Choosing a Bedside Cot for Twins
Twins who are just born sleep best close to one another, but it's important to adhere to the safe sleep guidelines. The right crib arrangement can help your twins develop a consistent routine of sleep.
A double bassinet that has an divider is the ideal choice for twins. These portable beds allow parents to keep their infants close for diaper changes and mid-night feedings. They are also great for infants that may outgrow their bassinets before baby 2 years old.
Space-Saving
If you adhere to 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. Once they are big enough, they can sleep together in a Moses Basket or a regular crib.
This Delta double bassinet has mesh dividers that allow babies to be separated, but still close. It comes with a handy storage compartment to keep snacks and wipes in the vicinity, too. Plus, it folds flat, making it easy to move around the house or go on trips.
Another alternative is this EZ Fold Twin Bassinet from Walmart that swivels to bring your twins' fluttery little ones closer to you for feedings and calming. The sides can be raised or lowered for easy access and are locked to ensure security. It's a bit bigger and heavier than other options, but great for second floor or grandparent's homes. It also comes with a carry-on bag. It's also less expensive 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. Instead the Rednose group Rednose suggests that twins are provided with their own private sleeping space (crib or bassinet or portable crib) in the parent/caregiver's room until they turn 12 months old to reduce the chance 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 generally have a more coordinated sleep pattern than twins who sleep in separate rooms.
One of the most efficient ways to achieve this is with a twin bedside cot like the Teknum FELLOW 2, that comes with two distinct bedding sets so each baby can have a personal and comfortable space. This bedside cot is also easily moved from one room to the next when needed. It is an easy and convenient way to check on your children without disrupting their sleep or waking them up.
Other options include double bassinets that have been specifically designed to allow the infants to stay side-by-side and are perfect for mid-night feeding or changing diapers. bedside cot crib 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 can adjust to lower and raise for quick access. Walmart's Twin EZ Fold Double Bassinet which is a less expensive alternative, comes with two sleep zones separated by a mesh panel, which allows babies to see each other. The sleeper can also rotate around 360 degrees to give easy access to the infants.
Many parents have discovered that co-bedding twins with moses baskets or a smaller bassinette, could be a good option in situations of a short duration, such as hospitalization or a family visit. This should only be done under the supervision of a healthcare provider. They will make sure that the babies are properly placed on their feet at the foot of the crib, and all bedding tucked into.
Safety
The most important safety feature for twins is that both babies has their own space to sleep. This ensures that each infant isn't smothered, or infected by the other. It also helps to prevent cot death, 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 space to sleep in. The best way to accomplish this is by having a separate bassinet or twin bedside cot that can be brought up close to your bed while you feed or soothe one of the babies during the night.
While the American Academy of Pediatrics has recently issued recommendations to decrease the risk of SIDS by encouraging room sharing and disabling cobedding, many families with multiples and twins find it difficult to adhere to these guidelines (1). A previous study revealed that a majority of families with twins that were cobedded during the first three months at home opted for unsafe sleeping practices (room sharing without cobedding).
Parents of twins may not follow current SIDS recommendations due to the desire to rest longer and a absence of space in the home to accommodate multiple cribs. In addition, socioeconomic status could affect the family's decisions regarding sleeping arrangements.
If twins are put in a small Moses basket or crib, their bedding could easily entangle them and they may choke on eachother. If you decide to sleep your twins in the same cot, it is essential to place them in the feet-to-head position and with their bedding secured in each cot to limit the chance of them smothering each other.
A bassinet for bed, such as the Halo Bassinest Twin, is one of the most secure and more convenient alternatives for twins who wish to be able to sleep independently. This double bassinet comes with a mesh wall that separates twins so that they each have their own safe flat bed. It can be swiveled 360 degrees, so you can bring your baby closer to you without leaving your bed. The walls on the sides automatically lower and return with every movement. It's also easy to clean and can be tucked away in a standard twin bed frame. If you're looking for a cheaper alternative, check out the Delta Children Twin EZ Fold Double Bassinet available at Walmart. available at Walmart and has similar features to the Halo Bassinest.
Comfort
Welcoming twins or multiples to the world is a huge life-changing. They require lots of thought and preparation, not least when it comes to where they will be sleeping and how they will get a restful night's sleep. Parents often ask themselves what they can do to help their children feel comfortable at an early age.
When twins are still young, it is possible to share a cot. This is known as co-bedding and it can be a excellent comfort for babies as it reminds them of the mother's womb. It is important to make sure that the beds are big enough to allow the infants to be comfortable without having to touch each others or roll around. It is also important to remember that the baby who awakes first needs to be fed. It is helpful to coordinate night feeds in order to wake up one baby before the other.
It is important to remember that twins may have different sleep patterns. It is possible that one baby is more sleepy than the other or is more comfortable being close to you. In this situation it may be beneficial for twins to have their own crib or bassinet in their room.
When you are looking for a twin bedside cot look for models that feature breathable mesh dividers to create distinct sleeping areas. This is essential for babies that are prone to heat stroke or for families where mothers have had a c-section. Other beneficial features include an adjustable base, built-in storage for blankets and toys, and easy-to-maneuver wheels. The Arm's Reach cot, which is designed for c-section mothers, is a great choice because it offers a huge sleeping area and is easy to move. Other options are the Graco Pack 'n Play and the Fisher-Price Easy Swaivel but they offer less sleeping space than the Arm's Reach cot.
It is not recommended that twins sleep in the same bed as an adult, even if they are close. This increases the risk of SIDS, and could lead to suffocation, strangulation or entrapment. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that twins should sleep in their own cribs or bassinets in their parents' room for the first six months.