At first, a newborn spends much more time asleep than awake (how long does a newborn baby sleep). During this period, all the new information that the baby has received is analyzed and assimilated. That is why it is so important to create conditions for a newborn to have a restful, restful sleep. To do this, first of all, the child will need a cozy crib where it would be comfortable to sleep. Despite the fact that there is a huge amount of information about them today, many young mothers continue to be interested in questions: how to choose the right crib for a newborn baby, whether it needs wheels, whether it will need a built-in drawer, and others. Let's deal with them.
Types of cribs for children
A crib is completely different from regular beds. Manufacturers offer a wide selection of such furniture for newborns and older children. Let's consider the types of beds for children and select a bed for a child.
- Cradles
Cozy small cribs in which newborns feel calm and protected. Cradles are equipped with a rocking mechanism, and in expensive versions there are even audio systems so that mothers rock the baby to quiet music. This is a convenient and mobile option, but it has a significant drawback - a short service life - about 7-8 months. Next, the grown-up baby will need a new crib.
- Beds on skids
If you select a crib with the expectation that the baby can sleep in it until he is 2-3 years old, then this is the most common option. The legs in such models are made in the form of curved runners, allowing you to rock the crib until the baby falls asleep. The product is durable and compact in size.
- Pendulum beds
A more expensive option compared to models on skids. The furniture is equipped with a pendulum for rocking the crib with a light touch of your hand. The pendulum mechanism is blocked if necessary. Some models have niches and even mini-chests for storing things. This furniture can be used until the child is 3 years old.
- Transformable beds
The model range includes universal cribs; which one to choose, of course, is up to the parents to decide. Transformable beds are ideal for a small apartment. They combine several items at once: a cradle, a changing table, a chest of drawers. If you select such furniture separately for a child’s room, its cost will be significantly higher than the price of a transforming crib.
By the way, as the baby grows up, some elements can be removed, transforming the baby’s sleeping place into a bed for a schoolchild. Therefore, for those who are accustomed to investing money rationally, the question of which crib to choose for a newborn can be considered closed. A comfortable sleeping place will last at least until the age of 10.
Is a collapsible side panel necessary?
It’s convenient for mom to work with her baby
In some cribs, it is possible to remove one wall or detach them all. This is convenient if you plan to place the baby's bed next to the parent's. This way he will always be under supervision, even when you are sleeping. Choose models that the child will not understand on his own. Correct borders Children are very inquisitive, so too large distances between the elements of the borders can be dangerous. The optimal option is 6-8 centimeters. This distance will provide ventilation, but the child will not get stuck or get hurt. Do you need bumper pillows for your crib? Modern pediatricians are more inclined to believe that no. In a bed covered with pillows, air does not circulate as well. Pillows prevent the child from looking around the room, and dust also collects on them.
Safety
Of course, loving and caring parents want to know how to choose a crib for a newborn so that it is not only beautiful, but, above all, safe and comfortable. To make the right choice, pay attention to the following elements of the product:
• Legs
Cribs for babies are often equipped with wheels, which is very convenient. The furniture is easy to move and roll away if necessary. When deciding how to choose a crib for a newborn, you can consider such products. But keep in mind that if the floor in the apartment is not perfectly flat, then you will need to buy a model with wheel locks. The same requirement applies to models on skids.
• Crib bottom
Many types of beds for children have slatted bottoms. It is precisely these models that experts advise choosing, since then the children's mattress is provided with excellent ventilation and will always be dry. Options with adjustable bottom height are available. In the first months, it is raised higher to make it easier for the mother to reach the baby. After a few months, the bottom is lowered and the baby, once standing on his feet, will not be able to fall out of the crib.
• Sides
When choosing a crib for a newborn, you should definitely pay attention to the bars. They should not have sharp edges or jagged edges. The distance between the twigs should not exceed 6-8 cm, otherwise, due to curiosity, the baby, sticking his head between them, may get stuck. Models that have removable walls are very convenient. In this case, by removing the wall, the crib can be placed close to the parents' sleeping place.
• Materials
Give preference to cribs made of natural wood. It is advisable to buy beech cribs. Unlike inexpensive pine, which is easily scratched and deformed, beech is characterized by strength and durability. A beech crib will adequately withstand 2-3 operational periods (about 5-6 years), serving both the baby and his younger sisters and brothers.
We do not recommend considering wood-look models. They are made from chipboard, but these materials have neither strength nor durability.
• Mattress
Some models are equipped with a mattress. In order not to overpay, be sure to pay attention to its quality. An important requirement is that the mattress for a baby should be moderately hard.
Storage space
A bed that is equipped with storage space is very practical because in this way you can maximize the functional and free space in the room, taking into account the needs of the child and yours when choosing.
- A place for bed linen is necessary to ensure that the children's room is comfortably organized.
- Personalized storage spaces are places where different items can be stored depending on the needs, books, toys or clothes.
Crib size
When choosing the size of a crib , you need to take into account the height of the child, the size of the room and the size of mattresses-beds, which have their own standards, since mattresses should not be made to order. A child-friendly bed will be the right size for the child's comfort and will be appropriate for the size of the room. Buy a larger bed so you can use it longer.
Mattress for children's bed
The mattress is the element of the crib that most influences the child's sleep; it is the one that maintains the correct position of the spine during sleep, and its strength is very important. The mattress should be recommended, especially for children, from materials that are resistant to moisture, as well as jumping, materials that do not cause irritation or allergies. Natural latex, bamboo and coconut are materials recommended by experts.
Safety regulations
The health and safety of the child is very important, and therefore you must ensure that the purchased bed complies with all EU regulations and quality standards. All beds that meet these standards are labeled, meaning that all materials used are of good quality and non-toxic to children, from paint to textiles.
Price and warranty provided by the manufacturer
The best crib should be within a reasonable budget, especially if the child is small and the crib needs to be replaced soon. Any quality bed you buy should have a manufacturer's warranty of at least 2 years.
Design Features
If you do not plan to buy a chest of drawers for storing your baby’s things, pay attention to designs with a spacious drawer at the bottom of the crib. You can store your baby's diapers and clothes in it, and later put toys there. Not all models have such a box, so we recommend that you immediately decide whether you need it. Later, if you want to install such a storage system, it will be very problematic.
Many parents have already paid attention to cribs with silicone pads. They are located on the upper slats and act as a kind of simulator for the baby during the period when he is teething. Silicone pads meet safety and hygiene requirements and perfectly protect the baby’s teeth and furniture from damage.
Advantages and disadvantages of children's beds
The sleeping place for children is lower than for adults, since it is adapted to the height of a girl or boy. The optimal material is natural wood treated with non-toxic varnish. Since babies do not control their movements during sleep, manufacturers provide sides and other protective elements that will prevent injury.
But children's furniture can also have disadvantages: it is sometimes made from short-lived materials and unreliable fittings are selected. Therefore, parents should carefully consider such characteristics of furniture as stability, build quality, main and additional materials.
Choosing a crib for a newborn
So, which crib to choose for a newborn? If we consider classic models (with legs, on runners or pendulum), then this category offers a fairly large selection of furniture.
Among the advantages of classic cribs are:
- Possibility of long-term operation. In such a crib, a child will be able to sleep comfortably up to 3-4 years of age;
- A wide variety of classic models allows you to choose the best option, taking into account the needs of mother and baby.
- Along with this, classic cribs also have disadvantages:
- Dimensions;
- For a newborn, the crib space is too large; it is more comfortable for him to sleep in a small cradle.
If your family moves often, you can buy a playpen. It is easy to fold and does not take up much space during transportation. Many models have wheels, allowing you to move them around the room. But such products also have their drawbacks. These include a low bottom, soft sides that make it difficult for the baby to stand up independently, and a short service life.
Colors
Children's furniture, including beds for girls and boys, should have colors that evoke positive associations. Don't use aggressive, disturbing colors such as intense red or black. Muted pastel colors will work best, while baby room accessories can or should have bright, cheerful colors.
Cool colors are calming, warm colors are stimulating, but ultimately they can also be irritating. A children's room should be fun and friendly.
