I think it is a great idea for you to implement a schedule that is used by all of the caregivers in your children's lives. I think the hardest thing for a child is having to transition to the schedule requirements depending on the day. The boy I watch now is 18 months, and he really isn't on any kind of schedule, and it can be extremely hectic at times. He's with me twice per week, and his mom basically wants me to listen to him when it comes to nap time (AKA waiting until he screams his head off and throws a tantrum before putting him down). I try to get him down around the same time for naps and schedule mealtimes. He's in daycare the other two days a week where he is on their strict schedule, and then for Friday-Sunday he basically sleeps whenever he wants to with his parents.

It can be a bit overwhelming for me because I think it would be so much easier to say "he naps from 12-2" rather than waiting for him to be so tired that he throws tantrums and put him down at 1.

Good luck, and just make sure to remind your parents, caregivers, etc. that the schedule is very important for your children. It may be hard to stay on top of it at first, but when your twins are older you will be so thankful!

I have twins. Here's my two cents:

- definitely get back-up coverage, not just for when your parents will be away, but also for whenever someone is sick or for you and your husband to carve out some time, or for the time when your parents may not be fully up to the task of twin care. Having a few people you can call on, who know the kids and your routine, can be a HUGE lifesaver.

- having a firm schedule was essential for us, and making sure that everyone stuck to it was critical. Our kids are blessed w/ three sets of grandparents (none local so them come and stay with us for a week at a time), a nanny, and a couple of aunts who are deeply engaged in their lives. We've also had periods when we've needed back-ups for the nanny, or babysitting care. Maintaining the kids schedule makes transitions in caregivers much easier on the kids, and on the whole house.

Not everyone will think the schedule is so important, some people might give you flack, some might not comply, some will take convincing, and you'll need to stick to your guns. But it is sooo worth it.

I have three year olds now and I still maintain a pretty firm schedule. They are great sleepers, great eaters, really good guests when they stay with others (if the schedule is respected) and even though the schedule can sometimes feel a little restrictive, our whole house works better - more calmly, much more smoothly, as a result.

Good luck and congrats on the twins!!!

I think a schedule is realistic with any number of caregivers (think a nursery where staff is interchangeable but the routine stays the same regardless of who's on duty on a particular day), but you have to be very clear with everyone involved about what you want and when, and you have to make sure that they actually follow through with what you're asking them to do.

Maybe write it down and put it up by the crib, so everybody knows what should be happening when. Especially with grandparents who have many ideas about how things should be done and they've raised their own kids and are wise, etc, you need to really impress upon them how crucial it is for them to follow the routine. The same goes for the nanny, but I think it's actually easier with a nanny because nannies can usually put away their own ideas about childrearing and do what you ask them to do. Ask the nanny to keep a log of what goes on while you're not there, it'll give you an idea of whether the schedule is being followed or not.

It's absolutely doable, good luck!

My parents are planning to watch my 4 month old twins , but it looks like they're going to be traveling more than any of us anticipated. I'm thinking about getting a part time nanny two days a week to help out. But I'm also a stickler with developing routines, etc. does this sound like a good idea? Assuming we all (grandma, mom/dad, and nanny) aim for the same "schedule" does this seem realistic? Or am I overthinking and I should just get some other type of care when my parents are unavailable? They'll be gone roughly one week a month.