Got Twinz? Resources and support for parents of multiples and twins. Triplets, quads, parenting.

Now that you’re having/have twins, you have some very important choices to make. First, you need to decide if you will be formula feeding or breastfeeding. Your children will be on formula or breast milk for at least their first year of life, so this is one of your most important decisions. Base your educated decision on what is best for you, your family, and your children, and don’t let other people sway your choice.

Liquid Diet
For the first 4 months (at least) formula/breast milk will be your babies’ only form of nutrition. Baby will most likely start out eating 1.5-2 ounces every 2-4 hours. As baby grows, this amount will go up, and the time frame may lengthen.

Feed your baby when she is hungry and wants to eat, but work toward regular feeding times.
Put her in her highchair, perhaps propped up with a couple of pillows.
Have her sit up straight and face you. She'll be able to swallow better and will be less likely to choke.
Sit right in front of her.
Hold the spoonful of food about 12 inches away from her face. It may be easier to start out with a long-handled baby spoon.
Wait for her to pay attention and open her mouth before you try to feed her.
Feed as slowly or as fast as she wants to eat.
Let her touch her food.
Respect her caution. It will take a while for her to get used to the spoon and the flavors of the foods.
Talk to her, keep her company, but don't be exciting or entertaining.
Let her eat as much as she wants.
Stop feeding as soon as she shows you she is done.
Introduce a new food every 3-4 days to watch for signs of allergic reaction

Introducing Cereal
At approximately 4 - 6 months, you will be able to introduce cereal to your babies’ diets. Never put cereal in their bottles, unless recommended by their pediatrician. Sometimes, a pediatrician will have you put a small amount of cereal in a bottle to help with reflux. When your babies are ready to start cereal, start with rice cereal, and mix it to a runny consistency. Spoon feeding will be a brand new experience for both mom/dad and baby, so be sure to have your camera handy. Babies have a "tongue thrust" reflex that causes them to push things out of their mouths. If you try to spoon feed your babies, and they keep pushing the cereal out, don’t get discouraged. Just keep trying. Eventually, they will realize that you are giving them good food and they will get the hang of it. Besides a camera, it’s also a good idea to have a wet washcloth and/or burp rags on hand while attempting to spoon feed. Once they have been on rice cereal for a few weeks, you can introduce other types of cereal. Just be sure to only introduce one at a time, and to wait about 2 weeks before introducing another new cereal.

Baby Food and 100% Fruit Juice
Around 6 months of age, you can now start giving your babies baby food. You will start with Stage 1 baby foods, and move up from there as your baby grows. You can also make your own baby food (link to recipes) You will also be able to start 100% fruit juice at this time. It is recommended that your baby gets no more than 4-6 ounces of 100% fruit juice a day. Fruit juice should not substitute formula/breastmilk or solid foods.
You may also want to try finger foods after the 6th month mark: Cheerios, oyster crackers, Kix, Gerber finger foods.

Table Food
After 1 year, you can now start giving baby table food. Make sure all food is cut into very small pieces, vegetables should be cooked very well, and you should try to let baby feed him/herself. If baby is no longer on formula/breastmilk, give baby milk to drink with meals. Most pediatricians recommend whole milk, but some are now recommending 2%, especially for large babies who don’t have weight issues. You can also start introducing the Sippy Cup at this time.

*All ages given in this guide are approximations. The right time isn't based solely on your baby's age. It's based on physical and developmental signs of readiness. As with anything concerning your children, ask your pediatrician if you have any questions.

Feeding Your Twins