Bringing home identical twins is a joyful whirlwind—but one of the first questions many twin parents face is: how do we tell them apart? While their matching features can be adorable, they can also be incredibly confusing, especially in the early weeks when facial expressions and personalities are still developing.

If you’re a new parent wondering how to tell your twins apart, you’re not alone. In fact, most twin parents have had at least one moment of second-guessing which baby is which! Don’t worry—there are plenty of creative and practical ways to distinguish your little ones from each other. Here’s a list of tried-and-true methods that twin parents use every day.

We are an Amazon associate and may make a small commission from the products we recommend. We will only recommend products we personally use or believe in that have been recommended by twin parents.

1. Color-Coding Clothing and Accessories

One of the most popular and easiest ways to tell your twins apart is by assigning each baby a specific color early on. Whether it’s clothing, socks, swaddles, or pacifiers, color-coding everything from head to toe can save you countless moments of doubt.

💡 Pro Tip: Stick to one color for each twin for at least the first few months—red for Riley and blue for Blake, for example—and inform everyone else in the household (or daycare) of the system.

2. Paint a Toenail (Yes, Really!)

A classic method used by many twin parents is to paint one baby’s toenail with baby-safe nail polish. Choose a subtle color and reapply every few days as it wears off.

✅ It’s safe, discreet, and especially helpful during those diaper-only newborn days.

3. Use Temporary Name Tattoos or Stickers

There are baby-safe temporary tattoos and name sticker options that can be gently applied to your twins’ arms or backs to help caregivers (and tired parents!) keep track during the day.

🍼 Great for daycare, grandparents, or postpartum helpers who might not know the twins as well yet.

4. Check for Physical Differences

Even identical twins often have slight physical differences. Look closely and you may find one baby has:

• A slightly rounder face
• A birthmark or freckle
• A cowlick or unique hair swirl
• A longer toe or different nail shape

Keep a note or photo record on your phone to help you remember!

5. Use Personalized Accessories

Personalized hats, onesies, blankets, and name bracelets are not only cute for photos—they’re practical for daily life too.

👶 Twin Baby Registry Tip: Add custom name gear to your registry to help loved ones gift items that are functional AND adorable! Still need to create your registry? Click here!

6. Document Everything (Especially in the Early Days)

During those foggy newborn days, it helps to have a twin tracking app or system to log which twin ate when, who had a diaper change, and who is who in photos.

Create two albums in your phone and label them with each twin’s name so you can file the photos as soon as you take them.

Many parents accidentally swap names in early baby photos (us included!)—so this helps you look back with confidence.

💡 Pro Tip: Download our free twin diaper changing and feeding tracker to help you.

7. Assign a Side or Crib Spot

Some parents find it helpful to always place Baby A on the left side and Baby B on the right, whether in the stroller, twin bassinet, or while nursing. This consistency helps create mental associations that stick over time.

8. Personality Will Shine Through

As your twins grow, their personalities, preferences, and voices will become beautifully distinct. You’ll start noticing who loves tummy time, who smiles more easily, or who’s always reaching for their toes. Eventually, you won’t need visual cues—you’ll just know.

The twin parenting communities will commonly refer to this as “Mom Goggles.” You’ll see hundreds of posts about moms thinking their “identical twins don’t look identical” and all of the other twin moms will come to say, “Ma’am, that is the same baby.”

So, if you’re babies aren’t born yet and you’re afraid that you won’t be able to tell them apart – I promise you, you will.

Funny + Unique Ideas from Real Twin Parents:

Different Scented Lotions: Apply a different baby-safe lotion to each twin after bath time so you can sniff out who’s who.

Sharpie Initials on Diapers: In the newborn blur, some parents mark diapers with an A or B on the waistband.

Different color of earrings: If culturally appropriate and safe, some parents pierce their twin’s ears and give them different colors to wear.

Different Socks 24/7: Assign one twin to always wear striped/patterned socks and the other plain.

Reassurance for New Twin Parents

If you’re stressing about how to tell your twins apart, take a deep breath. Every twin parent has had a moment of confusion, and your babies will not be emotionally scarred if you accidentally mix them up once or twice. With time, your confidence will grow—and so will their individuality.

Pin it for later: How to Tell Your Twins Apart 💡

Never lose track again—save these smart twin-parent tricks and share them with your partner, sitter, or support team!