Choosing a Bedside Cot for Twins
It is best to keep your newborn twins close together however, you must follow safety sleeping guidelines. Choosing the right crib arrangement will aid in the development of a consistent routine of sleep.
A double bassinet that has the option of dividing can be the ideal choice for twins. These beds can be used to keep their infants close for diaper changes and feedings at night. These beds are also great for babies who are likely to outgrow their baby bassinets by the time they reach toddlerhood.
Space-Saving
If you adhere to safe sleeping guidelines, 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 share a bed in a Moses basket or regular crib once they're big enough.
We are in love with this Delta double bassinet, which includes a mesh divider, to allow babies to remain separate, yet close to each the other. It also comes with a storage compartment for wipes and snacks. It is also foldable making it easy to move around the house or take on trips.
This EZ Fold Twin Bassinet, available at Walmart can swivel so that you can bring your twins closer to you to feed them and calm them. The sides lower and raise to make it easier for you to get in, and they lock into place for safety. It's a bit longer and heavier than other models, but great for second floor or grandparents' 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 might be enticed to sleep the babies together in a single bassinet or crib however, this is not recommended. Rednose recommends that twins have their own safe sleeping space (crib, portable crib, or bassinet) in the room of the parents or caregivers until they reach 12 months to reduce the risk of SIDS. This arrangement is known as co-bedding. It has been shown that twins who grew in this type of environment develop a more synchronized sleeping patterns.
One of the most convenient ways to achieve this is by using a twin bedside cot like the Teknum FELLOW 2 that comes with two distinct bedding sets, so that every baby can have an individual and comfortable space. The bedside cot can easily be moved from room to room as necessary, and also provides a convenient way to check on the babies without having to wake them up by re-entering their sleeping zone or disrupting their routines.
Other alternatives include double bassinets which have been designed specifically for infants that allow them to remain side-by-side and are ideal for middle-of-the-night 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 easily accessible and visible at all times. The sides of the sleeper can lower and raise for easy access. Walmart's Twin EZ Fold Double Bassinet which is a less expensive option, has two sleep zones separated by a mesh panel, which allows babies to see each one another. The sleeper also swivels around 360 degrees, allowing an easy access for infants.
Many parents have found that bedding twins together with moses baskets or a small bassinette could be a good option for situations that are temporary, such as hospitalization or a visit to the family. However it is recommended to do this only under the supervision of a healthcare provider to ensure that the babies are placed properly, with their feet to the floor of the cot and all bedding properly tucked in to prevent them from suffocating.
Safety
The most important safety feature when it comes to twins is that both babies have their own sleeping space. This prevents every baby from being smothered, choked or otherwise being choking by the other. It also helps to prevent deaths in cots, 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 space to sleep in. The best way to do this is with an additional bassinet or twin bedside cots that could be positioned close to your bed while you feed or soothe one of the babies during the night.
Although recent SIDS risk reduction recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics encourage room sharing with a parent and avoid cobedding, the reality is that a lot of families with twins and higher-order multiples have difficulty complying with these guidelines (1). In a previous study, it was found that the majority of twin families that cobedded their children in the beginning of their life at home engaged in unsafe sleep habits.
Parents of twins may not adhere to current SIDS risk reduction recommendations due to a desire increase their own sleep duration and a lack of space to accommodate multiple cribs in the home. Additionally, socioeconomic status can affect the family's decisions regarding sleep arrangements.
If twins are positioned side-by-side in a tiny crib or Moses basket, they could easily be entangled by their bedding, and possibly choke on each other. If you decide to put your twins in the same cot it is important to put them in the feet-to-head position and have their bedding tucked securely into the cots to reduce their chances of smothering each one.
A bassinet for bed, such as the Halo Bassinest Twin, is one of the safer and easier options for twins who want to sleep separately. This double bassinet features mesh walls that separate twins, giving them their own secure and comfortable, flat sleeping surface. It can be turned 360 degrees, meaning you can bring your baby closer to you without having to leave your bed. The side walls automatically lower and return with each movement. It is also easy to clean and fits in a standard twin-sized bed frame. Check out the Delta Children Twin EZ Fold Double Bassinet at Walmart. It comes with the same features as the Halo Bassinest.
Comfort
It's a significant life change to welcome twins or multiples into the world. Not only that, they require a great deal of planning and thinking when it comes to their sleeping arrangements and how they can get a good night's sleep. Parents often ask themselves what they can do to make their children feel at ease from an early age.
It is possible for twins to share a cot if they are small. This is referred to as co-bedding, and can provide excellent comfort for babies as it reminds them of the birthing process. It is essential to make sure that the beds are big enough for infants to be comfortable without touching each the other or move around. It is important to be aware that the baby who awakes first should be fed. It is helpful to coordinate feeding times at night to ensure that you wake one up earlier than the other.
bedside crib and travel cot is important to keep in mind that twins may have different sleep patterns. You might find that one baby is more sleepy than the other or is more comfortable being close to you. In this case it might be best to provide each twin with their own bassinet or crib.
When shopping for a twin bedside cot, look for models that feature breathable mesh dividers to create separate sleeping areas. This is crucial for infants who are susceptible to heat stroke or families whose moms have had a c-section. Reversible bases and wheels that are easy to move are also beneficial features. The Arm's Reach cot is a great option for these needs because it has a large sleeping area and is designed with c-section moms in mind. Other options are the Graco Pack 'n Play and the Fisher-Price Easy Swaivel but they offer a smaller sleeping area than the Arm's Reach cot.
Even if they're close, it is not recommended for twins to share the bed with an adult. This can increase the risk of SIDS and result in strangulation or suffocation. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that twins should be in their own bassinets or cribs in the parents' room for the first six months.