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2026 Twinnie Awards

Amanda Hadley — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 09:30:00 +0000

Each year, twin parents and the Twiniversity team nominate their favorite baby, kid, and personal products. After tallying the votes, the products and brands that received the most love and praise have earned top honors. From twin strollers and car seats to diaper bags and more, the 2026 Twinnie Awards highlight the very best twinnie gear on the market. Thanks to our amazing community, the guesswork has been taken out of baby gear shopping—you’ll find a trusted list of recommendations straight from parents who truly get it. So, without further ado, here are our 2026 Twinnie Award Winners… Best Strollers for Twins Best Car Seat Stroller for twins – Baby Trend Double Snap-N-Go Stroller Best Tandem Stroller – Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller 2.0Runner Up: Baby Jogger City Select Double Stroller Best Side-By-Side Stroller – Zoe Twin V2 StrollerRunner Up: Bugaboo Donkey Double Stroller Best Double Jogging Stroller – Thule Urban Glide 3 Stroller Best Stroller for Twins plus one – Zoe Trio V2 Best Stroller Wagon – Wonderfold W4Runner Up: Veer Cruiser City XL Best Stroller Accessory – Cup Holder Best Car Seats for Twins Best Infant Car Seat – Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35Runner Up: Chicco Keyfit Max Infant Car Seat Best Convertible/All-in-one Car Seat – Evenflo REVOLVE360 SLIMRunner Up: Graco Slimfit 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat Best Booster Seat – Graco TurboBooster seatRunner Up: Diono Solana Booster Seats Best Baby Carriers for Twins Best Single Baby Carrier – Baby Tula Explore CarrierRunner Up: BabyBjörn Baby Carrier Mini Best Double Baby Carrier – Weego Twin Baby CarrierRunner Up: TwinGo Baby Carrier Best Bottle Feeding Products for Twins Best Infant Formula – KendamilRunners Up: Bobbie Organic Formula Enfamil Formula Best Baby Bottle – Dr. Brown’s Options+ Bottles Best Baby Food – Once Upon a FarmRunner Up: Serenity Kids Best Product for Tandem Bottle Feeding – Twin Z PillowRunner Up: Table for Two Best Bottle Sterilizer – Baby Brezza Bottle Washer Pro Best Breastfeeding Twins Products Best Electric Breast Pump – Spectra S1Runner Up: Baby Buddha Best Manual Breast Pump – MedelaRunner Up: Dr. Brown’s Best Pumping Bra – Kindred Bravely Sublime Hands-Free Pumping BraRunner Up: Bodily Best Nipple Cream – Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Nipple ButterRunner Up: Medela Purelan Lanolin Best Delivery Day Must-Haves for Twins Best Cord Blood Banking – CBR Best Sleep Gear for Twins Best Crib Mattress – Sealy Crib Mattresses Best Crib –BabylettoRunner Up: DaVinci Best Twin Bassinet – HALO BassiNest Twin SleeperRunner Up: Simmons Kids By The Bed City Sleeper Bassinet Best Swaddle – Zipadee Zip SwaddleRunner Up: Love to Dream Swaddle Up Best Pacifier – Philips Avent SoothieRunner Up: MAM Comfort Baby Pacifiers Best Baby Video Monitor – BabysenseRunner Up: Nanit Best Sound Machine – Hatch Rest+ Sound MachineRunner Up: Dream Egg Best Humidifier – Canopy NurseryRunner Up: Frida Baby 3-in-1 Humidifier Best Baby Seats and Containers for Twins Best High Chair – Ergobaby Evolve High ChairRunner Up: Ikea ANTILPO High Chair Best Bouncy Seat – Ergobaby Evolve 3-in-1 BouncerRunner Up: BabyBjorn Bouncer Balance Soft Best Baby Swing – Graco Soothe ‘n Sway LX Baby Swing with Portable BouncerRunner Up: moms Mamaroo Best Play Mat/Activity Gym – The Play Gym by Lovevery Best Play Yard – Amazon Best Diapering Products for Twins Best Disposable Diaper – HuggiesRunner Up: Pampers Swaddlers Best Cloth Diaper – EsemblyRunner Up: bumgenius Best Diaper Pail – Ubbi Diaper Pail Best Baby Wipes – Huggies Simply Clean WipesRunner Up: Kirkland Signature Baby Wipes Best Diaper Rash Cream – Desitin Baby Diaper Rash CreamRunner Up: A+D Original Diaper Rash Ointment Best Diaper Bag – BEIS Backpack Diaper BagRunner Up: Itzy Ritzy Dream Convertible Diaper Bag Best Baby Care Products for Twins Best Thermometer – Fridababy 3-in-1 Thermometer Best Booger Remover – oogiebear Baby Nose Cleaner and Ear Wax Removal Tool Best Baby Bathtub – Summer Infant Clean Rinse Baby Bath SeatRunner Up: Angelcare 2-in-1 Baby Bathtub Best Baby Skin Care Line – Tubby ToddRunner Up: Aveeno Baby Best Gear for Twins Age 6 Months and Up Best Sippy Cup – Lansinoh Weighted Straw Cup Best Toddler Lunchbox – b.box Lunch boxRunner Up: Omie OmieBox Bento Box Best Teething Product – Hyland’s Teething Tablets Best Potty Training Seat –Baby Bjorn Potty ChairRunner Up: Munchkin Multi-Stage 3-in-1 Potty Seat Want more product recommendations and reviews? Check out these for more: 2025 Twinnie Award Winners 2024 Twinnie Award Winners – Best Baby Gear for Twins What’s the Best Stroller for Kids? Twin Baby Carriers: Which One is Best For Your Family? Essentials for Newborn Baby Skin Care, Bathing and Grooming About Twiniversity Reaching over 2 million families a year in over 150 countries, Twiniversity is the largest global resource for all things “twinnie”. With worldwide recognition in her field, founder Natalie Diaz brings her twin parenting expertise to the online resource, including membership, live and online expecting twins classes, social media channels, and her bestselling books “What To Do When You’re Having Two“, the #1 bestseller on Amazon for Twins & Multiples Parenting, and the Newborn Twins Sleep Guide. For more information, visit Twiniversity.com.

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Pumping for Two

Amanda Hadley — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 22:53:30 +0000

Pumping for Two is a practical class for twin parents who plan to pump. Learn how to set a schedule, how long to pump, why night sessions matter, and when it’s safe to drop sessions—all with simple tips and timelines to make life with two a little easier. Continue Reading Pumping for Two

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A Day in the Life With 4 Month Old Twins

Twiniversity — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Wondering what to do with your 4-month old twins all day long? A full day with two newborns can feel daunting, so take a look at the reality of how one family gets through a day with their 4-month twinnies! Take a peek into my life as a mom of 4-month-old fraternal twin boys. I’m a first time, stay-at-home mom (well, kinda). I work PRN as an occupational therapist, so right now I only pick up weekends when my husband is off, but this allows me to be home with my boys! Navigating life with twins is difficult, and every phase has had its different challenges. But now that my twins have hit 4 months old, I am happy to say that we are in a good (albeit somewhat loose) routine. I am tandem breastfeeding, and they eat about every 3 hours during the day and every 4 hours at night, so our schedule is centered around that! Our morning with 4-month old twins 7:00 am They boys typically wake up anywhere between 6:30-7:30, so that’s when my husband and I wake up as well. I nurse them in bed, and then my husband and I will get them changed and ready for the day. The boys will then hang out on their play mat in their nursery while we get dressed and ready. 8:00 am We’re all usually downstairs around 8am. My husband will go take our dog on a walk, and I will set up the boys in their bouncers. I love to use the bouncers first thing in the morning because it keeps them upright, alert, and secure while I am able to get the day started. I also use this time to pump. Currently I’m only pumping once a day or if they get a bottle. So I usually do that in the morning because that’s when my supply is the highest. Once my husband gets back from the walk, he will help get coffee and breakfast ready. Then I will get the boys changed for their first nap. 8:30 am The boys are usually awake for about 90 minutes during this phase, so the first nap is around 8:30. We usually do this one (supervised) on the Twin Z pillow on the couch so that I can sit with them and eat. Their naps right now can last anywhere between 30 minutes and 2 hours, so we just have to wait and see but I’ll usually use this time to catch up on emails or make my to-do list for the day/week or just relax and catch up on Love Island. 10:00 am Time for their second breakfast! We usually give them one bottle a day, but we always do it at different times. After the feed, it’s play time. We have a play mat set up in the living room, and we will usually do some tummy time, read books or listen to music. 11:30 am By now, they are getting sleepy again so it’s time for another nap. This is usually when I will attempt to have them nap in their cribs (the key word here being attempt). It’s usually not very successful, but we’re working on it! If I can get them to sleep for a little bit, I will use that time to eat or get things done around the house. Our afternoon with 4-month old twins 1:00 pm Time for lunch! After they feed, then it’s time for more play time- lately we have been focusing on grabbing toys, using our water mat for tummy time and lots of teething toys! 2:30 pm This is usually their last long nap for the day. While they are this little and I have the time, I am embracing all of the contact naps. I make sure to go to the bathroom and have my water, snacks and phone all within reach because I could be stuck there for a while! 4:00 pm Time for them to eat again! I have been lucky that I am an over-supplier having more than enough milk for my boys, but I always make sure to prioritize hydration and nutrition. I aim to have protein with every meal and snack and drink electrolytes daily! I am always hungry feeding two, so I eat very often! Our evening with 4-month-old twins 5:00 pm My husband usually gets home around 5 in the evening, and if the weather is nice, we like to take a family walk. We love to use our carriers-we use the ergo baby omni classic and they have been great for both husband and I. The boys just started facing out, and they love looking around! The boys also usually take a “cat nap” around 5:30 anywhere between 30-45 mins, but I try not to let this one go too long since bed time is not too far off. 6:00 pm Time for us to have dinner! We always have the boys sit in the dining room with us whether it’s in their bouncers or lately we have been practicing sitting in their high chairs. Dinners these days are usually whatever is quick and easy to clean up. 6:30 pm Time to start the bed time routine! Our routine is simple, we don’t do baths every night but we usually do lotion/massage, singing and then put them into their sleep sacks. While my husband is getting one ready I will usually rock the other in our rocking chair. Then I will feed them, and we usually get them down between 7:30-8:00 pm. Bed time recently has become ultimate chaos—a true race against the clock to get two tired hungry gremlins to bed. Our overnight schedule with 4-month-old twins 11:00 pm – 3:00 am The boys have recently outgrown their bassinets, so we moved them to their cribs in the nursery. They are not sleeping through the night yet, so my husband and I are up pretty often. I still breastfeed them both at the… Continue Reading A Day in the Life With 4 Month Old Twins

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How to Fly With Breastmilk (Advice from Twin Moms)

Twiniversity — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Traveling with infant or toddler twins, especially if it’s your first time, is a lot of planning. And if you’re breastfeeding or pumping, there are even more items to pack along for the ride. So if you have upcoming air travel with your twinnies, read on for tips on how to fly with breastmilk! Worried about traveling with your precious liquid gold through airports and getting through the TSA checkpoints? Don’t worry, breastmilk is one of the “medically necessary” liquids you’re allowed to carry on with you. But here are some helpful tips from other pumping and nursing twin moms who have traveled with breastmilk before! (Plus some extra tips and need-to-knows when it comes to flying with breastmilk) We asked our twin parent community: What has helped you travel by plane while lactating? (Like go-to product, logistics once in the airport or on the plane, etc.) Here’s what our incredible fans shared about how to fly with breastmilk: “Mamava nursing pods in airports!” “Ceres Chill for quickly storing milk on the go (I exclusively pumped).” “Hands free pumping top under loose shirts. Larken was my go-to brand.” “Portable pump.” “Mamava app for nursing pods, dapple wipes to clean pumping parts, a lunch box and ice packs.” “Ceres Chill and wearable pumps.” “With baby, wear a built in bra tank and flowy sweater to cover built in. Pack extra shirt.” “Just bought the Ceres Chill!” “Milk Stork.” “On a train by myself. Forgoing modesty and having my breast friend (twin) pillow. Extra seat.” “Ceres Chill.” “Use ziploc bags for ice (after security). Reusable packs get more scrutiny.” “Carhartt soft sided cooler with multiple zipper areas for storing milk (in bags) and a travel pump.” “Travel with frozen milk if possible!” “#1 is Ceres Chill followed by a wearable pump. But Ceres Chill is non-negotiable!” “Wearables.” “Baby Buddha (wearable pump), Ceres Chill, and a nursing cover so I could pump in my seat.” How to keep breastmilk cold while flying There are some important safety tips you’ll need to follow for ensuring the temperature of the breastmilk stays safe. To learn more about how long you can safely refrigerate and freeze breastmilk, check out our article “Storing and Reheating Breastmilk: What you should know” This should help plan how long you can have your breastmilk out. Also, depending on your cooling item, some of the gels and packs can last up to 36 hours in a well-insulated bag. Here are some helpful chillers, coolers, and insulated bags to consider using: Ceres Chill As you can see above, tons of twin moms are recommending this breastmilk chiller for air travel! Babeyer Cooler with Ice Pack This compact carrier can be strapped onto the stroller handle (hands free!!!) or a longer shoulder strap. It holds 6-bottles and comes with a ice pack. Bag is waterproof and can be used to hold your lunch once babies grow out of the bottle phase. It comes in a variety of colors too. Momcozy Insulated Baby Bottle Bag This carrier is a little taller and has a removable middle layer for taller bottles. It also comes with a strap that you can strap to your stroller handle or you can attach the longer shoulder strap. This does not come with an ice pack. Milk Stork Breastmilk Cooler Bag Dr. Brown Cooler Bag This space saving bag collapses flat! Reusable freezer inserts can be placed in the bag to keep your babies’ bottles cool during transport. It can store up to 6 bottles and be used as a cooler after your babies grow out of the bottle phase. Reheating breast milk while traveling Keeping your breastmilk cold enough for future use is one thing. But what about when you want to then go ahead and feed it to your babies? How can you warm it up for them while on the go? When we travelled, we had an empty thermos on hand and we’d ask a cafe in the terminal for hot water. Some were kind enough to give it to us for free. We’d put the bottle in the thermos and warm the breastmilk. Simply place the whole bottle in the thermos. Another option for heating up breast milk on-the-go is a portable bottle warmer like these two: Bololo Bottle Warmer The product description says it can warm contents within 5 minutes. And it’s rechargeable! BabyBrezza Portable Warmer It can warm 8 oz in 3 minutes! And it gives three temperature options to select from. When done, the product description states it’ll auto shut off. Twiniversity Tip: If possible, try to schedule the flight for some time around their nap. You can them feed them their bottle while the plane is taking off, and it could help from getting their ears popped. Going through airport security with breastmilk Once you get to TSA, let them know you have breastmilk for your babies. Future you can also note transporting baby food is also acceptable and you will do the same with telling TSA you have baby food. For specific items that you’re allied to carry, check out their list. How much breastmilk can you fly with? For TSA, there’s no specified limit listed for how much breastmilk you can bring along. So bring with you as much as is necessary and logistically possible for you to transport. Here’s some helpful guidance directly from TSA on how to make things a bit easier in prepping to go through security with human milk: “…to expedite the screening process, it is recommended that formula and breast milk be transported in clear, translucent bottles and not plastic bags or pouches. Liquids in plastic bags or pouches may not be able to be screened by Bottle Liquid Scanners, and you may be asked to open them (if feasible) for alternate screening such as Explosive Trace Detection and Vapor Analysis for the presence of liquid explosives. Screening will never include placing anything into the medically necessary liquid.” Hopefully now, the logistic aspects of… Continue Reading How to Fly With Breastmilk (Advice from Twin Moms)

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When to Expect Your First Postpartum Period After Twins?

Twiniversity — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 09:00:00 +0000

As a mom to newborn twins, you’ve got lots to watch out for “down there” as your body heals. And once your postpartum bleeding subsides, one of the things on your mind may be when you can expect to start up your menstrual periods again after delivering twins. You’re not alone in wondering about the return of Aunt Flo! We’ve had lots of mamas in our Your First Year With Twins and Pregnant With Twins groups wondering all those period-related questions. Like this twin mama who wondered: “How long after your c-section did your first period return? Were you breastfeeding? Did you see a decrease in supply during that time? Just curious what I should expect as an exclusive pumper!” And this mama who asked: “FTM- Was anyone’s first period after being pregnant A LOT of bleeding? I’m 11 weeks postpartum and just started my first true period today, and this is the worst period I’ve had before.” And this twin mom who was curious to know: “Did anyone get their period while breastfeeding? I’ve heard some stories of most people not getting their period until after breastfeeding.” In case you’re wondering any of these questions too, we asked our community of twin parents to chime in with their postpartum period experiences! An overall glance at postpartum period returns for twin moms: We polled our Instagram community of twin parents to see how long after delivering their twins it took to get their first postpartum period. Here’s what they said: My first postpartum period after twins came back… Within 3 months postpartum 25% Between 3 – 6 months postpartum 24% Between 6 – 12 months postpartum 32% Over a year postpartum 19% *Note: The above responses were from twin moms who pumped or breastfed at some point postpartum. When did you get your first postpartum period? How heavy was it, and how long did it last? For twin moms who did not pump or breastfeed: “3 months later. It lasted a week. Very crampy.” — Lindsay “Post 5 months after delivery and it was standard. But I had 3 months of postpartum bleeding.” — Genevieve “About 4 months postpartum and not that heavy, medium flow.” — Burtany “6 weeks. SO heavy and lasted about a week, maybe a day or two more.” — Gabriel “It was about three months after my twins were born. I’ve been all over the map with it. With my first it was 10 weeks and my second it was five months.” — Anonymous “It was around 6 months after each of my pregnancies.” — Anonymous For twin moms who pumped or breastfed: “11 weeks postpartum and it was AWFUL. Lasted about ten days and used 2 boxes of ultra tampons.” — Alison “10 months postpartum, exactly 1 month after starting the weaning process. It was moderate, about 5 days.” — Patricia “About a few weeks after I stopped lactating, it was heavy but not the heaviest (and lasted about 2 weeks).” — Marlin “1 year postpartum.” — Sandra “10 or 11 months later. Spotting and not heavy at first. Later, cycles picked back up.” — RJT “4 months postpartum. It was VERY heavy and painful.” — Jess “Came back at1 year. Lasted 4 days, a lighter flow.” — Alexis “I got my first period again when the twins were 15 months old. I stopped pumping when they were 14 months. That first postpartum period was really heavy, and it came on very suddenly. I used to predictably get periods in the morning when I woke up and this hit out of nowhere in the afternoon.” — Paige “About 8 weeks postpartum.” — Lauren “3 months. Very heavy and painful.” — Pamela “22 months postpartum. Average heaviness and length.” — Dolores “2 years later.” — Laurel “It was 18 months postpartum! It was heavy but not heavier than normal for me.” — Veronica “8 months postpartum once I stopped pumping! Very heavy, lasted about 5 – 6 days!” — Caroline “7 months and still waiting for it!” — Claudia “2 months after. Was extra heavy but the same length (about a week).” — Taylor “11 months into postpartum.” — Sara “11 months postpartum. Super short and light compared to the usual.” — Leila “My boys are almost 4 months and I just started mine yesterday. So far, normal!” — Natalie “9 months. I exclusively breastfed and pumped for both my twins.” — Katie Did anyone get their period while breastfeeding? I’ve heard some stories of most people not getting their period until they stop breastfeeding. “No. Every pregnancy it was like my birth control. Would only come when I stopped breast feeding.” “Yes, with both of my singletons I got my period back at 6 weeks postpartum despite exclusively breastfeeding.” “I’ve been EBF my twins, not even pumping or bottle feeding, and got it back 10 weeks postpartum.” “I’ve been almost exclusively pumping for the twins almost religiously 8 times a day for 2.5 months and mine is not back yet.” “Not with my twins because I only pumped for two months, but I was pumping/breastfeeding my other two when my period came back. I got it back at 10 weeks while pumping my firstborn. The time I breastfed longer was the latest my period came back at 4 months (I breastfed for 9 months).” “Yes. I breastfed all babies. With my singleton it came back at 2 months and with my 8 month twins, it came back at 6 months.” “I got my period at three months postpartum and breastfed until seven months!” “I got my period back right away with both my singletons, even though I exclusively breastfed, but it wasn’t consistent until maybe a year postpartum.” Final thoughts on your first postpartum period after twins Whether you’re still waiting for your period to return or you’re wondering why it came back so soon, know that the exact timing is different for every pregnancy. It all depends on your hormonal fluctuations, your overall… Continue Reading When to Expect Your First Postpartum Period After Twins?

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Breastfeeding While Sick: Twin Mom Edition

Twiniversity — Tue, 20 May 2025 10:05:00 +0000

Struggling with breastfeeding while sick? Or wondering if it’s even safe for you to nurse your twins when you’re ill? Find out all you need to know about being sick while breastfeeding twins! I’m sick while breastfeeding, HELP! Nobody likes being sick. Even us grown adults want a little TLC from our mom or other caregivers when we’re under the weather. But now… you’re a mom to two babies who depend on you for their nutrition. Not to mention that you tried everything in your power not to get sick and yet, here you are. Sniffling. Coughing. Sneezing. And all you want in the world is to take a nap. But alas, you are on call and in demand. What do you do? How can you make it through the next few days or weeks while feeling under the weather? And are you even “allowed” to nurse your babies while you’re sick? You’re about to get answers to all of these questions, so let’s dive into a twin mom’s quick guide to breastfeeding while sick. Is it okay to breastfeed my twins if I’m sick? If you’re a first time mom, or even if this is your 2nd/3rd round of infants, you may be worried about wanting to protect your perfect angels from getting that first bug or bad cold. Perhaps you’re wondering if it’s safe to breastfeed your twinnies while you yourself are sick. The short answer is YES, in most cases! You should of course consult your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and medications (whether prescribed or over-the-counter) you are taking/plan to take. Outside of certain infectious diseases, in all likelihood, it shouldn’t be an issue. According to UNICEF, you are able to breastfeed safely with most common illnesses like the cold or flu with proper hygiene. I know we’ve all been scarred from watching those “how to wash your hands” videos from back in the pandemic. But for safety’s sake, here’s some basic guidance on ways you can reduce your chances of passing on your illness to your babies: 1. Handwashing is a must when sick and breastfeeding! Thoroughly washing your hands helps to limit the spread of diarrheal and respiratory infections. 2. Hand-washing is even more important is whenever meal prep is involved. When it comes to breastfeeding twins, while you might not be in the kitchen slicing and dicing your infants’ food, YOU are their main meal on wheels. In short, breastfeeding while sick requires the same precautions. That means: Wash your hands before expressing milk or picking up your baby to breastfeed. 3. Depending on what feels right for you, you could also consider wearing a mask. This could help further prevent the passing of germs (if you’re sneezing or coughing a lot) from you to your twinnies while they’re up close and personal during a feed. 4. As mentioned, talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking while sick. I remember I had to take an antibiotic after my delivery, and before the pharmacist dispensed my medicine, the lactation specialist was consulted to double check that it was safe (breastfeeding-wise) to take said meds. Here’s a list of medications that are typically not recommended if you’re nursing: In general, common OTC pain meds like acetaminophen and ibuprofen and some antibiotics are safe to take while nursing. This is just a starting point to give you an idea though. Your healthcare provider can guide you more on what’s safe or not if you need to take medication while you’re sick and nursing. Is there any benefit to breastfeeding while sick? Maybe at this point, you’re thinking, This seems like too much to deal with when I’m sick. Is it even worth all this trouble? Absolutely no judgment if the answer to that question for you is a no! But whether you’ve been exclusively breastfeeding up to this point or nursing here and there, you should know all the facts. The answer is yes, there actually are benefits to breastfeeding while sick. While a baby could catch sick germs from you in other ways, they will not become ill through your breastmilk. In fact, your breastmilk while sick is really powerful because it contains antibodies that can help them have a smaller chance of catching the same virus. How amazing!? How to actually manage breastfeeding while sick? So let’s say you’ve gotten the okay from your doctor based on the meds you’re taking and your specific illness and you decide you do want to keep up nursing at least a little while you’re sick. But how can you actually make nursing feel manageable while you feel like garbage? Here are a few things you’ll want to consider: 1. Prioritize rest! As best you can, clear your metaphorical plate of any non-essential responsibilities for the next few days or so (i.e. laundry, cleaning outside of what’s necessary to keep sick germs at bay, non-urgent errands, etc.). Use any second of extra time that you have to allow your body to rest. This should help you recover from your illness more quickly. 2. Stay hydrated! Hydration is already super important when you’re nursing, but when your body is fighting something off, it’s even more critical to stay hydrated! Opt for lots of water, broths, and fluids that have extra electrolytes. 3. Ask for help! Some parents have more support than others. Whatever your situation may be, ask whoever you can for help with extra tasks that can lighten your load for a few days. If you have friends or family that live close who can support you. Maybe task them with helping you with dinner or in assisting with the care of your twins or other children. If you’re not exclusively breastfeeding, do more pumping instead and ask your spouse or partner or another family member to help feed the babies. Make sure if you transition to pumping more that you keep to a similar schedule as before to avoid developing clogged ducts or… Continue Reading Breastfeeding While Sick: Twin Mom Edition

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Storing and Reheating Breastmilk: What You Should Know

Twiniversity — Tue, 06 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Whether you use an electronic or manual breast pump, here are the need-to-knows for safely storing and reheating breastmilk, thawing breast milk, and preparing frozen breast milk. How do you handle breast milk? Not necessarily a table topic that comes up regularly. It’s more that type of information you don’t know you need to know until you’re IN IT. Once your production fully kicks in after a few weeks, a lot of twin moms start to pump in conjunction with breastfeeding. This allows your body to keep up with the growing appetite of your babies and to have reserves on hand for bottle-feeding or for saving for future use. You could try asking your mom or other wise moms who’ve been down this path to help you with some tips, but of course, sometimes the information they have could be outdated or forgotten (because early motherhood can be a blur, can’t it?!). Or perhaps you’ve already met with your hospital lactation specialist who gave you a quick rundown of breastmilk basics. But once you’re discharged from the hospital, it’s on you to figure out how to make breastfeeding, pumping, and storing breastmilk work. The good news is storing and reheating breast milk doesn’t have to be complicated. After all, women have been feeding their babies with breastmilk since the beginning of time. But just as with any other food or drink you consume, knowing the expiration date and shelf life is a good place to start. That’s why we wanted to share the essentials you need to know for safely handling and reheating your liquid gold so you can ensure your babies’ safety! Breastmilk storage overview Below is a summary of the latest guidance from experts like the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for how long you can safely store breastmilk at room temperature, in the fridge, and in the freezer. What you’re starting with Can last at room temp. for… Can be refrigerated for… Can be frozen for… Freshly expressed milk Up to 4 hours Up to 4 days 6 – 9 months for a regular freezer12 months for a deep freezer Frozen/thawed milk 1 – 2 hours Ideally within 24 hours (from when it was completely thawed, not when you first move it to the fridge), but up to 48 -72 hours is okay Never – should never refreeze previously frozen/thawed breastmilk But there’s probably a little more on your mind than just these numbers, so keep reading for a deeper dive! Storing breastmilk safely Whether your twins are your first babies or you’re already a seasoned parent, ensuring a clean environment is incredibly important for maintaining the safety of your babies’ primary source of food. 1. Everything should be clean and baby-safe! First things first, wash your hands and start with clean pump parts. Then, make sure the breastmilk storing container or breastmilk storage bags you plan to use are clean. A lot of baby bottle and breast pump brands sell their own version of breastmilk storage bags like Dr. Brown’s, Lansinoh, Mom Cozy, and Medela. These types of storage bags are great options since they are designed to be free of BPAs and harmful chemicals and specifically used for babies. But there are other safe non-plastic options out there too like glass breastmilk storage bottles and silicone breastmilk storage bags and breastmilk cube trays (which could be great for when your twinnies are teething)! One type of storage container to be careful of is those those plastic bottle liners (aka “drop-ins.”) I haven’t seen these in a very long time, but if you plan to use these, they aren’t recommended for safe breastmilk storage, thawing, and reheating. And if you have no idea what I’m talking about, that’s for the better, so just keep reading! 2. Decide where you will be storing the milk and for how long. If you decide to use your pumped breastmilk that same day, you can store it in your refrigerator for up to 4 hours (according to the CDC). You can always check with your own pediatrician or lactation specialist for their best recommendations as well. If you don’t plan to use your expressed milk that day, then label the storage bag or container with the date and time and freeze it right away. 3. Placement matters! If you will be using the freezer or fridge, it’s best to place the breastmilk more in the back or in a storage compartment that you don’t open as much. Why? Great question. You know how your ice cream container that you keep in the front for easy access gets those weird frosty crystals after a while? That’s because the fluctuating temperature nearest the freezer door can cause freezer burn. Think about it like this: the door is definitely the worst place to control temperature because you’re constantly opening and shutting the door. You can always check out the specific guidelines for your unique fridge or freezer. Whirlpool and other brands have great info on best use of their products on their sites. 4. Use a helpful labeling system! The other rule of thumb with using breastmilk is the FIFO method (First In, First Out). That’s where labeling the correct date on your breastmilk storage bags or containers comes in handy. Since breastmilk has a shelf life, you want to use the oldest breastmilk first. The one you expressed/pumped a week ago is already a week older than the one you just expressed and put away. Therefore, labeling is key! It’ll help you remember when that bag was stored and keep you from having to throw out any expired bags. Breastfeeding is hard work, Mama! Your hard work should not be put to waste. Lansinoh actually has a super helpful breastmilk storage container that’s first in, first out friendly and that provides extra freezer protection! How to thaw breastmilk safely? Okay, so let’s say you do plan to freeze some of your breastmilk, let’s talk about how to go… Continue Reading Storing and Reheating Breastmilk: What You Should Know

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Cleaning Baby Bottles: Care Tips and Hacks for Twin Parents

Twiniversity — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 10:30:00 +0000

When it comes to feeding your infant twins, cleaning all those baby bottles can really feel like a beast of a job to take on. But food safety and limiting the risk of harmful bacteria is so important for tiny humans with developing immune systems. So here are some helpful tips and hacks for all that bottle washing you’ll be doing as a twin parent. Looking back on those early newborn twin days cleaning baby bottles, I now wonder whyyyy? (Especially when I see my toddler twins take a mysteriously old cheerio from their car seat and put it in their mouth. Lol, cringe.) However, when I think back on those infant times, I wouldn’t have done anything different about how clean their bottles were. Newborns and infants have next to no immunity towards bacterial and viral pathogens. Every germ sticks. (My daycare parents, where you at? You know what I’m talking about). This means that the germs that find their way into your little ones’ mouths have the potential to cause some potentially serious harm. And of course, exposure to some germs helps them build immunity over time, but it’s best not to overwhelm their developing systems when at all possible. So, let’s quickly talk about bacteria and food safety. Bacteria like to grow in warm environments filled with food. And what do infants and newborns eat/drink? Warm breastmilk and/or formula chock full of nutrients for those hungry, hungry germs. Thankfully, many foodborne illnesses can be fought with good kitchen cleaning and sanitation habits. Just like washing your hands will bring down your chances of catching a cold, the same goes with cleaning baby bottles. Washing and sanitizing properly, especially in those first few weeks, can help limit foodborne germs and bacteria. So without further ado, here are some helpful tips and hacks for cleaning baby bottles carefully for those sweet twinnies of yours! 1. Make sure your hands are clean first This may give you some PTSD back to those early COVID-19 days. But before handling your twins’ bottles, make sure you wash your hands first. You’re probably doing this already, but with mom brain (plus changing all those poopy diapers all day), we know it doesn’t hurt to have those little reminders! 2. Completely disassemble the bottles Again, this one may seem obvious. But with all the high-tech baby bottles on the market these days, be sure to fully disassemble every part. For example, make sure you take the nipple out of the bottle collar. (This is the ring-like part that fastens onto the bottle around the nipple). And if you’re using Dr. Brown’s bottles, remove and take apart the internal venting parts. Having the bottles completely deconstructed will make sure that every little nook and cranny is able to be cleaned and dried fully. 3. Choose your washing method There are a few ways you can clean baby bottles with our twentieth century technological advancements. Of course, you can always handwash. But you can also use your dishwashing machine or a bottle washer. Here’s some insight on each bottle washing method! Hand-washing baby bottles While hand-washing may take the most “effort” on your part, it’s also the quickest method for cleaning baby bottles. So here’s how to clean your twinnies’ bottles safely and thoroughly: 1. Empty out any remaining milk or formula first. For safety, any remaining formula and breastmilk should be thrown out within an hour after starting the bottle feeding. This is because once the baby’s saliva mixes in with the milk or formula, it can cause bacteria to grow after sitting out. 2. Do a basic rinse of the bottle to get out any excess formula/milk. 3. Use a dedicated washing basin like this one. Avoid cleaning the bottles directly in your kitchen sink. Sinks tend to build up with germs over time (even when kept clean) since there’s always water hanging around them. If you don’t want to buy a legit cleaning basin, you can simply use a large mixing bowl. Just make sure that you only use that bowl for bottle cleaning (at least for the foreseeable future). 4. Fill the washing basin with soap and hot water, soak, and clean. Once you fill the basin, let the bottles soak in the water for a few minutes to loosen up the milk or formula residue. Then, using a dedicated bottle and nipple brush like this one, carefully clean each bottle part. Lastly, rinse the items under clean, hot running water. If you want to learn more about safe soaps and cleaning solutions for newborns, check out this article! 5. Dry in a dedicated drying rack area. To make sure the bottles dry completely and safely, avoid placing them in such a way that air isn’t able to flow freely. You want to make sure there is air flow underneath so that the leftover moisture doesn’t get trapped inside of the bottles and bottle parts. Also, steer clear of using dish towels for drying as they could house bacteria from coming into contact with dirty dishes or hands. Here are two examples of safe drying areas and drying organizers: Dr. Brown’s Drying Tower This Dr. Brown’s Drying Tower is great for drying and organizing the whole gang of bottle parts including the nipples, collars, bottle, caps, and even the brush! The way that this drying rack is set up also allows for tons of airflow to ensure each part dries completely. Boon Lawn Baby Bottle Drying Rack The Boon drying rack provides plenty of airflow and has an antimicrobial tray to help limit the growth of mold and mildew. It’s also a great place for drying pump parts since the drying space accommodates all sorts of sizes and dimensions! Twiniversity tip: If you get the Boon drying rack, be sure to remove and thoroughly clean the tray every few days. This will avoid extra water accumulating in the tray which could lead to mold and mildew. Using your dishwasher Yes, you… Continue Reading Cleaning Baby Bottles: Care Tips and Hacks for Twin Parents

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Stress Management for Twin Parents

Twiniversity — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000

It’s no secret that parenting multiples brings along additional challenges, not to mention a higher risk of anxiety and postpartum mood disorders. So it’s extra important that we arm ourselves with tools to self-regulate and de-stress. Keep reading for a list of 12 helpful ways to manage your stress as a twin parent. Being a twin parent must be one of the most stressful jobs in the world. (Perhaps followed closely by logging and air traffic control). Through infancy, toddlerhood, and childhood, it seems twins require 24/7 care. At times, I have forgotten to take care of myself while in the throes of tantrums, sickness, and all around just trying to keep those two little people alive and happy. So it goes without saying that stress management for parents is not easy when all of a sudden you have no time to yourself. But the truth is, you can’t effectively give your best to your twins unless you’re managing your own stress and taking care of your body and mind. As the familiar adage goes, you must put on your oxygen mask first before being able to help others. Even if you may not get to shower as often or as much as you would like, there are things you can do to mitigate your stress. Below you’ll find some tips for stress management for parents of twins so that you can show up for your kiddos as your best self! Note: Of course, you might not have the capacity to do all of these all at once (I’m looking at you tip, #1). But incorporating as many as you can into your week can make a big difference. 1. Get as much sleep as possible So much of managing stress is making sure your basic needs are met. For this, I turn to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. The very base of the pyramid consists of physiological needs such as food, water, breathing, and sleep. If I am feeling stressed, I try to check in with my body. Am I hydrated? Am I hungry (or hangry)? Have I gotten enough sleep? I am able to handle so many more BIG feelings from the little people when I am well-rested. I know all too well how tricky sleep can be with twins. But at all costs, do whatever you need to do to get as much sleep as possible. Switch off with your partner on twin night duty. Ask for help so that you can take a nap or go to bed early. Leave the chores for a day when you are better rested. Sleep is such a huge part of stress management for parents. There are obvious caveats to this: if you are breastfeeding or pumping around the clock, Godspeed and just sleep when the twins sleep! 2. Spend time in nature A substantial body of research indicates that spending time in nature significantly benefits our physical and mental well-being. This could be as simple as eating lunch outside, going for a walk after dinner, or gardening with your kids. A solo walk does wonders. But also don’t discount bringing the kids or family; everyone is calmer when they are outside. What a powerful stress management tool for parents! Any nature, any amount of time, in any capacity, makes a difference. 3. Practice mindfulness This is such a huge buzzword in modern psychology, but what does it actually mean? In a nutshell, it means paying attention to the present moment without judgment. You are aware of your body, thoughts, and feelings, and accept what is. Mindfulness is the basis for emotional regulation. Instead of being reactive, mindfulness gives you awareness of triggers that cause stress and allows you to regulate before reacting automatically in an emotional state. It keeps the focus on the present rather than worrying about the past or the future. This practice starts by recognizing what is happening in the present moment and checking in with yourself. You can actually retrain your body to react calmly to stressful situations rather than with a fight-or-flight response. 4. Meditate The thought of embarking on a meditation practice might seem daunting at first. But you can start with as little as 5 minutes a day. Even a few times a week is a good start. Mindfulness and meditation are closely related, with both encouraging progress in the other. Usually, meditation is a practice you set time aside for, while mindfulness is more of a state of mind you can practice anytime. Both will help with stress management for parents. You can start with guided meditation using resources online, doing a body scan, or simply focusing on your breathing while letting other thoughts pass. If you are able to practice consistently, you may find your stress levels start to decrease! 5. Try the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)/tapping This is a therapeutic technique where you stimulate acupuncture points by tapping while you focus on situations that represent negative thoughts or feelings. While it incorporates theories of alternative medicine, it has been proven to help improve a variety of issues, such as stress, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. There are a lot of free resources for EFT/tapping online, or you can choose to be guided by an EFT practitioner. If you have intense emotions or PTSD, it is better to do this with the help of a therapist. 6. Seek out a licensed mental health practitioner Talk therapy is more accessible than ever before with countless telehealth opportunities. There is no one on Earth who cannot benefit from talk therapy. Raising children is reason enough without everything else life throws our way such as marriage, working, managing a home, relocating, grieving…the list goes on. Therapists can help you develop vital coping skills to manage all of that stress. They can provide much-needed perspective and support. It’s like talking to a trusted friend, except they are professionally trained to help you. Most sessions are less than an hour long and there are plenty of… Continue Reading Stress Management for Twin Parents

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Recovering From Your C-section With Twins

Twiniversity — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Whether you had planned c-section or an emergency c-section, the recovery can feel extra complicated with twins. We’ve been there and we know the struggle. So below you’ll find an overview of the first two months of your c-section recovery. Disclaimer: All content on this website, including medical opinions and any other health-related information, is for informational purposes only and should not be considered to be a specific diagnosis or treatment plan for any individual situation. Use of this site and the information contained herein does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others. As a first time mom, I was not prepared for how taxing the initial days following my c-section would be. Oddly enough, I had talked to close friends and family members who had c-sections before thinking it would help me mentally prepare. But with some things, no amount of preparation can fully prepare you for the reality that lies ahead. And that’s exactly how I felt with my c section with twins. While my c-section was somewhat of an emergency due to preeclampsia symptoms, the surgery itself went as expected. And due to the spinal tap, I felt no pain during the actual birth (though I was shaking uncontrollably). But little did I know, that was only the beginning. In my hospital bed a few hours later, I remember thinking to myself: “Dang, I didn’t know it was going to be THIS hard.” If you’ve had a c-section yourself, maybe you feel similarly. But my hope is that some of these tidbits of advice make your journey a little smoother–and a little less lonely. C-section recovery: the first 48 hours Here are some things that you may experience in the first 24 hours after your c-section with twins: Pain in your shoulder (aka “shoulder tip pain”) When you get the spinal tap (spinal anesthesia) for your c-section, this can sometimes cause a lingering pain in your shoulder area in the hours after surgery. Research estimates that about 1 in 2 c-section patients experiences this localized pain. For me, this pain was even more uncomfortable than the incision itself (at least while I was laying down). And it lasted for the first 2 days after surgery. Shoulder tip pain is thought to be caused by a few potential culprits: irritation of the diaphragm caused by blood and amniotic fluid, trapped gas, the positioning of the body during surgery. One study shows that auriculotherapy (basically acupuncture on your ear) can help provide relief. Your c-section incision The external incision you see on your skin will likely be closed with Steri-strips. You’re supposed to leave the Steri-strips be and let them fall off on their own (within 7 days). While the incision may feel tender, it should not be leaking any blood or fluids. If it is, you’ll want to tell your doctor right away. The sensation of the incision can also be painful and uncomfortable, especially when you move. This pain will usually reach its peak in the first 18 – 36 hours after your c-section since that’s when the spinal anesthesia wears off. When you have to laugh, cough, or sneeze, place a pillow over your incision and apply a slight amount of pressure. This will help lessen the discomfort and protect your incision. For me, the incision generally felt okay as long as I was laying down. But when I would move, it felt like the c-section scar was on fire. So painful. But this is normal because the damaged nerves in your skin and internal tissues are healing. As far as showering, you are typically able to shower 24 hours after your surgery. But you won’t want to directly clean the incision yet. Instead you can just let the water run over it indirectly. Your uterus Once the anesthesia wears off, your uterus may feel tender and sensitive. You may also feel small contractions. These contractions help your womb slowly shrink back to its normal size (and also control some of the bleeding). If you gently press down above your pubic bone, you’ll feel a solid almost ball shape. This is your enlarged uterus. Nausea and vomiting Research estimates that up to 80% of women experience nausea and vomiting after their c-section. These symptoms are even more noticeable if you have preeclampsia and are medicated with magnesium sulfate. This can make it difficult to keep fluids (even water) and food down in the first several hours after delivery. A bloody mess Post c-section bleeding can be very heavy (like wayyyy heavier than your heaviest period). This may feel super alarming at first (especially when you see larger clots falling out). In general, this heavy bleeding is normal. But if you are passing golf-ball sized clots or larger, tell your doctor right away. My post c-section nurse literally had to put her hands inside of me, press down on my uterus, and push some of the leftover blood and uterine contents of me (ouch!). Moving your body Despite just undergoing a major surgery (cutting through 7 layers of tissue), you will be told to start moving within the first 8 – 24 hours. One of the reasons is to help with circulation so you don’t develop blood clots (especially in your legs) after surgery. Overall, gentle movement like walking is also supposed to help your body heal more quickly. Even though you are supposed to be moving your body, be sure you avoid lifting anything heavier than your twinnies. C-section recovery – the first week after Some pesky c-section symptoms (like shoulder pain and nausea) will go away after the first 24 – 48 hours. But others will linger on into the first week. Here’s a look at your recovery in the first week after your c-section with twins: Delayed milk supply If you are nursing or pumping, don’t be… Continue Reading Recovering From Your C-section With Twins

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