Choosing a Bedside Cot for Twins
Newborn twins sleep best when close to each other, but it’s important to adhere to the safe 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 to keep their infants close for diaper changes as well as mid-night meals. They also work well for infants that may outgrow their bassinets before baby 2.
Space-Saving
Twins can share a bed in a wooden bedside cot crib, as long as you follow the safe guidelines for sleeping (that’s to say that they should be laid on their backs, with the tops of their heads overlapping each other and their feet placed at opposite sides of the cot bedside). They can also co-sleep in a Moses basket or regular crib once they’re large enough.
We love this Delta double bassinet, which includes a mesh divider, so that babies can stay separate but close to each and each other. It also has a pocket for storage for wipes and snacks. It is also foldable which makes it easy to move around the house or travel with on trips.
Another option is the EZ Fold Twin Bassinet from Walmart that swivels to bring the twins who are fussy closer to you for feeding and comfort. The sides can be raised and lowered to make it easier to access them and they are locked to ensure security. It’s a bit longer and heavier than other options but is great for the second floor or grandparent’s homes. It also comes with a travel bag. It’s also much less expensive than the Halo Bassinest Twin.
Convenience
Parents of twins may be tempted to sleep the babies together in a single crib or bassinet but this is not generally recommended. Instead, the group Rednose suggests that twins be given their own secure sleeping space (crib, bassinet or portable crib) in the parent/caregiver’s room until they turn 12 months old to help reduce the risk of SIDS. This arrangement is also known as co-bedding. It has been observed that twins who are used to this sleep environment will typically have a more synchronized sleep pattern than those who sleep separately.
One of the most efficient ways to achieve this is with a twin bedside cot newborn cot, like the Teknum FELLOW 2 that comes with two distinct bedding sets so each baby can have an area that is comfortable and private. This bedside crib that turns into cot cot can also easily be moved from room to room when necessary, and also allows you to monitor the baby without having to wake them by re-entering their sleep zone or disrupting their routines.
Double bassinets are a different option. They permit infants to sleep side-by-side and are perfect for feedings or diaper changes during the middle of the night. 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 adjust to lower and raise for quick access. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the Walmart-exclusive Twin EZ Fold Double Bassinet is similar, having two sleeping zones separated by mesh panels that allow babies to see each other and the entire mattress can rotate 360 degrees to give an easy access to every infant.
Many parents have discovered that bedding twins in moses baskets, or a small bassinette could be a good option in situations of a short duration, like hospital stays or a visit to the family. This should only be done with the supervision of a healthcare provider. They will ensure that the babies are properly placed in a crib with their feet at the bottom of the crib, and all bedding is tucked in.
Safety
The most important safety aspect when it comes to twins is that they have their own sleeping space. This will prevent each baby from being smothered, choked, or otherwise being choked by the other. It also helps prevent cot deaths, which are more frequent with single infants than multiples.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that triplets, twins and higher-order multiples get their own sleeping space. This can be done with a separate bassinet, or twin bedside crib that you can put on your bed to feed or soothe one of the babies during the night.
While the American Academy of Pediatrics has recently issued recommendations to reduce the risk of SIDS by encouraging room sharing and avoiding cobedding, a lot of families with twins and multiples have found it difficult to follow these guidelines (1). In a previous study, it was discovered that the majority of twin families who co-bedded their children during the first three months of life at home engaged in unsafe sleeping habits.
Parents of twins might not follow current SIDS recommendations due to a desire to sleep longer and a lack of space at home to accommodate multiple cribs. Additionally, the socioeconomic status of a family could affect their sleep arrangements.
When twins are placed together in a crib or Moses basket, they may easily become entangled by their bedding, and possibly choke on one another. If you’re planning to sleep your twins in the same cot it is important to put them in the position of feet-to-head and their bedding secured in each cot to limit the possibility of them colliding with each other.
One of the safest and more comfortable options for twins to be able to sleep independently is a bassinet that sits beside the bed like the Halo Bassinest Twin. This double bassinet comes with an insulated mesh wall that separates twins so that they each have their own secure, flat sleep surface. It can be swiveled 360 degrees, so you can bring your child closer to you without leaving your bed. The walls on the sides automatically lower and then return with each movement. It is easy to clean, and fits into a standard twin-sized bed frame. Check out the Delta Children Twin EZ Fold Double Bassinet at Walmart. It has the same features as the Halo Bassinest.
Comfort
It’s a huge change to welcome twins or multiples into the world. They require plenty of thought and preparation especially when it comes to the place they will sleep and how they’ll get a good night’s rest. While the decisions regarding their future room can be made later in life, parents often wonder how they can help them to settle in the early stages.
It is possible for twins to share a single crib when they are small. This is known as co-bedding and it can be a great comfort to newborns as it helps them remember the womb. The key is to ensure that the beds are big enough for babies to be comfortable, without touching or rolling around. Also, remember that the baby that wakes up first should be fed. It is helpful to coordinate nighttime feeds to ensure that you wake up one baby before the other.
However, it is important to remember that twins are quite different and could have their own sleep routines. You might find that one baby is more sleepy than the other or is more comfortable being close to you. In this instance it might be best to provide each twin with their own crib or bassinet.
When you are looking for a twin bedside cot look for models that feature air-tight mesh dividers that create distinct sleeping spaces. This is crucial for infants that are prone to heat stroke or for families in which mothers have had a C-section. A reversible base as well as wheels that are easy to move are also beneficial features. The Arm’s Reach cot is an excellent choice for these purposes because it has an ample sleeping space and is designed with mothers who have c-sections in mind. The Graco Pack ‘n Play or Fisher-Price Easy Swaivel are also options, but have smaller sleeping areas than the Arm’s Reach cot.
Even if they’re close, it is not recommended for twins to share a bed with an adult. This can increase the risk of SIDS and lead to strangulation or suffocation. Instead the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that twins remain in their safe sleeping spaces, such as cribs or bassinets, in their parent’s room for the first six months.