Caring for twins or more is based on the same principles as caring for one baby, just usually a little more work and organisation. The basics of
nappy changing,
bathing,
wrapping your babies is no different. When and how you coordinate these activities for more than one baby does. In the beginning you will probably muddle your way through caring for your babies and learn as you go. As time goes on you will become more skilled and organised. Feeding all your babies can also be a challenge and tips for making this more manageable are discussed in
breastfeeding or
bottle feeding.
For many parents of multiples, organising their care often comes down to a decision around the issue of caring for the babies on individual schedules, or trying to slowly coax your babies to follow similar routines. This decision can be based on philosophical beliefs, practical day to day survival needs or the responses and personalities of your babies.
Whatever you decide, be flexible and willing to adjust your preferences, if what you choose is not working. Also be aware that what doesn't work earlier on may work later on if you give it another try.
Individual routines
Synchronised routines
BirthTIPS
Individual routines
Parents of twins or more will soon find out how individual their babies are. Even if their babies are identical, they will still have their own routines, habits, preferences and idiosyncrasies.
Some parents like to treat their babies as the individuals they are. This means allowing their babies to wake, sleep and feed on their own personal schedules. For those who do this, it may fit in well with how they like to parent and allow them to have individual time with their babies. For others, fitting in with their babies' different schedules can be very difficult (or near impossible to keep up with), unless they have help.
One mother had her twin boys in individual routines.