Tips for Babysitting Twins

Caring for one child is hard enough. Handling two -- or more -- can be total madness if you don't correctly prepare your sitter.

Prepare a Checklist

The first time you leave your twins or multiples with a new sitter, give her a detailed list that explains the following:

• If the children are identical, how can you tell them apart? (And don't rely on outfits if the kids are old enough to dress -- undress and redress -- themselves!)
• What unique traits and needs does each child have?
• Do they eat the same thing at the same time?
• Do they have the same bedtime routines?
• Should they be disciplined the same way?
• Does one child need more attention?
• How do the children interact with each other? Are there rivalries? Is one child more dominant?
• How should the sitter handle a power struggle?

Go over your notes when the sitter arrives. Make sure you're on the same page before you leave.

If you're going to be gone for a very long time, or if you have more than three children, you might want to hire more than one sitter. If you know and trust your sitter, you can ask her to recommend a friend, but make sure you trust her friend, as well. Give both sitters clear guidelines, letting them know that you expect them to focus on your children, and not each other.

The bottom line

Managing multiples is a challenge. Prepare your sitter beforehand. If she understands each child's needs and personality, it will make her job that much easier.