Twins versus siblings close in age.

[SuzysZoo]

Hi everyone
I have an interesting question for you all. I have 2 older children who were 17 months apart and then (approx 6 years later) twins.....
Now there is no doubt that the twins have been hard work and for the first 9 months I had no sleep whatsoever (so it seemed). But now that the twins are 14 months old I am starting to think that twins are easier than two other children close in age. What I mean is, in another 3 months time I wouldn't fancy swapping one of the twins for a newborn again. So my question is, at what point do you thinks twins actually becomes easier than having two children close in age (if at all)?
I am thinking that when I have twins aged 2, that has got to be easier than one two year old and a newborn? Am I right or deluded?!

A two year old and a newborn is a juggling act. Twins are a handfull. A two year old and newborn twins is a real eyeopener - thats what I've got! I suppose it all depends on the characters of the babies and the mother. You sound like you are the best to judge as you have had experience of both.

No, you are not deluded I have 7 years old twins and it was VERY hard for the first few months or so but now when I see friends with a newborn and older child I do think they have it harder.

Mine have had a playmate from birth, they tend to play with the same toys and watch the same programmes. There is no jealousy because they have always been fed/bathed/cuddled etc. at the same time. Their circle off friends are the same age so they are all on the same wavelength iykwim.

I only have twins so have nothing to compare it to but weaning/potty training etc. around the same time was so much easier than doing it twice!

My dd1 was 17months when my twins were born and I would probably say a newborn and older child so far would be harder than twins!
The early days with twins-bf'ing/night feeds etc were stressful, but having to keep my dd1 entertained/fed/happy/cuddled etc was the harder part.
The twins now are starting to interact with each other and annoying dd1 by trying to play/grab/chew whatever it is that she's playing with. It does feel like as the twins are developing at a similar rate, they can keep each other entertained while I'm making meals etc, whereas dd1 will talk and play with them its only for afew mins at a time as they can't run around with her. It will be quite a while before they could play happily for a while without my intervention iyswim?

I've got both, had 21 mo age gap between ds2 and my dts. I did start finding twins easier after 12 months, when I just have them I cope quite well! It's the combo of preschooler plus 2 toddlers I can't manage (dts are 22 months now)
Generally would agree twins is easier than newborn+toddler partly because there's a strong routine in place. And there are some delightful things about having 2 toddlers at once. They're very cute, learning to talk at same time but in v.different ways.
I do think in some respects that once twins get to 1, we become quite good/practised at handling it all and underestimate how difficult it is!
Having said all that, I really really really get annoyed when people say oh yes twins, well my kids were 18 months apart it's the same. NO it's not! Arggh. I get that at least once a week & nod politely.

I had a 3.3 year old then twins and it is hard entertaining an older child.

Then we had another baby so dts were 21 mths when ds3 was born. Now that was even harder!!!

Entertaining 2 toddlers and then a newborn (and a school run as ds1 had just started reception)

Twins now are much easier at 3.4 and ds3 is 18 mths