How similar (or different) are your ID twins in terms of development?

One of my girls (DD#2) has always been a little stronger (first to hold up her head, roll over, sit by herslf, crawl) and for a while the gap didn't seem to big...DD#2 learning a new task then DD#1 1-2 weeks later. Lately the gap seems to be growing. DD#2 had been rolling for months and DD#1 still hasn't done it (back to front, she has rolled front to back). Now DD#2 has been crawling for over a month and DD#1 still hasn't started. I discussed the rolling at their last check-up and the Dr. said it was fine as long as she wasn't stuck at that stage, which she isn't, and that lots of kids skip a stage and move on to the next so I'm trying not to worry. In terms of personality they could not be more different so maybe it's more linked with personal preference when they learn to do certain things.

I know I shouldn't compare but it's hard when you know they share the same DNA Is this normal? How close together where your ID twins with their milestones?

Thanks!

 

For us, in general, Mike does things first - usually about 1-2 weeks before Gabe. That goes for teething, too. But, there have been a few things Gabe has done first - he crawled forward first, for one. He was crawling forward for about 3 weeks but Mike could only go backwards for that period of time. Gabe also pulled up first, and I think will walk first - he is about 2 lbs lighter, so I think those things are easier for him to do. Mike is more verbal and started babbling saying "dada" and all that first, learned to clap several weeks earlier, etc. Overall, no matter who does things first, the other is usually 1-2 weeks behind (occasionally 3 weeks, but that is rare).

In terms of personality, they are somewhat different, too. Mike is more serious and more sensitive - if someone is upset or not feeling well, even if it is not directed at him, you can tell he feels it and seems more solemn or fussy. He also has some stranger anxiety and will sometimes cry if someone unknown even talks to him. Gabe is my happy-go-lucky baby - if he is fussy or solemn, it's usually because he isn't feeling well or teething. He loves to smile at everyone, is quite the flirt, and will go to just about anyone, anytime.

I'm sure all identical twins are different, but that is our experience. It will be interesting to hear what others say. If it helps, our boys were born 2 minutes apart, 5 lbs 4 oz and 6 lbs. Both natural delivery. At our 9 month checkup, pedi said they were on a 10 (Gabe) and 11 (Mike) month level.

 

Even though they are identical, they are still two different people and it's not fair to them (or you) to compare them. I definitely wouldn't worry as of yet. Different babies meet different milestones at different times.

My girls are identical, and they have each reached milestones separately, sometimes it's a few days but other times its a couple of months (or more). I know it's hard not to worry and not to compare them! :hug:

 

Nathaniel, my baby A, has always done things 3-4 weeks before William. I know a lot of it has to do with personality, William is more laid back and observant, where as Nathaniel can't sit still if his life depended on it, and needs to be in the center of the action at ALL TIMES. William was also extremely sick as a newborn and spent his first 2 weeks in the NICU, most of that in an incubator. I wouldn't worry about it, they are 2 different babies, and will do things in their own time.

 

with my girls, Riley always hit the social milestones first (smiled first, laughed first, babbled more & louder, etc) while Danika always hit the physical milestones first (rolling, crawling, walking, etc). sometimes they hit their milestones within a few days of each other, other times it was within a few months.

keep an eye on it if you're concerned, but try not to spend too much energy on it - in a few weeks/months, you'll be wondering why you bothered to worry at all.

 

My kids hit things at different times too.. Miles always hits the physical milestones first, Austin usually hits the social ones first. Miles is very determined and when he gets it in his head to do something he just forces his way into it. Austin waits until he can do things more or less perfectly on the first try. I find it kind of fascinating that two genetically identical kids raised in the same environment can be SO different!

 

That's what I keep saying! I find it amazing and have been in awe watching them and getting to know them each individually even though it's only been 9 months!

 

My girls were really far apart due to jessy's Health issues. Jazz walked 6 months before jessy!

 

My guys couldn't be more different!!!! Gavin still isn't crawling or moving very much (he is trying so hard though) and Olivia is walking.

 

Mine were ONE DAY apart or same day on EVERY single thing!

 

I find that mine both have their strengths and weaknesses. Daxon has far better control of his gross motor skills - so he was sitting, crawling, squatting, rolling around much sooner than Danae --- Where Danae's fine mototr skills are more developed. She can pick up small things easily with her finger tips, she is able to control her hands and movement moch better - with intention.


All things being equal = i think they will always have their strengths and weaknesses - SO i try to celebrate both - and hope that they don't both walk at the same time until i am ready (forget when they are ready .... Mom needs to be ready too :laughing: !!!!

 

I think we all find ourselves comparing whether we have ID or frat. Just remember that same DNA does not equal same person. Twins are not clones . Personality has a ton to do with development. My hyper crazy DS went straight from crawling to running at 10 months and his calm, perfectionist sister waited till 14 months and never fell once because she did it perfectly!