Twins and Siblings Starting Creche: A Practical Guide for Dublin Parents

Same room or separate rooms?

Siblings of different ages will usually be placed in the room that suits their age and stage. For twins, there is often a choice. Some families prefer to keep twins together for comfort; others value the chance for each twin to develop their own identity. There is no single right answer. Talk to the creche about how they usually approach it and what they would recommend for your children.

Settling two children in

Each child will settle at their own pace, even twins. One may walk in happily while the other needs more time. Ask the creche whether settling-in visits can be tailored to each child, and whether a different key person will be assigned to each. Be ready to give each child individual attention at drop-off and pickup.

• Plan for each child to have their own settling-in pace.
• Label belongings clearly, especially if the children share similar clothes.
• Tell staff how to tell twins apart if they look alike.

Waiting lists and sibling priority

Many creches give some form of priority to siblings of children already attending, though this is not universal. If you have an older child at a creche and are expecting another baby, ask early about the creche's policy and get on the waiting list in good time. For twins, check that the creche can offer two places at the same time.

Fees and funding

Some creches offer a sibling arrangement on fees, while others charge each place separately. Ask how fees work for more than one child. The National Childcare Scheme also takes the number of children in your family into account in its income-assessed subsidy, so check the official NCS website for an estimate.

Logistics at drop-off and pickup

Dropping off two children in different rooms takes longer than one, so build extra time into your mornings. Ask where you can leave a double buggy, how to manage two bags of spare clothes and whether staff can help on busy mornings. A calm, practised routine makes a big difference.

Celebrating individuality

Twins and siblings are often compared, by others and sometimes by themselves. A good creche will recognise each child's own interests and strengths. Ask how staff plan for each child individually and how they share each child's progress with you separately.