Choosing a Bedside Cot for Twins
It is recommended to keep the twins who are just born close to each other However, you must adhere to safety sleep guidelines. A proper crib arrangement can help your twins establish an established routine for sleeping.
A double bassinet that comes with the option of dividing can be the ideal choice for twins. These beds can be used as portable beds to allow parents to keep their infants close for middle-of-the-night feeds and diaper changes. These beds are also ideal for babies who may outgrow their bassinets before they reach toddlerhood.
Space-Saving
If you follow 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 on the opposite ends. When they're old enough, they can also sleep together in a Moses Basket or regular crib.
We love this Delta double bassinet. It features a mesh partition to allow babies to remain separated but still close to one and each other. It also has a storage pocket for wipes and snacks. It folds flat and makes it easy to move around the house or on trips.
Another option is the EZ Fold Twin Bassinet from Walmart It can swivel to bring your twins' fluttery little ones closer to you for feeding and soothing. The sides can be raised and lowered for easy access and are secured for safety. It's a bit bigger and heavier than other models but is great for the second floor or grandparent's homes. It also comes with a bag for travel. It's also much less expensive than the Halo Bassinest Twin.
Convenience
Many parents of twins may be tempted to put the twins together in one crib or bassinet, this is generally not recommended. Instead the Rednose group Rednose suggests that twins be provided with their own private sleeping space (crib, bassinet or portable crib) in the parent/caregiver's room until they reach 12 months old to help reduce the chance of SIDS. This arrangement is also known as co-bedding and it has been observed that twins who are used to this sleep environment will typically have a more synchronized sleep pattern than twins who sleep separately.
One of the easiest ways to make this work is by using a twin bedside cot like the Teknum FELLOW 2 that comes with two separate bedding sets, so that each baby has an individual and comfortable space. This bedside cot is also easily moved from one room to another as needed. It is an easy and convenient method to check on your children without disrupting their sleep or wake them up.
Double bassinets are a different option. They permit infants to be side-by-side, and are ideal for feedings or diaper changes in the middle of the night. The Halo Bassinest Twin, for instance, features a breathable mesh divider and an adjustable height to ensure that every baby is visible and reachable at all times, and the sides of the sleeper can be raised and lowered to allow easy access. If you're looking for a more affordable option, the Walmart-exclusive Twin EZ Fold Double Bassinet is similar, featuring two sleeping zones separated by mesh panels that allow babies to see each other and the entire mattress swivels 360 degrees for an easy access to every infant.
Many parents have realized that bedding twins in moses baskets, or a small bassinette could be a good option for situations that are temporary, such as hospitalization or a family visit. However this should be done only under the supervision of a healthcare provider to ensure that babies are placed properly in a cot, with their feet at the foot of the cot, and all 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 prevents the baby from being smothered, choked or otherwise being choked by the other.
Recommended Reading helps to avoid cot deaths, which are more frequent with single infants than multiples.
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that tritons, twins and higher-ordered multis have their own space to sleep in. The best method to achieve this is by having a separate bassinet or twin bedside cots that could be positioned close to your bed while you're feeding or soothing one of your babies throughout the night.
Although recent SIDS risk reduction guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics encourage room sharing with parents and avoid cobedding, the reality is that many families of twins and other higher-order multiples have trouble adhering to these guidelines (1). A previous study revealed that a majority of families with twins who were cobedded in the first three months at home used unsafe sleep practices (room sharing without cobedding).
Parents of twins may not follow current SIDS recommendations due to the desire to rest longer and a lack of space in their home to accommodate multiple cribs. Additionally, socioeconomic status can affect the family's decisions regarding sleep arrangements.
If twins are put in a small Moses basket or crib, their bedding can easily get caught in their midst and they could choke on eachother. If you're planning to put your twins in the same cot, it is essential to place them in the feet-to-head position and have their bedding secured in each cot to limit the possibility of them colliding with each one.
One of the safer and more practical options for twins to sleep separately is a bedside bassinet like the Halo Bassinest Twin. This double bassinet features mesh walls that separate twins to give them each their own safe and comfortable, flat sleeping surface. It can rotate 360 degrees, allowing you to bring your baby closer to you for feedings or soothing without having to leave the peace of your bed. The side walls lower and auto-return every time you move. It's easy to clean and can be tucked away in a standard twin bed frame. Check out the Delta Children Twin EZ Fold Double Bassinet at Walmart. It has the same features to the Halo Bassinest.
Comfort
The arrival of twins or multiples into the world is a major life altering. They require lots of planning and consideration, not least when it comes to the place they will sleep and how they will get a good night's sleep. While decisions regarding their bedroom space can be taken as they age, parents often wonder how they can help them to settle in the early stages.
It is possible for twins to share a single cot if they are small. This is known as co-bedding and can provide great comfort to newborns as it brings them back to the womb. It is crucial to make sure that the beds are large enough for babies to feel comfortable without touching each the other or move around. It is important to be aware that the baby who wakes up first should be fed. It is beneficial to coordinate night feeds in order to get one baby up before the other.
It is important to remember that twins can have very different sleep routines. It is possible that one baby sleeps more than the other or is more comfortable being close to you. In this situation it is possible to give each twin a separate crib or bassinet.
When you are looking for a twin bedside cot look for models that feature breathable mesh dividers to create distinct sleeping areas. This is particularly important for babies who are more prone to overheating or families with c-section mothers. Other helpful features include the reversible base, built-in storage for toys and blankets, and easy-to-maneuver wheels. The Arm's Reach cot, specifically designed for mothers with c-sections is a great option due to its large sleeping area and is easy to maneuver. Other options are the Graco Pack 'n Play and the Fisher-Price Easy Swaivel however, they have smaller sleeping areas than the Arm's Reach cot.
It is not recommended that twins sleep in the same bed with an adult even if they're very close. This increases the risk of SIDS, and can cause suffocation, strangulation, or entrapment. Instead it is recommended that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that twins sleep in their own safe sleeping spaces, such as bassinets or cribs, in their parents' rooms for the first six months.