A Bedside Cot For Twins
If space is a problem parents often opt to co-bed twins. This is in line with current medical recommendations and can aid in sleep synchrony and soothing.
However, it's important to follow the recommended safe sleeping guidelines to lower the chance of SIDS. It is essential to keep your baby's cot, crib or bassinet near by.
Safety
Welcoming two bundles of joy into the world is an unforgettable moment, but it also carries many responsibilities and choices to make especially when it comes to their sleep. To ensure that newborn twins are healthy it is crucial to establish safe sleeping habits. However, this can be a challenge for parents of all ages, particularly when they have a limited space or if their children are born prematurely or have low birth weight and may need to co-sleep at times. A bedside cot can be a great solution.
A bedside cot is a unique, bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your mattress and allows you to pull the baby towards you for night feedings or if they are crying to soothe them back to sleep. Bedside cots are available in many styles and prices. Some are designed to fold up neatly away, making them simple to store or to take on holiday.
The bedside cot's most important feature is that it is clearly separate from your sleeping area which reduces the risk of suffocation or overheating. While it is recommended by the Lullaby Trust and NHS that your baby is in the same room as you for the first six months, it is not recommended that they share a bed due to the possibility of SIDS. Utilizing props such as pillows, blankets rolled up or towels isn't an option because they could be entanglement hazards for the baby.
It is essential to select a cot that satisfies all safety standards. Check for any weak or holes, and make sure it's not covered with lead paint. Lead is harmful to infants. Look for a label stating that it meets the applicable British and European safety standard.
Some cots also have an option to add a riser that can be added to create a slight slope in the crib to aid babies with reflux. It is essential to take this step with care and under the supervision of a physician or health care expert to avoid any problems.
Easy to Use
To decrease the chance of SIDS it is recommended to adhere to the safe sleeping guidelines. Experts advise that babies sleep on the back in a bassinet, a crib or cot, and without blankets, pillows or toys. This allows them to breathe more easily and to self-settle, allowing them to sleep without the assistance of a parent or caregiver.
Many parents have difficulty deciding how to stick to the recommended sleeping arrangements for infants and newborns. This is especially true for families with multiple children who may not have the space or time to create separate sleeping areas. The types of sleeping arrangements for babies and twins may also be affected by socioeconomic factors.
A bedside cot for twins is a safer, more convenient alternative to putting two newborns in the same crib or bassinet at home. It is possible to keep your twins near while they are young so that you can soothe them or feed them. You can also transfer your twins to a bigger crib or bed as they become more mature.
Studies have shown that twins who cohabit have better sleep pattern synchronization than those who sleep in separate. This is because they mimic the sense of connection they felt in the womb which helps them regulate body temperatures and sleep cycles.
While experts encourage parents to cobed their twins in the first few months however, they warn that it's not a sane practice. It increases the risk of strangulation or suffocation and isn't recommended for parents who smoke or drink alcohol or take medications that alter their judgment. Inviting the twins to adult beds can expose them to falls and injuries, as well as being exposed to toxic airborne particles.
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 baby comfortable. It has a clear divider with a mesh insert that allows the twins to feel and touch each other, yet they're still separated by an enclosure. It folds down for storage and travel making it easy to take on trips.
Convenience
When your twins are young, it might be tempting to take them to your bed in hopes that they will sleep better. However, co-sleeping could put your twins at risk of strangulation, suffocation and entrapment, especially in the case of premature babies or have low birth weights.
The AAP suggests that twins sleep in their bassinets or cribs, ideally in their own rooms for at least six months. If your twins aren't sleeping well in their cribs, you might consider a twin bedside cot. These bassinets permit you to keep your twins close, but separate them by the use of dividers. When the twins are old enough to take it off the divider, they can be removed easily.
There are a myriad of ways to set up your twins in a bedside cot and you can test what works best for your twins. For instance, you could put them side-by-side in the cot, or consider placing them diagonally according to studies that have shown this can help with arousal and can improve sleep duration.
Swaddling twins can also help them relax and self-soothe. While swaddling isn't a recommendation by the AAP, it can be helpful for your twins to feel safe while they're asleep. Swaddling should be stopped once your twins begin to fall over or show signs of reaching their arms.
Finding your twins to nap at the same time can be challenging but it's worth a try to do so, because it will aid in their feeding schedules and will allow you to have some peace and tranquility in your own bedroom. A bedside cot for twins will make this easier to do, as you will be able to keep both babies in a safe distance as they sleep and then monitor them during the middle of the night.
If you have triplets or twins, there's no doubt that finding the ideal sleeping arrangement can be a challenge at first. But, if you try different arrangements and adhering to safe sleep guidelines, your twins will eventually discover their own rhythms and you'll get more restful nights as well.
Style
It's recommended that twins sleep independently to decrease the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). However, if you don't wish to purchase two separate cribs or bassinets or a bedside cot, then a bedside crib might be a good alternative. A bedside cot lets you keep your twins close by to pick them up for feedings at night and provide them with a warm bed during the night. They can also be easily dismantled to playtime, and transferred from one room to another or even taken on a trip.
There are a variety of options for bedsides cots. We prefer the Benzara Modular Double Level Slatted Crib, because it is exquisitely constructed and built to last. It is also very space-saving and is ideal for smaller homes. It's pricey it's not cheap, so you might not be able to afford this much for one crib.
You can also opt for a twin pack and play which is a less expensive alternative. These models come with double bassinets so that your children can share a bed. best bedside cot uk have mesh walls, so you can view your baby. They can be used by twins from birth until the time they grow out of it. The Graco Twin EZ Fold Play Yard includes a double bassinet.
If you choose to separate your twins, you could use a crib separator to prevent them from accidentally suffocating one another. You can also buy a set of cribs specifically designed for twins. They are typically bigger and have more features than regular 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 for it. Co-bedding is the term used to describe it and a lot of parents continue to do it for the first few weeks of their child's life. This can be problematic however, due to the dangers of accidental smothering. Therefore, it's best to adhere to the current medical guidelines for separation of your twins as soon as they're old enough.