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Sleep problems - more than one baby
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It can be a challenge to get just one baby to sleep. When there is more than one, babies will often take turns in crying and playing all night long. This can quickly exhaust their parents. Getting babies to sleep at night is a common problem for a parent of twins, triplets, quads or more.
The added challenge
Compared to a single baby, twins, triplets, quads or more have a few extra problems when it comes to settling down to sleep, such as:
- They are often born prematurely. They would have received a lot of nursing and touching in hospital and, when they get home, they expect the same amount of attention.
- Small babies have small stomachs and have to be fed more often.
- A routine will be hard to establish if several people are helping to change, feed and care for the babies.
Suggestions for the first six months
A baby’s sleeping habits only become settled and predictable if he or she is put to bed in the same way every night. Discuss and plan with your partner (if you have one) and other helpers a set routine for your babies’ bedtime. Some suggestions on settling your babies in the first six months include:
- Experiment with sleeping arrangements to see which one suits your babies best, such as sleeping together or in separate cots.
- Synchronise your night feeds so your babies feed at the same time, even if that means waking one or all of them up.
- Establish a set napping routine during the day.
- Put your babies to bed at the same time every night.
- Lead up to bedtime with a relaxation routine, including such things as warm baths, massage or soft music.
Suggestions for six to 12 months
Your babies need to know the difference between night and day, and to realise that night-time is for sleeping. Some suggestions on settling them when they are six to 12 months old include:
- A regular relaxation and bedtime routine is just as important now as it was when they were younger.
- Put them to bed quickly, say goodnight and don’t linger to talk or cuddle.
- Separate them if one baby is constantly waking up the other(s).
- Don’t take a crying baby back to bed with you, or they will learn to cry just for the extra attention.
Suggestions for toddlers
As children grow older, their sleep patterns change into more individual rhythms. You might find that each child now has slightly different sleeping needs. Some suggestions on settling your toddlers include:
- Encourage each child to have his or her own special bedtime toy.
- If they’re being naughty, try not to threaten them with an early bedtime or else they will feel badly about going to bed.
- Similarly, don’t punish them by sending them to their bedroom.
- Try not to let them nap past mid-afternoon.
- Don’t read overly exciting or scary bedtime stories.
- Limit their television in the evening.
Where to get help
- Multiple birth support groups
- Child care nurses
- Your paediatrician
- Your doctor.
Things to remember
- Getting twins, triplets, quads or more to sleep at night is a common problem for parents.
- Twins, triplets, quads or more tend to cry and play in turns at night, which can be exhausting for parents.
- Setting up a familiar bedtime routine is important.
You might also be interested in:
Maternal and child health services.
Parenting centres support families.
Parenting services.
Sleep and your baby.
Sleep problems - babies.
Want to know more?
Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.
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This page has been produced in consultation with, and approved by:
Australian Multiple Birth Association
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Copyight © 1999/2010 State of Victoria. Reproduced from the Better Health Channel (www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au) at no cost with permission of the Victorian Minister for Health. Unauthorised reproduction and other uses comprised in the copyright are prohibited without permission.
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This Better Health Channel fact sheet has passed through a rigorous approval process. For the latest updates and more information visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au.
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Last updated: October 2009
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Getting babies to sleep is a common problem for parents of twins, triplets, quads or more. Twins, triplets, quads or more tend to cry and play in turns at night, which can be exhausting for parents. An important first step is to establish a predictable bedtime routine...
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Sleep problems - more than one baby - Better Health ChannelGetting babies to sleep is a common problem for parents of twins, triplets, quads or more. Twins, triplets, quads or more tend to cry and play in turns at night, which can be exhausting for parents. An important first step is to establish a predictable bedtime routine...
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The information published here was accurate at the time of publication and is not intended to take the place of medical advice. Please seek advice from a qualified health care professional.
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