Practical Tips for Sleep Training Twins

Getting twins to sleep through the night can be really tough. There are two babies that both need to learn how to wind down, relax and get to sleep on their own.

For parents of twins, creating a consistent sleep routine is essential and sleep training each twin separately is probably the best approach to take. Effective sleep training makes sure that each twin gets the sleep they need and helps parents avoid the daunting task of settling two babies simultaneously.

Let’s take a look at some practical tips for sleep training twins, so that you can give your babies the best chance at getting a good night’s sleep.

Choose the Right Sleep Training Method

When deciding on the best method for sleep training twins, it’s important to consider the age and personalities of your babies. For very young twins, you may want to look into supervised “crying” methods, for example the Ferber method which is positive and yet structured. Alternatively, you may decide that the “no-tears” method of sleep training works best, where there is no crying from either baby, making it a gentler method for training your twins.

Ultimately, you’ll need to choose the sleep training method that works best for your family, taking into account the age and sleeping and eating habits of your twins.

Create a Calming Bedtime Routine

Having a calming bedtime routine that is repeated night after night makes the process of sleep training twins much easier. The routine can include activities that help to relax your babies and prepare them for a good night’s sleep such as a warm bath, singing, reading or quiet play.

By creating a consistent bedtime routine you can help your twins learn the importance of winding down in the evening and, after being trained, they should be able to go to sleep much more quickly when they recognize the routine duties.

Try to keep the routine short and sweet, so that your twins don’t develop a habit of not wanting to go to sleep, because the routine is taking too long to complete.

Give Them Space

When separating twins to get them into bed, it’s important to provide them with a comfortable space that is all their own. Let each twin have their own bed, blanket and stuffed animal – all things that make them feel familiar and secure.

While you may prefer that your twins sleep in the same room, there are some situations where it may not be possible or advisable. For twin babies, it might be better to have them sleep in different bedrooms, or in different beds in the same room.

What to Remember:

Choose the right sleep training method.
Create a calming bedtime routine.
Give them each their own space.
Be consistent.
Show patience.
Have reasonable expectations.

Sleep training twins can take some patience and effort, but it is very possible for them to sleep through the night – putting the effort in now can help to save you time and frustration later on.