How to choose a crib for a newborn

With the birth of a child, newly-made parents have a lot of worries that relate to education, maintaining health and providing all conditions for the development of the baby. Choosing a crib for an infant is one of the important aspects. There are subtleties that must be followed without fail. Let's talk about them in more detail.

Crib size

Such characteristics should be taken into account for young families who are limited in their living space. If a place with strict restrictions is allocated for furniture, take a look at the following indicators.

So, cots for babies are:

• ordinary (120-125 cm. on 60-65 cm.);
• large (140 cm. to 70 cm.);
• small (95 cm. by 55 cm).

These indicators should be taken into account not only if you strive to dispose of space competently. The fact is that popular manufacturers of mattresses and linen manufacturers tailor their products exactly to the above sizes.

So that in the future there would be no difficulties with the purchase of accompanying accessories, it is not recommended to move much away from the indicated dimensions. It is under them that all the pillows, mattresses, sheets and other related products are sharpened.

We recommend that you use a standard size crib, medium or large. Otherwise, you will have to order blankets or sheets or sew them yourself.

Material of the crib

If we consider the choice of a bed for an infant from the point of view of the general requirements for furniture for children, there are no differences. The main thing is that the product is durable, environmentally friendly, reliable.

The requirements described above are typical for the following types of materials:

1. MDF. Cribs are made on the basis of sawdust, which went through the pressing process. The product is characterized by high wear resistance, environmental cleanliness, but only if chemicals were not used in the production. If you are aiming to buy furniture from this material, check with the consultant for the emission class. It should not exceed the indicator F1. This means that the accumulation of formaldehyde in the sawdust does not exceed the minimum mark.
2. Wood. Furniture made on the basis of wood is pre-sanded, then varnished. It is non-toxic, ideal for a baby crib. You should give preference to such products if you want to buy furniture made of natural material. If we talk about the type of wood, the product is made from birch, alder, beech, pine. The latter are cheaper because the pine beds are soft and not very durable.
3. Chipboard. Do not give preference to beds made from pressed wood chips. Formaldehyde levels are exceeded in the “strata”. If you are still aiming for chipboard furniture, look at the safety certificate that comes with the product. It contains accurate information and compliance.
4. Metal. Cribs made of aluminum or steel are famous for their wear resistance, they are bought, as they say, for many years. But it is worthwhile to understand that such products are distinguished by a high price policy and great weight. Their main advantage lies in the possibility of transmission to future generations. When choosing a metal crib for a baby, make sure that the sides are covered with textiles.
5. Plastic. Controversial material for the production of cradles for babies. The beds are made of durable plastic, but they are short-lived.On the plus side should be attributed to the fact that this type of bed is light. But when choosing, make sure plastics are not toxic.

Crib Safety

Any furniture that is intended for use by the younger generation must meet all safety requirements 100%. For this reason, we consider the main parameters in more detail.

1. If you plan to purchase a product for a baby who is not yet 2 years old, choose a bed with high sides. This design will prevent the child from falling during sleep or active pastime. The most acceptable distance of one lath from another is considered an indicator of 6-7 cm. If they are closer, the handle may get stuck in the child. If further - the head.
2. Make sure the bed is well assembled before you buy. There should be no notches between the parts, so that the structure does not loosen, or the baby does not insert fingers into the cracks.
3. Choose a stable model. The base of the crib should be wide so that the baby does not turn the cradle upside down. It is better to give preference to a crib in which the center of gravity is closer to the floor.
4. Modern bedding for babies is equipped with a bottom adjuster. You can move it from the first to the fifth position depending on the age of the child. At first, the lounger is higher, but as the child grows older, it falls lower, so that the inquisitive baby could not get over the sides.
5. If there is an urgent need to move the baby's bed around the room, it is better to purchase a stable bed with wheels. But it is worthwhile to understand that if the child is active, the cradle will move out. Wheels need locks.
6. In addition to the above characteristics, make sure that the rest of the crib is safe. There should be no chipping, sharp corners, small parts that can be injured. Refuse the purchase if the cradle has many unscrewing parts, because the baby can swallow them.

Varieties of cribs

Despite all the above recommendations, you need to have an idea regarding which cribs exist.

Manege

1. As a rule, beds are made on the basis of light material, for example, plastic or aluminum. It is convenient to take the playpen with you on the road, to fold and unfold in a short time. All parts are washable for easy care.
2. A bed for a baby of this type is distinguished by its dimensions and functionality. There is the possibility of changing the sunbed, there is a changing table, as well as a container where you can put toys.
3. The arena is taken by parents who look to the future. As the baby grows up, careful surveillance will be required. A snake is fastened at the arena, so the child will not get out of such a crib.
4. Judging by the numerous reviews of parents, many loved the cots for mobility, ease and ease of use. However, this option is suitable for babies up to 3 years.

Positive sides:

• high functionality;
• many color options;
• ease of collection;
• mobility;
• strong sidewalls;
• security.

Negative sides:

• there is no possibility of motion sickness of the baby;
• if the playpen is without handles, it is more difficult for the baby to climb;
• poor stability;
• if the bed is on one level, it is low;
• with two levels the cradle is deprived of high sides.

It is better to approach a purchase of a cradle from such material in those cases if you are looking for a bed for sleeping. But to use the playpen as a playing field is extremely undesirable due to poor stability. This type is suitable for travel, quickly assembled and disassembled.

Cradle

1. Cradle - that's what the cradle is called. It is intended for babies up to six months old. Some eminent manufacturing companies make cradles for babies up to a year. The main thing is that the baby's height does not exceed 85 cm.
2. The cradle is in great demand due to its compactness and how the baby feels in it.Imitation of the womb makes the stay of the newborn comfortable.
3. Modern cradles have a handle to carry the baby, as in a basket. Also, such cots do not differ in large size, therefore, they can save space in the apartment. There is a function of motion sickness.
4. There is a stand for the cradle, the bed can be moved and placed next to parents. So it will be easier for the newly made dad and mother to control the baby’s sleep.

Positive sides:

• it is possible to rock the baby;
• mobility;
• compact dimensions;
• ease of installation;
• the ability to be located near the parent's place to sleep;
• imitation of the womb at the expense of comfort inside the cradle;
• remote control (on some models).

Negative sides:

• not all kids love crowding;
• high pricing policy;
• Suitable for infants whose age does not exceed 6 months.

It should be understood that such a model is not suitable for constant use. If you are on a budget, it’s best to choose another option. Because when the baby turns six months old, it will become necessary to buy a larger crib.

"Transformer"

1. This type of crib is a unique design. From the attribute you can make a full-fledged berth or the corresponding piece of furniture. For example, a changing table or a neat chest of drawers can be folded out of the crib.
2. Depending on the model, the attribute can transform into a full teenage bed or a table with a bedside table. Also, such furniture can be used for about 7-8 years after the appearance of the baby in the family. Therefore, it is worth considering this kind of model.
3. Further, after some time, additional details can simply be removed. Due to this, the berth will increase. The result is a full-fledged bed for a student or teenager. Also on sale quite often there are round-shaped models.
4. Such beds can be in the form of a lullaby, sofa, large bed, playpen and chair with a small table. It is important to understand that an attribute of a round shape is considered a rather unusual design. Because of this, the transformation into various pieces of furniture can be varied. In general, such a bed will not get tired soon.

Positive sides:

• Transformer beds are quite multifunctional;
• Such furniture is quite popular with a stylish appearance;
• Attributes are equipped with additional functions in the form of a changing table and lockers;
• Many models are sold with the possibility of motion sickness baby;
• The transforming bed is suitable for use until adolescence.

Negative sides:

• Worth mentioning the price, it is really high;
• Such furniture is not suitable for small apartments due to the impressive dimensions;
• The sleeping area has a rather narrow size of about 60-70 cm. Such indicators are not acceptable for adolescents.

Often, on sale there are transformer beds for babies from 3 years. Do not worry, such furniture is quite suitable for babies. If you do not want to bother with a new bed in the near future, and you have enough funds, this option is definitely suitable for you.

Classic bed

1. Often, these beds are in great demand because of practicality and affordable prices. The furniture is designed for babies up to 4 years. As a rule, such cribs are made of a metal frame or wooden components. Many manufacturers in the production of attributes prefer maple, birch, beech or aspen.
2. When choosing, try to purchase unpolished polished furniture. Modern models come with wheels for movement and a function for adjusting the deck chair in height. The top position is often designed specifically for babies. As soon as the baby grows up, the bottom can be lowered to the lower level.
3. Among the classic beds you can also find more expensive models with additional functions in the form of drawers. In such compartments, you can put bedding, baby things and various accessories that are needed at your fingertips. Also, more expensive models are removed sidewalls.

Positive sides:

• The classic sizes of cribs allow you to easily choose bedding and mattresses;
• The baby may well sleep in such a bed up to 3-4 years;
• Most cribs are equipped with runners, due to this the furniture can be rocked;
• Such models can easily be turned into an extra bed;
• An undoubted advantage of classic models is their low price;
• The design is quite simple and practically does not break.

Negative sides:

• Among the shortcomings can be noted quite impressive dimensions of the product;
• Cheap models have virtually no additional features.

Classic cots are a pretty good option due to the low price and practicality. Such furniture can be used up to 4 years old baby. If you are considering more functional models, you should additionally purchase lockers and shelves.

Choosing a twin bed

1. A separate conversation concerns the choice of crib for twins. At this point, it is worth considering whether the twins will have the same biological hours of wakefulness and sleep. If the kids wake up and fall asleep at the same time, then there will be no problems with a berth.
2. Many experts say that twins should be put to bed together. Thus, children quickly get used to the new environment. Of the minuses, it can be noted that during sleep, parents can mix up babies.
3. This is significant only if one of the children needs medication. In any case, if at first the babies will sleep together, after a certain period of time the twins will have to be divided. Therefore, it is worth considering everything in advance.

Separate beds. In this case, it is not necessary to purchase absolutely identical furniture. Parents have the right to decide for themselves which furniture to buy for each baby. If the place in the apartment allows, then each room should be equipped differently.

Bunk bed. This design of furniture is often created to order. The attribute resembles a classic model for teens. If you do not go into details, then such a bed is simply made one above the other. Furniture also has certain protective barriers for each floor.

Choosing a crib for a baby is a responsible event, which must be approached with all responsibility. The main thing is that the bed should be safe, environmentally friendly, meet the needs of the child. Consider the lineup, which is presented in all its diversity.

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