How to manage twins' sleep: Tips and advice

Having twins is a unique experience, filled with joy and love, but also with challenges, especially when it comes to managing their sleep. As parents, you're bound to have questions running through your head: how do you get them to sleep at the same time? Should you separate them in their beds? How do you manage waking up at night as a duo? Don't panic! This article is here to offer you some practical advice on how to better manage your little treasures' sleep.

1. Establishing a Solid, Consistent Routine

Babies, whether single or double, need cues to help them fall asleep. So routine is essential. Try to establish a sequence of pre-sleep activities that is repeated every evening: motor skills, bath, cuddle, etc. This will help the twins understand that it's time to relax and get ready for the night.

What's more, if you manage to synchronise their bedtimes, you can potentially take advantage of a simultaneous sleep window, which will allow you to get some sleep too.

2. Sleeping with Twins

It can be tempting to put each baby to bed at slightly different times, especially if one seems more tired than the other. But this risks disturbing your own sleep and introducing imbalances in night-time management. As far as possible, try to get your twins to bed at roughly the same time, even if this means a bit more work at first.

A word of advice: if one of the babies has trouble falling asleep, be patient, but avoid over-stimulating him or her. Sometimes a gentle rocking or soothing noise can help to calm them down.

 Tip:

Use the Ma Petite laine cocoon: It gives baby a place to rest (soft swaddling), and allows him to be more independent as he falls asleep thanks to access to his hands.

 conseil et astuce coucher et sommeil jumeaux

 

3. Babies Are Not Robots: Accepting Variations

Each baby has his own rhythm. Although they are twins, this does not mean that they will have exactly the same sleep needs or that they will fall asleep at the same time each day. One may be a light sleeper, while the other will need more sleep. It's important to remain flexible and not compare yourself to other parents of twins who may have different experiences.

Waking up at night can also be different for each baby. One may need more cuddles to get back to sleep, while the other can fall asleep on his own without any problems. Don't be afraid to adapt your approach according to what each baby is showing you.

4. The Importance of Sleep in Duo

Twins often feel reassured by each other's presence. They have been used to being close since pregnancy, and this can be reflected in their sleeping needs. If possible, put their beds or cots in the same room (but not necessarily in the same bed, of course). This can help calm them if they wake up at night, as they can hear each other's noises and feel safe.

If you have the space, you could also consider co-sleeping by using a double-sided cradle. This will allow them to share the same proximity while still having their own sleeping space.

5. Sleep Tracking: Keeping Track

With twins, it can be easy to get lost in the endless nights. Keeping a sleep diary can help you spot patterns, good and bad nights, and times when they seem particularly restless. It can also be useful during visits to the paediatrician, if any advice or adjustments are needed.

There are also dedicated apps that can track sleep patterns and alert you to trends to watch out for.

6. Manage Night Awakenings Gently

Waking up at night is inevitable. As the parents of twins, you'll have to juggle the two and sometimes even get up to calm them down at the same time. Here are a few tips:

    If both wake up at the same time, keep calm and deal with both babies at the same time. If one is easier to soothe, start with him, but don't let the other wait too long to be reassured.

    Alternate feeds or bottles: If you're breastfeeding, try to take it in turns if possible. For bottles, you can prepare two bottles at the same time or ask your partner for help to make the task easier.

    The ‘comforting without holding’ technique: Sometimes babies just want to feel close without necessarily needing to be fed or rocked. Try talking to them gently, stroking them or letting them settle down on their own for a while.

7. Taking Care of You Too

If you don't sleep well, it will affect not only your well-being but also your ability to manage your twins' needs. Don't hesitate to ask for help: a family member, close friend or neighbour could be a great help in giving you a break, even if it's only for an hour or two. Use this time to take a nap or simply relax.

8. When to consult a Sleep Specialist

If you are experiencing persistent difficulties with your twins' sleep, such as frequent waking, unexplained crying or sleep disturbances, it may be useful to consult a paediatrician or sleep specialist. They will be able to provide you with more personalised strategies and make sure that everything is in order from a medical point of view.

Conclusion

Managing twins' sleep requires organisation, patience and a good dose of flexibility. There's no one-size-fits-all method - every family is different. The most important thing is to establish a routine that works for you and your babies, while listening to their individual needs. Yes, the nights will undoubtedly be short and sometimes chaotic, but with a little strategy and a lot of support, you'll manage to find a rhythm that will help you get through this period more serenely. Good luck, and don't forget to take care of yourself!

Discover the Birth Cocoon, which prevents babies from waking up startled and helps them to fall back asleep independently. It's amazingly effective and deserves to be discovered.