Evie Summers
Having newborn twins can be a handful, and getting them to sleep can be challenging. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, various strategies can help new parents navigate the sleep needs of their twins. From creating a soothing environment with white noise and swaddling to optimizing feeding schedules and establishing a predictable yet flexible routine, parents can enhance their twins' sleep habits and, consequently, their own rest. This introduction sets the stage for exploring the diverse approaches that parents of newborn twins can employ to promote healthy sleep for their little ones and themselves.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of newborns | Two or more |
| Sleeping arrangements | Separate cots, Moses baskets, co-bedding, twin bassinets, cribs, sleep sacks, swaddles |
| Feeding | Frequent daytime feedings, feeding simultaneously, feeding one after the other |
| Sleep training | Not recommended until babies are at least 4-5 months old |
| Sleep environment | Optimise temperature, low lighting, white noise or "heart beat" sounds, safe sleeping position |
| Parental sleep | Daytime naps, "sleep when the baby sleeps" |
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What You'll Learn
- Co-bedding: Twins can sleep in the same cot, helping to regulate body temperature and sleep cycles
- Separate cots: If one twin is disturbing the other, separate cots or a Moses basket may be needed
- Safe sleep: The AAP recommends separate cribs to prevent SIDS, with no blankets for safety
- Swaddling: Mimics the womb and encourages longer sleep; weighted blankets can also help
- White noise: Mimics the loudness in utero, helping newborns sleep
Co-bedding: Twins can sleep in the same cot, helping to regulate body temperature and sleep cycles
Co-bedding is when twins share a single cot. This is safe for newborns while they are small enough. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that each baby has their own separate space for safe sleep, but co-bedding can be a good option for twins who have been sleeping together and are small enough.
Co-bedding can help twins regulate their body temperatures and sleep cycles, and can soothe them. When co-bedding, twins 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.
Co-bedding is thought to simulate the intrauterine experience of twins, allowing them to continue the co-regulatory behaviours they exhibited in the womb. These behaviours include touching, holding, rooting, hugging, and sucking on each other.
It is important to note that co-bedding may not be suitable for all twins, and some may prefer separate cots or a Moses basket. If one twin is waking the other, it may be necessary to transition to separate sleeping arrangements.
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Separate cots: If one twin is disturbing the other, separate cots or a Moses basket may be needed
Newborn twins can be a handful, and getting them to sleep is one of the biggest challenges for parents. It is important to remember that twins had even less space than a single baby, so swaddling is a great way to get them to sleep for longer stretches. A weighted blanket with a swaddle can help soothe twins by reminding them of being in their mother's tummy, and the weight of it also mimics a parent's touch.
When it comes to where they sleep, there are a few options. One option is to put your twins to sleep in a single cot while they're small enough. This is called co-bedding and can help them regulate their body temperatures and sleep cycles, and can soothe them. It is recommended that babies sleep in the same room as their parents for the first 6 months, as this reduces the risk of cot death.
However, if one twin is disturbing the other, it may be time to consider separate cots or a Moses basket. You can place the cots next to each other so the babies can still see and touch each other. It is important to be flexible, as one twin may prefer a cot while the other is more comfortable in a Moses basket.
Another option is to set up a twin bassinet in your room, which will give you a safe place to keep the twins close by for night feedings. You can also try having them sleep in the bassinet for naps during the day.
It is recommended that you keep your twins on a similar schedule to help you get more sleep and rest. This includes feeding them at the same time, or one after the other if that is not practical. It is also important to remember that newborns can only stay awake for short periods, so keeping them awake for too long will result in overtired babies and lots of wake-ups at night.
Some other tips to help your twins sleep include playing white noise or "heart beat" sounds, keeping lighting levels low, and using extra-large diapers at night that don't need to be changed until morning.
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Safe sleep: The AAP recommends separate cribs to prevent SIDS, with no blankets for safety
Establishing a good sleeping routine for newborn twins can be challenging. Twins are more likely to be born prematurely and may have spent time in neonatal care, so they may be used to being touched and nursed frequently. They may find it hard to settle when they come home, and it can be difficult to establish a routine with two babies to care for.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that each baby has their own separate space for safe sleep. This can be a bassinet designed for each twin or separate cribs. It is important to note that the AAP recommends that infants always sleep on their backs with no other people in the same sleep space to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and suffocation. This recommendation has helped reduce the rate of sleep-related infant deaths significantly.
To create a safe sleep environment for your newborn twins, follow these guidelines:
- Place your twins in separate cribs or bassinets.
- Ensure that the sleep surface is firm and flat, such as a mattress in a safety-approved crib or bassinet.
- Keep soft bedding, including blankets, pillows, bumper pads, and soft toys, out of the sleep area.
- Dress your twins appropriately for the sleep environment to avoid overheating. Do not cover their faces or heads.
- Offer a pacifier at nap time and bedtime, but do not force it if they refuse. Do not attach the pacifier to their clothing, soft toys, or bedding.
- Breastfeed exclusively for the first six months, as it is associated with a lower risk of SIDS.
- Avoid smoking, alcohol consumption, and illicit drug use during and after pregnancy, as these are risk factors for SIDS.
- Keep your twins' sleep area in the same room as you, ideally until they are at least six months old.
- Be flexible and observe your twins' preferences. One twin may prefer a crib, while the other may be more comfortable in a Moses basket.
- Establish a predictable yet flexible routine for your twins, including similar sleep schedules.
By following these recommendations, you can help create a safe sleep environment for your newborn twins, reducing the risk of SIDS and promoting healthy sleep habits.
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Swaddling: Mimics the womb and encourages longer sleep; weighted blankets can also help
Swaddling is a highly effective technique to help calm newborn twins and promote longer sleep. It mimics the secure and comfortable feeling of being in the womb and can help your babies relax and sleep.
To swaddle your newborn twins, you will need a thin baby blanket. First, spread out the blanket with one corner folded over slightly. Then, lay your baby face-up with their head above the folded corner. You can either place their arms at their sides or leave them out of the swaddle. Next, wrap the left corner over your baby's body and tuck it behind their back, going under the arm on the right. Bring the bottom corner up over your feet and fold it down at their chest. Ensure the blanket is secure but not too tight, and never covering your infant's face. Their hips and knees should be slightly bent and turned out.
It is important to know when to stop swaddling. Once your baby starts showing signs of rolling over, usually around two months, you should stop swaddling them. Additionally, if your baby shows signs of being too warm, such as sweating or flushed cheeks, you should remove the swaddle.
Weighted blankets are not recommended for swaddling as they can restrict your infant's breathing. However, weighted blankets designed specifically for infants can be safely used as an additional layer on top of a swaddle or sleep sack. These blankets provide gentle pressure that can help soothe and comfort your baby, promoting longer sleep.
Establishing a predictable yet flexible routine is essential for managing sleep with newborn twins. It is beneficial to keep them on similar schedules, including coordinating night feeds and naps. This will make your days and nights smoother and help you care for both babies effectively.
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White noise: Mimics the loudness in utero, helping newborns sleep
As a new parent, sleep can seem like a dream. Even after you're past the stage of waking up every few hours to feed your newborn twins, your babies might still have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. One way to help your babies fall asleep is to use white noise, which mimics the loudness in utero.
White noise refers to sounds that mask other sounds that might occur naturally in an environment. For example, if you live in a city, white noise could help block out traffic noise. White noise can also muffle disruptions, helping your babies fall asleep and stay asleep for longer. It can be especially helpful for newborns who are used to being surrounded by noise, as a completely quiet environment could make it harder for them to fall asleep.
White noise machines are often included in the "must-have" section of baby registries, and some parents continue to use them all night long throughout a child's toddler years. Music streaming apps offer white noise playlists curated for babies, and gadgets abound, including white noise players specifically designed for stroller naps. The feature is also built into many baby monitors.
However, it's important to be aware of the potential risks associated with white noise. In 2014, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) tested 14 white noise machines designed for infants and found that all of them exceeded recommended noise limits for hospital nurseries, which are set at 50 decibels. The AAP recommends that any white noise machines should be placed at least 7 feet away (200 cm) from your baby's crib and that the volume should be kept below the maximum setting. Medical researchers are calling for regulation of white noise devices as they believe that long-term exposure to white noise at high volumes could harm development, with impacts ranging from hearing loss to learning setbacks.
To ensure the safe use of white noise, experts advise that parents and caregivers should measure and limit white noise volume. You can do this by downloading a sound level meter smartphone app. The recommended volume limit for white noise used for children and babies is 60 decibels, which is the same volume as a normal conversation.
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