The arrival of twins is a roller coaster ride for all parents. At the beginning, the thought of leaving the house to go to the pediatrician can be a full day endeavor. Parents wonder how they’ll ever get their tired selves, and their babies, and their stuff (and there’s just so much stuff!) out the door and to their final destination. While daunting for sure, parents of twins quickly realize that at some point, they do need to go out for the day, or even travel for longer. (If the thought of this sounds insurmountable to you right now, bookmark this post and come back when you’re ready!) If you are ready for the adventure, read on for the top tips for twinning on the go!
Traveling with Twins
Traveling with twins can be both a joyful and challenging experience. On the one hand, traveling with your twins can be a fun and exciting way to bond as a family and share new experiences together. Twins often have a unique bond with each other, which can be strengthened by traveling together. Additionally, traveling can be an opportunity to teach your twins about different cultures, foods, and traditions.
However, there are also some challenges to traveling with twins. Planning and preparation can be more time-consuming and expensive, as you'll need to plan for twice the amount of food, clothes, and entertainment. Twins can have different personalities and needs, which can make it difficult to keep them both happy and engaged during the trip. Additionally, twins may be more prone to tantrums and meltdowns, which can be difficult to deal with while traveling. Twins also require constant supervision and care, which can be tiring during a long trip.
Despite the challenges, with careful planning and patience, traveling with twins can be a rewarding and memorable experience for the whole family. It's important to be flexible and adaptable, and to remember that the journey itself can be just as important as the destination.
Planning & Preparing
Transportation
Choosing the right transportation when traveling with twins will depend on your family's specific needs and preferences. Some factors to consider may include the distance of your trip, your budget, the age and temperament of your twins, and the amount of gear you'll need to bring along. For shorter trips, a car or train may be a good option, while for longer trips, flying may be more convenient. You may also want to consider renting a larger vehicle or bringing your own car seats to ensure your twins are comfortable and safe during the trip.
Itinerary
When creating an itinerary for a trip with twins, it's important to keep in mind their age, temperament, and interests. You'll want to plan activities that are engaging and age-appropriate for both twins. Some tips for creating an itinerary when traveling with twins include:
- Plan for breaks and down time - everyone will need time to rest and recharge throughout the day!
- Be flexible depending on baby's moods, needs, interests and schedule.
- Plan activities that cater to their interests.
- Bring snacks and entertainments to keep them engaging during the boring parts of the trip (car rides, flights, trains, long walks, restaurants!)
- Prioritize safety by making sure all entertainment and planned activities are recommended for their age.
Prepare the Twins for Travel
Preparing your twins for travel can help ensure a smoother and more enjoyable trip. Some important steps include talking to them about what to expect during the trip, getting them involved in the planning process, and practicing good travel habits, such as staying hydrated and practicing good hygiene. It's also a good idea to pack familiar items, such as favorite toys or blankets, to help them feel more comfortable and secure during the trip.
Featuring HALO Sleep Twin Sleeper
What to Pack
Packing for a family can be stressful to begin with but packing for twins is double trouble! It is important when packing to make sure you are packing for each baby's individual needs. Starting to plan early is key and we recommend making lists throughout the week of things you use daily that your littles need. But just in case that does not work out for you, we have compiled a generic list to help start you off!
- Clothing - Make sure to pack enough outfits for each day/night plus extras for accidents, dribbles and spills.
- Diapers and Wipes - Take note of how many diapers and wipe you use on average throughout one day. Multiple that times how many days your going away and add some extra as the "just in case". Better to have more than less!
- Baby Gear - Bring the necessary gear you will need for your trip; this can include strollers, car seats, carrier, portable bassinets or cribs and playpen.
- Snack and Drinks - Pack plenty of snacks, drinks and bottles to keep your babies fed and hydrated. This includes for flights, car rides and train rides plus extras for the duration of the trip.
- Entertainment - Think toys, books, games and other forms of entertainment that keep them happy, occupied and engaged.
- Medications - Bring any necessary medications, such as fever reducers or allergy medicine, and be sure to pack enough to last the entire trip.
- Comfort Items - Pack any comfort items that your twins rely on, such as pacifiers, blankets, or stuffed animals.
- First Aid Kit - Bring a small first aid kit with items such as bandages, antiseptic, and tweezers.
By packing carefully and anticipating your twins' needs, you can help ensure a smooth and stress-free trip for the whole family.
On the Road or in the Air
Travel Related Issues
Dealing with travel related issues like jetlag, motion sickness and altitude sickness are very common but can be very unpleasant for you little twins.
Motion sickness can be managed by planning ahead, choosing the right seats, and providing distractions. Altitude sickness can be avoided by acclimatizing slowly, staying hydrated, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine. Jetlagcan be reduced by adjusting your twins' sleep schedule gradually, exposing them to sunlight during the day, and keeping them well-rested and hydrated.
Staying Comfortable & Entertained
Keeping twins entertained and comfortable on long car rides or flights can be challenging, but there are several things you can do to help. Bring plenty of snacks, toys, and games to keep your twins occupied, and consider investing in a portable DVD player or tablet to play movies and TV shows. Be sure to pack comfortable clothing and blankets to help your twins stay cozy and relaxed during the journey. Finally, take frequent breaksto allow your twins to stretch their legs and get some fresh air.
Breast & Bottle Feeding
When flying, consider nursing or feeding your twins during takeoff and landing to help prevent ear discomfort. Bring plenty of extra bottles or breastmilk and formula, as well as any necessary pumping equipment. Finally, be sure to research breastfeeding and bottle-feeding laws and policies for the airlines and countries you'll be visiting to avoid any issues or surprises.
Twin-Friendly Accomodations
To find and book twin-friendly hotels and resorts, you can start by researching family-friendly accommodations that have amenities suitable for twins, such as double cribs, twin beds, or connecting rooms. You can also check reviews and ratings from other families with twins to get an idea of their experiences. Online travel agencies like Expedia and Booking.com often have filters to search for family-friendly accommodations. It's also a good idea to contact the hotel directly to confirm their twin-friendly policies and any additional services they may offer.
Depending on the type of trip you are taking, you can also look into meeting with a travel agent. Using a travel agent to book a resort for staying with twins can be a great option, as they can help you find and book twin-friendly accommodations that meet your specific needs and preferences. Travel agents can provide personalized recommendations based on your budget, location, and desired amenities, and they can also handle the details of booking and making any special requests or arrangements. When working with a travel agent, be sure to communicate your needs and concerns about traveling with twins, so they can find the best options for your family.
Family Vacation Activities for Twins
When planning activities for twins on a vacation, it's important to consider their individual interests and preferences, as well as activities they can do together. You may want to schedule a mix of activities that allow for both independent exploration and shared experiences, such as outdoor adventures, cultural excursions, and downtime for relaxation. If you are traveling with your signifcant other, friend or family, think about possibly having a day individually with your child.
Think about researching family friendly beaches, child-friendly museums and attending local festivals or events. Find local playgrounds or parks. If staying at a resort, contact the resort to learn about daily activities or child friendly areas you can attend while staying.
Don't forget to schedule downtime in your day not only for babies but for you as well!