Multiples Fun Facts | Words of Wisdom from Mothers of Multiples Read about fun facts and advice from fellow multiples parents. Celebrities That are Multiples | Celebrity Parents of Multiples Celebrities That are Multiples
Celebrity Parents of Multiples
Words of Wisdom from Mothers of Multiples Pregnancy & Newborns | Safety | Toys, Arts & Crafts, & Entertainment | "Interview and choose a pediatrician before you deliver, particularly if you're scheduled for bed rest. Also, choose a pediatrician whose office is CLOSE to your house! With all the visits you'll have in the first year, you'll be glad you chose one nearby!" "Take a sideways photo of your tummy each week or two during your pregnancy, holding up a sign with the week number (18 weeks, 24 weeks, etc.) It will be fun to look back on them when you're skinny again!" "You'll be advised to buy maternity clothes for your pre-pregnancy size, but this doesn't necessarily apply to a mom pregnant with multiples." "Consider making an appointment with a lactation consultant. Your doctor or maternity ward will help you find one. Having professional advice and emotional support will get you off to a great start." "Magnetic cabinet locks work best for twins. The plastic 'lever' type can be manipulated by a set of clever twins working together." "Hang bells on the bottom branches of Christmas Trees so that you can hear when a child gets too close!" "Apply non-stick bathtub appliques to the bottom of your child's kiddie pool. They'll make it easy to get in and out without slipping and sliding." Toys, Arts & Crafts, & Entertainment "Melt all your broken crayons in a low-temperature oven in foil cupcake liners. Your child will have fun with the big rainbow crayons!" "Post your child's artwork on the refrigerator, wall or bulletin board. Once a month, take a photograph of your child in front of her creations. With a photo, you can keep a memory of their artwork rather than keeping (and storing) all of it!" "Rotate toys so children don't get bored, e.g., put some away for a week (or month) then switch with the current stock." "A dollar store cookie sheet makes a great magnetic surface for your toddler's alphabet letters at the kitchen table or in the back seat of the car!" (As an alternative to a Christmas tree with toddlers) "Instead of a tree, cut a tree shape out of a roll of wrapping paper and let your little ones finger paint "decorations" on it." "Keep some 'fast food' toys hidden in a bag in the car for 'emergencies.' A new toy can entertain a fussy child when you find yourself in a waiting room, a traffic jam, or a long line." "Keep a basket of small toys in the car next to your toddlers' car seats. Add surprises now and then ... they'll always be entertained!" Eating, Drinking, Cooking, & Dining Out "When eating out with twins, a healthy alternative to the typical 'kids' menu' is to buy one adult entree—which usually includes a vegetable and meat—and divide it between your twins." "Trying to eat out with two year olds? Call ahead with your order. Then, when you arrive, send one parent in to get the table and high chairs before the children come in." "Introduce finicky toddlers to new foods by asking them to help you prepare their meal. Oatmeal, cream of wheat, mashed potatoes, etc., will seem to taste better to children if they help pour, mix, and mash!" "One medium banana, pureed, will fill a 4-oz. baby food jar!" "Buy aluminum pans at a dollar store and make casseroles to freeze prior to the big arrivals. They will be so handy for visiting family and on days when you're tired!" "Keep your babies' waterproof crib pads. They're great to use in strollers and car seats once potty training begins." "Tip for changing diapers: before opening the tabs on the old diaper, slip a new, opened diaper under baby's bottom. That way, if baby wets just after the old diaper is removed, the new diaper is there to prevent wetting the changing table pad, baby's clothes, or you (if baby is a boy!)." "The website www.our-kids.com is a great resource for Washington DC-area families. It lists 'kid happenings', parental classes, play groups, party planning ideas, daycare resources, classifieds, recipes and activities, etc." "Buy LOTS of socks of the same brand and type, so that when you're sorting the socks after drying, there's no fuss or hassle with matching them up. It seems costly when you're making the purchase, but it's well worth it—trust me!" "Pick up a copy of TWINS Magazine while still pregnant to review choices of strollers, nursing pillows, carriers, and other multiples-specific items. The magazine also has many ads for nifty products." "All your children really want is for your eyes to light up when they walk into a room." "Try sign language with your babies. It takes a while to get a response—it took us nearly four months—but once you do, it is so awesome!" "To limit the number of outfits my five-year-old daughter MUST try on before choosing what to wear for the day, I give her a choice of 2–3 outfits that I have pre-selected. I've narrowed down the options but I still let HER have a say in the decision." "Dirt and dust can wait. But, memories you make with your children won't." "To foster your multiples' sense of individuality, take each one alone when you go on errands or shopping, or even plan a special 'date' with each one separately. Trade off with your spouse so that each child gets 'alone time' with each parent." "Take photos of your babies monthly—for example, on their 'month birthdays'. They'll be fun to have and a great way to record development." |
