10 Fun facts about twins
3 Minute ReadThere’s something undeniably magical about twins. Maybe it’s their (often) identical looks, their charming differences, or that invisible string that seems to unite them – heart to heart, from the very start. Whether you’re raising twins yourself or simply intrigued by them, here are ten of the most delightful, quirky and eyebrow-raising facts about twins.
Oh, and stay tuned till the end for a little surprise especially for parents of twins!
1. 👶 Identical or fraternal?
About 30% of twins are identical—meaning they come from the same egg and are genetic carbon copies. The other 70%? Fraternal twins, as genetically similar as any other siblings, just born at the same time… and with a built-in bunkmate from day one.
2. 📈 Twins are on the rise
No, not in the “they’re taking over the world” kind of way (yet). But it’s true that more twins are being born than ever before, thanks to later pregnancies and a little help from modern medicine. These days, one in every 42 babies arrives with a lifelong partner-in-crime.
3. 🧬A team from the very beginning
Even before they see the light of day, twins are already getting to know each other. From as early as 18 weeks into pregnancy, they start to interact—reaching out more for each other than for themselves. And the cutest part? They’re ever so gentle, especially when touching each other’s faces. Honestly, it’s so incredibly beautiful to see.
4. 🗣️ The secret language of twins
Over 40% of twin pairs develop their very own language during their early years—something known as cryptophasia. It’s a mysterious mix of babbles, gestures and made-up sounds that only they can understand. While it might delay their “official” speech a tad, it’s a magical glimpse into just how close their connection really is.
5. 🎂 Twins with different birthdays?
It sounds like a riddle, but it’s entirely possible. If one twin is born just before midnight and the other just after… voilà! Two birthdays, one duo.
6. 🧭 Mirror, mirror…
Some identical twins are what’s known as “mirror twins”. That means their features are flipped—like one has a birthmark on the left cheek, and the other on the right. In rare cases, even their internal organs can be reversed. A curious trick of nature, and rather handy if one always forgets which shoe goes on which foot.
7. ✋Lefties squared
Twins are more likely to be left-handed than the general population. No one knows quite why, but the science is solid. So if you spot a pair of pint-sized southpaws finger-painting away, you might just be looking at double trouble of the twinning kind.
8. 🧍♂️🧍♂️Separated… but still in sync
Even twins raised apart—by fate or fortune—often lead astonishingly similar lives. Same jobs, same hobbies, sometimes even the same health hiccups at the same time. It seems that shared DNA can pull a few more strings than we realise.
9. 👕 Accidental twinsies
Countless twins have told stories of unknowingly picking the same outfit, buying each other the same gift, or texting the same message at the exact same moment. Is it telepathy? Twin-stinct? Whatever it is, it’s undeniably magical.
10. 🌍 Twin central: Nigeria
The town of Igbo-Ora in Nigeria holds the world record for the highest rate of twin births. So many, in fact, that it proudly calls itself the “Twin Capital of the World”. Imagine the birthday parties!
📚 New: Lost For Words – now available for twins!
Parents of twins, listen up! Our much-loved personalized book Lost For Words is now available for twins too! Simply let us know in the configurator that your children are the same height, and we’ll spin a tail-wagging, adventure-packed story just for your terrific twosome.