Helpful hints for handling two at once
Double trouble, two peas in a pod, a pigeon pair – no matter what you call it, having twins will certainly change your life. While it doesn’t happen to everyone, for those of you preparing for twins, here’s some helpful hints on how to make life easier.
Prolong your hospital stay
If you’re having two at once, Singapore is a great place for it to happen. Not only is there access to first-rate medical expertise and facilities, you can also spend a bit longer in hospital adjusting to life with two before you head home. Your OBGYN will have more information on when you are likely to birth twins and the timeframe for your post-natal recovery in hospital. Allow yourself time to get to grips with feeding, bathing and changing 2 babies a little bit while you have expert help at hand. Also use this time to catch up on some well-deserved rest.
Seek plus-size support
Twins Plus is a great volunteer group, run by parents of multiples, that is on hand to lend a hand to those new to the game of pairs. They organise coffee mornings where parents can be in like-minded company when sharing the highs and lows of twindom and pick up tips. When it’s time to get social, they can even help to arrange play dates with other families of twins – the ultimate double date!
Shop the sales
When you’re bringing up two at once, the credit card can get a tad worn out. To save some cash, buy up big during GSS and other sale times, buy online or scour garage sales. Twins Plus organise a fantastic annual garage sale where you can pick up pre-loved clothes, toys and other twin essentials. The American Association of Singapore and the Tanglin Trust School both hold fairs where quality toys are let go much more affordably too.
Check for discounts
A lot of baby stores in Singapore will offer a discount if you buy 2 of the same big-ticket items, so it’s always worth checking what’s on offer. As at Mothercare.
Bring help in to the home
It makes a huge difference to have an extra pair of hands to help out at home. If you don’t have a helper, it is definitely worth considering. Even if you’re not altogether keen on people outside of the parenting couple seeing to the needs of your children, a helper can make life easier when it comes to making sure you’re getting the nourishment you need, changing sheets, sterilising bottles and equipment or even just making you a cup of tea. A night nurse is also a good idea – you can get a few hours of consecutive sleep in the knowledge that your babies will be dealt with expertly in the wee hours.
Let your fingers do the shopping
The thought of venturing out with 2 infants in tow may initially leave you in a cold sweat. Have no fear! Online shopping is the answer. Stock up on groceries and some nursery items without walking through your front door if you just can’t face it. Check out our online shopping guide here.
Get the right gear
Having the right stuff to cope with two at a time is vital to your sanity. This is where that Twins Plus support group comes in super handy: other mums who have been through it will be able to tell you what are the must-have items, which are marketing gimmicks not worth spending the money on, the pros and cons of certain items and even who might be selling one (or two) second-hand. Start doing your research before you give birth if time permits so that feel relaxed and prepared when the time comes to need them.
Take a break
Don’t be thinking that it will be too hard to go on holiday ever again. You’re in the perfect position from which to enjoy some island time. Take your pick of several little pulau’s in the region that will not require you having to board a flight at all. Take it in turns to try Nikoi, Bintan, Batu Batu, Joyo or the just-opened Telunas
There’s a lot more to do, know and find out but this is enough for now. Give yourself a break, you’re about to have twins!
Images courtesy of Mothercare