My name is Polly, and I’m the mom of eight-year-old twins, Matt and Abby. Life with two babies can definitely be hectic, and we’ve had our fair share of challenges, including some night-waking issues since they turned one. If you’re a new parent reading this, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed and wondering if this is just a normal part of the process. Trust me, I completely understand! It can be tough to navigate these early months, but don’t worry, you’re not alone. We’re all in this together.
One thing I’ve learned is that it’s important to stay patient and be consistent with your sleep routines. It might take a little trial and error to find what works best for your child, but hang in there and don’t be afraid to seek out support if you need it. Whether it’s talking to your pediatrician or seeking out the advice of other parents, there are plenty of resources available to help you and your little ones get a good night’s sleep.
So take a deep breath, and remember that every child is different and it’s okay to try different strategies to see what works. With a little patience and persistence, you’ll get through this and your child will be sleeping through the night in no time.
Here are 10 strategies that I tried to help my twins, Matt and Abby, sleep better at night:
1. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine
One thing that’s worked well for us is establishing a consistent bedtime routine. This includes activities such as reading a bedtime story, singing a lullaby, and giving the twins a warm bath. By following the same routine every night, they’ve come to associate these activities with sleep and are more likely to fall asleep quickly.
2. Making the sleep environment conducive to sleep
I also created a sleep-friendly environment by keeping their bedroom dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature. I removed any distractions or stimuli that could disrupt sleep, such as screens or loud noises. This has helped the twins to sleep more soundly and wake up less frequently during the night.
3. Encouraging self-soothing
I tried to encourage my twins to self-soothe by gently reassuring them from the doorway when they woke up at night, rather than picking them up or interacting with them too much. This helped them learn how to fall back asleep on their own, rather than relying on me to help them drift off.
4. Ensuring that the twins were getting enough daytime sleep
I made sure my twins were getting enough sleep during the day too, because well-rested kids are more likely to sleep through the night. I paid attention to their sleep patterns and tried to put them down for naps at the same times every day.
5. Offering comfort objects, such as stuffed animals or blankets
I know how important it is for children to feel comfortable and secure in their beds. That’s why I gave my twins a stuffed animal or blanket to provide a sense of security and help them feel more at ease. It seemed to make a big difference in their sleep. They slept more peacefully and woke up less often, which was great for all of us. Providing children with a sense of security can be especially helpful for those who may be anxious or prone to nightmares. It can also be a comforting and reassuring way to help them transition from wakefulness to sleep.
6. Avoiding stimulating activities before bedtime
As a parent, I know how important it is for children to get a good night’s sleep. That’s why I made sure to create a calm and quiet atmosphere in the hour leading up to bedtime for my twins. I avoided bright lights and loud noises that could disrupt their sleep, and it really seemed to make a difference. They were able to relax and fall asleep more easily, which was great for all of us. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine and creating a comfortable sleep environment are also key for helping children get the rest they need.
7. Avoiding giving the twins sugary drinks close to bedtime
I avoided giving my twins sugary drinks close to bedtime, because these can make it harder for them to fall asleep and stay asleep.
When children consume sugary drinks, their bodies absorb the sugars quickly, which can cause their blood sugar levels to rise rapidly. This can lead to a burst of energy and a subsequent crash, making it more difficult for them to fall asleep and stay asleep. Additionally, sugary drinks can stimulate the production of insulin, which can further disrupt sleep by causing fluctuations in blood sugar levels. It is generally better to provide children with water or other hydrating beverages before bedtime to help them sleep more soundly.
8. Using white noise to create a soothing sleep environment
I was always looking for ways to create a more soothing sleep environment for my twins. One strategy I tried was using a white noise machine or a fan to provide a consistent, soothing sound in the background. The white noise seemed to really help my twins sleep more soundly and wake up less frequently.
While I found it to be a very effective tool for my children, I will admit that the noise was a bit disruptive for me personally and kept me awake at times. Ultimately, I had to decide whether the benefits for my children were worth the potential disruption to my own sleep. If you’re considering using white noise or other sounds to help your children sleep, it’s important to also consider how it might affect you and whether it’s a practical solution for your family.
9. Being patient and consistent with the sleep routine
Overall, I learned that it’s important to be patient and consistent with the sleep routine, because it might take some time and trial and error to find what works best for my twins. By being consistent with the routine and trying different strategies, I was eventually able to help my twins sleep better at night.
Conclusion
It is important for parents to establish a consistent bedtime routine, create a sleep-friendly environment, encourage self-soothing, ensure that their children are getting enough daytime sleep, provide comfort objects, avoid stimulating activities before bedtime, and consider using white noise to help their twins sleep through the night. It may also be helpful to seek out the advice of a pediatrician or other parents, and to be patient and consistent in trying different strategies to find what works best for each child. Good sleep is crucial for overall health and well-being, and making efforts to improve sleep habits can have a positive impact on daily life.
I’m always looking for ways to improve my twins’ sleep habits, so if you have any tips or strategies that have worked for you, I’d love to hear them!
