Most twins, whether fraternal or identical, share everything from the start. In many circumstances, this is especially true of their looks, since one of the most distinguishing features of twins is their striking resemblance. So it’s no surprise that many parents are afraid of getting the two mixed up and would do anything to avoid it, from assigning special colors or accessories to each twin to… giving them a medical tattoo to tell them apart. Continue reading to find out what occurred in this family with their twins, and then leave your thoughts in the comments.
Source: Reddit
Hear me out. I (31F) and my husband tried for 5 years to get pregnant. Testing eventually revealed I have eggs of fu**ing steel and without medical help I’ll never get pregnant. So that’s what we did. Gave our samples, one petri dish and 9 months later I have 2 beautiful fraternal twin boys. Jack and Adam (fake).
Thing is Jake has a condition. Without going into detail, requires a shot once a week. Once he is older he can take pills. I went back to work and MIL offered to watch the babies (she’s wonderful, I trust her 100%. They were 9months.. Now 16months) during this time she would give his injection as we had a schedule. 10am before snack and nap. Worked very well until a month ago when she gave the shot to the wrong kid. Now they may be fraternal but they look identical. I’ll be honest, my husband and I even mix them up sometimes. Everyone does. She immediately noticed her mistake called 911 and they were transferred to hospital. By the time I got there Adam had been given the reversal agent and they were both happily sipping on juice loving the attention. We went home the same night and were told to push fluids. He was never in danger. It’s a very slow acting medication that, at worst, would have given him diarrhea in a few days. MIL was beside herself. I tried to ease her worry but she refused to babysit so to daycare they went.
This daycare has a nurse because some of the kids have medications so she knew what to do but the worry of mixing up the kids was a valid concern (and they would NOT keep name tags on) Doctor recommended a medical tattoo. Explained they tattoo a freckle, no bigger than the end of a pencil eraser, on an area of skin that’s easily seen while the child is under mild sedation similar to dental offices. Because of the area it usually fades in 2-3yrs but by then they should have developed more personal features and may not need it redone. So after discussion with my husband we did it.
He has a 2mm brown freckle on his earlobe. From entering the office to leaving it took 30 minutes. Never felt a thing.
MIL lost her sh*t the second I mentioned a medical tattoo. I tried to explain but she just freaked out so I put both kids on the floor and told her to pick up Jack and find the tattoo. She picked up Adam So I handed her Jack and after 20 minutes still couldn’t find it. Stripped him to his skivvies. I finally pointed it out and she went “That’s just a freckle” I just said… “My point exactly. Adam doesn’t have a freckle there.. So that’s how daycare can tell them apart”
She’s still pissed and ranting. Once I explain to others and they fail to find it they understand but they still think I went too far in tattooing my child and altering their body. I believe I took the necessary precautions recommended by the doctor and the tattoo will fade with sun exposure and as he grows. By the time he’s 5 it probably won’t even be visible or it’ll just look like a faded freckle. So.. Am I A Jerk?
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