Sleep training twins can be challenging, but there are definitely some strategies that can help! Try not to despair; this is only a season of life. I promise you WILL sleep again! Continue reading for our top 6 tips for sleep training twins!
Create a Consistent Bedtime Routine
Establish a soothing bedtime routine that includes activities like bath time, story time, and lullabies. This will help when sleep training twins to associate these activities with sleep and relax their bodies and minds.
Encourage Napping During the Day
Ensure that your twins are getting enough daytime naps to prevent them from becoming overtired and cranky at night. I remember in the very beginning; my newborn twins would nap every two hours. Then their wake time increased to every three hours. I would put them down at the same time together every single day. Even if one seemed more awake than the other, I stuck to this strict schedule to keep them on the same schedule! You must do this for your own sanity.
I know this is easier said than done.
If you have a bright nursery or if you'd like them to nap in the living room where you can keep an eye on them, I have a suggestion. Set up two portable cribs such as the pack and plays in either the nursery or living room when sleep training twins. Invest in two SlumberPod portable black out tents for infants and toddlers. They are a game changer!! The SlumberPod is safety tested and breathable to promote infant and toddler sleep. It creates a total blackout environment either at home or on the go. There are pockets inside the pod for a baby monitor, a mini fan and sound machine! I love the fact that you can literally create a dark sleep environment wherever you are. And if you have toddlers, the SlumberPod fits snuggly over the SlumberTot inflatable, portable toddler bed!
SAVE AN EXTRA 10% ON ALL SLUMBERPOD PRODUCTS WITH OUR EXCLUSIVE CODE: TWINSANITY_LIFE HERE!
Implement a Sleep Schedule
When sleep training twins, try to stick to a consistent sleep schedule, with the same bedtime and wake-up time each day. This can help regulate their body clocks and improve their sleep quality. Even if they don't seem ready at the same time, stick to it every day and it won't take long before they're on the exact same schedule. Start with every two hours, and then every three hours as they grow. Put the twins to bed at the same time every night. Start the process at 6:30pm and get them down for the night at 7pm. If you have a partner, a good idea is to take shifts. I used to go to bed at 7pm with the twins, and then my husband would do the 10pm feed and diaper change. Then I would do the 1am shift and he would do that 4am shift, and then I'd get up at 7am with the babies.
Avoid Over-Stimulating Activities Before Bedtime
Avoid activities that might stimulate your twins before bedtime, such as playing on electronic devices, watching TV, bright lights, loud noises or engaging in energetic play. If possible, create the same routine every night. This could include a warm bath, a bedtime story, dim lights, a relaxing infant massage, a white noise machine with the same sound every night and a swaddle or sleep sack.
Bundle and Save on the epic SLEEPOUT Portable Blackout Curtains!
Set Up in 30 Seconds! No Drilling Required. Shop SLEEPOUT here!
Ensure Their Environment is Conducive to Sleep
Save 10% on SlumberCalm 2 in one sound machine and nightlight plus all of SlumberPod's infant/toddler sleep products with code TWINSANITY_LIFE on SlumberPod's website!
Create a peaceful sleep environment by keeping the room cool, dark, and quiet. Consider using white or brown noise to drown out any distracting sounds. My absolute favorite infant sound machine is the SlumberCalm white noise machine and night light by SlumberPod. I may or may not have stolen it from my kids and given them the travel one! Shhh...
The SlumberCalm is magical. The noise is so RICH, clear and RELAXING. My mind is always going 100mph and as soon as I turn on the SlumberCalm, the soft glow (I choose from 6 soothing colors) and incredible sound puts me right to sleep. I can also say that firsthand, it's an incredible sound machine for infants and toddlers. The SlumberCalm is a step above the rest when it comes to quality white noise machines! Choose from a "shhh" sound, 14 white noise sounds and 12 nature sounds to customize your babies' perfect sleep environment. Drown out background noise and soothe your twins' nervous systems to promote healthy sleep.
Lastly, Sleep Training Twins is Essential for YOUR Wellbeing
Sleep training is a method that can help twins learn to soothe themselves back to sleep when they wake up at night. Not everyone agrees that this is the best method, and it can be quite stressful and emotional for the parents. However, when it comes to having infant twins, the necessity for even a few minutes more of sleep per night for mom is absolutely essential. Caring for newborn twins is an entirely different ball game than one baby at a time. If you need to sleep train your twins, you are still a GOOD MOM! I know you might feel guilty. But remember, without adequate rest, your mental health can suffer. There are several methods available, such as the Ferber method, the cry-it-out method, and the gradual extinction method. Consult with your pediatrician or a certified sleep consultant such as Tween Dreamzz who specialize in twin sleep for guidance on which method might work best for your family.
Remember that it may take some time for your twins to adjust to a new sleep routine, so be patient and consistent. It may not seem like it, but I PROMISE you will sleep again!!
Check out our blog post Sleep Tips for Twins: Sleep Consultant’s Guide | Twinsanity Life for expert sleep tips for twins!
Comments