A Bedside Cot For Twins
If space is a problem some parents opt to sleep in twin beds. This is in line with medical guidelines, and can assist to promote harmony in sleep and soothe.
However, it's important to follow the recommended safe sleeping guidelines to lower the chance of SIDS. This means keeping your baby's in a bassinet, cot or crib near you.
Safety
It's a joyous moment to welcome two babies to the world, but it also comes with a lot more responsibility and decisions. This is particularly applicable to their sleeping. To help newborn twins thrive, it is important to establish safe sleep habits. However, this can be a struggle for parents of all ages, particularly when they are in a tight space or their babies are born prematurely or have small in weight and will require co-sleeping at times. A bedside cot is an ideal solution.
A bedside cot is an innovative bassinet-style cot that is attached to the side of your mattress and allows you to pull the baby towards you during night feeds or if they are crying to soothe them to sleep. Bedside cots are available in a variety of styles and costs. Some cots can fold into a neat manner and easily store them or travel with them on holiday.
The most important feature of a bedside cot is the fact that it is completely separate from your personal sleeping space, which reduces the risk of suffocation, or overheating to an absolute minimum. The Lullaby Trust recommends that your baby is in the same bedroom for the first six month however it is not recommended to share a bed due to the possibility of SIDS. Utilizing props such as pillows, rolled up blankets or towels is not an ideal idea since they could create entanglement hazards for the baby.
It is crucial to select a cot that satisfies all safety standards. Look for holes or weak points, and ensure it's not coated with lead paint. Lead paint can be poisonous to infants. Check for a label that says it is compliant with the applicable British or European safety standard.
Some cots have an option to add a riser that can be added to create a slight slope within the crib to assist babies with reflux. It is important to take this step with care and under the guidance of a GP or health care professional to avoid any problems.
Easy to Use
While the hospital might have allowed twins to share a bed at home, it's recommended to follow safe sleeping guidelines for infants in order to decrease the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Experts advise that babies sleep on their backs, in a bassinet or a crib without blankets, pillows, or toys. This will allow them to breathe more easily, settle themselves and fall asleep with no assistance from a parent or caregiver.
Many parents are unable to adhere to the recommended sleeping arrangement for newborns and babies. This is especially the case for families with multiple children, because they may not have enough space and time to set up separate sleeping areas. The kind of bed arrangements for babies and twins can also be determined by social and economic factors.
A twin bedside cot is a safer and more practical option than putting two babies in the crib together at home. It lets you keep your twins close as they grow and you can easily nurse or calm them down. It also gives you the flexibility to let your children move into a larger crib or bed later, as they develop.
Studies have shown that twins who cohabit experience better sleep patterns synchronization than those who sleep separately. This is because they mimic the sense of connection they experienced when they were babies, which allows them to regulate their body temperatures and sleep cycles.
Experts advise parents to co-bed twins during the first few months of their infants' lives, but caution them that this is not an appropriate method of care. It increases the risk of suffocation or strangulation, and is not recommended if one or both parents drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes or are taking medications that alter their judgment. The twins may also be at risk for injuries and falls as well as exposure to the airborne toxins.
The Chicco Next2Me twin-side sleeper is an excellent choice for bedside co-sleeping and is suitable from 6 months to birth with improved air circulation to keep your baby at ease. It has a clear divider and mesh insert that lets the twins see each other while still being separated. It also folds down to store it and for travel making it easy to carry on trips.
Convenience
When your twins are young, it might be tempting to invite them into your bed in the hope that they will sleep better. Co-sleeping can put your twins at risk of suffocation and strangulation, particularly if you have premature babies or infants with low birth weights.
In fact the AAP suggests that twins sleep in their own cribs or bassinets which should be in their own rooms for at least six months. If travel bedside crib are not sleeping comfortably in their separate cots, you may consider a twin bedside cot. These bassinets allow you to keep your twins close, but separate them with the use of dividers. When the twins are old enough to take it off it, they will be removed easily.
There are a variety of ways to arrange your twins in a bedside cot and you are able to experiment with what works best for your twins. You can place your twins in the cot side-by-side or diagonally. Some studies have demonstrated that this may help reduce the arousal process, and also improve sleep duration.
Some parents also opt to wrap their twins in a blanket before they go to sleep to help them self-soothe and relax. While swaddling isn't a recommendation by the AAP, it can be helpful for your twins to feel secure as they sleep. However it is best to stop swaddling once your twins start rolling over or start to extend their arms out to each other.
Getting your twins to nap at the same time isn't easy but it's worth a try to achieve this since it can help with their feeding schedules and will give you peace and quiet in your own bedroom. A bedside cot for twins can make this easier to do, as you will be able to keep them both in a safe distance while they sleep, and also check them throughout the night.
Finding the best sleeping arrangement for your triplets or twins can be challenging initially. By experimenting with different arrangements and adhering to the guidelines for safe sleep will aid your twins in finding their own rhythms, and you will also have a more peaceful night.
Style
It is recommended that twins should be separated to reduce the risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. If you don't have enough money to buy two bassinets or cribs then a bedside-cot could be a good alternative. A bedside crib allows you to keep your twins near so that you can comfort them and feed them during the late at night. They're also simple to set down for playtime and can be moved from room to bedroom or even taken on trips.
While there are plenty of alternatives for bedsside cots, we prefer the Benzara Modular Dual Level Slatted Crib because it's well-constructed and built to last for a long time. It's also extremely space-saving and is ideal for smaller homes. It's possible that you don't need to spend a lot of money on cribs, because it's costly.
You can also go for a twin pack and play that is a more affordable alternative. These models have double bassinet inserts so that your babies can sleep together. These models have mesh walls that let you observe your baby. They are suitable for twins from birth until the time they are old enough to use it. The Graco Twin EZ Fold Play Yard is equipped with two bassinets.
If you decide to separate your twins you can use a crib seperator to prevent them from accidentally suffocating other. You can also buy cribs that are specifically designed for twins. They are typically larger and come with more features than standard cribs, including sleep zones that are side-by-side and storage areas.
The renowned attachment parenting school of thought meanwhile, allows twins to sleep in the same crib or bassinet as long as they're small enough to allow it. This is known as co-bedding, and many parents prefer to continue this practice during the first few months of their lives. This could be a problem due to the risk of accidental smothering. Therefore, it's best to follow the current medical guidelines of separating your twins as soon as they're old enough.