Considerations Before You Buy a Crib for Twins

Ready to welcome twins to the family? There is so much to do—and so much to buy—to get ready for two babies. One of your first decisions will be probably about where they should sleep. (You'll want them to do a lot of that in the first few months!)

Cribs are often one of the first big purchases that parents of twins will make for their babies. They're also one of the most expensive items for babies, costing anywhere from one hundred to over a thousand dollars—times two for twins! So before buying cribs for twins, parents will want to do their homework and carefully consider their options, especially when money is tight. Before you shop for cribs, here are some important considerations. 

How Many Cribs Should We Buy for Twins?

Just because you are having twins doesn't mean that you need two of everything. Families may be able to get by with one crib—at least initially. Newborn babies are small, and they don't move around very much. Perhaps an alternative arrangement will suffice for the first few weeks or months, such as a bassinet or play yard for one twin and a crib for the other. Your budget, home size, and personal preferences will determine the right choice.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend that babies share a sleeping space (bassinet, crib, or play yard). Bassinets are only good for the first few months, whereas cribs and play yards last longer. For parents looking to spend less than a crib, a play yard may be a good option.

Are There Cribs Made Just for Twins?

There are some specialty options for double cribs for twins, although they may be more expensive and harder to obtain. Make sure any crib you purchase meets safety standards. There are many bassinet and play yard options that provide safe, separated sleeping spaces for twins.

What Should We Look For?

A crib is an investment. Not only are cribs an expensive purchase, but your babies will spend a great deal of time sleeping in their cribs. Be sure that you purchase a safe, comfortable crib that is a good value. Be wary of buying secondhand cribs, even though they may appear to be a bargain. Safety standards are continually changing, and a crib purchased a few years ago may be out of compliance now. The Consumer Product Safety Center's Safe to Sleep site has the latest information to help you make an informed purchase. 

Where to Put the Cribs

Should your twins share a room? Every family will have to make this decision, starting with where they will locate the cribs for the twins. There are advantages and disadvantages to having two cribs in the same room.


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