Sleep Training Twins
With the challenge of double trouble, it's natural to feel like sleep training your twins may be overwhelming. But fear not! There are actually a few straightforward tips and tricks you can use to make this process easier than expected - think schedules and routines for starters. So grab those coffee mugs mom & dad; let’s take on twin-scheduling with ease together!
SAME SCHEDULE
To get your twins to sleep through the night, make sure they are on the same sleep schedule. You can encourage them to fall asleep on their own by establishing a consistent bedtime routine before bed. Soon your twins will be sleeping through the night in entirety!
Routine
Creating a consistent routine before bed will help your twins fall asleep on their own. Their nighttime feeds will soon be over, and they'll be sleeping through the entire night! If you want to wean them off their nightly feeds, begin by eliminating nighttime fussing. If your twins are sleeping through the night, they'll be content and quiet!
Separate Cribs
It is crucial to separate their cribs to keep the other from being woken up. If both twins are sensitive sleepers, place their cribs as far away from each other as possible to prevent being woken up. If 1 twin is a more sensitive sleeper, place their crib near the nursery door so you may quickly fetch him or her without waking the other twin up. If both twins are sensitive sleepers, place the crib in different locations to avoid waking up one as you assist the other.
The Same Bedtime
Even if one twin is more tired than the other, both should go to bed at the same time. You'll get some much-needed rest, and synchronization between their cycles will also be achieved. Even if one twin stays awake in his crib for a moment, this practice can help them learn to fall asleep on their own.
Sensitive Ones
A sensitive sleeper may have trouble sleeping and may be easily disturbed by sounds during sleep. A sensitive sleeper's sleeping hours should be longer or more consistent if needed. If 1 twin is fussy, put down and settle the other twin into bed first. This will ensure that the other twin gets enough attention.
Wake Them Up at the Same Time
Sticking to a set schedule for your twins will keep them on the same nap and sleep schedule. If one baby gets up early, you must rouse the other one before taking the first one out of the crib. You should also awaken the other child if one child wants to eat. When your baby becomes 4 months old, he may start to soothe himself when he is upset and fall asleep on his own. Nighttime feedings also usually begin to diminish at this time. If one baby is cranky at night, do not awaken the other one, as this might be necessary. When your babies have eaten enough throughout the day, you may stop providing night feeds.
CREATING A ROUTINE
4-6 months is the right age to start sleep training twins. Follow the same steps each night to establish your routine. Make sure you do not skip steps or rearrange them. Start the bedtime routine at the exact same time each night.
Establishing a Routine Early
Feed the twins, change your twins' diapers, bathe them, and lay them down in the same order every night. For example - If your twins go to bed at 7, begin the routine at 6:30. They will naturally fall asleep around this time. After 6:30, your twins' routine includes feeding to be the first step, changing diapers, bathing them, playing soothing music or singing, and kissing them goodnight. They will be more inclined to fall asleep if they are put to bed between 7 and 8 pm. At the same time, they will fall asleep in your arms.
Drowsy but Awake
When putting your twins to sleep, be sure they are drowsy but still awake. They will fall asleep in their crib, so they won't need to struggle as much.
Give Each One a Transitional Object
Provide your twins with a transitional object to sleep with. This comfort object will help your babies fall back asleep on their own if they wake up during the night. Give each twin his or her own.
This can be a pacifier, blanket, stuffed animal, or bottle. You should make sure that the transitional object is safe and age-appropriate for your twins.
Avoid putting toys, blankets, or objects in the crib with a baby who cannot roll over independently.
Wait to Soothe, Magic Number 10
Soothe your babies if they are crying at night.
If you hear one baby crying, wait 10 minutes to see if he stops, sneak in and soothe them quietly so that their sibling doesn't wake up and leave.
If he continues crying, wait another 10 minutes. Leave the nursery as fast as possible after tending to your babies. Even if they are still fussing, wait 10 minutes before returning.
During the first two weeks of training, twins may wake up at night and cry as it’s a new change for them and expect some protest.
Rub their backs, give them their transitional object, and make sure they are comfortable.
Avoid picking them up out of the crib.
It is OK to pick them up if they are crying for longer than 10 minutes or the crying level is 4 to 5.
The Children’s Bedroom
The following suggestions can be implemented in your children's bedrooms to help them sleep better:
Darkening shades
White noise (for outside and indoor noise)
Stimulating toys removed from the crib area
Decorating palette is neutral
Room colors are simple and neutral.
The sooner you formulate a plan of action and treat your children as individuals with daytime training, the sleep training should only be a few days off.
Support during sleep training is an integral part of success. I would love to be a part of your journey!
Book your free assessment today.
Follow on the Gram
For the Love of Sleep
Divya
