5 Must-Know Practices For Bedside Cot For Twins In 2024
A Bedside Cot For Twins
If space is a concern some parents opt to share a bed with twins. This is in the current guidelines of medical professionals and can aid in sleep synchrony and soothing.
However, it's essential to follow the recommended safe sleeping guidelines to reduce the risk of SIDS. This includes keeping your infants in a bassinet, cot or crib close to you.
Safety
Welcoming two bundles of joy into the world is a magical experience, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility and choices to make, particularly when it comes to their sleeping. Newborn twins require plenty of sleep to thrive and establishing healthy sleep habits is essential for their development. But this can be a problem for parents of all ages, particularly when they are in a tight space or their babies are born prematurely or have overweight at birth and need to co-sleep at times. Fortunately, a bedside cot can be helpful.
A bedside cot is an innovative, bassinet-style cot that fixes to the side of your mattress and allows you to lift the baby up towards you for night feedings or when they are crying, to soothe them to sleep. There are a variety of bedside cots available, in a range of designs and prices. Some are even designed to fold up neatly away, making them easy to store and take on vacation.
The bedside cot's primary characteristic is that it is clearly separate from your sleeping area, reducing the risk of suffocation or accidental overheating. While it is recommended by the Lullaby Trust and NHS that your baby is in the same room as you do for the first six months however, it is not recommended to be in the same bed due to the risk of SIDS. Props such as pillows, blankets rolled up or towels aren't recommended either as they can cause tangles for the baby.
It is crucial to choose a cot that is in compliance with all safety standards. Examine for weak or holes, and ensure it's not covered with lead paint. Lead is harmful to infants. Look for a label stating that it meets the relevant British and European safety standards.
Some cots also have an optional riser that can be used to create a slight incline in the crib to help infants with reflux. However, it is crucial to do this with care, and with the guidance of your doctor or health visitor to avoid any potential complications.
Simple to Use
Although the hospital may have allowed twins to sleep together at home, it's recommended to follow the safe sleeping guidelines for infants in order to decrease your baby's chance of developing sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Experts advise that babies rest on their backs in a bassinet or a crib without pillows, blankets or toys. This allows them to breathe more easily and to self-settle so that they can fall asleep without the assistance of a parent or caregiver.
Many parents are unable to stick to the recommended sleeping arrangements for babies and infants. This is especially true for families with multiple children because they may not have enough space and time to set up separate sleeping areas. The type of sleeping arrangements for babies and twins could also be determined by socioeconomic factors.
A bedside cot for twins is an easier, safer alternative to placing two babies in the same crib or bassinet at home. You can keep your twins near while they are young to help you calm them down or even nurse them. You can also put your twins into a larger bed or crib as they grow.
Studies have shown that twins who cohabit have better sleep pattern synchronization than those who sleep independently. This is due to the sense of connection they experienced in the womb, which helps them to regulate body temperature and sleep cycles.
While experts encourage parents to cobed their twins in the first few months, they also warn that it's not a safe practice. It increases the risk of suffocation or strangulation, and isn't recommended if one or both parents drink alcohol or smoke, or are taking medications that alter their judgment. Bringing the twins into adult beds can put them at risk of injuries and falls and also exposed to the airborne toxins.
The Chicco Next2Me Twin Side Sleeper is a fantastic option for bedside cosleeping. It can be used between birth and six months. It has improved air circulation that ensures your baby is comfortable. It has a transparent divider and mesh insert which allows the twins to be able to see each other, while being safe and separate. It also folds down to make it easy to store and transport making it easy to carry when you travel.
Convenience
It's tempting when your twins are small to put them in the same bed as you, hoping that they will rest more peacefully. Sleeping with twins puts them at risk of suffocation or strangulation, particularly if they have premature babies or 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 months. If your twins are not sleeping comfortably in their separate cots, you may consider a twin bedside cot. These bassinets will keep your twins close and comfortable but separated by the use of a divider that is able to be removed once the twins are old enough to be outgrown.
You can experiment to find the best method to arrange your twins. You can place your twins in the cot side by side or diagonally. Some studies have demonstrated that this may help reduce awakening and increase sleep duration.
Some parents choose to swaddle their twin babies before bed, which can help them self-soothe and relax. The AAP does not recommend swaddling but it helps your twins feel at ease when they sleep. Swaddling should be stopped once your twins begin to roll over or begin to show signs of reaching out their arms.
Finding your twins to nap at the same time isn't easy, but it's worth trying to achieve this since it can help with their feeding schedules and give you some peace and quiet in your own bedroom. A bedside cot for twins can make this much easier to do, as you can keep them both at arm's length while they sleep and easily monitor them in the middle of the night.
If you have triplets or twins it's not a secret that finding the right sleeping arrangements can be difficult at first. But, by trying out different arrangements and adhering 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 be separated to lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. However, if you don't have the money to purchase two bassinets or cribs and a bedside cot might be a suitable alternative. A bedside crib allows you to keep your twins nearby to be able to comfort them and feed them during the middle of the night. They're also easy to set down for playtime and be moved from room to bedroom or even taken on excursions.
There are numerous options for bedsides cots. We prefer the Benzara Modular Double Level Slatted Crib because it's exquisitely constructed and built to last. It's also extremely space-saving, making it ideal for smaller homes. It's costly, however it's expensive, so you won't be able to afford that much on a single crib.
For a less pricey alternative, consider a twin pack 'n play. These models have double bassinets that allow your babies can sleep together. They feature mesh walls that allow you to see your baby, and they can be used from birth until your twins grow out of them. The Graco Twin EZ Fold Play Yard is a good illustration of a pack 'n play that comes with double bassinets.
If you decide to separate your twins you can utilize a crib seperator in order to stop them from accidentally suffocating each another. You can also buy cribs specifically designed for twins. These cribs are usually larger and have more features.
bedside cot newborn of thought, in turn, permits twins to sleep in the same bassinet or crib in the event that they're not too big to allow it. This is known as co-bedding. Many parents choose to continue this practice for the beginning of their lives. This could be a problem, however, due to the risks of accidental smothering. Therefore, it's recommended to follow the current medical guidelines of separating your twins as soon as they're old enough.