Stress free days out and weekends away with twin babies

Stress-free days out and weekends away with twin babies

When you have twins, triplets or more, even a simple day out can feel like organising a small festival. There is double the gear, double the feeding and double the naps to think about, all while you are running on very little sleep.

When our twins were six-months-old, we booked a few days at a holiday park in the UK. We packed what felt like every outfit they owned. The night before we left, my son came down with a bug and we changed his babygrow so many times that we ran out of clean clothes. He ended up travelling in his sister’s pastel-striped outfit. At the time it felt chaotic, but now the photos of him looking very pretty in her clothes make us laugh.

Trips like that are a good reminder that things do not have to go perfectly for you to have a lovely day out or weekend away. With a bit of planning, a flexible mindset and realistic expectations, you can enjoy a change of scenery, make happy memories and even find small pockets of rest for you and your babies.

Planning the practicalities with twin babies

If you have been mostly at home with your twins, start small. A walk to the park, a short visit to a nearby cafe or a quick trip to the local library can all be gentle first steps. These outings give you the chance to practise feeding on the go and changing nappies in different places, without the pressure of being far from home.

Try to plan around your babies’ usual rhythm, if they have one. Heading out after a good nap or feed often means happier babies and a calmer you. If your day out overlaps with nap time, a walk while they sleep in the pushchair or sling can keep everyone content. If the routine goes wonky for a day or two, it is okay. Things nearly always settle again once you are back home.

Packing for twins can feel like preparing for an expedition, but a simple checklist helps. Think about what you use in a typical half day at home, then add a little extra for spills and surprises.

Packing essentials for twin days out

• Nappies and wipes for more changes than you think you will need
• Feeding equipment, whether that is bottles, formula, expressed milk or breastfeeding cover if you like one
• Muslins, dummies if your babies use them and a comforter or favourite toy
• A spare set of clothes for each baby and a fresh top for you
• Snacks and meals if they are ready for solids, plus water for you
• A small first aid kit and any medicines your babies might need
• Sun protection or warm layers, depending on the weather

A double pushchair with good storage, a roomy backpack or a combination of carrier and buggy can make it easier to juggle everything. Try to keep some familiar sleep cues with you too. If your babies usually fall asleep to white noise or prefer a dark room, a white noise app and portable blackout blinds can help them settle in a new place.

Meals are worth planning ahead. If you are staying somewhere self-catering, arranging a supermarket delivery for the day you arrive can save a lot of energy. Having nappies, wipes, breakfast bits and simple snacks waiting for you can make the first day feel calmer. If you are eating out, it is worth calling ahead to check about highchairs, space for a double buggy and how family-friendly the venue is.

Choosing the right destination also makes trips easier. Places with good buggy access, baby changing facilities and quiet corners for feeding are ideal. Zoos, nature reserves and gentle walking routes can be great because there is plenty for your babies to look at while you move at your own pace. For weekends away, look for hotels with family rooms or lodges and cottages with kitchen facilities, enough floor space and room for travel cots.

If you can, bring another adult along. A partner, grandparent or friend can help carry bags, cuddle a grumpy baby or give you ten precious minutes with a hot drink. Even short breaks for you can change how the whole day feels.

For longer car journeys, plan your stops before you set off so you know where you can pull over for feeds, changes and a stretch. Keep nappies, wipes, muslins and spare clothes where you can reach them easily. There is also a dedicated article on long journeys with twins that is packed with ideas for keeping everyone happier in the car.

Finding what works for your family trips

There is no single right way to travel with twins, triplets or more. Some parents love strapping both babies into a double pushchair and heading off for long walks. Others prefer using slings or carriers so they can move more freely and keep their hands on older children.

You might find that self-catering breaks suit you because you can keep mealtimes and bedtimes roughly the same as at home. Another family might prefer a hotel or resort where meals and activities are taken care of. Visiting grandparents for the weekend might be your ideal first ‘holiday’ because there are extra arms to help with cuddles and bath time.

Give yourself permission to experiment. Try a local day out, then a slightly longer one, then a single night away. Notice what makes life easier for you and your babies and what feels like too much, then plan your next adventure with that in mind.

Enjoying the memories you are making

It helps to keep expectations realistic. There will probably be spills, tears, forgotten items and naps taken in random places. That does not mean the day is a failure. The aim is not a picture perfect trip, it is time together, a change of scene and small moments of joy for you and your babies.

Try to capture a few photos or jot down the funny little details you know you will forget. The outfit mix-ups, the improvised nappy changes and the unexpected detours often become the stories you tell for years. Days out and weekends away with twin babies can be tiring, but they can also be full of connection, fresh air and shared memories. With a bit of preparation, a flexible attitude and your changing bag at the ready, adventure really is possible.