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 your twins in developing a consistent routine of sleep.
A double bassinet that has a divider can be a great choice for twins. These portable beds allow parents to keep their children close during middle-of-the-night feeds and diaper changes. They are also ideal for infants who might outgrow their bassinets prior to 2 years old.
Space-Saving
Twins can share a bed in a bedside crib, provided you adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines (that's to say that they should be lying on their backs, with the tops of their heads overlapping each other and their feet placed at opposite sides of the cot). Once they are big enough, they may also share a bed in a Moses Basket or regular crib.
We are in love with this Delta double bassinet. resources has a mesh divider to allow babies to remain separated but still close to one and each other. It also comes with a storage compartment for snacks and wipes. Additionally, it folds flat, making it easy to manoeuvre around the house or on trips.
Another alternative is the EZ Fold Twin Bassinet from Walmart, which swivels to bring the twins who are fussy closer to you for feeding and comfort. The sides are lowered and raised to make it easier for you to get in and are secured to ensure security. It's a bit heavier and longer than some other options, but it's perfect for second floors or grandparents houses, and it comes with its own travel bag. It's also much cheaper than the Halo Bassinest Twin.
Convenience
While many parents of twins might be enticed to sleep the babies together in one crib or bassinet but this is not generally recommended. Instead the Rednose group Rednose suggests that twins are given their own secure sleeping space (crib or bassinet, or a portable crib) in the parents' or caregiver's room until they turn 12 months old to help reduce the risk of SIDS. best bedside cots is also known as co-bedding and it has been proven that twins who are used to this type of sleeping environment generally have a more coordinated sleep pattern than those who sleep in separate rooms.
One of the most efficient ways to make this work is by using twin bedside cots, like the Teknum FELLOW 2 that comes with two distinct bedding sets so every baby can have an area that is comfortable and private. The bedside cot can be easily moved from one room to the next depending on the need. It provides a convenient and easy way to monitor your baby without disturbing their sleep patterns or waking them up.
Other alternatives include double bassinets which have been designed specifically 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 has a mesh panel that breathes and is adjustable in height to allow each baby to be easily accessible and visible at all times. The sides of the sleeper can lower and raise for easy access. If you prefer a more affordable alternative, the Walmart-exclusive Twin EZ Fold Double Bassinet is similar, having two sleeping zones separated by mesh panels that allow babies to view each other and the entire mattress can rotate 360 degrees to give an easy access to every infant.
For short-term situations, such as an unexpected family visit or hospitalization Many parents have had success with co-bedding twins in the large moses basket or small bassinette with divider. However this should be done only under the supervision of a healthcare provider to ensure that the babies are properly placed in a cot, with their feet at the foot of the cot, and all bedding is securely tucked in to avoid them from becoming suffocating.
Safety
The most important safety feature when it comes to twins is that each baby has their own space to sleep. This helps prevent the baby from being smothered, choked or otherwise being choked by the other. It also helps prevent the death of a cot, which is more common in single infants than multiples.
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that tritons, twins, and higher-ordered multiples have their own space to sleep in. best bedside cots to accomplish this is with an additional bassinet or twin bedside cots that can be positioned close to your bed when you're feeding or soothing one of your babies throughout the night.
While the American Academy of Pediatrics has recently issued recommendations to reduce the risk of SIDS by encouraging room sharing and discouraging cobedding, a lot of families with twins and multiples have found it difficult to adhere to these guidelines (1). A previous study found that the majority of families with twins who were cobedded during the first three months at home opted for unsafe sleep practices (room sharing without cobedding).
Parents of twins may not adhere to the current SIDS risk reduction guidelines because of a desire to prolong their own sleep and a lack of space to accommodate multiple cribs at home. In addition, the socioeconomic status of a family may influence their choices regarding sleep arrangements.
If twins are positioned side-by-side in a tiny crib or Moses basket, they could easily get caught in their bedding and potentially choke on each other. If you decide to put your twins in the same cot together, make sure they are placed in a position that their feet are right next to their heads and their bedding is put into each cot securely. This will lessen the chances of them choking on each other.
A bassinet for bed, such as the Halo Bassinest Twin, is one of the most secure and easier alternatives for twins who wish to be able to sleep independently. This double bassinet has an enclosed mesh wall that can separate twins and give them their own safe, flat mattress to sleep on. It can be rotated 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 each movement. It is also easy to clean, and fits into the standard twin-sized bed frame. If you're looking for a cheaper alternative, look into the Delta Children Twin EZ Fold Double Bassinet that is available at Walmart and offers similar features to the Halo Bassinest.
Comfort
It's a significant life change to welcome twins or multiples into the world. They require a lot of planning and consideration not to mention when it comes to where they will sleep and how they will get a good night's sleep. While the decisions regarding their future bedroom space are made as they age parents are often unsure of how they can help their children get comfortable 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 it can be a great comfort to newborns as it brings them back to the womb. It is essential to make sure that the beds are large enough to allow babies to feel comfortable without touching each others or roll around. It is also important to keep in mind that the baby who awakes first needs to be fed. It is helpful to coordinate nighttime feeds to ensure that you wake one up earlier than the other.
It is important to be aware that twins may have different sleeping patterns. You might find that one baby is more sleepy than the other or prefers to be close to you. In this instance, it might be best for the twins to share their own bassinet or crib in their room.
When shopping for a twin bedside cot ensure that it has ventilated mesh dividers that can create distinct sleeping zones. This is particularly important for babies who are susceptible to overheating, or families with c-section moms. A reversible base and wheels that are easy to maneuver are also beneficial features. The Arm's Reach cot is an excellent option for these needs because it has an ample sleeping space and is designed with c-section moms in mind. The Graco Pack 'n Play or Fisher-Price's Easy Swaivel are both alternatives, but they have smaller sleeping spaces 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 can increase the risk of SIDS and lead to suffocation or strangulation. Instead the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that twins sleep in their own safe sleeping areas, like bassinets or cribs, in their parents' room for the first six months.