4 Types of Equipment Every Nanny Should Know How to Use When Caring for Twins

Caring for twins can be a fun and meaningful experience. Whilst it is convenient to plan activities for children of the same age (see article: ‘Nannying for Twins — 5 Need to Know Tips’ for more), having two kids is also double the trouble, so you’ll need to plan your time carefully. This means you’ll need to know how to use standard equipment for caring for multiple children. Here are some pieces of kit that you'll need to be familiar with:

Double Bassinet

Twins are safer when they’re sleeping in separate spaces, and their parents will most likely own a double bassinet. This bassinet not only comes with a partition for either child, but it also includes versatile features. Some bassinets can rotate 360 degrees so you can easily reach the twins when they need something. Bassinets also have soothing vibration features, music, sounds, and nightlights. If the twins have gotten used to these features for sleeping, then you’ll need to know how to toggle them to ensure a peaceful night.

Double Pushchairs

If the twins you’re caring for are infants or toddlers and their parents permit you to take them out, you'll need to know your way around modern pushchairs. Today, there are many specialised pushchairs that are optimised for twins, and they have many built-in features that a nanny should be familiar with. The double pushchairs from iCandy show how modern designs are multifunctional and can convert to a full travel system, be changed to different configurations depending on the children’s age, and feature the latest safety harnesses. A good understanding of how these modern double pushchairs work will make taking care of twins when out and about a whole lot easier.

Split-Frame Baby Monitors

If you’re an overnight nanny, then monitors like these split-frame baby monitors from Vava will be particularly helpful for you. They allow you to monitor two screens within the same device, making them perfect for twins of any age. Even when you’re preoccupied with another area of the house, you can keep an eye on the kids. They can also be accessed by the children’s parents. You need to learn how to set the camera up so that the lighting allows you to see the children easily. You should also know how to toggle the split-frame feature so that you don’t accidentally lose sight of either of the twins.

First Aid Equipment

Even when maximising safety, you can still encounter unwanted incidents. As such, nannies should be equipped with a first aid kit and basic medical knowledge. The NHS explains that your first aid kit should have a variety of plasters, sterile gauze dressings, bandages, tweezers, scissors, distilled water, and antiseptic cream for dressing wounds. You should also have infant paracetamol, skin rash cream, and creams for insect bites. If you don’t have basic medical training, you should educate yourself on how to identify signs of allergies or rashes to treat them appropriately.

Watching twins can be challenging, but preparation can make the process much smoother. Knowing how to handle the above equipment can ensure maximum fun and safety for you and the children.