The number of parents having twins these days is definitely on the increase due to more and more people leaving it later in life to start having children and opting for IVF. Many twins are born to women who are in their late 30's and early 40's. Whether identical or non-identical, having twins can sometimes seem like a much greater hurdle to parents than looking after a single child.

Parents are often worried that the children will not sleep at the same time or one will want to eat at a completely different time to the other. It really points at the fact that although they are twins, very often the children have different habits and characters that must be catered for. They are individuals and should be looked after in this way perhaps referring to them by their separate names from day one as opposed to ‛the twins'.

The financial concerns of looking after twins is also an issue to bear in mind. It is going to mean twice the amount spent on food, clothes, nappies and so on but with careful planning, this can easily be catered for. Two cots will be needed for when the babies start to sleep apart. Dressing twins in matching outfits is something that probably should only be done if you can afford to change and wash both children's clothes when one inevitably spills their food down their front!

It goes without saying that with two babies or young children, mothers are going to need the added help and support of family, fathers and child carers perhaps even more than mums with a single child to cater for. Even if the help given is not with the children specifically but is looking after the house chores while you look after the twins, it can be a huge bonus and can free up a lot of time for you to relax.

Looking after twins is going to be stressful especially for new parents but ultimately, the rewards and fun that you will get from having two very close but equally individual children is enormous.

for more information visits www.twinsonline.org.uk