Our twins will be two in a few days and I am beside myself as they still do not sleep through the night. Instead of getting better, it's become worse. We now have one with us for most of the night and the other is wailing for Mommy or Daddy hourly. Do I simply ignore the crying, purchase ear plugs, and hope that in three to four nights they receive the message that we will not be eating or rocking at all hours of the night? HELP!
put them both to bed and let them talk to each other instead of you
you might be lonely at night, but, better sleep alone then have them like they are now
they have it better than most singles, as they have each other
a bedtime only stuffed toy for each and they lose it if the climb in with you or keep you up all night
It is hard to say what is really the absoulute best solution for the trying times..... I am a believer in co-sleeping. Everyone may read this and think..."NOOOOOOO, they need to sleep by themself.....!!" Our kids will grow up. At some point they will not even want to be around us. I went through a time with my son that for some reason he had a hard time sleeping in his bed. So...... I let him sleep with us. Plain and simple. I got the pleasure of cuddling with my little one and waking up to his smiles and he got the pleasure of sleeping in 'mommy and daddy's' bed. We worked him back into his bed with nights here and there ending up with us... It is a balancing act, You are mommy and at the end of the day....... follow your motherly instinct. You know what is best deep down inside.
I think one nap early afternoon is a good thing but no more then that! A schedule will be your best friend! Have some good play time before dinner then get those tummies nice and full, put them in a relaxing warm bath (Try Johnsons nightime line) a good masage worked wonders for my girl with some lavender lotion. Then lay them down for a story, not only are they getting "Mommie time" but it gives them a chance to settle down it will take a while but the sandman will make an apperience on a regular basis adventually! You have to make it a every night thing! No if ands or buts about it; pick a time for dinner and start the routine, it might take a little bit but keep it up and I promis it will be worth it! Let me know how it works out! I'm pulling for you!
L.,
The only advise I have would be to try and cut down any naps that happen during the day. The other thing that has worked for my two little ones is a very long bath before bed. They get all their energy worked out and the water really knocks them out. Good luck!
M.
yes, yes, and yes. The longer this pattern goes on the worse it will get. It will take several nights but if you are consistant it will work! Good luck!
L.,
For the one that climbs into bed with you, take her/him back to their own bed every time. It will get exhausting for you but if you continue to do this without saying a word, they will eventually stay in their own bed. For the nightly crying, yes letting them do this and not responding will be key. It will probably take about 3-4 nights but eventually it will work out. Be sure to have bedtime routines every night. My kids got baths, a book or two and a back tickle, they love it and know it is time to sleep. Good luck, keep us all informed.
