Can Twins Sleep In The Same Crib? All You Need To Know! Update 12/2024

This is the spot to find out whether twins can share a cot securely or need their own beds.

Having just learned that you’re carrying twins, may I offer my heartfelt congratulations? Maybe you’re scratching your head over the number two and whether or not your kids really need their own beds.

In this article, we provide essential information for twin mothers, including strategies for lulling your infant twins to sleep through the night.

Can my newborn twins share a crib?

Since the hospital most likely placed your twins in a crib together, you may be wondering if it’s safe to do so at home.

There are many advantages to having twins share a bed, but to lessen the risk of SIDS, safe sleeping techniques should be used wherever possible.

Safe sleeping advice for twins

Even though the hospital likely placed your twins in the same crib, Moses basket, or bassinet, there is now little data to determine whether or not doing so is safe.

As a result, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises placing twins to sleep on their backs for at least the first few months, in their separate sleeping spaces in the same room as you.
Should Your Newborn Twins Sleep Together? - Momababyetc

Twin infants are more likely to be born prematurely or with a low birth weight, both of which can raise the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), making safe sleeping recommendations even more crucial for them.

It is up to you to decide if you want to keep your twin babies apart or together after they reach six months old and can safely sleep in their respective cribs.

Important data on Twins Sleep is included in every course in our Sleep Series. We want to ensure that you feel supported and educated as you navigate the sleep habits of your children, so we’ve included a separate lesson specifically for dealing with the sleep challenges presented by having twins or more children.

Can twins nap together in a safe sleep space?

For all of the aforementioned reasons, pediatricians advise giving your twins their own beds at night.

The danger of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is greatly raised when infants are placed on soft bedding, so it’s important to make sure they always sleep on a level, firm, waterproof surface with a tightly fitting sheet.

It’s not a good idea to put your twins to bed at the same time, but it’s still worth a try if you want to get their schedules to coincide.

If your kids go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, you’ll have more time to yourself and be more likely to get a good night’s sleep.

Can you co-sleep with twins?

Cosleeping is a practice adopted by some parents who opt to sleep next to their infants. This means that their infants are sleeping in the same bed as their parents every night, rather than merely for short periods of time during which the parents can comfort and feed their newborns.

If you or your partner are smokers (even if you don’t do it in the bedroom), alcoholics, drug users (including those taking sleep aids), or just plain exhausted, it’s not a good idea to sleep together.

Instead, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests putting the twins in separate cribs in a shared room for the first six months of their lives.

Bringing your newborn twins into your bed to sleep may seem like a good idea, especially if you’re exhausted, but doing so puts them at risk of asphyxia, strangling, and entrapment.

Premature infants and twins born with low birth weights are more vulnerable to these dangers.

The incidence of sudden infant death syndrome can be cut in half if twins are allowed to share a bedroom with their parents.

Twins to sleep: Helping your twins sleep at the same time together

It may be difficult to accommodate two cots in a bedroom with limited space. The good news is that even if you have twins, you can continue to use safe sleep techniques by transitioning to smaller sleeping arrangements, such as Moses baskets or travel cots. Just make sure your mattress is flat and firm, without any cushions or extra padding.

Although the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) exclusively offers recommendations for bedsharing between a parent and child, this recommendation applies equally well to cosleeping between children of the same gender.

Sleeping tips for twins and multiples

Even if you’ve already experienced the joys and challenges of parenthood, adding a second child into the mix can be a real eye-opener.

You won’t be able to wave a magic wand and have your kids sleep through the night and stop crying, but the following advice will help you get them into healthy sleeping habits so that you can sail through your first few weeks as a parent of twins.

Synchronize schedules

Getting the twins on a consistent eating and sleeping routine is a top recommendation.

The rule of thumb is to wake both babies if one needs to be fed.

When infants are fed at the same time, they often go to sleep at the same time.

If you can get your twins on a consistent feeding schedule, they may start to feel sleepy and go to bed around the same time.

This will not only simplify your life but also free up some time for you to rest and take care of yourself.

As a way to assist parents in fostering their children’s sleep development, we’ve included a specific module in each of our Sleep Series programs devoted solely to twins and multiples. To read the rest of the Sleep Series, click here.

Develop routines

Although it may be challenging, taking the time to establish a regular routine for your twins is well worth it.

You can begin making tentative plans for a more relaxed routine once your twins are between 6 and 8 weeks old.

It will help alleviate some of your stress, and it will also address the issue of your twins’ divergent routines.

Establishing a regular meal schedule is the first step toward a successful napping pattern.

Don’t tip-toe around your sleeping babies’

If the twins can sleep through the commotion, that will be a huge relief for you.

Your children will have an easier time falling asleep and staying asleep at night and during naps if they are able to sleep through normal, everyday sounds.

Consider employing white or pink noise to mask outside sounds that are rousing your twins.

Follow safe sleeping guidelines

Your baby’s risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) will be cut by more than half if you follow safe sleeping practices, and you’ll sleep better, too.

To lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, the AAP suggests the following for twins:

Placing twins in separate cribs

Always separate twins into separate cribs, bassinets, or other safe sleeping spaces before putting them to sleep.

Put your twins to sleep on their backs

Sleeping your twins on their backs during naps and at night has been shown to greatly minimize the incidence of sudden infant death syndrome.

Keep the crib clear

When it comes to getting some shut-eye, it can be difficult to know what supplies your infant actually needs. However, we recommend not putting any bulky items in the cot, such as duvets, blankets, soft toys, or anything else, as these have been linked to an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by more than 50 percent.

The right room temperature

Babies that overheat have an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome, therefore it’s crucial to maintain a comfortable temperature in the nursery.

When tucking a baby in for the night, make sure the room is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit and provide a thin blanket or a baby sleeping bag.
Can Newborn Twins Sleep Together - Benefits and Risks

Never put your infant to sleep with a hat or any other extra clothing; if you’re concerned about their temperature, feel their chest to determine if they’re comfortable.

Putting your twins to sleep can be difficult, but despite the temptation, you should never put them to sleep on your bed or with you.

Instead, try to get your twins’ timetables to align and focus on safe sleep practices.

Struggling with twin sleep?

We’ve got you covered; in each of our Sleep Series courses, there’s an entire module devoted to exploring how twins and multiples deal with sleep. More than that, the Sleep Series Community on Facebook is staffed by sleep specialists who can answer any questions you have about sleep. Do we dare hope for such perfection? Read the fantastic feedback we’ve received here.

How Long Should Babies Share a Crib?

How long you keep your infants in a shared crib is entirely up to you. It has been observed that the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is higher when twins sleep together in the same bed. However, there are safeguards you may take if you think co-sleeping is the best option for your little ones. Putting in a crib divider creates exclusive sleeping quarters for multiple infants. Putting them head to head in the bassinet’s opposite corners also works.

Co-Bedding Twins SIDS Prevention Strategy

Your gut may tell you that co-sleeping is best for your newborns. Maybe they’re really close, or maybe they just like to have company when they sleep. Take these safety measures if you and your partner have determined that sharing a bed is the best option. Using a crib divider to create two individual sleeping areas is one solution, but placing twins head to head in a crib is another way to ensure they don’t disturb each other throughout the night.

Room Share

Keeping your baby’s cot next to your bed can allow you to keep an eye on or ear on your little one as you sleep. As a parent, you’ll quickly become accustomed to your child’s unique vocalizations and noises, and your sensitivity to his or her requirements will allow you to keep him or her safe even when in the same room.

Use Pacifiers

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests using pacifiers to help lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome when babies are asleep. The pacifier does not need to be replaced if it falls out throughout the night, although your child may wake up and request that you do so.

Swaddle Babies on their Backs

Babies should always be placed on their backs when swaddled while they are still motionless. Babies who sleep on their backs are less likely to die from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A common misconception is that putting them on a plush surface will make them more at ease. It has been found, however, that sleeping on a firm surface can reduce the danger of sudden infant death syndrome.

Remove Hazards

Putting your child’s favorite blanket or a cuddly stuffed animal in the bed with them may seem like a good idea. Keep away from these until your child is older and can move about more freely on their own, as they pose a suffocation risk when sleeping.

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