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Having two newborns at once makes for lots of work, so it helps both you and the twins to have a predictable schedule. Fortunately for you, the newborn twins come with a blank slate, waiting for you, their parent, to fill it with things to keep them healthy and happy. If you take some time to set a predictable newborn twins schedule of sleep, feedings and playtime for your babies, and if you begin to practice that schedule early, your efforts will pay dividends as your twins get older.
Setting Your Newborn Twins’ Schedule
It will be up to you to determine what is the best newborn twins schedule for you and your babies. What works for you may depend on a few factors, including how many helpers you have around the house. You may also need a different schedule during the daytime than at night. As I’ve said before, if you have helpers it makes sense to have your twins on the same schedule. That way the adults can rest together or help each other with household tasks while the babies sleep. If you’re working alone, such as when your spouse is at work, it may make more sense to have a staggered schedule so that you don’t have two hungry, crying babies at once.
There’s a lot of advice available to new parents about setting sleep schedules in particular. But you get to decide what works best for you and your newborn twins.
Be Consistent but Flexible
When you have settled on a newborn twins schedule, it will be your job to follow it. If you decide to have both twins eat at the same time, for example, but only one twin wakes up hungry, you may have to wake up the other one and feed her, too. After a while the newborn twins will start to follow your lead.
Of course you will have to adjust this schedule sometimes. In fact, the feeding and sleeping schedules in particular will change as your twins get older. By watching your twins closely you will know when it is time to adjust their schedule.
Having Twins is Hectic
Newborn twins have a particularly demanding schedule with their frequent feedings and naps. The first year is especially crazy with twins. But a little planning and some hard work can set your newborn twins on a schedule that will keep them happy and make your work a little easier.
Picture by Len Currie
