Parameters and descriptions of cribs for newborns

The crib is the place where the newborn spends almost all the time. If the baby is comfortable and cozy, he will sleep soundly, will not constantly wake up at night. On the modern market, there are many models of children's beds for every taste, they differ in the material of manufacture, dimensions, additional functionality and other characteristics.

What should be a crib for newborns

When choosing a crib, an important point is its cost. However, parents should pay attention to the following:

• The quality of the materials used in the manufacture of furniture. It is better to dwell on a product from a well-known manufacturer that meets all safety and environmental requirements.
• Mobility. A newborn does not need a lot of space, so the crib can be small and can easily move around the room on wheels if necessary.
• The distance between the vertical bars is about 5-6 cm. The child's arms and legs will not get stuck, at the same time the baby will be able to inspect the room.
• Depth adjustment. This function makes life easier for mom and dad, as it is much easier for them to bend over to the baby.
• Removable side skirting. When the child is small, the crib can be moved to the sleeping place of the parents. Subsequently, the grown up baby will be able to independently get out of the crib if one of the walls is missing.
• The presence of a drawer. Extra storage space for laundry and toys is never superfluous. If such an element is provided in the crib, you should safely take the model you like.

Materials of manufacture and dimensions

The material from which the furniture is made determines not only its strength, but also the health of the little person. Most often, you can find products made of natural wood, metal, chipboard, plastic.

Wooden cots are in the lead, as they are the most environmentally friendly and have a positive effect on the well-being of the child. Manufacturers use different types of wood, which affects the final cost of the product. The most economical are pine, birch and spruce beds. Models made from stronger and more durable species (beech, cherry, oak) will cost more.

Wooden furniture will perfectly fit into any interior. On the shelves of shops there are classic wooden cots with an unpainted surface, as well as painted in various shades with interesting patterns.

Metal products are more durable and reliable. However, it is important to remember that metal is a cold material and your baby may feel uncomfortable while in bed.If the parents still settled on this option, you should take care of additional insulation. You can buy soft sides, lay a warm padding polyester blanket.

Plastic cribs are becoming more and more popular every year. They are lightweight, look attractive, and fit into modern interiors. Cots, cradles and classic models are made of plastic. You can often find universal transforming beds that allow parents to save money on buying a new bed when the baby grows up.

The most important criterion when choosing a plastic crib is the quality of the material. Unscrupulous manufacturers use toxic plastic that can negatively affect the health of the newborn. You should carefully read the quality certificates and other accompanying documents before purchasing an inexpensive plastic baby bed for newborns.

The cheapest furniture is made from chipboard and MDF. In their production, harmful substances may be used, therefore it is important to first study the documents provided by the seller. The entire surface must be complete and the coating must be environmentally friendly.

Cribs of various sizes for every taste are presented on the modern market. According to accepted standards, the sleeping place for a child under 3 years old (including a newborn) should be 120 by 60 cm, the side walls should not exceed 95 cm.

One of the most important criteria for choosing a bed is the size of the room in which the child sleeps. If he has a large separate room, you can purchase a classic model made of natural wood with a changing table and chest of drawers included. When the baby sleeps in the parent's bedroom, overloaded with pieces of furniture, a small cradle will do.

Varieties of cots

When purchasing a crib, you need to consider a combination of many factors. The choice is influenced by the size of the room in which the newborn will sleep, the financial capabilities of the parents, their personal preferences and other important points. It is better to get acquainted with the models you like in person, a blind purchase can result in the return of an unsuitable product and a loss of time. After delivery of the crib, it is worth checking its completeness, making sure that there are no mechanical damages and the integrity of all structural elements.

Cradles

Small basket-like cradles are most often made of wicker vines. Such a crib does not take up much space, but the child will be very comfortable in it. Advantages:

• Small size and light weight.
• The baby is cozy and warm in the cradle. The baby is accustomed to in a cramped mother's womb, so he will feel great in the cradle.
• The ability to rock a newborn. Most modern models are remote controlled.

Classic

This is the traditional version of the bed with high sides.Most models have a function for adjusting the height of the mattress. Advantages:

• Standard dimensions that make it easy to pick up bedding.
• The ability to remove one of the sides if necessary.
• Long service life. A child can sleep in such a crib for at least 3 years.
• Affordable price.
• Reliability of construction.

Transformers

Massive structures, consisting of a bed, a chest of drawers and a changing table, are very convenient for parents. When the child reaches primary school age, such cribs are easily transformed and turn into more spacious furniture. Pros:

• multifunctionality;
• long period of operation (a child can sleep in a bed even until adolescence).

A significant disadvantage is the massiveness of the structure. For this reason, the children's room should be spacious. The presence of a changing table and storage boxes affects the cost of furniture.

Pendulum and arena

The pendulum mechanism is installed in many cots. Parents no longer have to swing the baby in their arms, just push the body slightly, and the base will begin to move smoothly. Pendulum beds are equipped with clamps. When the child becomes older and begins to swing independently, it is better to fix the mechanism in a completely motionless position.

A playpen is a universal option. This is both a sleeping place and a play area. Such a bed most often has a plastic or aluminum base, can be easily folded and transported. Advantages:

• mobility;
• combination of several functions;
• the ability to constantly observe the child thanks to the transparent sides.

However, the arena is not very stable. An older child can easily knock him over. For this reason, there are age restrictions for such cots (as a rule, they can be used up to 2-3 years).

What to consider when choosing a crib for a newborn

A baby bed for newborns must meet certain requirements. If you neglect them, you can not only complicate your life in the absence of important functions, but also harm the little person.

Security

The main requirement for baby beds is safety for the baby. The following points are important:

• The presence of stationary or removable sides that prevent the newborn from falling during restless sleep.
• Stability. If the baby makes a sudden movement, the furniture should not tip over.
• The absence of nicks on the surface, sharp corners and other traumatic parts.

Functional

One of the side walls should be removed (in whole or in part) at the crib. So it is much easier for a young mother to take care of the child. If you have wheels, you can move the furniture close to the parent's bed with the wall previously removed, so that adults do not have to get up again at night to calm the newborn.

Also an important function is the ability to adjust the height of the mattress. The newborn is not yet able to sit and crawl, so the base level can be raised higher.So parents will not experience unnecessary stress on the spine, bending over to the baby.

In cribs with wheels, it is better to provide a movement stopper. If necessary, furniture is moved around the room, and then fixed in a certain place.

In models with a pendulum, the mechanism must also be fixed in one position. As the child gets a little older, he will start to indulge, rocking in bed.

Quality

The bed should be made of high quality, environmentally friendly materials. If the surface is painted, the paint must be hypoallergenic and meet all safety requirements. Over time, the child will want to taste the furniture, so it is important that toxic and other harmful components do not enter the digestive system.

How to choose a mattress for a crib

In the first months of life, children sleep almost all the time, so it is important to take care of purchasing a quality mattress. Parameters to watch out for:

• Rigidity. Pediatricians and orthopedists say that a baby mattress for a newborn should be firm enough. The child's spine develops correctly only when sleeping on a hard surface. The bed cannot be soft.
• Natural filler. Coconut fiber works best. It is a breathable natural material that does not cause allergies. It is better to refuse woolen or felt products.
• Removable cover. Regular washing keeps textiles fresh and clean.
• The right size. The crib can be of a custom width or length.
• Lack of springs. Newborns should sleep on springless mattresses. Otherwise, the child's spine and posture may not form properly.

Additional equipment

Classic options without unnecessary elements are often found, however, young parents most often purchase bed models with small additions that facilitate childcare, such as:

• a pendulum or runners (in the first case, the mechanism is blocked by latches, in the second, the element is dismantled if not needed, if provided by the manufacturer);
• chest of drawers with changing tables (the design is bulky and heavy);
• bottom drawers for linen;
• removable walls (available in almost all models, except for cradles and arenas);
• silicone pads for individual components;
• protective sides;
• rubberized castors (the crib does not scratch the floor when it is moved and does not make a noise that could wake the baby);
• electronic control of the motion sickness mechanism;
• built-in music, mobile.

Top brands and popular models

The choice of a crib for a baby is a subjective matter. A cradle is suitable for some parents, while others prefer a transformer with a chest of drawers and a changing table. Many domestic and foreign manufacturers have been hearing from young mothers for many years and receive rave reviews from customers. The most popular brands are Bambolina, Giovanni, Baby Italia, and Fairy, Kubanlesstroy.

Top 3 best manufacturers of cribs for newborns, distinguished by their reliability and high quality:

• Erbesi (Italy).All models are made of natural wood and painted with safe non-toxic paint, which is confirmed by quality certificates.
• Pali (Italy). The company produces environmentally friendly furniture for children and adults. The furniture can be painted in any shade, so it will definitely fit into the interior.
• Simplicity (USA). The manufacturer produces the best cradles with an electronic motion sickness system. The beds are equipped with a hanging mobile or separate toys, they can play melodies. The child will quickly fall asleep from motion sickness.

When it comes time to choose a crib in the room of a newborn son or daughter, due to the abundance of offers in stores, there may be great difficulties with the purchase. Parents should take the process of choosing a bed for a child with all seriousness and responsibility, because some models involve long-term operation until adolescence, therefore they cannot be made of low-quality materials.

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