Putting twins to bed together will be difficult for the mother. So, try the following ways to let the two of you sleep together!
Try two beds for two babies
There’s no evidence that sharing a crib benefits twins, though many do it – and some parents say their babies seem to sleep better. But the American Academy of Pediatrics advises against crib-sharing, saying there is added risk of overheating, accidental suffocation, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Twins born prematurely, or with low birth weights, have a higher risk of SIDS, and having separate cribs can lower their risk. Your twins may find it comforting (and can sleep safely) if you place the cribs close enough for them to see one another.
Set the same bedtime for both
Put your babies to bed at the same time, and they’re more likely to develop a synchronized sleep pattern. If you don’t, one or both of them will be awake at any given time – and you will become very tired, very quickly.
Another way to sync up your babies: As soon as one cries to be fed, wake up the other one and feed him, too.
Establish a bedtime routine for two
Stick to the same activities and your babies will soon learn these signal it’s time to settle down.
Develop a soothing bedtime routine – maybe a warm bath, bedtime story, and a few minutes of cuddling or singing.
Put your babies to bed when they’re still awake
Help your babies fall asleep on their own by letting them drift off in bed, rather than in your arms. This can mean putting each to bed after a joint bedtime activity – maybe a quick cuddle after reading a book together or singing a song.
Settle your calm baby first
If one baby is typically fussy and the other usually calm, you may be tempted to spend more time with the loudest one. Alexander Golbin, M.D., director of the Sleep and Behavior Medicine Institute, strongly advises against this. The problem, he explains, is that your quiet baby will miss out on the same level of attention.
So if one starts fussing, check on the other one first to make sure she’s happy and settled. This makes sure that no one is overlooked, and both children feel secure and loved.
Don’t worry too much about one baby waking up the other: Many twins and multiples don’t seem bothered by their sibling’s crying, even when they’re in the same room.
Swaddle your babies
The age-old custom of swaddling, or tightly wrapping each baby in a thin blanket, may help them feel safe, secure, and ready for sleep.
Be sure to stop swaddling at about 2 months, before your babies can roll over.
Discourage nighttime waking
Cuddle and talk to your babies all you want during the day. But at night, keep interactions to a minimum so they’re more likely to fall back to sleep. When they wake, don’t make eye contact, keep their room dimly lit, and put them right back to bed after feeding them.
If your babies are at least 12 months old, you can encourage self-soothing by giving each a special soft toy or blanket to sleep with.
These so-called transitional objects are comforting and can help soothe them back to sleep.
