Daycare for Twins: Cost, Discounts and Planning Two Spots

Updated November 2026.

The hardest part of finding daycare for twins is getting two openings at the same time in the same age group. In Illinois, one teacher can care for no more than four infants, so twins take half of a teacher's spots. That is why families with twins or triplets often need to start their search early, ask about waitlists for two, and budget for two infant rates.

Here is what to plan for, from spots and costs to whether twins should share a classroom.

Why two infant spots are hard to find

Illinois licensing rules for day care centers set these limits for babies and young toddlers:

• Infants, 6 weeks to 14 months: one teacher for every 4 infants, with no more than 12 in a group.
• Toddlers, 15 to 23 months: one teacher for every 5 toddlers, with no more than 15 in a group.

Infant rooms are small, and openings come up one at a time as older babies move up. Two spots at once may take longer. See our guide to Illinois daycare ratios by age.

When to start looking

• Start during pregnancy. Twins often arrive early, so plan your search sooner than you would for one baby.
• Ask each center whether it can hold two spots, and whether it accepts deposits for both.
• Join several waitlists, and ask how often to check in.
• Be flexible on start dates if you can. A center may have one spot now and a second in a few weeks.

For timing tips, read when to start looking for daycare and our guide to daycare waitlists.

Same room or separate rooms?

As babies, twins will usually share a room because both are in the infant age group. As they grow, some centers place twins in separate classrooms if there are two rooms for the same age. There is no single right answer. Things to think about:

• How do your twins act together? Do they play with each other or rely on each other?
• Does one twin tend to lead and the other follow?
• Are they ready to move up at the same time? Twins can develop at different paces.
• What does the center recommend, and what are its policies?

Talk with the director and teachers, and revisit the choice as your children grow.

Budgeting for two infants

Infant care is the most expensive age. Based on the 2026 Report on Child Care in Cook County, the average weekly rate for infant care at centers in suburban northwest Cook County was $437 in June 2025. For twins, that is about $874 a week before any sibling discount. Ask every center about multiples discounts. See our guide to daycare cost for two kids.

Tax breaks with twins

• Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit: counts up to $6,000 in care expenses for two or more children.
• Dependent Care FSA: up to $7,500 per household from 2026. The limit does not double for twins.

Daily logistics with twins

• Label everything with each child's full name, including bottles, pacifiers and spare clothes.
• Ask for separate daily reports so you can track each baby's feeds, naps and diapers.
• Plan drop-off. Two infant car seats take time, so allow extra minutes.
• Expect shared illnesses. When one twin gets sick, the other often follows. Have a backup care plan.

Frequently asked questions

Is it harder to find daycare for twins?

Often, yes. Infant rooms are small, and you need two openings at the same time. Start early and join several waitlists.

Should twins be in the same daycare class?

As infants they usually are. Later, some families choose separate rooms. Talk with the center and decide based on your children.

Do daycares offer discounts for twins?

Some offer sibling or multiples discounts. Ask each center and get the terms in writing.

How many babies can one teacher care for in Illinois?

Up to 4 infants per teacher in a licensed center, with no more than 12 infants in a group.

Twins at Children's Land

Children's Land cares for babies from 6 weeks in our infant program, where each baby has a primary teacher and naps and feedings follow the family's home routine. Formula and baby food are provided, and parents may bring their own. Ask your location about openings for two and current tuition. Find a location or contact us to schedule a tour.

Related reading: Daycare Waitlists: How They Work and How to Plan.