EFFECTS OF CO-BEDDING VERSUS STANDARD CARE ON NEUROBEHAVIORAL REGULATION IN PRETERM TWIN INFANTS AND MATERNAL ANXIETY – A SCOPING REVIEW.

Introduction- Preterm twins face higher risks of developmental complications due to early birth, low birth weight, and NICU-related stress. Standard NICU care often separates twins, disrupting their natural bond and sensory regulation. Co-bedding, which mimics the intrauterine environment by placing twins together, may enhance neurobehavioral outcomes, physiological stability, and reduce maternal anxiety. Purpose - This Scoping Review examines the effects of co-bedding in preterm twins on neurobehavioral regulation and maternal anxiety, and to map existing evidence supporting its role as a developmental care strategy in the NICU. Methodology - The articles were searched on PubMed, Google Scholar and Science Direct Using the following search terms: co-bedding, preterm twins, neurobehavioral regulation, maternal anxiety. Full-text articles from the past 15 years, Interventional studies assessing co-bedding Vs standard care , Outcomes reporting neurobehavioral, physiological, or developmental metrics were included in review. Systematic reviews, case reports, studies involving only pharmacological interventions were excluded. Results- 162 records reviewed, 7 studies were nally included. Findings showed that co-bedded. Preterm twins who were co-bedded exhibited longer durations of quiet sleep and reduced crying, indicating enhanced comfort and regulation. Co-bedding led to Physiological co-regulation, with signicantly lower pain scores and cortisol levels. Trends toward improved weight gain and overall physiological stability were observed, without any increase in adverse events such as infection or apnea. Additionally, maternal satisfaction was higher, with reports of stronger emotional bonding, underscoring the potential benets of co-bedding in neonatal care. Conclusion - Co-bedding is developmental care strategy for preterm twins in NICU settings. It appears to enhance neurobehavioral regulation, reduce pain during procedures, support physiologic stability, and improve parent-infant bonding.