How to Sleep Train Twins

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff | 12 References

Updated: March 29, 2019

Explore this Article Keeping Twins on the Same Sleep Schedule Creating a Routine Weaning Nighttime Feedings Ask a Question Related Articles

Sleep training twins may make it seem like you're in for double the trouble. Fortunately, you can get your twins to sleep through the night after just a few weeks. The most important thing you can do is to make sure that the twins are on the same sleep schedule. A consistent routine before bed will encourage them to fall asleep on their own. To reduce nighttime fussing, start weaning the twins of their nighttime feedings. Soon, your twins will be snoozing through the entire night!

Part 1
Keeping Twins on the Same Sleep Schedule

  1. 1
    Put your twins to sleep in separate cribs. Separate cribs will prevent your twins from waking each other up. Either place the cribs a few feet (or a meter or 2) across from each other or place them at a 90-degree angle from each other.[1]
    • If 1 twin is a more sensitive sleeper, place their crib by the nursery door so you can retrieve them quickly without waking the other twin up.
    • If both twins are sensitive sleepers, place the cribs on opposite sides of the room to avoid waking up 1 as you help the other.
  2. 2
    Put the babies to sleep at the same time. Even if 1 twin is more tired than the other, both should go to sleep at the time. This will help sync their cycles, and it will also give you some much needed rest.[2]
    • Even if 1 stays awake in their crib a little while, this practice can help teach them how to fall asleep on their own.
  3. 3
    Identify if the twins are sensitive sleepers. A sensitive sleeper may have a hard time falling asleep or waking up. They may be easily disturbed by noises while sleeping. Sensitive sleepers may need more quiet time or a more consistent schedule.[3]
    • Plan sleep times according to the sensitive twin’s schedule. If 1 twin is a sensitive sleeper but the other isn't, tailor their sleeping schedule around the sensitive twin’s schedule.
    • If 1 twin is fussy, put down and settle the calm twin into bed first. This will ensure that the calm twin gets enough attention.
  4. 4
    Wake the babies up at the same time. Keeping them on a schedule like this will keep your twins on the same sleep and nap schedules. If 1 twin gets up early, wake up the other twin before taking the first out of their crib. If 1 twin wakes up and cries to be fed, wake the other twin up to feed them too.[4]
    • If 1 twin wakes up early but isn't fussing, leave them in the crib until their normal wake up time. This will help keep them on a schedule.
    • The exception to this rule is if 1 twin is fussing at night. Do not wake up the other twin, unless the other twin needs to be fed too.

Part 2
Creating a Routine

  1. 1
    Begin sleep training your twins around 4-6 months of age. Around 4 months of age, babies can start to self-soothe themselves if they are upset and fall asleep on their own. This is also usually when nighttime feedings start to decrease.[5]
    • Once your babies are consuming enough food during the day, you can start to eliminate night feedings.
  2. 2
    Establish a consistent bedtime routine as early as possible. A routine involves a number of nighttime activities that can tell the twins that it is time to go to bed. Whatever routine you establish, follow it consistently each night. Do not skip a step or rearrange the steps. Start the routine at the same time each night.[6]
    • For example, if the twins go to bed at 7 pm, start the routine at 6:30. Your routine could consist of changing their diapers, bathing them, giving them a bottle, laying them down, playing soothing music, and kissing them goodnight.
    • Establishing a bedtime routine early will teach your twins when it is time to go to bed. They will naturally become sleepy around this time. Aim to put your twins in their cribs between 7 and 8 pm.
  3. 3
    Put the twins to bed when they are drowsy but still awake. This will help them go to sleep faster. At the same time, they will fall asleep in bed. This will help them learn how to go to sleep on their own in their crib.[7]
  4. 4
    Give each twin their own transitional object to sleep with. This comfort object will help your babies fall back asleep on their own if they wake up in the middle of the night. Each twin should have their own.[8]
    • A transitional object could be a pacifier, blanket, stuffed animal, or bottle. Make sure the transitional object is safe and age-appropriate for your twins.
    • Never put any toys, blankets, or objects in a crib with a baby who cannot roll over on their own.
  5. 5
    Soothe your babies if they wake up crying in the night. During the first and second week, your twins may wake up in the night as they normally do. Walk into the nursery and soothe your crying babies back to sleep by giving them their transitional object, rubbing their backs, and making sure they are comfortable. Avoid picking the baby up out of the bed.[9]
    • If you hear 1 baby crying, wait a minute or 2 to see if they settle down. Sneak in and soothe them quietly so that their sibling doesn't wake up.
    • After tending to your babies, quickly exit the nursery, even if they are still fussing.
    • If they keep crying, wait 10 minutes until you go back into the nursery to soothe them.
    • Each time you leave the nursery, add an additional 5 minutes to the wait time. For example, wait 15 minutes before you go back into the nursery the third time.

Part 3
Weaning Nighttime Feedings

  1. 1
    Reduce the first nighttime feeding by 0.5 ounces (14 g) every 3 days. If you normally feed your twins 6 ounces (170 g) of formula during their first nighttime feeding, then reduce it to 3 ounces (85 g). After 3 days, halve this amount again to 1.5 ounces (43 g). Keep halving the amount every 3 days until you are not offering this feeding anymore.[10]
    • While you are weaning them off of the first nighttime feeding, make sure to feed them their regular amount of formula during the second nighttime feeding.
  2. 2
    Cut back on the second nighttime feeding. Once the first nighttime feeding is eliminated, you can start reducing the second nighttime feeding. Like the first feeding, reduce the second feeding by half every 3 days. Repeat this until you are not offering your twins a second nighttime feeding.[11]
  3. 3
    Redistribute the nighttime feedings to the daytime feedings. Make up for the reduced nighttime feedings by feeding your twins more food during the day. For example, if you reduced your nighttime feeding by 3 ounces (85 g), add 1 ounce (28 g) of formula to each meal for a total of 3 ounces (85 g) over the course of the day.[12]
    • Make sure to feed your twins enough food during the day in order to wean them off of their nighttime feedings

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    • White noise machines and black-out curtains can help create an ideal sleeping environment for your twins.

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