Baby twins - all about that crazy first year .

Your baby twins are here and now the first crazy year as the new parents of twins is underway . If you're anything like me, you are SO glad not to be pregnant with twins anymore and feeling huge and exhausted!

Whether you delivered your twin babies vaginally or by c-section, the weight of the twin babies and their placentas is now gone, all the extra water weight you were carrying for months is leaving you , your organs and joints can breathe a huge sigh of relief as the pressure is off of them !

So yes, you are tired and sore and stretched out, but you're babies are finally here.

Your baby twins may have to spend time in the NICU or need special care when you bring them home if they were born too prematurely as is the case with many twin pregnancies. They may need help with feeding or breathing on their own or there might be special health concerns. Your baby twins may be big and healthy and on their way home with you the day after you give birth ! But they are here , now , and you can see them, hold them and love them ! More information on the NICU and preemie babies here

The first year of your new life with raising twins is the most amazing journey. Those first 12 months will FLY by and the way they change and develop will amaze you . Because you will probably be sleep-deprived for quite a few months, I'd suggest you make sure you have a great camera and take tons of pictures and video if you can. There will be a lot you just don't remember because you were so busy and tired in the first few months. Capture as much of it as you can on film so that you can go back to it later. The first couple of crazy months will be all about diapers and feeding your babies - most of which you will probably do while being very sleep deprived !

A lot of new mothers of twins feel very overwhelmed by everything. It's normal - there's a lot going on. Caring for an infant or newborn baby keeps you busy. Caring for two keeps you running! So many questions to answer....

Wonder what the fathers of twins think about all this?

There are many changes for the whole family once the twins come home. You may find you are struggling with trying to get the babies on a schedule for feeding and sleeping. You may be feeling overwhelmed physically or emotionally. Sometimes it can really be rough the first few months - but you will get through it! There are some great books on specific concerns for twins.

Do you think your babies may have colic ?

Nursing baby twins takes a bit of getting used to.

Then it's on to teething and starting solid foods, followed by crawling and then toddling around. It's a busy, messy year with so many changes and so much fun!

If you haven't already - you'll want to seriously start babyproofing your home. Safety for little ones is very important. Twin babies will keep you hopping once they are on the move!

Here are some things to consider when babyproofing for twin babies.

And what about those little teeth that start poking through?

Teething times two equals double the drool!

Twinshock - I've read this word in so many books on twins and I think it's a perfect description of what occurs when you first bring those baby twins home from the hospital. For me , the only time I felt truly panicked was when BOTH babies were screaming at the same time.

Note to dads- my husband wore earplugs almost constantly - he said it really helped to just dull the noise to a low roar. Just know that the first few weeks and month will be crazy and you will get through it !

Getting Out of the House with Twins!

Why We Love Twins

Newborn Twins

Taking Care of Mom

Questions about your 'twinfants'?

If your babies seem unusually fussy after feedings, they may have gas and reflux .You can read more about this here.

Visit this page for imporant information on Shaken Baby Syndrome- anyone who helps care for your babies needs to be aware The first year with baby twins is a big learning curve for you as parents as well. You will need to work together as a team ! From diapering, to breastfeeding or bottle-feeding two babies, developing routines, bathtimes and bedtimes, managing your other children and still finding some time for yourselves, it will be crazy and the time will fly by.

If you are a first time parent, you may feel overwhelmed with everything you need to learn to take care of these two little people. Here is a wonderful site that details how to survive the first year.

The first year with baby twins is all about learning and adjustment - for the whole family. Establishing a routine will make your lives so much easier. Keep a journal or a feeding log - I still have mine and am amazed when I look back at it ! That was the only way I knew who had been fed and/or changed at what time etc. I kept it as a souvenir of those first crazy months. You'll need to teach your babies the difference between night and day as soon as possible so that everyone can start sleeping better. When you are running on no sleep, it is easy to start to feel like you are going to lose it ! If you actually DO feel like you're going to lose your mind - please click here for more information and help.

While you are learning how to manage the challenges of raising baby twins in the first year, just remember that the most important thing is that you love and care for your babies. If you happen to get a load of laundry done too - well that's great - but it's not the end of the world if you don't. The first year is a challenge and you'll find yourself caring less about what the house looks like, what YOU look like, and learning patience and acceptance along the way .

Baby twins do grow up and this is just the first stage in a long journey ahead. Enjoy it! Infant massage is a wonderful way to relax both you and your babies Your baby twins will change and develop so quickly in the first year that you will wonder where the time went. From two helpless , tiny infants to healthy , busy crawlers and toddlers, the first year is a truly exciting time. Click here for information on babies development .