Choosing a Bedside Cot for Twins
Newborn twins sleep best when close to each other However, it's crucial to adhere to the safe sleep 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 an ideal option for twins. These portable beds allow parents to keep their children close during diaper changes as well as mid-night meals. They are also great for babies who may outgrow their bassinets before baby 2.
Space-Saving
If you adhere to safe sleeping guidelines, twins are able to be in a bedside crib side-by-side. They should be placed on their backs with their heads in a straight line and their feet at opposite ends. They can also sleep together in a Moses basket or a crib when they're old enough.
We love this Delta double bassinet. It includes a mesh divider, to allow babies to remain separated but still close to one the other. It comes with a handy storage compartment to keep snacks and wipes close by as well. Additionally, it folds flat and makes it easy to move around the house or take on trips.
Another option is the EZ Fold Twin Bassinet from Walmart that swivels to bring the twins who are fussy closer to you for feeding and calming. The sides are lowered and raised to make it easier for you to get in, and they secure themselves to ensure your child's safety. It's a bit heavier and longer than some other options, but it's great for second floors or grandparent homes, and it comes with a travel bag. It's also much less expensive than the Halo Bassinest Twin.
Convenience
Many parents of twins might be enticed to place their babies in a single bassinet or crib, this is generally not recommended. Instead the Rednose group Rednose suggests that twins be given their own secure sleeping space (crib, bassinet or portable crib) in the room of the parent or caregiver until they reach 12 months old in order to reduce the risk of SIDS. This arrangement is also known as co-bedding and it has been proven that twins who are used to this sleeping environment will typically have a more synchronized sleep pattern than those who sleep separately.
A twin bedside cot, such as the Teknum FELLOW 2 is an excellent method to achieve this. It comes with two separate sets of bedding to ensure that each baby gets their own space. The bedside cot can be easily moved from one room to another depending on the need. It offers an easy and convenient way to check on your children without disturbing their sleep patterns or awakening them.
Other options include double bassinets, that have been specifically designed to allow the infants to stay side-by-side and are ideal for middle-of-the-night feedings or diaper changes. The Halo Bassinest Twin, for instance, features an air-tight mesh partition and adjustable height so that each baby is visible and reachable at all times, and the sides of the sleeper are raised and lower to make it easy to access. Walmart's Twin EZ Fold Double Bassinet which is a more affordable alternative, has two sleeping zones that are separated by a mesh panel permitting babies to view each the other. The sleeper also swivels around 360 degrees to give an easy access for infants.
For situations that are temporary like a family visit or hospitalization Many parents have had success in co-bedding twins in large moses baskets or a small bassinette with divider. However this should be done only under the supervision of a medical professional to ensure that the babies are properly placed and with their feet towards the bottom of the cot and all bedding properly tucked in to prevent them from being suffocated.
Safety
The most important safety aspect when it comes to twins is that each baby have their own sleeping space. This ensures that each infant isn't smothered, or choked by the other. It also helps to prevent cot deaths, which are more frequent with single infants than multiples.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that twins, triplets and higher-order multiplications have their own sleeping space. The best method to achieve this is with an additional bassinet or twin bedside cots that could be placed close to your bed while you're feeding or soothing one of the babies throughout the night.
While recent SIDS risk reduction recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics encourage room sharing with parents and disallow cobedding but the reality is that a lot of families of twins and higher-order multiples have trouble adhering to these guidelines (1). In a previous study, it was discovered that the majority of twin families who co-bedded their children during the beginning of their life at home were engaged in dangerous sleep practices.
Parents of twins may not follow the current SIDS guidelines due to the desire to sleep longer and lack of space at home to accommodate multiple cribs. Additionally, the socioeconomic status of a family may influence their decisions about sleeping arrangements.
When twins are placed side-by-side in a tiny crib or Moses basket, they could easily become entangled by their bedding and potentially choke on one another. If you're planning to sleep your twins in the same cot it is essential to place them in the position of feet-to-head and with their bedding secured in each cot to minimize the possibility of them colliding with each other.
A bassinet that is positioned at the bedside, like the Halo Bassinest Twin, is one of the most secure and easier alternatives for twins who wish to sleep separately. This double bassinet comes with a mesh wall that separates twins to give them each their own secure, flat sleep surface. It swivels a full 360 degrees, allowing you to bring one of your children closer to you for feedings or to soothe without leaving the comfortable bed. Its side walls lower and auto-return with each movement. It's easy to clean and fits into the standard twin bed frame. If you're looking for a less expensive alternative, look into the Delta Children Twin EZ Fold Double Bassinet available at Walmart. available at Walmart and comes with similar features to the Halo Bassinest.
Comfort
It's a huge change to welcome twins or multiples into the world. They also require a lot of preparation and thought in regards to their sleeping arrangements and how they will have a restful night. While the decisions regarding their future room can be made as they age, parents often wonder how they can help their children to feel comfortable in the beginning stages.
When twins are still young, it is possible to share a crib. Co-bedding is a method of helping newborns feel at ease by reminding them of their womb. It is important to make sure the beds are big enough for babies to be comfortable, without touching or bouncing around. foldable bedside crib is also important to keep in mind that the baby who awakes first needs to be fed. It can be helpful to coordinate feeding times at night to ensure that you wake one up before the other.
However, it is important to remember that twins are very different and they might have their own sleep patterns. You may find that one baby is more sleepy than the other or prefers to be near you. In this instance it could be beneficial for the twins to share their own crib or bassinet in their room.
Look for twin bedside cots with breathable mesh dividers for sleeping areas that are separate. This is important for babies that are prone to heat stroke or for families in which moms have had a c-section. Other useful features include an adjustable base, built-in storage space for blankets and toys, and easy-to-maneuver wheels. The Arm's Reach cot is an excellent choice for these purposes because it has a spacious sleeping area and is designed with c-section moms in mind. The Graco Pack 'n Play or Fisher-Price Easy Swaivel are also options, but have a smaller sleeping space than the Arm's Reach cot.
It is not recommended that twins sleep in the same bed with an adult, even if they are very close. This could increase the risk of SIDS and cause suffocation or strangulation. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that twins should be in their own cribs or bassinets in their parents' room for the first 6 months.