A Bedside Cot For Twins
Many parents choose to co-bed their twins, especially if space is limited. This is in line with current medical recommendations and can help with sleep synchronization and soothe.
However, it's essential to follow the safe sleeping guidelines to reduce the chance of SIDS. This means keeping your baby's in a bassinet, cot or crib close to you.
Safety
It's a joyous moment to welcome two babies to the world, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility and decisions. This is especially true when it comes to their sleep. Newborn twins require plenty of rest to help them develop and thrive. Establishing healthy sleep habits is essential for their development. This could be a challenge for some parents, particularly when they have a limited space or their infants have a low birth weight or are premature. Fortunately the bedside cot can be helpful.
A bedside cot is a unique, bassinet-style cot that fixes to the mattress's side and allows you to pull the baby towards you during night feeds or if they are crying to soothe them to sleep. There are a variety of bedside cots available, in different styles and prices. Some cots can fold into a neat manner making it easy to put them away or take them on vacation.
The most important thing about a bedside cot is the fact that it is clearly separated from your personal sleeping space, thereby reducing the risk of suffocation, or overheating to an absolute minimum. The Lullaby Trust recommends that your baby sleeps with you in the same bedroom for the first six months, but it is not recommended to sleep in the exact same bed due to the risk of SIDS. Props like pillows, blankets that are rolled up or towels is not an option, as they could become entanglement hazards for the baby.
It is important that you select a cot that meets all safety standards. Verify that it does not have holes or weak points, and also that it's not coated with anything that could be harmful - such as lead paint, as it could be harmful for infants. Check for a label that states it meets the applicable British or European safety standard.
Some cots come with an optional riser that can be added in order to create a slight angle in the crib for babies who have reflux. It is essential to take this step with care and under the supervision of a physician or health care professional to avoid any issues.
bedside cosleeper 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 rest on their backs in a crib or bassinet without pillows, blankets or toys. This allows them to breathe more easily and to self-settle, allowing them to fall asleep without the assistance of a parent or caregiver.
Many parents have difficulty deciding how to adhere to the recommended sleeping arrangements for newborns and infants. This is particularly true for families with multiple children, who may not have the space or time required to create separate sleeping areas. The kind of bed arrangements for babies and twins may also be influenced by social and economic factors.
A twin bedside cot is a safer, more convenient alternative to placing two babies in the same bassinet or crib at home. It allows you to keep your twins close when they're still young and allows you to easily nurse or calm them down. You can also move your twins to a larger crib or bed as they develop.
Research has shown that twins who are cobedded have better sleep pattern synchronization than those who sleep separately. This is due to the sense of connection that they experienced in the womb, which helps them to regulate their body temperatures and sleep cycles.
Although experts recommend parents cobed their twins in the first few months, they also warn that it's not a sane practice. It can increase the risk of suffocation and strangulation. It's also not recommended if either parent drinks alcohol, smokes or is taking medications that affect their judgment. Inviting the twins to adult beds can expose them to injuries and falls as well as being exposed to the airborne toxins.
The Chicco Next2Me twin-side sleeper is a fantastic choice for bedside co-sleeping and can be used from 6 months to birth with improved air circulation to keep your infants comfortable. It features a transparent divider and mesh insert which allows the twins to communicate with each other while being safe and separate. It also folds down to store it and for travel, so it's easy to carry when you travel.
Convenience
It is tempting when your twins are still small to take them to bed with you hoping that they'll rest more peacefully. Co-sleeping can put your twins in danger of suffocation and strangulation, especially if you have babies who are premature or with low birth weights.
The AAP suggests that twins sleep in their bassinets or cribs with their parents, and ideally in their own rooms for at least six month. If your twins aren't sleeping well in their separate cots, then you may be interested in the 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 be able to remove it, they will be removed easily.
You can try experimenting to find the most effective way to arrange your twins. You can put them in the cot side by side or diagonally. Some studies have shown that this may help reduce the arousal process, and also improve the duration of sleep.
Swaddling twins can also aid in relaxation and self-soothing. While swaddling isn't a recommendation by the AAP but it can help your twins to feel secure when they're asleep. Swaddling should stop when your twins begin to roll over or show signs of reaching their arms.
Finding your twins to nap at the same time can be challenging, but it's worth trying to do so, as it will help with their feeding schedules and will give you peace and quiet in your own bedroom. A bedside cot for twins could make this easier to do, as you will be able to keep both babies in a safe distance as they sleep and then check on them in the middle of the night.
Finding the ideal sleeping arrangement for your triplets or twins may be a challenge initially. By trying out different configurations and following safe sleeping guidelines will help your twins find their individual rhythms, and you will also enjoy a more restful night.
Style
It is recommended that twins rest independently to decrease the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). If you don't have the money to buy two bassinets or cribs then a bedside-cot might be a good alternative. A bedside cot lets you keep your twins close by so that you can take them out for mid-night feeds and to comfort them throughout the night. They can also be easily removed for playtime, and transferred from one room to another or even taken on a journey.
While there are lots of alternatives for bedsside cots, we prefer the Benzara Modular Dual Level Slatted Crib because it's beautifully constructed and designed to last for many years. It's also a great way to save space, which makes it perfect for smaller homes. You may not want invest so much money in a crib, as it's expensive.
You can also choose a twin pack ‘n play that is a more affordable alternative. These models come with double bassinets, so that your babies can sleep together. They come with mesh walls that allow you to view your baby and they can be used from birth until your twins outgrow them. The Graco Twin EZ Fold Play Yard is equipped with two bassinets.
If you decide to separate your twins, you can make use of a crib seperator to keep them from accidentally suffocating another. You can also purchase cribs designed specifically for twins. They are typically bigger and have more features than standard cribs, such as side-by-side sleeping zones and storage areas.
According to the popular attachment parenting theory, twins can sleep in the same crib or bassinet as long as they are small enough. This is referred to as co-bedding and many parents prefer to continue this method for the beginning of their lives. This can be problematic due to the risk of accidental smothering. It is recommended to follow current medical advice and separate your twins when they are old enough.