Surviving the First Year with Twins: Tips for New Parents

7 August 2025

Bringing home a newborn is overwhelming enough, but bringing home two? That’s a whole new level of parenting adventure! The first year with twins is a roller coaster of emotions, sleepless nights, and double the chaos—but also double the love.

If you’re a new parent of twins, you’re probably feeling a mix of excitement and exhaustion. You might be wondering how you’ll manage to feed two babies, change twice as many diapers, or even get a moment to yourself. Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many twin parents have walked this path before, and there are ways to make survival (and even enjoyment) possible.

Here’s your go-to guide for navigating the first 12 months with twins.

1. Sleep (Or Lack of It)

Sync Their Schedules

One of the best survival tips? Get your twins on the same schedule. It might feel impossible at first, but trust me—your sanity depends on it. If one baby wakes up to eat, wake the other and feed them too. If one naps, try to get the other down at the same time.

Yes, it might take some effort, but having synchronized sleep and feeding times will give you those small but precious breathing moments throughout the day.

Take Shifts With Your Partner

If you have a partner, divide nighttime duties. One of you can take the first stretch of night while the other gets a few hours of uninterrupted sleep, then switch. If you're solo, consider asking a friend or family member to help for at least one or two nights a week.

Consider Safe Co-Sleeping or Twin Bassinets

Twins don’t always follow the "one baby per crib" rule right away. In the early weeks, many twins feel comforted sleeping in the same bassinet or crib (following safe sleep guidelines). There are also twin bassinets specifically designed to keep them close but safe.

2. Feeding Two Babies

Breastfeeding vs. Formula—Do What Works

If you’re breastfeeding, tandem feeding can save a ton of time. However, it takes practice and patience. Using a twin nursing pillow can be a game-changer.

If breastfeeding feels overwhelming (or isn’t possible), formula feeding is perfectly okay. You’re keeping your babies fed, and that’s what matters. Many parents do a mix of both, and that’s fine too!

Prep Bottles Like a Pro

If you’re bottle-feeding, preparation is key. Make bottles in advance whenever possible—especially for nighttime feeds. Have a bottle warmer ready to go, and consider using formula dispensers or pre-measured portions for quick mixing.

Take Turns Feeding

If you have help, let them take charge of one feeding while you handle the other. If you’re solo, propping up babies safely with twin feeding pillows can be a lifesaver for bottle feeds.

3. Diapering and Changing Chaos

Create Several Changing Stations

Instead of rushing to one dedicated changing area, set up multiple diaper-changing stations around the house—one in the nursery, another in the living room, and another near your bed. A stocked diaper caddy with wipes, creams, and extra clothes will make life easier.

Buy in Bulk

Twins use a LOT of diapers and wipes. Save yourself the repeated store trips by buying in bulk. Subscribe-and-save programs can also help you cut down on costs and ensure you never run out.

4. Managing Daily Life

Accept (and Ask for) Help

This might be one of the most important tips: Accept help whenever it’s offered. Whether it’s a friend dropping off a meal, a neighbor folding laundry, or a family member taking over so you can nap—take it.

If no one volunteers? Don’t be afraid to ask. People often want to help but just don’t know how. Let them know exactly what you need.

Plan Simple Meals

Cooking elaborate meals will be a thing of the past (at least for now). Stock up on freezer meals, slow cooker recipes, or easy one-pan dishes. Some parents even meal prep and freeze food before the twins arrive.

Find a Routine (But Stay Flexible)

While routines help create structure, babies don’t always cooperate. Try to get into a rhythm with feeding, naps, and bedtime but be flexible enough to adapt when necessary.

5. Taking Care of Yourself

Sleep When You Can

This isn’t just a cliché. Even if it’s just a 15-minute nap while the babies sleep, take it. Those little moments of rest add up.

Make Time for "Me" Moments

Self-care doesn’t have to mean spa days and vacations. It can be as simple as enjoying a hot cup of coffee, watching an episode of your favorite show, or taking a short walk outside while someone watches the babies.

Talk to Other Twin Parents

Join twin-parent support groups online or locally. Talking to other parents in the same boat will remind you that you’re not alone, and they may have tips that work wonders.

6. Bonding with Both Babies

Give Individual Attention

With twins, it’s easy to focus on them as a unit, but giving each baby individual attention is important too. Spend a few quiet minutes with each twin—cuddling, talking, or reading.

Don’t Compare Them

Even though they were born at the same time, your twins are unique individuals. They might hit milestones at different times, develop different personalities, and have different needs. That’s perfectly normal.

7. Getting Out of the House

Use a Twin Carrier or Double Stroller

Getting out with twins can feel like preparing for a major expedition, but having the right gear helps. A twin baby carrier or a lightweight double stroller makes outings easier.

Pack Extra Everything

Diapers, wipes, clothes, pacifiers—whatever you think you need, pack double. The one time you don’t? That’s when an unexpected diaper blowout will happen (because, of course, it will).

Set Realistic Expectations

A quick trip to the store might take an hour, and outings won’t always go as planned. Give yourself grace if things don’t go smoothly.

8. Managing Overwhelm

Lower Your Standards (Temporarily!)

Your house won’t always be clean. Laundry will pile up. Some days, you’ll feel like you’re accomplishing nothing except keeping two tiny humans fed and alive—and that is more than enough.

Celebrate the Small Wins

Did both babies nap at the same time? You won! Got them dressed before noon? Big achievement! Give yourself credit for every little victory.

Remember, It Gets Easier

The first year with twins is intense, but it doesn’t stay this hard forever. Eventually, they’ll sleep longer, need fewer feedings, and become more independent. You’ll find your rhythm, and the early chaos will turn into cherished memories.

Final Thoughts

Surviving the first year with twins is no small feat, but you are stronger than you think. Take it one day at a time, lean on your support system, and remember—this season, as exhausting as it is, won’t last forever. Someday, you’ll look back and realize that amidst the chaos, you built an incredible bond with your twins that nothing can break.

And when that happens? You’ll know you more than just survived it—you thrived.