Choosing a Bedside Cot for Twins
Newborn twins sleep best when close to one another It's vital to adhere to the safe sleep guidelines. Choosing the right crib arrangement will aid in the development of a consistent routine of sleep.
A double bassinet with an divider is a great choice for twins. These beds can be used as portable beds to let parents keep their babies near for mid-night feedings and diaper changes. These beds are also great for babies who may outgrow their bassinets for baby by the time they reach toddlerhood.
Space-Saving
As long as you follow safe sleeping guidelines, twins can sleep in a amazon bedside cot crib side-by-side. They should sleep on their backs, with their heads touching and their feet on the opposite ends. They can also share a bed in a Moses basket or regular crib once they're large enough.
This Delta double bassinet has a mesh partition that allows babies to be separated, but still close. It has a handy storage pocket to keep snacks and wipes close by as well. It is also foldable which makes it easy to move around the house or take on trips.
This EZ Fold Twin Bassinet, available at Walmart can swivel to allow you to bring your twins who are fussy closer to you to feed them and calm them. The sides lower and raise for access and secure themselves to ensure your child's safety. It's a little larger and heavier than other alternatives, but it's a great choice for grandparents' or second-floor houses and comes with a travel bag. It's also less expensive than the Halo Bassinest Twin.
Convenience
Many parents of twins may be tempted to sleep the babies together in one crib or bassinet, this is generally not recommended. Instead the group Rednose suggests that twins are given their own safe sleeping space (crib or bassinet or portable crib) in the room of the parent or caregiver until they turn 12 months old to reduce the risk of SIDS. This arrangement is known as co-bedding. It has been proven that twins who have grown in this type of environment develop a more coordinated sleeping pattern.
One of the most efficient ways to make this work is with a twin 4-in-1 bedside crib cot like the Teknum FELLOW 2, that comes with two separate bedding sets so each baby can have an individual and comfortable space. This bedside cot 6 months plus cot can also easily be moved from room to another as necessary, and also allows you to check on babies without needing to wake them by re-entering their sleeping space or disrupting their sleep patterns.
Double bassinets are another option. They permit infants to be side-by-side, and they're perfect for diaper changes or feedings during the middle of the night. The Halo Bassinest Twin has a mesh panel that is breathable and adjustable in height to allow each baby to be easily accessible and visible at all times. The sides of the sleeper lower and raise for easy access. Walmart's Twin EZ Fold Double Bassinet which is a more affordable option, has two sleep zones that are separated by a mesh panel which allows babies to see each the other. The sleeper also swivels around 360 degrees to allow an easy access for infants.
Many parents have realized that bedding twins in moses baskets, or a smaller bassinette, is a great option in situations of a short duration, such as hospitalization or a visit to the family. However it is recommended to do this only under the supervision of a healthcare professional to ensure that the babies are placed properly and with their feet towards the floor of the cot, and all bedding securely tucked in, to prevent them from suffocating.
Safety
When it comes to twins sleeping together, the most important security feature is that each baby has his or her individual space to sleep. This will prevent each baby from being smothered, choked or otherwise being choked by the other. This also helps avoid cot death, which is more prevalent in infants with one parent than in multiples.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that triplets, twins, and higher-order multiples have their own sleep space. This can be done with an individual bassinet or twin bedside crib that you can put on your bed to feed or sooth one of your babies during the night.
Although recent SIDS risk reduction recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics encourage room sharing with a parent and disallow cobedding, the reality is that many families with twins and higher-order multiples aren't able to comply with these guidelines (1). A previous study found that the majority of families of twins that were cobedded during the first three months at home, used unsafe sleeping practices (room sharing without cobedding).
Parents of twins may not adhere to the current SIDS risk reduction guidelines because of a desire to extend their own sleep time and a lack of space to accommodate multiple cribs in the home. Additionally, socioeconomic status can influence family decisions regarding sleeping arrangements.
If twins are positioned side-by-side in a tiny crib or Moses basket, they can easily get caught in their bedding and could choke on one another. If you decide to sleep your twins in the same cot it is important to put them in the position of feet-to-head and with their bedding tucked securely into each cot to minimize the possibility of them colliding with each one.
One of the safer and more practical options for twins to sleep independently is a bedside Rocking crib bassinet like the Halo Bassinest Twin. The double bassinet has a mesh wall that separates twins so that they each have their own secure and comfortable, flat sleeping surface. It can be swiveled 360 degrees, which means you can bring your child closer to you without leaving your bed. The side walls automatically lower and return with every movement. It is also easy to clean, and can be tucked away into the standard twin-sized bed frame. If you're looking for a cheaper alternative, look into the Delta Children Twin EZ Fold Double Bassinet, which is available at Walmart and offers similar features as the Halo Bassinest.
Comfort
Being welcomed by twins or multiples to the world is a huge life change. They require plenty of planning and thought, not least when it comes to the place they will be sleeping and how they will get a good night's rest. Parents often wonder what they can do to help their children feel more comfortable in the early years of their lives.
It is possible for twins to share a cot if they are small bedside cot. This is called co-bedding and it can be a excellent comfort for babies as it reminds them of the birthing process. It is important to ensure that the beds are large enough to allow the infants to be comfortable without touching each others or roll around. It is also important to keep in mind that the baby who waks first must be fed. It can be helpful to coordinate nighttime feeds so that you can wake one up before the other.
However, it is important to remember that twins are distinct and may have their own sleep patterns. You may find that one baby is waking more than the other or prefers to be nearer to you. In this situation it may be beneficial for the twins to share their own bassinet or crib in their room.
Find twin bedside crib to cot cots with mesh dividers that are breathable for separate sleeping areas. This is crucial for babies that are susceptible to overheating, or families with mothers who have had c-sections. Other useful features include the reversible base, built-in storage for blankets and toys, as well as easy-to-maneuver wheels. The Arm's Reach cot, which is specifically designed for mothers with c-sections is a great option due to its large sleeping area and is easy to maneuver. The Graco Pack 'n Play or Fisher-Price Easy Swaivel are also options, but offer smaller sleeping spaces than the Arm's Reach cot.
It is not recommended that twins sleep in the same bed as an adult even if they're very close. This could increase the risk of SIDS and cause suffocation or strangulation. Instead, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that twins have their own secure sleeping spaces, such as bassinets or cribs in their parents' rooms for the first six months.