Choosing a Bedside Cot for Twins
Twins in the newborn stage sleep best close to one another It's vital to follow safe sleeping recommendations. A proper crib arrangement can aid your twins in establishing a consistent sleeping routine.
A double bassinet with the option of dividing it is a great choice for twins. These beds can be used as portable beds to let parents keep their infants close for mid-night feedings and diaper changes. They also work well for infants who might outgrow their bassinets before baby 2 years old.
Space-Saving
If you adhere to safe guidelines for sleeping, twins can be in a bedside crib side-by-side. They should sleep on their backs with their heads pointing towards each other and their feet at the opposite ends. They can also co-sleep in a Moses basket or a regular crib once they're large enough.
We love this Delta double bassinet. It has a mesh divider to allow babies to remain separate but close to each and each other. It comes with a handy storage pocket to keep snacks and wipes close by as well. Plus, it folds flat and makes it easy to manoeuvre around the house or go on trips.
This EZ Fold Twin Bassinet, available at Walmart, swivels so that you can bring your twins who are fussy closer to you to feed them and comfort them. The sides can be lowered and raised for easy access, and are locked in place for safety. It is a little longer and heavier than the other options however it is ideal for the second floor or grandparent's homes. It also comes with a carry-on bag. It's also a lot less expensive than the Halo Bassinest Twin.
Convenience
Parents of twins may be tempted to put the twins together in a single crib or bassinet but this is not generally recommended. Instead the group Rednose suggests that twins are provided with their own private sleeping space (crib or bassinet, or a portable crib) in the parent/caregiver's room until they reach 12 months old to help reduce the risk of SIDS. This is referred to as co-bedding. It has been proven that twins who grew in this environment have a more synchronized sleeping pattern.
A twin bedside cot like the Teknum FELLOW 2 is an excellent option to accomplish this. It comes with two separate sets of bedding, so that each baby gets their own personal space. This bedside cot can also easily be moved from room to room as required, and makes it easy to monitor the baby without needing to wake them by re-entering their sleeping zone or disrupting their rhythms.
Other alternatives include double bassinets that have been specifically designed to allow the infants to be side-by-side, and are ideal for nighttime feeds or diaper changes. The Halo Bassinest Twin has a mesh panel that is breathable and adjustable in height to allow each infant to be seen and reachable at all times. The sides of the sleeper lower and raise to allow for easy access. If you prefer a more affordable option, the Walmart-exclusive Twin EZ Fold Double Bassinet is similar, with two separate sleeping zones, separated by a mesh panel that allows babies to see each other and the entire mattress can rotate 360 degrees to give an easy access to every infant.
For situations that are temporary like a family visit or hospital stay Parents have reported success in co-bedding twins in the large moses basket or small bassinette with a divider. This should only be done with the supervision of a healthcare provider. They will ensure that the infants are correctly placed in a crib with their feet placed at the foot of the crib, and all bedding put in.
Safety
When it comes to twins sleeping together, the most crucial security feature is that each baby has their own space to sleep in. This ensures that each infant isn't smothered, or trapped by the other. It also helps prevent cot deaths, which are more frequent with single infants than multiples.
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that tritons, twins and higher-ordered triplets have their own sleeping space. The best method to achieve this is by having a separate bassinet or twin bedside cots that can be placed close to your bed when you feed or soothe one of the babies during the night.
Although recent SIDS risk reduction guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics encourage room sharing with a parent and disallow cobedding but the reality is that many families of twins and higher-order multiples have difficulty complying with these guidelines (1). A previous study found that a majority of families with twins who were cobedded during the first three months at home used unsafe sleeping practices (room sharing without cobedding).
Parents of twins may not adhere to current SIDS risk reduction recommendations due to a desire increase their own sleep duration and the inability to accommodate multiple cribs at home. Additionally, socioeconomic status can affect the family's decisions regarding the arrangement of their sleep.
If twins are positioned side-by-side in a small crib or Moses basket, they could easily become entangled by their bedding and potentially choke on each other. If you decide to put your twins in the same cot ensure they are in an area that their feet are right next to their heads and that their bedding is put into the cots securely. This will decrease the chance of them choking on each one.
A bedside bassinet, such as the Halo Bassinest Twin, is one of the safest and easier options for twins that want to sleep in a separate bed. The double bassinet features an enclosed mesh wall that can divide twins and give them their own safe, flat mattress to sleep on. It can be rotated 360 degrees, meaning you can bring your baby closer to you without having to leave your bed. The side walls automatically lower and then return with each movement. go now is also easy to clean, and fits into the standard twin-sized bed frame. Take a look at the Delta Children Twin EZ Fold Double Bassinet at Walmart. It has similar features to the Halo Bassinest.
Comfort
It's a significant life change to welcome twins or multiples into the world. They require a lot of thought and preparation not to mention in regards to where they will sleep and how they will get a good night's rest. While decisions regarding their bedroom space can be taken as they age parents often ask how they can help them to feel comfortable in the beginning stages.
When twins are still young, it is possible to share a crib. Co-bedding is a method for soothing newborns by bringing them back to their womb. It is important to ensure that the beds are big enough to allow the babies to feel comfortable without touching each the other or move around. Also, keep in mind that the baby who wakes up first should be fed. It can be helpful to co-ordinate night feeds to ensure that you wake one up before the other.
It is important to keep in mind that twins may have different sleeping routines. You might find that one baby is waking more than the other, or that they prefer to be nearer to you. In this case it could be beneficial for twins to have their own crib or bassinet in their room.
Look for twin bedside cots that have breathable mesh dividers to create separate sleeping areas. This is particularly important for babies who are more prone to overheating or families with mothers who have had c-sections. A reversible base as well as wheels that are easy to move are also useful features. The Arm's Reach cot, specifically designed for mothers who have a c-section is a great option because it offers a huge sleeping space and is easy to move. The Graco Pack 'n Play or Fisher-Price's Easy Swaivel are both options, but offer smaller sleeping areas than the Arm's Reach cot.
Even if they're close, it is not recommended that twins share a bed with an adult. This could increase the risk of SIDS and result in suffocation or strangulation. Instead, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that twins remain in their safe sleeping areas, like cribs or bassinets, in their parents' room for the first six months.