Setting a Routine for Twins
When I had Ava, my five-year-old, I wasn’t too worried about sticking to a schedule. Sure, there was a basic schedule in mind for when she should be eating, and sleeping, but if she wanted something ahead of the clock, I didn’t mind breaking the rules.
However, after me and my husband, Daniel had our twins, Ella and Rose, we started to realize the true value of a good schedule. After all, when you have twins, if you can’t get those bundles of joy synced up, you could find yourself on round-the-clock duty, constantly putting one to sleep, while the other wakes up from a nap, and so on.
The Importance of a Good Routine
Looking after one baby can be draining enough, but when you’re looking after two at the same time, it can be so much easier to find yourself getting drained if you don’t have the right schedule in place. You might even discover that your exhaustion has you producing less milk, and you could end up feeling run down because there simply aren’t enough hours in the day.
Me and Daniel decided that we needed at least a basic schedule in place. Though it was unlikely to be iron-clad (things with children rarely are), it gave us something to strive for so that we felt more organized.
Feeding at the Same Time
If you’re juggling both twins by yourself, you might struggle more with giving both of your babies their food at the same time. Fortunately, if you have a family member or a partner to help you, feeding at the same time can help to ensure that each baby has their sleepy periods and bouts of energy at around the same time too. That means that you can sync up the rest of the day according to the feeds. Of course, if one newborn is crying with hunger, this doesn’t mean you should ignore them, but keeping feeding times on track is a great way to manage your schedule.
Sleeping at the Same Time
Keeping babies and toddlers on the same sleep schedule is the key to making sure they develop a healthy sleeping pattern, and you get some much-needed time off. We also found that because Ella and Rose were sleeping at the same time, they also woke up in need of feeding at the same time too – which meant that we could keep our meal schedules going strong!
Remember all Babies are Different
Keep in mind when you’re setting up a schedule for your twins, that all babies are different. It might take a few months to figure out how to organize meals, bath, and sleeping times so that everything works like clockwork. However, if you stick at it, you should find that things gradually begin to fall into place.
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I can see how a routine would be absolutely vital with twins. Having two kids the exact same age must be an incredible challenge.
Getting one baby on a routine is tough enough, so I imagine twins can be quite a struggle. These all seem like excellent points to keep in mind.
Oh my I can imagine that setting a routine for twins is double the trouble! These sound like some great tips for Mums and Dads!
Great tips! I know schedule has been key for our one toddler in order for us to keep some sense of sanity. It must be even more crucial with twins! I can’t imagine. It sounds like you are quite the pro now.
I remember my SIL told me to have a routine for my son, and I lived by her words. It is best for the babies that they know what is coming next, and then they are easier to manage. Although it is never easy!
I know quite a few families with twins and they often tell me about their days. Pretty similar to mine, routine and schedules are key is what I’m told and I believe it! I couldn’t imagine twins and how hectic that can be. I have girls 10 months apart and wowie!
This is probably a great idea. Having a schedule for them will keep your head straight!
Bless your heart! I am glad to see that you are doing everything you can to help yourself dealing with twins!
A routine sounds like it would be key to keeping daily activities run smoothly. It’s hard enough with one baby, let alone two!
A routine is so important. It really can set the tone for the kid’s day. That also makes it easier for mommy. She will know when she is going to get a break.
You need a schedule especially if you have twins I’m sure! That would make things easier.
It’s tough with just one baby to handle, what more if you have two! I can imagine the demand and the attention that they need from you. Having a schedule definitely helps.
Routines are really awesome, they’re also important if you’re raising a child… er, children. It’s double the joy if you have twins but of course, it’s also double the effort so a routine is perfect.
I totally agree with this post. Teach them and let them follow a routine. This way they get the sleep hours they need to reach their maximum growth potential. I wish you well. Raising twins can be both stressful but very rewarding.
I could not imagine the life of having twins. Seems like you have a great way to work out a routine!
I know that a routine is important with any baby, but I bet it’s especially important when you have twins. Looks like you have a good handle on things. 🙂
This is an interesting post. I would have loved to have twins although I know it would not be easy. Getting a routine for any baby is tricky so this will be useful for those mums with two.