Choosing a Bedside Cot for Twins
It's best to keep twins in the infant stage close together However, you must adhere to safety sleep guidelines. Choosing the right crib arrangement will aid in the development of a consistent routine of sleep.
A double bassinet that comes with a divider can be an ideal option for twins. These portable beds let parents keep their infants close for middle-of-the-night feeds and diaper changes. They are also ideal for infants that may outgrow their bassinets prior to 2.
Space-Saving
Twins can sleep together in a bedside cot, so long as you follow safe guidelines for sleeping (that's to say they should be lying on their backs, with the tops of their heads touching each other and their feet placed at opposite ends of the cot). They can also sleep together in a Moses basket or a crib once they're large enough.
We are in love with this Delta double bassinet, which includes a mesh divider, to allow babies to remain separate but close to each and each other. It also has a convenient storage compartment that can keep wipes and snacks nearby, too. It folds flat and makes it easy to manoeuvre around the house or go on trips.
Another alternative is the EZ Fold Twin Bassinet from Walmart, which swivels to bring your twins' fluttery little ones closer to you for feeding and soothing. The sides can be raised or lowered for easy access, and are locked to ensure security. It's a little larger and heavier than other options, but it's great for second floors or grandparent homes, and it comes with its own travel bag. It's also less expensive than the Halo Bassinest Twin.
Convenience
It is not recommended that parents of twins place their babies in the same bassinet or crib. Rednose suggests that twins have their own safe sleeping space (crib or portable crib or bassinet) in the room of the parents/caregivers until they reach 12 months to lower the chance of SIDS. This is referred to as co-bedding. It has been proven that twins who have grown up in this environment develop a more synchronized sleeping patterns.
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 distinct bedding sets so every baby can have an individual and comfortable space. The bedside cot can easily be moved from room to room when necessary, and also allows you to monitor the baby without having to wake them up by re-entering their sleep zone or disrupting their routines.
Double bassinets are a different option. They allow infants to be side-by-side, and are perfect for feedings and diaper changes during the middle of the night. The Halo Bassinest Twin has a breathable mesh panel and adjustable height that allows each baby to be seen and reachable at all times. The sides of the sleeper can lower and raise for easy access. Walmart's Twin EZ Fold Double Bassinet, which is a cheaper option, has two sleep zones that are separated by a mesh panel which allows babies to see each other. The sleeper also swivels around 360 degrees, allowing easy access to infants.
Many parents have realized that bedding twins together with moses baskets or a smaller bassinette, can be a good solution in situations of a short duration, such as hospitalization or a family visit. This should only be done with the supervision of by a medical professional. They will ensure that the babies are properly placed in a crib with their feet placed at the foot of the crib and all bedding is tucked in.
Safety
The most important security feature when it comes to twins is that each baby have their own bed. This ensures that each infant is not smothered or otherwise trapped by the other. This also helps to avoid the death of a cot, which is more common with single babies than multiples.
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that tritons, twins and higher-ordered multiples have their own sleeping area. The best method to achieve this is with a separate bassinet or twin bedside cots that can be brought up close to your bed while you feed or soothe one of the babies during the night.
While bedside cot mattress from the American Academy of Pediatrics encourage room sharing with a parent and discourage cobedding but the reality is that a lot of families with twins and higher-order multiples have trouble adhering to these guidelines (1). In a prior study, it was discovered that the majority of twin families who co-bedded their children during the first three months of their lives at home were engaged in dangerous sleep practices.
Parents of twins may not adhere to current SIDS guidelines due to a desire to sleep longer and lack of space at home to accommodate multiple cribs. Additionally, socioeconomic status can 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 each other. If you're planning to put your twins in the same cot, it is important to put them in the position of feet-to-head and with their bedding tucked securely into the cots to reduce their chances of smothering each one.
A bassinet that is positioned at the bedside, like the Halo Bassinest Twin, is one of the safest and more convenient options for twins who want to sleep in a separate bed. This double bassinet has mesh walls to separate twins and provide them with their own safe, flat sleep surface. It can be rotated 360 degrees, which means you can bring your child closer to you without having to leave your bed. The walls on the sides automatically lower and then return with each movement. It's also easy to clean and can be tucked away in a standard twin bed frame. Take a look at the Delta Children Twin EZ Fold Double Bassinet at Walmart. It has the same features to the Halo Bassinest.
Comfort
Being welcomed by twins or multiples to the world is an enormous life change. They require lots of planning and thought not to mention in regards to where they will sleep and how they'll get a good night's rest. While the decisions regarding their future bedroom space are made when they are older parents often ask how they can help them get comfortable in the early stages.
When twins are young, they can be able to share a cot. This is known as co-bedding and can provide wonderful comfort for newborns since it helps them remember the mother's womb. It is crucial to ensure that the beds are large enough for babies to feel comfortable without having to touch one other 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 co-ordinate night feeds so that you can get one of them up earlier than the other.
It is important to remember that twins may have different sleep patterns. You might find that one baby is more sleepy than the other or is more comfortable being close to you. In this situation, it may be best to give each twin a separate bassinet or crib.
When you are looking for a twin bedside cot, look for models with breathable mesh dividers to create separate sleeping spaces. This is especially important for babies more prone to overheating or families with c-section moms. Other beneficial features include a reversible base, built-in storage space for blankets and toys, as well as easy-to-use wheels. The Arm's Reach cot, which is specifically designed for mothers who have a c-section is a fantastic choice because it has a large sleeping space and is easy to move. Other options are the Graco Pack 'n Play and the Fisher-Price Easy Swaivel however, they have less sleeping space than the Arm's Reach cot.
Even if they're very close, it is not recommended to let twins share the bed with an adult. It is an increased risk of SIDS and could lead to suffocation, strangulation, or entrapment. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that twins should sleep in their own bassinets or cribs in the parents' room for the first six months.