A doctor may do it for medical reasons. Headline sounded bad but this seems justifiable

it must be hard while they are so little!

I true case of …dont judge until you have all the facts…
I have often wondered how parents of twins or more can tell them apart and how do you know 100% that the child that started life as John at some point didnt get mixed up and then you started calling him David and David became john???
I do think that a small tattoo makes perfect sense. Its not like the dad has an idea for a huge dragon tattoo or anything silly and as one person said ..its very possible they can get it done by a Doctor.

I woulnt normally support this kind of extreme idea. but in this setting i would fully support that idea. but i would suggest that it is the simplest of dots etc. but somewhere that even people like teachers can spot down the track. like on the iside of the wrist etc.. Its a easy way to tell them apart for years and as you stated could save there life one day..

No I have never been in this situation. I think the nail polish idea is a great one

I’d never thought of a situation like this. I think a tattoo is a feasible and safe solution. I remember being at school with identical twins and the only way I could tell them apart was a mole on their neck and the colour of the rubber bands they had on their dental braces. When they wanted to cause trouble, they’d change the rubber bands, or swap places in the classroom. Their mum eventually started cutting their hair differently.

I have never heard of tattooing kids but it sounds like a feasible solution for this family. It would be absolutely horrible for any mix ups to happen again with a different outcome!

A tattoo for the child who doesn’t have sensitive skin may be an option.
At some point they could find that one or both are allergic to some metals so ear piercing may not be a suitable solution. The holes will close and scarring will probably disappear if the holes aren’t kept open for quite some time. If a tattoo is put in the right place it shouldn’t disappear. Just 2 small natural looking spots (not where you are likely to get freckles) could be a very good option. Even if they wore closed in shoes all the time I would be reluctant to use nail polish because of the chemicals in it. When they are old enough to understand, I suggest the one with the medical problem wears a medical bracelet on pendant. That can be lifesaving in an medical emergency. In the unfortunate event of an accident there needs to be a quick way of identifying each child-especially in your situation. You need to carry details with you at all times. With the medication your little boy is on there could be dangerous interactions with other medications. Personally, I would also ask your GP /treating specialist for the little one for a letter that can be checked by other medical professionals. It is easy to become confused when giving full medical history in an emergency. Whatever identification you choose your child, ask for it to be stated in the letter. Both parents and anybody else who cares for your child shoud have a copy of the letter in case it is needed. This includes the school +an extra copy for the child’s teacher when your child is ready to start school….or any activities. It should list child’s full name and date of birth, the condtion – treatment for it – any known allergies – next of kin details including phone number. I would check with your doctor whether there a way of registering these details with an organisation that can be contacted in an emergency. You could contact the Medic Alert Foundation and see if they have anything suitable for your baby. They don’t charge for advice but you do have to pay for products that you use.

I think a small tattoo mark might be the quickest and easiest solution.

A very unique and tricky situation. I hope they come up with a good, sustainable solution.

I think that it would be acceptable in this situation as long as it’s done in the proper setting

Tricky if they have sensitive skin too! Nail polish on a toe was a good suggestion. Even different haircuts may help once their hair grown a bit. Pretty scary circumstances!

Wow… my initial reaction to this story’s title is probably the same as a lot of peoples but after reading it I am in support of this family doing what they need to in order to ensure the health and safety of their boys.

In a situation like theirs a small discrete tattoo maybe the answer and I’m sure if they get medical support this can be done.

I agree with all the comments……get one of them tattooed with something simple in an obvious but subtle place. I like the idea of a “fake mole” on the hand. I am not a fan of tattoos but when it’s a life and death situation for both boys I think it’s important. Good luck!

Its life and death, you need to do what ever you can to make sure one does not die. What a hard place to be in as parents!!

I really think in this situation I would go for a small, discreet tattoo. Keeping your kids alive over-rides everything.

Wow not what I was expecting! Hope they find a solution.

Wow, what an Interesting article. I really feel for the parents. I suggest maybe a more natural semipermanent tattobluke a small dot with henna.

Certainly worth the tattoo – it is life and death.