Bathing a baby is no easy task, especially when it comes to twins! It’s an old cliche but twins are definitely double the trouble. One squirming, slippery infant is enough to make a parent pull out their hair, but two squirming, slippery infants is a heart attack.
In order to survive, parents of twins have to quickly learn how to strategize and use every time-saving trick they know. Coordination and cooperation is the name of the game with twins. It may be double the trouble, but it’s also double the love and fun!
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1. Safety During Baby Baths
First, let’s talk all about baby safety. Because bathing twins is such a challenging task, it will require all of your attention. That means every second they are in the water. It can’t be stressed enough that you should never, ever leave your baby alone in the water. No phone call, text, doorbell or whatever, is more important than your baby’s life. You can do more of an assembly line type of bathing experience until then. Have one close to you while the other bathes. Then, dry them, dress, and repeat with the other twin. That way your twins will always be safe.
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2. Sitting In The Tub Together
When it comes to advice on having a baby bath, many parents advise waiting until your babies are solid sitters before bathing them at the same time. After they have been sitting for a couple of weeks or even completely able to sit on their own is the safest time to bathe your twins as a duo. You can always try it out and see how it works for you and your twins. Some parents find it easier to bathe them together once they are sitters, while others still prefer to bathe separately. Because this is all about baby, try it and if your twins enjoy it and it is easier on you, bathing together will save you time and energy.
3. Do I Need Two of Everything?
No, you don’t! Until they are sitting and bathing them at the same time, you will be bathing one at a time. You can just use the same tools you used for one baby for the next. You can purchase one baby bathtub and bathe one at a time while the other is with your spouse or in the bouncer next to you. Then, as one is finished, switch and bathe the next one! Not only will this allow you to save money, but it will make the bath all about baby, so you get to spend time with one child at a time. The main things you should have extra are towels and washcloths.
4. All About Baby Bathing Advice
Now that we’ve gone over safety a little, we’ll continue with some advice on having a baby bath for twins. Bathing both infants will be a production, so you might do some trial and error to learn what works best for all of you. You might also get some unwanted baby advice on bathing, but unless those folks have also had twins, they really don’t know much about dealing with twins. What worked for them may not work for you and vice versa. This list has many ideas so you can find what works for your situation and that of your two precious bundles.
5. Prepare
Preparation is key to successfully bathing any baby, especially twins. Having everything ready before the bath will save you time and energy and make the overall bathing process simpler and safer. Set up the pre-bath stages as well as the post-bath stages. You can never prepare too much! Start the water and get all bathing materials on hand and within arm’s reach of the bath. Set out their towels, diapers, clothes, and such for after the bath all set and ready to go. Make sure everything is close by so you can take your babies out of the bath, dried, and into their clothes with ease. Preparing will make the bathing experience all about baby and everyone will be more comfortable.
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6. Rotate Their Bath Nights
You do not have to give both your twins a bath at the same time or even the same day. If you have to bathe your twins alone, simply bathe them on separate nights. Since babies don’t need to be bathed every single night, there is no harm in doing one a day. Find a schedule that works for you and go from there. Choose the time that is right for you and for your twins. There is no rule saying you have to bathe them both at the same time or at a particular time of the day. Make bathing all about baby and yourself.
7. Bathtub or Kitchen Sink?
It basically depends on your preference and what your twins like because either one has advantages and disadvantages. With the sink, you are not bending over like with the bathtub. Go for the place that has the most room and feels the most comfortable for you and your twins. Some use buckets by the sink since their kids like sitting upright for their bath instead of laying down. Generally, bathing the babies at the kitchen sink, whether directly in the sink or in a tub, is going to be easier on your back and knees (It’s not quite all about baby!) Once they can sit up, a quick wash in the bathtub is adequate, and then it’s playtime for the kids!
8. Think Outside of the Box
Use materials to make the bathing experience easier on you. One mom suggested using a detachable showerhead, so you can rinse the soap off easier. You can also find bath seats that have suction cups on the bottom to better ensure they are safe. Also, try to get an extra-long bath mat so it will fit both twins and be easier to bathe them at the same time. Another mom used a rectangular laundry basket to keep both twins safe and together instead of bath seats. This is one of the easiest, cheapest, and most effective all about baby bath for twins. Put your twins in the basket, put some toys inside for them to play with, and fill the tub with some water.
9. Ask for Help
Because bathing one baby is hard enough, there is nothing wrong with asking for help. Try setting a bath routine when both parents are around. If you are a single parent, wait until a family member, neighbor, or friend can come by to assist you. It is better for your twins to be safe and not to stress so much. Multiple hands make lighter work, especially when bathing infants. Make sure everything is ready and then get an assembly line going. Clean in all the folds, wash the hair, rinse, and into the arms of the person holding the towel. This will also allow you to make the experience personal and all about baby more than worrying the entire time.
10. It’s All About Baby and What’s Right for You
When you have twins, many times people give you unwanted baby advice on bathing as well as other topics. These tips are only supposed to help you make this bathing time all about baby. Because bathing is such a wonderful time to relax and spend time with your twins, we want to help make it as easy as possible. Take the time to figure out what works best for you and your twins and make it a routine. What it ultimately boils down to is doing what feels right for you and your little ones. Spending this special time with your children while you attend to their needs is wonderful for bonding and sharing your special love.
