The birth of a child is always a great joy for parents. With the birth of twins, they have twice as much happiness, troubles and questions. This applies to buying two or one crib for twin newborns. The following article will help parents make the right choice.
The birth of a child is always a great joy for parents.
Advantages and disadvantages of a crib for twins
Advantages of twin beds:
- a combined cradle costs less than two separate ones;
- such furniture requires less space in the room;
- children are less likely to be capricious because they are close to each other;
- It’s easier for mom to put her twins to sleep on a double rocking bed.
Older babies will not be able to stand in the crib due to the low size of the bed.
Disadvantages of a double bed:
- a sick baby can infect a healthy child;
- in double products, children can be approached from a certain direction;
- one baby wakes up at night and will definitely wake up another child;
- such furniture is harder to sell;
- it takes up a lot of space.
In addition, they may confuse that in the playpen it is necessary not only to spend time playing games, but also to sleep.
Advantages of a bunk bed:
- the model is practical,
- Ideally saves space in the room.
Parents should decide whether twins will sleep together or separately; from birth to four months, children can be placed in the same bed.
Disadvantages of a bunk bed: short service life - 9-10 months. Older babies will not be able to stand in the crib due to the low size of the bed.
Benefits of the playpen:
- folds quickly;
- requires little space.
Thus, there are two sleeping places in the cradle.
Disadvantages of the playpen:
- in many models the bottom of the crib is practically on the floor, drafts and cold air can harm the child’s health;
- the sleeping bed is small;
- the playpen is shorter than an ordinary bed;
- The partition in this model breaks quickly, the children can easily remove it and be together.
A practical model in terms of rational use of space in the room.
In addition, they may confuse that in the playpen it is necessary not only to spend time playing games, but also to sleep.
This applies to buying two or one crib for twin newborns.
Types of cribs for twin newborns
When someone asks you to imagine a crib, you probably think of a wooden, rectangular box. In reality, however, there are many different twin cribs for every unique situation.
When it comes to cribs, there are five main types. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, but many parents can have more than one type to serve different purposes.
Cradles for twins
Bassinets are a great option for many parents, and they've come a long way from the bassinet your parents probably slept in. There are many different shapes and sizes to choose from, allowing for greater flexibility during the first months of your babies' lives.
Bassinets are generally smaller, round cribs with bottom sides that will only hold babies safely for the first few months. They are a great option for parents with smaller bedrooms.
The disadvantage of the cradle is its limited service life. She can only accommodate your baby for a maximum of four to six months. This means you'll need to buy a bigger bed and spend more money later.
Mini cots for twins
Mini cribs are typically larger than bassinets, but still smaller than traditional cribs. While bassinets are typically made from a material other than wood, mini cribs are typically miniature, wooden cribs.
This is a great option for parents who need something smaller during the first few months but still want something that is strong and durable. Like bassinets, babies will likely outgrow these cribs within four to six months.
Transformable beds for twins
Portable playpen beds are usually the same size. However, you can easily fold and move portable beds to another location. This is ideal for travel and many other scenarios.
Some parents want their children to sleep in a different room than where they sleep. Portable cribs provide that flexibility for the first few months.
Portable playpen beds for twins
Playpen beds are folding cribs, typically with mesh siding, which many parents associate with a playpen. However, most of these cribs are now safe enough for everyday sleep.
This can be a great option for parents of twins. Some even have a double bassinet that allows you to fit two children on top.
This is a great space saver for parents who want their twins to sleep in their own room but don't have the square footage for two cribs.
Traditional cribs for newborn twins
Traditional cribs are full-size rectangular cribs, usually made of wood or something similar. They are sturdy and large enough to hold your baby for several years. Some cribs even come with conversion kits to help babies transition into their “big kid” beds.
Crib sizes are standardized by law. Depending on the style of your crib, you may need a few extra inches of space to cover the width of the railing or the length of the attached shelf.
Types of cribs for twins
- Double bed.
Parents should decide whether twins will sleep together or separately; from birth to four months, children can be placed in the same bed. The furniture market offers a wide range of shared bed models; they have a free sleeping area separated by a barrier. Thus, there are two sleeping places in the cradle. Unfortunately, it is not suitable for small apartments because it takes up a lot of space.
You can use the saved space to install other pieces of furniture: a changing table, a wardrobe or a chest of drawers.
- Bunk bed.
A practical model in terms of rational use of space in the room. You can use the saved space to install other pieces of furniture: a changing table, a wardrobe or a chest of drawers. A bunk bed has a drawback - it is not high, but this is not a playpen for a child’s daily games, but a place where he should sleep and gain strength.
A bunk bed has a drawback - it is not high, but this is not a playpen for a child’s daily games, but a place where he should sleep and gain strength
- Manege.
Some models have bassinets that are adjustable to a certain height. The base of the crib is a place for children to play. 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.
The base of the crib is a place for children to play.
Children's room for twins boy and girl
As a rule, when arranging a bedroom for opposite-sex twins, you need to put in maximum effort and creativity. After all, each child has his own idea of the situation in his bedroom. But square meters do not always allow us to delimit space in such a way as to fully realize the desires of both children.
Since children grow quickly, the interior should be adapted to their age and development of interests over time.
Each child is unique, so choosing a universal room design for twins, a boy and a girl, will be difficult. Although there are many options for arranging a room for children of different sexes, which inspire you to create a beautiful and cozy bedroom for twins.
Neutral territory
The first issue that needs to be resolved is the choice of a neutral shade, without reference to gender stereotypes. As an option, you can also choose furniture for universal purposes. In the example below, the choice fell on bright colors: light wood, shades of beige and orange accessories.
Thanks to this arrangement, both children can easily get along in the room, even if they are of different sexes. The photo clearly shows that the room has a clear demarcation of zones, where everyone has their own corner for different activities.
How to choose the right material
To choose the right bed for twins, you need to consider the following characteristics.
- The bed must be made of environmentally friendly material that is harmless to the health of children. It should have no sharp corners or protruding parts. Only smooth lines, strong connections, hidden fittings. The wooden product must be well sanded and painted not with a technical, but with a harmless varnish.
- Wood is a natural material, the most popular due to its environmental qualities. An MDF bed is on par with wooden furniture in terms of the absence of harmful impurities in its composition. Products made from plywood, chipboard and fiberboard are undesirable because during the production of building materials harmful substances are used that have an aggressive effect on the nervous and respiratory systems.
- Plastic - although it is sometimes used to make beds, it is considered an unecological material, and therefore is rarely purchased by parents.
- Metal, like plastic, is not very popular, because iron is a cold material, it does not conduct or retain heat. Therefore, metal beds are a forced purchase.
The bed must be made of environmentally friendly material that is harmless to the health of children.
Materials
The main requirements for the manufacture of cribs are safety and durability. Babies should not feel discomfort under any circumstances and should be protected from any traumatic protrusions and holes. Any model must be equipped with sides. Modern manufacturers offer beds for newborns made of metal, wood and plastic
For any material, the basic rule is important: all sharp corners and joints of the future sleeping area must be carefully sanded and protected from the baby. Despite the beauty of the product, it must correspond to its purpose
Wooden beds have the ability to “breathe”. In stores you can find models made from the following types of wood:
- birch;
- pine;
- alder;
- beech;
- aspen;
- ash.
Models made of beech and alder, birch and ash are considered more durable. Pine is a soft material compared to the previous ones, and scratches and roughness may remain on a product made from it. A wooden bed should not be covered with paint or varnish, since when babies start teething, they will certainly “test” all the protruding surfaces. If the wooden bed is still covered with paint, you need to make sure that it does not contain harmful substances. Well, we must not forget that wood is the most environmentally friendly option of all those proposed.
Advantages of metal products:
they wash well, they can even be tinted; the service life of metal beds is much longer than that of wooden beds; fire safety, which is especially important in a house where children grow up; the metal does not rot, the bed will not deteriorate due to high humidity; metal models fit perfectly into any interior, and if their design contains forging elements, then they will become a real decoration of the room; Metal cradle beds with an original canopy are very popular; they have a strong and stable frame.
Plastic models are lightweight, this is their main advantage. When choosing such a model, you need to make sure that the manufacturer used high-quality substances in the plastic, otherwise after a certain period of use a specific smell will appear in the room. But externally, plastic allows you to give the bed any look, even the most unusual. A plastic sleeping bed is much cheaper than its analogues and can be easily disassembled, which is very convenient when traveling with children.
What should you especially pay attention to when choosing a crib for twins?
Anything that relates in any way to young children should not be harmful. This applies to cribs where twins spend most of their time. When purchasing furniture, be sure to ask the seller for a quality certificate.
Only smooth lines, strong connections, hidden fittings.
Criteria to pay attention to:
- The cradle should have enough space for both babies. The range of furniture for sleeping is large - there are separate and combined models.
- The base and frame of the bed must have high strength.
- All fasteners and joints of a metal, plastic or wooden model must be carefully sanded and covered with pads. This will protect children from splinters and cuts.
- The bottom of the crib must be adjustable. The ability to adjust the required height is effective in operation. The twins are growing and will eventually be able to get out of bed on their own. Adjusting the bottom will help avoid this.
Wood is a natural material, the most popular due to its environmental qualities.
General criteria for choosing beds for newborn twins
There are special requirements for a baby crib.
- No sharp corners, protrusions, or small removable parts.
- The material used must have high performance characteristics and comply with environmental standards.
- The base and side surfaces are designed in such a way as to ensure normal air circulation.
- The distance between the rods of 7-8 cm will not allow your head to stick through or your arms and legs to get stuck.
Frame material
Wood, metal, MDF, and plastic are used to make the frame.
- Natural wood is rightfully considered the best option: beech, birch, oak, maple. It is characterized by high strength, durability, environmental safety, and attractive appearance. Its disadvantage is its significant price.
- MDF is used for the manufacture of budget models. Wood boards of this type have good performance characteristics and a variety of decorative finishes. However, there is a possibility of damage to the coating, which will cause deformation and destruction.
- Metal construction is the most durable. The downside is the coldness of the surface.
- The plastic crib is lightweight, has an attractive and varied design, and will delight you with an affordable price. Strength indicators are inferior to previous options. There is a real danger of purchasing a product made of low quality plastic. To avoid this, it is recommended to ensure that there is a certificate confirming the safety of the material.
Sides
The bumpers prevent the child from falling out of the bed. To make them, rods or narrow strips of wood, metal or plastic are used. The height of the side elements is at least 45 cm.
Soft bumpers will protect small children from contact with hard backs, legs and arms getting stuck between the bars. They are made of natural fabric in delicate shades: cotton, calico, linen, flannel, chintz. Inside there is a filling: foam rubber, padding polyester, holofiber, Periotek, Holcon, polyester. The bumpers are attached to the bed using ties. Such elements will add comfort and entertain the child. They can take the form of ordinary pillows fastened together, solid panels, or stylized animal figures.
During the teething period, babies tend to chew on everything, so hard sides are usually equipped with special linings made of non-toxic materials.
Bed base
When choosing a bed for newborn twins, you should decide on the type of base.
- The solid surface is made of wood, MDF or plywood. This option is reliable, durable, and cheaper. However, the solid bottom prevents air movement, which can cause damage to the mattress.
- The lamella base has a number of advantages: less weight, constant air exchange, correct position of the spine during sleep. The slats have a curved shape and rounded edges. They are installed using special holders at a certain distance from each other. The main disadvantage of the lamella design is considered to be its significant price.
Mattresses
The crib mattress must be purchased separately. It is selected according to the size of the sleeping bed.
To manufacture the product, one or more types of filler are used. It is important that the materials are safe and hygienic. Most often, a combination of latex and coconut fiber is used, which allows for optimal rigidity and elasticity.
On top there is a removable cover made of natural fabric. The best option is jacquard with a synthetic thread content of 10 to 30%. Experienced parents advise that you definitely purchase a mattress cover that will protect against leaks.
A crib for twins must meet all the requirements for children's furniture. When choosing, you should soberly evaluate financial capabilities, room area, practicality and functionality of the product.
Dimensions of a crib for twins.
Cribs for small children have the following standards.
| Manufacturer country | Dimensions |
| Russia | The size of one bed is 120x60 cm. The design of the entire bed will be 128x68 cm. Accordingly, the size of the combined product is 120x120 cm. |
| Europe | Sleeping bed size: 125x65 cm. |
An MDF bed is on par with wooden furniture in terms of the absence of harmful impurities in its composition.
Cribs with these parameters have adjustable sides and bottom, which makes caring for twins much easier for parents. This furniture can be used up to 4 years of age.
Anything that relates in any way to young children should not be harmful.
Advice. For parents who do not want to buy a bed again in 3-4 years, for older children, then you can choose furniture of a different modification - size 140x70 cm. It is more functional due to additional drawers at the bottom of the bed and can be used up to 7 years of age.
When purchasing furniture, be sure to ask the seller for a quality certificate.
Bed requirements
The fact that a children's bed should be safe and comfortable was discussed above. But there are points that will help make it easier for parents to care for twins:
- the height of the sides in any crib should not be less than 45 cm;
- the distance between the side slats should not exceed 6 cm;
- for convenience, a heavy model should be equipped with wheels so as not to cause inconvenience to the mother caring for the babies;
- all components of the bed, regardless of what material it is made of, must be carefully adjusted to each other;
- Bunk beds can become dangerous for grown twins, so it will be necessary for them to change sleeping arrangements later.
What to look for when choosing?
- Cribs for twins are usually sold without mattresses, so you need to buy them yourself, not forgetting about mattress covers. You need at least three of them.
- Side partitions for newborn twins should be equipped with soft fabric or silicone protective pads - this will protect children from possible injury.
- Children's beds for twins should be chosen with an adjustable height, this will allow you to use it in the future as a regular playpen for children.
- The size of domestic cribs is usually 120x60 cm per child, while for foreign manufacturers it is 10 centimeters larger.
- The base of the crib should be slatted, then it is better ventilated.
To learn how to make a crib for newborn twins with your own hands, see the following video.
What is special about a crib for twins and how to use them in the interior?
When twins are born, parents have to rack their brains about whether to buy one or two cribs. This is especially true for families who live in apartments with a small area. Then it’s worth purchasing a double or bunk bed, which will provide the family with more free space. Today on the market there is a huge selection of furniture for small children, which can be easily selected to suit any interior.
The cradle should have enough space for both babies
If twins have a whole room to use, then the parents’ imagination and the offers of furniture stores are limitless. The main thing is that young children feel comfortable and safe sleeping in their beds.
The base and frame of the bed must have high strength.
Innovative design with smart storage systems.
Every year, more and more new technologies appear in the world that can greatly improve and provide comfort to a person’s life. Innovative ideas for the interior are manifested in furniture, including transformable beds for twins.
All fasteners and joints of a metal, plastic or wooden model must be carefully sanded and covered with pads.
Choosing a crib for twins is difficult, but necessary, because the correct decision of the parents determines whether their children will have sound and healthy sleep.
The distinctive functions of transformable children's beds are found in the presence of smart storage systems that can ensure reasonable use of bedroom space and the ability to properly distribute the child's household items and toys.
The bottom of the crib must be adjustable.
Features of transformable cribs:
- the ability to combine a variety of functions and capabilities in a design;
- there may be several beds available;
- a large assortment of beds with unique designs and colors;
- can be transformed into a changing table, chest of drawers, wardrobe, desk, sofa for sleeping and relaxing.
The twins are growing and will eventually be able to get out of bed on their own.
By using a modern design with smart storage, parents are sure to create a multi-functional and personalized space for their children's bedroom.
Cribs with these parameters have adjustable sides and bottom, which makes caring for twins much easier for parents.
When twins are born, parents have to rack their brains about whether to buy one or two cribs.
Choosing a crib for twins is difficult, but necessary, because the correct decision of the parents determines whether their children will have sound and healthy sleep.
For parents who do not want to buy a bed again in 3-4 years, for older children, then you can choose furniture of a different modification - size 140x70 cm.
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.
