One of the questions I get asked a lot is where is the best place for twins to sleep. Should they be in the same cot and should they be in the same room as each other? Well that’s bit of a loaded question and depends on a number for factors. The priority, as with single babies, should always be safety.
Putting your twins to sleep in a single cot is called co-bedding and has many benefits. Twins often share a special bond from birth, and co-bedding can help strengthen this connection. Sleeping side by side can provide comfort and reassurance to each twin, promoting a sense of security and closeness.
Co-bedding can also make it logistically easier for parents of twins. You can feed and soothe both babies at the same time more easily. Additionally, many parents find that twins who co-bed tend to synchronize their sleep patterns more quickly. This can lead to longer stretches of uninterrupted sleep, which is a blessing for sleep-deprived parents.
While the benefits of twins sleeping together are clear, it’s essential to prioritize safety. If you would like to put your twin babies together you should use a single cot not a Moses basket, as this is too small for 2 babies. Make sure it has a firm, flat mattress with a tightly fitted sheet. Remove any pillows, soft bedding, stuffed animals, and bumper pads from the cot to reduce suffocation risks. Always place your twins on their backs to sleep. This position is the safest to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Crucially your twins will need separate sleeping spaces as they grow. As they get older and learn how to role you need to consider transitioning them to separate cots or cribs. This can help reduce the risk of accidental injury, such as one baby rolling onto the other and reduce the risk of SIDS.
In my own person experience, with my own twins and with my clients who have twins, Co-bedding works really well for the whole family. However, ensuring the safety of your twins should always be the top priority. By following safe sleep guidelines, you can create a secure and comfortable sleeping environment for your twins, while at the same time allowing them to have all the benefits of being together.
Sleep well