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Presents for three year old twins and triplets

present ideas for three year old twins

When it comes to buying presents for three year old twins or triplets, as always, it depends on the situation. Should you get the same same, or same but different or totally different?

Read our blog HERE on buying toys for twins and triplets.

Easel

Easels make a fabulous present.  Inspire your budding artist with the tolls to create masterpieces for years to come!!!  ThEasels make a fabulous present.  Inspire your budding artist with the tolls to create masterpieces for years to come!!!  There are so many different types to choose from, but its not really a present you can just get one of. Regardless of your aspirations that one child will happily paint on one side, while the other draws on the chalk board, I can guarantee that that won’t happen!!!   They will all want to paint….AT THE SAME TIME. Trust me.

Shop for EASELS HERE

presents for 3 year old twins

Don’t have room for multiple easels?  Check out these MegaSketcher and AquaDoodles.

Twinfo tip:   MegaSketchers are great for the car!!

Shop for MEGA SKETCHERS and AQUA DOODLES here.

presents for 3 year old triplets

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Presents for two year old twins and triplets

present ideas for two year old twins

When it comes to buying presents for two year old twins or triplets, as always, it depends on the situation. Should you get the same same, or same but different or totally different?

Read our blog HERE on buying toys for twins and triplets.

Scooters

Three wheeled scooters are a great way to introduce your little ones to the joys of scooting.  Scooting is great for kids.  It helps them develop balance, promotes muscle development, coordination and decision making skills. 

Scooters allow you to get out and about as a family.  The parents can walk, and the kids scoot.  Fresh air, sunshine and good times!

Shop for SCOOTERS here.

twin presents two years

Don’t forget the helmet!

Shop for HELMETS here.

presents for triplets two years
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Presents for one year old twins and triplets

present ideas for one year old twins

When it comes to buying presents for one year old twins or triplets, as always, it depends on the situation. Should you get the same same, or same but different or totally different?

Read our blog HERE on buying toys for twins and triplets.

Duplo

Duplo is one of those “perfect gifts” for multiples.  Here are my 10 reasons why.

  1. There is no WRONG way to play with Duplo.  You can either follow the kit instructions, or free build with it. 
  2. It develops colour and shape recognition.
  3. Duplo helps to develop fine motor skills.
  4. You can use it to develop language and counting skills.
  5. It promotes sharing, which is something that our multiples need to learn as early on as possible.
  6. Duplo can be added to for future birthday or Christmases by you or by loving Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents etc. 
  7. It helps develop hand eye coordination.
  8. Its fairly easy to store, and its pretty easy to pick up.
  9. Your multiples will learn problem solving skills.  Be it trying to attach two bricks together or simply finding the right sixed piece they need, right through to basic engineering principles.
  10. It doesn’t hurt nearly as much as Lego if you stand on it in the middle of the night!!!

Shop DUPLO ideas here.

christmas presents for one year old twins
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Establishing breastfeeding with twins or triplets

breastfeeding twins twinfo

We all know that fed is best, but if you are looking at breastfeeding – either directly from the breast or expressing and bottle feeding, then Twinfo has put together five tips to help with establishing breastfeeding with twins or multiples.

Establishing breastfeeding with twins or triplets can have its challenges.  Remember – breastfeeding is a learned skill, especially for the mother.  For some, the journey is an easy one.  For others there may be a few bumps in the road along the way.

Twinfo has complied five tips for establishing breastfeeding with twins or triplets to help you over some of those bumps.

1.      Understand how breastmilk is made

Did you know that your breasts have been preparing for pregnancy since you were in your mother’s womb?  When you were born, your main milk ducts had already formed. Your mammary glands stayed quiet until you reached puberty, when a flood of the female hormone estrogen caused them to grow and also to swell. During pregnancy, those glands kick into high gear. Before your babies arrive, glandular tissue has replaced the majority of the fat cells and this accounts for your bigger than before breasts.

Nestled among the fatty cells and glandular tissue are the milk ducts.  Pregnancy hormones will cause these ducts to increase in both number and size, with the ducts branching off into smaller canals near the chest wall known as ductules. At the end of each duct is a cluster of smaller sacs known as alveoli. The cluster of alveoli is known as a lobule, while a cluster of lobule is known as a lobe. Each breast will contain around 15 – 20 lobes, with one milk duct for every lobe.

Milk is produced inside of the alveoli, which is surrounded by tiny muscles that squeeze the glands and help to push the milk out into the ductules. Those ductules will lead to a bigger duct that widens into a milk pool directly below the areola.  The milk pools will act as reservoirs that hold the milk until your babies suck it through the tiny openings in your nipples. 

Your milk duct system will become fully developed around the time of your second trimester, so you will have milk to feed your babies even if they arrive earlier than you are anticipating.

You can read more about how breastmilk is made HERE.

breastfeeding triplets twinfo

2.      Speak to a lactation consultant

While you are in hospital, take full advantage of the lactation consultants that are available to assist you.   Insist on seeing them each day of your stay, and get them to observe and help you with some of those first feeds.  Once you are discharged, most States and Territories offer breastfeeding support via a drop in centre of some kind that you may be able to access for the first few weeks after discharge.  Make sure you find out where your nearest one is before you give birth and find out how and when you can access it. 

If there is not a government run facility near you, or you cannot access it, there is a free breastfeeding support line through the Australian Breastfeeding Association.  Familiarise yourself with their services, and make sure you have their details handy.

Alternatively, you can engage the services of a private lactation consultant.  Many lactation consultants now work via zoom, so you may not even have to leave the house to utilise their services.  Take the time while you are pregnant to find the details of a lactation consultant, so then, if you need one, you can easily reach out to them.

Unfortunately, private lactation consultants aren’t covered by Medicare. However, you can find a list of GPs trained in breastfeeding support HERE, who can provide services eligible for a Medicare rebate.

3.      Ensure you have a good feeding pillow

A supportive breastfeeding pillow is worth its weight in gold, especially if you plan on tandem breastfeeding.   Twinfo recommends the Things for Twins feeding pillow, which you can find HERE.

The Things for Twins twin feeding pillow can also be used for bottle feeding.

establishing breastfeeding for twins

Most hospitals do have tandem pillows that you can borrow during your stay, but you may have to ask them to find one for you.  This would be a useful question to ask your midwife at one of your antenatal appointments.

You may find that at the start your babies are just too little to tandem feed.  Or you may feel more comfortable feeding them just one at a time.  Whatever you decide, a decent breastfeeding pillow is a must.

You can read Twinfo’s blog on 10 reasons why feeding multiples separately may be the best option for your family HERE.

4.      Look after yourself

In the early days it is imperative that you look after you.  You have just birthed multiple babies! It is time to sit back and let the others look after you while you rest and recover.  Ask for and accept help in whatever form you need.

It is important to ensure you are drinking enough water, as breastfeeding is thirsty work, and eating good foods.  

5.      Prevent cracked and damaged nipples

Did you know that silver is a natural antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibacterial metal that also contains anti-inflammatory agents that has proven to heal, prevent and alleviate cuts, wounds, soreness, blisters and infections from the result of breastfeeding or pumping. 

Mothers have discovered the natural benefits of silver not only helps them find relief from common nipple wear and tear, it was also a great companion, with appropriate medical practitioner advice, to support recovery from nipple thrush, mastitis and milk blebs.

Silverette® silver nursing cups are a support product to help mums get through any stage of breastfeeding. With the natural antimicrobial benefits of natural silver, the cups prevent, protect and heal cracked, sore nipples associated from breastfeeding or expressing.  They simply slip into your bra between feeds. 

Find out more about the Silverette® HERE.

establishing breastfeeding for twins and triplets

Establishing breastfeeding with twins or triplets

Remember, breastfeeding is a skill that mothers and babies learn together.  Use this time to get to know your babies.  A mothers mental health goes a long way towards a successful breastfeeding journey.  So try not to put too much pressure on yourself, or your babies.  We hope that these five tips for establishing breastfeeding with twins or triplets are useful.

Read our five organisational tips for breastfeeding multiples HERE.

Twinfo

Twinfo is Australia’s largest, most supportive, online community for parents of twins and triplets. Twinfo offers advice, products and services that make raising your babies easier, freeing you up to enjoy all the precious moments.

You can connect with Twinfo via the Website, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest or Etsy.

Talking Twins and More. S3 – Ep 18.

Talking twins and more Season 3 episode 18

 

Talking Twins and More. S3 – Ep 18.

 

Have you ever looked at your multiples and thought – they could be models? We all know the story of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen who became mega stars playing the same baby on Full House!

But what is the industry really like? How do you get in and how can you trust the people you are working with?

Nix and Naomi caught up with twin mum Kelly who has twin girls working in modelling to find out the ins and outs of what’s involved!

 

Choosing a daycare for twins or triplets

Choosing a daycare for twins

Choosing a daycare for twins or triplets can be a big decision.

Whether you are looking at sending them to daycare because you need to go back to work or if you want to give them a bit of time to socialize and get to learn new and exciting things, it can be difficult on you as a parent.

It is a time when you start to be away from your children, they learn a lot more independence and you have to learn to spend your days not chasing after their every need (which can be a nice feeling).

When choosing a daycare for twins or triplets there are a few things that you should consider.

triplets starting daycare

Types of daycare for twins or triplets

There are a few different options when it comes to daycare and each system is set up a little bit differently.

  • Centre based daycare – If you choose a centre based daycare your children will be in a centre that is able to cater to a larger amount of children and generally have separate rooms based on the ages of the children that are attending. Centre based daycares have a larger amount of educators to account for the number of children that they have and they tend to stick to set activities throughout the day and depending on the centre may even include ready for school programs.
  • Home based daycare – A home based daycare is a centre that is set up within the home of an educator. There are rules around home based daycares and then number of children that they are allowed to have. The atmosphere in a home based daycare is a lot closer due to the limited number of spots available.
  • Au Pair / Nanny – Another option is hiring an Au Pair or Nanny who will look after the children within your home for you. This is an option that can be suitable for those who want to still have their children close but having the assistance of someone else caring for them.
Twins starting daycare

Daily Schedule

It is important before choosing your centre that you have a chat with the owner or the director of the centre along with the staff that will be looking after your children so that you can find out a bit more about the centre and the way that it runs on a day to day basis.

This is a good time to chat with the staff about any concerns that you may have in regards to learning for your children and whether they are able to cater to this and assist with the learning process.

Finding out about the menus is also another good point to check with the staff. Some centres require you to bring your own food. This means you need to know which foods are able to be brought in and which are not (due to allergy risks). For those that supply meals it is important for you to raise any allergies or intolerances that your little ones may have.

Rooms / Arrangements

Another question that you should ask is whether your children will be in the same room or in separate rooms.

If there is the option for them to be in separate rooms, you will need to decide if this is something that you would like to do.

There are benefits to both having them together and having them separate. However this is a personal choice that only you can decide on.

twins daycare

Personal Feeling

The most important thing when choosing a daycare option for your twins or triplets is your personal opinion on the centre and how you feel when in there. It is a good idea to organise to go into the centre, get to know the staff and how the centre works.

This will help to make you feel comfortable with the centre and decide if it is something that you are happy with and confident in sending your children to.

Without a feeling of security and comfort within the centre you run the risk of spending your days worrying and feeling insecure.

Choosing a daycare for twins or triplets

Its important to understand that choosing a daycare for twins or triplets can be a lengthy process. Finding a centre with availability for multiple children can be tricky. Particularly if you have set days you need. Start the process early, as, depending where you live, daycare can be limited.

You may find that you may have to start them a bit earlier than planned, just to hold the spots, for when you do actually need to return to work. This can be unexpected and frustrating.

Starting daycare can be a big thing for little people. Talk to them about it and get them excited for the next chapter in their little lives.

when should twins start daycare
Twinfo

Twinfo is Australia’s largest, most supportive, online community for parents of twins and triplets. Twinfo offers advice, products and services that make raising your babies easier, freeing you up to enjoy all the precious moments.

You can connect with Twinfo via the Website, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest or Etsy.