5 Great Information Resources for M.O.M.s (Mothers of Multiples)

As any mother of twins (or more) can tell you, being blessed with two little bundles at one time is not in any way, shape or form, like having one baby at a time–even if the said babies are close in age. It is not a little harder than one newborn, and it is certainly not easier as one very worn out mother told me saying, “Well, at least lots of people will help you.” Having multiples is exponentially harder than having one baby and believe me, we M.O.M.s can use all the resources we can get. 1. National Organization … Continue reading →

Ode to Twins and Supertwins: 28 Interesting Facts About Multiples

1. Up to 22% of twins are left-handed. In the general populace, only 10% are left-handed. 2. Did you know that where you live can help determine whether or not you conceive multiples? If you live in Massachusetts and Connecticut, the twinning rate is 25% higher than the general populace. 3. On the other hand, if you don’t want twins, move to Hawaii. Their rate of twin births is 30% less than the rate in the rest of the nation. 4. If you are super adventurous and want triplets, Nebraska or New Jersey is the place for you to make … Continue reading →

A Shopping Guide for Twins (or more) Part 4: Bathing, Changing, & Clothing

Here it is: the last of the baby gear for multiples blog. I hope I have helped you think through your purchases or registry items. As we’ve been discussing, there are lots of things to keep in mind when shopping for multiples aside from the fact that there are two of them! Bathing Anything that the babies will both use like towels, or wash clothes you’ll want to make sure that you have extras. Don’t buy two baby bathtubs. I thought this would go without saying until one day I heard one mom say that she was buying two bathtubs … Continue reading →

A Shopping Guide for Twins (or more) Part 3: Toys and Other Goodies

This is the blog for anything else that didn’t fit into the other three! It is socially acceptable to ask for odd things when you are having multiples. People generally recognize that having twins requires quite a bit of extra effort and most friends that are asking you what they can do, will not be offended if you answer creatively. When you are responding to people who want to help, consider suggesting the following gifts along with your registry. Gift Cards Because there are so many “unknowns” with multiples I recommend that you politely ask for money. Gift cards to … Continue reading →

A Shopping Guide for Twins (or more) Part 2: Traveling

Traveling with twins is a tricky proposition. It is hard to lug around enough of everything for two babies. However, getting out with your twins will help you feel like a normal person again. Outings can also help calm fussy babies. Here is a list of things to think about when it comes to traveling with two in tow. Carriers When it comes to wearing two babies, I don’t recommend purchasing most carriers that are sold in stores. Many multiples are born premature and carrying is one of the best things you can do for your babies. However, most carriers … Continue reading →

A Shopping Guide for Twins (or more) Part 1: Play Time, Rest Time, and Feeding

You’d think shopping for twins would be just like shopping for one baby, only you’d get two of everything right? Everything with twins is more complicated, and shopping for them is not an exception. There is a lot more to consider, including space and the possibility that your multiples may arrive early! So here is Part 1 of a guide for all you expectant MOMS (mothers of multiples). This is practical “been-there-done-that” advice. More than a list of things you “must have”, I’d rather give you some things to think about as you’re shopping. . .or telling others what to … Continue reading →

Multiples in the Night

Like most aspects of parenting multiples, night time parenting more than one can be an exercise in futility when you’re trying to get some much needed sleep. Furthermore, multiples are frequently born pre-term and may need a significant amount of care around the clock. Here are a few strategies that we’ve used to survive the first twelve months of our twins’ lives and cope with the sleep deprivation: Scheduling If you’re bottle feeding, scheduling is a lot easier to do. If you’re breastfeeding, it’s a little trickier but it is worth the effort. You will be up a lot less … Continue reading →

To Test or Not to Test: Zygosity in Twins

Most people assume that if twins look very much alike, the twins must be identical. But actually, determining whether or not twins are identical, (or their zygosity) can be a costly proposition. Most people know that fraternal twins are the result of two eggs being fertilized, and that identical twins are the result of one egg that was fertilized and then split. Fraternal twins share no more than 50% of their genes and are no more alike than other siblings in the family. However, identical twins are genetically. . .well, identical. Many times zygosity can be determined simply by looking … Continue reading →

If I had known: What I would’ve asked for before having twins!

My friends are great! For every baby I’ve had, they’ve thrown me a shower! I almost wonder if they just like playing baby shower games. Regardless of their motives, I benefit from their generosity! So when we found out we were expecting not our 4th baby, but our 4th and 5th babies, my friends went into overdrive! They were only too thrilled to be planning a baby shower for the twins. Being the very efficient women that they are, they naturally wanted me to sign up for a registry to avoid gift duplication. (Is that really a problem with twins?) … Continue reading →