Even children without pediatric sleep disorders may prove troublesome at bedtime. Nevertheless, taking the time to ensure your children receive adequate sleep will help in their cognitive and physical development. With twins, you face double the task. Below, we explore how to sleep train twins in the same room.
What Is Sleep Training?
What skill could be easier to grasp than sleeping? Well, for children, it can prove more complicated. During a child’s early years, they likely sleep in the same room as a parent. This closeness provides the child with a sense of security that typically allows them to receive the sleep they need. However, as children age, they will need to sleep independently of their parents. This switch helps the child develop a sense of responsibility and individuality. It also gives the parents some much-needed peace and privacy.
Sleep training involves taking steps to promote this transition. The goal of sleep training is for your child to sleep at routine times on their own. With successful sleep training, your baby can get their needed 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night, and you can have your sleep back, too.
What Sleep Training Is NOT
Sleep training does not mean forcing your child to sleep alone. It will involve some trial and error. But with the right approach, both you and your child will benefit from it.
When to Start Sleep Training
By about 4 to 6 months of age, infants tend to have enough development to start sleep training. Around this time, they begin to develop their circadian rhythms. Experts recommend starting sleep training around six months once these features reach better development.
Unique Challenges for Sleep Training Twins
With twins, the situation has an extra variable. If one twin responds poorly to sleep training, it can influence how the other twin sleeps. Likewise, if one twin wakes up during the night, they may wake up their sibling.
While parents of twins may face some additional challenges, you can still sleep train with success.
How to Sleep Train Twins in the Same Room
Make Use of White Noise
When sleep training twins, you want every possible advantage. Many adults find that white noise helps them sleep better. The same goes for babies.
White noise can reduce an infant’s stress and promote better sleep. White noise has the additional advantage of covering other noises. For example, in a silent room, one twin’s noises might wake up the other’s. Playing white noise can reduce this chance.
Keep Them On the Same Schedule
If one twin has more issues falling asleep, it can be tempting to adjust their schedule separately. However, this will prove detrimental to your sleep and the other twin’s sleep in a short time. Getting your twins to sync up their sleep will ultimately work in your favor. If one twin falls asleep more readily, work with the fussier one. Set the schedule according to what works for that twin so both sleep at the same time. If needed, slowly shift to a new bedtime.
Once you find a schedule that works, stick to it. Nothing interferes more with sleep training than inconsistency. Even variations by as few as 15 minutes can create longstanding problems.
Double Check Each Twin Is in the Right Bed
At the end of a long day, it may feel easier to put a twin in any bed. However, your baby can feel uncomfortable if they are in the wrong crib or bed. Take an extra few seconds each night to confirm the twins are each in their respective beds. They need their own space to feel secure and relaxed.
Stick to All the Same Rules for Single Babies
In addition to the extra tips outlined for sleep training twins, you should follow the tips for sleep training one child for each of your twins. These include:
- Find a comfort swaddle (snug enough to feel secure but not too tight)
- Remain consistent, even when it might not seem like things work
- Keep nap routines consistent during the day
- Earlier bedtimes are better than later bedtimes
- Darkness is your baby’s friend (save nightlights for childhood years)
- Feed them at least half an hour before bedtime (they need some time to start digesting)
- Do not rush in to soothe (sometimes a baby will soothe itself)
Work with an Expert for Better Help
Working with a sleep doctor can help many parents overcome the most common hurdles in sleep training. Receive expert advice and support so you and your children can both sleep soundly.
