How did you sleep last night?
Did you get a good night’s sleep? Yeah, me neither. You know who did sleep well? The twins.
No matter how crazy they drive me during the day, I can always count on them to go to sleep early and stay asleep until morning. Now, it’s very early morning, but it’s still morning. I did not have the same luck with my oldest child.
I say luck because I really think whether your children are good sleepers or not is partially the luck of the draw. We tried everything to get my oldest to sleep in his crib, and he wouldn’t do it. From about 3 months on, the twins were sleeping through the night in theirs. What did we do different? Nothing.
However, I don’t really think we gave a sleep routine enough of a chance with our oldest. It was just easier to take him into our bed. With twins, I didn’t feel safe co-sleeping, nor did we have room for them in our bed. So, came up with a sleep routine and stuck with it.
Toddler Sleep Routine
As the twins went from infants to babies to toddlers, the sleep routine has changed, but it still has the basics. Here is ours, step-by-step. AND, the best part…it starts as soon as Dad gets home from work, and ends with the twins in bed no later than 7pm.
1. Full Tummy
This used to be each of use feeding the babies a bottle. Now, it is the whole family sitting together at the dinner table, setting the timer, and trying to get everyone to eat in under an hour.
2. Pajamas and diaper change
As you know from yesterday’s POST, this unfortunately has not changed.
3. Something to wind down
Sometimes this is a story, sometimes it’s a TV show, like Thomas or Curious George.
4. Brushing Teeth
5. Arguing over who Mommy will carry to bed
I used to be able to carry both, but they are getting so heavy, it’s a struggle.
6. Put annoying children’s music on, Twilight Turtle, Hello Kitty nightlight, and Moon in My room on
The turtle, kitty, and moon have run out of batteries and have been out of commission for a good 6 months, and no one really seems to mind anymore. The same, irritating music is still going strong. No matter how many times I try to switch the CD, they insist on the same one.
7. Put cream on their cheeks
They used to get really chapped cheeks from all their drooling, so I would rub Aquaphor on their cheeks. Now, I just pretend. Unless, they really need it.
8. Cover with blanket
Sneak in again when they are asleep and recover them, since they kick their blankets off.
A New Element to the Sleep Routine
Now, instead of sneaking in, I was given a better solution to keeping them warm and comfortable.
A company called baby deedee contacted me, and asked if I would like to try one of their products for each of my twins*. Their most popular product is the Sleep Nest, which is a warm and cozy wearable blanket. While I’m sure my boys would have enjoyed this, I was a little afraid they’d try to walk around in them and hurt themselves. So, I opted for the Sleep Kicker. This also adds a layer of warmth, but with an opening for their feet.
I selected the Peacock for both of them, so they wouldn’t fight over who got which color. They were a beautiful, bright blue with turquoise details. I also washed them before they wore them, and they came out perfectly.
Do you think they liked them?
They actually loved them. They both wanted to be the first one to get it on, and then they walked around proudly, showing them off to big brother. Off to bed, and they are quietly snoring away as I type this. Plus, no late night sneak in necessary because I know they will be warm, even if they kick their blanket off.
If you’d like to order your own Sleep Kicker or one of the many other products available on their website, you can get 20% off right now! Just copy and paste the code when you order:
http://www.babydeedee.com/?utm_campaign=promofall&utm_medium=web&utm_source=SOURCE
AND one lucky reader will win their own baby deedee sleep nest in their choice of 9 colors and size. This would make a perfect baby shower gift, if you don’t have little ones of your own. Just enter below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I hope seeing our sleep routine helped if you’re having trouble with your own. Are your children good sleepers? Do you have a set routine?
*This post has not been sponsored, however, I received 2 sleep kickers from baby deedee in exchange for my honest review.
Those are really cute! Do they make them for furbaby’s ? 😉
These look so comfy and it looks like they LOVE them! 🙂 I love your nighttime routine. Thank you for sharing!
Your kids are adorable in those sleep suits. I just love them. As a Mom with older children now, all kids eventually sleep. And as they get to be teens they want to sleep all day.
My daughter and her husband have cuddle time overnight before going to bed. Kids grab a blanket and cuddle for 10 minutes or so and off to bed. She also uses essential oil diffuser that helps everyone sleep.
we love ours! i just wish they made them in bigger sizes.
How old are your kids? Or, what sizes? These ones fit from age 2 to 4, and they are pretty roomy.
A great sleep routine is so important! I rarely feel totally rested…sigh! Thanks for sharing the great giveaway!
Agreed. Thank you!
I think someone needs to come up with a sleep routine for me because I always seem to be tired! In all seriousness, I’m sure having a routine would help and I do need to work on that. The twins are so adorable!
I need a routine for myself too 🙂 Thank you!
Those sleep kickers look warm and cozy. Its a great idea! Unfortunately, for me my son would not wear something like that because he is very warm blooded. A lot of times he ends up taking off his pajamas because he is too warm.
Understandable. My oldest is like that, but the twins are usually colder.
So cute! Sleep is sooo important.. whether you have kiddos or not!
Awwwww, soooo cute, your kids in their little matching footie pajamas? Do they make adult sizes? Asking for a friend obviously 🙂 XOXO
Ha! I wish! I would like one too 🙂
Absolutely adorable pictures. Thanks for sharing your toddling sleep routine – what age did you start brushing their teeth? My little one only has one tooth, but just wondering for the future : )
As soon as they have teeth, you can start with a little toothbrush that you put on your finger, or they have wipes that you can just wipe inside their mouth. You should also check into a first dentist visit because most of the time they are free if you go before 18 months. It just helps them get used to going, and they can just check everything out 🙂
Hi Shann,
Wow, I think you are getting your sleep routines down pretty good lol thanks for sharing your experiences and what is working for you 🙂 Great post!
Loved the peacock sleep jumper. Gonna order one tonight. Thanks for the discount code #babydeedee #shanneva
Wonderful! You are more than welcome! Thank you for coming by.
We loved the sleep sacks when Aiden was a baby! 🙂
We are also big on our bedtime routine. And things just got easier as we are FINALLY done with bottles! Now it’s stories and cuddles for my 3yo and the twins! We need a bigger chair, though.
So cute! I love that they each want you to carry them to bed, by the way. That is so sweet.
My son has always been a good sleeper. We use white noise in his room.
Those are super cute and look so snuggly! Great advice. I would also add…no water before bed! ha That one is a kicker every time!
Oh yes! Good one!
Such great help! I was gifted with good sleepers once they became toddlers!
Our sleep is non existent. completely nonexistent. One night they go to bed at 8, the next 10. It doesn’t matter if they nap or don’t. eat or don’t. and they don’t do it “together”. If one is awake the other is sleeping. Ohhhh myyyy goooodneeeesssss!
Oh no. That is the worst. That’s how my oldest was, and sleep deprivation is seriously torture. I’m so sorry!
I’ve always found the best way to get kids to go to bed smoothly and sleep is to have a routine. Your routine sounds pretty secure and well, routine. That’s the best way to do it!
I typically sleep best when I go to sleep by 11pm, I am not overly full and…. There is spooning, HA HA!
Your Post are always on time with my life! I couldn’t imagine 2 of what I currently deal with. But I loved seeing your routine, I’ve got to try the music yours have been listening too! Thank you so much for sharing this 😀
Your posts are always right on time with what I’m going through! I just don’t have two! So I must take your tip on that music your playing for them! Thank you for sharing! 😀
It’s been a long time since I had a bedtime routine for the kids. My daughter puts her kids to bed by 9pm…but sometimes 9pm turns to 11pm with the 2 year old.
I love the kickers! Entered the giveaway for the grandkids :). Hope it’s been a great week Shann!
Cori
Those sleepers look warm and comfy! Thankfully, my kiddo has always been a good sleeper. I consider myself very lucky!
Those are adorable! Speaking of sleeping tips as I’m commenting on this at 4am ?
Peacock is beautiful. I like that color
I really love that blue color!
Those look very cozy!
I love the blue
Thank you for entering!
Love that “sleep nest” and such a nice color blue! Yes – thankfully I had good “nappers” and “sleepers” and kids always went to bed early and I was blessed!!!!! (That was many, many moons ago – wink wink)!!! Thanks for sharing these great tips!
You’re welcome. Thank you for stopping by Clare 🙂
Your twin boys are so cute! And I love your bedtime routine. Even though my girls are now young adults, I think the cozy Sleep Nest would make a perfect holiday gift for little ones. 🙂
Thank you!
Aw, they look so cute in their little Sleep Kickers! Do they make them for adults? LOL. Adorable!
I wish! 🙂 Thank you!
the khaki color
Thank you for entering!
These are cute! I’m sending this link to my girlfriend so she can enter to win one for her little boy, I’m sure he’d love it!
Awesome! Thank you!
I like Slate hot pink.
Thank you for entering!
Routine is key! I like the khaki coloured one if I win!
Thank you for entering!
Those are cute I need one hee hee
I would get one in a purple or pink. I have my daughter on a sleep routine also since 3 months. I was really sick, so co-sleeping wasn’t possible. We did have that sleeper rocker thing, loved it for naps.
I would choose the red and blue 🙂
These are adorable! I think my kids would like them. Our sleep routine has NOT been good lately. Maybe this would help!
Great idea! I always feel bad because my son’s feet are cold in the morning because he never leaves his blanket on!
I like the Navy Red. And Khaki. They all look cozy.
These are really cute my mom was always trying to keep my sister covered I remembered when she was a kid. The called her top cause she always skinned in the bed. My nice her daughter was the same way helicoptered. Now the next generations are on the way nephews wife is having twins in may fraternal. Trying to help them out but definitely be buying these when know how big they might be next fall. Don’t know sexes yet but doctor says growing fine. Tan or red might be a good color. This Will be a csection because there 3 year old sister was. Looking at your blog to help her find info on twins glad I found it and will direct her to it. Thank you
I’m so glad. Thank you so much for reading. If you ever have any questions, please let me know. 🙂
Your twins are so cute!! I maintain a good sleep routine, but my daughter is ALWAYS a terrible sleeper. We just moved her from our bed to her own bed few weeks ago… I am still sleeping with her in her bed. 🙁 My toddler daughter and I love Halo sleep sacks! We live in Florida, so we use a cotton sleep sack year round.