What are Irish twins? The term refers to two children born within a year. That’s right, two babies in one year! While it may seem hard to imagine delivering two babies in a span of twelve months, it’s not as uncommon as you might think.
There are advantages and disadvantages to having irish twins, and like all planned pregnancies, the decision is ultimately a personal one. Planned or unplanned, we’ve rounded up a few tips for moms of irish twins that will help you handle raising two little ones so close in age.
Raising Irish Twins
- Create a Routine. Establishing a routine will help you and your children transition through daily tasks. Children thrive when they know what to expect and what’s expected of them. Start early on by setting a daily flow that they can learn and follow. Start each morning and end each day the same way to avoid the stress and struggle of surprises. From brushing their teeth, to bathtime and bedtime, you’ll find that littles are more cooperative when they know what the routine is for each morning and evening.
- Ask for Help. Raising one child isn’t easy. Trying to care for a newborn and an infant all at once is exceptionally hard. All the hormones, body changes, breastfeeding and the million other things mamas go through. It’s so important to ask for help. Reach out to friends and family and let them know you need their support. Find support groups in your community or your church that will assist you, whether you need childcare or just someone to talk to when your in the thick of it all.
- Give them Space. Even though they are close in age, your irish twins have their own unique identities. They have different personalities, ambitions in life and activities they’ll enjoy. While they are almost the same age, they’ll experience life at different paces. Be aware of the stages they transition in and out of and give them enough space to grow separately. Support their decisions to pursue hobbies, sports and activities they each enjoy.
- Embrace the Chaos. Because it will be chaos at times. Pure insanity. You’ll have a needy newborn and a crawling infant all at once. Your patience will be tested and you’ll need to let go of the need to control everything, because it’s just impossible. So what if your house is a mess or your sink is always full of dishes. Let the laundry pile up. Let go of the feeling that you need to keep it all together and accept that this is a season of life and you’re doing your best to survive. Let it go.
- Encourage Teamwork. Teaching your two the importance of working together will help strengthen their special bond. Remind them that they will always have a person in their lives to turn to and encourage them to support one another.
- Make Time for Each Child. Growing up in the shadow of someone else can be hard for some kids. Make sure to make one-on-one time with each of your kiddos. Celebrate their unique qualities and do something that they love to do. A little special time alone with mom or dad will strengthen your bond and give them the space they need to feel loved.
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Questions on this Topic
Here are a few popular questions on this topic. If you have a question you would like answered leave it in the comments below…
Are Irish twins really twins?
No. Irish twins are siblings born within twelve months of each other. see urban dictionaryÂ
Is it safe to have babies close together?Â
It’s important to consider multiple factors when planning pregnancy spacing. Research shows there are risks associated with spacing pregnancies too close together. Premature birth, low birth weight, congenital disorders and schizophrenia are concerns. Read more on pregnancy spacingÂ
