3 Must-Follow Rules
Make Enough Formula Bottles in the AM to Last You Well into the PM
Every morning, after I would feed my infant sons breakfast I would lay out 8 (or more) 4 oz bottles, and use the powdered, ready to mix formula. And ladies, those disposable “drop-ins” were the key to my success and sanity. All you have to do at the end of the day is throw the nipples and plastic bottles in the dishwasher to sterilize. Then use the disposal “drop-ins” in the morning. Refrigerate the extra bottles.
As the day progresses, you can just reach into your fridge and warm up a nice meal with little fuss and muss. Make sure to make enough for those middle of the night feedings. This will save you from fumbling around the kitchen at 3 in the morning.
Get Your Little Darlings on the Same Schedule
My boys were on two different schedules when I first brought them home from the hospital. I figured, “Well when one is sleeping than I can spend quality time with the other one.” Heh! I learned early on I am not super-mom. If one baby wakes from her nap, by all means, wake up the other and prepare yourself. It is a bigger challenge to feed 2 at the same time but you will cherish that quiet, afternoon nap-time when both bundles of joy are sound asleep. Then you can catch up on the laundry (or take that well-deserved nap! I'd go with the nap.)
Set That Before Bed-Time Ritual and Stick to it No Matter What
This will be a god-send when your twins are older and they begin to realize that night time doesn't always mean going to bed right away. Decide what time to give your babies their before-bed snack. Stick to that always. Then always give a nice, warm, bath. Change them into those cute, snuggly PJ's (you know, the ones with the bunny feet) and tuck your angels in.
A bath before bed time will set a precedent that will go virtually unchallenged when they get older. They will always know that the bath is the last hoorah and tuck-ins are sure to follow. I'm telling you, this works. I've stuck to this plan and my 6 year old twins are never a trouble at bed time.
Honestly, everyday with my babies was hard work and stressful enough to reduce me to tears on several occasions. It ain't easy! Looking back I am proud of how I handled my babies and it's something I can brag about for years to come.
Don't be a martyr and don't feel guilty. Remember, the happier you are as a mother, the happier the babies will be.
