Choosing a Bedside Cot for Twins
Newborn twins sleep best when close to each other, but it's important to follow safe sleeping recommendations. The proper crib arrangement will aid your twins in establishing the same routine of sleeping.
A double bassinet that has the option of dividing it is a great option for twins. These beds can be used to keep their infants close for diaper changes as well as mid-night meals. These beds are also ideal for babies who are likely to outgrow their bassinets when they reach toddlerhood.
Space-Saving
If you follow safe sleeping guidelines, twins are able to sleep in a bedside crib side-by-side. They should be placed on their backs with their heads pointing towards each other and their feet at the opposite ends. Once they are big enough, they can sleep together in a Moses Basket or a regular crib.
We really love this Delta double bassinet, which has a mesh divider to allow babies to remain separate but close to each other. It also has a storage pocket for snacks and wipes. It folds flat making it easy to move around the house or on trips.
Another option is this EZ Fold Twin Bassinet from Walmart It can swivel to bring fussy twins closer to you for feedings and calming. The sides can be raised and lowered for easy access and are locked in place for security. It's a bit heavier and longer than some other options, but it's great for grandparents' or second-floor homes, and it comes with its own travel bag. It's also a lot cheaper than the Halo Bassinest Twin.
Convenience
It is not recommended that parents of twins put their babies in the same bassinet or crib. Rednose suggests that twins have their own secure sleeping area (crib or portable crib or bassinet) in the room of the parents/caregivers until they reach 12 months old to lower the risk of SIDS. This arrangement is also known as co-bedding and it has been observed that twins who have been accustomed to this type of sleeping environment generally have a more coordinated sleeping pattern than twins who sleep on their own.
One of the most convenient ways to achieve this is to use a twin bedside cot, like the Teknum FELLOW 2, that comes with two separate bedding sets, so that every baby can have an area that is comfortable and private. The bedside cot can also be easily moved from one room to the next depending on the need. It offers a convenient and easy way to check on your babies without disturbing their sleep patterns or awakening them.
Other options include double bassinets, that have been specifically designed to allow infants to stay side-by-side and are perfect for mid-night feeding or changing diapers. The Halo Bassinest Twin, for instance, features an air-tight mesh partition and adjustable height so that every baby can be seen and reached at all times, while the sides of the sleeper lower and raise to give easy access. If you prefer a more affordable option, the Walmart-exclusive Twin EZ Fold Double Bassinet is similar, having two separate sleeping zones, separated by a mesh panel that allows babies to see each other, and the entire sleeper swivels 360 degrees for easy access to each infant.
Many parents have realized that co-bedding twins with moses baskets or a smaller bassinette, is a great option in situations of a short duration, such as a hospital stay or a visit to the family. However, this should be done only under the supervision of a medical professional to ensure that babies are properly placed in a cot, with their feet at the bottom of the cot and all bedding is securely tucked in to avoid them from becoming suffocating.
Safety
The most important safety aspect for twins is that each baby has their own space to sleep. This prevents every baby from being smothered, choked, or otherwise being choking by the other. This also helps avoid the death of a cot, which is more prevalent in infants with one parent than in multiples.
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that tritons, twins, and higher-ordered triplets have their own sleeping area. This can be achieved by using a separate bassinet, or twin bedside crib that you can bring up to your bed to feed or sooth one of the babies during the night.
While the American Academy of Pediatrics has recently issued guidelines to lower the SIDS risk by encouraging room sharing and avoiding cobedding, many families with twins and multiples find it difficult to adhere to these guidelines (1). In a previous study it was discovered that the majority of twin families that co-bedded their children in the beginning of their life at home were engaged in dangerous sleep habits.
Parents of twins might not adhere to the current SIDS risk reduction guidelines because of a desire to increase their own sleep duration and a lack of space to accommodate multiple cribs at home. Furthermore, socioeconomic status may affect the family's decisions regarding sleeping arrangements.
When twins are placed together in a crib or Moses basket, they could easily get caught in their bedding and potentially choke on each other. If you decide to place your twins in the same cot ensure that they are placed in the position that their feet are right next to their heads and that their bedding is placed in the cots securely. This will reduce the chances of them choking on each other.
A bassinet that is positioned at the bedside, like the Halo Bassinest Twin, is one of the most secure and more convenient options for twins that want to sleep in a separate bed. This double bassinet comes with an insulated mesh wall that separates twins to give them each their own secure flat bed. It can rotate 360 degrees so you can bring your baby closer to you for feedings or to soothe without leaving the comfortable bed. Its sides lower and auto-return every time you move. It is easy to clean, and can be tucked away into a standard twin-sized bed frame. If you're looking for a less expensive alternative, consider the Delta Children Twin EZ Fold Double Bassinet available at Walmart. available at Walmart and offers similar features to the Halo Bassinest.
Comfort
It is a major life change to welcome twins or multiples into the world. They require lots of planning and consideration not to mention in regards to where they will sleep and how they will get a good night's sleep. Parents often ask themselves what they can do to make their children feel more comfortable at an early age.
It is possible for twins to share a cot if they are small. Co-bedding is a method of soothing newborns by bringing them back to their womb. The most important thing is to ensure that the beds are big enough for babies to be comfortable, without touching or bouncing around. You should also keep in mind that the baby who wakes up first should be fed. It can be beneficial to co-ordinate night feeds so that you can get one of them up earlier than the other.
It is important to keep in mind that twins may have different sleep patterns. You might find that one baby sleeps more than the other or prefers to be close to you. In bedside cot co sleeper , it might be best for twins to have their own bassinet or crib in their room.
Choose a cot with twin beds with breathable mesh dividers for sleeping areas that are separate. This is especially important for babies that are prone to overheating, or families with c-section mothers. bedside crib co sleeper and wheels that are easy to move are also helpful features. The Arm's Reach cot, which is designed for c-section mothers is a great option because it has a large sleeping area and is easy to move. The Graco Pack 'n Play or Fisher-Price's Easy Swaivel are both options, but have a smaller sleeping space than the Arm's Reach cot.
Even if they're close, it is not recommended to let twins share the bed with an adult. It is an increased risk of SIDS and could lead to suffocation, strangulation, or entrapment. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that twins be in their own cribs or bassinets in their parents' bedrooms for the first six months.