Key takeaways
Feeling that nowhere is accessible with twins is very common
Practical barriers and emotional load often combine to make outings feel overwhelming
Small changes in planning and support can make a big difference
You deserve accessible spaces and support when you go out with your family
Why nowhere feels accessible when you have twins
When you have twins, triplets or more, even a quick trip to the shops can feel like planning an expedition. The world suddenly looks very different when you are pushing a double buggy, carrying two car seats or trying to keep several small children safe at once.
You might find yourself scanning every doorway, step and aisle, wondering whether you can actually get inside, turn around or reach the till. Places that once felt familiar can start to feel out of bounds. That can be frustrating, lonely and exhausting.
If you feel like nowhere is accessible, you are not imagining it. Many buildings, services and systems were never designed with twins, triplets or more in mind. You are doing your best in a world that often makes things harder than they need to be.
Practical barriers that make everyday places hard to use
There are lots of practical reasons why everyday spaces feel inaccessible when you have more than one baby or toddler. Double buggies and side-by-side prams are wider, heavier and harder to manoeuvre, especially through:
- narrow doorways and heavy doors
- steps with no ramp or lift
- packed aisles, cluttered displays and tight corners
Once you get inside, other challenges appear. Baby-changing rooms might only have space for one baby. Toilets may not take a buggy at all. Highchairs might be limited or placed in awkward spots. You may find very little room to feed more than one baby comfortably.
Transport can be another hurdle. Buses and trains may only have space for one buggy. Lifts might be out of order or too small for a double buggy and a helper. Parking can be stressful if parent and child bays are busy or badly designed.
On top of this, you are carrying a heavy mental load. You are planning feeds, naps and nappy changes while trying to keep everyone safe and calm. You may also be dealing with tiredness, pain from birth or a difficult pregnancy, money worries or lack of support. All of this makes each step to the front door feel bigger.
It is no wonder that many parents of twins, triplets or more say they end up staying at home more than they would like.
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Ways to make getting out and about feel doable
You cannot fix every access issue on your own and you should not have to. But there are some things that might help you feel more confident and in control.
Some ideas that might help include:
- Starting with short, familiar trips and building up slowly
- Visiting at quieter times of day when places are less crowded
- Calling ahead to ask about step-free access, lifts and baby-changing
- Using a baby carrier for one baby if that feels safe and manageable
- If you are going out with another person consider buying two single buggies and having one each
It can help to think about “good enough” outings rather than perfect ones. Maybe you do not manage everything on your list, but you get some fresh air and a change of scene. That still counts.
If you can, ask a partner, friend or family member to come with you. A second pair of hands can make doors, lifts and queues easier to manage. It can also help you feel less self-conscious if people stare, comment or offer unhelpful advice.
Hearing from other parents who have twins, triplets or more can be very reassuring. You may find it helpful to find a local twins club, where parents can share practical tips about accessible cafés, playgrounds and venues.
I used to think it was my fault that everything felt so hard. Then I realised most places just were not designed for families like mine
If you feel overwhelmed, anxious or low, you are not failing. It is a sign that you deserve more support. Talk to your health visitor, GP or another trusted professional about how you are feeling.
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You deserve support and accessible spaces
If you feel like nowhere is accessible when you have twins, you are not being fussy or demanding. You are noticing real barriers in a world that still has a long way to go on accessibility for families.
You are doing something incredibly demanding every day. Getting everyone dressed, fed and out of the door with twins, triplets or more is already a big achievement. The fact that many spaces are hard to use does not reflect on your ability as a parent.
It is okay to choose what works for you right now. Some days that might mean staying closer to home. On other days you might feel able to try somewhere new, ask for help or even complain if a place is not safe or accessible. Your voice matters and small bits of feedback from parents like you can help services improve.
Most of all, remember that you are not alone. There is a community of parents (LINK) who understand how challenging access can be with twins, triplets or more, and there is support available to help you feel more confident when you go out with your children. You and your family deserve spaces that welcome you in.
LINK - Can we link to Catherine’s research that was shared recently?
LINK - Also, can we add campaigning as a next step
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