Last week, we explored the struggles twin parents face with sleep training.
This week, we’re diving into another real-life challenge: how to confidently go out alone with your little bundles of joy.
For parents of twins, even a simple trip to church, the park, or the grocery store can feel like a full-blown mission. Managing two toddlers at once — especially without a second pair of hands — demands careful planning, quick thinking, and a whole lot of patience.
As more twin parents look for ways to make solo outings less stressful, common concerns around potty breaks, safety, and crowd control continue to come up. So, what can actually help?
Marchel Tondi* posted in a WhatsApp group asking how to go about what she saw as a predicament.
“Hello Ladies. I am looking for tips of how to go out alone with your twins. My boys are 2.5 years old. How do you prepare for potty time especially in church or at play areas. I am having serious anxiety,” Tondi said even as she put a smiling emoji next to her question.
Tondi says that her challenge is when they both need to go for a bathroom break and she is all alone.
“Has anyone carried a potty to a restaurant or just walking with it around?” she posed.
Her question led to three twin moms giving her some of the tips that have worked for them when they are left alone with the children.
Susan Wanjiku said when she was raising her twins, for the first time she found it challenging to handle all of them at a go.
“Indeed very stressful! As they get to know their bodies (and get older), it will be easier and they can hold for longer,” she says.
Wanjiku says that as long as the children go to the washroom or toilet before you leave the house, it might be safer and easier for them not to want to use the bathroom sooner.
“But if they go before you go out, then at least you know it won't be a hustle. Then carry spare clothes and wipes and some place to put soiled clothes,” she says.
She says they bought extra potties to keep in the car particularly for poops.
“Also show them where the toilets/potties are and remind them to tell you if they need to go. And praise them when they tell you they need to go potty so they get the positive reinforcement,” she said.
Another twin mum, Karen Njeri*, listed tips that helped them to overcome the anxiety.
“Knowing where/how far the bathrooms are. Having them pee before you leave the house/when you get to the play area or Church,” she says.
Njeri said that it is wise to let the toddlers have regular proactive bathroom breaks...where possible.
“As soon as you reach your destination, locate the nearest restroom. This proactive step is crucial for timely potty breaks and can prevent accidents, particularly important when managing two toddlers,” she said
“Go with both of them even when only one needs to go. You can encourage the other one to pee as well, and Always have a change of clothes and keep an open mind. All the best,” she said.
She said dressing your twins in similar colors with unique identifiers helps you keep track of them in crowded places while still allowing them to express individuality.
“Also, teach your twins to hold onto the stroller or your hand when walking. This practice reinforces safety and helps prevent them from wandering off, especially in busy environments like parks or shopping centers,” she said.
According to the Daily Telegraph UK, twin moms have to pack their bags at night before they set out to ensure they have everything they need.
“Packing essentials ahead of time can save you from last-minute stress. Include diapers or pull-ups, wipes, a change of clothes for each child, snacks, water bottles, and a small first-aid kit. Having everything ready ensures you're equipped for any surprises during your outing,” it noted
The Daily Telegraph noted that connecting with other parents of multiples provides a support network where you can share experiences, exchange tips, and even coordinate group outings.
“Such communities offer understanding and practical advice tailored to the unique challenges of raising twins,” it read.
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