Most parents of twins will tell you that getting them to sleep through the night is no easy task.
In fact, it can often seem downright impossible. But with a little bit of know-how and some patience, it is definitely doable.
You can help get your twins to sleep by setting the same bedtime for both, establishing a consistent bedtime routine, swaddling both babies, and more.
How to Maintain Twins’ Sleep Schedule
Having one baby can be overwhelming for many parents so imagine if you have two babies. It can be tricky to get newborn twins on the same sleep schedule, but it’s definitely not impossible.
Here are a few sleep tips to help you out:
1) Establish a routine and stick to it as much as possible. This will help your newborn twins get into a groove and will make it easier for your two babies to adjust to new sleep patterns. It will also make it easier for your twin girls or boys to sleep through the night.
2) Try to put your twins down for naps at the same time. This will help ensure that they’re both getting enough rest and will make it easier for them to get more sleep or sleep longer stretches all night long while having plenty of wake time during the day.
3) Set the same bedtime for both twins. This will help them wind down for the night and will make it easier for you to get them both to sleep at the same time. Use your babies’ adjusted age or corrected age when determining their sleep schedule.
4) Be flexible with bedtimes. Since twins often have different sleep needs, it’s important to be flexible with bedtimes. Try to put your twins down for the night when they’re both tired and ready for sleep.
5) Create a calm and relaxing bedtime environment. This will help your twins wind down and prepare for sleep. Make sure the room is dark and quiet, and consider using a white noise machine to help block out any outside noise and to prevent the fussy baby from waking the other twin up. White noise always helps develop a healthy sleep routine regardless of how many babies you sleep train.
6) Don’t try to force your twins to sleep. If they’re not tired, they’re not going to be able to fall asleep no matter how much you try to make them. Just let them stay up and play until they’re ready for bed. If one baby is already ready to fall asleep, don’t force the other twin.
7) Swaddling both babies to help them sleep better. The gentle pressure of being swaddled can help soothe and calm your twins, making it easier for them to drift off to sleep.
8) Be patient. Spend a few moments swaddling or gently rocking your babies to sleep. It may take a few nights for your baby twins to get on the same sleep schedule. Just keep at it and eventually, less sleep will become a thing of the past and you’ll overcome these sleep challenges.
9) Consider sleep training when the time is right to make your babies learn how to sleep on their own. Training twins is no different than training a single baby. There are many sleep training methods you can use and implement what you think is best for your twin babies. This will help babies avoid bad habits while they develop good ones.
10) Make sure you always have time for your twin babies. Let the other members of the family do the household chores, at least for the first few weeks of your baby twins’ lives.
11) Even young babies can give out sleep cues, so pay attention to any signs that your twins are giving off which can be an indication that they are ready for bed.
12) Your twins should sleep on a flat sleep surface in their own cribs if possible. Co-bedding or sleeping with your baby twins in an adult bed raises the risk of SIDS.
Can Twin Babies Sleep in the Same Crib?
We’ve done a detailed guide on can twins sleep in the same crib. Some twins sleep better in the same cot, while others on their own crib. There are pros and cons to both approaches.
If twins sleep in the same cot, they can develop a strong bond and feel more connected to each other. They may also be more likely to soothe each other if one twin is crying or upset.
On the downside, baby twins who share a bed may not get as much sleep as they would if they had their own beds, and they may disturb each other during the night.
If baby twins have separate cribs, they can each get a good night’s sleep without being disturbed by the other baby. They may, however, feel less connected to each other.
However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents and caregivers provide separate sleep spaces and avoid co-bedding twins at home or in the hospital.
The best way for twins to sleep is ultimately up to the parents to decide. There is no right or wrong answer, and what works for other parents may not work for another. Experiment with different approaches and see what works best for your twins and your family. But always make that your baby twins can sleep safely.
And, whatever approach you choose, make sure you sleep in your babies’ room for the first six months and possibly up to a year. This is also recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The risk of sudden infant death syndrome or SIDS and suffocation can be reduced by placing the infant’s crib or bassinet near the parents’ sleeping bed. Twins and babies born prematurely are at higher risk of SIDS.
When Can You Start Sleep Training Twins?
Sleep training twins can be done similarly to how you would train a singleton baby, as long as they are healthy. So generally speaking, the same rules apply.
The best time to start sleep training is typically between 4 and 6 months old when most babies start to soothe themselves and fall asleep independently. You can begin getting them on a schedule around 3 months old.
Can You Sleep Train Twins in the Same Room?
Yes, but not necessary for sleep training. If you want your fraternal twin girls or boys to share the same room, it’s okay to sleep train them together. This is especially true if they are already used to sharing the same space.
However, if sleep space is not an issue, you can also sleep train your twins in two separate bedrooms.
Conclusion on How to Get Twins to Sleep
If you’re struggling to get your twins to sleep, hopefully, some of our sleep tips will help. Remember to be patient and consistent with your bedtime routines, and don’t give up! It may take a little bit for both babies to adjust, but eventually, they’ll start sleeping through the night.
As always, if you’re having trouble getting your twins to bed despite doing everything you can, talk to your twins’ pediatrician or doctor for professional medical advice.
FAQs on Twins Sleeping
How Can I Soothe Twins at the Same Time?
There are a few different ways that you can soothe twin babies at the same time.
One way is to give them both a pacifier. Another way is to hold them both close to you and sing or talk to them softly.
Whichever method you choose, make sure that you are being consistent with it so that both babies are getting the same amount of attention and care.
What Are the Benefits of a Consistent Bedtime Routine in Babies?
A bedtime routine is important for babies because it helps them develop a sense of order and security. It can also help babies sleep better and longer.
Some benefits of a good routine include:
- improved sleep quality and duration
- a sense of order and security
- easier time falling asleep
- fewer night wakings
- increase daytime alertness
- improved mood and behavior
A consistent routine can also help babies sleep better and learn to self-soothe so that they can fall back to sleep whenever they wake up in the middle of the night. It is also important for setting up healthy sleep habits that will last a lifetime.
This article was written by: Gian MIller – Full-Time Writer, Baby Whisperer & Dad of 3.
Gian spends a lot of his time writing. A self-proclaimed baby whisperer, Gian has been through it all with his own children and is passionate about sharing his hard-won wisdom with other parents. When he’s not writing or changing diapers, you can find him playing the guitar or watching baseball (or preferably both at the same time).
