Features, requirements and varieties of cribs for twins
It is known that with the appearance of a baby, a period of worries and troubles begins in the family, and these troubles increase significantly when twins are born. Of course, children are a great joy, however, no one will cancel the anxiety for them. The first thing young parents start to worry about is the crib.
Often, the search for a model for twins is further complicated by the fact that many are simply lost from the abundance of existing proposals. Therefore, it is so important to know what a twin bed is and how to make the right choice.
Sleeping place for newborns: requirements for furniture
Since we are talking about the health and well-being of newly born small creatures, their first refuge should be at least comfortable and safe. This is the first condition!
It is desirable that the crib fully meets the following requirements:
- Providing living space. The child needs a lot of free space.
- Frame strength. The materials used must be harmless and at the same time ensure the reliability (durability) of the structure.
- Height adjustment. While this requirement may seem optional, childcare convenience, when present, is so compelling that it becomes a mandatory option.
- Workmanship. No sharp edges, corners, loose parts, loose bolts or stepped joints! In addition, all surfaces must be carefully sanded, or better - have a special protective coating.
- Sanitary safety. According to the rules, all materials for children's furniture are accompanied by a special certificate. Before buying, you should ask the seller about its availability.
Basic qualities
The benefits of modern solutions designed exclusively for twins include:
- Less cost. The combined model will cost significantly less.
- More "modest" requirements for the occupied space.
- Providing an emotional connection for babies for the first time. Twins are known to be calmer when they are around.
- A double bed allows you to speed up the process of going to bed.
Unfortunately, there are also disadvantages:
- In case of illness of one baby, the second may also get sick.
- Access limitation. The approach to the bed is only possible in a certain way.
- Separate noise protection cannot be provided.
- Limited service life.
- Some designs are not compact.
Existing varieties
The choice of the optimal solution often depends on how parents understand the organization of a sleeping place for newborns. They can immediately sleep separately, or be together, and separate beds will be established over time.
In addition, other factors can influence the choice of a particular model, for example, the presence of a pendulum or a changing table.
Related
The most common type. Structurally, it is an ordinary children's bed increased in width with a partition in the middle. Of the advantages of this solution, it is worth noting the lower cost (when compared with the purchase of two identical beds) and the convenience of the location of the twins.
A significant disadvantage is its size and short period of operation (up to six months).
Bunk
The best option if optimization of the occupied space is at the forefront. On the one hand, the advantage of this approach is the possibility of quick access to each baby, as well as the fact that children interfere with each other less. On the other hand, a bunk bed is not playable - it is only a sleeping place.
Moreover, it was originally intended for a very limited period (up to 6 months). Today, such products are most often made to order.
Arena
Not a bad solution, distinguished by both functionality and ease of use. Regardless of the implementation, such structures provide both a sleeping place and a playground. Usually such models are made of plastic or have a metal frame at the base. They are quite compact and practical.
Moreover, they are often supplied with additional accessories, such as changing shelves and pockets for small items. There is one drawback that is characteristic of all arenas - a short period of suitability.
Convertible bed
An attempt to combine functionality, convenience and extend service life. Typical designs provide for a play area and a sleeping place, and also allow you to quickly organize a changing shelf, are supplied with storage boxes and provide separate height adjustment of the bases.
Over time, when the kids grow up, it is easy to turn such a structure into two full-fledged separate beds, on which children can sleep up to 10-12 years old. The disadvantages include the high cost.
Pendulum bed
A clear advantage of this solution is the ability to rock both screamers at the same time. This is much easier than lulling everyone one by one. Such designs can be in two versions: pendulum or "cradle" type.
The pendulum is considered preferable, as it can provide oscillation in two directions, and the second type has design features that allow the bed to oscillate only in a certain way. The disadvantage here is also obvious - as soon as the children grow up, you need to look for a new place to sleep.
Separate beds
One of the most rational options. Two identical frames will allow you to both organize a sleeping place, like a combined one, and spread them if necessary. Each such bed can be a playground for one toddler, and a sleeping place for another.
Usually they are placed separately, and there are cabinets or cabinets in between - this approach makes the best use of free space. The disadvantages of the solution are high cost and low mobility.
Twin beds for newborn twins: how to choose?
The choice of a particular design should first of all be based on safety requirements and optimal conditions for caring for newborn children. Mainly you should pay attention to what the bed is made of and how high quality it is.
In addition, design features may also be important (for example, the distance between vertical slats should not exceed 6 cm). The presence of wheels, runners and a swing mechanism is also important.
Important! If it is not possible to buy furniture as the children grow, it is worth immediately targeting designs that will be suitable until adolescence. The best option may be a model with dimensions of 1400x700mm.
Applicable materials
Today, metal, plastic or wood are used in the production of children's furniture. Of course, it is best to buy a bed made of beech or alder, but this option is not affordable for everyone. Most often, manufacturers of children's furniture opt for particleboard or MDF. In addition, wood products can be varnished or have laminated surfaces. Here it is imperative to ask for an ecological certificate - children will definitely try them "to the teeth".
With regard to metal or plastic, such structures are relatively light, therefore it is recommended to check them for resistance to tipping. The plastic must meet the safety standards for the chemical composition (a relevant document should be required).
Bumpers and safety
Bumpers in beds can be of two types: soft or hard. The latter are used to protect the child from falling to the floor. The standard height of the side is usually taken at least 45cm.
Soft boards are often installed inside the bed. They are needed in the first months of life so that the baby does not hit hard walls or side frames.
In addition, they can be used as storage places for the most necessary things: nipples, water bottles, spare diapers - special pockets are provided for this.
Features and types of sleeping places for twins
Caring for twins involves the allocation of each his own (personal) zone of living space. This includes a bed, a bedside table with his belongings, hygiene items, toys. This separation is sometimes carried out by color zoning. This is especially convenient if children are of different genders: for a boy everything is blue, for a girl everything is pink.
If possible, the twins should be close to each other at first. Therefore, even if they have separate beds, it is not advisable to spread them too far. In addition, the bed should not be placed near a window, as children may try to climb onto the windowsill.
The room must be kept clean and ventilated regularly. To protect against insects, you will have to organize a protective screen made of gauze or purchase a special canopy.
Manufacturers and models
Safety and workmanship are two main criteria that parents should be guided by when considering options.
The price here plays a secondary role, helping only to choose the right direction, as well as the rating of the most popular models:
- SmartGrow by ComfortBaby. Designed for children under 9 years old. Can be easily converted into a playpen or a full oval bed. As a special option, there is the possibility of transformation into a pair of armchairs or a small sofa. Material - solid wood: oak or beech. The manufacturer provides all the necessary certificates.
- SooHooKids 15 in 1 from SooHoo. A unique transformer offering various bed options, ranging from a simple, side-by-side, ending with a whole complex: a bed for twins plus a changing table + a side bed. Allows you to organize an arena with dimensions of 150x100cm. Can be converted into a sleeping place for a teenager. Material - natural wood (beech).
- TripleDo 8 in 1 by ComfortBaby.A bed for triplets! However, even twins will be very comfortable here - they will receive an additional 30cm in width, plus a changing table, as well as a spacious playpen: 178x125cm. Each berth is height adjustable and has a separate entrance. Size: 2х1200х600mm.
- INST-6 from MEBEL-NOVA. A unique offer from a domestic manufacturer is a bed for babies that adapts to their height. Over time, it can be converted into two full-fledged teenage berths. Dimensions of one cradle: 600x1200mm. Material - environmentally friendly chipboard. The frame is made of natural wood.
- Micuna Kit Duo CP-1774. This representative is not a bed in a general sense - it is a set that fits the entire line of Micuna designs. Allows you to combine two beds into one, combined. The set includes a wooden base, a separating mattress and a holder made in the form of a photo frame.
What should be considered when choosing?
To all that has been said before, we can add that the optimal choice often requires taking into account the following points:
- Mattress. Usually, manufacturers only offer a "bare" frame. Therefore, it is advisable to timely take care of a comfortable mattress and mattress covers for it.
- For a combined bed, the side dividers should be soft or protected from bruises.
- First of all, it is worth considering models with the ability to adjust the height for each berth separately.
- It is important to give preference to structures with a rack base - it is better ventilated.
Thus, purchasing a bed for babies is a responsible and difficult business. After all, the peace and mood of the parents themselves depends on how comfortable their first sleeping place will be. That is why cribs for newborn twins should be chosen deliberately and slowly.
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