How to Measure Milestones When Raising Twins

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Knowing what to expect in terms of milestones when you have twins can save you a lot of stress. Here is how to measure milestones when raising twins.

A fascinating part of parenting is watching your children achieve milestones. The first moment a child walks or talks, is always memorable. However, the milestones may not show up as expected, which can be a significant cause for alarm among parents. It is even more challenging when you have twins.

Now that our Matt and Abby are 6 years old, we can comfortably say we have survived the anxiety that comes with milestones. Helpful insights on what to expect saved us from undue panic. Find out what to expect and how to measure milestones when raising twins in this guide.

Twins are not Like Singleton Kids

Before diving into the measurement of milestones, you need to understand that twins are likely to have different milestones from singleton kids. It all stems from the higher chances for premature birth among twins. Twins are more likely to be born before the expected 40 weeks of pregnancy. They will, therefore, have slight delays in achieving milestones. You will need to factor in the weeks lost. Therefore if they were born at 34 weeks, they will be treated as if they were six weeks younger.

Each Twin Achieves Milestones Differently

Secondly, your twins will not always achieve milestones at the same time. Milestones are a result of both genetic and environmental factors, and therefore each twin is a unique individual. Identical twins may achieve the milestones almost at the same time courtesy of their genetic similarity. However, it is not always the case. Therefore expect differences between your twins.

Prior to finding this fact out, we were worried about how our Matt was always ahead of our Abby. However, the difference was insignificant. We calmed down we found out that variations are expected.

How to Measure Milestones When Raising Twins

Measuring milestones can be done in two ways. You can either use charts or rely on your GP’s assessments. Each method has its uses as follows:

Charts

There are currently so many milestone charts available for use by parents. A basic chart has expected milestones against age ranges. It is a simple tool that mothers can use to assess the development of their children. You can download one from the countless sources online and track your twins’ development. Again, it would be best if you remembered that there will be differences. Try to stay calm and enjoy raising your babies instead of burying your head into milestones.

Doctor’s Assessment

Your GP will assess the developmental milestones of your twins at every visit. Gauging milestones based on this method is the most accurate as it is professionally done. A doctor will let you know when you need to be concerned and when you need to just give your twins some more time to achieve the milestones. The doctor will rely on your memory in assessing past milestones.

Regardless of the method you use, remember documentation is essential. Keep your charts well for reference in case your doctor needs them. Another way to document is to write down what they can do on a canvas or a board, place them next to the achievements and take pictures. You will love looking back at these memories.

What are these Milestones?

If you are wondering what exactly these milestones are, then here is what you need to know. Developmental milestones are measurements of your kids’ growth against what most children can do at that age. It primarily focuses on three aspects:

1.      Neuromuscular Development

In this category, actions, like sitting up, crawling, standing, and walking, are measured. Between 3 and 5 months, they hold up their heads, sit up unsupported around seven months, crawl between 10-11 months, stand at around 12 months and walk between 12 and 18 months.

2.      Social Development

The interaction with people and the environment is measured in this category. It includes a social smile at 3 months, waving bye-bye around 9 months, ability to feed a doll at around 18months, e.t.c.

3.      Language Development

Milestones from cooing at around 2 months to saying two-syllable words at approximately 12 months and understandable speech at 3 years are some of the notable ones when it comes to language.

Final Thoughts

Raising our Matt and Abby taught us the most important lesson about parenting; that every child is unique. Now you know what to expect when it comes to the milestones when raising twins. Be patient, and in case you notice significant delays, contact your GP. Let us know what milestones your twins have achieved so far.