One of the most common questions new moms of twins hear is, “Are you getting enough sleep?” The answer often feels like, “Well, does closing my eyes for a second when I sneeze count?” Sleep tends to come in tiny, sporadic chunks, especially when you’re juggling two newborns. But if your babies become good sleepers, that means you will get more sleep too, right? We’re busting twin sleep training myths so you can find the best approach to ensure everyone gets a bit more rest! Plus, enter to win an audio copy of The Newborn Twins Sleep Guide!
When it comes to sleep training newborn twins, there are a lot of myths out there that can make the process seem even more overwhelming. You’ve probably heard things like “twins need to be sleep-trained together” or “the ‘cry it out’ method is the only way to go.” But don’t worry, “The Newborn Twins Sleep Guide” by Natalie Diaz and Kim West is here to clear up these misconceptions. The truth is, while twins share a lot, they also have their own individual sleep needs and temperaments, which means a one-size-fits-all approach just doesn’t work.
In this article, we’ll debunk some of the most common myths about sleep training twins and offer practical, gentle strategies that actually work. So, let’s dive in and make those sleepless nights a bit more manageable!
Myth: It is better to sleep-train twins together.
Getting twins on the same sleep schedule can be useful, but it’s not always the best idea to sleep-train them together. Each twin might have their own sleep needs and personality, so it’s better to be flexible and go with what works for each one. Understanding and adjusting to each twin’s unique needs is key before trying to sync their routines.
Myth: Crying it out is the only way to sleep-train twins.
Ummmm, No! The “cry it out” method is not the only approach to sleep training twins. While many twin parents resort to crying it out, most twin families don’t even know their other choices. According to The Newborn Twins Sleep Guide, there’s a gentler way that focuses on creating a supportive and nurturing environment for each baby.
Plus, not everyone realizes that “cry it out” might not be suitable for all babies. When you read other books about it, they often don’t take into consideration things like developmental age and the parent’s emotional state.
Myth: If you don’t sleep train your twins, they will never be good sleepers.
While sleep training can help set up good sleep habits, lots of kids, including twins, naturally figure out their own sleep patterns over time. But let’s be real—most families are too tired to wait for that to happen. The good news is that with patience and consistency, parents can help their twins learn to sleep well without needing formal sleep training.
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Myth: All babies are ready for sleep training at 3 months of age.
No way! Babies grow at their own pace, and when they’re ready for sleep training can be really different from one kid to another. It’s super important to think about each twin’s developmental stage before starting sleep coaching. For some babies, especially preterm twins, you might need to wait longer to start.
Myth: The earlier you sleep train your newborns, the better.
It is not necessarily better to start sleep training as early as possible. The Newborn Twins Sleep Guide recommends starting with “sleep shaping” in the early months. This means creating a good sleep environment and building healthy sleep habits without any formal training. Formal sleep training is usually better when babies are around 4 to 6 months old because, by then, they’re more likely to have the self-soothing skills and consistent sleep patterns they need.
Myth: You must stick to a sleep schedule with twins.
Sticking to a consistent sleep schedule can be helpful, but being super strict about it isn’t always practical with twins. Flexibility is key since each twin might have different sleep needs and rhythms. It’s important to tailor the sleep routine to each baby’s unique requirements instead of forcing them into a strict schedule. Plus, focusing on the overall structure and routine rather than a rigid timetable lets you adjust as needed. This way, both babies get enough rest, and it supports their natural development.
Myth: You should never cuddle, snuggle, talk softly to, or reassure your baby as you prepare them for sleep.
Cuddling, snuggling, talking softly to, and reassuring your babies as you get them ready for bed is actually really helpful. These actions create a sense of security and comfort, which is key to building healthy sleep habits. The Newborn Twins Sleep Guide highlights that a calming and comforting bedtime routine helps babies feel safe and relaxed, making it easier for them to fall asleep and stay asleep.
“The Newborn Twins Sleep Guide” by Natalie Diaz and Kim West provides a comprehensive approach to debunking common myths about sleep training twins. The guide emphasizes the importance of recognizing the individual needs of each twin, advocating for flexibility and gentle methods over rigid schedules and the “cry it out” technique. Parents can create a secure and nurturing sleep environment for their twins by incorporating strategies that include comforting and reassuring routines. Understanding that not all babies are ready for sleep training at the same age and that developmentally appropriate methods are essential helps parents foster healthy sleep habits in their twins. This nuanced approach ensures that sleep training is a supportive and effective process for both babies and parents.
Want to learn more about sleep and your twinnies? The Newborn Twins Sleep Guide is a sleep road map that will teach you small ways to help your twins sleep just a little bit better right now—long before your duo is ready for sleep training—and together, these can add up to significantly better sleep for everyone!
Written by the dynamic duo of Natalie Diaz from Twiniversity and Sleep Lady Kim West, this book is a must-have for any new twin parent! Enter now to win an audio copy of The Newborn Twins Sleep Guide of your very own!
