The easiest way to travel with twins is to have a twin baby carrier. It is a life saver especially if you have to carry your twins alone.
However, in times where you simply do not have an access to one because it broke or you have yet to purchase the perfect twin carrier, you might have to learn how to carry twins on your own.
By hold, it means to carry both babies by hand or using a sling at the same time. You must understand that this poses a risk to your baby.
Holding both babies at the same time means you do not have a free hand to protect them and yourself in case of accidents like when you trip or you have to block a ball headed to your direction.
How to carry twins at the same time
First, you must figure out how to carry your twins like a pro and safely without a carrier.
Some of the tips mentioned below are only for situations where you have to carry both babies but remain in a stationary position like sitting down on a park bench and if you have to carry both safely for a short time and short distances like walking towards your car or back to the house.
Always handle your babies with care and practice safety at all times, especially if they are still infants and cannot even support their own heads. If you really have to carry your twins at the same time without help from other people, here are some things you can do.
If you are right handed, grab one baby first and place him or her securely in your left arm. Pick up the other baby with your right arm since you have a better control of it. Do the opposite if you are left handed.
If you are just staying in one place, sit down and put the each baby on each sides of your lap as you securely hold them in your arms. That way, you won’t get tired by the weight and you can use your legs as support.
If you are carrying them from their cribs for feeding or if you have to transfer into another room to change, you can lay them side by side first. Lean down and then scoop them up. Put one hand under each twin, and then put one arm under both bottoms securely. Your other arm must be placed across both backs.
This could be scary to do at first try especially if the twins are still too delicate to handle, but you will eventually get the hang of it pretty fast.
Same thing as above but you can add a blanket first for extra support. If they are comfortably swaddled, lay them on a blanket and wrap them first. Lean and scoop them up using the same procedure. This would only be effective until they get too big to hold together like that.
You can use other substitutes or a makeshift carriers if you do not have a twin carrier yet. You can “wear your babies” by using different kinds of wraps.
The classic wrap is a great way to “wear your babies” and still have both of your hands free to do your chores or some grocery shopping.
You may think that it is only good for carrying a single baby, but you can also use it to carry twins at once. For twins, this is called tandem baby wearing. Take note that you should do this at your own discretion because it requires some skill and it takes a lot of practice to master them.
You must do this correctly in order to avoid any harm to your twins. Also, take note of your babies’ ages. This works well with infants who are still small enough to fit snugly in the wrap.
The weight of both babies combined could also be an issue if they get over ten pounds as it will be too difficult and heavy for you to carry both at the same time.
Kinds of wraps to use as a substitute for a twin carrier
- The Moby Wrap – This is a very common and widely available sling wrap for babies ages 0 to 3 months.
Pros: this is a stretchy kind of wrap that can instantly put your twins in deep slumber as they rest on your chest comfortably.
Cons: It takes a lot of practice to master the right way to wrap your babies since it has tons of fabric. The only type of carry is usually just in front. It is not advisable to use during warm weather because it get very hot. Lastly, you will find it difficult not to wake a sleeping baby when you take one or both out of it.
- Baby K’tan Breeze – This is also a crowd favourite next to the Moby Wrap.
Pros: Unlike Moby Wrap, this is very light and can be used even in warm weather. It is also super easy to get on and off.
Cons: it is not super snug so it is not good to use for newborns. The best age would be 2 to 4 months. You must exercise caution when using this because you can’t really adjust the fit and the type of carries are pretty limited.
- The non-stretchy wrap – This is usually made of woven fabric that is very versatile. Make sure to get the right size for tandem wearing. It can used for newborns up to toddler age depending on the type of carry.
Pros: It is the most comfortable and balanced way to carry twins at the same time. It is very versatile that you do back, front, and one at the back and one at the front carries.
Cons: The one at the front and one at the back type of carry because it is very tricky and require a lot of practice to master. It also has a ton of fabric that can be very hot during warm weather.
Benefits of baby wearing
- Baby wearing creates a strong bond between the parents and the twins. This results in positive “attachment” and other benefits such as happy babies that cry less.
- Baby wearing helps in the physical, verbal, and cognitive development of the baby.
- It makes carrying twins easier without buying a more expensive twin carrier.
You’ve got your hands full when you have twins. But don’t worry; you can still safely carry both babies at once with both of your hands free. These are some ways you can carry twins like a pro without a twin carrier.
I don’t think I could ever say it enough, but always remember to practice safety and not put your babies at risk. Don’t try to force it. Ask for help if you have to.
