While co-sleeping with a single baby isn’t encouraged due to safety reasons, unless you’re using a co-sleeper cot, co-sleeping between twin siblings is highly supported by many pediatricians.
Often, even though moms want to be right next to their babies, especially when they are brand new and it seems like the best way for everyone to get some sleep, co-sleeping in the same bed isn’t an advisable option. With twins, it’s a different story. 
Moms or Dads should still not co-sleep unless with the proper accessories, but you’ll find that putting twins to sleep together in the same crib can do wonders for sleep and has many benefits. Here are some benefits and tips to keep in mind:
- The comfort factor: If you’ve been sleeping next to someone, be it your partner, significant other or whomever, consider how you would feel if they just suddenly weren’t there. This is the same thing that happens for twins. They’ve been in utero for thirty some odd weeks together, so to even consider separating them is not going to mean a fun time. Changing from the womb to the hospital and then again to their room and bed at home is a lot to take in within the first few days of life.
Keeping your twins together is ideal, as they will find comfort in each other’s presence. Even though it’s considered for safety reasons, while your twins are brand new and can’t wriggle around, it’s perfectly safe to bed together, and can help lower their risk of SIDS.
You’ll still want to follow all of the other parameters for safe sleeping though. No loose blankets, pillows or toys are necessary, and you’ll want to be sure that the crib is big enough to accommodate both babies. As they grow, there are such things as crib dividers to keep them from crawling all over each other. This is perfect for when they’ve outgrown the co-sleeper cot next to mom or dad, but aren’t yet big enough for their own beds.
- Schedules: Keeping your twins in the same crib also helps regulate their schedule, which is a requirement if anyone is hoping to sleep or accomplish anything as the caregiver to a set of brand new twins. While they are little and the comfort factor plays a better role, the same crib can also help them fall asleep faster together as well as regulate their body temperature faster. They will reach a point where one might keep the other up, but until then, a shared crib can be one of the best things to invest in and having both in the same space will make it easier for the parent to care for them. After all, there’s only one of you and now two of them.
Similarly, a co-sleeper cot is the best solution when they are just arriving home. Especially if you are nursing, or while they are young enough to still be in your room, a co-sleeper cot that is designed for twins is a wonderful option. You don’t want to use a bassinet unless it’s designed for twins, as they could overheat in a space that is too small. Co-sleeper cots help you keep your babies nearby without the dangers of bed-sharing.
Co-sleeper cots will also take up less room than two separate beds. As a general rule of thumb, babies should room-share with their parents until at least six months of age. Twins are especially important concerning this rule, as it is common that they will be born premature or with lower birth weights than a single baby pregnancy. Most parents can find it difficult to rearrange their room to accommodate one baby bed, let alone two separate ones.
- When it’s time to separate them: While they are crib sharing, the twins still shouldn’t touch each other. A standard sized crib will be plenty large enough to ensure this, but as they grow, utilize proper positioning to keep them safe. Twins should be placed head to head or feet to feet to keep them safe. Once they begin to move around more or disrupt each other’s routines, it’s time to move them to separate cribs or cots, or at the very least, utilize a proper crib divider that isn’t a bunched up blanket or pillow (this goes with baby sleeping safety standards across the board).
Co-sleeping with twins is a whole other story than co-sleeping with just one baby. Room sharing is often the best way to help everyone stay safe and get some rest, and utilizing a co-sleeper cot is the best way to keep them close while being efficient with space.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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