Preparing for Multiple Babies

Whether you’re having twins, triplets or another form of multiple babies you are probably feeling a mixture of excitement and apprehension.  It may help ease your mind if you take the time to come up with a plan.  Below are a few suggestions to help you prepare for multiple babies.

•   Increase your food intake.  Many women don’t realize how important it is to increase their daily food intake when they are pregnant. This is especially important for those pregnant with multiples. If you are having twins you should increase your daily intake of calories to about 600. And, expect to gain at least 35-45 pounds during a pregnancy with multiples, you may even gain more and be within normal limits.

• Get the equipment you need. You’ll have to get baby equipment no matter if you’re having one, two or more babies. However, you’ll need a few more things when you’re expecting multiples than you would if you were only having one baby.

·         Car Seats – Obviously, you will need to have and individual car seat for each baby as they cannot share a car seat to be transported. To help save on the cost, you may be able to borrow used car seats from friends who are no longer using theirs or pick some up at a garage sale.

·         Strollers – If you are having more than one baby, you will need a stroller made for multiples. They have strollers for twins and even some for triplets. You’ll find the cost of these strollers well worth it when you’re trying to take everyone out at the same time.

·         Clothing – Two or more babies means that you’ll have to have more clothing. Not only will the babies have to be dressed at the same time, but you never know when one will have to be changed during the day (or how many times). Therefore, finding clothes at yard sales and thrift stores for cheaper prices is a good idea.

·         Furniture – You will also have to think about furniture. While you won’t need more than one changing table, rocking chair or dresser it is advisable to purchase a crib for each child. Experts recommend against having infants share a crib, but if you need to have them share a crib until you can get another one, that’s okay. Just make sure they are a safe distance apart when sleeping.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help.  Having multiple babies can bring on a lot of stress for parents, especially if one stays home while the other goes to work. It can be difficult for the stay-at-home-parent to get an adequate amount of rest as the babies’ sleeping schedules may not be the same.  Therefore, don’t be afraid to ask for help in advance. If you have a friend or family member that you trust, don’t hesitate to ask them if they would be willing to come over a little during the day so you can catch a quick nap.  And of course, there is always the ever-handy self-help book to flip through when you need it!

• Baby-proof the house now.  Don’t wait to start baby-proofing your house until the babies are born because you’re going to be tired once they get home. Instead get the house prepared before they arrive!

• Talk to other parents of multiples. The best thing new parents of multiples can do is find other parents of multiples to talk to. Having a support group of people who understand your situation will prove valuable once your babies arrive.
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Read on for the next part of "Mom's Pregnancy Guide", Why You May Want A Birth Plan.