Evie Summers
Newborn twins may have different sleep patterns, with one twin soothing themselves to sleep quickly and the other struggling to fall asleep. To help your twins sleep soundly, you can try to establish a routine, such as feeding, bathing, and changing nappies simultaneously. It is also important to keep them on a similar schedule to maximise your own sleep. You can also try swaddling, white noise, and sleep sacks to help your twins sleep. If you choose to have your twins share a crib or bassinet, they should be placed on their backs with their feet at opposite ends.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of cots | Twins can sleep in the same cot, but only if they are placed on their backs, with their feet at opposite ends of the cot. |
| If using separate cots, they can be placed next to each other so the babies can see and touch each other. | |
| Twins should have their own cribs or bassinets if they are not able to sleep in the same cot. | |
| Feeding | Try to coordinate night feeds so that if one baby wakes up, you can feed the other at the same time. |
| It is not necessary to wake the second baby to feed them after feeding the first. | |
| Sleep schedule | Twins do not always sleep in the same way, so your approach to getting them to sleep may need to be different for each baby. |
| It is recommended to keep twins on the same or similar sleep schedules. | |
| Twins should be able to tolerate around 2 hours awake between their first and second naps. | |
| Sleep environment | The room should be optimised for sleep, with white noise and a temperature between 68-72°F. |
| Swaddling can help babies sleep. | |
| Sleep sacks are recommended over blankets, as they help babies regulate their temperature. | |
| A firm, flat, clean mattress is recommended. | |
| Room sharing | Twins can share a room with their parents for the first six to twelve months. |
| Room sharing with a parent is a strategy to reduce the risk of SIDS. |
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What You'll Learn
Safe sleeping arrangements
It is recommended that newborn twins sleep in their own safe space, such as a crib or bassinet, in the parent/caregiver's room for the first six to 12 months. Twins can share the same safe sleep space in temporary situations, such as when travelling or visiting family. In these cases, always put your twins to sleep on their backs with their feet at opposite ends of the crib, and do not use loose bedding.
If you put your twins in the same cot, follow the same safe sleeping advice as for a single baby. They should be placed on their backs with the tops of their heads facing one another and their feet at opposite ends of the cot, or side by side on their backs, with their feet at the foot of the cot. Use a single cot for co-bedding, but not a Moses basket, as it will be too small for two babies. Co-bedding means you can keep your babies with you in your room for longer.
If your twins have been sleeping together, but one is waking the other, you can try putting them in separate cots. Cots can be placed next to each other so the babies can still see and touch each other. When they are older, you may choose to put them in separate cots placed close together so they can continue to comfort each other. If they are disturbing one another, you may consider giving them separate rooms if you have enough space.
To help prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), it is recommended that twins have their own individual cribs if they are currently sharing. This is especially important as twins start to move more, as crib sharing goes against safe sleep recommendations. Babies need their own space to move freely and get comfortable while sleeping.
To optimise your twins' sleep environment:
- Set the temperature in the nursery to between 68-72 F.
- Use white noise to mimic the loudness in utero.
- Use a sleep sack instead of blankets, to help your babies regulate their temperature and stay cosy.
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Sleep schedules
Establishing a sleep schedule for newborn twins can be challenging, as no two babies are the same when it comes to sleep. However, there are some general guidelines and tips that can help you create a healthy sleep routine for your twins.
Firstly, it is recommended that newborn twins sleep in a crib or bassinet in the same room as their parent(s) or caregiver(s) for the first six to twelve months. This arrangement is known as room-sharing without co-bedding and is considered the safest option, reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). If possible, each baby should have their own crib or bassinet to ensure they have enough space to move freely and get comfortable while sleeping.
When creating a sleep schedule, aim to keep your twins on the same or similar timings. This means coordinating their feeding, bathing, and napping as much as possible. For example, if one baby wakes up from their nap, try to wake the other within 15 minutes so they stay in sync. This approach will help you optimize your own sleep as a parent or caregiver.
It is important to be flexible and adaptable, as one twin may prefer a crib while the other may be more comfortable in a bassinet or Moses basket. Additionally, one twin may be a chronic cat napper while the other takes longer, more restful naps. If one twin is consistently disturbing the other, you may need to transition them to separate cots or even separate rooms, if space allows.
To create a soothing sleep environment, consider using white noise, which mimics the loudness in utero and can help babies sleep through each other's noises. You can also use swaddling techniques to soothe your babies and help them feel secure. As babies grow and become more active, ensure their sleep space is safe by following guidelines such as placing them on their backs to sleep and avoiding loose bedding.
Remember, the first few months with newborn twins can be exhausting, and it may take time to establish a consistent sleep schedule. Be patient, flexible, and always prioritize the safety and well-being of your babies.
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Sleep training
Most experts recommend starting sleep training when your twins are between 4 and 6 months old, as this is when they are old enough to self-soothe and fall asleep independently. However, sleep training can begin anytime after 16 weeks. It is important to keep in mind that more than half of twins are born prematurely, and while they may sleep more overall than full-term infants (up to 22 hours a day), they do so for shorter periods of time.
To sleep train your twins, you can start by getting them on a feeding schedule, as babies who eat at the same time will likely become drowsy at the same time. Watch for sleep cues such as yawning and eye-rubbing, and put them down drowsy but awake, following safe sleep guidelines. You can also try double-duty feedings, where you feed both babies at the same time, and then put them down for a nap at the same time.
Another important aspect of sleep training is creating a soothing sleep environment. White noise is particularly important for babies, as it mimics the loudness in utero, and sleeping in a silent environment can feel strange for newborns. You can use a combination of white noise and a loud fan to help muffle noises inside and outside the nursery, creating a peaceful sleep environment for your twins.
Additionally, keeping a sleep log can be extremely helpful when sleep training twins. This will allow you to track patterns in their sleep and determine if they need more or less sleep, or if they need to be fed or changed. You can also use the sleep log to coordinate twin naps and keep them on the same sleep schedule.
Remember, the key to successful sleep training is patience and consistency. Each baby is unique, and you may need to try out different methods to find what works best for your twins and your family.
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Sleep environment
The sleep environment of newborn twins is of utmost importance, not only for their comfort but also for their safety. Here are some detailed tips to optimize their sleep environment:
Room Sharing and Co-bedding:
It is recommended that twins sleep in the same room as their parents for the first six to twelve months to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). This arrangement is called room sharing and is considered a safe strategy to monitor and care for twins during the night. Within the shared room, twins can either have separate cribs or co-bed in the same crib. Co-bedding allows twins to continue sharing a room with their parents for a more extended period. However, it is essential to follow safe sleeping practices when co-bedding. Twins should be placed on their backs, with their tops facing each other and their feet at opposite ends of the cot, or side by side with their feet at the foot of the cot. Ensure that you use a single cot for co-bedding and not a Moses basket, as it will be too small for two babies.
Optimizing the Nursery:
When twins have their own separate cribs, it is crucial to optimize their nursery for a peaceful sleep environment. Set the room temperature between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit, as this range is comfortable for babies. Additionally, white noise is an effective tool to help babies sleep through each other's noises. You can use double white noise by placing one source in the middle of the room and another against the wall adjacent to the rest of the house to muffle environmental noises.
Sleep Sacks and Swaddling:
Instead of using loose blankets, which can be unsafe, consider using sleep sacks for your twins. Sleep sacks are wearable blankets that help babies regulate their temperature while providing the coziness of a blanket. Swaddling is another technique that can soothe newborns and make them feel secure, mimicking the snug environment of the womb.
Scheduling and Consistency:
Establishing a consistent sleep schedule for your twins can be beneficial. Aim to keep their sleep and awake times within 15 minutes of each other. This means that if one baby wakes up from a nap, you should try to wake the other baby within 15 minutes to maintain their synchronization. Consistency in their daily routines, such as feeding and bathing, can also promote better sleep patterns.
Remember, the key to a safe and healthy sleep environment for newborn twins is following recommended practices, optimizing their comfort, and ensuring they have adequate space to move and sleep freely.
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Soothing techniques
Establishing a peaceful sleep routine for newborn twins is crucial for their development and your sanity. Here are some soothing techniques to help you achieve this:
Safe sleep environment
Firstly, ensure that the nursery is a tranquil space. Make the room cool, dark, and free from distractions to encourage sleep. Keep the room quiet by using white noise machines or a loud fan to block out any household sounds or sudden noises, such as doorbells or barking dogs. White noise can also mimic the sounds of the womb, creating a familiar and soothing environment for your newborns.
Consistent sleep schedule
Develop a consistent sleep schedule for your twins by regulating their internal clocks. This involves setting predictable times for feeding, naps, and bedtime. During the day, aim for a nap every 1.5 to 2 hours to prevent overtiredness. Newborns need 14-17 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, including naps. As they grow, they will take fewer naps but will sleep for longer periods.
Co-bedding
Consider co-bedding, which is when twins share a single cot while they are small. Co-bedding can help regulate their body temperatures and sleep cycles, and can be soothing for them. If you choose to do this, follow the same safe sleeping advice as for a single baby. Place them on their backs, with the tops of their heads facing one another and their feet at opposite ends of the cot, or side by side on their backs with their feet at the foot of the cot.
Sleep training techniques
There are various sleep training techniques available, such as the Ferber method, the chair method, and no-tears approaches. Choose a gentle, consistent method that suits your family's needs and parenting style. Be mindful of the appropriate awake times for their age to prevent overtiredness and watch for signs of fatigue.
Swaddling
Don't rule out swaddling, as it can be a useful soothing technique for newborns. If your babies don't seem to like it at first, try different swaddle options and combine it with other soothing techniques.
Seek advice
If you are struggling, don't hesitate to seek advice from pediatricians or sleep consultants. Expert guidance can provide personalized strategies for your twins' sleep issues, and small adjustments to your routine or sleep environment can make a big difference. Support from other parents of twins can also be invaluable, so consider joining support groups or online communities.
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Frequently asked questions
Co-bedding allows you to keep your babies with you in your room for longer, and it can help to optimise your own sleep duration. Twins who regularly sleep together are unlikely to disturb each other, and they can continue to comfort each other.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that twins sleep in separate cribs to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Twins are at high risk of SIDS, and sharing a crib goes against safe sleep recommendations as babies need their own space to move freely and get comfortable.
Try to keep your twins on the same or similar schedules, and ensure they are not awake for too long to avoid overtiredness. White noise can help babies sleep through each other's noises, and swaddling can be effective if your babies don't seem to like it at first.
