Choosing a Bedside Cot for Twins
Twins who are just born sleep best close to each other However, it's crucial to follow safe sleeping recommendations. The proper crib arrangement will help your twins establish a consistent sleeping routine.
A double bassinet that comes with a divider can be an ideal option for twins. These portable beds let parents keep their babies close for diaper changes as well as mid-night meals. They are also great for infants that may outgrow their bassinets prior to 2.
Space-Saving
As long as you follow the safe sleeping guidelines, twins are able to sleep in a crib that is bedside side-by-side. They should be positioned on their backs, with their heads touching and their feet at the opposite ends. They can also share a bed in a Moses basket or a crib once they're large enough.
This Delta double bassinet comes with a mesh partition that allows babies to be separated but still close. It also has a convenient storage compartment to keep snacks and wipes close by as well. It's also foldable, making it easier to move around the house or travel with on trips.
Another alternative is the EZ Fold Twin Bassinet from Walmart, which swivels to bring fussy twins closer to you for feeding and calming. The sides can be raised or lowered for easy access, and are locked to ensure security. It's a little larger and heavier than other alternatives, but it's a great choice for second floors or grandparents homes, and it comes with its own travel bag. travel bedside crib 's also a lot cheaper than the Halo Bassinest Twin.
Convenience
While many parents of twins may be tempted to place their babies in a single bassinet or crib, this is generally not recommended. Rednose suggests that twins have their own safe sleeping area (crib, portable crib, or bassinet) in the room of the caregivers/parents until they reach 12 months to reduce the risk of SIDS. This arrangement is also referred to as co-bedding and it has been proven that twins who are used to this sleep environment will often form a more synchronized sleep pattern than those who sleep on their own.
A twin bedside cot such as the Teknum FELLOW 2 is a great option to achieve this. It comes with two separate sets of bedding, so that each baby has their own personal space. The bedside cot can also be easily moved from one room to the next as needed. It provides an easy and convenient way to check on your babies without disturbing their sleep patterns or wake them up.
Double bassinets are a different option. They allow infants to be side-by-side, and are ideal for diaper changes or feedings during the middle of the night. The Halo Bassinest Twin has a breathable mesh panel and adjustable height that allows each baby to be seen and reachable 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 alternative, comes with two sleep zones that are separated by a mesh panel, which allows babies to see each other. The sleeper also rotates around 360 degrees, allowing easy access to infants.
For temporary situations, such as a family visit or hospitalization Parents have reported success in co-bedding twins in a large moses basket or small bassinette that has dividers. However it is recommended to do this only under the supervision of a healthcare provider to ensure that the babies are properly placed and with their feet towards the foot of the cot and their bedding properly tucked in to prevent them from suffocating.
Safety
The most important security feature when it comes to twins is that they have their own bed. This ensures that every infant isn't smothered or infected by the other. This also helps to avoid cot deaths, which are more common with single babies than multiples.
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that tritons, twins, and higher-ordered multiples have their own sleeping space. This can be accomplished with an individual bassinet or twin bedside crib that you can put on your bed to feed or soothe 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 discourage cobedding however, the reality is that a lot of families of twins and higher-order multiples have trouble adhering to these guidelines (1). A previous study found that the majority of families of twins who were cobedded during the first 3 months at home used unsafe sleep practices (room sharing without cobedding).
Parents of twins may not adhere to current SIDS guidelines due to the desire to rest longer and a lack of space in their home to accommodate multiple cribs. In addition, socioeconomic status could influence family decisions regarding the arrangement of their sleep.
When twins are placed side-by-side in a small crib or Moses basket, they can easily get caught in their bedding, and possibly choke on each other. If you're planning to put your twins in the same cot, it is important to put them in a head-to-foot position and with their bedding tucked securely into each cot to minimize the chance of them smothering each other.
One of the safest and more convenient options for twins to sleep independently is a bedside bassinet like the Halo Bassinest Twin. The double bassinet comes with mesh walls to divide twins and give them their own flat, secure sleep surface. It can be rotated 360 degrees, so you can bring your child closer to you without having to leave your bed. The side walls automatically lower and return with each movement. It's easy to clean and fits in the standard twin bed frame. Check out the Delta Children Twin EZ Fold Double Bassinet at Walmart. It has the same features as the Halo Bassinest.
Comfort
It's a huge change to welcome twins or multiples into the world. They require a lot of thought and preparation especially when it comes to where they will sleep and how they will get a good night's sleep. While decisions regarding their room can be made as they age parents are often unsure of how they can help them get comfortable in the early stages.
It is possible for twins to share a single cot when they are very small. Co-bedding is a method of helping newborns feel at ease by reminding them of their womb. The key is to make sure the beds are big enough to allow the infants to be comfortable, without touching or rolling around. Also, keep in mind that the baby who awakes first should be fed. It is helpful to co-ordinate night feeds so that you can wake one up before the other.
It is important to keep in mind that twins can have very different sleep patterns. You may find that one child sleeps better than the other or prefers to be close to you. In this situation it could be beneficial for the twins to share their own bassinet or crib in their room.
When shopping for a twin bedside cot ensure that it has breathable mesh dividers to create distinct sleeping areas. This is crucial for infants who are susceptible to heat stroke or for families in which mothers have had a c-section. Other useful features include an adjustable base, built-in storage space for toys and blankets, and easy-to-maneuver wheels. The Arm's Reach cot is an excellent option for these needs, as it offers a large sleeping area and is designed with moms who have c-sections in mind. Other options include the Graco Pack 'n Play and the Fisher-Price Easy Swivel however, they have less sleeping space than the Arm's Reach cot.
Even if they're close, it's not recommended for twins to share a bed with an adult. There is a higher risk of SIDS and could lead to suffocation, strangulation, or entrapment. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that twins sleep in their own bassinets or cribs in the parents' bedrooms for the first six months.