Twin Sleep Training: 7 Proven Methods to Help Your Twins Sleep Through the Night (So You Can Too!)
Oh, sleep. Remember that? It’s that thing we used to do before the twins arrived and turned our nights into a never-ending episode of “Who Will Wake Up Next?” As a mom of twins, I know the struggle is real—and I’ve got the dark circles to prove it. If you’ve been searching for the elusive key to twin sleep training (spoiler: it’s not hiding in the laundry pile), you’re in the right place.
From one tired twin mom to another, I’m here to share my battle-tested tips for getting your twins to sleep through the night. I won’t lie—it’s going to take some persistence, patience, and probably more coffee than you ever thought possible. But it is doable! For more on my personal experience, check out the article on how I got my twins to sleep through the night (eventually). But for now, grab a mug, take a deep breath, and let’s dive into the world of twin sleep training together.
1. Start With a Consistent Bedtime Routine (Even if It’s Chaotic)
I know you’ve heard this one before, but stick with me—it’s a twin mom’s secret weapon. A consistent bedtime routine for twins is key to signaling to their tiny brains that it’s time to shut down for the night. Think of it as creating a mini “wind down” ritual that gets them in the mood for sleep.
The routine doesn’t have to be fancy. Bath time, pajamas, story, and bed works great. Do the same steps in the same order, every single night. Yes, there will be chaos at first. One twin might be splashing like a maniac while the other’s attempting an escape from the changing table—but consistency is the goal, not perfection.
Pro tip: If you can, sync their bedtime routine so both twins are winding down at the same time. I know it sounds impossible (especially in those early weeks), but staggered bedtimes can wreak havoc on your sanity. Trust me, getting both babies down at the same time is the dream!
2. Sync Their Schedules: Yes, You Can Do It!
Speaking of syncing, it’s time to tackle one of the biggest challenges in twin sleep training: synchronized sleep schedules (check out our daily schedules for twins by age here). You’re probably thinking, “How am I supposed to get two babies, with two very different personalities, on the same nap and bedtime schedule?” The secret is to wake them up at the same time and offer naps at the same time.
When one twin wakes up to feed, wake the other. Believe me, I know how counterintuitive this can feel. When one twin is peacefully sleeping, it goes against all your instincts to wake them up. But syncing their schedules will ultimately help both you and your babies get more sleep in the long run. I’ve been there too many times, awoken a mere 30-45 minutes after I left that peaceful sleeping baby sleep. You do NOT want to be waking up every 45 minutes, all night long.
Pro tip: Try a twin sleep schedule chart. Track when each twin is waking, napping, and eating, and gradually adjust their wake times to sync them up. It also helps when multiple people are caring for your twins, allowing you to keep track of everything.
3. Divide and Conquer (AKA, Save Your Sanity)
Here’s a hard truth: Sleep training twins alone can be overwhelming. If you have a partner or someone to help, divide and conquer bedtime duty. While you’re soothing one twin, have your partner rock the other. Tag-team parenting can speed up the sleep process and save both of you from burnout.
If you’re flying solo, it’s still possible to manage twin sleep training. Set both babies up in their cribs or bassinets, and rotate soothing techniques—whether that’s rocking, shushing, or giving each twin a pacifier. One mom I know even used a yoga ball to bounce one twin while patting the other!
Pro tip: If you’re on your own, consider setting up cribs side-by-side, so you can easily move between babies during the nighttime routine. Keeping them close can also help create a sense of security. If possible, have an adult bed in there for you as well, so you can be nearby.
4. Find the Right Sleep Training Method for Your Family
There are so many different sleep training methods for twins out there, and let me tell you—there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Some parents swear by the Ferber method (also known as graduated extinction), while others find success with the no-tears approach. The key is to choose a method that works for your family and stick with it.
If the idea of crying-it-out sends you running for the hills, know that there are gentler alternatives like gentle sleep training or the chair method. I highly recommend reading up on the options in advance, so you’re not making decisions at 3am when you’re running on empty.
Pro tip: Whatever method you choose, the most important thing is consistency. Stick with the plan, even when it feels like it’s not working at first. If not, babies get confused if you respond quickly sometimes and not others. I promise, you’ll see progress.
5. Create a Twin-Friendly Sleep Environment
Let’s set the scene for sleep success: a dark room, a sound machine humming softly, and babies softly sleeping. Creating the perfect sleep environment is a huge part of twin sleep training success.
Blackout curtains, a white noise machine (or fan, which has the added benefit of air circulation), and the right room temperature are all essential for helping babies sleep soundly. Twins, especially, need their space to be calm and distraction-free (no more one twin waking the other!). If you’re dealing with one baby who’s a light sleeper and one who sleeps through anything, consider placing their cribs further apart or even in separate rooms if you have the space.
Pro tip: Babies sleep best in cooler rooms, so aim for a temperature of around 68-72°F. Add a fan or humidifier if needed to keep the air comfortable.
6. Daytime Naps: The Secret Weapon
It might sound counterintuitive, but better daytime naps often lead to better nighttime sleep. Babies who are overtired by bedtime tend to fight sleep and wake more frequently during the night. Making sure your twins are getting enough sleep during the day is a crucial step in sleep training twins at night.
Start by setting regular nap times during the day, and as with bedtime, try to sync their naps. You may not always get the perfect nap schedule, but aiming for some overlap will give both you and your twins much-needed rest.
Pro tip: Pay attention to your babies’ sleep cues (yawning, rubbing eyes, fussiness). Putting them down for naps when they show signs of being tired will make falling asleep easier.
7. Be Patient: This Won’t Happen Overnight (But It Will Happen!)
I get it—you want your twins to sleep through the night, now. Like, last week would be great. But the reality is that twin sleep training takes time. There will be setbacks (hello, sleep regressions!), but there will also be progress.
Celebrate the small victories—like when they nap at the same time or sleep just a little bit longer at night. Each win brings you one step closer to a full night’s sleep for everyone. Stay patient, stay consistent, and remind yourself that sleep success will come.
Pro tip: When setbacks happen (because they will), take a deep breath and stick to the plan. Just when you think you’ve gotten into a good groove, setbacks happen. Remember these are totally normal, especially during teething, growth spurts, or illnesses, and doesn’t mean you’ve failed or you’re back to square one.
Final Thoughts on Twin Sleep Training from a Surviving Twin Mom
If I can do it, you can do it. Twin sleep training is no walk in the park, but with patience, consistency, and the right strategies, you’ll get there.
Soon, you’ll be waking up wondering why the house is so quiet—and yes, it’s because your twins are finally sleeping through the night (cue the confetti)!
Don’t forget to bookmark this post for those 3 AM moments of doubt. You’ve got this, mama, and if you need more twin survival tips, be sure to check out my other posts on the blog.
We tackle everything from twin pregnancy to twin babies to twin gear and more. Because let’s face it, this parenting journey is never boring!
Read Next:
Daily schedules for twins by age
How I got my twins to sleep through the night
Follow along on social @TwinWinning
