A Bedside Cot For Twins
If space is a problem some parents opt to share a bed with twins. This is in line with medical recommendations, and can help to promote harmony in sleep and soothe.
However, it's essential to follow the safe sleeping guidelines to minimize the chance of SIDS. It's important to keep your baby's cot, crib or bassinet near by.
Safety
It's a wonderful moment to bring two new babies to the world, but it also comes with a lot more responsibility and decisions. This is particularly true when it comes to their sleeping. To ensure that twins have a healthy and happy start, it is important to establish safe sleep practices. However, this can be a challenge for a lot of parents, particularly when they are in a tight space or if their children are premature or overweight at birth and need to co-sleep at times. Fortunately an cot that is placed near the bed can help.
A bedside cot is a unique, bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your mattress and allows you to pull the baby up towards you for night feedings or when they're crying to soothe them back to sleep. There are a myriad of bedside cots to choose from, with different styles and prices. Some cots fold into a neat manner, making it easy to put them away or take them on vacation.
The most important feature of the bedside cot is that it is clearly separate from your own sleeping space, keeping the possibility of accidental suffocation or overheating to a minimum. The Lullaby Trust recommends that your baby sleeps with you in the same bedroom for the first six months however, it is not recommended to sleep in the same bed due to the risk of SIDS. Utilizing props such as pillows, blankets that are rolled up or towels is not a good idea either since they could create an entanglement risk for your baby.
It is also crucial that the cot you pick has all the safety standards. Check for any holes or weak points, and ensure that it's not coated with lead paint. Lead paint can be harmful to infants. Look for a certificate stating that it is in compliance with the applicable British and European safety standard.
Some cots also have an optional riser, which can be used to create a slight incline in the crib to help babies with reflux. It is important to do this with care, and with the guidance of your GP or health visitor to avoid any possible complications.
Easy to Use
To lower the chance of SIDS to reduce the risk of SIDS, you must follow the safe sleeping guidelines. Experts recommend newborns rest on their backs in a crib or bassinet and without any blankets, pillows, or toys. This will allow them to breathe more easily and self-settle and sleep without the assistance of a parent or caregiver.
Many parents are unable, however, to adhere to the recommended sleep arrangements for newborns and babies. This is especially the case for families with multiple children who may not have the space or time to create separate sleeping areas. Additionally socioeconomic factors can influence the kinds of sleeping arrangements that are used for babies and twins.
A twin bedside cot is a safer, more convenient alternative to putting two newborns into the same bassinet or crib at home. It allows you to keep your twins close by as they grow and you can easily nurse them or calm them down. It also allows you to let your children move to a bigger crib or bed later as they develop.
Research has shown that twins who cohabit have better sleep pattern synchronization than those who sleep independently. This is because they mimic the sense of connection that they felt in the womb which helps them regulate body temperature and sleep cycles.
Although experts recommend parents cobed their twins in the beginning however, they warn that it's not a secure practice. It could increase the risk of strangulation or suffocation and it's not appropriate if one or both parents drink alcohol or smoke, or are taking medications that affect their judgment. The twins may also be at risk for injuries and falls and exposure to the airborne toxins.
The Chicco Next2Me twin side sleeper is a great option for co-sleeping in bed and is suitable from birth to six months, with enhanced air circulation to keep your babies comfy. It features a transparent mesh insert and divider which allows the twins to see each other while still being separated. It folds down to store it and for travel, so it's easy to take on your travels.
Convenience
It's tempting when your twins are still small to take them to bed with you in hopes that they will sleep more soundly. Co-sleeping puts your twins in danger of suffocation and strangulation, particularly if you have babies who are premature or with infants with low birth weights.
In fact, the AAP suggests that twins sleep in their own cribs or bassinets -- and ideally in their private rooms for at least six months. If your twins aren't sleeping well in their separate cots, you may want to try a twin bedside cot. These bassinets will keep your twins in a comfortable and close proximity however they are separated by the use of a divider that is able to be removed once the twins have grown out of it.
You can try experimenting to find the best way to arrange your twins. For instance, you can put them side-by-side in the cot, or you can place them diagonally, as some studies have found this can help with arousal and may improve overall sleep duration.
Some parents also opt to wrap their twins before bed, which can help them self-soothe and relax. The AAP does not recommend swaddling, but it can make your twins feel more secure when they are asleep. Swaddling should stop once your twins begin to roll over or begin to show signs of reaching out their arms.
Getting your twins to nap simultaneously isn't easy, but it's worth trying to do so, as it will help with their feeding schedules and give you some peace and quiet in your own bedroom. A bedside cot for twins will help you do, as you can keep them at arm's length while they sleep, and also check on them in the middle of the night.
Whether you have triplets or twins, there's no doubt that finding the right sleeping arrangement may be a challenge at first. But, by trying out different configurations and sticking to the safe sleeping guidelines, your twins will eventually find their own rhythms and you'll enjoy more restful sleep as well.
Style
It is recommended that twins should sleep in separate beds 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 an option. A bedside crib allows you to keep your twins nearby 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 room or even taken on a trip.
There are a lot of options for bedsside cots, we love the Benzara Modular Dual Level Slatted Crib because it's beautifully constructed and designed to last for years. It's also a great way to save space, which makes it perfect for smaller homes. You might not want to spend so much money on cribs, since it's costly.
If you're looking for a cheaper alternative, you can try a twin pack 'n play. These models come with double bassinet inserts, so your babies can sleep together. These models have mesh walls that let you view your baby. They are suitable for twins from birth until they grow out of it. The Graco Twin EZ Fold Play Yard comes with two bassinets.
If bedside cot wooden do choose to separate your twins, you could use a crib separator to stop them from accidentally suffocating one another. You can also purchase cribs specifically made for twins. They are typically larger and have more features.
The renowned attachment parenting school of thought, meanwhile, allows twins to share the same crib or bassinet provided they're not too small to allow it. Co-bedding is what it's called and a lot of parents continue to do this during the initial few weeks of their child's existence. This can be problematic however, because of the dangers of accidental smothering. Therefore, it's best to follow the current medical guidelines for separation of your twins as soon as they're old enough.