Children's cribs from one year onwards require a responsible approach to selection, as their use affects the child's health. For the development of a child, the environment in the nursery plays an important role. A bed is one of the main pieces of furniture for a small person, as it affects the child’s comfort and ensures healthy sleep and rest. There are certain criteria when choosing a suitable one for a child that must be taken into account. Everything will be discussed in more detail later in the article.
Material for making children's beds
All items that come into direct contact with the child must be safe for his health. The best choice of material is wood.
Wood is considered the best material
Furniture made from this material has the following necessary qualities:
- environmental friendliness;
- reliability;
- convenience;
- safety.
Wood is the best environmentally friendly material
Most often, pine is used to create children's furniture . This type of wood is considered soft and can be damaged. If the baby wants to taste the bed, then marks from the teeth may remain. It should be borne in mind that stronger wood will increase the price of the product.
Strong pine as an alternative
As a material with greater strength we can recommend:
- beech;
- birch;
- alder;
- maple;
- oak.
In addition to wood, MDF and chipboard, plastic elements, and metal are often used in production. There are combined models that combine several types of materials. For example, the supporting structures are made of solid wood, and the walls are made of MDF or chipboard.
The main thing is that the child is comfortable and safe in the chosen crib.
All materials used in creation must be certified.
Which bed is better to buy for a child?
First of all, it should be a safe, comfortable and age-appropriate model. However, price matters to many when it comes to purchasing, and it is important to understand that some will naturally cost more than others. Solid wood beds are more expensive, but they have a long service life. However, if you are looking for a model for a short period of time, then an expensive product may not be the wisest investment.
And secondly, the most important nuance is the right mattress. We recommend mattresses with independent springs that provide maximum support as you grow.
Now that you know how to choose a children's bed, why wait?
Go ahead and create a magical world for your child. But remember that when it comes to cribs, quality and safety are just as important as design and fun features. View in the section "Children's beds"
How safe is the design?
For a small child over one year old, the safety of the bed design plays an important role. There can be no trifles in this matter.
Think through every detail when choosing a crib for your child.
Sustainability
A bed placed on the floor should not wobble. A child older than one year can already stand up in bed, lean on the headboard, or try to rock. Despite this, the structure must have stable support.
Stable support so that the child cannot fall
Models with runners are no longer suitable for older children.
Protective sides: which ones are better?
Protective sides can be of different appearance and fastening mechanisms. One of the common options is vertical rods.
Crib with protective sides
What should be the distance between the rods in the models? It doesn't have to be significant. Otherwise, while sleeping or playing, the baby may stick his head in there. Most often, the space between the two rods is approximately 5 cm.
The bars should have a small distance so that the child cannot stick his head through
Sides can be of two types:
non-removable; removable. Fixed ones are part of the bed. They can be either low or high. Sometimes they are given a figure, but always with rounded edges. Removable sides can be installed or removed if necessary.
Low non-removable sides
Fastening can be done by fixing it in special grooves or by screwing. The disadvantages of this option include the fact that a child can accidentally remove them himself.
The protective part can be of three types:
- soft;
- hard;
- combined.
Sides that can be adjusted and removed
Worried that your child will hit the side while sleeping? To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to use fabric pads similar to those used for newborns.
We use soft sides to prevent impacts
The question often arises about soft sides. How justified are they? From a functional point of view, they are not useful for preventing a baby from falling out of bed. In most cases, this is a fabric that covers the foam rubber.
Combined sides provide a solid base that is combined with soft upholstery.
How to paint
To treat the surface, you can use varnishes and paints that are safe for children. They must be certified and have permitting documentation. They cover only a pre-treated completely smooth surface.
You can cover the bed with varnish that will not harm the child
What should be the depth
This indicator is very important for the baby. For a child in the first months of life, the depth may be shallow. But for people older than one year, the sides are made higher so that the baby does not fall out.
If the bed was purchased immediately after the birth of the baby, it is time to lower its bottom, moving it to the lower level.
Transformable bed, the depth of which is very easy to adjust
The height of the sleeping place should allow the baby to climb in and out of the crib independently. Therefore, very tall models are not suitable. Optimally - about 0.3 m.
Do you need decor?
For a small apartment dweller, I want to create not only the most comfortable living conditions, but also a beautiful environment. It is important that the crib, as well as other furniture, does not have any pointed structural elements, as they can cause injury.
Choose decor to suit your taste
All fastenings in children's furniture are made especially carefully; self-tapping screws and screws must be carefully tightened and secured.
You should also avoid small decorative elements that a baby learning about the world could break off or bite off. In any case, excessive decoration on the inside is undesirable - nothing should interfere with good sleep or distract.
How does the gender of the child affect if you have
Children of different sexes tend to have a more difficult time getting along together. To choose a product for sleeping wisely, it is recommended to take a closer look at how gender affects living together.
Boy
Often, boys with a small age difference are prone to sincere, genuine friendship. If these are triplets, then friendship will become their main priority in the family. Large beds with combined sleeping places are perfect for these guys. Joint rest will turn into fascinating stories before bed, and it will be easier for parents to send their children to bed. Beds for 3 boys are produced in the following colors:
- A blue and white bed made of wood, where the sides are made in blue, and the staircase is decorated with white paints;
- A bright bed of several colors: each color symbolizes the sleeping section for a specific boy;
- The combination of blue and light green shades lifts the mood and cheers up children;
- A three-tier bed with a pull-out bed, made in a nautical style: on one side there is a staircase to the top, which serves as a closet.
To keep the boys from getting bored, mom can sew decorative elements for the bed herself. For example, decorate the sleeping areas in the form of a fortress: sew curtains for each tier like the windows of a castle, and also make a small dome on top a la a tent.
Girl
Manufacturers allow you to order beds for three children according to your own drawings: this greatly simplifies planning the space in the room. Choosing a bed for 3 girls is not difficult: little ones are often friendly if they are of a similar age. Several design options for women:
- Orange combined with yellow: a good option for adding warm colors to a room;
- Drawings and stencils on large surfaces of the product are often made by manufacturers for babies;
- Bright bedding is necessary for a harmonious arrangement of a sleeping place;
- Girls are also zoned with different colors;
- The staircase in the structure can be placed on the side, and not on the front part;
- The design may contain additional elements in the form of a play area.
If one girl is younger than the other two, she is placed on the top bunk while the other children sleep downstairs. You can also purchase a bunk bed-sofa, where the lower part acts as a sleeping place for two children at once. The design can also include a pull-out desk for homework and writing.
Children of different sexes
The diversity of children is the determining criterion when choosing a sleeping place for three children
It is worth paying attention to models that allow each child to have his own corner, which will be separated from the sleeping places of other children by partitions or built-in furniture. In this case, a bed separated by additional furniture is suitable: for example, a closet where toys are stored
Several design options for children of different sexes:
- Beds for two children are on the same plane, and for a child of the opposite sex - on the second tier. The size of such a bed will be 440x365x172 cm;
- Beds for two teenagers are arranged on two tiers, and the third sleeps on a sofa built into the structure. Then the child’s sleeping place is in a separate area. The overall dimensions of the structure are 230x340x120 cm;
- All three beds are separated by additional elements. The first tier contains one bed, and the second tier is divided into 2 beds: on the left there is one sleeping place, with a wardrobe under it. On the opposite side there is a storage area. The dimensions of this product will be 310x200x170 cm.
In a family with three children, you should give preference to different designs: initially ask everyone about color tastes. Bright beds are always in fashion, so it is better to choose them. Traditional design in pink and blue tones for different genders may also be present.
TOP 7 types of beds for children aged one year and older
There are quite a lot of types of beds on the market. You should select a specific model taking into account the age of the child, the interior of the room, and style. And for older children - their own wishes.
Very comfortable sliding bed with sides for children over 3 years old
Classic version
This type is the most popular. Externally, it is an ordinary crib, which has sides around the perimeter. The bottom of the structure can be set at different heights depending on the age of the child and taking into account the convenience for parents.
This model is only suitable for up to three years.
Standard type, suitable for children up to 3 years old
Model with drawers
In some cribs, the free space under the bottom is equipped with additional storage systems. The boxes can be used for clothes, toys, and personal hygiene items for the child. It should be borne in mind that the baby will try to pull out everything that can be pulled out and examine the contents.
Model with convenient drawers for storing the most necessary things
Dresser bed
This is a kind of interpretation of the classic model, which is equipped with additional extensions. A chest of drawers attached to the bed is an option that is suitable for both infants and slightly older children. The part with a chest of drawers is a convenient addition that allows you to keep your baby’s things in order.
A bed with a chest of drawers will be a great place to store things
For very small children, the upper part of the chest of drawers is used for changing, and for older children it plays the role of an additional table.
Playpen bed
The difference between this model and the traditional version is in the fabric mesh sides. This is not only practical, but also a bright model that kids really like. The playpen bed combines two functions: it combines a place to sleep and a play area.
A bed that combines 2 zones
Transformable bed and multifunctional models
This design can be used for both newborns and children older than one year. Through simple manipulations, this model turns into a comfortable sleeping place that meets the requirements of a certain age.
A structure that turns into a table
A complex multifunctional design, which is additionally equipped with drawers and shelves, can be rebuilt over time, for example, into a desk and bedside table. If the length of the bed allows, then it can be used even by a schoolchild.
Sofa bed
If you remove one side of a standard bed, you get a new model - a sofa bed. He looks quite adult and at the same time meets all the necessary requirements. When two side panels are removed, the model turns into a regular full bed.
A bed that turns into a sofa
The limitation in the use of this option is due to the growth of the baby. Optimal age for use: from one to three years.
Chair-bed
Do you have very limited space in your nursery and cannot place a full-size model? A chair-bed will help out in this case. When assembled, this model looks like an ordinary chair. Before going to bed, it is unfolded, turning it into a sleeping place.
Sleeping place that doesn't take up much space
The disadvantages are the difficulty of use and the rapid wear of the mechanisms with regular unfolding and folding. It is undesirable for such a model to become a permanent place for the baby to sleep.
Models
If a one-year-old child is breastfed or is not ready to sleep separately from his mother, then a side bed is suitable. It is fixed to an adult and usually has a size of 120 cm by 60 cm. The kit includes wheels for changing the position of the bed and fastenings so that the baby cannot move it himself. For a one-year-old child, this will be an intermediate option between sleeping with mom and staying in bed independently all night.
The transforming bed will last a longer period, because... will increase in size according to the baby's growth.
There are two types of this model:
- The bed, measuring 180 cm by 70 cm, has a built-in children's bed with lattice sides (120*60) and a nightstand. When the child grows up, the small crib is completely detached, and the built-in nightstand becomes a bedside table.
- The bed extends in length as the child grows. Thus, it can be increased from 120 cm to 180 cm. Such models usually have a removable side.
A bed with low sides and drawers for linen can be made to individual sizes to order or have standard sizes (140*60; 160*70; 180*90). This model is cozy for children, the side protects it from falling, and the drawers can accommodate bedding and children's clothes or toys.
A sofa bed or chair bed can significantly save room space.
- when unfolded, the sleeping place should not be very large;
- the mattress should be smooth and hard;
- Natural upholstery fabrics should be used in production.
Which should not be used from year to year
For an active baby who, due to his age, is restless, some types cannot be used:
- rocking bed;
- cradle;
- on wheels.
You should not use a bed on wheels for children over one year old.
The baby has grown up. Even if it still fits in its original sleeping place, it becomes unsafe to use.
Bunk beds
Of course, when you mention a bunk bed, the first thing that comes to mind is the placement of two children. However, a bunk bed can be an excellent solution in a room for one child if the room is small or you just want something unusual.
Bed + workplace
A loft bed with a work area is an excellent option for one-room apartments. This bed allows you to use one area to solve two tasks at once - sleep and study. And some beds are designed in such a way that the entire space is fenced off and your baby has his own children's world in just a couple of square meters.
However, it is very important to organize proper lighting in the workplace, otherwise there is a risk of damaging the baby’s vision
Bed + wardrobe
A children's closet combined with a bed will become not only a place to store the child's belongings, but also additional support for the bed. Instead of a regular ladder for such a bed, you can use a chest of drawers in the form of steps. Then some of the things will be hung on hangers in the closet, and some (tights, T-shirts, underwear) will be perfectly stored in drawers.
Bed + sofa
Even if you have one child, a sofa in the room will not be superfluous. On the one hand, the sleeping place will be used only for sleeping, and the baby will be able to play on the sofa (which will make washing children's bedding much easier). On the other hand, the sofa can always be used as an additional place to sleep in case you have a friend or a visiting cousin staying overnight.
Designs for boys and girls
When choosing a crib for your baby, you can choose universal models, the design of which is suitable for both girls and boys. In addition to these, options are produced that are aimed separately at girls and separately at boys.
Boy's bed
For boys - in the form of a car, plane, ship, etc. For girls - in the design of a princess bed, with characters from their favorite cartoons, etc.
Selecting bed size and base design
The parameters of a child’s sleeping place must correspond to his height and age. From birth to 3 years, 1.2 x 0.6 m or 1.2 x 0.65 m will be sufficient. From 3 to 5 years, a larger bed will be required: 1.4 x 0.7 and 1.6 x 0, 7 m. For school-age children, it is advisable to choose an adult size.
The design of the base on which the mattress is placed can be of the following types:
- solid plane;
- rack and pinion system.
Rack design
The solid bottom, if this option was chosen, must have holes for ventilation. From the point of view of air circulation, the choice of a sieve (rack) organization system is considered best.
Selecting a mattress
When choosing an orthopedic mattress, which is recommended by most pediatricians, it is advisable to choose a sieve bottom and give preference to natural wood as a material.
It is best to choose an orthopedic mattress, which promotes the formation of correct posture and a good, full night's rest. At the same time, the spine is supported in the correct position.
Choosing an orthopedic mattress
Anatomical options are also available that follow the shape of the baby’s body. Such mattresses envelop the body during sleep, adapting to the child’s position when turning over.
The best fillings for children's mattresses from one year onwards are combined, made from coconut fibers, latex or polyurethane foam with coconut coir. It will be convenient to use if the mattress is equipped with a removable cover that can be washed.
Combined models are popular
In recent years, there has been a tendency among manufacturers to create mattresses that combine orthopedic and anatomical functions.
Recommendations for acquisition and placement
It is best to place the crib in a warm, bright place without drafts. But you should not place it near a radiator or directly under a window.
It's better not to place the crib directly under the window
Before purchasing a new piece of furniture, you need to measure the place where you plan to place the bed. It is also necessary to take into account the style of the room and the color scheme. It is better to purchase a crib together with the mattress that comes with the set. This way you will be sure that the sizes will fit exactly, and you will not have to spend a lot of time on selection. The texture of all surfaces should be completely smooth. Otherwise, the child may get a splinter or scratch.
Pastel colors are good for baby's sleep
You should not purchase models that are brightly colored on the inside. Too harsh shades will excite the baby and interfere with healthy sleep and falling asleep quickly.
The choice of which crib to buy is yours. The main thing is that it is convenient and comfortable for your child.
All recommendations to help you make the right choice
Styles
In addition to differences in functionality, this or that bed is made in different styles. To understand which one is needed for a particular interior, you should understand the characteristic features of the styles.
Classic
A bed for an interior in a classic style is a traditional model with two or four legs, with a headboard and footboard (the latter is optional). This model will have natural colors. The versatility of such a bed will play into your hands - it will fit into any interior.
Modern
This style is characterized by the demonstration of innovative ideas. A bed in the Art Nouveau style can be forged, or located in a fantasy bed. And there are models that are very similar to the classic ones, but the combination of wood and metal, more modern design solutions give these beds a modern look.
Provence
This is a very light and natural style; it is characterized by light-colored wood furniture. A bed in the style of Provence can be made in any modern variety, but should be devoid of even a hint of luxury or pretentiousness. Provence has the atmosphere of a provincial town or even a village.
Nautical
The easiest way to create a nautical style in a child's room is to use blue, white, red and brown colors in its design, and also add a little characteristic symbolism. But the most spectacular will be the purchase of a pirate-style bed. Modern manufacturers literally compete with each other, trying to invent more and more new, more believable copies of these bed-ships, to the delight of young adventurers.
Sports
A children's room in a sports style is a personal mini-complex for active kids. Ropes, ladders, rings and even a small slide - today every little athlete has access to a personal playground right in his room.
Scandinavian
The character of the northern peoples has given the world a wonderful “cool” design, which is quite appropriate in a nursery. Scandinavian-style beds are black models or variations of white wood with fur. Style features: contrast of white and dark, juxtaposition of cold and warming. Style for serious or dreamy girls.
PHOTO GALLERY: The best crib designs for a nursery
Before choosing such important and necessary furniture for a child, you need to become more familiar with the material, type of crib, and what additional drawers it comes with. After all, the child’s comfort depends on your choice. After reading the information, please leave your ratings and reasoning in the comments. They will be useful to other readers. Your opinion is very important to us. Thank you for your participation. We appreciate your every feedback and time spent.
9988.5Pros
- Big choice.
- Comes with additional elements.
- Convenient to use.
Minuses
- Price.
- Time of use.
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