What No One Tells You About Parenting Twins: Sleep Edition

When you become a parent, everyone warns you about the sleepless nights that come with a newborn. What they don’t tell you is that the exhaustion doesn’t stop after the baby stage—and it doesn’t always get easier.

If you’re in the thick of sleep struggles, or if you're preparing for what’s to come, here are a few very real truths about parenting and sleep that no one warned us about (but we wish they had).

1. You’ll Be More Exhausted Than You Ever Imagined

Sleep deprivation hits differently when it’s not just one night—it’s night after night, with no idea when the next stretch of decent sleep is coming.

Even on those sleepless nights—and there are plenty—somehow, you still rally the next day. You show up for your kids, play the games, and read the same book 12 times.

This kind of exhaustion is bone-deep, and it’s laced with love. You’re tired, but you’re showing up in the best way you know how.

2. You May End Up Sleeping on the Floor

There comes a time when your toddler doesn’t want to be rocked to sleep, but still needs help time to time.

In our house, this has looked like lying on the floor next to the crib, arm stretched through the rails, just so they can hold our hand and know we’re there. Not quite independent, not quite clingy—just in between.

And yes, your back will hurt. And if you’re lucky, you'll probably fall asleep there too.

3. Sleep Regressions Are Very, Very Real

You never see it coming. One week, everyone is sleeping great, and the next—it all falls apart. Suddenly, bedtime becomes a battle, middle-of-the-night wake-ups return, and the day starts way earlier than it should.

What causes it?
✔️ Teething
✔️ Separation anxiety
✔️ Developmental leaps
✔️ Illness
✔️ Who knows—sometimes it just happens

Sleep regressions can hit hard, and they don’t always follow a pattern. But they’re normal and most importantly, temporary (even when it doesn’t feel like it).

4. Missing a Nap Does NOT Mean a Better Night

This one is a classic misconception. You might think, “They skipped their nap—surely they’ll crash at bedtime.” Spoiler: they won’t. Overtired toddlers don’t sleep better—they sleep worse. Turns out, sleep really does beget sleep. Who knew?

5. Sleep Advice Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

There are so many books, blogs, and experts claiming to have the perfect sleep solution. And some of those strategies do work—sometimes.

But here’s the truth: every child is different. OH and we have two! And they have varying levels of sleep needs. What works for one toddler might not work for another.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone in the Sleeplessness

Parenting is beautiful—but it’s also full of broken nights, early mornings, and long stretches of trial and error. If you’re navigating toddler sleep struggles, regressions, or just pure exhaustion, know this: you’re not the only one lying on the floor next to a crib tonight.

This stage won’t last forever. But while it does, you’re doing an incredible job—even if you’re running on fumes and lukewarm coffee.