The birth of a child brings happiness and new worries to the family. Parents of twins face additional worries: caring for two children requires a lot of effort and time. Moms and dads make a lot of efforts to properly organize life in the house with newborn twins. One of the important issues that needs to be resolved before giving birth is the choice of a crib for twins.
In each family, children's sleep is organized differently. The choice is influenced by the area of the apartment, the financial capabilities of the family, the parents’ views on raising twins, and the behavior of the children. A description of possible options for sleeping places for twins, an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages will help you make the right choice.
Features of cots for twins
For very small babies, the furniture industry offers cribs, the main advantage of which is their compact dimensions. The cradle bed will fit harmoniously into the interior of a small room. A cot for twin babies has a beneficial effect on the psycho-emotional development of newborns; the small and cozy space inside the cradle gives children sensations similar to those they experienced in their mother’s tummy.
Another option is to purchase a wide crib; newborn babies are inactive, so they can be placed in a single space, laying them vertically or crosswise. To delimit the space, you can use a soft cushion or pillow.
A bed for newborn twins in the form of a cradle and wide models can be rationally used from the first days of life until the age of three months. Older children will need more spacious sleeping areas.
Playpen for twins - conclusion
So, if you decide that you absolutely need a playpen for twins, then you should study this issue and purchase a large playpen. So that two children have space for quiet games and can crawl. The most rational option is fences.
But is it really possible to do without a playpen at all, and what needs to be done for this - we will tell you in the next article. All the same, whatever one may say, a playpen for twins is an additional expense, but it will be useful for a fairly short period of time. Therefore, there is an excellent alternative to do without it.
Which bed to choose for twins - options and features of solutions
The modern furniture market offers many options for children's beds for children aged 0+. The classic solution is two separate cribs or one double bed for twins. The choice depends on the size of the room in which the newborns will live, on the character traits of the babies and the views of the parents themselves on the issue of organizing the sleep of twins. Today there is no definite answer whether children should sleep together or separately from each other. Many parents agree with psychologists who argue that twins should not be separated before they reach one year of age. Others are of the opinion that each infant is an individual and requires individual space from the first days of life.
Two separate beds for newborns
The main advantage of separate cribs is mobility; the sleeping places can be placed on both sides of the parent’s bed or placed side by side, and the babies will not interfere with each other during sleep. Separate sleeping places provide mothers with unhindered access to each baby.
Another advantage of separate sleeping beds is practicality; cribs can be used from the first months of a baby’s life up to 3 years.
Disadvantages of individual cots for twins:
- to accommodate sleeping places you will need twice as much space;
- purchasing two pieces of furniture will require large financial costs.
Models of beds for twins newborns
A bed for twins is a single structure that provides two sleeping places.
There is a wide range of double models on the furniture market; the main difference is the location of the beds. Sleeping areas can be adjacent or located on different tiers.
Cot for twins with adjacent beds
An adjacent cot for twins is a sleeping bed measuring 125x120 cm, with a partition in the middle. The side parts of the children's bed are presented in the form of lowering walls. The partition in some models is a common slatted wall or a removable foam partition included in the kit.
The main advantages of a double children's bed are the following aspects:
- ergonomics - furniture takes up less space than two separate beds;
- financial component – this option will be cheaper;
- psycho-emotional - feeling the presence of a brother or sister next to them, children calm down faster.
Along with the advantages, a bed for twins has a number of disadvantages. Sleeping together can cause inconvenience when twins do not have the same daily routine and contributes to the spread of viral infections due to the close contact of the babies.
Bunk bed for two newborns
A two-tier arrangement of sleeping places is an ideal option for small apartments. Often these cribs are made to order. The design consists of two cribs installed one above the other. The key difference between a two-story bed for infants and a similar design for children over 3 years of age is enhanced protection. The enclosing sides are located not only around the perimeter on the upper floor, but also on the lower tier.
Advantages of the two-tier model:
- space saving.
The disadvantage is the limited period of use; after reaching one year of age, the inhabitant of the lower floor will feel a little cramped.
Basic qualities
The advantages of modern solutions designed exclusively for twins include:
- Lower cost. The combined model will cost much less.
- More “modest” requirements for space.
- Providing emotional connection for babies at first. Twins are known to be calmer when they are close by.
- A double bed allows you to speed up the process of going to bed.
The base and frame material must be strong enough.
Unfortunately, there are also disadvantages:
- If one child gets sick, the second one may also get sick.
- Access limitation. Approaching the bed is only possible in a certain way.
- Separate noise protection cannot be provided.
- Limited service life.
- Some designs are not compact.
Parents should decide whether twins will sleep together or separately.
Equipment for baby cots
A cot for twins can be equipped with additional elements:
- pendulum mechanism;
- linen drawers;
- cabinets;
- canopies;
- removable sides.
A pendulum mechanism is a device that creates rocking movements. The mechanism sets the bed in motion with a light touch of the hand, the legs of the crib remain motionless. Depending on the direction of oscillation, there are two main types of pendulum devices:
- transverse mechanism - the berth sways in the direction left and right;
- longitudinal - makes movements back and forth.
Also on the market are pendulum cribs with a universal mechanism capable of performing both transverse and longitudinal movements.
The canopy over the crib protects babies from insects, drafts and sunlight. In addition to protection, the hanging fabric element also has a decorative function. Canopies vary in length and type of material. Depending on the length, there are long, medium and short, the best option is medium-length canopies. Depending on the type of material, there are dense and lightweight structures. A canopy made of dense fabric protects babies from extraneous sounds, bright light, and retains heat well. Canopies made of lightweight materials provide reliable protection against insects; the product provides good air exchange.
The canopy can be attached as follows:
- on a tripod mounted on the headboard or side wall of the crib;
- to the ceiling, the protective element is located in the center of the sleeping bed.
Removable sides act as an additional element of protection. Structurally, the protective wall is a frame covered with a durable mesh or fabric. The barrier frame can be made of metal, wood or plastic.
Manufacturers and models
Safety and workmanship are the two main criteria parents should consider when considering their options.
Today you will find a lot of different models for twins.
Price plays a secondary role here, helping only to choose the right direction, as well as the rating of the most popular models:
- SmartGrow by ComfortBaby. Intended for children under 9 years old. Can be easily converted into a playpen or a full-fledged oval-shaped bed. As a special option, there is the possibility of transformation into a pair of armchairs or a small sofa. Material – solid wood: oak or beech. The manufacturer provides all necessary certificates.
- SooHooKids 15 in 1 from SooHoo. A unique transformer that offers various bed options, ranging from a simple, side-by-side bed to a whole complex: a bed for twins plus a changing table + side-bed. Allows you to organize a playpen with dimensions of 150x100cm. Can be converted into a sleeping place for a teenager. Material – natural wood (beech).
- TripleDo 8 in 1 from ComfortBaby. Bed for triplets! However, twins will also be very comfortable here - they will receive an additional 30cm in width plus a changing table, as well as a spacious playpen: 178x125cm. Each bed is height adjustable and has a separate entrance. Size: 2x1200x600mm.
- INST-6 from MEBEL-NOVA. A unique offer from a domestic manufacturer is a bed for babies that adapts to their height. Over time, it can be converted into two full-fledged teenage sleeping places. Dimensions of one cradle: 600x1200mm. Material – environmentally friendly chipboard. The frame is made of natural wood.
- Micuna Kit Duo CP-1774. This representative is not a bed in the general sense - it is a set suitable for the entire line of Micuna designs. Allows you to combine two beds into one combined bed. The set includes a wooden base, a dividing mattress and a clamp made in the form of a photo frame.
Choose high-quality models that will serve you for a long time.
General criteria for choosing beds for newborns
The general rules for choosing cribs for newborns are quite simple. First of all, furniture for children should be safe, made from environmentally friendly materials. Furniture for children should not have sharp corners or protruding elements; all fasteners should be recessed into the frame and plugged. Structural parts of sleeping beds should not have defects or irregularities.
What materials are they made from?
The basis of the crib is the frame; the quality of the product directly depends on the material of manufacture. In the production of cribs for little ones, these types of materials are used; How:
- tree;
- plastic;
- MDF;
- metal.
Among parents, the most popular are models with a frame made of wood or MDF.
When deciding to choose a wooden crib, take a closer look at models made of beech, birch, maple or oak. Pine, although attractive due to its more affordable price, is inferior to other species in terms of its performance qualities. Soft wood is not resistant to mechanical damage and can be “eaten” by babies during teething.
What kind of bumpers are there on cribs - what to consider when choosing
Just like the frame, the sides of the crib are made of wood, metal or plastic.
As a rule, the side walls of a sleeping bed for newborns are a frame with transverse elements. Rods or flat slats are used as crossbars. In some models, the sides are made in the form of a continuous structure.
To prevent babies' legs and arms from getting stuck between the side bars, the distance between the rivers should not exceed 6 cm.
An equally important indicator of choice is the height of the side walls. The distance from the berth to the edges of the side should not be less than 45 cm.
The side walls of cribs for newborns must be equipped with additional protective elements:
- silicone pads on the edges – protects the child from bruises and injury to the gums, protects the structural parts of the crib from the baby’s teeth;
- soft fabric linings on the sides prevent arms and legs from getting stuck between the bars and provide additional protection from drafts. Attached to the side walls of the crib using ribbons.
Types of bed bases
The base of the crib for twins can be solid or slatted. In the first case, the bottom under the mattress consists of sheets of plywood or wooden planks laid on a frame. Cribs with a flat bottom are much cheaper than slatted structures. A solid base provides good support for the mattress, but it restricts air circulation; a wet mattress will not dry well, which can lead to mold and other problems.
Slatted bases are in high demand. Structurally, the slatted bottom is a frame with slats (lamellas) fixed at a certain distance from each other. The slats are fixed to the frame using special lat holders. Unlike a flat bottom, lamella bases allow air to pass through well, and bent-glued lamellas have orthopedic properties.
Mattresses
An important component of a quality sleeping place is a mattress. The mattress is not included with the crib.
The mattress for a newborn's crib should be:
- springless;
- breathable;
- hard;
- hypoallergenic.
An important criterion for choosing a mattress for a crib is the size of the product; it must match the size of the bed.
A springless mattress consists of several layers of filler, wrapped in a cover. Natural materials should be chosen as filler. The best option for babies is a mattress filled with coconut coir and natural latex.
When choosing bedding for a children's bed, pay attention to the design of the cover. It must be removable!
Healthy sleep is an important part of the life of a newborn baby. The range of cribs for newborns is very large; when choosing furniture, parents should take into account all the nuances, from the quality of the product to the location of the bed in the apartment. A crib for twins should provide each of the babies with a comfortable place to sleep!
Newborn sleeping place: furniture requirements
Since we are talking about the health and well-being of newly born little creatures, their first refuge should, at a minimum, be comfortable and safe. This is the first condition!
The crib should have enough space for the baby.
It is desirable that the crib fully meets the following requirements:
- Providing living space. The child needs to have a lot of free space.
- Frame strength. The materials used must be harmless and at the same time ensure the reliability (durability) of the structure.
- Height adjustment. Although this requirement may seem optional, the convenience of child care, if present, is so undeniable that it turns into a mandatory option.
- Workmanship. No sharp edges, corners, loose parts, loose bolts or stepped joints! In addition, all surfaces must be carefully sanded, or better yet, have a special protective coating.
- Sanitary safety. According to the rules, all materials for children's furniture are accompanied by a special certificate. Before purchasing, you should ask the seller about its availability.
The sides of the crib should be made of natural materials.
Different opinions
How many people, so many opinions. Some believe that a child is a person and should sleep separately. According to other mothers, it even plays a role that twins are initially in two different amniotic sacs, and twins are in one, so the connection between them is inextricable for life.
Opponents of one crib for twin newborns argue that one baby, being capricious, interferes with the sleep of the other. At the same time, we somehow forget that babies, even in two different cribs, usually sleep in the same room. If one catches the virus, he is isolated like another family member, and the sick baby sleeps in most cases with his mother so that she can monitor the baby’s condition every minute.
In the first months of a newborn’s life, a mother who has spent a lot of energy carrying and subsequently giving birth to babies should feel comfortable caring for them. It will be much easier if the kids sleep in the same bed.