Twin Sense: A Sanity-Saving Guide to Raising Twins -- From Pregnancy Through the First Year

by Dagmara Scalise

As the parent of fraternal twins and a former member of the “three under three” club, Dagmara Scalise knows firsthand just how daunting that all-important first year can be. Now, in Twin Sense, she offers real-world advice on dealing with the many issues that arise when caring for newborn twins. Concise and easy to follow, the book teaches harried parents everything they need to know to navigate this difficult but rewarding phase of life, including tips baby-proofing; stocking up on what they really need; preparing and involving previous children; breast-feeding two babies at once; making errands possible; getting through the night; bathing the babies; traveling with twins; keeping the peace; responding to probing questions about having twins; and much more. Although everyone experiences unexpected challenges with the arrival of a new baby, the parents of twins face their own unique sets of joys and frustrations. Filled with lively anecdotes and practical advice, this is a true insider’s guide that will make raising twins--if not a breeze--a true pleasure.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

nice, easy checklists and a couple good ideas here and there but no need to own a copy.

[Lynne · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't really like the negativity this book started off with. It did get a little better as the book went on, but I still didn't really like this book.

[Maria Shuffit · Rating 3 out of 5]

When my husband and I were surprised to find out we're expecting twins, the first thing I did was order some books about it from my local library. This was one of them. Overall, I think this is a good book. I particularly appreciated the fact that the author is coming from the viewpoint of a parent who already had one young child when she then had her twins: that is my current situation and something that I was very anxious to get advice on, and this book provided that! It also covered many different situations, from everyday bath time to international flight travel with twins. I felt that it was very inclusive.

The downside: some of the information raised some red flags for me. For example, it talks about turning a baby car seat around from rear to front facing at one year old - the current recommendation is to keep a child rear facing at least two years and longer if possible. The other bit of information that I took issue with was frequent references to bottle propping, which can be very dangerous to infants. However, this part, at least, I am trying to keep in mind that I might have a different opinion about when I actually have twins and am trying to get them both fed. Still, it's a pretty hot button issue, though as this book is currently a decade old, it may just be outdated rather than be bad information.

I also found some of the formatting to be a little ridiculous. The start of each chapter is outlined in lists, and then each item on the list is explained in more detail right after. But some of the things were just ridiculous to even apply an explanation to them - not particular examples come to mind at the moment, but it honestly felt like the author was just trying to pad out the page count for this book.

Still, overall, I found this book useful and helpful, I just intend to take much of the advice here with a grain of salt... and some extra research.

[Nole4Life · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has a negative tone. Also some of the advice is out dated and contradictory to other books. For example, it states babies can share a crib. This is not recommended by doctors. Also, some of the stuff that she says you need for twins doesn’t seem necessary or cost efficient. She suggests getting multiple bouncy seats to place around the house so you have somewhere to sit your baby. I will buy one bouncy seat and one vibrating chair. I was not a fan of this book.

[Alizabeth Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book laid out various topics in a very organized way. I especially found the traveling with twins section insightful.

[Emily Boehme · Rating 2 out of 5]

Should have read the publishing date before reading 🙃

[Maquell canfield · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this book is better suited for first time moms. The information seemed fairly obvious to me as a mom with two children already.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of good, basic information including some practical tips I haven't seen in other books but definitely recommend (e.g. only buy infant pajamas that have zippers - not snaps!).

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this to compare notes with another book on parenting twins, and I appreciated that it had a different take on some things. There is definitely less on the actual pregnancy part (in case you're looking for info there, this might not be the best resource) and more detailed information regarding the actual logistics of tasks-- grocery shopping, road trips, etc. For example, there is the suggestion of using a crock pot for a bottle warmer! While I would never go out and buy a crock pot for this (which is suggested in the book), I thought it was a cool idea since I already own one. I never would have thought of that.

I thought some of the lists of what to buy for the babies a little excessive (although who knows... maybe all that really IS necessary) especially since having two babies is already expensive enough. Will I really need two changing tables when I'm only going to be able to change one at a time anyway? My favorite part of the book was a suggested list of possible comebacks (some quite snarky and funny) to some rude/irritating questions/comments. I laughed out loud at this section, and while I don't know if I'll have the guts to use some of them, it made me feel better that I'm not the only one to be on the receiving end of insensitive comments/questions from time to time.

[Denise · Rating 2 out of 5]

Published in 2009, some of the information in this book is out of date. Some of it is easily dismissed, such as she suggests keeping remotes on the top of the television, which is no longer possible. Other information, such as suggesting twins share a crib, is no longer recommended. Doing so increases the risk of SIDS.

I am sure the author meant well, but the overall tone of this book is rather negative, with the implication that the reader should just accept that the first year will be torture, that two kids will destroy your house (so don't have anything nice), you can try breastfeeding but you will probably fail, you will go broke, etc. I think it could have been possible for the author to present the challenges of parenting twins with a more positive attitude. It would have been a much better book if the focus hadn't been so negative. Reading this book made me feel worse about having twins, and honestly provided very little information beyond common sense.

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very practical book. It takes away the fear of having twins. I picked it up because it was on display at the public library (my library has awesome displays). If God blesses us with twins, then I will definitely look for this book again. Many of the tips work well for a single child, or multiple siblings.

The table of contents is so thorough. I especially appreciated the list of "must haves" - how many car seats to buy (2-4) or swings (get one, and then see if both babies like it). And practical ideas about setting up 2 changing stations in the house(one upstairs, one downstairs).

[Elena · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm having a hard time getting through this book. There are some good money-saving points in the book, but nothing that any savvy money-saving mormon momma of any number of children doesn't already know (i.e. the fact that Costco wipes are hands down the best deal out there - NOT a revelation). I was hoping that there would be more of a detailed guideline of the # of clothes/linen/gear that is needed for twins and better tips on managing tasks like feeding / napping / entertaining the kids at the same time. She has chapters devoted to these subjects, but I didn't find anything practical in there - some pictures would help.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good info, but a lot of this is the same advice you'd give to a parent of a single kid. What I really liked was the advice on what to get two of and what to not bother with--it's different for twins, and they explain their reasoning very well. I really wished there were diagrams or illustrations of parents feeding/carrying twins. They describe what you have to do in detail, but without pictures it's hard to imagine!

[Kami · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scalise gives a very practical look at issues facing parents of twins, especially focusing on pregnancy and delivery. There is a lot of good information, but still it feels like you are being prepped for a very difficult and hard time with all the things coming up and possibilities for complications. I guess it is good to be prepared, but I'd love to find something that is more positive.

[Erika Palmquist Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

You know what kinda sucks? This book. There is virtually no actual information, but a lot of snarky commentary on parenting with the general theme of "your life is going to suck for the next 2 years, so get used to it." I felt really disheartened about the whole "having twins" thing until I started reading other, more positive, articles and books. Not worth anyone's time.

[A.L. Sowards · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an easy, interesting read. It's mostly how the author's family handled having twins (they also had an older toddler in the mix when the twins were born). The book gave me some good ideas, but of course every family is different, so this shouldn't be the only book parents of twins read.

[Elise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't know yet how much this will (or won't) help me out, but can't hurt. I liked the ease of reading this book because there wasn't much medical/psychological jargon, it was all very straight-forward and basic with very elementary tips for those of us that don't have a clue what we're doing.

[Karin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wish I'd gotten this a little earlier - contains many helpful lists/tips which (by now) I've kinda figured out on my own. Straightforward talk about raising 2 wee ones.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great set of information about preparing for twins! It's especially helpful to know what to expect, and the list of what to buy two of (and what NOT to buy two of) is really excellent.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok. Probably some helpful tips, but a little lighter than I'd hoped.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basic, straightforward, and to the point. Includes useful information and little filler that seems prevalent in many pregnancy books.

[Jill Bowman · Rating 3 out of 5]

My favorite of all the twins books. Only buy one...they say all the same things!

[Julie Hyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing. i feel so much more at ease after having read this. thank you!!!

[Esther May · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had some good advise and things that I may remember, but overall it was just fine. I am looking for a great twin pregnancy, baby reference book and so far I have not found it.

[Kelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was okay. Had useful information, but wasn't the best nor worst book about twins I've read.