Anna
Hi! I’m a midwife in a neonatal unit. I would love to see our unit using twin cots like other hospitals (there is evidence to suggest that twins progress better together). Do you have any information which could help us initiate best practices while using a twin cot in hospital? Many thanks
Red Nose Education
Red Nose has information about twins sharing the same sleep space - however, there is some differences in the advantages/disadvantages.
Whether twins are co-bedded in NICU or Special Care, it is important that parents witness safe sleeping practice to reduce SUDI, being modelled by Nurses/Midwives prior to discharge.
Here is a summary of information provided in article linked below.
Current research into the co-bedding of twins does not provide sufficient evidence to guide policy and guidelines for or against the practice in NICU . More research is required. Health professionals in NICUs or Special Care Nurseries (SCNs) must weigh up the risks and benefits for each baby. A significant consideration in this risk/benefit assessment must be the care and safety of babies when they are discharged home as many parents will continue infant care practices modelled by hospital staff
Occasionally twins share the same cot in hospital in the first few weeks of life while in the care of health professionals and monitored
Research has shown that the safest way to sleep twins in the home is in their own safe sleeping place (cot, portable cot) in the parents’ room for the first 6 months.
Sometimes twin babies are in temporary situations, such as while visiting or travelling, when separate cots are not possible. If twins must share the same sleep space, a cot is the most suitable, do not use bedding (such as sheets and blankets) and place them at opposite ends of the cot. An infant sleeping bag used for each baby may be useful in this situation.