Parents of multiples everywhere are
split on the decision to dress the children the same way all the
time. Even if you are against it, chances are you saw something on
sale that you had to get two of; maybe one in a larger size, maybe a
pajama, whatever. During the years when parents are responsible for
the clothing choices, chances are that for one reason or another
every multiple parent will wind up dressing the children alike at
least a few times. Laundry gets backed up, one child will have a fit
unless they get the panda bear pajamas too, or sometimes you just
want to get a picture of it for everyone you know.
Many parents of multiples dress them
alike constantly. They are proud to have twins and show it as much as
possible. Parents or not, there’s no denying that if you see some
twins or triplets dressed alike, adorable is all you’ll be
thinking. However, some parents of multiples have thought this
through over and over again, and they feel that the same clothes rob
their multiples of their individuality in some way. People see them
as a cute whole entity, not two or three adorable, individual little
babies. I could see perhaps above the toddler years and into school
this idea may have some merit (especially if identical twins are
really identical), but in the early years I just don’t see
any effect other than excessive cuteness. People coming up to a
twin/triplet stroller constantly and saying look at “them” is
going to happen regardless of whether they’re dressed alike or not,
so unless you separate them all the time too, there is no sense
worrying about it.
If you are a twin/triplet mom to be,
and you’ve been thinking about this decision already (as I am told
many pregnant mothers of multiples do), don’t sweat it. It is
pretty much a personal preference. If your kids wind up being a size
apart after a year or so, great-you get to keep that favorite pajama
of yours around in the rotation a little longer. If not, so be it,
buy them the same size and have a ball. I’m sure that your decision
to dress them alike or different will have no bearing on whether or
not they choose to do so in the future. If they do, great-chances are
they’ll be really close! If not, no big deal. Take pride in their
individuality!
