Parenting Multiple Infants

The number of multiple-birth families has increased dramatically in the last several decades. Raising more than one infant of the same age presents unique challenges to parents, many of whom have endured a period of infertility to conceive and take home fragile premature infants who require vigilant care. Stress, depression, and exhaustion are increased for these parents; recent evidence links these conditions to infant developmental outcomes. This paper reviews the parenting experience for families with multiple infants and presents strategies for assisting their adjustment to parenting.