Dad's Guide to Twins Podcast: Recent Episodes
Joe Rawlinson
The Dad's Guide to Twins Podcast helps fathers of twins survive and thrive through the challenges of having and raising twins. For twin dads expecting twins or in the middle of raising them, this podcast features interviews with fathers of twins and practical tips on parenting.
- Twins have a unique built-in opportunity to develop conflict resolution skills earlier than singletons
- Your job is to coach the process, not solve the problem for them
- Simple scripts and sentence starters give young twins the words they need to negotiate
- Consistency in stepping back (and letting them work it out) is the hardest and most important part
- The negotiation skills they build now will serve them for life
- Being grouped as "the twins" is one of the most common social frustrations twins experience.
- Your twins may go through phases in how they respond, from correcting people to simply ignoring the mistake entirely.
- You can help them build strong individual identities at home, which gives them confidence to handle it in the world.
- Research shows that twins who develop a clear sense of individual identity actually have stronger social and emotional outcomes.
- Your role as their dad is to validate their frustration and equip them with tools, not to fight their battles for them.
- Separate playdates help each twin build confidence and a unique identity outside of being "the twins"
- Not every twin will handle solo socializing the same way, and that's completely normal
- Small, low-pressure steps go a long way for the twin who leans more on their sibling
- Separate classes can feel hard at first but often become a gift for their long-term independence
- Your role is to be the facilitator, not the fixer
- Daytime and nighttime potty training are two completely separate milestones
- Most kids master daytime dryness months (sometimes years) before nighttime dryness
- Nighttime dryness is largely developmental, not something you can force
- Your twins may reach these milestones at different times, and that's completely normal
- Patience and low-pressure strategies work best for both phases
Teaching one kid to brush their teeth is a project. Teaching two at the same time? That's a whole different level of logistics, patience, and toothpaste on the mirror.
But here's the good news: with twins, you actually have a built-in secret weapon. They have each other. And if you play it right, that sibling dynamic can make the whole learning process a lot smoother than you'd expect.
One of my twin daughters developed a fear of the dark around age three. Within a week, her sister had it too.
This is the twin parent reality: fears multiply faster than you can buy nightlights.
When twins share a bedroom, developmental fears like monsters under the bed, scary shadows, or loud noises don't stay contained to one child. They bounce back and forth, amplify, and suddenly you've got two terrified kids who won't sleep without every light in the house blazing.
The good news? You can use the twin dynamic to your advantage here. The same bond that spreads fear can also build courage.
One of the hardest transitions I faced with my twin girls was the day they decided naps were optional. Scratch that. The day they decided naps were for babies and they were clearly not babies anymore.
If you're in the trenches of this transition right now, I feel your pain. That sacred afternoon window when both twins sleep simultaneously? It's basically the only thing keeping you sane. But here's the good news: you can preserve some of that sanity with a strategic shift to "Quiet Time."
When your twins start moving, they don't just crawl or walk. They become a force of nature. The term "Twinadoes" is accurate. And just like actual tornadoes, they leave a path of destruction in their wake.
Once your twins are on the move, you'll quickly realize that traditional baby containment methods won't cut it. One baby gate? They'll figure out how to open it together. A standard playpen? Way too small for two mobile toddlers who need space to explore. You need a bigger strategy.
- Twins naturally observe and copy each other, which can fast-track manners and social skills
- Start modeling "please" and "thank you" from infancy, even before they can talk
- Twin-to-twin empathy is a unique opportunity you won't have with singletons
- Consistency between you and your partner is key as your twins will absolutely notice the difference
- Expect setbacks; toddler twins testing limits is completely normal
- Twins naturally start comparing themselves around ages 4-7 as part of normal development
- Constant comparison can lock kids into narrow roles (the athletic one, the shy one)
- Minimize direct comparisons in your language and celebrate each child's unique strengths
- One-on-one time and separate activities help each twin develop their own identity Focus on personal growth over competition (compare them to their past selves, not each other)
When twins build friendships outside their twin relationship, they will develop stronger individual identities and more diverse social skills. They learn to navigate different personalities, practice introducing themselves (a skill my girls literally never needed with each other), and discover they can be valued for who they are individually.
That double stroller has been your best friend for two years. But now your twins are getting bigger, more independent, and honestly, wrestling two squirming toddlers into that beast for a quick Target run feels harder than just letting them walk.
Except walking means you've got two little people who can dart in opposite directions while you're standing there with exactly two hands.
I've been there with my twin girls. That transition from strapped-in-the-stroller to walking-beside-me-in-the-parking-lot was genuinely terrifying at first. But here's what I learned: most twins between 18 months and 3 years can master staying close through consistent verbal cues and clear boundaries. It takes patience and plenty of practice runs, but it absolutely works.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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?
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 girls will be shy one week while the other is a social butterfly. Just when you think that is the pattern, they switch and the social standout now cries hysterically with strangers. Go figure.
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.
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.
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.
Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Stephen Dause, father of twin girls. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Finding out they'd have twins just after 24 year old adopted son moved out
- Concerns and anxiety about sleep and wife’s health
- Going to the hospital twice during pregnancy
- Choosing a MFM specialist over traditional OB
- TAPS and TTTS monitoring
- At 34 weeks, gestational hypertension sent Mom to hospital
- C-section delivery
- Emergency hysterectomy to stop bleeding after birth
- Dad's emotions dealing with traumatic birth experience
- Power outage when they got home from hospital
- Taking time off work to take care of babies and his wife
- Child care plans - finding a daycare
- Daily schedule for 4.5 month olds
- and more...
Hey Dads, it's completely normal to need support during the twin pregnancy. Yes, support for you.
During a twin pregnancy, the physical and emotional spotlight is naturally on your partner, but your role, your mental health, and your emotional well-being matter deeply.
Here are some ideas on how to maintain your mental and emotional footing during this intense time.
When I found out we were having twins, on of my first thoughts after the initial shock wore off was: "Where are we going to put all their stuff?"
Our modest three-bedroom home suddenly felt tiny. But after some creative planning and real-world experience, I discovered you don't need two of everything or a mansion to raise happy, healthy twins.
Here's how to prepare your home without drowning in baby gear.
Fathers expecting twins often have specific concerns that tend to be exaggerated or misguided.
You just don't know what you're getting yourself into and that leads to some irrational fears.
I know, I've been there.
Here are some of the most common fears that you don't need to stress out about.
As a father of twins who's done countless grocery runs, I'm going to share what actually works when you need to brave the supermarket alone with your infant twins. This isn't theoretical advice—these are battle-tested strategies that have saved my sanity during that challenging first year (and beyond) with twins.
As a father of twins, you've probably heard it all: "Shouldn't they be walking by now?" or "My son was talking in full sentences at this age!" These well-meaning comments from friends and family comparing your twins to singleton milestones can be frustrating and sometimes even worrying. Let me share some perspective and practical advice on how to handle these situations with confidence.
As a father of twins who has weathered countless "double emergencies," I'm here to tell you that yes, you will survive those moments when both babies need you desperately at the exact same time.
Whether it's one spitting up while the other has a diaper explosion, or both wailing for different urgent reasons, these situations are inevitable with twins.
Here's my battle-tested approach to handling these high-stress moments.
The urge to compare twins is one of the most natural yet challenging aspects of parenting multiples.
Each of your twins is a unique individual so let's discuss some practical ideas to avoid comparisons and celebrate each child's unique journey.
What do you do when one of your twins wants all the attention and gets upset when anyone is showing affection to their twin?
We found this particularly troublesome with toddler twins.
For toddler twins, you'll need to adapt your strategies to match their developmental stage. Toddlers are still learning to regulate their emotions, communicate effectively, and understand social dynamics like sharing attention. Here’s how you could help your young twins.
Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Aaron Ameen, father of identical boys. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Moving across the country during the twin pregnancy
- Helping others tell the twins apart
- Juggling a full time job and running your own business while raising twins
- Toddler's reactions to having twin babies in the house
- Finding daycare for twins and a toddler
- Handing careers after birth of twins
- The twin delivery experience
- Taking paternity leave
- Creating boundaries when working at home
- Daily routine for one-year-old twins
- and more...
Let's take a look at the 2024 JPMA Innovation Awards Winners and see if they would be a good fit for your twin family.
If your twins look alike, can they share a passport?
We'll dive into the details below but remember to follow the laws of your country in regards to passports.
Twins typically weigh less than singletons, averaging around 5.5 pounds each compared to 7 pounds for singletons. This is due to factors like shared resources and space in the womb. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), twins are more likely to experience growth restriction, which can lead to lower birth weights.
Range of Birth WeightsThe birth weight of twins generally ranges between 4 to 6 pounds. However, variations can occur, with some twins being born with extremely low or higher birth weights. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that over 50% of twins are born with low birth weight, defined as less than 5.5 pounds.
Growth ComparisonsTwins often grow at a slower rate compared to singletons, particularly in the third trimester, as resources become limited. According to the CDC, this phenomenon is known as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), which is more common in multiple pregnancies.
Factors Affecting Birth WeightFactors such as maternal health, gender of the babies, and maternal age play significant roles in determining birth weight. ACOG notes that adequate prenatal care, maternal nutrition, and avoiding stress can positively influence birth weight.
The types of twins you’re expecting can also impact birth weight.
Impact of Delivery MethodCesarean sections are common in twin deliveries, which can influence birth weight records due to the timing of delivery. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) states that planned cesarean sections are often recommended for twins to prevent complications that could arise from vaginal deliveries.
Safe Delivery TimingTwins are often delivered earlier than singletons, with viability starting around 24 weeks. However, ACOG suggests that the ideal delivery time is between 36 and 37 weeks to balance maturity and the risks associated with prolonged pregnancy.
Effects of Low Birth WeightLow birth weight in twins is associated with several health risks, including respiratory distress syndrome, feeding difficulties, and developmental delays. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the importance of managing these risks through specialized neonatal care.
Post-Birth ConsiderationsTwins, especially those with low birth weight, may require NICU care. The WHO recommends long-term monitoring to ensure they reach developmental milestones similar to their singleton counterparts.
Reducing Low Birth Weight RisksExpectant mothers of twins should focus on prenatal care, a balanced diet, and stress management to reduce the risks of low birth weight. ACOG highlights that regular check-ups and proper nutrition are crucial in achieving healthy birth weights.
The post Twin Birth Weight: An In-Depth Look appeared first on Dad's Guide to Twins.
One common question that arises about twin pregnancies is that of the process of water breaking. Since there are two babies, can it happen twice?
Let’s explore the intricacies of water breaking in twin pregnancies, addressing the possibility of it happening twice and the what that means for you.
Before we start, let’s make sure you know about some key vocabulary associated with pregnancies:
- Amniotic sac: The fluid-filled membrane that surrounds and protects the fetus during pregnancy.
- Amniotic fluid: The protective liquid contained within the amniotic sac.
- Preterm labor: Labor that begins before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
- Preterm birth: Birth that occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Can a Woman’s Water Break Twice with Twins?The short answer is: it depends. The possibility of water breaking twice in a twin pregnancy is directly related to the type of twin pregnancy and the number of amniotic sacs present.
Diamniotic Twins (Most Common):In diamniotic twin pregnancies, each twin has its own separate amniotic sac. This means that water breaking can indeed occur twice, once for each sac as each twin prepares for birth. The time frame between each water break can vary significantly, from minutes to hours or even days in some cases.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), approximately 70-80% of twin pregnancies are diamniotic. In these cases, the rupture of membranes (water breaking) can occur independently for each fetus.
Our identical twin girls were diamniotic twins which meant they each had their own amniotic sac. We never saw a double water break since they were born via c-section before that could happen.
Monoamniotic Twins (Rare):In contrast, monoamniotic twins share a single amniotic sac. In these cases, water breaking will likely happen only once, as there is only one sac to rupture. Monoamniotic twin pregnancies are more rare, and come with increased risks such as umbilical cord entanglement, twin to twin transfusion syndrome, and preterm birth.
Additional Considerations:It’s important to note that in diamniotic pregnancies, both sacs may rupture simultaneously, giving the impression of a single water breaking event.
Additionally, twin pregnancies have a higher risk of early labor and preterm birth compared to singleton pregnancies.
If water breaking occurs, especially before 37 weeks of pregnancy, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) can lead to complications for both the mother and babies.
Risks and Complications:Water breaking, particularly if it occurs prematurely, can lead to several risks:
- Infection (chorioamnionitis)
- Preterm labor and birth
- Umbilical cord compression
- Fetal distress
The Mayo Clinic emphasizes the importance of prompt medical care in cases of preterm labor to manage these risks effectively.
Delivery Methods:The delivery method for twin pregnancies depends on various factors, including the type of twin pregnancy (diamniotic or monoamniotic), the position of the babies, and other health considerations. While vaginal delivery is possible for many twin pregnancies, cesarean section may be necessary in some cases. It’s essential to discuss delivery plans with your healthcare provider throughout your pregnancy.
What to Expect in Your Twin PregnancyWhether a woman’s water can break twice with twins primarily depends on the type of twin pregnancy. In diamniotic twin pregnancies, which are most common, it is indeed possible for water to break twice. However, in the more rare monoamniotic twin pregnancies, water breaking will likely occur only once.
Understanding the nuances of water breaking in twin pregnancies can help expectant parents be better prepared for what to expect. However, every pregnancy is unique, and it’s crucial to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider throughout your twin pregnancy journey. They can provide personalized advice and care based on your specific situation.
Remember, if you experience any signs of water breaking, especially before 37 weeks of pregnancy, seek medical attention immediately. With proper care and monitoring, many of the potential risks associated with preterm labor and birth can be effectively managed, leading to the best possible outcomes for both mother and your twins.
The post Water Breaking in Twin Pregnancies: Can It Happen Twice? appeared first on Dad's Guide to Twins.
As a father of identical twins, one of the biggest hurdles you'll face each school year is helping teachers distinguish between your twins. It's crucial for both the twins' individual development and the teacher's ability to provide personalized attention.
It isn't uncommon for teachers to have trouble telling your twins apart - even we as parents sometimes do a double-take! But in a classroom setting, clear identification is vital. It helps prevent mix-ups in grading, ensures each child gets the right feedback, and allows the teacher to build individual relationships with each twin.
Here are some things you can try to help teachers tell your twins apart.
Raising infant twins undoubtedly presents unique challenges, but it also offers countless rewarding experiences that are both heartwarming and enriching.
As an expectant father of twins, it’s important to focus on the positive aspects and the unique joys that come with raising two babies at once.
Here are some of the best things about raising infant twins, supported by my experiences and insights of other twin parents.
Biting is a challenge with any kid, of course. But particularly twins because they're usually playing together, or spending time together and it's much easier for them to want to reach out and bite each other.
Here's what to do about it.
Your twins are invited to a friend's birthday party. Of course they should bring a birthday gift. But the question is: should they bring two gifts (one from each twin) or one gift (a joint gift from both)?
Whether to bring one gift or two to a birthday party when you have twins can be nuanced and subjective. Based on the advice from other twin parents, here are several perspectives and unique ideas to consider.
Episode 309 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Kris Lloyd, father of non-identical girls. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Found out at 8-9 weeks about twins
- Trouble free pregnancy and delivery
- Getting support from family and friends
- Hospitals were busy for regular scans and had to push for a plan.
- 37 weeks of pregnancy water broke, emergency c-section after about a day
- Dad was not allowed in room due to operation.
- Formula feeding babies
- Transitioning back to work
- When twins started crawling
- Slept through night since about 12 weeks
- Daily schedule for 9 month olds
- Started in parent’s room for first 6 months
- Time off with work 3 weeks (partner 8-9 months)
- Working Monday-Friday 60 hours a week and still staying connected with twins
- Didn’t need two jumpers, walkers, etc. as only one wanted to use it at the time.
- Childproofing the house now that twins are mobile
- and more...
Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Kris Pruett, father of four boys including fraternal twins. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- When twin fraternal boys look very different
- Developing different interests in children
- One twin physically gifted vs other not
- Having two additional boys after twins
- Dealing with congenital heart disease for third son
- Sharing a room as twins
- Setting behavior expectations with children
- Teaching money skills with allowance
- Moving twins to homeschool during pandemic
- Handling sibling rivalries and dynamics
- Keeping marriage strong while raising young children
- Why keeping twins on the same sleep schedule saved their sanity
- and more...
Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Casey McCurdy, father of 7 year old boy/girl twins. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Managing twins in first grade
- Separating twins at school and twins' reaction
- Different friend groups
- Different activities for all 3 kids
- Deciding which parent will stay at home with kids
- Overcoming infertility and having twins via IVF donor eggs
- Mom had daytime morning sickness first two trimesters
- Being there with wife during pregnancy
- Delivered at 33.5 weeks after 60 hours of labor
- Being a veteran with mental struggles with PTSD, anxiety, depression
- Getting twins to breastfeed successfully
- NICU for three weeks and going home without your children
- Juggling work while kids in NICU
- Using FMLA and coworkers donated some time off
- Kids on oxygen after coming from NICU for about a month
- Having a third child after twins
- Challenges of three very young children
- Help twins feel uniquely celebrated on birthdays
- and more...
Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Steve Idlett, father of twin boys. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- being a stay at home dad with their first child
- when the hospital is far from home
- the twins were 6 weeks early
- dealing with 3 weeks in the NICU
- using a camper to stay close to hospital
- daily routine for 8 month old twins
- putting kids in day care
- creating a family that loves music
- raising a toddler and infant twins
- what is working with feeding the twins
- when one twin wakes up before the other
- and more...
Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Dave Cox, father of non-identical boy twins. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- From joking about possibility of having twins to actually having them
- One twin breech so had to go to hospital for cesarean
- One twin had breathing issues and almost had to fly to Sydney for intensive care
- 2 weeks in special care (one step down from NICU)
- Managing time off - got leave (12 months for Mum, 6-8 weeks leave for Dad)
- Size difference so big they were different sized clothes
- Toilet training wrapping up with their boys
- Dad broke neck when twins were 7 months old causing immobility
- Ongoing surgeries and complications hurt made it impossible to lift and move with twins
- Had to switch jobs post accident
- Day care four days a week and nanny on 5th day of week
- Typical daily schedule starts at 4AM Wesley / Wyatt sleeps in 5-6
- Losing last daytime nap - getting shorter and shorter
- Adjusting your perspective makes all the difference
- and more...
Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Patrick Edgett, father of twin girls. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- raising a four children including at on point having 3 under 3
- managing terribles twos and opinionated toddlers
- challenges of getting twins to sleep
- climbing out of cribs and how to fix that
- differences between older daughter and twins
- finding out about twins at ultrasound
- moving two weeks after birth of twins
- switching jobs right after twins birth
- about a month in the NICU for both twins
- when one twin came home a week and a half before the other
- having another child after twins
- potty training twins
- one twin had an eye problem that took awhile to figure out
- phasing out nap time
- twins going to preschool for social interaction and gaining independence
- taking time to spend with kids individually
- keeping relationship with wife strong via communication and scheduled dates
- and more...
Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Greg Parks Decent, father of boy/girl twins. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- When one twin climbs out of crib
- Handling twins with two older children
- One twin in NICU for 9 days other twin is home
- Welcoming another baby into the family after twins
- Sleeping arrangements for all the kids
- Baby monitor technology to keep tabs on kids
- Exponential work when attention divided with twins
- Never use twins or younger kids as an excuse for not doing something with older kids
- Finding opportunities to get one on one time with the kids
- Financial tips for young children
- Balancing finances as a large family
- and more...
Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Chris Decent, father of boy/girl twins. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Older sibling's concerns transforming into wonderful big sister
- Going through multiple failed adoptions before getting the twins
- When one twin spent 4 months in the NICU
- Selling their home right away after birth to move closer to the hospital
- Deciding to have Mom stay home with the kids
- Discovered about autism after twins were missing milestones
- Having each child at different levels developmentally
- Getting special needs children into school that matches their needs
- A child's tantrum vs autism meltdown
- Sleep challenges with twins
- When twins don’t look alike
- and more...
Burping is essential for your twins to release air trapped in their tummies after feeding, preventing discomfort and gas.
After a good burp, your babies will go from squirming, crying, and agitated to calm and happy.
We would always proactively burp our twins right after feeding. This helped prevent their discomfort if we waited.
The challenge is that if you're feeding your twins at the same time, how do you burp both twins when they are finished eating?
Let's talk about some examples of how to burp twins even in some of the complicated situations you'll find yourself as a father of twins.
Watching your twins learn to talk at the same time may sound like double the chaos, but did you know there are twin-specific aspects of language development? Language acquisition in twins has long fascinated researchers, and recent studies are shedding new light on this unique phenomenon.
It can be a big challenge to come up with Halloween costume ideas for twins – whether your twins are the same gender or not. However, if you are open to a bit of creativity and messing around to find the ideal costume, then here are some Halloween costume ideas for twins.
When you bring your babies home, can you let twins sleep in the same crib?
Absolutely. Should twins sleep in the same crib? It depends…
Twins share many things but do they have the same blood type?
Our identical twin girls share the same blood type and have the same blood type as their mother.
However, that doesn’t mean all twins share the same blood type.
Yes, twins can have the same blood type. But the answer isn’t that simple.
Are you expecting twins and trying to find good names for your future children? I've put together some giant lists of twin names that rhyme to help get your creative juices flowing.
Baby gear for your twins is constantly changing. New products are always coming out.
Fortunately, my friends over at Twiniversity.com just released their 2024 Twinnie Award Winners where they highlight the best gear for twins.
That award list goes through a whole bunch of baby gear that is useful for your twins including dozens of products.
In this podcast, I highlight those products that are twin specific. Of course a lot of baby gear that you need for twins is just standard baby gear that any baby would need - a singleton baby, twin, triplets or quadruplets. Check out Twiniversity's list for recommendations of general baby gear.
I'm going to focus on the gear that is specifically made for twins and some of my thoughts on the products that they mentioned on the list.
Today we continue our father of twins interview series with professional magician Wes Iseli, father of identical twin boys. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Juggling family while performing 400 shows a year as a magician
- Finding out about expecting twins at the 5 month checkup
- Healthy birth and home soon there after
- Twins not talking yet
- Getting to the twins to sleep at night
- Take turns with different behavior
- Homeschooling because they want to see kids
- Don’t worry about all the negative things
- and more...
Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Peter Esbrandt, father of four-year-old identical twin girls. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- When Mom started bleeding at 8 weeks
- Shared placenta TTTS worries
- Early labor 2.5 months before due date and then bed rest for Mom
- Mom had high blood pressure that lead to early delivery
- Surprise breathing issues for twins
- Discovering a milk allergy while in NICU
- Deciding to have mom stay home with twins
- Taking first vacation with twins
- Keeping marriage strong through the parenting journey
- and more...
Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Damari Gupton, father of fraternal twins (girl/boy). Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Raising 7 kids ages 11 years old down to 6 month-old twins
- Supporting Mom as she breastfeeds the twins
- Struggles of twins' schedules not being in sync
- Balance parenting the twins and other children
- Taking time off work and career choices based on family needs
- Establishing routines for housework and employment
- Risks and challenges of comparing the twins
- Making room for twins in the house
- and more...
Episode 290 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Brad Myers, father of identical twin girls. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Having twins when they already had a 2 year old
- When one twin is smaller than the other
- Made it to 36 weeks of pregnancy then birth via c-section
- NICU for two nights then home
- Night doula after twins came home for a couple nights a week
- Due to cost, switched to an au pair for child care at 18 months
- Finding au pair that was a good fit from Argentina
- Au pairs live in the home and you set the schedule
- Au pair requirements for hosting
- Adjusting to life with an au pair
- Traveling with young twins
- Challenges with twins vs a singleton
- Getting twins on the same schedule
- When twins don’t succeed with breastfeeding
- and more...
Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Zach Starr, father of identical twin girls. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Having to switch doctors after news of twins
- Mom developed liver cholestasis
- Water broke at 33 weeks in the middle of the night
- Received steroid injections to develop twins' lungs
- Natural delivery of twins when they thought it would be c-section
- Girls taken to NICU after birth for 3.5 weeks
- Staying positive with each milestone girls reached
- Twins in parents' room at first
- Getting twins on the same schedule
- Dealing with the witching hour in the evenings
- Wife pumped but didn’t breastfeed directly
- At 4-5 months started sleep training twins
- Transitioning back to work gradually
- Found babysitter to help with kids during the day
- Having a third child when twins were still under age 2
- Road tripping with lots of little ones
- Dental tips for young children
- Developing a strong bond with your twins
What type of baby monitors should you get for your twins? This podcast shares several recommendations from twin parents.
Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Rob Kaercher, father of identical twin boys. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Raising 21-month old identical boys
- Watching the twins improve their verbal communication
- Staying on schedule with toddlers
- Six months in parents room for breastfeeding
- Transitioning from a DINK lifestyle to having twins
- IVF journey to twins from one viable embryo
- Moving while pregnant with twins
- Twin A's sac broke at 31 weeks
- Didn’t know they had TTTS during pregnancy until delivery
- Twins in the NICU for 3 weeks
- One twin came home 24 hours before the other
- Getting up together to feed twins during the night for months changed to taking turns
- Dad off for two weeks and then worked from home for a month
- After maternity leave, couldn’t find day care for both boys at same time
- Dad decided to be a stay at home dad
- Some challenges of being a stay at home dad
- Keeping marriage strong while parenting twins
- Finding a babysitter for twins
- Making one on one time with twins
Will your twins have the same or different personalities? Will this depend on if they are identical or fraternal twins? This episode explores what to expect with your twins.
Your twin pregnancy labor and delivery time won't be average. It will be unique to Mom and your twins. Let's look at example labor times and experiences from several twin parents so you can get an idea of what to expect for your twin delivery.
Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Tyler Chesser, father of boy/girl twins. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Early twin delivery after Mom's water broke at 32 weeks
- Twins' time in the NICU before coming home
- Adjusting to life with twins
- Different twin personalities from the beginning
- Breastfeeding twins - what worked and what didn't
- Day in the life of 13-month old twins
- When twins crawl in different ways
- Balancing being a business owner and sleepless nights
- Finding a nanny for the twins
- Looking at life with gratitude
Day care can be one of twin parents' biggest expenses. This video share examples costs from across the country and factors that influence how much you'll pay for your twins.
Should your twins sleep in your room when they come home from the hospital? The answer depends on several factors.
Here are a few factors that help you know if your twins will both be upset at the same time and what to do about it.
There are several possible complications Mom or babies may encounter during the twin pregnancy.
How long does Mom need to go before she can have these twins? Your twin pregnancy may end via the process of labor being induced.
Wondering how many clothes you need for your twins? This video shares the key pieces of clothing you'll need and an estimate of the amount you'll need to make it through each day.
Twin pregnancies are automatically higher risk than normal pregnancies. To put it simply, having twins increases the odds that something will go wrong during the pregnancy. But that doesn’t mean that moms with twins are doomed to have problems or need to suffer extreme stress worrying about how early can twins be born. Many twins are delivered without any major problems.
Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Paul Gewuerz, father of twin boys. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Ultrasound surprise of twins after thinking they had miscarriage
- Visiting with a high risk specialist. One baby not growing as fast as other
- Weekly ultrasounds to determine what was going on with Baby A
- At 24 weeks, had to go across state to get MRI so see what was wrong with baby.
- Babies has IUGR
- Checked in at hospital so Mom could be monitored three times a day
- Handling work and insurance when they had to go to hospital
- Were scheduled for c-section at 32 weeks but only made it to 30 weeks
- Dad’s experience during the twin birth
- Babies were in NICU right away with Baby b intubated for oxygen
- Lived in Ronald McDonald house while twins in NICU for about 3 months
- One baby out of NICU for month before his brother
- Crawling and vocal at this point
- Twins interacting with each other and playing together
How long your twins stay in the hospital after birth depends on several factors. This podcast explains how long your twins may be at the hospital before coming home and why that time varies so much with twins.
What should I pack in my hospital bag for twins? Dad, you may be called upon to pack Mom’s bag ... Read more
The post What should I pack in my hospital bag for twins? appeared first on Dad's Guide to Twins.
As a father of twins, you want to bond with your twins and build a strong, lasting relationship. The key ... Read more
The post How to Bond with Your Twins appeared first on Dad's Guide to Twins.
As a father of twins, you want to bond with your twins and build a strong, lasting relationship.
The key to this bond with your twins is to spend one-on-one time with each of them individually.
As a father of twins, you want to bond with your twins and build a strong, lasting relationship.
The key to this bond with your twins is to spend one-on-one time with each of them individually.
How do you get anything done when you're home alone with the twins? Here are recommendations from several twin parents.
How do you handle the stress and mental struggle of raising twins? Raising twins is hard and it can become ... Read more
The post How to Overcome the Stress and Mental Struggles of Twin Parenting (tips for twin parents) appeared first on Dad's Guide to Twins.
Raising twins is hard work. It can often put a lot of stress on you which can lead to mental struggles.
Keep your head up, you can do this!
In this podcast, I share tips from your fellow twin parents on how they deal with the mental struggles of twin parenting:
Raising twins is hard work. It can often put a lot of stress on you which can lead to mental struggles.
Keep your head up, you can do this!
In this podcast, I share tips from your fellow twin parents on how they deal with the mental struggles of twin parenting:
Twins tend to help each other get into trouble. That doesn't have to be the case. This podcast shares tips from twin parents of how they help encourage good behavior in their twins.
Raising infant twins is tough. In this episode I share what several twin parents had to say was the most difficult part of that phase of twin parenting.
Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Shawn Armstrong, father of twin girls. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Getting through numerous miscarriages leading up to twin pregnancy
- Wife sent to hospital at 26 weeks with preeclampsia for 30 days
- Balancing work while wife in hospital
- Why twins had to be delivered early
- Experience during delivery as a father
- Twins in the NICU for 78 days to grow and gain weight
- Having twins as a older father (46)
- Challenge with crawling twins (and now walking)
- Infant twins and sleep interruptions
- Why their "ten minute crying baby rule" helped maintain parents' sanity
- Managing finances of having twins
- Day in the life schedule of one-year-olds
Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Derek Craddock, father of boy/girl twins. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including: * After having trouble conceiving twins, they had success with medical assistance * Birth via scheduled c-section at 37 weeks * Dad’s experience during delivery * No NICU time but something wrong with Mom after a few days * Wife had postpartum pre-eclampsia and back in hospital for 5 days * Had to monitor heart and see cardiologist * Dad helped care for babies while in hospital * Having mother-in-law stay with them for two months after birth * Challenges of having twins sleep in parents’ room * Twins shared room until age two * Toilet training ongoing with twins * Helping with language development at 3 years old * Finding childcare for the twins, first a nanny and then small daycare for about a year * Transition to having mom stay home with the kids * Moving with young children * Making time for memories with children
Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Scott MacDonald, father of fraternal twin girls. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including: * Shared parental leave between parents and deciding who would take what time off * Scheduled c-section at 36.5 weeks * Encouraging fun and creativity at home * Starting day care at 11 months old * Putting the twins in separate preschool classrooms * Speech development differences * Why toilet training was a big milestone for making life easier * Packing the right gear for the twins when traveling * Must have baby gear and books * Using screen time to help with learning * Giving each twin their own experiences * Keeping boundaries in place for the twins * Helping twins know when it is time to get out of bed
Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Titus Shockley, father of twin girls. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- One health scare at 34 weeks when Mom had contractions
- Kids in NICU only 5 hours
- Types of feedings that worked for the twins
- Negotiated paid paternity leave
- One girl needed a helmet to improve head shape
- Mom works from home and full time mom until 1 year old
- Getting a nanny for one day a week
- Twins started in parent’s room and then moved to own room
- Favorite gear that is most helpful
- Day in the life schedule 18 month olds
Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Will Stephens, father of fraternal twin boys. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- When the twins start walking
- Handling finances with twins
- Dealing with $1k/month day care costs
- Limited paternity leave
- Juggling running business and having twins
- Having help from friends and family in early days
- Pregnancy induced carpal tunnel syndrome
- Healthy delivery of boys via c-section
- Feeding boys formula
- Sleep routines with infant twins
- Milestones different between the twins
- Deciding priorities while raising twins
Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Aaron Rieder, father of twin girls. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Married for 20 years before having twins via IVF
- Wife’s pregnancy started healthy and normal but then the twins were growing at different rates
- Having twins while living in remote area
- Dealing with intrauterine growth restriction when the twins were not getting consistent flow of nutrients
- What if one twin stops growing, they could initiate delivery but put both twins at risk
- Decision to name twins during pregnancy
- Twins in NICU (one for 2 weeks, the other for 34 days)
- Challenge of getting twins in a routine
- Forming twin bond between them
Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Adam Oxley, father of twin boys. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Finding out about twins after wife since pandemic wouldn’t let dad attend scan
- Not being able to support wife during doctor visits
- One twin growing faster than the other needed care for a few weeks
- Delivered via c-section after waiting 48 hours for their turn
- Boys came home 3 days after delivery
- Breastfeeding proved difficult and moved to bottle feeding
- Having similar identical twins - how to tell them apart
- Challenges with feeding twins
- Deciding to let Mom take career break
- Daily schedule for 15 month old twins
- Working as a team with your partner in raising the twins
Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Robert Wheatley, father of twin girls. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Becoming a stay-at-home dad to twins
- When Mom's blood type caused a serious pregnancy complication
- Mom worked 4 months into pregnancy and then had to stop due to doctors orders
- Wife had itchy hands and feet late in pregnancy due to Cholestasis
- 32 weeks delivery of twins after pre-term labor
- Local hospital couldn't handle twins so had to go to big city 1.5hours away
- Had to wait 36 hours for c-section after Mom's water broke
- Bubble CPAP in NICU 2 weeks for 1 and one week for the other
- One twin coming home before the other
- Moved back to parents house after birth
- Keeping twins in same room as parents
- Why bottle feeding worked for them
- Surprises of being a stay at home dad
- Potty training the twins at 3
- Typical day-in-the-life schedule of 4 year olds
- Making one-on-one time with each twin
- Expressing individuality, becoming different people
- Raising one introverted and one extroverted twin
Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Tyler Anderson, father of three boys. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Dealing with a 20-month-old when the twins were born
- Twins were born 6 weeks early and spent 6 weeks in the NICU
- Paying off hospital bills for twins’ birth and NICU
- Their system for telling the twins apart
- Moving with 3 young children across the country
- Sleeping arrangements for all the children
- Sleep training the twins by 6 months
- When each twin hits milestones at different times
- Physical therapy for one twin to get him walking
- When the twins in elementary school have different academic levels
- Managing outside school activities and schedules
Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Matthew Mills, father of three including twin boys. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Twins close to talking
- Using baby sign language to communicate
- Twin pregnancy vs singleton - more morning sickness, aches and pains
- Preparing the sibling for twins’ arrival
- Potential complications of mono/di twins vs. reality
- Scheduled c-section
- Managing time off work after birth
- Nighttime routine with twins
- Day in the life of 18 month old twins
- Negotiating day care costs
Three key issues to consider that will determine how much time you get off when the twins are born.
A common question parents of infant twins ask is: “How do I have time to do everything with twins?”
The answer comes from prioritizing and trying to optimize your time.
How did you know that you would be having twins?
Let me share how we found out that we would be having twins and three ways that people normally would find out that they’re having twins.
Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Anton Mykhaylov, father of identical twin boys. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Had a high risk pregnancy - TTTS, TAPS
- Laser surgery to separate boys and drain fluid
- Water broke at 33 weeks and rush to hospital
- Premature birth leading to the boys staying in NICU for 30 days
- How to interact with twins in NICU
- Wife pumping to feed boys
- Twins sleeping in twin bassinet
- Taking shifts as parents during the night
- Hiring a nanny to help with the twins
- The gear that they’ve found most helpful
- Traveling with infants
So you found out that your partner is expecting twins? When will she start showing? When will you start to notice that baby bump?
Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Randy Morton, father of 9 year old boy/girl twins. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Getting twins to sleep early on
- Separating the twins in school
- Getting divorced when the twins were young
- Hobbies and interests similarities and differences between twins
- Challenges of not seeing kids during the week
- Grandparent involvement with twins
- Finding babysitters for the twins
- Overcoming reading challenges and behavior problems
- Getting out with the twins to parks or the beach
- Managing screen time with the kids
- and more...
Do twins come from Mom or Dad?
Well, we know that twins grow inside of Mom and she does the lion's share of all the work in that process.
But what about family history or genetics? Will Dad's history or that of the Mother determine if you're having twins?
Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Ian Sadler, father of identical five-year-old twin boys. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- When one twin isn’t growing as fast as the other in utero
- At 25 weeks, issues arose but managed to get to 32 weeks
- Boys spent 3 weeks and 5 weeks respectively in NICU
- Creative naming of the twin boys after a basketball player of Dad’s alma mater
- One boy on heart monitor when came home due to Bradycardia
- Dealing with sensory processing disorder
- Boys in separate classes
- Birthday celebrations so they feel celebrated
- Preparing at night for the next day
- and more...
Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Eric Langenderfer, father of twin boys. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Raising identical 9-month-old twin boys
- Getting a DNA test to prove they were identical
- Childproofing for crawling twins
- Creating a child safe room
- Finding the perfect stroller for side by side
- Putting the twins into daycare at 6 weeks
- 6 months of bed rest with restrictions and how they adapted
- Whey feedings were time-consuming
- Keeping track of baby feedings and changes
- Dealing with teething symptoms
- When kids get sent home from daycare
- and more...
Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Rich Banbury, father of boy/girl twins. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- A typical day in the life schedule of one-year-olds
- How dad can take care of the twins
- When breastfeeding didn’t work due to trouble latching
- Dad can be more involved when bottle-feeding
- Induction but no progress so had to have c-section
- Mom lost lots of blood so had to go back into surgery
- Bringing twins home and figuring everything out
- One more active than the other
- Advantages of the bottle prep machine
- and more...
Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Chris Mason and Kyle Strickland, fathers of boy/girl twins. Listen as we explore their twin parenting journey, including:
- Their surrogacy journey including finding an egg donor
- 20-week ultrasound only doctor visit able to attend
- Relocated to Wisconsin right before the twins' birth
- C-section because the daughter was breech
- Flying with one week old twins
- Living for 3 months in an AirBnB before their house was ready
- Getting twins on the same schedule
- Relief of getting over formula
- Joys of when twins could hold their own bottles
- Road tripping with toddlers
- and more...
Episode 244 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Tony Rowe, father of twin girls. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- When the twins came earlier than expected when water broke while dad was 45 minutes away
- Twins went to NICU after about 15 minutes
- Wife had high blood pressure
- Leaving one twin at the hospital when Mom and one baby go home
- Getting bearings with just one child
- Taking turns to go see the daughter in NICU
- Pumping for 7-8 months then formula
- Hiring a nanny through care.com
- Twins starting to walk at about 13 months
- Moving to a new house with infant twins
- and more...
Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Jamie Tuttle, father of four-year-old identical boys. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Choosing to be a stay at home dad to the twins
- Encouraging imagination and creativity in the boys
- Having twins after being married for years
- During the pregnancy, Mom couldn’t keep any food down, lost weight
- Planning for a c-section
- Finding success in breastfeeding and bottle-feeding
- Potty Training by three
- Traveling with young children
- Life-changing product for feeding babies
- Keeping tempers in check
- Finding books that help boys with emotions
- Getting back in the swing of date nights
- and more...
Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Barnaby Haszard Morris, father of non-identical girl twins from New Zealand. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Started kindergarten with twins
- Telling similar twins apart
- Mom's terrible nausea until the morning twins were born
- Waiting 3 days for availability at the hospital to deliver the twins
- When the NICU was full so couldn’t deliver twins
- Mom's complications after birth
- Recruiting family to come and help with the twins
- When the time comes to go back to work
- Having Mom stay home with the kids
- Finding out that Dad could manage on less sleep and thus take night feeds
- Moving twins to two separate rooms
- and more...
Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Grant Holloway, father of boy/girl twins. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Raising one-year-old boy/girls twins
- Becoming a twin dad through adoption
- Preparing for twins last minute
- Determining who does what with infants
- Which parent wakes up to care for twins at night
- How to feed twins by yourself
- How to handle both twins at the same time
- When twins start walking
- Day in the life of one-year-old twins
- Introducing the dog to the babies
- and more...
Episode 240 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Steven Driver, father of three, including twin girls. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Keeping up with active 18-month-old non-identical twin girls
- Keeping kids safe inside the house
- Finding a pushchair for 3 children
- Toddler’s reaction to newborns
- Making sure oldest has time with parents
- Typical daily schedule for 18-month-olds
- Emergency c-section for second twin after the first was born naturally
- PTSD to the traumatic birth experience
- Improving interactions with the twins
- When birth doesn’t go as planned
- Helping Mom recover from a c-section
- Breastfeeding twins for the first 3 months
- Managing time off work and getting creative with paternity leave
- and more...
Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Darrell Mosley, father of five boys including two sets of twins. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Raising five boys including 9 year old and 18-month-old twins plus a 14-year-old
- Dealing with 18-month-old mobile toddlers
- Both sets of twins were born at 30 weeks
- Some time in NICU and challenges of getting twins ready to come home
- Getting kids to different sports at the same time all season long
- Tracking food and medicine via spreadsheets
- Keeping infants on a feeding schedule for 24 hours
- Getting a third set of hands to help with newborns
- Routine for keeping the electric breast pump parts clean for Mom
- Taking time off of work due to bed rest and NICU
- When his wife lost her job due to too much time off after the first set of twins
- Surviving financially on one income
- Finding space for all the kids in the house
- Getting kids involved with chores
- and more...
Episode 238 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Scott Johnson, father of two sets of twins (22-year-old boys and 5-year-old girls). Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Having two sets of twins from two marriages
- Differences in the two twin pregnancies
- Raising identical vs fraternal twins
- How having one set of twins helped with the second set
- Getting the right gear for twins
- Becoming a stay-at-home dad
- When the older twins chose the same college, same degree, and the same type of job
- Dealing with competition between twins
- When twins are super similar vs totally different
- Potty training boys vs girls
- Coparenting twins after divorce
- and more...
Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Steve Wisniewski, father of three-year-old identical twin boys. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Twin having their own language
- Having a toddler when the twins are born
- How his teenager helped with the twins
- Graduating from cribs to full-size beds
- How the older child interacts with the twins
- Having grandparents help with kids a few times a week
- Finding the right daycare for infant twins
- Getting kids out in nature and camping
- and more...
Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Simon Gellibrand, father of 2.5 year old identical twin girls. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Seeing twins as individuals
- Twins starting to show independence
- Mom had blood pressure complications at six months of the pregnancy
- They had to go to the hospital for 2-3 weeks before delivery for monitoring Mom and the twins
- When the twins arrived two weeks premature
- Mom had to go to ICU for bleeding after birth
- Finding daycare for twins
- Tag teaming feeding during the twins during the night
- Fighting the urge to compare each twin to the other
- Finding a third space where parents can spend time together
- and more...
Episode 235 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes Today we continue our father of twins interview series with John Hale, father of six year old fraternal twin girls. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Trouble after birth with Mom’s health due to blood loss
- Separating the twins for preschool
- Moving to different bedrooms to help good and bad sleepers both sleep better
- Having one twin on the autism spectrum
- Getting daughter diagnosed early because they were twins
- Having another child after twins
- and more...
Episode 234 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Jeff Hillenmayer, father of identical boys. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Getting twins to sleep longer at night
- Things they tried to get them to sleep better
- How to tell identical twins apart
- Day in the life of 5-month-old twins
- How their 8-year-old daughter has reacted to infant twins
- Baby monitor set up for twin nursery
- Adjusting formula to meet the twins' needs
- Moving from a swaddle to sleepsacks
- Making sure wife and daughter get enough attention
- and more...
Episode 233 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Mark Slipher, father of boy/girl twins. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Stress tests on Mom to monitor the health of the babies
- Mom losing weight and suffering from morning sickness the entire time
- The pregnancy leading to a scheduled c-section at 38 weeks
- All the attention and energy required from twins
- Having another child when the twins are still toddlers
- Finding daycare for twins
- Potty training twins and the differences between the twins
- A day in the life of three-year-old twins
- The importance of a good evening routine
Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Aaron Woland, father of twin girls. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Having twins in a second marriage
- Benefits of getting a night nurse for the infant twins
- Getting teenagers involved with infant twins
- How much to involve older children without overburdening them
- The decision to get a nanny
- Traveling for work and staying connected with the children
- Challenges of transitioning to preschool in person and virtual
- Having one twin that is more focused than the other
- Benefits of having two children at once instead of just one
- Giving each twin opportunities to develop their talents
- Praising each child’s milestones without comparing them
- and more...
Episode 231 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Ben Fuentes, father of fraternal twin boys. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Having twins after struggling to get pregnant
- A smooth pregnancy ending in a scheduled c-section
- Separating twins in school
- Balancing work and kids at home
- Developing talents in twins
- and more...
Father of twins Tony Hurley shares his twin parenting journey raising fraternal twin girls.
Father of fraternal twin boys Chris Gilbertson shares his twin journey including the challenges of pregnancy and delivery during the pandemic.
If you listen to most people (even me), you’ll get the impression that the first several months with twins forces you into survival mode.
The demands of your attention and energy with infant twins is overwhelming at times. So much so that you feel like you can’t break out from the daily grind of caring for twins.
So how do you break out of survival mode with twins?
Is it even possible? Yes, here’s how…
What to do when one of your twins excels at something (school, sports, etc.) and the other doesn't. Three examples with our twins + tips you can use.
Struggling to get your toddler twins to take nap? Here are twin parent-approved ways to help them nap and sleep (without losing your mind).
Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Joe Khoury, father of boy/girl twins and author of the "Mia & Anthony and the Hidden Treasures" Children Book Series. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Finding out you're having twins when you already have four step children
- Mixed emotions about having twins
- Making it feel like one family
- How older kids can help with twins (teenager siblings)
- Post partum preeclampsia surprise
- Why it is easier having twins than just one baby
- boy/girl twins advantages
- Why dads have to become more involved with twins
- Building a bond with twins
- Keeping twins in the same class at school
When your twins are born, they often look very similar. This is a big question parents of twins ask: How do you tell newborn twins apart?
This episode shares ways you can tell your twins apart and help others to as well.
Break the bad habit of having to feed your twins to get them to sleep. Here are proven tactics you can use today to reset your twins and get them sleeping.
Episode 222 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Andy Slinger, father of identical twin boys and author of “The Super Twins”! Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Raising twins as a single dad
- When twins switch personalities
- Giving individual attention to twins (when you’re by yourself)
- Helping twins transition from the same class to different ones
Your twins will need a lot of gear. Here's the complete twins baby registry checklist you need to get ready for your twins' arrival.
If your young twins turn into little devils every night, you're likely facing the witching hour. Here are proven tactics to help get through crazy evenings.
Episode 219 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Ned W. Schaut, father of five including boy/girl twins! Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Having twins when they already had two super young children
- When twins are born on dad’s birthday
- One twin broke her collarbone during birth
- Bonding with a newborn while still in the hospital
- Having another child after twins
- Importance of having a mentor as a father
- Having children so close together
- How to keep the family relationships strong
- Tips on traveling with a large family
When you reach your twins’ first birthday, you deserve a little celebration. After all, both you and your twins have survived the first year. Congratulations.
Here's how to celebrate your twins' first birthday.
About 25% of identical twins are mirror image twins. Here's how to know if your twins are mirror image twins, what characteristics they have, and more." alt="Do You Have Mirror Image Twins?
Teething symptoms and how to deal with the challenges of teething twins - including proven tactics from twin parents like you.
Episode 215 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Joe Sinnott, father of four including boy/girl twins! Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Getting the news about expecting twins after rushing to the emergency room
- Balancing other children during the twin pregnancy
- Mom's 70-pound weight gain during pregnancy and the recovery post-partum
- Finding a nanny for the children (even before the twins were born)
- Having a natural birth of twins
- Getting night doulas to help with infant twins
- When breastfeeding didn't go as planned
- Overcoming mastitis when feeding twins
- Challenges of toddler twins that can't fully communicate
I want to share today with what’s working for our family, and some of the things that aren’t.
Looking back at the last couple of weeks, and I wanted to share some of the things that we’ve done in our home to try to get some semblance of order and to make some calm out of the chaos with our kids.
Episode 213 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Daniel Persson, father of identical twin boys! Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Having twins in the same class at school
- Similarities and differences between identical twins
- Getting one twin to encourage the other to participate
- One on one time vs family time
- Handling twin pregnancy due to wife’s previous health condition
- When you need a bigger place and car with twins
- Boys arrived 2 months early after routine visit led to emergency c-section
- Spending 1 month in hospital after birth to make sure twins were OK
- Regret over going back to work too early after the boys’ birth
Can your twins share a room or nursery?
Absolutely. Here's how and important things to consider.
Episode 211 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Randy Cleveland, father of twin girls! Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- When the twin pregnancy goes smoothly (yes, it is possible)
- Lining up family members to help with newborns to maximize helpers
- Balancing sleep deprivation, work, and family
- Twin stroller recommendation for getting out with the twins
- Must have twin gear to make life easier at home
- The “it is just a phase” mindset for twin parenting
Episode 209 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes If you’ve decided to bottle feed your infant twins (with either formula or breast milk), you’ll need to figure out how to conquer the logistics of bottle feeding two babies and often, how to bottle feed twins by yourself. Here’s how to successfully bottle feed your twins.
Episode 209 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes Father of twins Philipp Hartmann shares his parenting journey including how he and his wife went from having no children to having five children in less than 13 months. Hint: it included twins and triplets!
Episode 208 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes If you’re expecting twins and asking: “We’re not sure if we’re having boys or girls but we want it to be a surprise. How will this affect our preparations for twins?” Here are some things to remember when you want to keep the gender of your twins a secret until birth.
Episode 207 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Simon Burden, father of boy/girl twins. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- The early morning pregnancy scare that sent them to the hospital via ambulance
- Dealing with extreme morning sickness (and the flu) when pregnant with twins
- How Mom and Dad can share twin feeding duties
- Weaning twins
- Traveling for 4 months when the twins are infants
One of the most frequent questions by those expecting twins is: do I need two of everything?
Just because you are having twins doesn't mean you need two of everything. The trick is to know when you need double and when you can survive with just one of that particular item.
Here's what you need to know about buying double for your twins.
Episode 205 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Naveed Ahamed, father of twin boys. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Dealing with Mom's low blood pressure during the pregnancy
- When Mom went on bed rest
- Helping Mom through the pregnancy while living as an ex-pat far from home
- Balancing both parents' work and twin preparations
- Getting support from friends instead of family
- Dad's experience in the delivery room
- Adjusting to life with twins
- When mom was depressed post partum
- Traveling on long-haul international flights with infant twins
- Surviving the first year with twins
- Celebrating a huge first birthday party with the twins
Episode 204 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Matt Barnes, father of two sets of twins. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Having two sets of twins in less than two years
- Going full term with twins
- Almost losing mom in the operating room post-delivery
- Managing diapers for 4 kids
- The reality of twins versus their expectations
- Deciding to have more children after twins
- Finding a surrogate for their 2nd set of twins
- Preparing the home for two more children
- Can you even prepare super young kids for new siblings?
- Finding help for child care
Finding and affording great childcare for twins can be a huge challenge for twin parents. Here's how to select and afford the best daycare for your twins.
Once you move your twins from cribs to regular beds, a new challenge arises: How do you keep your twins in bed so they fall asleep?
Our first two boys (both singletons) had a very smooth transition from crib to bed. They didn’t climb out of their cribs and once in a bed, each would patiently wait for a parent to come and get him up in the morning. It was as if they had an invisible fence around the bed.
Our twin girls, however, had different plans. They found a way to climb out of their cribs and we had to scramble to transition them to big beds.
Once in big beds, it was party time for our twins and nobody wanted to stay in bed and go to sleep. It took us several nights to re-train our daughters so they would stay in bed. Here’s what worked for us in getting our twins to stay in bed.
Episode 201 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Phil M. Jones, father of identical twin girls. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Overcoming preeclampsia during the twin pregnancy
- Taking time off before the twins are born
- Supporting Mom in the final stretch of the twin pregnancy
- Spending a couple of weeks in the NICU and Dad's emotions
- Dad's role after birth in the hospital
- The best part of having twins in the NICU
- Transitioning from home back to work after the twins were born
- Getting back into the parenting routine when traveling frequently for business
- Finding support for Mom when Dad is away from home
- Moving to accomodate the twins' arrival
- Using technology to stay connected with the twins while on the road
- Taking lessons from the workplace into parenting
Episode 200 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes Today I celebrate the 200th episode of the Dad's Guide to Twins Podcast by chatting with my identical twin daughters about what it is like being a twin, including answers to these questions:
- How do you feel about being a twin?
- Have you ever been away from your twin for a long period of time?
- Do you consider your twin your best friend?
- Are there any downsides of being a twin?
- Do you like being identical twins?
- What things do you like doing together?
- What do you like to do separately?
- Can you feel your twin's pain or emotions?
- Do you like it when people ask if you're twins?
- Why do you feel like you wanted your own room?
- Do feel like your twin gets more attention than you do?
- What is something that you like that your sister does not like?
- When did you find out that you were a twin?
Episode 199 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Mike Ciccotello, father of fraternal twin boys. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including:
- Surprise of twins after IVF
- Dealing with bed rest at the end of the twin pregnancy
- When Mom's water breaks and everyone freaks out
- Having a natural birth of the twins
- Small complications after birth and a brief NICU stay
- Trouble keeping the twins' body temperatures regulated and an unexpected trip to the hospital
- The joys of getting the twins on a schedule
- Taking parenting shifts for feeding the twins
- Preparing everything for nighttime care
- Finding a good daycare facility for the twins
- When one twin succeeds at potty training and the other doesn't
Episode 198 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes In this episode I answer several of your twin parenting questions, including:
- How can I manage the chaos of the first week home with twins?
- Do you need two potties or one when potty training twins?
- How do we pay for everything with twins?
- Why are my twins only napping for 20 minutes for the first nap of the day?
- Do you ever feel like you can't give them the attention they need due to time constraints?
- Can you tell gender based on pregnancy symptoms?
Occasionally I’ve been asked, “Which twin is the bad twin?” I never know quite how to handle this question. It is as if you must always have a good twin and a bad twin.
Here's the truth about having a good twin and a bad twin.
Episode 196 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes In this episode, I chat with Robbie Armstrong, father of fraternal twin boys.
We dive into Robbie's twin journey, including:
- Separate birthday parties for twins
- When one twin is more vocal than the other
- Encouraging individuality
- Failure is part of the process of twin parenting
- Balancing Dad's needs vs what is best for the children
- What to do when you feel like you aren't doing everything you can as a Dad
- Prioritizing what is most important for your family
- When the older sibling has to adjust to twins
- Balancing sleep deprivation with parenting and life
- Making sure you have time for yourself and a support system
Now that you’ve had twins, are you done? Or will your family still grow? Getting pregnant after twins will bring some new challenges but things will generally be easier than with twins.
Let’s look at what to expect when you’re having a singleton after twins.
We dive into Jake's twin journey, including:
- Getting news of expecting twins after the misdiagnosed first ultrasound
- When your brother and his wife are expecting twins about a month ahead of time
- Things he was glad he learned before the twins were born
- Planning to have a natural twin birth versus what really happened
- Feeding challenges during the first three months
- Taking time off to have the twins
- Sacrifices to have one parent stay at home with the kids
- Challenges of mobile twins
- How he helped Mom take care of the twins when she was expecting child #3
- Moving with toddler twins a pregnant wife
- Car Seat Safety tips for your twins
Getting a travel crib for twins will make your family vacation and travels go a lot more smoothly. Here are several different models to consider and the pros and cons of each.
I recently heard from some twin parents worried about the speech of their 18 month old twins. What should you do when your twins aren’t talking yet? Should you worry? Is it natural? Here’s what to consider...
Twin pregnancies are a huge physical burden on Mom. If she is working while pregnant with twins, this complicates matters even more.
If Mom is working, just how long can she work while pregnant with twins?
The answer depends on a handful of factors. Let’s review each of these.
Episode 190 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes In this episode, I answer several of your twin parenting questions, including:
- Handling twins and toddlers
- Getting the twins to listen to you
- Giving individual attention to each twin
Episode 189 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes In this episode, I chat with Eric Olson, father of fraternal twin boys.
We dive into Eric's twin journey, including:
- Bed rest for Mom
- Getting twins all the way to 38 weeks
- Having healthy and large newborn twins
- Why they didn't want visitors after the twins were born
- When daycare arrangements fall apart right before the twins' birth
- Getting creative with paternity leave
- Unexpected surprises when returning to work after paternity leave
- Finding a more family-friendly work environment
- Stepping away from the workforce to be a stay at home dad of twins
- Preparing financially for the transition to a one income family
- A typical day in the life of 3-year-old twins
- When the twins move from cribs to beds
- The reality of adjusting to being a SAHD
- Getting young twins to help around the house
- Making time for your partner
Episode 188 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes In this episode, I chat with Mickey Farmer, father of fraternal twin boys.
We dive into Mickey's twin journey, including:
- Getting creative when a favorite twin activity is no longer available
- From bed rest to delivery in 24 hours
- The surprise return trip to the hospital to have the babies
- How ignorance was bliss when twins were their first children
- Struggling with a super short paternity leave
- Finding childcare for the twins
- Juggling nighttime care with infant twins
- Advantages of built-in friends
- Twins at school and independence
- When you have to be in two places at once for school events
- Traveling with twins
Episode 187 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes In this episode, I chat with Todd Courtney father of identical twin boys.
We dive into Todd's twin journey, including:
- how his twins caused bathroom plumbing repairs 3 times
- when the twins would take off others' diapers
- what they had to do to keep the twins in their own cribs
- juggling invitations from different friends for each of the twins
- a big regret during those younger years with twins
- how the twins were dependent on each other
- when the twins finally started doing their "own" thing
- when one twin was better than the other at sports or academics
- why the first seven years with your children are so important
- how we are programming our children's beliefs even if we don't intend to
- how to avoid the negative conditioning of our children
- breaking the bad patterns we learned from our parents
- how to correct course when the kids get older
Taking care of your twins can be all time consuming. Here are proven tips from a father of twins about how to do more than just taking care of your twins.
Are your twins having an identity crisis at school? You might be surprised to see how their classmates and teachers treat and interact with them on a daily basis. Here's an example from my identical twin girls' school life and how we've tried to help them navigate through these challenges.
Episode 183 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes In this episode, I chat with Jeremy Schneider father of fraternal boy/girl twins.
On this show, we dive into Tom’s twin journey, including:
- Supporting each twins’ individual interests
- Specific things they did to help foster individuality in their twins
- Boy/Girl twins sharing a room
- The transition from sharing a room to having their own rooms
- Helping with the kids when work keeps you far away during the day
- Evolving our roles as parents and with our partners over time
- The importance (and positive outcomes) of dad’s involvement in their children’s lives
- Practical ways to be more involved as a father
- Parenting is an ongoing experiment so you have to try and see what works
- Keeping a strong relationship with your children when you have a long commute and leave early
- Building a relationship early with your children
- Why being a father of twins naturally helps you be involved in their lives
Episode 182 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes In this episode, I chat with Tom Williams father of twin boys.
On this show, we dive into Tom's twin journey, including:
- Having twins as your first children
- When twins aren't a total surprise
- A smooth pregnancy turns into a surprise early delivery
- NICU milestones the twins needed to reach before coming home
- Leaving one twin in the hospital when the other was ready to come home
- Juggling new job, new home, and new twins all at the same time
- Splitting nighttime duties between parents
- Preparing the twins for a new baby sibling
- Twins' reaction to a new baby in the home
- What works for spending one on one time with the kids
- Experience with separating the twins at school
- Flying vs road tripping with twins
- Sleep when the twins sleep actually works
- Looking ahead to parenting twins through puberty, teenagers, and driving
Episode 181 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes In this episode, I chat with Andrew Curfman father of fraternal twin girls.
On this show, we dive into Andrew's twin journey, including:
- Introducing twins into a family with two other kids
- Advantages of older siblings when the twins come home
- Giving each of the kids individual attention
- Overcoming the challenges of having enough money for twins
- Making space for twins without having to move
- When you get a new (but too small) car right before finding out about twins.
- Picking the right minivan for a twin family
- Dealing with lingering health challenges for Mom after the twins were born
- When the twins' delivery isn't what you were expecting
- Handling two kids at home while having twins in the NICU
- Challenges of toddler twins
- Moving the twins from cribs to beds
- When to potty train the toddlers
- The power of teamwork when parenting twins
Episode 180 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes In this episode, I chat with Mike Donnellon, father of fraternal twin girls.
On this show, we dive into Mike’s twin journey, including:
- When one twin is a little developmentally behind the other
- How big sister adjusts to new twins in the family
- Day in the life of 11-month-old twins
- Finding a daycare for all the kids (not just the twins)
- Differences during the twin pregnancy versus their first child
- Preparing for twins by helping with triplets
- Surviving a few scares on the way to delivery
- What they experienced in the delivery room
- Interacting with the babies after delivery
- Shorter than expected NICU stay
- Logistics for an older child when they went to the hospital
- Relearning some parenting tricks with twins
- What feeding methods worked for the twins
- Advantages of waking up together to care for twins during the night
- When one twin is a better sleeper than the other
- Keeping a father-daughter relationship with the first born after twins arrive
Episode 179 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes In this episode, I chat with Tim Murray, father of identical twin girls.
On this show, we dive into Tim’s twin journey, including:
- Taking time off to be with the twins and Mom during the pregnancy
- How to juggle sleep deprivation and still get work done
- Deciding on the right child care options for the twins
- What types of feeding works with their twins
- How Dad is able to help with feeding time
- One schedule during the day and a different one at night
- Challenges of Mo/Di twins
- Birth weights drastically differing from expectations
- Medical surprise for Mom at the end of the pregnancy
- Challenges of Mom working right up to delivery day
- The surprise from a regular prenatal appointment to delivery
- How delivery differed from expectations
- What Dad really experiences in the delivery room
- Bringing one twin home before the other
Episode 178 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes In this episode, I chat with Ian Wasti, father of twin girls.
On this show, we dive into Ian's twin journey, including:
- When twins transition to walking
- One twin always hits a milestone first
- Challenges of keeping mobile twins safe in the house
- Blindspots in childproofing for twins
- Big changes in lifestyle when twins are your first children
- Telling twins apart
- Biggest concerns of managing two children
- Advantages of twins as your first children
- Surviving a "miserable" twin pregnancy
- Preeclampsia during the pregnancy
- Surprises at delivery time
- When the emotions of twins hit you as a Dad
- Having a smooth recovery from the twin delivery
- Balancing work and schedules with newborn twins
- Getting the twins on a good feeding and sleeping schedule
- Switching from breastfeeding to formula feeding
- Sleeping through the night
- Traveling with infant twins
What you can do to survive the first year with twins. Here are the big lessons I learned as a father of twins during the first year raising twins.
Episode 176 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes In this episode, I chat with James Frazier, father of fraternal twin boys.
On the show, we dive into James’ twin journey, including:
- Balancing a family business while preparing for and having twins
- Benefits of having a wife who is a nurse
- Juggling schedules when both parents are working
- Cool app that helps parents stay in touch with kids during the day
- Challenges of IVF process and mental hurdles
- Preeclampsia and bed rest
- Advantages of a scheduled c-section
- When there is a big size difference in the twins
- Taking paternal leave when you run a business
- When Mom’s milk supply runs out
- Keeping the twins on a schedule
- Getting twins to sleep through the night
- Typical daily schedule for 16.5 month old twins
- Twins escaping from their cribs
- Worries about moving twins to big beds
- Results of telling one twin “no” when the other is watching
- Keeping the marriage relationship strong through the twin trials
Episode 175 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes In this episode, I chat with Jonathan Snowden, an amazing artist, and father of twin girls (plus a toddler).
On the show, we dive into Jonathan's twin journey, including:
- Emotions of finding out you are having twins
- How your relationship with your wife changes during the twin pregnancy
- Surprise rash and pain for Mom towards the end of the pregnancy
- When one twin is breech
- Witnessing the twins being born via c-section
- Biggest surprises of raising twins
- Teaching the kids to be patient and learning patience yourself
- Expecting another child after twins
- Preparing the twins for a new baby in the house
- Adjustments to family life when you go from twins to twins + 1
- How the twins show affection to dad
- Potty training challenges
- Dealing with kids and daily preparations each morning
Practical and proven tactics we've used to help involve our children in family vacation planning.
Episode 173 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes In this episode, I chat with Dara Lovitz mother of twin girls and author of "Twinsight: A Guide to Raising Emotionally Healthy Twins".
On the show, we dive into Dara's twin journey and her research into raising emotionally healthy twins, including:
- Challenges of caring for two infants by yourself
- Hardest parts of raising toddler twins
- Why the first few years with twins aren't all bad
- When one of the twins tends to be a caregiver for the other twin
- Developing relationships with people other than your twin sibling
- Why one-on-one time for twins is so important
- How to actually give twins alone time with a parent
- Giving each twin time alone with both parents
- What you can do to help non-twin siblings feel valued and special
- Avoiding the comparison trap with twins
- Keeping twins together or separate in school
In this episode, I answer five of your twin parenting questions, including:
- Boy/Girl Twins Sharing a Room
- Overcoming nap time challenges
- When all your helpers leave
- Potty Training Twins
- Raising Twins as a Single Dad
In this episode, we continue our Father of Twins Interview Series with Geoff Louvar, father of twin girls.
On the show, we dive into Geoff’s twin journey, including:
- Finding a surrogate to carry your baby
- When the surrogate moves far from where you are living
- Financial challenges of repeated IVF rounds
- Dad’s fears about expecting twins
- Initial tour of the NICU and their reactions
- The shock of super small preemie babies
- Big differences between a full term singleton and premature twin babies
- Balancing work, family, and NICU time
- The ups and downs of a 95 Day NICU stay
- Difficult reality of caring for premature babies at home
- Deciding to be a stay-at-home dad
- Battling post partum depression as a dad
- The harsh reality of colicky babies
- Typical daily schedule for two year old twins
- Twin Gender Determination via Blood Testing
- Finding Out Twins’ Gender via Ultrasound
- Should I find out the gender of my twins?
- How Soon to Prepare for Twins
Listen as I share the most common questions you'll get about your twins and some fun responses you can share the next time you're out of the house with the twins.
What do you do when one of your twins calls you out because all your pictures have both twins and there aren't any of just one twin by his or herself? Here's how to make sure that doesn't happen to you.
Episode 167 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes In this episode, we continue our Father of Twins Interview Series with RJ Armbruster, father of fraternal twin boys.
On the show, we dive into RJ’s twin journey, including:
- A daily schedule for 5-month-old twins
- How they got their twins to sleep through the night
- Expecting twins after losing a singleton during pregnancy
- Conceiving twins after a last-ditch effort
- Dealing with a difficult twin pregnancy
- When Mom goes on bed rest at 20 weeks
- Getting to cut the umbilical cords after the twins’ birth
- Juggling self-employment with caring for newborns
- Preparing financially for twins
- Their first overnight trip away from home
In this episode, we continue our Father of Twins Interview Series with Kyle Mongold, father of two sets of twins.
On the show, we dive into Kyle’s twin journey, including:
- Keeping gender a surprise during a twin pregnancy
- Preterm labor at 31 weeks and having Mom be in and out of the hospital
- How doctors were able to stop premature delivery
- When one baby is delivered fine but the next has issues
- Why there wasn't time for an emergency c-section
- Mom’s dramatic health scare right after the twins’ birth
- How the older twins reacted to newborn twins in the house
- Finding out they would be adopting twins
- When you get to meet newborn twins you’re adopting
- What’s working well for taking care of newborn twins
- Daily schedule for 2.5 year old and 4 week old twins
- Training and running triathalons while juggling dad responsibilities
I asked dozens of twin parents what they wish that they had known before they had twins. The answers may surprise you!
Proven and parent-tested ways to get your twins on the same schedule. Some of the challenges you'll face and how to overcome them and sync up your twins' schedules.
Episode 163 of the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes In this episode, we continue our Father of Twins Interview Series with Chris Barry, father of triplets including identical twin boys and a fraternal girl.
On the show, we dive into Chris’ triplet journey, including:
- The big leap from finding out they were expecting their first child to finding out they were expecting triplets
- Mom’s reaction to triplets vs. Dad’s thoughts
- Navigating all the bad news on the Internet about having multiples
- Sanity-saving mantras that helped Chris and his wife focus on their progress
- How a surprise diagnosis during a routine ultrasound lead to the babies’ birth
- Why Dad wasn’t allowed into the delivery room
- Being flexible with your birth plan
- The babies’ NICU stay as “feeders and growers”
- Using the NICU as practice time to be ready for your babies when they come home
- A system for coordinating helpers
- Specialized gear they needed for triplets
- Parenting hacks to get gear to work for triplets
- Making space in the house for multiple babies
- What do you do with one baby when you have to help the other?
- Sleeping multiples together in the same room vs. separate rooms
- How separating the kids for school worked differently than they thought it would
- Challenges of having 3 five-year-olds in the house