From womb mates to roommates, your twins will share a room — your room! — when you bring them home from the hospital. But what about sharing a crib? Parents sometimes have lots of questions when it comes to buying a crib for twins.
In this article, we’ll answer your most pressing questions about cribs for twins. Plus, we’ve listed a few things to take into consideration before you buy one.
Common Questions About Cribs For Twins
Where Should Newborn Twins Sleep?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies share the same room but not the same sleep surface as their parents. Newborn twins should sleep in their parents’ room for at least the first six months, but ideally for the first year.
Some safe sleep options for newborn twins are two bassinets, a play yard with a double bassinet, mini cribs, or standard-sized cribs.
It’s also best to swaddle your twins and have them close to you while they sleep. And to keep your baby safe and cozy in their swaddle, try our Organic Swaddle Blankets!
Can You Use One Crib For Twins?
This is a common question among parents with twins. While it may seem harmless since newborns can’t move around much — or even roll over — it is best for your twins to have their own sleep surface.
The AAP shares that it “does not recommend any specific bed-sharing situation as safe; some bed-sharing situations should be avoided at all times. For example, twins, triplets, and higher-number infant groups should have separate sleep areas and not be bedded together.”
We know it can get pricey having to buy two of everything, but don’t worry! We’ll discuss some affordable options in the next section.
Are There Cribs Made Just For Twins?
Fortunately, there are cribs designed just for twins. However, they can sometimes come with a hefty price tag. These specialty cribs can also be hard to find. But if you’re up to the task, you can do it!
But if you’re looking for something that will help you save on space, we have a couple of options for you.
First, consider using two bassinets instead and putting them next to each other. Alternately, you can choose a play yard with a double bassinet or one with a mesh divider. This way, your babies can still see each other while sleeping safely.
Remember: The most important thing is that your twins have separate sleeping spaces that both meet safety standards.
We know keeping your babies close to you and each other is important. The good news is that this is easy with the options we listed above!
Should Twins Share A Room Later?
At first, twins should share a room since they’ll both be in your room!
But when it’s time for them to move to their own space, it’s completely up to you whether or not you want your twins to share a room and what you feel is the best decision for your family.
We want to give you some pros and cons when it comes to your twins sharing a room — after the first six months, of course!
Pros:
- You only have to decorate one room.
- You don’t have to worry about creating more space (ex: adding another bedroom, moving).
- Being in the same room may help calm separation anxiety at night.
- All of their things are in one room (no going back and forth between rooms to get them dressed).
- Knock out two diaper changes at once.
Cons:
- Nap time and bed time might become play time.
- If one wakes up crying in the middle of the night, they may wake their twin up.
- They won’t have their own space.
- They have to share everything.
Grab your scales and weigh the pros and cons when the time does come for your twins to move out of your room and into their own!
Things To Consider Before Buying Cribs For Twins
Avoid Buying Secondhand
As tempting as it may be to accept or buy a secondhand crib for the sake of your wallet, it’s best to buy a new crib.
Safety standards are constantly changing, so check the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for up-to-date information on safe sleep. Plus, you’ll find a current list of baby gear recalls.
Examine Your Space
Consider how much space you have before you buy cribs for your twins. Take some measurements and determine whether or not you even have enough room for two cribs.
You probably won’t have enough space in your room to fit two cribs during those first several weeks of your little ones’ lives. This is where bassinets and a play yard come in handy!
But once you move them to their own room, mini cribs might be a good option if you’re short on space. However, most mini cribs come with a mattress pad, which is usually flat and uncomfortable.
Luckily, you don’t have to worry about searching for a comfortable mini crib mattress any longer! Newton Baby offers a comfy, safe option for your twins if you choose mini cribs.
Our mini Crib Mattress offers the same benefits as our standard-sized crib mattress: it’s breathable, washable, and comfortable, which will help give your babies better sleep!
Narrow Down Your Style
Before making your selection, it’s important to narrow down your style. With so many options in the baby crib market, do a little research first to figure out what you like and what you don’t.
Also, determine ahead of time whether or not you want your twins to have matching cribs. If you have twin girls or twin boys, do you want to keep everything the same? And if you have a boy and a girl, do you want to switch things up?
These are some questions to ask yourself before diving head-first into the crib-buying process. Narrowing down your style will help you narrow down your final decision.
Set Your Budget
As we mentioned, buying two cribs for your twins can get pricey. Before shopping, sit down with your partner and discuss what you can afford and what you feel comfortable spending.
Stay practical, but keep in mind that this is an investment that will (hopefully) last for years!
Test The Sturdiness Of The Cribs
Before purchasing cribs for your twins, inspect how durable they are. Read over the customer reviews before you make your decision.
Once you put the crib together, perform a test to see how sturdy it is by putting some pressure on it and try moving it around. Do a thorough inspection because you want your twins to be safe while they sleep!
You also want the cribs to last through the wear and tear that will take place over the years. The last thing you want to do is have to turn around and buy two more cribs!
Check Safety Standards
Your little ones’ cribs need to meet all safety requirements, like being certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), and should meet CPSC regulations.
A safe crib is the best crib!
Invest In A Mattress
Of course, your twins will need something to sleep on in their cribs: a mattress!
Like their cribs, their mattresses are also an investment. This is what they’ll lay their sweet heads on every night, so it needs to be breathable, firm, and comfortable.
Newton Baby’s Crib Mattress meets all of these requirements...plus more! It’s even 100% washable and GreenGuard Gold Certified, which means it’s been tested and certified for low chemical emissions.
We even have Extra Crib Mattress Covers so you’re prepared for those late-night accidents!
Lastly, cover their mattresses with our Breathable, Organic Cotton Sheets. These soft sheets are hypoallergenic and breathable, making them safe for your twins. Plus, they fit any mattress and are certified organic!
Sleeping For Two
As you prepare to welcome your twins into this world, buying (and finding!) two of everything can be challenging, especially cribs. Before you choose a crib for your twins, it’s important to address the common questions we mentioned above.
First, review the safety recommendations offered by the AAP and the CPSC for up-to-date information on safe sleep practices. Remember, each baby needs their own sleep surface!
Lastly, consider things like durability and safety requirements, which are non-negotiable. Some other things to consider — that you have a little more wiggle room on — are style and space-saving options.
Any baby gear you purchase for your little ones is an investment, including their crib mattresses. Choose one that’s breathable and comfortable, like Newton Baby’s Crib Mattress.
You now have double the love to give, so show your twins some love by giving the gift of safe sleep!
