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Caring for Newborn Multiples

Caring for Newborn Multiples

Care of multiple-birth babies

Often, multiples are born small and early. They may be first cared for in a special care nursery called the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

In the NICU

The NICU has advanced technology and trained healthcare providers to give special care for the tiniest patients. NICUs may also have care areas for babies who aren't as sick but do need special nursing care. Some hospitals don't have the personnel or an NICU, and babies must be moved to another hospital.

In most cases, you can be with your babies in the NICU at any time. The staff of the NICU will give you instructions on special handwashing methods before entering the area. In some cases, you may need to wear a mask. In some cases, during a procedure or when the hospital staff are making rounds, parents may be asked to wait for a few minutes before coming into the area. Most NICUs allow other family members to visit babies. But limiting visitors is a good idea. Many sick and premature babies are at high risk of infection. Siblings should be carefully checked for signs of colds or other illness. They should also be helped with handwashing before visiting their new siblings.

Most parents find that taking part in their babies' care gives them a sense of control. It also helps them bond with their babies. This is also important for the babies. It helps the babies feel secure and loved. Once the babies' condition is stable, parents are encouraged to hold and rock them. Staff in the NICU can show you how to care for your babies in many ways. Learning these ways of care will prepare you to take your babies home.

Once babies are able to feed, grow, and stay warm, they can usually be sent home. Other babies who are healthy at birth may need only a brief check in a special care nursery.

Breastfeeding multiple-birth babies

Woman breastfeeding twins.

Breastmilk is the perfect food for your babies. It gives your babies many advantages compared with formula. Your milk contains just the right amount of nutrients. And it's gentle on your babies' developing stomachs, intestines, and other body systems. It also has the best nutrients for brain and nervous system development and overall growth and development.

Getting used to breastfeeding more than one baby will take extra patience and persistence. How soon you and your babies can begin to breastfeed will depend on the maturity of your babies' brains and body systems. A baby's gestational age affects the development of stable body systems and the reflexes needed for oral feedings. A baby's physical condition may also affect when breastfeeding can start.

Lactation specialists can help you learn how to breastfeed your babies separately and together and to increase your milk supply. If your babies are unable to breastfeed because they're sick or premature, you can pump your breastmilk and store it for later feedings.

Families with more than one baby may need help from family and friends. The first 2 months are usually the hardest. This is the time everyone learns to cope with frequent feedings, lack of sleep, and little personal time. Having help for household chores and daily tasks can allow you the time you need to get to know your babies, for feedings, and for rest and recovery from delivery.

Reviewed Date: 01-01-2024

Caring for Newborn Multiples
Neonatology/NICU
Dr. Faysal Akbik
Dr. Rachel Armentrout
Dr. Kathryn Colacchio
Dr. Susannah Dillender
Dr. Glen Green
Dr. Jamil Khan
Dr. Rebecca Lundberg
Dr. Kaitlin Ryan-Smith
Dr. Kirk Sallas
Dr. Tushar Shah
Dr. Brett Siegfried
Dr. Kenneth Tiffany
Dr. Lana Zhang-Brofft
Quizzes
Breastfeeding Quiz
Diseases & Conditions
Adding to Mother's Milk
Anatomy of a Newborn Baby’s Skull
Assessments for Newborn Babies
Baby's Care After Birth
Breast Milk Collection and Storage
Breast Milk Expression
Breastfeeding and Delayed Milk Production
Breastfeeding and Returning To Work
Breastfeeding at Work
Breastfeeding Difficulties - Baby
Breastfeeding Difficulties - Mother
Breastfeeding the High-Risk Newborn
Breastfeeding When Returning to Work
Breastfeeding Your Baby
Breastfeeding Your High-Risk Baby
Breastfeeding Your Premature Baby
Breastfeeding: Getting Started
Breastfeeding: Returning to Work
Breastmilk: Pumping, Collecting, Storing
Breathing Problems
Care of the Baby in the Delivery Room
Caring for Babies in the NICU
Caring for Newborn Multiples
Common Conditions and Complications
Common Procedures
Congenital Heart Disease Index
Difficulty with Latching On or Sucking
Digestive Disorders
Effective Sucking
Expressing Milk for Your High-Risk Baby
Expressing Your Milk - Helpful Equipment
Fever in a Newborn Baby
Flat or Inverted Nipples
Hearing Loss in Babies
Hearing Screening Tests for Newborns
Heart Disorders
High-Risk Newborn Blood Disorders
How Breastmilk Is Made
Infant Feeding Guide
Infant of a Mother with Diabetes
Infant Play
Infant Sleep
Infection in Babies
Inguinal Hernia in Children
Keeping Your Baby Warm
Low Milk Production
Male Conditions
Managing Poor Weight Gain in Your Breastfed Baby
Maternal Nutrition and Breastfeeding
Maternity Leave
Megaureter in Children
Micropenis in Children
Milk Production and Your High-Risk Baby
Neurological Disorders in the Newborn
Newborn Appearance
Newborn Babies: Getting Ready at Home
Newborn Behaviors and Activities
Newborn Complications
Newborn Crying
Newborn Health Assessment
Newborn Measurements
Newborn Reflexes
Newborn Screening Tests
Newborn Senses
Newborn Sleep Patterns
Newborn Warning Signs
Overactive Let-Down
Physical Exam of the Newborn
Plugged Milk Ducts
Preparing for Your New Baby
Preparing the Family
Skin Color Changes
Sore Nipples
Storing Your Breastmilk
Substance Exposure
Surgery and the Breastfeeding Infant
Taking Care of Your Breast Pump and Collection Kit
Taking Your Baby Home from the NICU
Thawing Breast Milk
The Benefits of Mother's Own Milk
The Growing Child: Newborn
The Respiratory System in Babies
Thrush (Oral Candida Infection) in Children
Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn
Umbilical Cord Care
Using a Breast Pump
Vision and Hearing
When a Baby Has Difficulty After Birth
When to Call Your Child's Healthcare Provider
Your Baby and Breastfeeding
Your High-Risk Baby and Expressing Milk

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your child's physician. The content provided on this page is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your child's physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition.