Sleep training twins in the same room can be challenging yet rewarding for parents.
It's essential to understand that sleep training for twins is similar to single babies as long as the infants are healthy.
The ideal time to start sleep training twins is typically between 4 and 6 months when they are old enough to self-soothe and fall asleep independently.
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When is it best to start sleep training twins?
The recommended age to start sleep training twins is typically between 4 and 6 months when babies are old enough to self-soothe and fall asleep independently. However, it's noted that there is still time to start sleep training for older babies.
“The goal of sleep training is for your baby to be comfortable sleeping for several hours through the night on their own.”
💡Sleep Foundation
Common sleep challenges with twins in a shared room
While sharing a room might cause disturbances from one another as well as variances in sleep patterns and demands, twins frequently have a strong relationship from their time in the womb.
- Disruptions from each other: When twins share a room, they may experience disruptions, such as waking each other up at night.
- Uneven sleepers: Twins may have different sleep patterns, with one being a better sleeper than the other.
- Differing needs: Twins can have varied sleep needs, such as separate nap times or bedtime rituals.
- Developmental stages: Twins may have behavioral and sleep changes due to reaching developmental milestones at various periods during their growth.
The best advice we can give you is to dedicate individual time to each of them, even if they share a room. It is beautiful to create special moments with each child. Why not find unique ways to connect with each one? See how to do it!
Is sleep training in the same room right for you?
Determining whether sleep training in the same room is proper for you involves considering various factors. While room-sharing facilitates sleep training, assessing your situation is essential.
If your baby is currently co-sleeping, transitioning to room sharing may be a suitable step before initiating sleep training.
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"Sleeping together can strengthen the bond between twins, provide them with mutual company and be an emotional support for each other from an early age. This proximity can contribute positively to their emotional and social development, promoting a sense of security and mutual comfort."
💡Dra. Lorena Koppel
How to sleep train twins in the same room?
Regarding sleep training twins in the same room, some specific techniques and considerations can help parents navigate this process effectively.
Understanding the optimal timing for initiating sleep training, as well as the potential benefits of room sharing, is crucial.
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1. Establish a consistent bedtime routine
A regular bedtime schedule is crucial to helping twins who share a room develop sound sleeping habits.
We have a complete blog for bedtime by age. Check it out: bedtimes by age
- Bedtime routine for newborn (0-3 Months)
- Bedtime routine for babies (4 to 11 months)
- Bedtime routine for toddlers (1 to 2 years)
- Bedtime routine for kids (3 to 5 years)
- Bedtime routine for teens (6 to 12 years)
2. Implement gradual check-ins
Gradual check-ins can reduce disturbances and reassure the twins during the sleep training.
This entails checking in on the twins occasionally without interacting with them altogether, and as they get acclimated to the pattern, progressively extending the time between check-ins.
3. Minimize disruptions from the other twin
Creating a sleep-friendly environment minimizes the chance of one twin waking the other, thereby minimizing disturbances from the other twin.
This can involve employing white noise generators, ensuring cozy sleeping areas, and implementing plans to deal with unruly conduct.
4. Separate sleep spaces
Providing separate sleep spaces for each twin can help minimize disturbances and create a sense of individualized sleep environments.
This can involve using dividers or arranging the room to create distinct sleep areas for each twin, promoting a sense of personal space and reducing the potential for disruptions.
Tips for sleep training twins in the same room
There are a few essential pointers and tactics to consider when sleep training twins in the same room to create a peaceful and productive sleeping environment.
Consider individual needs
Recognize and accommodate each twin's individual sleep needs. While twins may share a room, their sleep patterns and preferences vary. Understanding and addressing these differences can contribute to more effective sleep training.
Synchronize sleep schedules
Attempting to synchronize twins' sleep schedules can establish a regular routine and minimize disturbances. This entails arranging nap patterns and matching bedtime and wake-up timings to encourage a feeling of predictability and routine.
We have a blog for 5 month olds; check it out: 5-month-old sleep schedule
Encourage self-soothing
Encouraging twins to self-soothe can help them develop autonomous sleeping patterns. Giving twins the chance to practice self-soothing techniques will help them get deeper, more unbroken sleep at night.
Monitor progress
Keep a close eye on the twins' progress as they learn to sleep train. This entails monitoring how they react to the set routines and adjusting as necessary to deal with difficulties or disturbances.
Benefits of sleep training twins in the same room
Sleep training twins in the same room can be a beneficial and practical approach for parents. This method fosters independence and self-soothing skills in the twins and creates a sense of security as they are near each other.
- Fosters independence and self-soothing: Sleep training twins in the same room can foster autonomy and self-soothing skills.
- Creates a sense of security for twins: Sharing a room can create a sense of security for twins, as they are near each other.
- Easier nighttime routines for parents: Sleep training twins in the same room can lead to more straightforward nighttime routines for parents.
“Sleep training improves infant sleep problems, with about 1 in 4 to 1 in 10 benefiting compared with no sleep training, with no adverse effects reported after 5 years. ”
💡NIC
Written By
Francisco Cornejo, a dynamic entrepreneur with a Masters in Communication from RMIT University in Australia, is the Co-Founder and CEO of Storybook. As a serial entrepreneur, he notably served as the Chief Marketing Officer at Honda Motors in Latin America, shaping the brand's regional presence. Passionate about family well-being and communication, Francisco leads Storybook in its mission to improve children's health globally, aiming to create positive impacts in both corporate and societal spheres.
References
- Fry, A. (2020, December 17). Sleep Training: Definition & Techniques. Sleep Foundation. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/baby-sleep/sleep-training
- Korownyk, C., & Lindblad, A. J. (2018). Infant sleep training: rest easy? Canadian Family Physician, 64(1), 41. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5962992/