When having twins, you should plan to complete all your preparations before your 30^th week of your twin pregnancy. 

• Twin pregnancies experience a much higher rate of bed rest than singleton pregnancies.
• Twin pregnancies experience a higher rate of pre-term labor.
• If you manage to make it into or through your 3^rd trimester, you will very likely be so tired that you will not be able to accomplish much on your to-do list.

 Tasks you can (and should) complete before the 30^th week of pregnancy

• Nursery setup

The most important piece of equipment for your nursery is a crib. It is not necessary to get two cribs immediately, as you may wish to have your twins share a crib at first.  Twins often take comfort from sharing a crib.

• Stock the freezer with meals 

Whether you make meals ahead and freeze them, use a service where you prepare 30 days of meals in advance, buy pre-made warehouse meals, or schedule family and friends to bring meals — you will not regret being prepared in this way. When your twins arrive, you will be so relieved to have meals at the ready.

• Organize your help schedule

 When expecting twins, many will offer help. Our tendency is to say thank you, but then never to bring it up again. You must resist this tendency! Practice accepting offers of help. Think about what types of help you are willing to accept. When friends and family offer to help, be prepared to tell them specifically how they can help.  Try using a “care” calendar.  These online calendars allow you to list your needs and facilitate sign ups for help. Don’t be shy — you’ll be needing help.

• Get your equipment basics

 As we mentioned earlier, your most critical equipment need is your crib. Don’t go too overboard and purchase everything you’ll need to raise your twins into adulthood. Just focus on the needs to cover the first 3 months. You’ll have time later to purchase additional equipment and supplies for the next stage.  The second most important piece of equipment is your stroller. For your first stroller, we recommend a Snap ‘N Go, or convertable system that allows you to put your infant car seats into the stroller.  This will save you headaches when your twins are sleeping soundly and you don’t have to remove them from their car seats to put them into the stroller.

• Prepare birth announcements and thank-you notes

This is a great time review styles for birth announcements and thank-you notes. Pick out the layout and shop around for prices. Prepare as much of the information in advance as possible. You can even address envelopes so they will be ready to personalize and pop in the mail.

Completing your preparations before the 30th week will give you peace of mind as you move into the final weeks of your twin pregnancy. Enjoy this time as you prepare for your little ones.

Copyright 2011 – Kathryn Whiteley / TwinParenthood.com

Having twins is life changing. Every day brings new joys and challenges. Recently going back to work has made me reflect fondly on the things I most love about having twins. I miss my sweeties!

10 things to love about having twins

1. MoM to MoM Connections
   As soon as you’re pregnant with twins (or triplets, or more), you’ve got an instant connection, and instant bond with other MoMs (Mothers of multiples). No one “gets it” like  another mother of multiples — except maybe a dad of multiples.
2. Built in Playmate
   Parents of singletons spend a good chunk of time entertaining thier kids. Its not that parents of multiples don’t, but after a couple years of intense parenting, we deserve a little bit of a break.
3. The Twin Bond
   Twins form a fantastic bond that is a joy to see. They are each others greatest comfort in life, and become bff’s. There are exceptions to prove the rule, but mostly twins have a connection that non-twins will never fully understand.
4. Rock Star MoM/Dad
   You have a built in ice breaker with strangers — even when you don’t have your twins with you. And, you can’t go out with twins and not be stopped and asked a ton of questions. Most of the time, this is really great. But not always. That’s why this one makes both our best and worst list.
5. Consolidated Effort
   Raising kids is tough. The first couple of years with twins is really tough. But as they get older, you can consolidate your child rearing effort. Combined birthday parties, combined potty training, and two kids on the same sport teams, for example, can begin to ease your parenting burdon.
6. Sharing Clothing
   Having extra clothing of the same size has saved us on more than one occassion. And it makes for putting clothing away in the dresser and closet much easier, too.
7. Singles Now a Breeze
   On those rare occasions that you are caring for just one baby, it is amazing how easy it seems. One of our favorite mantras is “It’s all relative”. That is, having one baby is tough and makes for sleepless nights. And yet, when you’ve had two, caring for one seems like a breeze.
8. Twin Discounts
   Many stores offer discounts when buying for twins. Often, these discounts are not advertised, so don’t be afraid to ask.  And when you’re shopping, if you can’t decide between two items, you can just buy them both!
9. His & Hers
   Each parent has an extraordinary opportunity to bond with their sweet babies. There is never a shortage of opportunities to care for your babies.
10. Double Hugs, Kisses, & Love
    Having twins is truly a double blessing.  Nothing more to say.

copyright 2011 – TwinParenthood / Kathryn Whiteley