Twin Daughters Wanting Out of Crib at Bedtime

My twins a girl and a boy did the same thing. I remember doing the same thing about inching out but I didnt think it was anyones method but my own.

Screaming I know all too well. They just seemed to want to scream and indeed my daughter would set my son off. The wold scream in OR out of the cribs so I figured they might as well fight sleep IN their cribs and indeed eventually would pass out. I tried rocking and patting their backs.

I did also play music that did help. A LITTLE All kinds of music. Also story tapes.
I think it lasted from about a month or two.

Mine will be 26 this Sunday. Grace and Peace

Hi,
I have 16 month old twins and it is difficult when one feeds off the other! I tried the Sleep Lady Shuffle (when they were younger) which sounds similar to your approach...you sit near the crib and slowly move closer to the door. Well, eventually I realized that I was making it worse by lingering around. So what worked for me was to read to them while they were in their cribs(whether they listened or not) and when reading time was over I kissed them, said enjoy your nap/sleep, I love you and I'll see you later. After that I just walked out. It was bad at first, they cried a lot but it really only lasted a few days and now several months later they go to sleep like champs! THey know what to expect and sometimes they try to get me to take them out once I have read the last book but I just have to walk out. I also give them board books to look at in ther cribs which is very helpful. It's tough with twins and you NEED that time to breathe. I hope this helps. Keep up the good work and feel free to e-mail if you want to talk twin talk!
Danielle

Hi P.,
I'm not a cry it out person and would never leave a baby crying an hour and a half. But some people clearly parent differently than I did.
If it is taking so long for them to fall asleep, I'd re-evaluate what their sleep needs are. Are they still napping twice during the day? Perhaps they are not tired at bedtime, and its' time to transition to one nap or to push bedtime back later if they don't seem sleepy at bedtime.
Good luck

Dear P.,

Just keep doing what you are doing. By the fourth night you should have two precious sleeping babies. If you start taking them out of their cribs now you will never get them to go back in. Just make a routine what ever works for you. Children need consistency in every aspect of their lives. After dinner whatever your normal routine is bath, bedtime story, say your good nights, and leave the room. My kids always loved music, I had a music box in their cribs. They knew the routine after story they would get their blankets, kiss dad goodnight and in the crib. I would put the music on say night night mommy loves you and off to sleep they went. Good luck!!

It seems your twins are reponding to the method you've been trying so my suggestion is to be patient and continue on with it until they go right off to sleep without fussing.

My husband and I were in the same boat when our twins were a bit younger than yours but I can assure you it does get better! We worked really hard to get a specific bedtime routine down-- one that we're still using now, more or less-- so they they "knew" it was bedtime. It breaks your heart to hear your kids cry like that, but it sounds like what you're doing is working. At 17 months our boys almost always go right to sleep at bedtime, and if they don't they just goof around in their cribs until they fall asleep. No more crying because they know it's not worth it. GOOD LUCK!!

If what your doing is working go with that and probably in a few nights you will be able to leave right away. A.