A Dutch twin, also known as an Irish twin, refers to two siblings born less than 12 months apart. The term “Dutch twin” originated from the idea that only the famously fertile Dutch could give birth to two babies so quickly in succession. However, the phrase is considered derogatory today and should be avoided.
What is the definition of a Dutch twin?
There is no official medical definition for a Dutch twin. It is a colloquial term used to describe siblings born less than one year apart. Typically, a Dutch twin refers to two siblings born 10-12 months apart. For example, a child born in January and their sibling born the following November would be considered Dutch twins.
What causes Dutch twins?
Dutch twins occur when a woman becomes pregnant again shortly after giving birth. This quick return to fertility can happen for several reasons:
- Breastfeeding may not suppress ovulation as much as expected
- Some women ovulate again very soon after giving birth
- The parents may not have been using contraception
Therefore, Dutch twins are often the result of a short time period between pregnancies rather than anything special about the mother’s biology or ethnicity.
What are the risks of Dutch twins?
There are several potential health risks associated with pregnancy spaced less than 12 months apart:
- Preterm labor – The mother’s body may not have fully recovered from the previous pregnancy
- Low birth weight – Babies don’t have enough time to fully develop between pregnancies
- Uterine rupture – Danger of uterus tearing open during labor
- Placental abruption – Placenta separating early from the uterus
- Postpartum hemorrhage – Excessive bleeding after birth
These risks are highest when the time between pregnancies is less than 6 months. The mother’s health is also affected by the physical demands of back-to-back pregnancies and breastfeeding.
What are the risks for the Dutch twins?
In addition to the pregnancy risks, being born as Dutch twins can have impacts on the children themselves:
- Prematurity
- Low birth weight
- Developmental delays
- Increased risk of disabilities
- Higher infant mortality rate
These effects may be caused by the shortened interval between pregnancies. The mother’s body has less time to recover nutrition stores before growing a second baby.
What is the ideal spacing between siblings?
Doctors typically recommend waiting 18-24 months between giving birth and getting pregnant again. This spacing allows the mother time to heal and rebuild necessary nutrient levels. It also reduces the associated risks of pregnancy complications and preterm birth.
Here is a table showing the recommended minimum spacing between pregnancies:
| After this type of birth… | Wait at least this long before next pregnancy… |
|---|---|
| Full term delivery | 18 months |
| Preterm delivery | 24 months |
| Miscarriage or abortion | 6 months |
| Cesarean section | 24 months |
Following these spacing guidelines gives the healthiest start to each new baby.
What are the impacts of small age gaps on siblings?
In addition to the physical health effects, being born less than 12 months apart can impact siblings in other ways:
- Parental resources are stretched thin
- Older sibling may feel displaced/jealous
- Siblings compete for attention
- Younger child perceived as an “annoying tag along”
- Higher conflict and aggression
- Poorer academic achievement
However, the effects really depend on the family environment. With lots of parental love and attention, Dutch twins can grow up very close to one another.
Pros of small age gaps
- Playmates close in age
- Shared childhood experiences
- Less “only child” behavior in older sibling
- Youngest gets mentored by older sibling
Cons of small age gaps
- Rivalry and competition
- Quickly outgrown hand-me-downs
- Difficult to give each child focused attention
- Parents stretched thin financially
Should Dutch twins be put in the same grade at school?
Despite being less than 12 months apart, Dutch twins are usually not put in the same grade. The cutoff dates for school enrollment ensure they end up in consecutive grades. Exceptions may be made if the younger twin is exceptionally mature.
Here are some of the considerations around classroom placement:
- The younger child often lags in physical size and development
- Each child deserves their own identity rather than being lumped together
- Comparison and competition would be unhealthy
- Spacing out grades gives parents a longer break between college costs
However, parents can request testing for the younger twin to allow them to skip ahead. This is occasionally done when the ability gap is not too large.
How can parents help Dutch twins thrive?
Raising siblings born less than a year apart requires a lot of patience and creativity from parents! Here are some tips:
- Spend one-on-one time with each child to meet their unique needs.
- Separate their schedules, activities, and identities rather than lumping them together.
- Involve the older sibling in care of the baby to prevent jealousy.
- Consider preschool for the elder child while home with baby.
- Accept help from family and friends – you’ll need it!
- Lower your standards for tidy home while in survival mode.
- Take time for self-care, even just a shower or short walk.
The most important thing parents can do is tell their Dutch twins often how special they each are. With lots of love and support, the siblings will build a lasting bond despite their unique challenges.
Famous Dutch twins
Though uncommon, some famous siblings throughout history have been born less than 12 months apart. Here are a few of the most notable Dutch twins:
- Asa and Isaiah Thurston – Stars of reality TV show “I Love a Mama’s Boy”
- Wellington and Loguidice van Breda – Sons of Henry VIII
- Scarlett and Hunter Johansson – Actress’s son and daughter
- Julius and Philip Epstein – Hollywood screenwriting brothers
Conclusion
Being a Dutch twin certainly comes with unique challenges for parents and children alike. However, with lots of love and support, close-in-age siblings can thrive and build lifelong bonds. The most important thing is that each child gets the individual nurturing they need, regardless of their birth spacing.