How to Identify Twins

Bringing home newborn twins is double the fun and double the work. When identical twins are tiny, even their parents can have trouble telling them apart. Identifying twins can be confusing to a parent and nearly impossible to a casual observer; but there are techniques you can use in order to keep mix-ups to a minimum. Read on to learn how.

Instructions

    • 1

      Leave the hospital bands on for a while. Identical newborn twins are extremely difficult to identify until they become a little older. By leaving the name bands on for a few days, you can care for your infants without fear of confusing their identities.

    • 2

      Paint a toenail on one of your identical twins. Many parents find it easier to tell their children apart by choosing one to sport a colored toenail. The warning here is to only paint the toe of one twin and only one color. Write down which infant is getting the pedicure and never switch. Make sure you repaint the same toenail often to assure the nail polish doesn't peel off.

    • 3

      Look for small identifying marks on the extremities or ears. Often there will be a tiny bump on an ear or toe. Alternately, one twin's head may have a slightly different configuration, but pay attention since infants' heads change as they grow.

    • 4

      Find a freckle or mole on an older twin. As a baby grows, he or she may develop a freckle or skin discoloration that is slight but can be a boon for parents looking for identifying marks.

    • 5

      Tie a colorful string or bow on a twin's wrist or ankle if you are dressing them identically to go shopping. Parents love to dress their twins in the same outfits in public. When it's not convenient to pull off their shoes every time an observer asks their names, a colorful string can make identification a snap.

    • 6

      Ask an expert to identify which twin is which by observing their fingerprints when a mix up occurs. Unfortunately, even with the best-laid plans, mix-ups can--and do--occur. When all else fails, take your twins and their fingerprints to an expert for a positive identification.

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