Choosing a Bedside Cot for Twins
Twins who are just born sleep best close to each other However, it's crucial to adhere to the safe sleep guidelines. A proper crib arrangement can help your twins establish a consistent sleeping routine.
A double bassinet that has the option of dividing can be an ideal option for twins. These beds can be used as portable beds to allow parents to keep their infants close for mid-night feedings and diaper changes. They are also great for babies who may outgrow their bassinets prior to 2 years old.
Space-Saving
If you follow safe sleeping guidelines, twins are able to sleep in a bedside crib side-by-side. They should sleep on their backs with their heads pointing towards each other and their feet at opposite ends. When they're old enough, they may also sleep together in a Moses Basket or regular crib.
We are in love with this Delta double bassinet, which features a mesh partition to allow babies to remain separate but close to each and each other. It also has a convenient storage compartment that can keep snacks and wipes close by as well. It folds flat and makes it easy to move around the house or go on trips.
Another alternative is this EZ Fold Twin Bassinet from Walmart, which swivels to bring your twins' fluttery little ones closer to you for feedings and soothing. The sides can be raised and lowered to make it easier to access them and they are locked to ensure safety. It's a bit longer and heavier than other models however it is ideal for the second floor or homes for grandparents. It also comes with a bag for travel. It's also much less expensive than the Halo Bassinest Twin.
Convenience
It is not recommended that parents of twins put their babies in the same bassinet or crib. Rednose recommends that twins have their own secure sleeping area (crib or portable crib or bassinet) in the room of the parents/caregivers until they reach the age of 12 months old to lower the risk for SIDS. This is known as co-bedding. It has been demonstrated that twins who grew in this environment have a more synchronized sleeping pattern.
One of the easiest ways to achieve this is to use a twin bedside cot like the Teknum FELLOW 2, that comes with two distinct bedding sets so each baby can have an individual and comfortable space. The bedside cot can also be easily moved from one room to another as needed. It is an easy and convenient way to check on your children without disrupting their sleep or waking them up.
Double bassinets are a different option. They permit infants to sleep side-by-side and are perfect for diaper changes or feedings during the middle of the night. The Halo Bassinest Twin has a mesh panel that is breathable and adjustable in height to allow each baby to be seen and reachable at all times. The sides of the sleeper also lower and raise to allow for easy access. If you're looking for a more affordable alternative, the Walmart-exclusive Twin EZ Fold Double Bassinet is similar, with two sleeping zones separated by mesh panels that allow babies to see each other, and the entire sleeper can rotate 360 degrees to give easy access to each infant.
For situations that are temporary like an unexpected family visit or hospital stay Many parents have had success in co-bedding twins in the large moses basket or small bassinette with divider. This should only be done with the supervision of by a healthcare professional. They will make sure that the babies are properly placed on their feet at the bottom of the crib and all bedding is tucked into.
Safety
When twins sleep together, the most important security factor is that each infant has their own space to sleep in. This will prevent every baby from being smothered, choked or otherwise being choking by the other. It also helps prevent the death of a cot, which is more common with single babies than multiples.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that triplets, twins and higher-order multiplications have their own sleep space. This can be accomplished by using a separate bassinet, or a twin bedside crib you can place on your bed to feed or soothe one of the babies during the night.
Although the American Academy of Pediatrics has recently issued recommendations to decrease the SIDS risk by encouraging room sharing and avoiding cobedding, many families of twins and multiples find it difficult to follow these guidelines (1). A previous study found that a majority of families with twins that were cobedded during the first 3 months at home used unsafe sleep practices (room sharing without cobedding).
Parents of twins might not adhere to the current SIDS risk reduction guidelines due to a desire increase their own sleep duration and a lack of space to accommodate multiple cribs at home. In addition, socioeconomic status could affect family decisions about the arrangement of their sleep.
If twins are placed in a small Moses basket or crib, their bedding may easily get caught in their midst and they could choke on eachother. If you decide to put your twins in the same cot, it is important to put them in the position of feet-to-head and their bedding secured in the cots to reduce the possibility of them colliding with each other.
A bassinet for bed, such as the Halo Bassinest Twin, is one of the safest and most convenient options for twins who want to sleep in a separate bed. This double bassinet comes with a mesh wall that separates twins so that they each have their own safe, flat sleep surface. It can be swiveled 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's also easy to clean and can be tucked away in the standard twin bed frame. If you're looking for a less expensive alternative, check out the Delta Children Twin EZ Fold Double Bassinet, which is available at Walmart and comes with similar features as the Halo Bassinest.
Comfort
Welcoming twins or multiples to the world is a huge life change. They also require a lot of preparation and thought when it comes to their sleeping arrangements and how they will get a good sleep. While decisions about their future room can be made when they are older parents are often unsure of what they can do to help them to feel comfortable in the beginning stages.
When twins are still young, it is possible to share one crib. Co-bedding is a method of comforting newborns by reminding them of their mother's womb. The most important thing is to ensure that the beds are big enough for the babies to be comfortable without touching or rolling around. You should also remember that the baby that wakes up first should be fed. It is beneficial to coordinate feeding times at night so that you can awake one baby prior to the other.
However, Recommended Reading is important to remember that twins are quite different and could develop their own sleep patterns. You might find that one child sleeps better than the other or prefers to be close to you. In this instance it might be best to give each twin their own crib or bassinet.
Choose a cot with twin beds with breathable mesh dividers for separate sleeping areas. This is essential for babies who are at risk of heat stroke or families whose moms have had a c-section. Other useful features include a reversible base, built-in storage space for blankets and toys, as well as easy-to-maneuver wheels. The Arm's Reach cot is a great choice for these purposes because it has a spacious sleeping area and is designed with mothers who have c-sections in mind. The Graco Pack 'n Play or Fisher-Price Easy Swaivel are other options, but have 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 are very close. This could increase the risk of SIDS and lead to strangulation or suffocation. Instead it is recommended that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that twins remain in their safe sleeping spaces, such as bassinets or cribs, in their parents' rooms for the first six months.