Choosing a Bedside Cot for Twins
Twins in the newborn stage sleep best close to each other It's vital to adhere to the safe sleep guidelines. The proper crib arrangement will aid your twins in establishing the same routine of sleeping.
A double bassinet with the option of dividing it is a great choice for twins. These portable beds allow parents to keep their babies close for diaper changes as well as mid-night meals. These beds are also ideal for babies who may outgrow their bassinets for baby before they reach toddlerhood.
Space-Saving
Twins can sleep together in a bedside cot, so long as you follow safe sleeping guidelines (that's to say they should be laid on their backs, with the tops of their heads touching each other and feet at opposite ends of the cot). When they're big enough, they can also sleep together in a Moses Basket or a regular crib.
We love this Delta double bassinet, which features a mesh partition to allow babies to remain separate, yet close to each other. It also has a storage pocket for snacks and wipes. It folds flat and makes it easy to move around the house or take on trips.
Another option is this 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 and lowered for easy access and are secured for security. It's a bit bigger and heavier than other models but is great for the second-floor or homes for grandparents. It also comes with a 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. Instead the Rednose group Rednose suggests that twins be provided with their own private sleeping space (crib or bassinet, or a portable crib) in the parent/caregiver's room until they are 12 months old to help reduce the chance of SIDS. This arrangement is also referred to as co-bedding. It has been found that twins who are accustomed to this type of sleeping environment generally have a more coordinated sleep pattern than twins who sleep in separate rooms.
One of the easiest ways to make this work is to use a twin bedside cot like the Teknum FELLOW 2 that comes with two distinct bedding sets, so that each baby has a personal and comfortable space. This bedside cot is also easily moved from one room to the next as needed. It is an easy and convenient way to check on your children without disturbing their sleep patterns or wake them up.
Other options include double bassinets, that have been specifically designed to allow the infants to remain side-by-side and are perfect for mid-night feeds or diaper changes. The Halo Bassinest Twin, for instance, comes with a breathable mesh divider and a height that can be adjusted so that each baby can be observed and reached at all times, while the sides of the sleeper are raised and lower to give easy access. If cheap bedside cot looking for an affordable alternative, the Walmart-exclusive Twin EZ Fold Double Bassinet is similar, with two separate sleeping zones, separated by mesh panels that allow babies to see one another and the entire bed swivels 360 degrees for easy access to each infant.
For temporary situations like an unexpected family visit or hospitalization, many parents have found success with co-bedding twins in a large moses basket or small bassinette that has dividers. However, this should be done only under the supervision of a healthcare provider to ensure that the babies are properly positioned and with their feet towards the floor of the cot and all bedding is securely tucked in to prevent them from suffocating.
Safety
The most important safety aspect when it comes to twins is that both babies have their own sleeping space. This will prevent the baby from being smothered, choked or otherwise choking 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 recommends that twins, triplets and higher-order multiples get their own sleep space. The best way to do this is by having an additional bassinet or twin bedside cots that can be positioned close to your bed while you're feeding or soothing one of the babies throughout the night.
While the American Academy of Pediatrics has recently issued recommendations to decrease the risk of SIDS by encouraging room sharing and discouraging cobedding, many families of multiples and twins find it difficult to follow these guidelines (1). A previous study found that the majority of families with twins who were cobedded in the first 3 months at home used unsafe sleeping practices (room sharing without cobedding).
Parents of twins might not follow the current SIDS guidelines due to the desire to rest longer and lack of space at home to accommodate multiple cribs. In addition the socioeconomic standing of a family could influence their decisions about sleep arrangements.
If twins are placed in a small Moses basket or crib, their bedding may easily entangle them and they may choke on eachother. If you're planning to sleep your twins together in the same cot, it's important to place them in the position of feet-to-head and have their bedding tucked securely into each cot to minimize the possibility of them colliding with each other.
One of the safer and more convenient alternatives for twins to sleep separately is a bedside bassinet like the Halo Bassinest Twin. This double bassinet has an enclosed mesh wall that can divide twins and give them their own flat, safe sleeping surface. It swivels a full 360 degrees to bring one of your babies closer to you for feedings or to soothe while still in the comfort of your bed. The side walls lower and automatically return when you move. It's also easy to clean and fits into 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
Being welcomed by twins or multiples to the world is a major life-changing. They also require a lot of planning and consideration in regards to their sleeping arrangements and how they can have a restful night. While the decisions regarding their future bedroom space are made as they age parents are often unsure of how they can help their children to feel comfortable in the beginning stages.
It is possible for twins to share a cot if they are small. This is referred to as co-bedding, and can provide excellent comfort for babies as it brings them back to the mother's womb. The key is to make sure the beds are big enough for babies to feel comfortable without touching each other or rolling around. Also, keep in mind that the baby who is the first to wake up should be fed. It is helpful to coordinate feeding times at night so that you can get one up before the other.
It is important to be aware that twins may have different sleep patterns. You may find that one child sleeps better than the other or prefers to be near you. In this situation, it might be best for twins to have their own crib or bassinet in their room.
When shopping for a twin bedside cot, look for models that feature ventilated mesh dividers that can create separate sleeping areas. bedside cot 6 months plus is crucial for infants who are susceptible to heat stroke or families whose mothers have had a c-section. A reversible base and wheels that are easy to maneuver are also helpful features. The Arm's Reach cot is an excellent choice for these purposes, as it offers a spacious sleeping area and is designed with moms who have c-sections in mind. 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 to sleep with twins in the same bed with an adult even if they're very close. It is an increased risk of SIDS and may result in suffocation strangulation or entrapment. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that twins should be in their own bassinets or cribs in their parents' bedrooms for the first 6 months.