How to choose a crib for a newborn

Question - "Which baby crib is better?“This is by far one of the most common thoughts of parents, because the health, happiness and comfort of the child are very important. To find the answer you need to find out secrets of choosing the right bed for a child, a choice that will bring joy to your child and allow him to sleep well, calm down and grow harmoniously. To be in great shape and do well in school, your child needs rest and good nights full of wonderful dreams.

Depending on the size of the room in which you will arrange your child's bedroom and the type of layout you want to make, you must choose the specific crib you need, be it a floor bed, a hanging bed or in the case of twins or children very close in age, a bunk bed bed.

Types of cribs for newborns

When choosing the optimal sleeping place for a child, you should pay attention to environmental factors, convenient and long-term use, as well as safety.

Most parents prefer to buy wooden children's furniture, which is correct from the point of view of comfort and safety. Note that modern industry offers many options for cribs also made of plastic and various types of metal. Combined models made from all of the above materials are also popular on the market.

Another parameter that specialists pay attention to:

design and color design - depending on the gender of the child.

In the following sections we will analyze in detail the selection criteria for design characteristics.

Classic models

The term indicates the great popularity of rulers of this type. Their production uses vast experience of generations and many years of practice of comfortable operation.

Advantages of classic cribs:

Material – natural wood.
Bed height adjustment.
Budget price range.
Designed for operation for three to four years.

In models, manufacturers use a certain standard of dimensions -

120x60 cm/140x70 centimeters (foreign equivalent).

Children's underwear sets are also produced for these sizes.

In turn, the classic type of cribs should be divided into several separate modifications.

We also advise you to familiarize yourself with the rating of protective barriers for cribs at this link

Photos of beds for newborn children in the interior

Healthy, full sleep is very important for the harmonious development of a newborn baby, so expectant mothers and fathers should take care in advance of a high-quality sleeping place for the baby. The range of offers on the furniture market is very large; the basis of choice should be impeccable quality and the safety of the little person!

How to choose the right crib? Please refer to the following information

Cribs with a pendulum

The models are characterized by increased comfort - due to the introduction of a special rocking mechanism. The design features are simple and carefully thought out.

The berth is strengthened by a technical mechanism with bearings to the base. Only the crib rocks at a certain pace.

The model range can be divided depending on the direction of movement:

To the universal type (swinging in the required direction).
Transverse type (movement left and right).
Longitudinal type with forward and backward swing.

All cribs with a pendulum are equipped with latches. This is an important mechanism for blocking and ensuring the proper level of security.

Beds with runners

The design consists of an upper and lower part. It does not use legs, but arches that rock the sleeping place. A number of improved models are distinguished by special fixation using wheels or stands.

Cribs with legs or wheels

This is the standard type of classic models. They do not have a rocking mechanism, and under the berth there is space for drawers. This is a significant saving of space and financial resources for the purchase of children's furniture.

Pros of classic-style cribs:

Comfort and safety.
Wide selection of different models.
Relatively cheap.
Mobility and long service life without repairs.

Minuses:

Large space for newborns.
Significant weight and dimensions of some models.
High cost of some foreign models.

Transformers

Mobility, lightness of design and the possibility of its rapid transformation into a specialized type of children's furniture are the spirit of the new times, a trend determined by the pace of life of modern society.

The name “transformers” emphasizes the fact that complex type cribs are transformed into something completely different than a regular sleeping place. We are talking about changing not only the form, but also the content, size and dimensions in one direction or another. The popularity of these cribs is currently so great that they are gradually replacing many classic models in the specialized market.

How to choose a crib for a baby - the main list of advantages:

The transformer “grows” with your baby, adapting to new requirements. Another important advantage is that such models provide a small sleeping place, specially designed for newborns.
Most models are manufactured for long-term use - from seven to twelve years.
Unlimited imagination in implementing various tasks allows you to choose the most optimal type of furniture.

Disadvantages of some transformers:

Maximum dimensions become problematic, especially if there is a lack of working space in the children's room or parents' bedroom.
A number of models are sold on the market at clearly inflated prices. This primarily applies to famous brands.
Some transformers are made from flimsy plastic or bulky metal materials.

We also recommend that you familiarize yourself with the rating of children's mattresses at this link

Playpens

With the ability to provide a safe place to play, cribs allow you to combine multitasking and save space in your indoor workspace.

The main differences between playpens include a plastic or metal base, a textile-reinforced bottom, and protective sides.

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.

Crib safety criteria

We choose a crib for a newborn based on medical and individual requirements. This is a competent approach, on the basis of which further purchases are made.

All possible problems must be analyzed and prevented in advance. We are talking about a sleeping place for a newborn baby. This means that you can choose a certain type of model, but only taking into account all the required safety standards.

Pay special attention to the following factors:

Sustainability

We advise you not to neglect this important condition in determining the model to purchase, even in cramped circumstances. The crib you choose must meet stability requirements - each level, mode and position ensures safety and prevents the baby from falling out. A massive model provides better stability than a lightweight one. And wheels, for example, add mobility, but reduce safety.

Note. It is a mistake to think that there is no need to worry about safety while the baby is not yet able to stand up on his own. You may miss the moment of the first rise. Your child runs the risk of making a careless move, rolling over and falling out of the bed.

How to choose a bed for a newborn - focus on the factor of impeccable stability.

Rounded corners and no small parts

Which crib is better to choose? The simpler the model, the more reliable it will be in long-term use.

Take the time to thoroughly inspect the crib you are about to purchase. Pay attention to the assembly, the materials used, and the quality of production of individual elements. There should be few of them. An important condition is the ideal combination and precise connection of parts. Any design defects violate the safety principle. “Irregular” protrusions and roughness, scratches, chips and cracks are unacceptable. Take care that the baby does not damage its delicate skin.

Safe distance between side rails

According to specialized experts, the ideal distance between the rods in most classic and transforming models should be considered seven to eight centimeters. Practice shows that a shorter distance cannot ensure complete safety. The child's arms and legs may get stuck in the openings. And a greater distance means an increased risk that the baby will try to stick his head through. Her ears will prevent her from being freed.

Crib bottom

Which bed to choose for a newborn? The answer is - with the “correct” bottom. It must be reliable, solid, strong and without unnecessary parts, solid or slatted. The second option is preferable due to air circulation. In this case, the mattress can dry quickly. Material – environmentally friendly wood. The paints and varnishes used for its processing are free of harmful additives and toxic substances.

Additional benefits

We include as such everything that contributes to better organization of comfort. The standard design of the berth can be improved if necessary.

Which cribs are best for newborns? What options will be useful for your child? See below.

Adjustable bottom height

Another important parameter for choosing a child’s bed correctly is the lower adjustable base. A higher height is suitable for a newborn. As the child grows, it drops lower and lower. This ensures safety while sleeping and playing.

The bottom should not sag, since its hard and flat surface in optimal comfort mode ensures freedom of blood flow and breathing, and stability of the digestive process.

Pay special attention to the fact that manufacturers comply with two important conditions - integrity and the ability to change the height of the lower part of the crib.

Check the quality of the bottom carefully. It should not sag. We also remind you that the optimal ventilation mode of the mattress is best provided by the slats.

Removable side panel

This is an important factor in extending service for a longer period. By removing the side frame, you will turn the crib into a regular baby bed. Over time, the baby will climb on it independently and easily get up from it after sleep.

Drawers under the bed

This element of children's furniture is as convenient as possible for placement and easy removal. Drawers under the crib save space. They can hold baby supplies and linen.

How to choose a crib if there is not enough space in the apartment - buy a model with drawers.

Adjustable side

Change the height using a special button from 15 to 20 centimeters. This is an extremely convenient feature for mom, who will no longer need to bend over unnecessarily and strain her back. We are also talking about greater safety for the baby himself.

Important. Please note that the side is not always fixed securely. Do not allow the side to drop suddenly.

Motion sickness mechanism

The crib should provide optimal rest conditions.

Which model should you choose? With a motion sickness mechanism if your child desperately needs it. These cribs use a hanging pendulum mechanism or curved runners.

Note. Doctors recommend using regular cribs whenever possible. If your child has trouble falling asleep, the specific cause of the problem should be found and eliminated.

Features of wood species

The furniture industry uses more than 40 types of wood species for its purposes. Children's beds made of natural wood are not only an interior addition to the bedroom, but also provide healthy sleep to the child and, as a result, a good mood. Before you buy a bed for a child, you need to clarify what material it is made of. There are hard and soft woods.

Hard ─ boxwood, white acacia, yew;
Soft ─ poplar, pine, spruce, cedar.

Not all varieties are suitable for one or another type of furniture design. Cribs for small children with low weight are made from soft rocks, and frames and bases are made from hard rocks. Let's look at the main types of raw materials that are used to make children's beds from solid wood:

Birch has virtually no knots, is a solid wood with uniform fibers and a beautiful natural pattern. The tree is dense, resistant, strong, like oak, but with a shorter service life. This is the most hypoallergenic, odorless, light material. It is most often used to make cradles;
Pine – the material has healing properties. The strength of the product is guaranteed by the resin content of the raw materials. Despite the fact that the material has a heterogeneous structure with knots, it is impact resistant, and the service life of the beds exceeds 15 years. The product can be passed from the oldest child to the youngest, or even from generation to generation. A children's bed made of solid wood with drawers made of pine material has a reasonable price, but is practical and safe;
Beech is a valuable, beautiful, durable material. The flexibility and strength of wood allows us to produce curved decorative elements for beech children's beds. The texture and properties of this wood resemble oak, but products made from it are much cheaper. The light color of a solid beech children's bed may take on a pinkish-brown tint after some time;
Oak is a valuable material that is used to produce expensive furniture structures. It has a rich range of colors - from yellow to light brown. Typically, manufacturers cover children's beds with stains of different colors to increase their decorative effect. Oak products are very durable and have a long service life, which exceeds 30 years. Scientists say that oak restores human strength and energy;
Ash - products made from this type of wood are heavy, but very beautiful. The material is elastic and pliable. It produces highly decorative bent elements that attract and fascinate the human eye.

A baby crib made of natural material will provide your child with a sound and healthy sleep.

Birch

Ash

Pine

Beech

Oak

Materials from which cribs are made

How to choose a crib for a child. Pay attention to an important factor - the “right” material.

Tree

Popular materials are birch, beech, oak, alder. Wooden furniture is coated with harmless water-based varnishes or paints.

Metal

Most often, individual metal parts are used. A frame made of this material must be combined with textiles. Doctors and specialized specialists recommend solid metal only in exceptional cases.

Other materials

We are talking about chipboard, fiberboard and MDF. Often you can find unsafe resins in them. Pay attention to this factor when purchasing a crib. Analyze the information provided in the quality certificate.

We also advise you to familiarize yourself with the rating of cribs at this link

Decoration and theme of models

There are many design solutions for decorating cribs - wood carving, color or theme solutions.

Thread

If the texture of the material allows, then a carved crib can turn into a real work of art. It will have a rich look, but you need to take into account that not every bed with carved elements will fit into the stylistic direction of the room. Therefore, the choice must be made intelligently.

Color

Solid wood beds are presented in a large range of models with a wide range of colors. The most popular options:

Light, natural - this is a great option for a large bedroom. And the natural color of the product leaves the opportunity to paint it in the tone you like;
White – a white bed is suitable for a girl’s bedroom decorated in Provence style. If there are other pink furniture designs in the room, then the bedroom will turn out to be airy. In a boy's bedroom, a white bed will take its rightful place only with an appropriate design;
Beige, chocolate – it will look great in any bedroom. It calms and puts you in a positive mood;
Red – you need to be very careful with red furniture. It is considered an aggressive color. But if the product contains neutral shades, then the bed will look harmonious in a modern bedroom. If a boy’s room has a red car bed, then it looks very modern;
Blue - an atmosphere of peace is obtained in a room with a blue bed. And if the interior has a marine style, then the bed will complement this direction;
Green – if the room has an eco-style with textiles in floral patterns, then a bed in green tones will become a bright spot in the room.

Light

Blue

Red

Green

White

Unusual design solutions

Built-in lamp - they are mounted at the head of the bed for children who like to read books;
Forged details - curls or leaves look stylish on beds for girls;
Canopy – in order for a child to create an oriental fairy tale, parents should purchase a bed with a canopy. The beautiful and delicate appearance of the product will give the girl great pleasure. Separate decorative frames for canopies are also sold;
Baroque, Empire - a luxurious type of wooden bed, which is decorated with carved elements, stones, and a soft headboard, can create a princess bedroom for a girl. With this bed design in the bedroom, a boy can feel like a real prince.

Baroque

Canopy

Built-in lamp

Forged elements

Topic Models

Today, the furniture industry is trying to surprise consumers with a variety of children's designs. A children's bed made of solid wood can have tiers, several sleeping places, and can also be themed:

A car bed is a “vehicle” suitable for a boy from 2 to 11 years old. The design of the products is reminiscent of racing cars, trucks or cars. The structure of the wood allows the use of all kinds of painting materials, so they have a bright and original design. But such options only impress children of preschool and primary school age;
A ship-bed or a bathyscaphe - a nautical theme will take your child back to pirate times. The frame is mainly made of dark wood. The marine theme is complemented by decorative elements ─ flags, chests, cannons, as well as carved fish, dolphins and pearls;
An airplane bed is a stable type of bed. Rounded corners and sides will protect the child while sleeping and protect from impacts. The expensive option resembles a propeller plane or a luxury passenger airliner. This is not only a sleeping place, but also an original moving toy and rotating propellers. It is rarely made from an array, but if necessary, it can be made to order;
Train bed – it will be interesting for both boys and girls to “travel” in such a crib. The massive structure has an original design and is installed in a room with a large area. Every detail reproduces the design of the train. The second floor is a sleeping area or an enclosed play area. The crib has remained interesting to children for many years due to its interactive moving elements and LED effects. The design also includes drawers for bedding, numerous toys or seasonal clothing.

Not all parents can purchase beds made of solid wood with a themed theme due to the high cost, and children grow quickly. Therefore, many parents are inclined to classic bed options:

“Uni” with special sides. The bed is made of pine and has a beneficial effect on a child's sleep. The compact crib can be placed in any room;
"Dasha" with a high fence. The peculiarity of the crib is its affordable price, good quality and the presence of frequent partitions;
"Space2" with 2 berths. The bed can be used for both younger and older children. The second floor is at a height of one meter from the floor level;
"Array" with 2 drawers. The product is made from practical and durable birch raw materials.

Popular children's cribs can not only fit into the design of the room, but will also delight kids with their original design for a long time. The models are suitable not only for kids, but also for schoolchildren.

Ship

Airplane

Typewriter

Train

How to choose a mattress and bedding for a newborn

Pay attention first to the following factors:

Hardness degree

Buy a mattress with a high degree of firmness. This is necessary for the correct formation of posture in the baby. We are also talking about increased security. When turning over, the child, with his face buried in the mattress, will be able to breathe.

Size

The correct guideline is that the dimensions of the mattress correspond to the specific dimensions of the sleeping place. A small mattress often moves around the perimeter of the crib, significantly reducing the baby’s resting comfort. Increased mattress sizes lead to deformation of the sleeping area. The result is a curvature of the child’s spine.

Standard sizes are 60x120 centimeters.

Filling material Hypoallergenic materials used in children's mattresses:

Polyurethane foam with a porous structure and excellent ergonomics.
Polyurethane foam with high elasticity and memory effect.
Natural latex with optimal elasticity.

Upholstery material

The following materials are used:

Polyester. A popular synthetic material that is not afraid of moisture and dirt.
Lyocell. Made from natural cellulose. Used as a base for sheets.
Cotton. Natural fabric with excellent breathability.

Note. For the production of mattresses, a complex of various synthetic and natural materials is also often used.

Bed sheets

Buy baby underwear only from natural “breathable” ingredients that come into contact with the baby’s delicate skin. A good option is soft cotton. Children under one year of age do not need a pillow. Do not use a thick blanket before the specified age. A sleeping bag or diaper will do instead.

How to choose a bed size for teenagers and children

The most universal solution would be to choose a bed measuring 80x200 or 90x200. Buying a standard size bed is a functional and cost-effective solution. For little fidgets, you can also choose a wider bed - for example, 100 or 120 centimeters. Of course, beds for girls or boys with an unusual shape, for example, the aforementioned car bed or ship bed, have much smaller dimensions and the child will quickly outgrow such a bed.

Children's furniture, including children's beds, can be chosen according to the age of the child and the current fashion and color of the floor, or it can be chosen with a focus on versatility in this regard. Fashion is becoming a thing of the past; cartoon characters, which are our children's favorite characters today, may cause indignation tomorrow. Additionally, what a five year old enjoys may no longer be a good idea for a ten year old.

By focusing on versatile, timeless solutions and undefined style, you can work with your child to decorate the bed and change the “scenery.” Canopies, self-assembly elements, ladders and rope climbing nets can be used for this purpose.

Stereotypes do not reflect your child's character. A girl doesn't need to have a pink bed, and a boy doesn't need blue bed linen. When choosing a bed for a child, it is important to consider interests, not just age and gender.

Popular brands of cribs for newborns

Forest

The manufacturer produces high-quality classic and transforming models with a focus on ordinary and VIP buyers.

Simplicity

Stylish and inexpensive domestic cradles for newborns made from safe materials have provided convincing competition to “sophisticated” and unreasonably expensive foreign analogues.

Oliver

Classic models from the Russian manufacturer attract attention with their thoughtful functionality and design highlights.

We also recommend that you familiarize yourself with the rating of high chairs at this link

What should children's beds be like?

Pediatricians draw the attention of parents that good beds for babies must meet 4 requirements:

Additional security features.
Safe, ideally natural materials.
Dimensions corresponding to the weight and height of the baby.
Compliance with sanitary standards and other safety parameters.

Visually, the quality of children's furniture can be assessed by taking a closer look at the coating. There should be no protrusions, cracks, crevices or other irregularities, including paint sagging. If the design includes moving parts, they must move freely, without jerking, and the fittings must be strong and reliable. It is also worth assessing the quality of the assembly and the stability of the bed.

For children under 3 years of age, a mandatory design element is restrictive elements. Sides and barriers are needed not only for bunk beds, since the baby runs the risk of injury if falling even from a small height.