Choosing a Bedside Cot for Twins
It is recommended to keep the newborn twins close together, but you should also follow safety sleeping guidelines. Choosing the right crib arrangement can aid your twins in developing a consistent routine of sleep.
A double bassinet that has an divider is a great choice for twins. These beds can be used to keep their children close during diaper changes and mid-night feedings. These beds are also great for babies who may outgrow their bassinets for baby before they reach toddlerhood.
Space-Saving
Twins can sleep side-by-side in a bedside cot, so long as you follow safe guidelines for sleeping (that's to say they should lie on their backs with the tops of their heads facing each other and feet at opposite sides of the cot). They can also share a bed in a Moses basket or a regular crib once they're large enough.
We are in love with this Delta double bassinet, which has a mesh divider to allow babies to remain separate, yet close to each and each other. It also has a storage pocket for snacks and wipes. Plus, it folds flat, making it easy to move around the house or on trips.
This EZ Fold Twin Bassinet, available at Walmart can swivel to allow you to bring fussy twins nearer to you to feed them and comfort them. The sides can be lowered and raised to make it easier to access them and they are locked in place for safety. It's a bit bigger and heavier than other options but is great for the second-floor or grandparent's homes. It also comes with a carry-on bag. It's also much cheaper than the Halo Bassinest Twin.
Convenience
Many parents of twins may be tempted to sleep the babies together in a single crib or bassinet however, this is not recommended. Instead the Rednose group Rednose suggests that twins are given their own secure sleeping space (crib or bassinet or portable crib) in the room of the parent or caregiver until they turn 12 months old in order to reduce the chance of SIDS. This arrangement is also referred to as co-bedding, and it has been observed that twins who have been accustomed to this type of sleeping environment typically have a more synchronized sleep pattern than those who sleep separately.
One of the most efficient methods to accomplish this is with twin bedside cots, like the Teknum FELLOW 2 which comes with two separate bedding sets so each baby can have an individual and comfortable space. This bedside cot is able to easily be moved from room to room when required, and makes it easy to monitor the baby without having to wake them up by re-entering their sleeping zone or disrupting their routines.
Other options include double bassinets that have been specifically designed for infants that allow them to remain side-by-side and are ideal for middle-of-the-night feeding or changing diapers. The Halo Bassinest Twin has a breathable mesh panel and adjustable height to allow each infant to be easily accessible and visible at all times. The sides of the sleeper lower and raise for easy access. Walmart's Twin EZ Fold Double Bassinet, which is a cheaper alternative, has two sleeping zones separated by a mesh panel allowing babies to see each other. The sleeper also swivels around 360 degrees to give easy access to the infants.
For short-term situations like an unexpected family visit or hospital stay Many parents have had success with co-bedding twins in a large moses basket or small bassinette with a divider. This should only be done under the supervision of a healthcare provider. They will ensure that the infants are correctly placed, with their feet at the foot of the crib and all bedding is tucked into.
Safety
When twins sleep together, the most crucial security factor is that each baby has his or her own sleep space. This ensures that every infant isn't smothered or trapped by the other. It also helps to prevent the death of a cot, which is more common in single infants than multiples.
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that twins, tritons and higher-ordered multiples have their own sleeping space. This can be done with a separate bassinet, or a twin bedside crib you can put on your bed to feed or sooth one of the babies throughout the night.
While bedside baby bed of Pediatrics has recently issued guidelines to lower the SIDS risk by encouraging room sharing and disabling cobedding, a lot of families with twins and multiples have found it difficult to adhere to these guidelines (1). A previous study found that a 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 follow current SIDS recommendations due to a desire to sleep longer and a lack of space at home to accommodate multiple cribs. In addition, socioeconomic status could affect the family's decisions regarding the arrangement of their sleep.
If twins are positioned together in a crib or Moses basket, they can easily be entangled by their bedding and potentially choke on each other. If you decide to sleep your twins in the same cot it's important to place them in a head-to-foot position and have their bedding secured in each cot to minimize the chance of them smothering each one.
One of the safest and more practical alternatives for twins to sleep independently is a bassinet that sits beside the bed like the Halo Bassinest Twin. This double bassinet has an enclosed mesh wall that can separate twins and provide them with their own safe, flat sleep surface. It can be turned 360 degrees, so 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 is also easy to clean and can be tucked away into the standard twin-sized bed frame. Take a look at the Delta Children Twin EZ Fold Double Bassinet at Walmart. It has similar features as the Halo Bassinest.
Comfort
Being welcomed by twins or multiples to the world is a huge life-changing. They require plenty of planning and consideration especially when it comes to the place they will sleep and how they will get a good night's rest. Parents often ask themselves what they can do to help their children feel at ease from an early age.
When twins are young, it is possible to share one crib. This is known as co-bedding and it can be a great comfort to newborns as it reminds them of the womb. It is important to ensure that the beds are big enough to allow 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 can be beneficial to coordinate nighttime feeds to ensure that you wake one up earlier than the other.
However, it is important to keep in mind that twins are quite different and could develop their own sleep routines. You may find that one child wakes more than the other, or that they prefer to be close to you. In this case it might be best to give each twin a separate bassinet or crib.
Find twin bedside cots with mesh dividers that are breathable for separate sleeping areas. This is crucial for babies more prone to overheating or for families with c-section mothers. A reversible base and wheels that are easy to move are also useful features. The Arm's Reach cot, which is specifically designed for mothers with c-sections is a fantastic choice due to its large sleeping area and is easy to maneuver. The Graco Pack 'n Play or Fisher-Price's Easy Swaivel are both options, but offer smaller sleeping spaces than the Arm's Reach cot.
It is not recommended to sleep with twins in the same bed with an adult, even if they are very close. There is a higher risk of SIDS, and can cause suffocation, strangulation or entrapment. Instead the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that twins have their own secure sleeping areas, such as bassinets or cribs in their parent's room for the first six months.