Welcoming twin babies into your life is a joyful, exciting, and, let’s be honest, utterly exhausting experience. Double the snuggles, double the love, and yes, double the wake-ups. One of the biggest questions new parents of twins ask is: where should newborn twins sleep? And can newborn twins sleep together safely?
From sleep safety to gentle routines, this guide explores practical tips for settling twin baby siblings and making those early weeks a little smoother for the whole family.
Can Newborn Twins Sleep Together?
Let’s tackle one of the most common questions: should newborn twins sleep together in the same cot? The answer is nuanced.
According to Red Nose Australia and other safe sleep guidelines, each baby should be placed to sleep in their own separate safe sleep space, such as a bassinet or cot, to reduce the risk of Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI). While it may feel natural to want your twins sleeping side by side, especially since they’ve shared the womb, it’s safest for them to sleep in separate spaces from birth.
So, can newborn twins sleep together? They can be in the same room, of course- but not the same cot or bassinet. Room-sharing (with separate sleep spaces) is recommended for at least the first six to twelve months.
Where Should Newborn Twins Sleep?
Ideally, newborn twins should sleep in the same room as their caregiver in separate bassinets or cots. This makes nighttime feeds, settling, and supervision easier while following safe sleep guidelines.
Some parents consider twin bassinets with a firm, certified partition. Just make sure they’re independently safety certified with two separate sleep surfaces, and check that they meet current Red Nose guidelines.
Creating a calm, dimly lit environment and using white noise machines can help soothe both babies during overnight wake-ups and help establish a consistent sleep setting.
Why Twin Babies Wake Each Other Up
One of the biggest concerns for parents is whether one baby will wake the other. While this can happen, it’s less frequent than you might expect. In many cases, twins actually sleep through each other’s cries, especially if they are used to sleeping in the same environment.
That said, when both babies are unsettled, it can feel like a sleep tag-team. Creating a gentle bedtime routine that includes calming cues- like lullabies, a warm bath, and a soothing baby sleep toy for comfort, can help both babies settle more consistently.
Tips on How to Sleep Train Twins
Sleep training twins doesn’t mean letting babies cry it out. It simply means helping them develop healthy sleep habits and routines that promote independent settling over time. Here’s how to approach it:
- Establish a Predictable Routine: Start with a consistent wind-down routine for both babies- a warm bath, cuddle time, lullaby or white noise, then into bed. This gives their bodies cues that sleep is near.
- Sync Schedules When Possible: Try to feed and settle both babies at the same time. While this isn’t always practical in the early days, aligning schedules helps you rest more and encourages more predictable patterns.
- Use Separate Sleep Space: Remember, twins sleeping in separate cots is safest. If space is limited, consider arranging the cots close together so babies can still sense each other's presence.
- Introduce a Soothing Cue: Comfort objects like a sleep toy (used safely outside of the cot before 7 months) can help create a sense of calm and familiarity. These cues can later support sleep transitions as your twins grow.
- Be Flexible: Each baby is different. One may sleep soundly while the other takes longer to settle. Patience and flexibility are essential- what works for one twin may not work for the other.
Benefits of Gentle Sleep Routines for Twins
- Promotes better rest for both babies (and parents)
- Helps regulate circadian rhythms and support development
- Reduces overstimulation and overtiredness
- Builds a foundation for future sleep training success
Using Comfort Tools with Twin Babies
While twins should not sleep with soft objects until they are at least 7 months old, you can begin building sleep associations with baby sleep toys during cuddles, tummy time, pram walks, or story time. These comforters can help babies form positive bedtime routines and offer a source of reassurance as they grow.
Final Thoughts: You're Doing an Amazing Job
Navigating newborn twins sleep is no small feat. Whether you're wondering where newborn twins should sleep or how to sleep train twins without tears, the key is consistency, patience, and lots of grace.
Every family will find their own rhythm. Some days will be harder than others- but with gentle routines, safe sleep practices, and a little support from tools like white noise, sleep toys, and shared rituals, rest will come.