Features, requirements and types of cots for twins

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.

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.

Additional equipment

Cribs can be sold empty or with additional items. For example it could be:

• Pendulum mechanism.
• Additional drawers for newborn's things.
• Small cabinets.
• Canopies.
• Drop-down or removable sides.

Thanks to the pendulum mechanism, you can easily rock your baby right in the crib. The rocking chair will allow the baby to relax and calm down quickly. When the child is awake, the mechanism can be locked. You can swing both left and right, and forward and backward.

Many parents prefer to install a canopy over the crib. It can protect the baby from sunlight and also from drafts. The canopy is also used as a decorative item. You can attach it using a special holder to the crib or directly to the ceiling.

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.

Playpen for twins - size matters!

So, since we are talking about a playpen for twins, it is worth understanding what is important to us in this thing. And then you can see what the modern market offers. We will not take ordinary playpens designed for one baby. This is not for a situation with two children.

No matter what anyone says, two kids need not only to be provided with a large space, but also to organize the opportunity to move around there, since for twins, movement always comes first - for them it is as necessary as air. And only then all the other mental activity. Therefore, a playpen for twins should be larger than usual for one child. And if one child can sit and play with toys for a while, then two cannot. Their first priority is to crawl one after another, and this period begins from the moment of crawling.

Therefore, when choosing a playpen for twins, you should first of all take into account its SIZE. Today you can find a playpen of 2.5 meters and even 3 - 3.9 meters. This is already a decent area, although, of course, much will still depend on the size of the room where you plan to install the playpen.

So the main thing for us is the size of the playpen for twins. This is clearly shown in the following video. True, there is only one child, but the playpen is BIG, just for twins or even more children. Externally, the playpen resembles a play pool, like in children's corners of various shopping centers. This is probably him. Product from Leco.

Existing varieties

The choice of the optimal solution often depends on how parents understand the organization of a sleeping area for newborns. They can immediately sleep separately, or stay together, and separate beds will be installed over time.

In addition, other factors may influence the choice of a particular model, for example, the presence of a pendulum or changing table.

Related

The most common type. Structurally, it is a regular children's bed increased in width with a partition in the middle. Among the advantages of this solution, it is worth noting the lower cost (when compared with buying two identical beds) and the convenience of placing twins.

Twins do not disturb each other while falling asleep.

A significant disadvantage is its dimensions and short period of operation (up to six months).

Bunk

The best option if optimization of the occupied space is of paramount importance. On the one hand, the advantage of this approach is the possibility of quick access to each child, and also the fact that children interfere less with each other. On the other hand, a bunk bed is not suitable for play - it is only a sleeping place.

A practical model in terms of rational use of space in the room.

Moreover, it was initially intended for a very limited period (up to 6 months). Today, such products are most often made to order.

Manege

A good solution, characterized by both functionality and ease of use. Regardless of the implementation, such structures provide both a sleeping place and a playground. Typically, such models are made of plastic or have a metal frame. They are quite compact and practical.

Over time, when the twins grow up, the cradle becomes small, then it is taken out, and the playpen is used for its intended purpose.

Moreover, they are often equipped with additional devices, such as changing shelves and pockets for small items. There is one drawback, characteristic of all arenas - a short period of suitability.

Transformable bed

An attempt to combine functionality, convenience and extend service life. Typical designs provide a play area and a sleeping place, and also allow you to quickly organize a changing shelf, are equipped with drawers for storing things and provide separate height adjustment of the bases.

Over time, when the kids grow up, this design can easily be turned into two full-fledged separate beds, on which children can sleep up to 10-12 years old. The disadvantages include high cost.

Pendulum bed

A clear advantage of this solution is the ability to rock both screamers at the same time. This is much easier than lulling everyone to sleep one by one. Such designs can be in two versions: pendulum or “cradle” type.

An oval-shaped crib will take up less space.

A pendulum is considered preferable because it can provide oscillation in two directions, and the second type has design features that allow the bed to oscillate only in a certain way. The disadvantage here is also obvious - as soon as the children grow up, you need to look for a new place to sleep.

Separate beds

One of the most rational options. Two identical frames will allow you to both organize a sleeping place, like a combined one, and separate them if necessary. Each such bed can be a playground for one toddler, and a sleeping place for another.

Often buying two beds is a luxury for new parents.

Usually they are placed separately, and cabinets or cabinets are placed in between - this approach makes optimal use of the free space. The disadvantages of the solution are high cost and low mobility.

The organization of twins' sleep must be correct

Some parents prefer to place twins or twins separately, one sleeps with mom, the other sleeps with dad.

Important! But most psychotherapists and pediatricians believe that such babies (especially in the first year of life) should sleep together. After all, they were already accustomed to living together in the womb. Violation of this harmony can lead to psychological distress in babies.

The rules for choosing such a thing as a playpen bed for twins are similar to choosing a crib. Calm children feel as comfortable as possible in one large playpen. But if the kids touch each other, showing aggression, pinching, pushing, then it’s worth purchasing separate playpens. Many parents combine two playpens.

The undeniable advantages of sharing a bed

According to doctors and parents of twins, one crib for two people solves several pressing problems at once:

• two cribs take up much more space in the apartment than one (this is especially true for small apartments);
• the body of newborns is better able to retain heat;
• such babies calm down faster and fall asleep in the presence of their significant other;
• adjacent cots for twin newborns help overcome the newborn crisis that absolutely all babies suffer from;
• It’s easier for parents to keep an eye on their kids since they are always together
• Mommy has much more time for washing and cleaning.

Causes for concern

However, such a miracle invention as a double crib may also cause concern on the part of doctors and parents:

1. if one of the kids gets sick, the other will definitely catch the virus;
2. it is possible to mix up newborns during treatment (for example, giving cough syrup to the wrong person who needed it);
3. If one baby is naughty at night, he will certainly wake up his neighbor in the crib.

How to choose a bottle for a newborn? How to choose the right blanket for a child? Find out more

How to choose the right crib for newborns? Find out at the link

Twin beds for newborn twins: how to choose?

The choice of a particular design should primarily be based on safety requirements and optimal conditions for caring for newborn children. The main thing you should pay attention to is what the bed is made of and how high quality it is.

The absence of sharp corners makes the crib safer.

In addition, design features may also be important (for example, the distance between vertical slats should not exceed 6 cm). The presence of wheels, runners and a swing mechanism is also important.

Important! If it is not possible to buy furniture as children grow, you should immediately aim for designs that will be suitable until adolescence. The best option may be a model with dimensions of 1400x700mm.

Materials used

Today, metal, plastic or wood are used in the production of children's furniture. Of course, it is best to buy a bed made of beech or alder, but not everyone can afford this option. Most often, children's furniture manufacturers choose chipboard or MDF. In addition, wooden products can be varnished or have laminated surfaces. Here you definitely need to ask for an environmental certificate - children will definitely try them to their teeth.

Wooden cribs are environmentally friendly.

As for metal or plastic, such structures are relatively lightweight, so it is recommended to check their resistance to tipping. The plastic must meet safety standards for chemical composition (the corresponding document should be requested).

Sides and safety

Bed bumpers can be of two types: soft or hard. The latter are used to protect the child from falling to the floor. The standard height of the side is usually taken to be no less than 45cm.

Soft sides are often installed inside the bed. They are needed in the first months of life so that the baby does not hit hard walls or side frames.

The sides of the crib must be safe.

In addition, they can be used as places to store essentials: pacifiers, water bottles, spare diapers - special pockets are provided for this.

Features and types of sleeping places for twins

Caring for twins involves giving each one his own (personal) zone of living space. This includes a crib, a cabinet with his things, hygiene items, toys. This division is sometimes carried out by color zoning. This is especially convenient if children are of different genders: for a boy everything is blue, for a girl everything is pink.

Most often, a crib for twins has a neutral color.

If possible, the twins should be close to each other at first. Therefore, even if their beds are separate, it is not advisable to space them too far apart. In addition, the bed should not be placed near a window, as children may try to climb onto the window sill.

The room for children should be bright and clean.

The room must be kept clean and ventilated regularly. To protect against insects, you will have to organize a protective screen made of gauze or purchase a special canopy.

Materials

High demands are placed on the material. It should be:

• durable - the sides must withstand the onslaught of children's teeth;
• environmentally friendly - such products do not use toxic coatings or materials with a strong odor;
• tolerates cleaning well - it is recommended to carry out wet cleaning daily in the newborn’s room, including wiping the crib.

Tree

The most common material for making children's beds is wood. But not every wooden crib meets the necessary safety requirements. The cheapest models are made of softwood, most often aspen. Children who try everything on their teeth can chew off small particles from them. Infants can develop splinters from parts that are not polished thoroughly enough.

High-quality children's furniture is made of hardwood (birch, oak, pine, beech). It is irrational to cover environmentally friendly wood with paint; furniture for babies is usually made without paint and varnish coatings.

Sometimes water-based acrylic paints and wax-oils are used.

The most popular color for children's beds is white.

Plastic

Playpens are made from plastic combined with textiles. When choosing such a model in a store, you should take a closer look and smell it. High-quality plastic is uniformly colored and odorless.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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).
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

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.

What should you consider when choosing?

To everything that was said earlier, we can add that the optimal choice often requires taking into account the following points:

• Mattress. Typically, manufacturers offer only a “bare” frame. Therefore, it is advisable to take timely care of a comfortable mattress and mattress covers for it.
• For a combined bed, the side partitions should be soft or equipped with protection against bruises.
• First of all, it is worth considering models with the ability to adjust the height for each sleeping place separately.
• It is important to give preference to structures with a slatted base - it is better ventilated.

Thus, purchasing a bed for babies is a responsible and difficult task. After all, the peace and mood of the parents themselves depends on how comfortable their first sleeping place is. This is why cribs for newborn twins should be chosen carefully and slowly.

Features of cots for twins

For newborn twins, there are special small cribs where you can comfortably accommodate babies. In addition, a small crib is well suited for a small room and will significantly save useful space. By installing a cozy bassinet for your baby, you will allow the baby to feel safe.

You can also use one wide bed. Considering that children at this age are inactive, a large sleeping place is ideal for them. If you are still worried about the safety of the kids, you can put a soft cushion between them to separate them.

Small cribs are popular. They are lightweight and can be easily transported to the desired location. The main disadvantage of the product is that it can only be used for the first three months after the birth of the child. Then you will have to find another, more spacious option.

Cots for twins in the photo