| Looking after twins usually means more work for the | | | | they learn to rely on their own ability to get sleep. |
| parents. It also often presents parents with tricky | | | | • Let them sleep together: Babies feel more secure |
| situations. One of these is putting a pair of twins to | | | | when they can enjoy physical contact with their |
| bed. Here are tips to help parents of twins cope with | | | | parents or siblings. Twins who sleep together are more |
| this situation: | | | | likely to enjoy undisturbed sleep through the night. |
| • Maintain fixed bed times: Helping your twins, sleep | | | | When they grow older and you decide to separate |
| at the same time everyday will ensure that they will | | | | them, ensure that they can still see each other. |
| form good sleeping habits. A fixed bedtime will help | | | | • Help the calm baby first: When twins wake up |
| them fall asleep without fuss as soon as you put them | | | | from sleep, parents tend to the one who is crying |
| to bed. | | | | more. But this often leads to the calmer of the two |
| • Devise a pre-bed routine: This could be a warm | | | | being neglected. It is better to settle in the quiet baby |
| bath, some massage and cuddling, or a story telling or | | | | first and then attend to the one who is fussing. |
| lullaby session. When repeated daily, this will help your | | | | • Tackle frequent waking: Babies who are excited |
| twins anticipate and get into the mood for sleep. | | | | or stimulated have trouble falling asleep and are more |
| • Swaddle your babies: Swaddling or wrapping your | | | | likely to keep waking up at night. You can make them |
| twins in a blanket, or sheet will help your twins sleep | | | | feel restful and ready to sleep by maintaining a calm |
| more snugly. This will make it less likely that they will | | | | and quiet atmosphere just before sleep. This may be |
| get up at night. | | | | done by keeping lights dim and keeping noise to a |
| • Teach your twins to sleep: Help your twins to | | | | minimum. This helps babies to relax better and they |
| learn to fall asleep. You can do so by putting them to | | | | sleep sounder. |
| bed while they are drowsy, but still awake. This way | | | | |