How to tandem feed twins to save time
In order to keep your twins and sanity intact, it’s important to learn how to tandem feed twins. Here’s how!
After I found out I was pregnant with twins, I freaked out about a lot of things. How would we pay for them, clothe them, keep them alive?!
But my overactive imagination mostly honed in on one thing: how could I feed my twins efficiently, or at least quickly enough to start the next round of feeds on time.
Fortunately, with the twins feeding every three hours, I was able to get up to speed pretty quickly. It takes ten thousand hours to become an expert, right? 🙂
And now I’m going to share what I’ve learned with you. I’ll outline how I bottle fed twins, how I breastfed twins, and how I now feed twin toddlers.
Let’s dig in!
Related: The real 9 things you need on your baby registry.
How to tandem feed twins
In the early days, the twins’ routine from start of one feed to the next was three hours.
Feeding newborn twins takes a long time, especially for my micro-preemies.
When calculating the logistics of the twins’s routine, I realized it was very important to learn to tandem feed my twins.
Warning: this is a challenge but worthwhile venture
Tandem Bottle Feeding Twins
In any case, my freaked-out-ness about the feeding situation translated into buying all-the-products. Here I’ll share my favorite methods of tandem bottle feeding the twins.
Read: The easiest way to supplement breast milk with formula.
1. Use the table for two
To be honest, I couldn’t quite envision why I needed the table for two beforehand. But I read about it as a must-have for parents of twins so I added it to my registry. And voila, my grandmother and aunt purchased it for us. And it was everything!
The table for two makes it easy to position the twins for optimal feeding. Ours “lives” on the counter and the babies love being at eye level and participating in the morning routine. For babies with reflux, it also helps by propping them in a reclined position.
2. Twin nursing pillow
Definitely invest in a twin nursing pillow, especially if you are hoping to try tandem breastfeeding twins. You can either purchase the Twin Z or my breast friend. For middle of the night feeds, we use the twin boppy pillow on the floor of the nursery. They are cozy in this thing and often fall asleep! Here is the one we have.
3. Individual boppy pillows
If I’m feeding the boys on the couch, I use individual boppy pillows. It may sound excessive to have all these pillows, but the boppies double as “babyholders” all over the house. The great news is, they are also inexpensive, and will be used for many months.
Bonus Tip: You can also bottle feed twins while simultaneously pumping. Which of course requires the best hands-free breast pump. The key is to have the babies as stationary as possible–using something like the Table for Two. If you can achieve tandem feedings + pumping, it will save you hours per day.
Tandem Breastfeeding Twins
Caveat: since my twins endured weeks of a feeding tube in the NICU, then had to complete all feeds by bottles, they mostly ate pumped breast milk from bottles.
However I did tandem breastfeed a few times, mostly for the photo opp. That’s a joke.
Definitely invest in a twin nursing pillow, especially if you are hoping to try tandem breastfeeding twins. You can either purchase the Twin Z or my breast friend.
Anyway, when I did tandem breastfeeding, I accomplished it with this product.
Related: How to help twins sleep twelve hours at night.
Tandem Feeding Twins Solid Food
When the twins were old enough to try solid food, they tried their first meals in the aforementioned table for two, a really awesome twin baby feeding system.
But I knew I needed something else for when they could sit up, and I didn’t want to purchase or deal with two high chairs.
Toddler Table
Voila. Enter the best table ever made. I hemmed and hawed about buying this. I mean, the look screams day care, but so does my entire house at this point.
Easy to Clean
This twin feeding table is incredibly easy to clean. The chair inserts pop out and go straight into the sink. There are no cracks or crevices for food to become wedged in, like every other baby product we have.
Table Height
The table is normal height so we can sit with the twins on a normal chair and feed them or read stories during meal time. And, while they’re not old enough for art projects yet, I imagine many other messy fun will take place at this table.
Overall, this table is A+ for helping me feed my twins solid food.
Read: The 5 most essential items in your hospital bag
How to feed twins logistically
Okay you may be thinking, products are great but how do I like *actually* feed twins by myself? Here’s how I accomplished this:
How to feed twins at night
In the early days, my husband and I took turns with night feedings. Sorry exclusively breastfeeding moms, that’s one major advantage of bottle feeding!
Basically we’d transfer them from the cribs to the floor where the double boppy was set up, which allowed one person to bottle feed the twins simultaneously.
When I was pumping, I’d actually pump while feeding twins which was efficient and made me feel like a mom hero.
How do you manage tandem feeding multiples? I’d love to know! Leave me a comment below.
Here are some other ideas for you, mama:
- 3 new mom hacks to save you hours per week
- How to tandem feed twins to save time
- 5 tips for a productive morning routine with babies
- Four most comfortable and flattering maternity dresses [for 2019]
- The real deal on getting back in shape after baby
Best Feeding Twins Resources:
Getting Twins on a Feeding and Sleeping Schedule – Twiniversity
Tips and Advice for Feeding Twins (BFBN Guest Post) — Christine Keys
The Realities of Feeding Twins – Salty Canary
Breastfeeding twins: Does double feeding means double trouble?
Feeding Both Twins at the Same Time
Breast-feeding twins: Making feedings manageable
Feeding Twins: Double the Babies, Double the Guilt
Tips for Feeding Your Messy Toddler Twins – New Mommy Media Network
Creative mum of twins turns old umbrella into revolutionary new feeding bib
Breast feeding twins and high multiples
Solid Feeding Techniques for Twins Starting Solids
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14 Comments
Jaimi · February 25, 2019 at 7:56 pm
Awww this brought me back! Both our sets of twins are past this stage, but I definitely tandem fed them! I personally loved the Fischer Price high chairs that tilted back. I would put one in the chair and hold the other and take turns each feed. Then when it came time to transition to solids and holding bottles, high chairs weren’t a new concept!
You have beautiful boys! 🙂 way to go mama!!
Bethany · February 26, 2019 at 7:34 pm
Both sets of twins. You are an angel! Teach us. 🙂 Thanks for posting.
Danielle · July 24, 2019 at 1:43 pm
Always wondered how twin moms survived and breastfed thank you for sharing!
Bethany · July 24, 2019 at 3:41 pm
Thanks for commenting, Danielle. Yes tandem feeding twins is no joke!
Ya · February 26, 2019 at 7:04 pm
I always had this weird fear that if I were to get pregnant again I would have twins, which would turn my fam of 5 to 7. So if that does happen thanks for the tips! lol I also will pass this to other twin moms!
Bethany · February 28, 2019 at 6:18 pm
Five! You are already my hero. 🙂 Nice work, mama.
Jordan | Mindful Mama Health · July 24, 2019 at 3:01 pm
I’ve always wondered how people with twins feed them! I am sure as with all things, you learn to adjust. This so helpful though! Such a great resource for parents of twins!
Bethany · July 24, 2019 at 3:40 pm
Thanks Jordan! It definitely gets easier as they get older!
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