My fraternal twin girls are turning 2 next week, and while I'm by no means an expert on parenting twins, I have learned some useful things along the way.  For example, my husband and I learned REALLY quickly how important a schedule is.  We made sure our girls started out fairly young (around 3 months old) on a pretty set schedule and planned our lives accordingly.  This obviously was frowned upon in our families, since we had to leave get togethers (including Christmas) early to get the girls home and to bed by 8:30.  We have decided, however, that we will never please everyone so we need to do what's best for us and our girls.

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On the subject of advice.  Listen politely to everything that people tell you (from fellow supermarket shoppers to your mother in law), but at the end of the day follow what you feel is going to be best for your twins.  You are the one that knows your children best, and the majority of the people offering advice have never raised two children going through the exact same stages at the same time.  Also, parenting twins is alot of trial and error.  If one thing doesn't work your twins will let you know, usually by acting out their frustration.

We have also learned the importance of equipment.  My number one used item from birth is a double stroller.  We got the Graco Duo Glider because we liked the idea that you could plug in the Graco carseats into the front and back so both infants could sit comfortably.  We learned that many double strollers are made for one small child to recline all the way back, and a toddler in the front seat.  Another very useful item is a jumperoo.  Both my girls thought it was the greatest thing to be able to jump up and down.  Most of the jumperoos I've seen also come with a toy bar and music.  When the girls were very young and not sitting up by themselves yet, we would put one baby in the jumperoo and one in the bouncy seat so we could have our dinner without trying to juggle a baby.

My next piece of advice is about diapering.  Obviously with twins you will use ALOT of diapers before they are potty trained.  We have learned that off brand diapers are just as good as name brand if you buy the right ones.  We personally prefer the Parent's Choice brand diapers (I believe you can only get them at Walmart).  We save so much money by buying off brand, and I can't tell the difference (same absorbency and they fit wonderfully) .  We have, however, switched to the Huggies brand overnight diapers for nighttime now that the girls are older, because the off brands don't normally make diapers with extra protection for lasting all night.

My last piece of advice is to enjoy every minute!  I know everyone says that, but it is so true.  Even though raising twins can be hectic and frustrating at times, it is also double the rewards.  Especially the first time your child says "l love you".  If you are going through a rough patch, life will get easier, and the great thing about twins is that they develop a great friendship and they develop a bond like no other.

I hope my guide was helpful to you!  If so, please take a second to say so below. Have fun with those twins!