Dad's Guide to Twins

Joe Rawlinson, twin pregnancy and raising twins expert
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Survive the twin pregnancy and thrive as a father of twins

  1. JAN 28

    Navigating the Two-to-One Nap Transition with Twins

    The transition from two naps to one is honestly one of the trickier phases of twin parenting. I remember when my girls hit this stage around 16 months, and suddenly our predictable rhythm fell apart for a few weeks. One twin was ready, the other wasn’t, and we found ourselves managing different schedules while also trying to keep everyone from melting down by 4 p.m. Here’s what I learned from our experience and what actually works when your twins are making this shift. Quick Takeaways Most twins transition between 15-18 months, but they don’t always do it at the same time The transition period usually lasts 2-6 weeks of some days needing two naps, other days just one Aim for a midday nap around 12:30-1:00 p.m. once they’re fully transitioned Early bedtimes (sometimes 30-60 minutes earlier) can save you on rough one-nap days Your twins will eventually sync up, even if they’re on different schedules temporarily How You Know They’re Ready For One Nap Your twins might be ready to drop that morning nap when they start fighting it consistently, taking forever to fall asleep, or when one nap becomes ridiculously short (like 20 minutes). With my girls, one would lie in her crib talking to herself for 45 minutes while her sister crashed immediately. Here’s the thing though. Your twins won’t necessarily be ready at the same time. One of my daughters was clearly done with two naps a solid three weeks before her sister. This is completely normal, even though it feels frustrating when you’re trying to manage two different schedules. Research shows that even identical twins can hit developmental milestones at different times (and sleep transitions definitely count as milestones). If one twin is ready and the other isn’t, resist the urge to force them onto the same schedule right away. A twin who drops a nap too early becomes overtired, which paradoxically makes everything worse. They fight sleep harder, wake up more at night, and turn into tiny cranky humans by dinner. I learned this the hard way. What the Nap Transition Actually Looks Like The switch from two naps to one rarely happens cleanly. Most kids (twins included) go through this weird in-between phase where some days they need two naps and other days they can handle just one. This phase lasted about a month with my girls, and I honestly thought it would never end. You’ll know you’re in the transition when your twins are cranky, clumsy, rubbing their eyes constantly, or getting weirdly hyperactive in the late afternoon. These are classic overtired signs. When you see them, move bedtime earlier that night. Sometimes we’d do bedtime at 6:30 p.m. instead of our usual 7:30 p.m., and it made a huge difference. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, toddlers this age still need 11-14 hours of total sleep in a 24-hour period. If they’re only napping once, that single nap needs to be solid (usually 1.5 to 3 hours), and nighttime sleep becomes even more important. Creating a Schedule That Actually Works Once both twins are fully on one nap, you’re aiming for that nap to fall right in the middle of the day. We landed on 12:30 p.m. as our sweet spot, but anywhere between noon and 1 p.m. works for most families. Here’s what our typical day looked like: Wake up: 6:30-7:00 a.m. Nap: 12:30-2:30 or 3:00 p.m. Bedtime: 7:00-7:30 p.m. Your twins can probably handle about 5-6 hours of awake time before they need sleep at this age. So if they wake at 7 a.m., they’re ready for a nap by 12:30 p.m., then can stay up until 7:30 p.m. for bed. Adjust based on what you’re seeing from your own kids. The length of that single nap varies a lot between twins. One of my girls would sleep for three hours straight, while her sister topped out at two hours. As long as they’re getting enough total sleep and seem happy, you’re golden. When They’re on Different Schedules If your twins stay on different schedules for a while, you’re going to need some creative solutions. When one of my daughters still needed that morning nap and the other didn’t, we’d put the sleepy twin down in our bedroom while her sister had independent play time in the living room (with my wife or I nearby, supervising). Here’s what worked for us: Morning nap twin slept in a different room temporarily Non-napping twin got special “quiet time” with books or puzzles Afternoon nap stayed synchronized for both in their shared room We maintained this split schedule for about three weeks Yes, this is more work for you. There’s no getting around that. But it respects where each twin is developmentally, and honestly, they did sync up eventually. Most twins align their schedules once they’re both fully established on one nap. During this phase, the afternoon nap when both twins were sleeping can become a much needed lifeline. That is your time to recharge, get things done, or just sit quietly with a cup of coffee. Surviving the Late Afternoon Danger Zone The hours between 4 p.m. and bedtime can get rough during this transition. Your twins are tired but not quite ready for bed, and everyone’s patience is wearing thin. What helped us get through: Moving dinner earlier (sometimes as early as 5:30 p.m.) Going outside for a walk or backyard play Giving a small snack to stabilize blood sugar Starting the bedtime routine earlier than usual Doing a warm bath to help them relax If one of your twins falls asleep in the car at 5 p.m. on the way home from somewhere, wake them gently when you arrive. I know this feels wrong (who wants to wake a sleeping baby?), but a 20-minute car nap at that time will push bedtime back significantly and mess up nighttime sleep. Your evening will go much smoother if you keep them awake until proper bedtime. Managing Naps When You’re Out Life doesn’t stop just because your twins are transitioning naps. You’ll have appointments, errands, and older kids’ activities to manage. On days when you need to be out during nap time, try to preserve at least part of the nap, even if it happens in the stroller or car. I’m not going to tell you that car naps are ideal, because they’re not. But they’re better than completely skipping the nap and dealing with two meltdowns by 3 p.m. If you know you’ll be out, consider shifting the nap slightly earlier or later to capture some sleep time at home first. We also got strategic about scheduling. Doctor appointments went in the morning. Grocery runs happened right after the twins woke up from their nap. Playdates with other families? Those happened during the late morning when everyone was awake but not yet losing it. What Worked in Our House My wife and I developed a few strategies that genuinely helped during those transition weeks. We built in “bridge activities” for late morning when the girls were getting tired but weren’t quite ready for their midday nap. Our go-to quiet activities: Reading books on the couch (all of us piled together) Doing simple puzzles on the floor Playing with playdough at the kitchen table Looking at pictures from past family trips These activities were calm enough that they didn’t wind the girls up, but engaging enough that they made it to nap time without someone falling asleep on the living room floor at 11 a.m. For room-sharing twins (like ours), the single nap usually works smoothly because they’re already used to sleeping in each other’s presence. But if one twin consistently wakes the other, you might need to temporarily separate them until they’re both sleeping more soundly through the nap. The Research on Twin Sleep Development Turns out, the timing of this nap transition isn’t random. Studies show that most children drop to one nap between 15-18 months as their circadian rhythms mature and they can handle longer wake periods. What this meant for us was that even though my daughters were three weeks apart in dropping that morning nap, they both settled into a solid one-nap routine by the time they were 17 months old. The transition period felt long while we were in it, but it was actually pretty typical. The key is that total sleep matters more than when that sleep happens. According to sleep researchers, as long as your twins are getting their 11-14 hours combined between nighttime and that one nap, their brains and bodies are getting what they need to develop properly. Taking Care of Yourself This transition is exhausting for you too. You’re managing two toddlers who might be out of sorts, possibly on different schedules, and dealing with the unpredictability of not knowing if today is a one-nap day or a two-nap day. Give yourself permission to simplify everything else. When my girls were going through this, we had more screen time than usual, ate simpler meals (hello, pasta with butter three nights a week), and I said no to pretty much every optional commitment. Your twins are working hard to adjust to a new sleep pattern, and you’re working hard to help them through it. We also learned to take advantage of any overlapping sleep time, even if it was just 45 minutes to have some down time for ourselves. What Comes After Once your twins successfully transition to one nap (and they will, I promise), you’ll settle into a new rhythm that often works really well for the whole family. That single midday nap provides a predictable chunk of time in the middle of the day when you can recharge, get things done, or spend time with other kids if you have them. Most children stay on this one-nap schedule until somewhere between ages three and five. With my girls, we had nearly two years of this routine before they dropped naps entirely (which is a whole different transition I wasn’t ready for). The beautiful part is that once you’re past those transitional weeks, life gets more predictable again. You can plan your days around one nap instead of two, which actually opens up more possibilities for morning outin

    11 min

  2. 10/29/2025

    Why you need a daily log for your twins

    Let’s be honest: even if you think you have an excellent memory, the combination of sleep deprivation and caring for two babies will quickly prove you wrong. Those early weeks with twins at home create a perfect storm of exhaustion that makes even the simplest details slip away. Here’s the reality: you’re responsible for keeping two little humans alive and thriving, but your brain feels like it’s running on fumes. That’s where logging becomes your lifeline. Why You Need to Track Everything In those first weeks, you’ll find yourself asking: Which baby ate last, and when? Who had the messy diaper an hour ago? How long have they been napping? When is the next feeding due? Did we give them their medication today? Without a system to track these details, you’ll spend precious energy trying to remember information your tired brain simply can’t hold onto reliably. The Simple Solution: Write It All Down The rule is beautifully straightforward: Just fed a baby? Write it down. Just changed a diaper? Write it down. Put them down for a nap? Write it down. Gave medication? Write it down. Choose Your Logging Method The best logging system is the one you’ll actually use consistently. Here are several options to consider: Traditional Pen and Paper Always available, no battery required Easy to leave by the changing station or nursing area Both parents can quickly jot down information Can use a twin tracking log like these Mobile Apps Baby Tracker, Glow Baby, and similar apps designed for new parents Often include helpful features like growth tracking and feeding timers Can send notifications for upcoming feedings or medication times Digital Spreadsheets Excel or Google Sheets allow for easy data analysis later Can be shared between parents for real-time updates Great for parents who love organizing data Shared Documents Google Docs or similar platforms let both parents access and update from anywhere Perfect for when one parent is at work and wants to check in on the day’s progress Father of twins Chris Wejr shared that his “mirror was covered with times as we’re trying to figure who fed at what time and how long and all those sort of things” during the chaotic first few months with his twin girls. A visible, low-tech system for tracking feeding times and durations might be all you need. Personalize Your Log for Maximum Value Eric Langenderfer, a father of identical twin boys, mentioned that while in the hospital, they were required to chart everything, which he found inconvenient on paper. When they brought the babies home, he created a small online database where he and his wife could log feedings and other activities from their phones, including timestamps. Make your logging system work for your family by including: Essential Daily Tracking Feeding times and amounts Diaper changes (wet/dirty) Sleep periods Medication schedules Special Moments First smiles, coos, or other milestones Unique twin interactions (like holding hands) Funny or memorable moments from each day Health and Development Notes Questions for the pediatrician Concerns or observations about either baby Growth measurements and appointment reminders Parent Check-ins Simple mood tracker for both parents Notes about what’s working well or causing stress Reminders to support each other Turn Your Log into a Powerful Tool Your log isn’t just a record, it’s a valuable analytical resource. After a few weeks of consistent tracking, look for patterns: Fussy periods: Does one baby get cranky at the same time each day? Sleep patterns: Are there natural rhythms you can build routines around? Feeding issues: Could certain times or amounts be causing problems? Growth trends: Are both babies developing at healthy rates? These insights can help you anticipate needs, adjust schedules, and even identify potential health concerns early. Avoid Common Logging Pitfalls Don’t aim for perfection: Missing an entry here and there won’t ruin anything. Focus on consistency over completeness. Don’t let it create stress: The log should make your life easier, not become another source of anxiety. If you’re spending more time logging than caring for your babies, scale back. Know when to ease up: As your twins develop predictable routines (usually around 8-12 weeks), you can gradually reduce the detail of your logging. Your Communication Lifeline Perhaps most importantly, your log serves as a crucial communication tool between caregivers. Instead of trying to remember and relay every detail when your partner comes home, they can quickly scan the log to understand the day’s events. This eliminates the constant “Did you feed them?” questions and helps everyone stay informed without lengthy explanations. The Bottom Line Those first weeks with twins can feel overwhelming, but a simple logging system will help you: Keep your sanity by eliminating the mental burden of remembering everything Keep your babies safe by ensuring consistent care and catching potential issues early Keep your partnership strong by improving communication and reducing stress Remember: this intense logging phase is temporary. Once routines establish and you’re getting more sleep, you’ll naturally need less detailed tracking. But during those crucial early weeks, your log will be the anchor that keeps everything organized and everyone healthy. Trust the system, write it down, and give yourself the gift of one less thing to worry about during this beautiful but challenging time. The post Why you need a daily log for your twins appeared first on Dad's Guide to Twins.

    8 min

  3. 10/15/2025

    How to Teach Your Twins to Share

    With twins in the house a big point of contention will be sharing. You might think that the easy way for you as the parent would be to get two of everything. However, this surely won’t work all the time and definitely doesn’t build character. And as we all know, your job as a dad, of course, is to “build character.” Right? Twin dad Kris Lloyd noticed that even when he bought “two of everything” for his non-identical twin girls, they wouldn’t necessarily use them at the same time, and “they always want the same exact” item the other twin is currently using. He found that the second item often “hardly got used much”. This was often the case in our home where one girl always wanted what the other had even if there were two identical items. So you have to solve the root problem to get a peaceful and happy home: teach your twins how to share from a very early age. Turn Timer Be careful when trying to force sharing. Instead of forcing one twin to hand over a toy to the other, focus on the concept of taking turns between twins. One trick that worked for us was the turn timer. We used a portable kitchen timer as the “turn timer”. When our girls would fight over something we’d pull out the timer, declare that it was so-and-so’s turn now and that it would be the other’s turn when the timer went ding. We’d set the timer for a minute or two based on how long we thought our child’s attention span was. After starting the timer, we’d ask the kid with the coveted item: “What happens when the timer dings?” and make sure they understand the turn-taking process. Yes, your twins get plenty of opportunities to share between themselves and other siblings. However, they still need some help and structure to get them in the good habits you are hoping to help them develop. It does baffle me that the kids will often listen to a small kitchen timer instead of just being obedient when my wife or I ask them to do something. Oh, well. There is nothing wrong with some extra tools in the parenting toolbox. Distract If taking turns isn’t going as smoothly as you’d like, then try the old distraction technique. Say, “Hey, look at that!” or pull out another toy or delicious food item to distract the sad, I-didn’t-get-what-I-want twin. Wait a Minute Especially when your twins are young, their attention span is extremely short. This means two things: First, set the turn timer for a very short time. Second, don’t be surprised if the item they were fighting over is discarded and your twins have moved on to something else rather quickly. The good news about sharing is that typically, your twins will be sharing better and earlier when compared to other singletons their same age. Here are those tips rewritten specifically for helping twins learn to share: Model the Behavior Your twins learn by watching adults and each other. Make a point of visibly and verbally sharing things with your twins and between family members. For example, say, “I’m going to share some of my popcorn with both of you,” or “I’m sharing my book with Mommy so we can read together.” Father of twins Tim Robinson emphasizes teaching good manners and communication from a young age. He insists on phrases like “Milk please” or “Excuse me, Mommy/Daddy”. He observes that this approach helps them interact, sometimes resulting in one twin saying, “Excuse me, brother, can I have that toy please?” which he finds “the cutest thing I’ve ever seen”. Use Positive Reinforcement Praise your twins when you see them sharing with each other, even if it’s a small act. Use descriptive praise, such as, “I love how you shared your blocks with your sister. It made her so happy to build that tower together with you!” You should verbally praise your kids when they share. That will encourage this good behavior. Encourage Empathy Help your twins understand each other’s feelings. Once they are old enough to express their feelings, you can ask, “How do you think your sister (or insert the twin’s name) feels when they don’t get a turn?” or “Look how happy your brother is now that they get to play with the toy car too.” Respect Their Individual Possessions Give each twin a choice about what they are willing to share. Before playtime, let them each put away any special toys they don’t want to share with their twin. This teaches them that their individual possessions are respected and may make them more willing to share other items. Help your twins understand that some items belong specifically to each of them, while others are family toys meant for sharing. Use labels, special boxes, or designated spaces to make these boundaries clear. Play Cooperative Games Engage your twins in games that require teamwork and turn-taking, such as building a tower with blocks together, doing a puzzle as a team, or playing simple board games. This helps them practice working together as twins in a fun, low-pressure environment. Read Books About Sharing Use story time as an opportunity to teach your twins about sharing and kindness together. Many children’s books feature siblings or characters who learn the importance of sharing, which can be especially relatable for twins navigating their unique relationship. Create “Twin Time” and “Individual Time” Set aside specific periods where twins must share and play together, but also ensure each twin gets individual time with toys and activities. This balance helps them appreciate both togetherness and personal space. Teach “Twin Negotiation” Skills Since twins will be navigating shared resources their whole lives, teach them phrases like “Can we take turns?” or “How about we play together?” rather than just taking toys from each other. Be Mindful of Comparison Avoid saying things like “Why can’t you share like your sister does?” Instead, focus on each child’s individual growth in sharing skills. Twins Advantage: Learning to Share Early Your twins have shared even the very basics of life since they were in-utero and waiting to be born. There they shared nourishment from mother as well as very tight living quarters. After birth, your twins will share feeding times, cribs, clothes, and toys. Out of necessity and circumstances, your twins have been sharing from the very beginning. This is a great advantage to them, and to you as the twin parent, as it will accustom your twins to both the need to share and their ability to do so. Technically, you can probably buy duplicates of many things and avoid sharing. But that won’t work for everything. The biggest thing that your twins will share is your time. You can’t buy any more of this precious resource. You will have to split your attention between your twin little ones on many occasions. There are some things in life that your twins will always have to share, and this is one of those things. We’ve seen our girls have a great propensity to share and help each other even from a very young age. Take advantage of the sharing situation your twins will have and help reinforce and nurture this sharing characteristic in your twins. The sharing habit will benefit them (and you) throughout their lives. Pictures by Nate Davis and surlygirl The post How to Teach Your Twins to Share appeared first on Dad's Guide to Twins.

    11 min

  4. 10/01/2025

    How to Keep One Twin Healthy When the Other is Sick

    One of the challenges with twins is that they get sick. Sickness doesn’t always strike both twins simultaneously. Your twins will catch a cold, get the flu, have a stomach bug, or come down with any number of other contagious illnesses. This brings up the question: how do you keep one twin healthy when the other is sick? Is it Worth it? Every time one of our twins get sick, we have to ask ourselves: does it matter if the other kids get sick too? Is this one of those colds or stomach bugs that they’ll get eventually anyway? Does this “build their immunity”? These are very subjective questions and the answers really depend on your parenting style. Generally speaking in our house, if the child doesn’t have a fever, we aren’t too concerned if the other kids catch it. That said, when in doubt, always give your pediatrician a call. Many parents of twins find it’s often a losing battle to prevent the healthy twin from getting sick. Rather than focusing solely on prevention, it may be more helpful to also prepare for the inevitable, such as by stocking up on sick-day essentials for both children. Father of twins Aaron Ameen shared his experience that since all three of his young children attend daycare, they experience a “revolving door of sickness”. He observed that illness completely overthrows any established routines and systems, making it a particularly tough time for parents, especially if the parents also fall sick. When the children are sick, they don’t sleep as well, requiring one or both parents to take time off work, which creates practical challenges for working parents. Separate Them Keeping your twins from spreading their germs is an almost impossible task. When your twins are infants, you can’t teach them good health habits and they can’t take care of themselves. Toddlers and older kids don’t always practice good hygiene, will forget to cover their coughs and sneezes, and tend to do a poor job washing their hands. If you want to improve your odds of preventing the spread of the illness, you could isolate your sick twin in his or her room. Avoid sharing clothes, toys, towels, kitchen supplies, etc. that the sick twin uses. Twin dad Tim Brien shared that when one of his kindergarten-aged twins gets sick, the other also has a “really, really hard time,” and they usually keep both children home from school. He also mentioned that when both of his two-and-a-half-year-old twins were sick, they amazingly tried to take care of each other. Think Sanitation Keeping your whole family healthy starts before anyone gets sick. Teach your twins good practices like how to effectively wash their hands. We like to have our kids sing “Happy Birthday” twice while scrubbing their hands so they know they washed long enough. Teach your twins to cough or sneeze into a tissue or into their elbow or sleeve. They should never sneeze or cough into their hands. You should not stress excessively about sanitizing the entire house. It’s okay to let everyone get sick and recover, rather than making yourself crazy trying to prevent it. Balance what is right for your family and situation. Lower Your Expectations During a sick period, it’s okay to let routines and schedules slide. The focus should be on getting everyone through the illness, not on maintaining a perfect schedule. This includes being more relaxed about screen time or a lack of routine. Keep Yourself Healthy You are the primary caregiver, and if you get sick, it makes caring for your twins (especially if one or both is sick) much more difficult. While caring for your sick twin(s) make sure that you do everything you can to stay healthy. Eat well, get your rest, and wash your hands. If you get sick on top of having to care for sick kids, things will get really tough. The best sick times in our family are when my wife and I take turns being sick. This way there is always a parent available to carry the load while the other recovers. Father of twins Chris Titus described an instance where his wife was sick, and he took over the entire nighttime shift to care for their twin infants so she could get a full night’s rest and recover. This highlights the importance of proactive teamwork between you and your partner, especially when one parent is ill. Sometimes instead of an illness, one twin gets injured and the other twin is totally fine. Instead of worrying about cross contamination, you’ll need to shift attention to care and recovery. Here’s an example of when one of our twin daughters needed stitches. Picture by Kourtlyn Lott The post How to Keep One Twin Healthy When the Other is Sick appeared first on Dad's Guide to Twins.

    7 min

  5. 09/17/2025

    Twins Personalities Switch

    We’ve got identical girls and often rely on their mannerisms and personalities to tell them apart. If you rely on this too, or hope to, be careful: twins switch personality traits at will. For example, one of our infant girls would be shy one week while the other was a social butterfly. Just when you thought that was the pattern, they switched and the social standout would cry hysterically with strangers. Go figure. We’ve seen switching of twin personalities and traits from an early age in all these cases: who is a good eater who is a wiggle worm who wakes up first who takes good naps who drinks her bottle in one sitting who smiles at strangers who makes what sounds (when our girls weren’t talking yet) who steals toys from the other So if you want to keep your twins straight, particularly if they are identical, combine multiple data points in identifying each. Combine personality traits and even subtle visual clues to properly identify who is who. It is fascinating to watch the switcheroo happen. Just keep your eyes open and enjoy the journey. Twin dad Todd Courtney observed that his identical twin boys would “flip back and forth” in terms of being empowered or following, with “role reversals that happened throughout their childhood” Jonathan Snowden, father of twin girls, noted that his daughters, Elizabeth and Lucy, do not “stick to, like, one characteristic or act a certain way” but “interchange with each other”. He explained that one day Elizabeth might be the loud and active one, and the next day Lucy would take on that role, as “they just interchange with each other with their personalities.” Andy Slinger, a father of identical twin boys, observed that his twins’ personalities would switch over time. He noted that as his boys grew up, they “jumped between different personality types”, with one sometimes being the leader and then the other taking on that role. What Does the Science Say About Twin Personalities? Personality is about 50% heritable. Extensive twin studies have consistently found that roughly half of the variance in personality traits is attributable to genetics. This is based on comparing identical twins (who share 100% of their genes) to fraternal twins (who share about 50% of their genes). Identical twins are consistently more similar in personality, even when raised apart, which provides strong evidence for the role of genetics. The remaining half of personality variance is attributed to “non-shared environment.” This refers to unique experiences that one twin has that their twin does not. These are not shared family events, but individual experiences like different friendships, teachers, illnesses, or even a different reaction to the same shared family environment. This is the key factor that causes even identical twins to have distinct personalities. The post Twins Personalities Switch appeared first on Dad's Guide to Twins.

    7 min

  6. 09/03/2025

    Newborn Twins Schedule: Setting Up Your Babies for Success

    Having two newborns simultaneously can feel overwhelming, but establishing a predictable schedule is your secret weapon for maintaining sanity and helping your twin babies thrive. Think of your twins as having a completely blank calendar when they arrive and it’s up to you to fill it with the structure they need for healthy development. Creating and sticking to a consistent schedule for sleep, feeding, and play will not only benefit your twins’ development but also give you and your partner precious opportunities to rest, recharge, and tackle household tasks. The effort you invest in establishing these routines now will pay huge dividends as your twins grow. We tried to keep our twin girls on the same schedule as much as possible. We found that helped create a more predictable routine in our home. Here are some things to consider when managing your newborn twins’ schedule: Choosing the Right Twin Newborn Schedule for Your Family Consider Your Support System The type of schedule that works best for your twins depends largely on your family’s unique situation: If you have helpers (partner, family, or hired help): Synchronized schedule works best: have both twins eat, sleep, and play at the same times This allows adults to rest together during sleep periods Enables tag-team parenting during awake times Makes household management more efficient If you’re flying solo during certain hours and synchronized doesn’t work: Staggered schedule might be your lifesaver, offset twins’ schedules by 1-2 hours Prevents the chaos of two hungry, crying babies simultaneously Allows you to give individual attention to each baby Gives you brief breaks between feeding and care sessions Tim Murray, father of identical twin girls who were six weeks old when he shared his story on the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast, explained their feeding strategy. During the day when both parents were present, they found it easiest to feed the twins at the same time, with one parent taking each baby. At night, they intentionally staggered their feedings to manage the workload and prevent both babies from being “apoplectic”. He also mentioned trying to keep their daughter at home on a three-hour feeding schedule (12, 3, 6, and 9) similar to the twin that was still in the NICU. Example Twin Newborn Daily Schedule It’s important to understand that your newborn twins’ schedule is not a strict, by-the-clock routine. In the first few weeks and months of life, your twins’ day is primarily dictated by their basic needs: eating, sleeping, and a little bit of “awake time” for interaction and diaper changes. Their sleep-wake cycle isn’t fully developed yet, so they won’t distinguish between day and night right away. The following is not a strict schedule, but a general example of a 24-hour pattern you can expect with newborns, based on the principle of “eat, activity, sleep.” This is a helpful framework to follow, but be prepared for flexibility and to respond to your twins’ cues. Morning: 7:00 AM: Wake up and feed. 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM: “Play” time (or, more accurately, quiet awake time). This can include a diaper change, a little tummy time, cuddling, or simply talking to your baby. 8:30 AM: Sleep. Midday: 10:30 AM: Wake up and feed. 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Awake time, including a diaper change and gentle interaction. 12:00 PM: Sleep. Afternoon: 2:00 PM: Wake up and feed. 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM: Awake time, diaper change, and more interaction. 3:30 PM: Sleep. Evening (Cluster Feeding & Winding Down): 5:30 PM: Wake up and feed. 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Awake time. This might be a good time for a warm bath, baby massage, or quiet cuddle time to prepare for the night. 7:00 PM: Sleep. 9:00 PM: Wake up and feed (often a “cluster feed” where they feed more frequently). 9:30 PM – 10:00 PM: Diaper change and a final check-in. 10:00 PM: Bedtime. Overnight: 1:00 AM: Wake up and feed. 1:30 AM: Diaper change, if needed. Keep lights low and interaction minimal to teach the difference between day and night. 1:45 AM: Back to sleep. 4:00 AM: Wake up and feed. 4:30 AM: Diaper change, minimal interaction. 4:45 AM: Back to sleep. The Art of Consistency and Flexibility Staying Consistent Once you’ve chosen your approach, commitment is key. This means: If both twins are on synchronized feeding schedules but only one wakes up hungry, you’ll need to gently wake the other twin for feeding Following through even when you’re tired (and you will be tired) Trusting the process: your twins will eventually adapt to your lead When to Be Flexible Remember, you’re working with tiny humans, not robots. Be prepared to adjust when: Your twins show signs they’re ready for longer stretches between feedings Growth spurts temporarily disrupt established patterns Sleep needs change as they develop (this will happen frequently in the first year) One twin consistently struggles with the current schedule Kyle Mongold, father of two sets of twins, provided a detailed schedule for his four-week-old boy/girl twins. He stated, “The babies are eating every three hours. I think we’re on the midnight, 3:00, 6:00, 9:00 feeding schedule.” He described getting up at 6:00 AM to feed, then showering, and spending time with his older boys before work. He would return home at noon to feed a baby, then again at 6:00 PM. The older boys would go to bed around 7:00-7:30 PM, and he would feed the babies again at 9:00 PM and midnight. What to Expect: The Reality Check The First Year Timeline Weeks 0-12: Expect chaos with frequent feedings every 2-3 hours around the clock Months 3-6: Gradual establishment of more predictable patterns Months 6-12: Longer sleep stretches and more structured daytime routines Twin-Specific Challenges Double the night wakings: Even with good schedules, expect interrupted sleep Feeding logistics: Whether bottle or breastfeeding, feeding two babies requires planning Individual differences: Your twins may have different temperaments and needs despite being born together Chris Titus, father of boy/girl twins, mentioned that his eleven weeks old twins’ sleep was not as consistent as he would have liked, but was improving. He noted they were entering a phase beyond just “sleep, eat, go to the bathroom”. For daytime feedings, he and his wife fed them at the same time, with one parent taking each twin. At night, they would stagger their feedings to avoid having both babies crying simultaneously. Tips for Newborn Schedule Success Getting Started Start early: Begin establishing routines in the first few weeks Track patterns: Use apps or simple logs to identify natural rhythms Communicate with your partner: Make sure you’re both following the same plan Be patient: It takes 4-6 weeks for routines to really take hold Making It Work Prepare supplies in advance: Have bottles, diapers, and burp cloths staged and ready Create a calm environment: Dim lights for nighttime feedings, bright lights for daytime Stay flexible during growth spurts: Temporary disruptions are normal and expected Newborn Twins Schedules and You Yes, having newborn twins is hectic! It is probably more intense than anything you’ve experienced before. The first year will test your limits, but remember that establishing good schedules early is an investment in your family’s future happiness and well-being. You don’t need to be perfect, and you don’t need to follow anyone else’s exact formula. Pay attention to your twins’ cues, trust your instincts, and adjust as needed. With some planning, consistency, and a healthy dose of patience, you’ll develop a rhythm that works for your unique family. Remember: every twin dad has felt overwhelmed at the beginning. You’re not alone in this, and it does get easier as you and your babies find your groove together. Picture by Len Currie The post Newborn Twins Schedule: Setting Up Your Babies for Success appeared first on Dad's Guide to Twins.

    12 min

  7. 08/20/2025

    Free Stuff for Twins (Plus Discounts for Twins)

    Taking care of one child is already going to require a lot of sacrifice on your end, but having twins is automatically going to double your efforts and your financial needs. You can save a lot of money if you know where to shop and what you can get for free (or at least with a discount). There are actually a lot of stores out there that offer discounts and a lot of free stuff for twins if you follow their shopping promos and keep an eye on store offers. While many programs aren’t specifically for twins, every little bit helps. See which of the following could help find free stuff for twins: Brands & Programs Offering Samples or Rewards These programs let you try products for free: Enfamil Free Products There is also the option to become a member of Family Beginners in Enfamil. Enfamil offers free baby products if you sign up for them right after your babies are born (you can inquire about it from your doctor) or you could give them a call to sign up for their membership network. This not only guarantees free stuff for twins but also lets you receive coupons that you can later use for discounted shopping. Beech Nut Product Coupons for Twins Call Beech Nut to get a special packet of discounts and some free samples for your twins. Call 1-800-233-2468 to make your request. Gerber Baby Food Discounts As a parent of twins, Gerber will give you coupons for discounts on their different lines of food products. Call 1-800-443-7237 to request a packet for parents of twins. Pampers Club Earn points from purchases which are redeemable for diaper samples, gifts, toys, coupons. Similac Provides formula samples and a free Shutterfly baby book among other perks. Retailers With Free Baby Registry Boxes Many major retailers offer welcome kits or boxes full of baby essentials when you create a registry. While most require minimum spending or shipping, they can still offer great value (especially with twins). Retailers tend to only let you get one welcome box even if you’re having twins. So you get get more volume by trying multiple of these offers: Amazon Baby Registry Welcome Box Get a free welcome box (swaddle, bottles, diapers, wipes, coupons) by creating a registry, adding 10 items, and having at least $10 purchased. Available to Amazon Prime members. Target Baby Registry Welcome Kit Register with Target and add 10+ items, then spend $10+ (you or someone from your registry) to unlock a welcome kit full of samples, bottles, diapers, lotions, and coupons. It’s valued at over $100. Walmart Baby Registry Welcome Box Create a baby registry and request the free Baby Box. Ensure your registry has been active for seven days. Add a minimum of 20 items to your registry. Have over $25 of purchases from your registry, either by you or others. Contains sample products like Pampers, wipes, pacifiers, etc. Availability may vary. Babylist Hello Baby Box Requires adding 3 Babylist store items and 3 from other stores to your registry. Then spend (or a gift giver spends) $30, plus a shipping fee (around $9). Includes a great mix of items like bottles, diapers, swaddles. Macy’s Baby Registry Gift Box Register with Macy’s and purchase $50+ of items; pay a small shipping fee ($6.50). Box includes baby clothes, diapers, pacifiers, and more. Nonprofits & Local Support Resources Facebook Buy Nothing Groups/Nextdoor: Seek out local groups where neighbors give away baby items like toys and clothing. These community-based groups are excellent for finding free, secondhand baby gear from people in your area. Hospitals and Pediatricians: Many provide free samples of diapers, formula, and skincare products upon request. You’ll be at the doctor a lot during the pregnancy and with newborns so don’t forget to ask for samples! Many local organizations and mutual aid networks offer diapers, formula, and gear for low-income families. If you need help beyond retailer samples and registries, look for your local food pantries, United Way or the National Diaper Network. You may receive formula, diapers, or other essentials through WIC or hospital programs. Where to Start For variety and convenience: Start with Amazon, Target, or Babylist registry boxes. Looking for formula or breastfeeding supplies: Try Enfamil, Similac, or Gerber. Want diapers: Use rewards programs like Pampers. Want more tips on saving money with twins? I talk more about this in Chapter Eight of my book, the Dad’s Guide to Raising Twins: How to Thrive as a Father of Twins. Picture by Manda. The post Free Stuff for Twins (Plus Discounts for Twins) appeared first on Dad's Guide to Twins.

    11 min

  8. 08/06/2025

    Questions to Ask Your Doctor When Expecting Twins

    Once you find out that you are expecting twins, your mind races with tons of concerns and questions. Whether you’ve had children already or not, a twin pregnancy brings new unknowns that frankly can be overwhelming. It’s time to talk with your doctor. Talking to Your Doctor You’ll want to find a good doctor that you can trust and with whom you can have a comfortable relationship. You need to feel comfortable asking any questions and asking follow-ups if you still have concerns. But what should you ask when you go to the doctor? Example Questions to Ask Your Doctor Twin Pregnancy What can I expect during my pregnancy with twins? How will this pregnancy be different from a singleton pregnancy? When should we expect to feel movement with our twins? What are the risks associated with a twin pregnancy, and how can I manage them? Are my doctor visits based on my actual due date or my realistic due date (measurements of both me and the babies)? Mom’s Health During Pregnancy How often will I need to see a doctor for prenatal care, and what tests will be performed? How much weight I am I expected to gain? Exactly what does that mean in terms of how much more I should be eating? How can I make sure I’m getting enough nutrients and calories to support two babies? How much water should I drink each day? Can I exercise? What kinds are approved for moms of “high risk” pregnancies? What are the chances I’ll have to go on bed rest? What is cervical length screening and when will you check mine? Twins’ Health in Womb What are the possible complications with twins and when should I worry? Are my twins identical or fraternal, and how does this affect my care plan? Do my twins share a placenta (monochorionic) or have separate placentas (dichorionic)? How will you monitor for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) if my twins share a placenta? How often will you measure each baby’s growth individually? What happens if one twin is significantly smaller than the other? How will you monitor for cord entanglement or compression? Medication & Medical History: Are any of my current medications unsafe for twin pregnancy? How does my medical history (previous pregnancies, chronic conditions, family history) specifically impact twin pregnancy risks? What over-the-counter medications should I avoid? Genetic/Screening Questions: Should we consider additional genetic testing given that we’re having twins? How accurate are standard screening tests (like cell-free DNA testing) for twin pregnancies? If one twin has a genetic condition, what are our options? Work/Lifestyle Planning: At what point in pregnancy should I plan to stop working or reduce hours? What accommodations might I need at work during pregnancy? When should we consider modifying daily activities or household responsibilities? Specialized Care: Will I need to see a maternal-fetal medicine specialist (perinatologist), and if so, when? Should I work with a nutritionist or dietitian during my pregnancy? What additional specialists might I need during this pregnancy? Emergency Preparedness: What’s your protocol if I go into labor when you’re not available? Which emergency room should I go to if I have concerns outside office hours? Should I have a backup birth plan if complications arise? Delivery Planning: Will my delivery be based on my actual due date or realistic twin pregnancy due date? What is your policy on delivery timing for twins (at what week do you typically recommend delivery)? If I’m planning a vaginal delivery, what happens if the first baby is born vaginally but the second needs a C-section? What type of anesthesia options are available during twin delivery? How many medical staff will be present during delivery, and what are their roles? What is your experience delivering twins vaginally? What are the chances that I will need a cesarean delivery, and what are the risks and benefits of this procedure? How can I prepare for the birth of my twins, and what can I expect during labor and delivery? What is your experience delivering twins via C-section? At how many weeks will you schedule a c-section? Do you have rights to deliver at my hospital? Does my hospital have at least a Level II NICU? How flexible can my birth plan be given the unpredictability of twin delivery? What decisions might need to be made quickly during delivery that I should think about now? What happens if one or both babies are breech? Practical Considerations: What are the signs of pre-term labor I should be looking for? What do I do if I experience them? What symptoms warrant an immediate call or trip to the hospital? Should I take any additional supplements beyond standard prenatal vitamins? Are there any specific warning signs unique to twin pregnancies I should know about? What are your policies about travel during twin pregnancy? How will you coordinate care if I need to be hospitalized before delivery? What should I pack differently in my hospital bag for a twin delivery? Postpartum: How long should I expect to stay in the hospital after delivery, assuming no complications? What are the common complications that can arise after the birth of twins, and how can they be treated? What support resources do you recommend for new parents of twins? How will breastfeeding twins be different, and what support is available? What should I expect for my recovery compared to a singleton birth? What does pediatric care look like immediately after birth for twins? How soon after birth will I be able to hold both babies? When will the babies’ first pediatrician appointment be scheduled? What are the signs of postpartum depression/anxiety, especially with twins? NICU Considerations: What’s the likelihood my babies will need NICU care, and for how long? Can you arrange a NICU tour before delivery? What should I know about NICU policies for parents (visiting, feeding, etc.)? Partner/Family Support: What role should my partner play during appointments and delivery? How can my partner best support me during this high-risk pregnancy? What should family members know about helping during pregnancy and after birth? Long-term Health: Will having twins affect my future pregnancies? What health risks should I monitor for myself long-term after a twin pregnancy? Insurance/Financial: What additional costs should we expect with twin pregnancy care? Does insurance cover all the extra monitoring and potential NICU stays? Make Your List of Questions Take some time to review the list of questions above and note those that are important to you. Also brainstorm with your spouse or partner the additional questions that you have. Write them down and take the list with you to your next doctor’s visit. This way you won’t forget in the moment what you wanted to ask. Once you make your list, double check it to make sure you’ve got what you need. I talk more health care concerns of the twin pregnancy in Chapter Two of my book, the Dad’s Guide to Twins: How to Survive the Twin Pregnancy and Prepare for Your Twins. What other questions do you think expectant parents of twins should ask the doctor during the twin pregnancy? Leave a comment and let us know. The post Questions to Ask Your Doctor When Expecting Twins appeared first on Dad's Guide to Twins.

    13 min
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About

Survive the twin pregnancy and thrive as a father of twins

Information

  • Creator
    Joe Rawlinson, twin pregnancy and raising twins expert
  • Years Active
    2012 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Joe Rawlinson
  • Show Website
    Dad's Guide to Twins