Choosing a Bedside Cot for Twins
Newborn twins sleep best when close to each other However, it's crucial to adhere to the safe sleep guidelines. The proper crib arrangement will help your twins develop the same routine of sleeping.
A double bassinet with an divider is a great choice for twins. These portable beds let parents keep their babies near for mid-night feedings and diaper changes. They are also ideal for babies who may outgrow their bassinets before baby 2.
Space-Saving
Twins can sleep side-by-side in a bedside crib, as long as you follow safe sleeping guidelines (that's to say they should be lying on their backs, with the tops of their heads overlapping each other and their feet placed at opposite sides of the cot). Once they are big enough, they may also sleep together in a Moses Basket or regular crib.
We really love this Delta double bassinet, which includes a mesh divider, to keep babies separate, yet close to each other. It also has a storage pocket for wipes and snacks. Plus, it folds flat making it easy to move around the house or on trips.
Another option is this EZ Fold Twin Bassinet from Walmart, which swivels to bring fussy twins closer to you for feedings and calming. The sides can be raised and lowered to make it easier for you to get in and are secured to ensure safety. It's a bit bigger and heavier than other options but is great for the second-floor or grandparents' homes. It also comes with a bag for travel. It's also less expensive than the Halo Bassinest Twin.
Convenience
It is not recommended that parents of twins place their babies in the same crib or bassinet. Rednose suggests that twins have their own secure sleeping area (crib, portable crib, or bassinet) in the room of the parents or caregivers until they reach 12 months to lower the chance of SIDS. This arrangement is known as co-bedding. It has been proven that twins who grew in this type of environment have a more synchronized sleeping patterns.
One of the most convenient ways to make this work is by using twin bedside cots, like the Teknum FELLOW 2, that comes with two distinct bedding sets so each baby can have a personal and comfortable space. This bedside cot is also easily moved from one room to another when needed. It is an easy and convenient way to check on your children without disturbing their sleep patterns or awakening them.
Double bassinets are an alternative. They permit babies to sleep side-byside, and are perfect for feedings and diaper changes in the middle of the night. The Halo Bassinest Twin, for example, has a breathable mesh divider and adjustable height so that every baby is visible and reachable at all times, and the sides of the sleeper can be raised and lowered to give easy access. Walmart's Twin EZ Fold Double Bassinet which is a less expensive alternative, has two sleeping zones that are separated by a mesh, which allows babies to see each the other. what is it worth can also rotate around 360 degrees to give easy access to infants.
Many parents have realized that co-bedding twins with moses baskets or a small bassinette, could be a good option for temporary situations like hospital stays or a visit to the family. This should only be done under the supervision by a healthcare professional. They will ensure that the babies are properly placed on their feet at the foot of the crib and all bedding is tucked into.
Safety
The most important safety aspect for twins is that both babies have their own bed. This ensures that each baby is not smothered or otherwise trapped by the other. It also helps prevent cot deaths, which are more common with single babies than multiples.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that triplets, twins, and higher-order multiples have their own sleeping space. The best way to accomplish this is with a separate bassinet or twin bedside cots that could be brought up close to your bed while you feed or soothe one of the babies during the night.
Although the American Academy of Pediatrics has recently issued guidelines to lower the risk of SIDS by encouraging room sharing and avoiding cobedding, a lot of families with twins and multiples find it difficult to follow these guidelines (1). A previous study found that a large majority of families with twins who were cobedded in the first three months at home opted for unsafe sleeping practices (room sharing without cobedding).
Parents of twins might not follow current SIDS recommendations due to the desire to sleep longer and the lack of space in their home to accommodate multiple cribs. In addition, socioeconomic status could affect the family's decisions regarding the arrangement of their sleep.
When twins are placed side-by-side in a small crib or Moses basket, they may easily get caught in their bedding and could choke on each other. If you decide to place your twins in the same cot ensure they are placed in the position that their feet are right next to their heads and their bedding is placed in each cot securely. This will reduce the chance of them choking on each one.
One of the safer and more convenient options for twins to sleep separately is a bedside bassinet like the Halo Bassinest Twin. This double bassinet features a mesh wall that separates twins, giving them their own safe and comfortable, flat sleeping surface. It can be turned 360 degrees, meaning you can bring your child closer to you without having to leave 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. Check out the Delta Children Twin EZ Fold Double Bassinet at Walmart. It comes with the same features to the Halo Bassinest.
Comfort
The arrival of twins or multiples into the world is a huge life-changing. Not only that, they require a great deal of preparation and thought in regards to their sleeping arrangements and how they will get a good night's sleep. While the decisions regarding their future bedroom space can be taken when they are older parents are often unsure of how they can help their children to feel comfortable in the beginning stages.
It is possible for twins to share a single cot if they are small. This is known as co-bedding and it can be a wonderful comfort for newborns since it helps them remember the mother's womb. It is crucial to ensure that the beds are big enough to allow newborns to feel at ease without touching each other or roll around. It is also important to remember that the baby who awakes first needs to be fed. It is helpful to coordinate nighttime feeds in order to awake one baby prior to the other.
cheap bedside cot is crucial to keep in mind that twins can be distinct and may develop their own sleeping patterns. You may find that one baby is waking more than the other, or that they prefer to be closer to you. In this instance, it might be best for twins to have their own crib or bassinet in their room.
When looking for a twin bedside cot, look for models that feature ventilated mesh dividers that can create distinct sleeping zones. This is essential for babies that are prone to heat stroke or for families where moms have had a c-section. A reversible base and wheels that are easy to maneuver are also useful features. The Arm's Reach cot, which is designed for c-section mothers is a great option because it offers a huge sleeping space and is easy to maneuver. The Graco Pack 'n Play or Fisher-Price's Easy Swaivel are both options, but offer a smaller sleeping space than the Arm's Reach cot.
It is not recommended to sleep with twins in the same bed with an adult even if they're close. This can increase the risk of SIDS and result in suffocation or strangulation. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that twins should be in their own bassinets or cribs in their parents' room for the first six months.