How to Transition Twins to Big Beds

Moving twins out of their cots and into big beds is a big step. It may be difficult for them and exhausting for their parents if it takes them a while to settle back into their usual bedtime routine. As with all aspects of parenting twins, this stage requires a lot of preparation.

Things You'll Need

  • Wall fixtures for furniture
  • Electrical outlet covers
  • Door safety catches
  • Stair safety guards
  • Two toddler or regular beds

Instructions

    • 1

      Wait until your twins are ready to move into big beds. Multiples tend to remain in their cots longer than single babies do, says Twins UK. As soon as your twins start trying to climb out of their cots -- and you can guarantee that as soon as one gives it a go, the other will quickly follow -- it's time to prepare for the next step. A fall out of a cot could be dangerous, and your twins' safety must be your top concern. You may be able to leave your twins in their cots until they are 2 or even 3 years old, depending on how spacious and secure the cots are.

    • 2

      Prepare yourself for a stressful, exhausting time when transitioning your twins to beds. Without the restrictions of a cot, they will be free to leave their beds when they please. This is also an issue for parents of a single toddler, of course, but twins can cause double the mess when let loose in their bedroom. Try not to stress about the prospect and accept it as yet another challenge facing you as a parent of twins.

    • 3

      Decide whether to keep your twins in the same bedroom after they transition to beds. If you don't have enough bedrooms to spare, you may not have any choice. If you do have a room for each of them, it could take a bit of time to figure out the best solution. Twins who are separated at night may get out of bed more frequently to find one another. On the other hand, some twins find their sibling too much of a distraction at bedtime and prefer to have their own space. What works for your twins will depend on their individual personalities and their existing routines.

    • 4

      Remove everything from your twins' room that could be a safety hazard. Make sure all furniture is securely attached to the wall -- in case a bookcase turns into a nighttime climbing frame. Clear all toys, books and other items off the floor. Use electrical outlet covers and safety catches on all doors. Keep all accessible windows locked. Fit safety guards at the top of the stairs and test them regularly to make sure they haven't loosened.

    • 5

      Take your twins on a shopping trip to purchase their big beds, mattresses and bedding. Get them excited about the transition. Decide between toddler beds and regular beds. Toddler beds are sized appropriately for toddlers, but bear in mind that you will have to buy two of them and then buy two regular beds when they outgrow the toddler ones. Remove the rails or frame from regular beds and place the mattresses and box springs directly on the floor to make them lower if you feel your twins aren't old enough to safely get in and out of the bed unassisted, suggests Twins UK.

    • 6

      Continue your twins' usual bedtime routine. The familiarity will reassure them and make the transition to big beds a little easier. A warm bath, story time, and a few minutes of back rubbing and cuddling will relax them. Tuck them into their beds when they are sleepy but still awake so they learn to put themselves to sleep.

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