Spaced Soothing or Controlled Crying - 15 month old twins

[pilipala22]

Hi, I have twin girls aged 15 months and since about Christmas we have got into the bad habit of bringing the girls into our bed if they wake in the middle of the night, usually about 3ish but sometimes earlier, sometimes later. For a while this was because one or the other was poorly and genuinely needed that bit of comfort however now I think it is habit as they are both well and happy during the day. Whilst the co-sleeping means that I get some sleep rather than traipsing back and forth across the landing it is pretty disturbed sleep and it's just not workable on a long term basis, especially when they both want in!

They go to bed well at 7 and are ok with naps (now one at lunchtime although varies in length between half an hour to two hours).

Did anyone use either method in the middle of the night and if so, did you leave them in the the same room or separate them to tackle the sleep issue? Just looking for thought/ideas really!

My son often has disturebed nights and there have been times when there have been 5 of us in the bed. We have a no wriggle rule and if you go to sleep here you will wake up in your own bed.

I find my twins have much more disturbed sleep than my one. I found putting an extra cover on them, particularly my ds has led to less disturbed nights.

My 21 month old twins sleep in the same room, we have a spare room with a travel cot in. If we have problems its usually with the boy. If they are having problems going to sleep we let them howl a bit, go in pick the upset one up, cuddle, sooth and but back down again. Repeat until they are settled. If the other one is getting disturbed we put the non sleeping one in the travel cot and continue. I don't do the timing thing, leaving it a bit longer each time etc. I just listen to the cries and if it is getting a bit too upset I go in, etc etc. If they are calming I leave them. Nothing scientific about it, I'm just comfortable with that and can carry it out. Also I don't want them getting too upset (don't know how they are supposed to sleep then.)
We have done the bringing one into bed with us, he settles so quickly it is easier but it started to get into a habit so we do the same routine during the night now unless there is reason not to, e.g. illness (we're absolutely knackered).

I find separating them helpful, it takes the edge off worrying that the other will wake and me being more likely to give in rather than have 2 going off in the night.

Once it hits 6 am we do bring him in with us (again probably wrong and inconsistent) but the last 45 mins in bed is lovely and he doesn't go back to sleep if we put him in the other room them.

Thanks for your replies, was considering the travel cot in another room option so am going to give it a whirl. Keeping fingers crossed as tackling tonight solo!

Good luck, have some , keep calm and carry on

I found sitting next to them and avoiding eye contact ( get a book, phone...whatever to keep you occupied) works faster in the long run just lay them back down when they stand or if it escalates pat their tummy and say sshhh they will get the message (will comfort u won't pick u up) agree with travel cot for the beginning. Short term it is tiring and may leave u feeling distraught but so worth it! Good luck!