SLEEP TRAINING MULTIPLES
Having twins was always something I dreamed of. Truthfully, it was something I expected – I did marry one! But, did you know that the likelihood of having twins actually comes from the mother’s side? The multiples on my side, coupled with my husband’s twin gene made me destined for them! Destined maybe, but was I prepared? I don’t think so! Fortunately, I had such a positive experience sleep training my twins with MyBaby Sleepology, that I decided to become a sleep consultant myself so that I could share the love with as many mamas as possible. As a mama of twins, I feel fortunate to have personal experience going through the sleep training process myself as I guide my clients through theirs.
If you are planning on sleep training your twins/multiples, here are some tips:
Sleep Environment: When it comes to multiples, a nursery can be instrumental in the success of their sleep! Of course, all the same sleep environment tips for a single baby apply (i.e. flat fitted sheet, blackout room, etc.). But, when it comes to more than one baby, there are a few additional things to keep in mind!
Position their cribs as far apart as possible.
Add a 2nd sound machine. By each baby having their own sound machine, it can help drown out the noise if one of them wakes while the other is still sleeping.
Put the more sensitive sleeper closer to the door so that when you go to tend to them, the chances of waking the other baby are lessened.
Sleep Training: The art of sleep training multiples is a practice of timing. Not only are you managing a sleep schedule, but you are doing it for two babies at the same time. It is important to try and keep the twins on the same schedule so that they are napping and going down for bedtime at the same time. Doing so will also help you to maintain your sanity! Here are some tips;
You’ll want to wake them within 20 minutes of each other to keep them on track with one another.
You can sleep train them together or separate. If your home can accommodate an extra bedroom or creative sleep space, go ahead and take advantage of it! You can sleep train multiples in separate rooms (or do naps separately and nights together), and eventually put them back in the same room when they have a stronger sleep foundation. This can help reduce the chances of them waking each other during the process. Remember, you can be creative with where you sleep train! You can utilize a bathroom or a walk-in closet, too!
Overall, you’d be surprised what your multiples can sleep through! Afterall, they did share a womb together. Try not to rush in if one of them wakes. The sound machine and separation in the room should help keep the noise disruption to a minimum and provide the extra space for them to figure out self-soothing on their own will help their independent sleep confidence come together faster!
Why Sleep Training Is So Important For Multiples:
Being a mama is hard work and being a mama of multiples is even harder. Usually, having multiples means all hands-on deck, and for some families, that can be really straining. Sleep deprivation has so many implications on postpartum depression and it’s important to underline that there are ways to help alleviate some of the stress that comes with sleep deprivation and inconsistent sleep schedules. Sleep training not only helps give parents the confidence and predictability in their children’s sleep, but it also gives parents back their independence with their evenings! They can plan for dinners, plan for time together, and plan for self-care time, all while knowing that when they put their babies down for sleep, they will sleep through the night!
If you’re struggling with your multiples’ sleep schedules or are looking to get a little bit of your life back, feel free to schedule a complimentary 15 minute phone consultation!
Written By: Danielle Rabidou, MyBaby Sleepology