Sep 27, 2011
Twin Survival Tip: Dual Bouncy Seats
Having two bouncy seats with twins is an absolute necessity, in my opinion. Of course they’re helpful for when they’re little, just because you can’t possibly carry or wear two babies all day long (especially if you have older children and/or you want to get anything done in your home).
Many people use bouncy seats when the babies are little, but I found that with twins I used them until 11 months!
Here’s the evolution of the bouncy seat for multiples:
- Infant (0-6 months): I used them for a place to set the babies down during wake times. I also used them for feeding. I would sit between the bouncy seats and administer the bottles. It was a crazy time, but not as crazy as nursing both (which I only did for about 2 months). So if you’re bottling (formula or breast milk), just kinda wedge yourself between them and hold the bottles for them! Whit especially needed the incline of the bouncy seat because he spit up so much.
- Roller stage (4-12? months): When giving two babies a bottle at the same time, it’s impossible to keep them from rolling over. Once they start holding their own bottles (mine did about 6.5 months) it gets easier–kinda. If I tried to hold both of them in this roly-poly stage, I’d be covered in formula and literally involved in a 20-minute wrestling match. Not too great for bonding.
When my babies were 10 months, they knew when bottle time was coming! They would see me getting out the bouncy seats and start doing that excited baby giggle-cry. Then I would strap them in, and they’d start kicking their feet like mad (still doing the giggle-cry), and then I’d pop the bottles in their mouths! They were so happy that way, and able to get the calories they need by focusing on bottling.
So if you want to survive feedings as twins get older, I think dual bouncy seats are very important. Beg, borrow, steal… (okay I’m not really promoting theft, it’s just an expression) but have two bouncy seats.
Other twin tips
- Use Earplugs as Necessary
- Cook Meat in Advance
- Snacks for Mom
- Easier Bathing
- Boon Squirty Spoons
- Dry Shampoo
- Hair Tourniquets
- LOTS of Burp Cloths
- Surviving Spitty Sheets
I don’t have twins but I’d still love to strap my 2-year-old in a bouncy chair. We couldn’t have survived the baby phase without one either. Excellent tip for any mamas! I think formula on the hand, arm, or leg is the most annoying thing ever!
I couldn’t agree with you more. I also made it through with two exersaucers. I borrowed one from a friend and cried on her when I returned it. It was that important to me. (Mom of 7 1/2 year old twin boys)
Yes! I agree about the necessity of two bouncy seats with twins. Of course, my twins are 10 months old and they refuse to hold their own bottles. Absolutely refuse. They would rather skip a meal than feed themselves. Stubborn? Yes ma’am. So I still have the pleasure of juggling two bottles at once. They’ll feed themselves eventually, right? :)
i have twins- and I TOTALLY agree! loved the bouncy chairs…