Trying to adjust one baby to a sleep schedule can be incredibly difficult, so having two little ones to get to sleep is double the work. Although similar steps are used to help create a sleep schedule for twins, there is also a range of challenges that can arise with twins that could prevent you and your little ones from getting the valuable sleep you need! Luckily, there are a variety of things that you can try so that you and your family can get the best possible sleep during the night. Here at Babogue, we are giving you our top tips on getting your newborn twins to adjust to a sleep schedule.
Should My Newborn Twins Sleep Together?
How Can I Help Get my Twin's to Sleep?
There are two main methods to help ensure your twins have a good sleep during the night. The first is by syncing your twin's sleep and feeding schedules so that they both fall asleep at the same time. This method will make time for you to rest as your twin's sleep, which can be easier to handle. Another popular method is to have a staggered sleep schedule so that you can spend more time with each twin alone and minimise the risk of your twins waking each other up if they are in the same cot or room. This staggering of schedules can take the form of 15 to 1 hour differences in schedules. Either method has limitations so you need to stay flexible and try to be patient; it may take you a while to figure out a schedule that works for you and your babies.
How Can I Get My Newborn Twin's Used to a Sleep Schedule?
Whether you are syncing your twins' sleep schedule or keeping them staggered, there are a number of steps that you can take to help them both get used to a sleep schedule. For those that want to sync their twin's sleep schedule, it is a good idea to feed your little ones at the same time; this means that if one of your babies wakes up and wants food, you should wake the other up to eat too. Feeding time should help to sync your babies with sleep time; if they feed at the same time they will most likely get sleepy at the same time. You should also keep an eye out for when your babies rub their eyes or yawn as this will indicate that they are tired and is a great time to put them down together for a sleep
Appropriate steps to help single babies fall asleep on a schedule can also be extremely effective for your twins.
These steps include creating a routine for your babies in the evening so that they know it is bedtime. Dimming the lights, talking only with a soothing voice, singing a lullaby and bathing your twins at the same time each night can all help them to get used to the difference between night and day. As your babies transition from your womb, it can take a while for them to adjust to sleeping at night; this is because their circadian rhythms haven’t developed. Creating a difference in the atmosphere at night should really help your babies to settle and get to sleep.
Another great way to help soothe both your babies to sleep at the same time is to play white noise in the background. This will not only relax them but can help stop one baby from waking the other up during their nap, as the white noise should keep them settled. Make sure the play the white noise continously through sleep rather than turn it off after a period of time.
If you plan to follow a different sleep schedule for each of your little ones, it is a good idea to have their cots in different rooms once they are a little older (if you have a big enough space). This will minimise the chance of one baby waking the other. If they are remaing on the same sleep schedule it is encouraged that they room share.
What is the Typical Schedule for a Newborn?
A typical schedule for a newborn baby pretty much involves a continuous cycle of sleeping and feeding. A newborn baby will have around 15 to 18 hours of sleep over 24 hours, and spend the rest of the time feeding or having short periods of wake time. The best time to put your newborn to sleep at night is anytime from 9 to 11 PM. This will allow you to get a few hours of valuable sleep before having to wake to feed.
Here at Babogue we can help with getting your newborn twins adjusted to a great sleep schedule. Sleep is a necessity which is why it is so important for you and your babies to be well-rested. Erica is a mum of three, a Certified Child Sleep Consultant and member of the International Association of Child Sleep Consultants. Get in touch with us today and follow us on social media for regular updates and sleep tips!
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