How do Parents Tell Identical Twins Apart?

Being a new parent can be a challenge especially when it’s your first, and it’s even more of a challenge when you have identical twins. If you’re lucky you will give birth to a boy and a girl, but unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. So, how do parents tell identical twins apart? 

Of course, as the babies grow and develop their own personalities it will become easier to tell which one is which, but in the meantime, parents will need to be creative so they can tell their identical twins apart from each other. 

You can start off by leaving their tiny hospital bracelets on, but let’s face it, as fast as they will grow, we all know that won’t last for long. So, what can you do when they outgrow those tiny bracelets?

The following methods are some of the way’s parents tell identical twins apart. Hopefully, you will get some great ideas from the list and eventually you will have no problem when it comes to telling twin “A” apart from twin “B.”

1. Identical Clothing with Color Schemes

Although it’s fun to dress your twins alike, it will be easy to mix the babies up, unless of course, you have a boy and a girl. You can still dress the twins in the same clothes but with this method, you will assign a color to each baby right from the start. Perhaps twin “A” can wear all the red schemes while twin “B” wears all the green. They can still wear the same matching dino shirts except one will be done in reds and the other in greens. 

2. Identical Accessories with a Slight Difference

Accessories are so much fun, especially when you have girls, but this can be done with identical twins no matter their sex. Put bracelets on the babies, except one can wear it on their wrist while the other always shows off a bracelet on their ankle. You can put a bow in one girl’s hair and never in the other’s hair. Put bow ties on your boys, each with a different color. This little trick can be done with their buttons and socks as well.

3. Mark them with an X

As cruel as this may sound, this method works for many parents. Using a baby safe marker, you can mark the bottom of their feet with individual markings; each can have an X of a different color or mark one with an X and the other without. Although you would think the marking would come off with a bath, parents who have done this say that it will last longer than you would expect.

4. Nail Polish will do the Trick

Use some Piggy Paint on one toenail to distinguish who is who. You can do this by painting one toe on baby “A” and not on baby “B” or you can choose a different color for each. Of course, if you have girls you can paint all the toes. Piggy Paint is the safest for babies, but it doesn’t last long, so you can use regular nail polish until they can put their toes in their mouth. 

5. Beaded Letter Bracelets

Some parents choose bracelets for identity. You can get creative with beaded letter bracelets. Spell out their names and put them on their ankles so they don’t choke on the beads. You can choose different colors and change them with the outfits. You can choose to spell out their names or use initials, there are so many different ways they can sport a beaded bracelet.

Warning: Always evaluate risks associated with bracelets and necklaces. Can the necklace or bracelet break and pose a choking hazard?

6. The Hair Can Make the Difference

If you’re lucky enough to have babies with hair, you can style it different for identity. Part one of the baby’s hair on the right and the other on the left, give one bangs and not the other, and as they grow, twin “A” might have longer hair than twin “B.”

7. Solids vs. Prints

Just like with the color schemes, you can use solids and prints to tell your identical twins apart. From day one start twin “A” off with solid colors and show off twin “B” with colorful prints such as stripes, plaids, or even shapes and themes. Of course, twin “A” might feel a bit plain, so you could add some socks to his feet that match the print on his brother and put the solid color socks on the brother with the print.

8. Name Association

This method might not work for all the family members, but Mom and Dad can use it at home during bath time or diaper changes. Pick out a distinguishing feature that separates each twin from the other. Use that feature to come up with something like word association that can connect to the baby’s name so that you will know who is who when they are in their birthday suits. 

9. Theme Assignment

Each twin can be recognized through a theme using this method. If you’re a sports family, assign twin “A” with one team and twin “B” can adopt the other team. Maybe you like butterflies and birds, or giraffes and ponies. Any theme will serve the purpose when it comes to telling your identical twins apart. 

10. Iron-On and Embroidery

When your babies are born, they will be assigned those little hospital caps. Some parents have found it helpful to iron-on the initial of each baby’s name. That works for a little while, but the baby will grow out of that tiny cap in no time. You can use the same method as they grow by ironing-on their initials to other caps and clothing. You can even embroider their name onto things like onesies and tees. 

11. Mark them with a Sticker

Those colorful garage sale stickers can play a part in this method of identification. For a couple of dollars, you can pick up thousands of stickers and put them on the babies every day. Assign each twin a different color and then get busy sticking the color on their clothing, socks, caps, and even their equipment, bottles, and sippy cups. 

12. Know their Likes and Dislikes

This method will only work as they start to grow and flourish their own personalities. Twin “A” might like to watch a show that twin “B” isn’t as fond of while twin “B” might like a certain song. You can also allow them to choose their colors for distinguishing them apart once they can recognize their favorites.

13. Physical Differences

Although they are identical, twins can still have physical differences and once developed into their little bodies, parents use this method for telling identical twins apart. Things such as height and weight can play an important role here. You can also use their texture and length of hair. Maybe twin “A” has bigger feet than twin “B” and likewise, one might have a longer ear than the other. Now, while this probably won’t help other family members when it comes to separating the two, Mom will always point out the physical differences of her twins. 

14. Temperament

Temperament is another way parents tell identical twins apart. As the twins grow and develop into their own little person, they will also adopt a temperament of their own. When this happens twin “A” might cry during a diaper change while twin “B” might tend to be a bit more laid back. Maybe one twin will become shy and the other will be friendly. These are excellent ways to tell them apart. 

15. Naked Feet vs. Clothed Feet

Again, as your twins grow, they will like different things, like maybe one twin will keep his shoes on while the other would rather have naked feet. You could also choose what type of shoes the twins should wear. Twin “A” could wear lace shoes while twin “B” could always wear slip-on shoes.

These 15 methods are just suggestions of how other parents tell identical twins apart, you might find some things that work better for you than others. You might also wish to tweak these ideas a bit and even combine more than one method to make it work for you.

Remember, you’re not the only one who will need to keep them straight; other family members, childcare providers, friends, and teachers will need some ideas too. So, no matter which methods you use, keep it easy for others too!

The type of twin nursing pillow you prefer as a new mum might not be the same as other twin mums. Some prefer to nurse with firm pillows, whereas others prefer pillows that conform better to the body.

However, there are a few key features that are good to look for in any twin nursing pillow.

Key features to look for in twin nursing pillows

• Your pillow needs to have good back support. It’s important to avoid that you develop painful issues with your neck, shoulder, and back. You’ll be nursing for many hours a day, and you need to sit or lie comfortably. This will enhance your chances of early breastfeeding success.

•  Think durability and usability. The cover needs to be machine washable so you can get rid of milk or spit-up stains.

• Look at the possibilities of adjusting the pillow depending on your height, the length of your torso and the size of your stomach. Some women may benefit from buying a smaller pillow that they can place under their twin nursing pillow to get the right height.

• Your pillow needs to be safe. You need to be sure that your babies are supported well, so they don’t roll off. Also, make sure that the pillow is made of materials that pass all safety regulations.

In recent years several new twin nursing pillows have been developed. This means that you have several different brands and designs to choose from. We’ve done our best to help guide you, so you’re able to choose the twin nursing pillow that suits you best.

Several of the pillows are developed by parents of twins and as such have many things in common. However, they also have a few key features that distinguish them.

Have a look at our twin nursing pillows review, and choose the pillow that you believe will fit you and your lifestyle best.

We’ve tested this

We’ve chosen 5 twin nursing pillows between $39 and $213. Some of the companies, who’ve designed the pillows, are based in the U.S., others in the UK or Scandinavia.

In the review, we focus on testing features in relation to ergonomics, durability, and versatility. We also recognize that finding the perfect pillow is often a matter of preference.

That’s why we’ve chosen to indicate how firm, adjustable and versatile the pillow is – then you can decide whether you want a firm or a soft pillow and whether you want to use it for more than nursing.

Test of: My Brest Friend Supportive Nursing Pillow for Twins

This Nursing Pillow for Breastfeeding is on the top of the list because of the strong support of the pillow. This pillow supports your back, necks, and arms while you are breastfeeding so you will feel less discomfort.

This pillow even has a pocket to store your supplies! Read about other satisfied customers have to say about this pillow here. Also, this pillow is Amazon Choice Product!

Test of: Twin Z Pillow

The Twin Z Pillow is made by a company based in the U.S. The Twin Z Pillow is one pillow with three separate legs.

The middle leg is used for back support for mum and the two
outer legs are used for the twins.

Check out the price and reviews of this Twin Z Pillow! It is also an Amazon Choice Product!

Test of: Love2Sleep Twin Feeding / Nursing Pillow

The Love2Sleep Twin Feeding / Nursing Pillow is made by Love2Sleep and is manufactured in their own family-run factory in the UK.

The twin nursing pillow is one pillow with three separate legs. The middle leg is used for back support for mum and the outer legs are used for the twins.

Test of: Fossflakes Nursing Pillow Twins

The Fossflakes Nursing Pillow Twins is made by the Danish company Fossflakes Nordic Sleep. All Fossflakes products are designed and made in Denmark. It’s one white looped pillow with a discreet star pattern.

It is not always fun to go shopping with a two-year-old, but it is even more challenging to go with twins. I haven’t figured it out yet why supermarkets always trigger this two-year-old syndrome. Their horizontal protests on the supermarket floor gave me the chance to practice my parenting skills. But when everything in theory failed, I also tried bribing with chocolate and lying next to them on the floor. But nothing worked; they were just glued to the floor like pink chewing gum.

Tasmanian devils

On more than one occasion, I went home without any groceries and two children chatting happily to each other as if nothing had happened. What could have been a lovely dinner in a restaurant, turned out to be a disaster. When I explained to them that we can’t run around and have to use our inside voices in the restaurant, they think it’s totally okay to do the exact opposite. – I said, “please stop screaming! People want to enjoy their dinner here.” What they heard was “please scream at the top of your longs and run around like Tasmanian devils!”

Mood swings

There is not an exact date of when these mood swings start or end. My girls
started just before they turned two and even now they are four years old we have syndrome flashbacks. Every child is different and needs a different approach.

Here are some tips and strategies of how I dealt with terrible twos:

• Calm down one of the twins first
  When they’re both lying on the floor screaming, I focus my attention on one of the twins first. (Usually the one I can convince the easiest at that time.) That already saves half the stress and after that, you have more time to calm down or distract your other child as well. Most of the time, her sister would control her meltdown quickly since they imitate each other in behavior and emotions very often.

• Show understanding
  It sounds crazy but when I try to understand my toddlers’ emotions during a tantrum, they usually change their mood back to normal. I ask them questions like: “I see you are angry because you can’t have another ice cream.” And I also explain to them why not. Because two-year-olds think there’s no limit for the amount of ice cream, they can eat. After quite some time they somehow try to express their feelings in a normal way. Not immediately, it takes time. If this doesn’t work, I just wait until they calm down.

• Distract attention
  Sometimes when I notice that they both get cranky, I try to distract them with toys or things to look at. “Look there’s a pink cat with blue dots crossing the street”! At least I get them occupied until we reach the supermarket. Always works. Well almost. And sometimes it is better to let your children rage instead of trying to prevent the tantrum because they can let go of their emotions. The great thing about this is that they don’t have to deal with these emotions at night and sleep better as a result.

Unconditional love

My girls continuously compete with each other, and they try to get as much attention from me and their dad at the same time. So I found it more difficult to teach them rules than their older brother. Apparently, the need to be loved by the parents is less, after all, they have the unconditional love of each other.

Almost like they were deaf

The first year, for the most part, seemed like it was normal. However, in actuality, most of it was a blur. After all, it was just my daughter and me taking care of them due to the father’s chosen absence. No, he didn’t just up and go; he lived in the same household. He was just never present, and that was not a bad thing. When my rambunctious boys hit the age of two, I began to wonder what was going on. They did not speak, and it was almost like they were deaf. I made doctor appointments. After speaking with the pediatrician, I was still unsatisfied. I did not believe that they were behind mentally due to being twins or premature. It just didn’t make sense. I began to look into their ‘symptoms’ myself.

A lump was caught in my throat

Article after article, book after book; I kept seeing a theme. The theme was hard to swallow, but it was still the only reason why my children were not like others; autism. I remember when the thought hit me. It was like a lump was caught in my throat. I couldn’t breathe, and my eyes began to swell with tears. It couldn’t be.
Here it is three years later, and describing the realization is bringing tears to my eyes now. Those feelings of guilt and fear; they do not go away. Some can deal with it better than others, but I guess I am just not one of those lucky ones. Here are a couple of tips I use.

What to remind yourself

You need to remind yourself that no matter how you feel, you did not cause your child to be autistic. You need to hear those words, “It’s not your fault”. I am telling you this now; it’s not your fault. I know just like you do that these feelings are crippling, but you need to stand strong.

Take time for yourself

I am extremely guilty of thinking this. I have trained myself to think that if my eyes are open and I am able to move, then I should be doing something for my children. You are not ignoring your child if you go take a hot shower or even watch an episode of your favorite show. You need down time in order to re-coop to continue being the rockstar parent you are; have a seat. Although there are many more issues that come with a diagnosis, these are the top two. You need to take your feelings very seriously, and if you feel depressed to seek help. Having one child with autism is hard, now imagine having two; most can’t.

Read more about twins and autism

Nights were really fragmented

When they started to wake up many times during the night, and when the colic started, we began to take them in bed with us, to be able to hold and comfort them. They didn’t always wake up at the same time, so our nights were really fragmented. But we made it through. I remember one specific morning. It was very early, the sun was just coming up. S was sleeping peacefully in my arms, and M was near his daddy. I remember thinking how incredible it was that we had pulled that night through. I mean, it had been exhausting, but that wasn’t what I was feeling. I just enjoyed that beautiful sunrise and couldn’t wait to have some coffee. Of course not all mornings were like that. Sleep deprivation did take its toll eventually.

Sleeping in separate cribs

When they got a little bigger, we started to put them in separate cribs. That wasn’t a very successful attempt. Not only did they not like sleeping in the cribs, but also we missed having them close to us. Babies really are an addiction. They may destroy your sleep and turn you into a zombie, but when they do sleep it’s the most peaceful and beautiful thing possible. Not to mention they used to roll over and try to find us in bed, trying to feel us. Then, before they were 1 year old, things got a bit more complicated. My husband’s job forced him to be out of the country for several months in a row, so I was alone with the babies at home. I tried to find the best strategy for sleeping time, especially considering their mobility and energy were pretty big by then. My hope was, again, that they would sleep in their cribs. So we placed our bed in the middle and their cribs on each side. Very feng shui, as you can imagine. I had a brave dream, to place them in their cribs, give them their bottles and wait for them to drink their milk and then go to sleep by themselves. And that worked. Once! It was such a memorable evening!

Night time picnic with twins

After that glorious time, the sleeping time hostilities began. After various attempts and the death of many of my brain cells, I finally found a solution. It was far from pretty, but it worked. I used to lay a blanket on the floor in the living room and have sort of a night time picnic. My husband helped a lot, because he had taught S to drink his milk on the sofa and go to sleep by himself. That didn’t work with M, though. So I put him to sleep rocking him on my legs while S was finding his perfect spot on the blanket beside me. That took a while, but in the end they did fall asleep. And then I would gently carry them to their cribs. The really fun part was when they would wake up hungry during the night. I would
place them in the same crib and go prepare their formula while they were furiously crying in the background. When I came back with the bottles, they were like two chubby baby birds waiting to be fed.

Magical moments that won’t come back

That feng shui arrangement began to fail when they realized they can climb the crib and come into bed with me. So the cribs stayed for a while as safety barriers, to make sure they didn’t fall during the night. But at some point they disappeared. Now S and M are 3 years old and still sleep with us. It’s crowded and sometimes uncomfortable, and I know at some point they will have to sleep in their own beds, but I don’t want that moment to come too soon. I read that there are studies that show that it is really good for children to sleep in the same bed as their parents until the age of 3. I think it’s amazing and useful for the parents as well. These are magical moments that won’t come back. They are growing so fast and this intimacy will soon change or fade. So I love this uncomfortable arrangement, because I can hear their breath and feel their sweet smell, and that is my pure happiness.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a range of conditions classified as neuro-developmental disorders. It’s characterized by social-interaction difficulties, communication challenges and a tendency to engage in repetitive behaviors. These difficulties can be mild, severe or somewhere in between. It occurs in all ethnic and socioeconomic groups.

How common is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

In 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued the ADDM autism prevalence report. The report concluded that the prevalence of autism had risen to 1 in every 59 births in the United States. More boys than girls are diagnosed with autism. Boys are four times more likely to be identified with Autism Specter Disorder than girls.

What causes autism?

There’s an ongoing debate whether genetics or the environment play the biggest part in autism. There have been contradictory studies, and the medical community are still looking into the causes of autism. Some believe that genetics play a major role, whereas others look more to the environment or a combination of the two.

Twins autism study

A twin autism study, published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorder, concluded that high levels of autism symptoms are genetic. That’s especially the case for children who show extreme symptoms in the areas of social communication skills and repetitive behaviors.

California autism twins study

Another twin autism study came to a different conclusion. A California autism twins study found that the environment played a significant part. Fraternal twins, who share the same environment before birth, but aren’t more genetically similar than ordinary siblings, were more likely to both have an autism spectrum disorder.

Are twins with autism common?

Some studies have found a higher rate of autism among twins – both identical and fraternal twins. Other studies have not been able to find a clear link concluding that being twins isn’t a substantial risk factor for being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

What if one twin is diagnosed with autism?

The probability that both twins will have autism is observed in twin studies to be 60 to 90 percent among identical twins. For fraternal twins it’s 3 to 31 percent. However, there’s still a lot of unknowns when it comes to twins and autism. New twin studies in relation to Autism Spectrum Disorders are continuously being published.

How do I use the UCHI DUO Twin Water Sling?

The twin water sling can be used for either one child or twins. You carry your twins in front of you or on your hips. The company doesn’t recommend back carriers for twins. It can be a bit tricky to assemble the twin sling correctly, so make sure to read the UCHI DUO Twin Water Sling instructions. It’s important to make sure that you carry your babies in the most optimal way.

What’s the UCHI DUO Twin Water Sling made of?

The twin sling is made of italian mesh jersey, polyester and aluminum rings. It has 15 SPF protection. The fabrics haven’t been chemically altered to offer sunscreen. The manufacturer can make it out of other fabrics too for an additional cost. Those could be linen, blends, cotton and light wraps. The manufacturer is a member of the Baby Carrier Industry Alliance (BCIA) and is Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA) compliant. The twin sling comes with instructions, links, a product registration form and a BCIA safety brochure.

How much does the UCHI DUO Twin Water Sling cost?

The UCHI DUO Twin Water Sling costs $145. That’s about 115 British Pounds, depending on the currency rates. Because the twin sling is a custom made item, it’s not returnable or refundable.

UCHI DUO Twin Water Sling Review

Name: Mande Byrne
Twins: Identical boys, 14 months

Nice Features:

• Stretchy, water friendly fabric. The material of this carrier is nothing like I’ve seen before. Usually these type of carriers are more of a cotton fabric where this is more of a thick/meshy fabric. As a result, not only can you wear this around for everyday use, but you can wear this in water. IN WATER! Living in a beach destination, this is incredible. This will prove to be a must have summer accessory for twin mamas!

• Vibrant fabric color. This fabric seems like it’ll withstand its fair share of washes where the standard cotton fabric carriers lose their luster after a few washes.

• Breathable fabric. This fabric, as I’ve mentioned, is stretchy and thick mesh BUT it breathes! The standard cotton type of carriers made this mama sweat it out during those hot summer days carrying only a singleton! This will be a great add to our summer lineup.

• Fits a WIDE variety of sizes! This type of carrier fits a wide variety of baby sizes and mamma & daddy sizes too!

• I did need help getting the boys in the carrier but they are also older and move a lot more. Younger babies would likely be able to be placed into the carrier by one person.

• Overall the carrier was very comfortable for the wearer (mom & dad!), and the boys seemed to like it as well.

This wrap came with instructions that had detailed pictures and, though I failed the first couple of tries getting it on, when I actually read the instructions, I was able to get the wrap on comfortably and easily. Read the instructions, kids!! The forgiving fabric of this wrap allows for easy on, easy baby positioning and allows for easy adjustments. There are even YouTube videos helping through how to get the carrier optimally situated.

What’s your rating for the UCHI DUO Twin Water Sling?

Ergonomics:   

Safety:             

Adjustability: 

Jealousy is an emotion that can be triggered by anything. I never knew I could ruin someone’s day by giving them the wrong colour drinking cup. Those quarrels are really about everything and at the same time about nothing: who can wear the pink dress, whose jacket can hang on the blue hook and who ‘is’ Elsa from Frozen. It is a healthy competition, but it does sometimes drive me crazy! I think it’s a combination of jealousy and competing for my attention. My twin girls started this healthy competition in my womb. They love each other and seem inseparable, but do argue a lot. They start talking from the moment they open their eyes in the morning, until they fall asleep in the evening. They do everything together; after all, they’re the same age and have the same interests.

Difficult to be separated

As much as my twins play with each other, I encourage them to play separately as well, especially when they are about to have another fight. I can also see a positive change in their behavior when I give them one-on-one time. They find it difficult to be separated, but the older they get the more they become aware of their own identity. This individual attention helps them to cope with separation anxiety and also improves their relationship as twins.

Another discussion on the backseat

Usually, they get sick at the same time. But last week one of them got the chickenpox and her sister not yet. So for the first time she went to school alone and was very proud of herself, whilst her sister enjoyed her time with me at home. Even this morning when her sister was better, she wanted to go alone again! They both got into the car, and the one who went to school said “I sat in your car seat yesterday!” And there we go again, another discussion on the backseat. I have found a great book about twins being jealous, which I read to them before they go to bed. After one of their fights, I remind them how the characters of their book solved the problem. Listening to each other is difficult for toddlers but very important. We need to hear both sides of the story. I also use examples from my own life and how I solve issues with friends, because adults can be jealous too. Only we do not pull each other’s hair out!

Give them time and space

On a sunny afternoon I put their coloring pencils on the table in the garden and told them there was only one piece of paper left. I asked them to think about what we could do. They both agreed to cut the piece of paper in two and share it. They are able to solve difficulties in their lives, only we need to give them time and space. With a little bit help from us, they will grow and develop into great personalities. As parents we make a lot of decisions for our children but what if we let them decide when it’s time to let go of each other or when to learn how to ride a bike. Patience is the key in raising children, especially so with twins! Maybe with some time, space and guidance we can all learn how to grow together in life with more understanding and appreciation.

Tips on dealing with twin rivalry

• Encourage your twins to play separately, especially when they are about to have a fight.

• Give them one-on-one time, even though separating can be hard.

• Read books to them about twins being jealous and the difficulties of sharing, and talk about how the characters in the books solved their issues.

• Use appropriate examples from your own life on how you dealt with feelings of jealousy.

• Give them time and space to solve their own issues.

Please leave a reply to this article and let us know how you handle twin rivalry in your home!

Books about twins – for mom

There are quite a few twin pregnancy books for expectant twin mothers out there. Some also cover the first few years with twins.

What to Do When You’re Having Two:

This twin pregnancy book takes you through twin pregnancy in a well-written, fun style. It gives you advice on how to get comfortable when you’re struggling being pregnant with twins and how to handle all the questions and comments you’re likely to receive when people learn that you’re expecting twins. The author also shares her own twin birth story. 

Holy Sh*t…I’m Having Twins!: The Definitive Guide to Remaining Calm When You’re Twice as Freaked Out

This book on twins is the third edition of the best-selling “Ready or Not…Here We Come! The REAL Experts’ Guide to the First Year with Twins” expecting twins book. It’s been updated, re-titled, and new information is added. It’s a girlfriend’s guide to the first year with twins and is filled with funny practical shortcuts, real-world strategies, and clever advice. It covers breastfeeding, what to buy, marriage, handling unsolicited advice about raising twins and getting twins on a schedule. Read about the author.

Ready or Not…There We Go!: The REAL Experts’ Guide to the Toddler Years with Twins

This book about twins is the sequel to “Holy Sh*t…I’m Having Twins!” It’s for twin moms who are past the baby stages and are about to begin the toddlers years with twins. This funny tell-it-like-it-is guide covers how to manage tantrums x 2, childproofing, gear, maintaining your marriage and having another baby. Read about the author.

Multiples Illuminated: A Collection of Stories And Advice From Parents of Twins, Triplets and More

This book about twins is a collection of stories from different parents of multiples. It covers topics like infertility and hope, finding out and coping with a twin pregnancy, twin birth stories and stories from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). You get advice on breastfeeding from other twin moms as well as insight into the newborn, baby and toddlers stages.

Multiples Illuminated: Life with Twins and Triplets, the Toddler to Tween Years

This book on twins is the sequel to the “Multiples Illuminated: A Collection of Stories And Advice From Parents of Twins, Triplets and More.” Stories from 21 parents of multiples takes you through the different stages of parenting from the toddler to tween years. Among other things, you’ll read about the relationship between multiples and their siblings and starting school. 

Twinspiration: Real-Life Advice from Pregnancy through the First Year and Beyond

This book about twins is a hybrid of a prescriptive “how-to” guidebook and an intimate diary. It’s written by a twin mom and revolve around twin pregnancy and the first year with twin babies. However, being the second edition, it’s been updated with thoughts on toilet training toddler twins, and some essayed glimpses of life with twins beyond that first year. The author and her husband also give their responses to questions most-asked. Read more about the author and the book. 

The Multiples Manual: Preparing and Caring for Twins or Triplets

This book is written by an identical twin who is the mother of triplets and a singleton. It’s written to  help make the day-to-day challenges with multiples easier. It includes 1,002 tips that are guaranteed to simplify life, save time – and even save money. The author has written several books about twins and runs an online business at justmultiples.com. She has her own clothing brand designed exclusively for twins.

Books about twins – for dad

There are a few books out there targeted to twin dads or couples expecting twins.

Dads Guide to Twins: How to Survive the Twin Pregnancy and Prepare for Your Twins

This book about twins is written by a twin dad from the U.S. who was terrified, when he found out that twins were joining his family. It’s a guide targeted to soon-to-be twin fathers on how to prepare for the arrival of twins. It covers the financial aspects of having twins as well as the practical and emotional side of a possible difficult pregnancy and caring for two newborns at once. 

Dad’s Guide to Raising Twins: How to Thrive as a Father of Twins

This book on twins is the sequel to “Dad’s Guide to Twins.” It’s for the twin father who has brought his twins home from the hospital. It focuses on what to expect and how to handle the babies during the first couple of years and beyond. It covers topics like work, personal and family life, getting your babies to sleep through the night, feeding, siblings, potty training and travelling with twins. 

Twins: A Survival Guide for Dads

 This book on having twins is written by a twin dad from the UK. It has sections on all aspects of pregnancy, birth and the first few years with twins. It’s written in a humorous tone targeted at soon-to-be fathers with attention deficits. It’s written in short sections and is an easy-read.

Expecting Twins? (One Born Every Minute)

This book about twins is written for couples who are expecting twins. It’s written by a professor and consultant in fetal medicine from the UK. His co-author is the Director of the Multiple Births Foundation.  It covers all aspects of a twin pregnancy – from conception, pregnancy, potential problems, birth and the first year with twins. 

Books about twins – for children

There are several great books about twins targeted to children. Some books are well-suited for celebrating twindom and addressing some of the unique issues and challenges twins may face. Other books are targeted to siblings of twins. Reading a book can be a nice way to prepare older siblings for twins and help them balance their expectations. Books can also serve as an effective tool to initiate conversations and talk to children about their feelings and thoughts.

My Babies, My Twins Big Sister

This children’s book about twins is written for the 2-5 age range. It’s targeted to a girl who’ll soon be the big sister of twins.  It contains all the things she should anticipate about her mum’s hospital stay, when the babies come home, and what she can do with the babies. It’s written in a reinforcing tone, assuring the older sibling that there’s love for everyone. Read about the author.

My Babies, My Twins Big Brother

This children’s book about twins is written for the 2-5 age range and is for the boy who’ll soon be a big brother to twins. It’s the counterpart to the “My Babies, My Twins Big Sister” book. It covers all the stuff a young boy should know about his mums hospital stay, and what he should anticipate when the babies are brought home from the hospital. It’s a good choice if you’d like to prepare your son on the arrival of twins. Read about the author.

The Twins New Baby

This children’s book about twins is written for the 2-5 age range and is targeted to twins who anticipate a new sibling. A pair of boy/girl twins are getting a younger sibling. The book highlights facts about mums hospital stay and changes at home with the addition of a new baby. Read about the author.

Twins in Summer

This children’s book featuring boy/girl twins is written for the 2-8 age range. It can be read aloud or serve as a great book for beginning readers. It follows twins through a busy summer day. It’s written as a poem and plays with words that rhyme with twin. Read about the author.

Zoe in Double Trouble

This children’s book is written from the dog Zoe’s perspective. She usually has her owner all to herself but that changes when identical twin girls join the family. The book is written by a twin mom who’s a teacher with a Master’s Degree in Education. 

The Twiniest Twins

This children’s book about twins is written for the 2-6 age range and features boy/girl twins. It’s a great choice if you’d like to spark a conversation with your children about how they can be individuals and still share a special twin bond. It’s also a good way to address some of the situations and comments your twins will receive because of being twins. Read more.

Lucy and Henry Are Twins

This children’s book is about Lucy and Henry who are fraternal boy/girl twins. They have fun together, but they don’t always do things the same way. You follow them having fun together a day in the park. It’s written by Elizabeth Winthrop, and illustrations are done by Jane Massey. 

Got a great book about twins, you’d like to share with us? Please let us know in the comment field below this article or write us at [email address=”kate@about-twins.com”][/email].

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• What country you live in
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• Anything else you’d like

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