Should Twins Sleep Together?

Sleep deprivation may be an issue for every new parent. It may be even more difficult for parents of multiple to get two or more infants into a bedtime regimen. One of the most often-asked questions is, “Should Twins Sleep Together?”.

Well, the answer to this depends on a lot of factors. One such factor is their age. If your twins are infants, then letting them share a cot or a crib is not a bad idea because at this point your babies are mostly sleeping and there is less chance that they will disturb each other. Newborn twins can be made to sleep together, even if they are crying and sleeping cycles do not match – as newborns rarely get disturbed when sleeping.

On the other hand, if you have toddler twins, then you might want to reconsider your options because there are chances that one of your toddlers might get up and disturb the other one. Toddlers have very curious minds and it might become a problem at some point in time.

Why Should You Put Your Twins Together in One Crib?

One of the main reasons you will often hear your pediatrician advising you to put your twins in one crib is because from the womb itself, they have developed this proximity to sleeping closely, and once in the outside world, they very much enjoy this company until after a few years later.

Sometimes, they might feel a void if they do not find their partner close by – after all they have been with each other in a small space for about 35 weeks in a row! It is all about the continuation of feeling that the other one is close by. This gives them a sense of security.

Till What Age Should Twins Sleep Together?

Doctors will suggest that till the time one of the other does not start hampering the other’s sleep, it is fine to bed your twins together in a crib. This is mostly till the early toddler age. As said before, toddlers have very curious minds and if one of the two is more curious (as always happens!) then it is most likely to disturb the other.

As they start to grow, you should start making plans of putting them in different cribs because as it is important to make them feel beside each other when they are infants, it is equally important to allow them to grow into two different personalities independently.

If you think that it is too early to give them different rooms, you can settle for separate beds in the same room or if they are older enough you can go for the separate room option too. You will have to take the decision on your own, gathering clues from their mental development.

How Long Should You Let Twins Sleep Together?

There is no one clear solution to the question of how long twins sleep together. The twins can stay together if both babies have ample room to move about and feel safe in their current environments. Having twins means you’ll need a particularly big crib. This makes it possible for them to remain in the crib together for a longer period of time.

However, the moment is right if you notice the babies are bumping against each other as a result of their involuntary kicking and hand motions, or if you feel like physical space is becoming a little confined. You should put your infants in separate cribs, but you should still try to encourage them to spend time together every day.

Help Your Twins Sleep Together

Having twins means that you have both your hands full, hence managing their feeding and napping schedules assumes a priority. If you do not sync your babies’ napping times, one would wake and the other would sleep – and guess who would not get any rest – YOU. Develop a healthy sleeping pattern and a routine to get your babies to sleep on the same schedule – and you get some well-deserved rest.

Pros of Making Twins Sleep Together

Sense of security that the other one is nearby
They feel cozy
They keep warm during winters
You will find it easy to monitor them

Cons of Making Twins Sleep Together

As they grow up, there will be less space for each one
Risks of overheating and suffocation
If one moves and turns, the other might get woken up

Though twins, your babies have totally different personalities, eating, and sleep cycles, so their bedding arrangements should be made accordingly. It is also very obvious that after a certain age, they will be asking you for their own separate spaces.

Twins Sleeping Arrangements

It is best to keep your twins together as much as possible in one crib or cot till they are past their infant stage. This will not only give them a sense of security but will also bring them closer. During the toddler age, if they are sleeping fine together, then it is ok, but if the curiosity of one of the two twins or his sleep cycle is disturbing the other then you should take the call of putting them into different cribs.

If you are still bedding your twins even past the toddler stage, it is most likely that in some time they themselves will ask for separate spaces and it will be a wise decision on your part too to go with their decision. This is the point where your twins will actually start developing different personalities, so it is very important to give them space for better growth. You again have two options here, either to put them in a different room altogether or put them in the same room but in different beds.

Twins have a very special connection. So, nothing can affect their bond, whether you are sleeping them together or in different beds. The important thing is that you will have to take the right call at the right time and give the best environment to your kids.

FAQ’s

1. Should Twins Sleep In Separate Rooms?

It may be necessary to provide older twins with separate bedrooms if they are constantly bothering one another. For the first six months, it’s advised that infants share a bedroom with their parents.

2. Do Twins Wake Each Other Up?

It’s likely that your twins will keep each other up at some point throughout the night. The phenomenon is not limited to sets of identical twins. Even if children of various ages share a bedroom, it’s common for them to accidentally wake one another.

Should Twins Sleep Together?