In anticipation of a newborn, parents begin to prepare a sleeping place for him in advance. Which cribs should I take? And for twins? It needs to be comfortable, safe and functional. And not for a couple of years, but at least until school. The problem may be the size of the apartment. In a one-room apartment it is difficult to fit a bed, a chest of drawers and a changing table without taking up a lot of space. Such problems are solved by a transformable crib. It combines several pieces of furniture at once.
Advantages
• Most models are capable of accommodating the child's increasing growth. We just extend the sleeping area. Save on a new bed.
• Lots of features. Designs including a changing table, chest of drawers, playpen, shelves for children's things. There are cribs that become a cozy sofa or table when the child grows up.
• Comfort and safety. The sides will prevent the child from falling out. Many cribs can be attached and secured to the parents' crib. Rocking with a pendulum will ensure a quick fall asleep, giving mom's tired hands a rest.
• There are cheap models.
How to choose what to pay attention to
Recently, such cribs are gaining more and more popularity. All because of the versatility of such structures. Some models have adjustable sides, which makes them easy to adapt to the child's height. The twisted elements of the cribs reduce the risk of injury, and the correctly selected size will allow the crib to last longer for the child.
Flaws
In a very small nursery, such a bed will take up a lot of space. The reason is that Transformers are slightly larger than normal ones. Basically, all models are capable of increasing the length, but not the width of the berth. And for an increased length you will have to take a new mattress. Cribs with a chest of drawers also have a drawback - many mothers complain about a narrow chest of drawers that cannot accommodate all the baby’s things.
Types of transformable beds
1. With a wardrobe or chest of drawers (classic model)
Includes three elements: chest of drawers + crib (60x120) + teenage crib (70x180). The surface of the chest of drawers can be used as a changing table. Look at the drawers, they should be roomy. Otherwise you will have to buy a separate cabinet.
2. Bed-bed and sofa-bed
These are ordinary standard cribs, the walls of which can be easily removed.
Remove the front room and you will have a sofa; remove the two bars and you will have a bed. For the option with a sofa, there is an age limit of up to 4 years. There is not enough sleeping space, but you can leave a comfortable sofa. 3. With a pendulum
This rocking design will easily lull your baby to sleep. You don't need to pick him up to rock him to sleep. The pendulum will work for a slight movement. May contain additional elements (drawers, wardrobe or chest of drawers). There are 2 types of pendulums - on wooden planks and on bearings. The latter are durable and silent, and the wood creaks over time.
4. Collapsible model
It can have many additional elements in addition to the sleeping area (changing table, shelves and cabinets, etc.).
You can gradually remove or transform components. For example, turn cabinets into a bedside table. 5. Round transformable bed for newborns
Popular among parents due to its convenience and functionality. It has a number of undoubted advantages:
- Many modification options (8 in 1 transformer). It grows with the child, turning into an oval shape for the already grown baby. The bottom is made lower - this is already an arena. It can easily be converted into a comfortable sofa or changing table. If the little one has grown up and wants to do his own thing, convert it into a table with chairs. They will find a use when the children grow up. Can't stop your baby from co-sleeping? One movement, and the round crib became an add-on.
- The presence of wheels makes it easy to move it around the house without damaging the floors.
- Adjustable in height. For example, the Sleep and Smile model has three different heights. For the cradle it is better to make the maximum. When it starts to get up - average. And the low one is already a playpen. Remove one bar and your baby can climb into the crib on his own.
- There are no sharp corners, and the round shape is the best option for a newborn (reminiscent of the mother's womb).
This type of bed does not have a closet, so you will have to purchase one. Suitable for children up to 5-6 years old. It has the highest cost, but the versatility of the product justifies it.
Standard model
Standard ones are suitable for children from 0 to 3 years old. The dimensions of such products range from 120x60 or 140x70 cm. They have a number of advantages:
- sides are added and removed, the height changes;
- You can hang an organizer on the crib for necessary little things;
- can be equipped with wheels or rocking chairs, relieving parents of the need to rock the baby in their arms;
- most often such models are made of wood;
- a standard crib will serve not only your baby, but also his children.
Parents can easily disassemble and assemble this crib if they need to transport it. If none of the ready-made models suits you, you can assemble a crib with your own hands.
Materials
There are many types, but not all are so safe. There can be several of them in one design. They must be natural. The child will chew on the grate or edge. You need to find out what kind of paint coating it is (water-based or not).
- Wood is a very good option, harmless and safe. These beds are well ventilated. The material has hypoallergenic properties and retains heat. Solid beech, cherry, unpainted oak are some of the best and most durable species.
- Metal is also a harmless material. Very strong and durable. There is a drawback - it is cold. Also keep in mind that hitting metal and wood are two different things. This crib needs soft sides.
- Laminated chipboards (LDSP). They are cheap and durable. The characteristics are similar to wood. However, resins are added during production, which can negatively affect the baby’s health. Check if the product has a quality certificate.
- Plastic. Its advantage is a light bed. This is a durable material, but the most unsafe. Toxic substances are added during production. This applies to careless manufacturers.
Think carefully before purchasing such a model.
Rules of care
The place intended for the child to sleep and stay awake is kept absolutely clean, free from dust and moisture. Every day, the furniture surfaces are wiped with a damp cloth, using modern disinfectants that prevent dust from quickly settling on it.
For a long service life, surfaces must be protected from drying out and, conversely, from excess moisture. Cleaning is done with a dry soft suede cloth moistened with polish without acetone or other active additives.
To protect against the spread of germs, the crib is remade several times during the day.
Compliance with simple rules guarantees safe use of the structure for a long time:
- The crib is assembled strictly according to the manufacturer's instructions, which are provided upon purchase. It fully complies with safety standards. Incorrect assembly will void the warranty period for the purchased furniture and increase the risk of harm to the child during operation.
- Before assembly, check the completeness. Have all the details specified in the instructions been provided? If during the assembly process questions arise regarding the installation of the crib, immediately contact the seller for clarification.
- During assembly and subsequently, the crib is regularly checked for stability and strength.
- The furniture is checked weekly for safety: whether the bolts are securely fastened, whether any roughness has appeared, or whether the surface is damaged. The fastening materials are tightened in such a way that the baby cannot reach them, and plastic plugs are installed on top of the bolts.
- For safety reasons, it is recommended to abandon the sides when the child reaches the age of 4 months, or when he begins to lift himself up on his own. Choose models with dense, flat sides.
Crib sizes
In the classic version, the dimensions of the bed are 60x120. They may differ for transformers:
- For the 3 in 1 model, the length is 170-180 cm, width 60-80 cm. Even a teenager can sleep.
- Those with retractable sides have dimensions of 70x140.
- An oval transformable bed is usually 75x130.
Twin beds
You had twins and your apartment is small?
Then buying two beds will be irrational due to their large dimensions. There are special cots for twins. Choose according to your taste! 1. Twin bed
Two beds in one bed, separated by a barrier. There are options: long with a partition and “side by side”. In the first case, one long bed was divided across, and in the second - along. In general, these models are bulky, but smaller than two separate beds. The downside is that babies will quickly outgrow these cribs.
2. Two-tier model
It saves space a lot, this is the main advantage.
Will take the place of one standard one. But when the kids start sitting down, it will have to be disassembled. Then there will be two small separate beds. It is quite expensive and is usually made to order. 3. Playpen bed
There are two cradles installed in the rectangular playpen.
When the little ones grow up, they are removed and only one playpen remains. Usually cradles have to be removed by 4 months. How the children will sleep in the future, puzzle yourself. But this model is in demand. 4. Transformer for twins - the height of engineering!
For ease of understanding, these are two transformable beds folded into one. The partition between them is a closet or chest of drawers (there is only one). The sleeping space for newborns has the same dimensions as separate beds. But teenage ones are reduced because of one bedside table (they will last until the start of school age).
When choosing, pay attention to the presence of a durable frame and safe metal joints (must be closed). The bottom of the bed must be adjustable, otherwise children will quickly climb out and may be injured.
The carrycot should have enough space for two babies.
Tips for choosing transformable beds
- Choosing the type of bed. What goals do you pursue when purchasing it? If you need to have everything close by, buy a 3-in-1 model. If you need a place to store diapers and things, get a chest of drawers. Need a multifunctional one? Buy a round one! Consider the size of the room where you will place it, choose the appropriate dimensions.
- Buy from a trusted supplier. Look at reviews on the Internet and approximate prices. It is better to buy in children's or furniture stores, where a guarantee is provided for the product.
- Inspect the selected model for defects. Check the serviceability of the design right in the store. Check for a quality certificate. If it is available, it means that all materials are safe and meet quality standards.
- Avoid bright colors that will irritate your baby. Soft pastel colors are better. Another thing to consider is whether the design matches the baby’s room.
Functions
A distinctive feature of this set of furniture is its versatility, thanks to which the child is placed in the children's room, and adults are provided with the necessary things for changing clothes.
The design performs the following functions:
- An equipped and safe place for the child to sleep and wake.
Since the baby sleeps up to 14 hours a day, this piece of furniture becomes the main place for its placement: here the growing child begins to study the world around him, acquires the skills of free movements, and establishes contact with adults.
- Storage of linen, clothes, diapers, personal hygiene items. It is important that the drawers of the design accommodate the set of things necessary for the child.
- A place to change clothes. The spacious tabletop of the chest of drawers is used as a place for changing diapers and clothes.
Best cribs according to reviews
- SKV-Company 83003x. A modern domestic model with a chest of drawers, a drawer for things and a changing table. Very comfortable. Converts into a teenage bed and chest of drawers. Two bottom height positions, a lowering backrest and a transverse pendulum mechanism. The average cost is about 11,000 rubles. Disadvantages in the availability of chipboard elements.
- FAIRY 1100. Also Russian production 3 in 1. Not inferior to the previous version. However, there are complaints about the pendulum mechanism (it creaks, it flies out). Costs about 10,000 rubles.
- Red star Paulina-2 C422. This is a round crib made of solid birch. It is roomy and multifunctional: a cradle, an oval crib with 3 levels of sleeping bed height, a playpen, a changing table, a sofa and a table with armchairs. Equipped with a high-quality pendulum. Costs about 18,000 rubles. Compared to imported analogues, it is cheaper.
- AZZURRA DESIGN GEMINI. Italian model for twins on wheels. This is a twin bed and can be separated. Made from natural materials. Suitable up to four years of age. Price about 66,000 rub. No additional elements.
- NUOVITA NIDO MAGIA. Italian round crib (made here) 5 in 1: cradle, side crib, sofa, playpen, oval bed. Made of beech and covered with harmless enamel. Price on average 22,000 rub.
What to choose is up to you. Let your choice be right! Coziness and comfortable, healthy sleep are important for the full development of the baby. A transformable crib can provide this for several years. Let it serve your grandchildren! And your children will sleep soundly and grow up healthy! Author: Yulia Tamanskaya especially for the website Matrasium.ru
