Children move through the stages of childhood at different rates. How far and how fast they master new skills is what we mean by development, but it’s important to remember that this is not a race. All children develop according to their individual strengths, and they don’t have to do it at the same time as anyone else – including a fellow twin or triplet.

Your children may seem smaller than their singleton friends. Twins are usually smaller at birth than singletons, and triplets are smaller still. Initially a child born prematurely is unlikely to reach milestones at the same age as a child who was born at full term, but over time this effect decreases.

Your children may reach developmental milestones at different rates to each other .This is not usually a problem as long as it is handled sensitively. The best advice is not to compare your children with each other, or with other children. Allow them to be individuals (particularly with identical siblings), and accept and value their differences right from the start.

For more information on milestones and development follow this link https://inourplace.co.uk/developmental-and-emotional-milestones-leaflet/

Potty Training

Potty training two or more isn't usually as difficult as parents expect it to be and in most cases soon becomes a distant memory.

Moving in to beds

The time will come when your little ones will be ready to move from their cots to beds. The key is to do this when your children are ready.

Differences

Multiples, especially identical twins, can find it hard if they are different in any way to their brother / sisters.

Language

Multiples can be slower than singletons to develop language. However, many multiples show no signs of language delay.

Special Needs

Twins Trust runs a support group for parents who are bringing up multiples where one or more has special needs.