the back. Do you remember the panic that set in when you realized what having twins meant? Do remember worrying you would never get the hang of parenting two little babies at once? Look at all you have accomplished in the last year. You’re doing a great job, fellow twin parent! Keep it up!

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“

Time flies by so fast, so make sure to cherish each moment as it comes. Never let the stress become more important than the precious babies right in front of you. If I could give you one last piece of advice, it would be this – take lots of pictures and make sure to back them up! We have lost two computers since our twins were born and lost all of the photos on the hard drive along with them.

Never forget that every day is an opportunity to create memories, and a new chance to raise your children the way that you want them to be raised. No matter how hard yesterday was, you’ll have the gift of a new day with every sunrise. There is no more important or difficult job in life than being a parent. There’s no sick time, no paid vacation days, and not even overtime, but you can’t beat the bonuses. My twins are my reasons for living. They make me want to be a better person every day because they think the best of me even when I don’t think it of myself.

BUY THE BOOK