Parenting With Multiplicity

Think you’re seeing double everywhere you look? Well, you’re right! Did you know that New York City has a higher rate of twin births than the national average? But parents of twins often feel like the city was built for one, not two. Just look at the aisle of your local drugstore. Imagine pushing a double stroller down that narrow channel. For parents of twins, the world doesn’t double when two are born—so we need the help of some amazing assets right in our own backyard. And that’s what I’m here for: to tell you about a few gems in our fair city that seem like they were made just for us.

The Manhattan Twins Club
When I first found out I was pregnant with my duo, I was nine weeks pregnant. Being the typical Type A New Yorker, I immediately started searching for resources, and it was mere moments before I came across the Manhattan Twins Club. This group of over 800 families is in the trenches here in NYC. With monthly gatherings, this should be your first stop when you find out you have two buns in the oven. The 25-year-old organization has helped hundreds of thousands of people. I’m proud to call the group my home and serve as its director. With an amazing classified section filled with nanny recommendations, gently used equipment and clothing, and a jam-packed forum group, this is a one-stop shop for all things twinnie. manhattantwinsclub.org

Sheri Bayles RN BSN LCCE IBCLC
Bayles is a trusted lactation expert, and, as a twin mom herself (can we say street cred?!), she’ll gladly show you the ropes on how to do it right the first time. She’s seen it all, from inverted nipples to clogged ducts. You can reach her at SLBInstructor@aol.com.

Little Folks on 23rd Street
When you visit Little Folks, you’ll find a shopping haven made just for your little bundles of joy. The store is run by a twin dad himself, Saul, who knows just what you need for your crew. Little Folks carries the largest selection of double strollers on site and will deliver and set everything up for free. littlefolksnyc.com

MTA
With so many train stations recently upgraded, the subway system can be a twin parent’s best friend. You can schlep your double stroller all across town thanks to the dozens of elevators the MTA has installed. Before you leave the house, check the website to make sure that the elevators you intend to take are actually working. mta.info/mta/eles.html

Appy Days
Apps like Mommy Nearest will give you the scoop on where to find kid-friendly restaurants or the closest public restrooms. Plus, if you’re like me, you’ve forgotten to plan in advance for birthdays, anniversaries, and more since your kids have arrived. One great app in that area is Yiftee. With the touch of a few buttons on my smartphone, I’ve sent birthday cupcakes and celebratory ice cream cones to folks who are on my mind. mommynearest.com; yiftee.com

Twiniversity
A series of classes that I created just for parents of multiples, Twiniversity covers topics like co-swaddling, sleep training, and breastfeeding two at a time. These courses have been selling out since we appeared on “Pregnant in Heels” with maternity guru Rosie Pope. Taught by a world-renowned twin expert, classes teach parents exactly what to do, how to do it, what to buy, and how much you need. No stone is left unturned. twiniversity.com

Being a parent of twins can be a challenge, but some of the toughest challenges are the most rewarding. Good thing our city is full of so many other moms and dads navigating the streets with double strollers and a bit of advice to offer one another.

Natalie Diaz is the founder of Twiniversity and the director of The Manhattan Twins Club. This mom of 8-year-old twins is a native New Yorker and is currently working on her upcoming book, What To Do When You Are Having Two. Email her at Natalie@Twiniversity.com