The choice of a crib for a baby is accompanied by a number of features that should definitely be taken into account. Parents buy the very place where the child will spend most of his time after birth. It is important to provide a sweet spot. If you choose the right furniture, then you can go about your business during the rest of the baby. So mom will have free hours for herself and doing the rest of the housework.
Our article will tell you how to choose a crib for your newborn. There is a solid selection in the stores, and therefore it is not surprising that during a visit you can simply get confused. It is necessary to make a choice in favor of the design of the crib, which can be either a transformer or a classic option, have removable sides, or not equipped with this option.
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List of manufacturers: which brand should be preferred when buying
On the Russian market, the supply of cribs is represented by dozens of organizations that produce high-quality children's furniture. The most popular are proposals from domestic brands and representatives of the CIS countries. The cribs have a good reputation, the quality is high, as well as the strength indicator, and the reasonable price. Moreover, the material for making products is exclusively natural. These are all really important parameters that buyers are striving for.
We analyzed online reviews from consumers, the opinion of experts in the field of children's furniture and came to the conclusion that the products of these brands are really high quality, and therefore they can be recommended for purchase: Krasnaya Zvezda, Gandilyan, Baby Care, Agat and Erbesi.
Basic parameters for choosing a crib for a baby
Before talking about the types of children's furniture, we suggest that you find out which crib is better to choose, relying on a number of important criteria. You should definitely pay attention to them. These are sizes, materials, safety nuances, motion sickness options, bed linen and a mattress, as well as the presence of a box, additional elements.
Let's consider all the nuances of the purchase in more detail.
Sizes of a crib for a newborn
A crib must necessarily correspond to the size of the room and the height of the child who needs to be comfortable. This parameter is mainly due to the fact that in our country the living space is mostly modest in size. For this reason, parents need to allocate limited space according to available data.
Experts recommend in this case, pay attention to indicators such as:
- The usual size of the crib will be 120x60 cm. But in Europe this figure will be 125x65 cm;
- The increased dimensions will be equal to 140x70 cm, which is inherent in the transformer option;
- The cradle is approximately 97x55 cm.
It is important to know the dimensions not only in order to understand which crib to choose, what will fit into the interior of the apartment, but also keep in mind that all modern manufacturers of bed linen, mattresses, pillows are guided by this parameter during their manufacture.
Experts advise buying furniture of those dimensions that are very common. As a result, you will not need to face the need to alter blankets, sheets or order a mattress in accordance with individual measurements. Of course, this will lead to high costs for the family.
The choice of material for furniture
Basic materials for cribs must meet high strength, reliability and environmental friendliness. Wood meets these requirements to a greater extent.
Beds made of it will be beautiful, sanded and coated with dyes with safe properties. There are also compounds for surface protection. They are more preferable due to the naturalness of the material. As a rule, children's furniture is made on the basis of oak, alder, beech and birch wood.
If this product is made of pine, then the price will be cheaper. This is due to the fact that the tree is softer, and withstands physical stress much worse.
But furniture made of MDF is distinguished by the properties of reliability and safety. If there are conditions that no harmful substances will be used in the production process. It is important to check the emission class with the seller. It shouldn't be more than E1. It indicates how much formaldehyde is in its composition. It should not be higher than the permissible minimum values.
As for chipboard, tiles based on compressed shavings often contain an increased amount of formaldehyde, and therefore the choice of such furniture should be treated with extreme caution. Make sure that such a model is safe in all respects, does not contain harmful substances. Such information can be presented in certificates of conformity, which can be requested from the seller for review.
The metal is distinguished by properties of increased strength, longevity, but at the same time it is higher in price and much more in weight. The main advantage is that such a crib will serve no generation of children. Just make sure that the sides of the crib are covered with fabric covers.
Another material is high quality plastic. As a rule, structures are not made only of it, because the material does not have the highest qualities of strength. They can use plastic-based rivets, handles. But be sure to check that the material is not toxic.
Crib safety properties
Necessarily furniture for the child must be safe. It is important to demand proof of this. For infants and children less than 3 years old, the structure must be equipped with bumpers that will not allow the baby to fall out. The distance between the side rails should be on average 6-7 cm. If they are located more often, the baby's handle or leg may get stuck. In practice, cases of the baby's head getting stuck were also recorded.
All structural components of the bed must be tightly connected to each other to eliminate the possibility of cracks and gaps. The tightness will not allow the arms and legs to be pinched, to loosen the crib.
Also pay attention to the weight, too light furniture is not the best option, as well as with a narrowed base. Such options do not have the necessary stability, and therefore it will not be difficult for a baby to turn it over. It is better if you give preference to a wide-type bed with a low center of gravity. Infant cots are designed for 2-5 floor heights. The upper position will be appropriate for a baby who has recently been born. Mom will also be comfortable, because you don't need to bend too much. As the child grows, the lounger can be lowered to prevent the child from climbing over the side.
If you choose a bed with wheels, then it simply won't be difficult to move it around the room. But keep in mind that mobility also has opposite nuances if the child is very active. To prevent unwanted movement, make sure you have stoppers or locks for the wheels. In addition to the design features listed above, pay attention to the general safety indicators of the crib. The exposed parts of the furniture should be smooth and the corners should be rounded. Refuse to buy if the details of the crib are very easy to unscrew, or they protrude strongly. Otherwise, the child will break them off, twist them or be able to swallow them.
Features of rocking a child in a crib
Many pediatricians are convinced that children should not be taught to be sick. This is not the best way to calm your baby. The source of crying can be very different, sometimes serious. Defenders of motion sickness, on the contrary, argue that measured movements while in the womb are habitual for a baby, and therefore rolling will make it possible to calm him down. This effect is also possible when the baby is rocked in the crib. Of course, if we are talking about smooth, not abrupt movements.
Motion sickness can be achieved due to 2 main mechanisms and design features of the furniture.
If the crib has runners instead of traditional legs, in view of curved plates, then there will be no problems with the implementation of motion sickness. When the baby gets older, the bed should be fixed with the help of special stoppers and clamps.
The design of the pendulum provides for hanging the crib on straps. This makes it possible to rock the baby in it, while the mother does not need to lift him in her arms. The mechanism can be both transverse and longitudinal, there is also a universal type.
When choosing a bed with a pendulum, do not forget about important nuances. Add 10 cm along the width and length of the rocker itself so that you can comfortably swing. Moreover, remember about the option of fixing the bed with a pendulum, so as not to swing the structure and not to provoke a rollover when the baby gets bigger.
Features of the choice of linen and mattress for a baby cot
For a baby to sleep comfortably and calmly, you need to buy a good mattress. Within the framework of this section, we will consider the question of what requirements are customary for bed.
First of all, keep in mind that the mattress must fit in the crib in accordance with the available dimensions. If there is a small mat in the box, then the baby will stick his fingers into the gap. If it is too large, the surface will often deform, bumps will appear, which will contribute to sleep disturbance in the baby. But do not rush to buy soft bedding.
The main requirement will be to provide the child with a mattress with optimal flatness and firmness properties. This is especially important if you need to properly shape the spinal column.
To buy a mattress, you need to take into account what is inside it. It is better to refuse to buy filler, which is represented by cotton wool or foam rubber. In the first case, the material tends to roll, but the foam rubber does not allow air to pass through properly, and therefore the baby's body will often sweat.
Optimal fillers are available on the market in the form of wool, horsehair, felt, dried seaweed, coconut fibers. Moreover, pay attention to the coverage. It is important that it is waterproof, anti-slip and soft to the touch.
Buying a good pillow will also be an important point. You do not need to put a roller if the child has not yet hit a year. The baby should sleep on a straight surface. Some experts advise putting a cotton sheet under the head, but it is important that it be thin. Fold it in a couple of layers.
The bed should also be made of natural fabric. It can be flannel, terry cloth, or cotton. For a baby, you need to take a couple of large and small sheets, a couple of duvet covers.Replacement should be done every day, as well as drying the mattress. Please note that it is important that mold does not develop.
Bedside box
The baby will have a lot of dowry. These are sliders, and diapers, and bed, and accessories for the game. In such situations, you will need a box in which everything can be folded. Not every model has this element, so parents need to decide on their own whether to buy it separately or to put things in a drawer unit. Some crib models are not sold without drawers.
This can be attributed to transformers. But for a bed with runners or pendulum technology for motion sickness, this element is optional. For example, some parents complain that during motion sickness it happens that the box is unexpectedly pumped out from under the bed.
In general, when buying a bedside box, you should rely on whether you need it or not.
Additional view elements
In addition to the base of the bed, there is a set of various additional elements. Whether they are needed or not, the decision is yours. For example, a mosquito net, a canopy, or knobs are not of the greatest importance. It is quite possible to do without them.
But when it comes to silicone headboard covers, these are important details. This can be attributed to the footboard. Reviews of parents say that babies, when teething, often begin to gnaw pastry from the bed. On the sides and headboards made of wood, you can even find traces of baby bites, and this is unsafe. A kid can swallow a tree, which is fraught with serious consequences for his health.
Removable sidewalls are equally important. Such cots are needed so that when the baby grows up, he can go to bed on his own or get out of it. Parents will be able to move the crib with the sidewall to the bed.
Based on the above information, you will definitely be able to choose those nuances that seem more preferable to you in your case. Buying a crib will not be such a difficult task at the same time. If so, then we are pleased that our article has become so useful to you.
Types of cots for babies
Cradle (bassinet)
Option for babies up to 4 months. This is a compact piece of furniture that allows the baby to feel comfortable, getting used to the environment. The cradle can be attached to a high frame of a stationary type, suspended on belts in the crib, if we are talking about the 2 in 1 option.
This is a good model for parents who are active. It can be carried with handles without the baby even waking up. The cradle will not take up much space in the room. And if you want to buy a functional model, then there are many nice options, for example, lighting or an electronic motion sickness system.
The main advantages of the crib:
- compact size;
- mobile properties;
- light weight;
- comfort for the child.
Minuses:
- use only up to 4 months;
- models have blank walls.
Classic look
This is an inexpensive option and the most popular in the line of cribs for babies. They are made on the basis of pipes made of metal and wood. Beech, birch, pine, maple and aspen are often used. It is better to buy those options that are sanded, but do not contain varnish. If you want the frame to be made of metal, look for side skirts.
Almost all modern options are usually equipped with wheels, bottom height adjusters. In general, this is a classic that is suitable for 0-3 years old. The size of the berth is more than 120x60 cm.
Expensive options can be equipped with a pull-out drawer option where you can store things for children and toys. But keep in mind that it will make the bed heavier in weight and not so much agile. A good solution would be to choose a model with removable side walls. At their expense, the crib will become an add-on in one transformation.
The crib has the following advantages:
- environmental friendliness;
- sustainability;
- simplicity;
- affordability;
- long service life.
Minuses:
- the need to purchase soft linings for the wall rods from the side;
- no arc runners, no motion sickness mechanism.
Rockers and pendulums
A pendulum bed is considered the best option for developing the baby's vestibular apparatus. It has a fixation system that prevents the furniture from swinging spontaneously. But keep in mind that after a time of use, the mechanism, most often, begins to emit creaks or it may break completely.
Rockers are presented with arches in the area of the legs or the pendulum mechanism. Furniture is the best option for "tame" and capricious children. Those. those who need motion sickness before bedtime.
The main advantages:
- the convenience of motion sickness;
- 0-3 years old;
- swing lock.
Minuses:
- pendulums do not last long.
Transformers
A popular option for parents looking for multifunctional and versatile furniture. The bed is suitable even for children up to 1st class.
There is not only a sleeping place, but also a changing table, cabinet, chest of drawers, drawers. The price, of course, cannot be low. Over time, additional elements can be removed, and therefore you get a large bed for a first grader.
There are also options on the market with round and oval shapes. They are easy to disassemble and become a table and armchairs for children.
The main advantages:
- availability of multifunctionality;
- there are drawers and cabinets;
- beautiful appearance;
- can be used from 0 to 7 years.
Minuses:
- high cost in the market;
- a lot of space is required for placement;
- may get bored after a while.
Crib-playpen
By weight, this is the lightest option. The model is stable. It is presented with soft edges, which are made on the basis of fabric, where there are mesh inserts. In one of the sidewalls there may be an inlet valve that closes with a zipper. For babies, the universal option can be used in the form of a crib, especially if it is possible to put the bottom at a higher level.
Children who have already acquired sitting skills can play safely in the crib. Those. it can be used as a simple playpen. Due to its low weight, as well as the folding design, it can be taken with you on trips or taken out into the yard so that the child sleeps and plays outside. As for the dimensions, such 2-in-1 models are superior to classic cribs in size, they are slightly larger in width than ordinary furniture, but in length they can be shorter.
As for the functionality, this is a more similar look to the transformer. Since the equipment can be represented by an overhead changing table, hanging shelves, pockets and mosquito nets, protection from sunlight.
The main advantages:
- indicators of mobility;
- multifunctional solution;
- beautiful and bright colors;
- safety of use;
- suitable for children 2-3 years old.
Minuses:
- lack of side rails, and therefore it is difficult for a child to learn how to rise;
- the location of the bottom is very low;
- not suitable for children weighing more than 15 kg.
Crib prices
Classic options can cost in the region of 2500-13000 rubles, but cradles from 3000 to 55000 rubles. Transformers are more expensive - 4,500 - 85,000 rubles. But a pendulum or a rocking chair costs in the region of 1800-3000 rubles.
