A complete overview of children's beds and their design features. Bed for newborns: how to choose the right one, what models are available The right crib for a newborn

How to choose a crib for good sleep little man? There are so many cribs in stores! Cradles, on wheels, rocking chairs, cribs with a pendulum, transformers, playpen cribs, oval and simple wooden "classic" cribs.

There is an opinion that babies do not need a crib at all. And, for example, in Finland, at the birth of a child, the state provides a box with clothes, diapers, and bottles. Mothers put mattresses in the same box, turning it into a temporary sleeping place for the baby. You can also place your baby next to you. Co-sleeping between parents and children is practiced in many families in different countries.

But it’s easier to get up and go to the baby two or three times than to stay up all night. Put the baby in the crib and you are not afraid that you will press his nose while sleeping. There is no need to wait thirty or forty minutes until he releases his mother’s breast. Sometimes co-sleeping only brings agony to anxious parents. As a result, the whole family does not get enough sleep.

Pediatricians and child psychologists advise purchasing a crib for a newborn so that the baby has his own personal space and becomes independent as he grows up. The personal life of parents does not go away with the birth of a child, so this circumstance is another plus in favor of buying a crib.

Our children need comfortable sleep just as much as we do. It is known that a newborn sleeps 18-20 hours a day. Sleep time decreases as the child ages. Children from one to three years sleep about 11-12 hours.

How to choose a crib for a newborn? Main criteria

Safety

All parts must be absolutely smooth, carefully polished without sharp corners and protruding parts. When painting, paints containing toxic substances should not be used. If you like the durable plastic model, check the quality certificates. They must contain information about the safety of the material.

The height of the bed matters. The upper position is 40 cm, the lower position is 65 cm. Otherwise, when the bottom is lowered, it will be inconvenient to take the baby out of the crib.

When choosing wooden beds, pay attention to hard rocks tree– maple, beech or birch. They are more difficult for your baby to chew on when teething begins. Soft pine is easily chewed and wrinkled from possible impacts when moving the crib.

The best solution against gnawing and possible splinters is a silicone pad on the side.

Distance between rods the side walls of the crib should be no more than 8 cm and no less than 2 cm. Before you know it, the baby will begin to roll over, hold his head up, and sit up, so his arms and legs should not get stuck.

Can help with getting stuck and hitting bars soft foam fabric borders. They are tied to the crib with ribbons. Such pillows will not only ensure the safety of the baby, but will also be a beautiful addition to the design of the bed.

You may need bed angle adjustment function. Pediatricians advise newborns to sleep on an inclined surface so that the head is slightly higher than the body and without a pillow.

Check if there is plugs for the pendulum, is it possible to remove the runners, is there a stopper for the wheels?. This will be required when fixing the crib when the child grows up.

If you have a transforming bed, then you need to check whether the kit includes a limiter bar that needs to be attached when the side is in the lower position or completely removed. This detail is needed when the baby becomes older.

The locking mechanisms must have latches so that the raised bottom does not accidentally fall down while the child is there.

Size

Measure the place where the crib will stand and look for suitable dimensions. Standard size 120 cm by 60 cm is good because later you will not be tormented by the question “which mattress to choose for the crib?” You can easily choose a mattress of any quality and height. There are also no problems with the size of bed linen. The side walls are no higher than 95 cm. There are two positions of the mattress - the bottom is 30 cm, the top is 50 cm in height.
Cradles come in sizes 80 cm by 43 cm and 95 cm by 85 cm. Mattresses and bed linen are available for both options.

Materials

We advise you to choose wooden cribs made of maple, birch or alder. Natural eco-friendly material. Eat quality options cheaper - from pine or MDF (medium density fiber material).

You can choose metal crib. It can be transported, placed at the dacha or moved frequently and it will remain like new. These cribs are durable and easy to care for. The upper structure, as a rule, is covered with fabric sides and the child does not come into contact with metal parts. The stock itself can be easily removed for washing and replacement.

Beds made from chipboard or MDF are less environmentally friendly. More precisely MDF is a material more appropriate in a children's room, because formaldehyde is not used in the production of the board. But cribs made of chipboard can harm a child’s health, respiratory system. This is, of course, an economical material, but when choosing such a crib, you should check all the joints - they must be laminated. Otherwise, the product is considered to be of poor quality.

Cots made of durable plastic easy to use and wash. This material is cheaper than wood and can be used to make a crib of any shape and configuration. Design and different color schemes plastic cribs will appeal to many parents. It is important to remember the safety of plastic and check the information about the composition of the material in the annotation attached to the product.

Which crib should you choose? Types, pros and cons

Cradle

Regular classic cradle on arches - wicker or wooden. Oval shape. They are approximately 50 cm wide and range from 70 to 100 cm in length. When the baby starts to roll over, the cradle can shake violently and fall out of it. Therefore, it should be used for very small children who have just been brought from the maternity hospital, or the cradle itself should be fixed while the child is not sleeping.
Cradles on wheels, similar to a stroller. Modern models are equipped with a motion sickness system, which can be controlled using a remote control. Such cradles include different types of motion sickness (on arches, suspensions). Modern cradles “know how” to turn on vibration rocking when a child cries.

Pros:

  • baby in the cradle is warm and cozy
  • motion sickness at the desired beat
  • natural materials
  • small size, which is convenient for carrying and for small spaces

Cons:

  • again, the size, the cradle does not “grow” with the baby. It lasts up to 6 months
  • no removable sides

Cradle

There are hanging cots, which are attached to the ceiling with ropes or chains, but such cradles are now rare. Some parents choose eco-cradles made of wicker wicker. They are attached to a special “tripod” structure or on two supports, like a swing.

Pros:

  • traditional look sleeping place for newborn
  • independent amplitude and rhythm of motion sickness
  • environmentally friendly materials
  • convenient for use in the countryside

Cons:

  • small size (for baby up to 4 months)
  • Fasteners for parts must be metal or high-quality hard plastic, not wood. The safety of the suspended structure depends on this.

If you decide that a cradle is not your option, then let’s see how to choose a crib for a newborn and an older baby.

Classic wooden bed

These are landline beds with wheels included. The wheels can be attached, if desired, to the legs of the crib. The classics are chosen by parents who prefer to rock the baby in their arms and then transfer him to the crib. The bottom is height adjustable (raises and lowers). Removable sides.

Pros:

  • not expensive
  • made of wood
  • long service life
  • suitable for small apartments

Minus:

  • no motion sickness function

Rocking bed

Arches are attached to the legs of the crib on the transverse or longitudinal side. When the motion sickness function is no longer needed, you can remove the runners and install regular legs. High removable sides. Adjustable bottom. These cribs come with wheels. They can be screwed to the runners themselves or to the legs. The bottom and sides are height adjustable.

Pros:

  • mobile
  • motion sickness function
  • changing the moving mechanism to stationary legs

Cons:

  • there are breakdowns of the moving mechanism
  • beds on arches need to be fixed if motion sickness is not required

Pendulum bed

Which crib to choose for a newborn with or without a pendulum? Each parent decides this issue independently. This model has legs, but with a pendulum function for smooth rocking. The bed itself swings, but the frame is stationary.

Do you think , with which pendulum to choose a crib? It can be with longitudinal or transverse motion sickness. The type of motion sickness “back and forth” (longitudinal fastening) or “right-left” ( cross mount). The pendulum can be blocked with special plugs or completely removed if necessary.

In some modern models there are automatic pendulums. Motion sickness can be adjusted remotely via the control panel. Because The pendulum design is located inside (under the base of the bed), which leaves room for a lower drawer. It is convenient to store bedding. The set includes wheels.

The bottom and sides can be lowered or raised by two or three positions, depending on the manufacturer.

Pros:

  • transverse and longitudinal motion sickness
  • the pendulum is “hiding” inside
  • storage box
  • mobile

Cons:

  • there are breakdowns of the pendulum mechanism

Pristavnaya

This The type of crib is suitable for sleeping together with mom. It is adjustable to the height of your bed and has a removable side wall. Most often such beds small size and have a semi-oval shape.

Pros:

  • baby is always there
  • cozy

Cons:

  • no motion sickness function
  • small size for babies up to 6 months

Transformable bed

The model is suitable for forward-thinking parents. After all, when the child grows up, there will be no question “how to choose a children’s bed from 3 years old?” This is a whole set necessary furniture: changing table, bed with chest of drawers and much more.
There are several types of transformers:

  • Folding bed with chest of drawers. It can be removed or raised to the wall. The back wall of the bed is without bars, solid. The front with the rods is removed, and the bed turns into a sofa.
  • Transformable bed with built-in side chest of drawers, changing table and drawer below.
  • Bed with side chest of drawers and chest of drawers. When the child needs more space, the chest of drawers moves out and the bed extends.
  • Oval bed (5 in 1, 8 in 1). Which crib to choose for a newborn? Its advantages are obvious. Over time, it can expand in height and transform into a table or armchair. The bottom is adjustable, so the bed can be used as a changing table and as a playpen.
  • Sofa bed. One of the walls is removed, the bottom is lowered, and an ordinary crib is transformed into a cozy sofa.

Advantages of a transformable crib:

  • purchase with a “long-term focus” on the child’s growth
  • many models are equipped with a pendulum
  • economical - chest of drawers, changing table, children's and teenagers' beds

Cons:

  • the drawers are not very spacious and will not replace a full-fledged wardrobe or chest of drawers
  • heavy weight and lack of wheels makes the transformer bed not mobile
  • high cost

Playpen bed

Beds with fabric walls and mesh inserts. All parts are made of high-quality and safe plastic or metal, which is confirmed by certificates. Playpen beds have a zippered exit at the headboard. A convenient option for small spaces. In it The baby can not only sleep, but also play while the mother is busy with household chores.

Pros:

  • easy to assemble and disassemble
  • folds up like a tent and can be taken with you on a trip
  • easy to clean and wash

Cons:

  • non-adjustable bottom
  • no pendulum
  • there are no rods or crossbars that are convenient for the baby to grab onto when he starts to stand up on his own.

And if you have twins, how to choose a crib?

Twin bed

In general, twin cribs are of the same quality and functionality as single cribs. They differ only in that they are divided into two sleeping places. In a shared crib, babies are separated by a soft bolster or side. There are bunk beds, they are often made to order. There are double playpen beds with cradles that are used for up to 3 months.

Which mattress to choose for a newborn's crib for his comfort and health?

Pediatricians recommend hard or medium-hard mattresses, elastic surfaces with safe fillers: coconut fiber, natural latex or polyurethane foam. The child’s musculoskeletal system is not yet fully formed, and a hard mattress allows the spine to develop correctly during sleep. The natural filler “breathes” and does not harm the baby’s delicate skin.

You can read tips on “how to choose a mattress for a newborn in a crib” in our For infants, especially for children with low weight, a “cocoon mattress” with clamps is suitable. This ergonomic mattress takes the shape of your baby's body and envelops him from all sides. The baby feels safe and falls asleep in his usual “physiological” position.

Which crib is best to choose is, of course, up to you. It all depends on financial capabilities and individual characteristics. We hope that with our article we helped answer the question “how to choose the right crib?” Peaceful and pleasant dreams to your precious baby!

Every parent is faced with such pleasant chores as choosing a crib for their baby.
Of course, a crib for newborns must meet the basic requirements: environmental friendliness, safety, comfort and convenience for both parents and baby.

Types of cribs:

First of all, you should pay attention to what material the crib is made of. Best choice, of course, is a bed made of natural wood - absolutely harmless material for newborn children. On the children's goods market there are cribs made of beech and pine, but most Russian manufacturers beds are made from birch. Birch wood is highly durable, uniformly embossed and does not dry out over time.

When choosing a crib, you should pay attention to the presence of wheels and a rocking mechanism, as well as their locking. It is very convenient if the crib comes with wheels and runners. While the child is small, you can quickly rock him to sleep with the help of runners, and with the help of wheels you can easily and conveniently move him around the room.

The bottom of the cribs can be solid or slatted. The slatted bottom is the most practical; it allows air to pass through and has orthopedic properties, which is important for correct formation spine. It is imperative to take into account the depth of the bottom of the crib; it can be adjusted from 1 or more height positions, which is very important for an older child. As soon as the baby begins to roll over, and then sit down and stand on his feet, the bottom lowers to the lower position.

Depending on the crib models, the front wall can be lowered or removed for the convenience of parents and baby. In more expensive models, the upper bars are covered with silicone pads that protect the child’s gums, but if the pads are not included in the package, they can be purchased separately. The side walls of the cribs come in the form of slats and mesh. For safety reasons, the slatted walls should not exceed a distance of more than 9 centimeters from each other. Some crib models are equipped with drawers. Boxes are available both open and closed.

Types of classic cribs:

Classic cribs are the most common type of crib, usually intended for children under 3 years old. Classic cribs can have legs, but are most often equipped with wheels and runners. These models include: crib Fairy 203, crib Fairy 204, crib Polini Classic 621 Teddy Bears / Bunnies, crib Fairy 304.

Classic cribs can be equipped with a pendulum of transverse, longitudinal and universal swing; an example of such a crib is the Fairy 328 model. Unlike other models, the Polini French 710 and Fairy 328 cribs are equipped with spacious drawers on roller guides, which provide additional storage space for children's things or toys. Drawers will make it possible to maintain order in the room and have all the necessary supplies at hand. All of the listed models come complete with silicone pads on the crossbars.

The cradle bed is intended for babies up to 6-7 months. The convenience of the model is that it is easy to carry indoors and the child can always be in the attention of the parents. An example of such a crib is the children's model Polini Cradle. The folding design allows you to take the product with you outdoors, to the country, on a visit or even on a trip.

The playpen crib is a convenient and lightweight transformer that can be replaced into a playpen, and when it’s time to go to bed, back into the crib. The difference from ordinary cribs is that they are made not of wood, but of fabric and mesh.

Before moving directly to the main types of children's beds, it is necessary to consider the criteria that you should definitely pay attention to when purchasing.

These parameters include:

Let's look at each criterion in more detail.

Product sizes

This parameter must be taken into account by everyone potential buyers, but to a greater extent it concerns owners of very modest living space, where parents are forced to allocate strictly limited space for furniture.

  • the usual dimensions are 120 × 60 centimeters (the European standard is 125 × 65 centimeters);
  • increased dimensions are 140 × 70 centimeters (typical for transforming cribs);
  • The dimensions of cradles for newborns are usually 97 × 55 centimeters.

Knowing the dimensions is necessary not only for fitting furniture into the interior of the apartment. Manufacturers of mattresses, blankets, pillows, bed linen and other bedding accessories are guided by average sizes.

Experts advise choosing furniture of common dimensions, so that you don’t have to alter sheets or blankets or order mattresses according to individual measurements. Naturally, this will lead to higher expenses.

The main parameters of the materials from which beds for babies are made are no different from general requirements for children's furniture. An ideal infant bed is durable, environmentally friendly and reliable.

Only a few materials meet such requirements to a greater or lesser extent:

Another material is high-quality plastic. Typically, beds are not made entirely of polypropylene, since it is not very durable. Can be used plastic elements– handles, rivets, however, you should make sure that this material is non-toxic.

Product safety

Children's furniture must be safe. This is an axiom that does not require proof. Therefore, it is necessary to talk in more detail about such an important parameter as security.

  1. It is better to choose a crib for newborns and children under three years of age with protective sides that will protect the baby from falling while sleeping and awake. The optimal distance between the sidewall slats is 6 - 7 centimeters. If the slats are located more often, a limb may get stuck, but if less often, a child’s head may get stuck.
  2. All components of the product must be in close contact with each other, there should be no gaps or cracks. The tight fit will prevent cases of pinching of handles and legs, loosening of the structure.
  3. You should not take an overly light bed, and even one with a narrowed base. This model is not stable, so the baby will be able to turn it over. Give preference to a wide bed with a low center of gravity.
  4. Cribs for small newborns have from two to five levels of bottom height. The highest position is suitable for a child who has just given birth; it will also please the mother, who will not have to bend over backwards. As children grow older, the lounger is lowered to prevent curious kids from climbing over the sides.
  5. A crib equipped with wheels makes it easier to move around the room. However, such mobility can create some problems if the child is overly active. To prevent unwanted movements of the crib, you need to make sure that there are locks or stoppers for the wheels.

In addition to the above structural elements, attention should also be paid to general security cribs All open parts of the furniture must be smooth and the corners must be rounded. You should avoid buying a bed with protruding or easily unscrewed parts, as the child can break them off, twist them and swallow them.

Many pediatricians, including teledoctor E. O. Komarovsky, convince parents not to accustom their children to motion sickness and not to solve many children’s problems in this way. The sources of children's crying can be completely different and sometimes quite serious.

Advocates of motion sickness present their own arguments: the baby gets used to measured movements while in the womb, so rocking helps him calm down. A similar effect is achieved when rocking a newborn in bed. Of course, we are talking about smooth, not sudden movements.

Motion sickness is achieved thanks to two main mechanisms and design features:

  1. Skids. In this case, the crib is equipped with curved plates instead of traditional legs, which makes it possible to rock the baby to sleep. When the child grows up, the bed must be secured using special clamps and stoppers.
  2. Pendulum. The crib, suspended on straps, allows you to rock the child lying in it without lifting him into your arms. The pendulum mechanism can be longitudinal (along the child’s body), transverse (across the body) or universal (swings in both directions).

If you choose cribs with a pendulum, do not forget one important nuance. Depending on the type of rocking chair, you need to add at least 10 cm to the length or width for more comfortable rocking.

In addition, you should remember about the function of fixing a bed with a pendulum mechanism in order to prevent the structure from swaying (and, as a result, tipping over) by an older child.

Choosing a crib is half the battle. For a comfortable and restful sleep, you need to purchase the “ideal” mattress. We will briefly tell you what requirements apply to this bedding.

First of all, the crib mattress must be the right size. If you place a mat that is too small in the bed, the child will be able to stick his fingers into the gap between it and the sides of the bed. If you take an oversized mattress, it will become deformed and become “lumpy,” which will disrupt the child’s sleep.

Don't rush into using bedding that is too soft. The main requirement for the surface of the bed is optimal rigidity and evenness. This is very important for the proper formation of the spinal column.

To buy best mattress, you should ask about its “filling”. Avoid purchasing cotton wool or foam padding. The first one will quickly roll up, and the foam layer does not allow air to pass through well, so the child will sweat.

Optimal fillers are horsehair, woolen threads, felt, dried seaweed, coir. In addition, you should pay attention to the coating. It should be waterproof, anti-slip and soft to the touch.

Another important point– choice of pillow. The head cushion should not be placed on a child under 12 months of age. The baby should lie on as straight a surface as possible. In some cases, a thin cotton sheet folded in several layers is placed under the head.

Bed linen is selected only from natural fabrics: cotton, terry, flannel. For a baby bed you will need several duvet covers, large and small sheets. Linen is changed daily, the mattress is regularly dried to prevent mold from occurring.

The baby is bought and given a lot of different dowries: diapers, rompers, swaddling clothes, bed linen, play accessories. In such situations, a bed box comes to the rescue. However, this element is not found in all models, so parents should decide for themselves whether you need it or can get by with a bedside table.

You can also find round transformers on sale, which can be a cradle, a playpen, a large bed, a sofa, an armchair with a table. Round cribunusual design, which you won’t get tired of thanks to the variety of transformation options.

Advantages:

  • multifunctionality;
  • stylish appearance (round beds are available for sale);
  • availability of all kinds additional functions(changing table, storage boxes);
  • you can purchase furniture with a motion sickness function;
  • The crib can be used up to 12 years of age.

Flaws:

  • high cost;
  • massive and impressive size (not suitable for a small living space);
  • the bed is quite narrow - only 60 centimeters (this is a minus in adolescence).

Transformers are excellent functional cribs for children from 3 years old, but they are also suitable for newborn babies. If you need a “long-lasting” bed, you have extra money, then similar model is the optimal choice.

The Valle Allegra transformer is a practical, multifunctional crib, regularly included in the ratings for newborns and older children. The furniture is made of safe chipboard and is stylish and attractive in appearance.

Design includes drawers, shelves for storing sheets and other linen. On side cabinet There are sides, so the crib also doubles as a changing table. The furniture will last up to 7 years of age.


Pros:

  • pendulum mechanism that helps rock the baby;
  • attractive appearance;
  • numerous additional features(dresser, drawers, changing table);
  • ventilated bottom of the bed;
  • the sides are equipped with protective pads;
  • is relatively inexpensive;
  • stable and reliable design.

Cons:

  • quite heavy construction;
  • uninformative instructions;
  • not always high-quality processing of parts.

Manege

It has a foldable design, which is convenient for travel. Such beds are made from lightweight materials - aluminum, plastic and textiles. All parts are washable, so maintenance is never a problem.

Combining the functions of a bed and a playpen, the design is still different from a classic crib large sizes. But the functionality is usually preserved: you can change the level of the bed, there is additional equipment in the form of a changing table, a mobile, a basket for toys.

Another convenient little thing is a clasp on the side, which allows an older child to independently open the structure in order to get out of it “to freedom.” Reviews from parents show that they value such cribs for their maneuverability and mobility.

But if you are considering cribs for a child over 3 years old, then a playpen-shaped bed will not suit you. Such models have age and weight restrictions: up to 36 months and up to 7 kilograms (some beds can be used up to 15 and even 25 kilograms).

Advantages:

  • ease of construction;
  • the crib can be taken to the dacha or on trips;
  • sidewalls are often made from transparent plastic, so you can track your child’s actions;
  • bright design;
  • multifunctionality.

Flaws:

  • single-level beds are too low for mother and child;
  • two-level beds have a protective edge that is too low, so that the baby can easily overcome such a barrier;
  • the structure is too unstable, the child will be able to turn it over;
  • there is no opportunity to rock the baby;
  • Without rigid slats, it is more difficult for a child to rise and stand on his feet.

A playpen crib is not very suitable as a permanent “bed” for a small child. But for use as a play space or a “camping” sleeping place, it is perfect.

Happy Baby Martin

The cot-playpen is suitable for both newborns and older children. At first it is used as a sleeping place, and then smoothly turns into a comfortable play space. The design is made from quality materials.

Large windows help provide air ventilation. In addition, parents can watch their baby sleep or play. And the existing wheels will allow you to easily move the device throughout the apartment. The set includes a removable mattress.


Pros:

  • combines the functions of a crib and a play area;
  • high-quality execution;
  • folds easily, you can take it with you on a trip;
  • there are wheels for moving;
  • the corners are protected with special anti-traumatic pads;
  • there is a pocket for small items;
  • has 2 levels of bed: for newborns and older babies.

Cons:

  • quite heavy construction for playpens;
  • minimum number of colors;
  • The seams are not very straight.

Happy Baby Martin

A separate discussion is the bed for twins. In this case, everything will depend on whether children's sleep and wakefulness patterns coincide. If the kids fall asleep and wake up at the same time, then at first you can limit yourself to a shared sleeping place.

Some pediatricians advise placing newborn twins together, as this will help them get used to their new life more quickly. The only downside to co-sleeping is that parents can confuse their babies. And this poses a danger if one of the babies needs to take a certain medicine.

But even if you put your babies together in the first months of life, after a while the grown-up twins will still have to be separated. What options do experts offer?

  • two separate beds. However, they do not have to be the same. Parents themselves decide what exactly to buy for each child. In some cases, sleeping places are even arranged in different rooms;
  • 2-tier crib. A similar design, often created by individual order, resembles bunk furniture for teenagers. To put it simply, one classic bed is placed on top of the second. Moreover, each tier has its own protective and removable sides;
  • adjacent cot. In this case, the design consists of two classic beds, standing next to each other. There is a barrier in the middle, and the sides can be removed. Such a bed must be placed with the head of the bed against the wall to provide access to children on both sides.

An adjoining bed or crib consisting of two tiers is not a cheap pleasure. That's why many moms and dads who are lucky enough to become parents of twins are advised to buy two classic beds. They can always be placed next to each other or placed to different parties parental bed.

Where to buy a crib for a newborn?

The best options for purchasing a baby crib are well-known baby goods supermarkets and popular online stores. Here, experienced consultants will tell you how to choose a crib for a newborn. In addition, the risk of purchasing a low-quality product is minimized.

Choosing a baby crib on the market or an unknown website is fraught with various problems. For example, you may run into a fake or cheap product made from low-quality materials that can harm the baby’s health.

Often parents buy beds that have already been used. This is a completely acceptable solution, but only if the product is perfectly preserved and has no damage. But you will have to buy a new mattress for a newborn’s crib.

Another question is how much you will have to pay for such products. The cheapest models cost from 2,000 rubles, but the most popular among domestic parents are cribs in the price range from 4 to 17 thousand rubles. Premium beds are also available for sale for several thousand dollars.

What determines the cost of a product? It is curious that the number of zeros in the price tag is influenced not so much by the material from which the bed is made, but additional functionality(a pendulum crib will cost more than the classic version), appearance and, of course, brand.

However, you should not chase the products of well-known brands. There are relatively cheap and high-quality models from domestic companies on the market. If purchased from a reputable store, they will make an excellent sleeping place for a newborn baby.

How to choose the right crib for a newborn?

When buying a children's bed, there are no small details. Judge for yourself, too strong a smell of paint or varnish can cause allergic reaction, and unsanded wood leads to splinters. That is why experts advise adhering to certain rules and recommendations.

Buy a crib a few weeks before the baby is born. Furniture must be removed from packaging and placed in a well-ventilated area. In this case, the not pronounced specific aroma, which often accompanies even high-quality products.

A Few Important No's

A Few Important Yess

1. Be sure to decide on the place where the crib will be placed. This will allow you to clarify the dimensions of the product and, accordingly, choose the desired type of furniture (cradle, classic, transformer, playpen).

2. Clarify what functions a crib for a newborn should have. Is it important for you to have the opportunity to:

  • change the level of the bed;
  • swaddle the baby on the accompanying changing table;
  • rock the baby to sleep;
  • move the bed using wheels;
  • remove the sides;
  • store things in a special under-bed drawer;
  • protect the child (and furniture) with silicone pads;
  • turn a cradle into a full-fledged teenage bed;
  • use the product as a playpen.

3. Read reviews on parenting forums from moms and dads who have already purchased the crib models you like. Such reviews allow you to find out the shortcomings of seemingly high-quality products.

4. Purchase goods only from trusted sellers. This could be either a well-known children's supermarket or a trusted online trading platform. This will reduce the risk of counterfeiting and help you get your money back if you purchase a low-quality product.

When making a purchase, be sure to read the package of documents: certificate of conformity and hygiene passport. All documentation received from the seller (coupon, receipt, etc.) must be kept until the expiration of the warranty period.

Let's sum it up

Which crib is best for a newborn? The one that suits him in all respects and takes him into account individual characteristics. A properly selected bed is the most important condition for a calm and healthy sleep, and therefore full development.

That is why the questions of what bed is suitable for a small child, what blanket to choose for a newborn, how to choose a mobile with hanging toys are very important for creating a sleeping place and improving the quality of a child’s life.

A comfortable crib, a soft blanket, a favorite toy – all this is important to consider when equipping a child’s room. Furniture and bedding chosen with love and taste will help the baby develop, explore the world, sleep soundly and spend his waking minutes more fruitfully.

When choosing a crib for a baby, many young parents pay attention mainly to its appearance. But, seduced by the bright colors, many pay fabulous sums, without even asking what this miracle that captivated them is made of.

Do not buy anything under the influence of first emotions!

As soon as the first excitement has subsided, estimate your financial capabilities and begin thorough examination. Sellers often especially praise more expensive goods. But price is not an indicator of quality. When choosing a crib, you cannot be guided by beauty and high cost alone. It is necessary to take into account a very important point - the material from which the crib is made. The health of your baby depends on your choice, who will eventually put everything in his mouth. And saliva contains enzymes that break down toxic substances. And if the latter are present in the material, then they will easily enter the child’s body.

First of all, pay attention to the material from which the crib is made. It was considered the best of all time natural wood.

Solid wood crib

The ideal option is a crib made of solid wood, which has many advantages:

This material is environmentally friendly;

Solid wood furniture “breathes” and allows the baby to breathe clean air;

It is easy to wash;

Unpainted wooden furniture is “edible”: if a baby gnaws it, there will be no harm to its health;

Wood has high thermal conductivity: when the apartment is cool, it remains warm to the touch without cooling down like metal or some types of plastic.

As for the optimal types of wood for making children's furniture, these are alder, maple, birch, beech, and ash. But pine is not a very good material, due to the fact that it is soft wood, traces remain on it even from small mechanical influences.

Attention!

Do not think that you will be able to determine at first glance what a particular crib is made of. You absolutely cannot mistake impact-resistant polystyrene or plastic for wood.

There is nothing to worry about if some parts turn out to be not wooden; it is important that there are not too many of them and this does not interfere with the baby’s body “breathing.” Therefore, when choosing a crib, be sure to ask the seller for a hygiene certificate - it should indicate what material the product is made of and how harmless it is.

Some people think that now only beds are made abroad from natural materials. This is not so - the domestic industry produces a lot of wooden cribs.

Chipboard beds

Unfortunately, wooden furniture is quite expensive. Chipboard models are much cheaper. But this material contains a toxic substance, formaldehyde, the vapors of which cause headaches and nausea in the baby. Its presence can be determined by smell. Therefore, until it has weathered, the furniture should be stored in a warehouse and not put up for sale. A thin film of natural wood, laminate or melamine lining prevents formaldehyde from escaping. In addition, laminate and melamine have water-repellent properties, which is especially important for a child’s room and makes the products more hygienic. However, a child who tries everything on his tooth can easily damage the coating. If the protective film breaks off, the furniture does not have to be thrown away immediately. Paint the exposed chipboard with paint, and when it dries, coat it with NC varnish. Varnishes of this brand are approved for the manufacture of children's furniture and are safe.

Plastic beds

You can also purchase a plastic crib. High-quality plastic will not harm the baby, and it also has a fairly high thermal conductivity. The problem is that it is impossible to distinguish poisonous plastic from harmless plastic by eye, without appropriate examination. Therefore, when purchasing such cribs, be sure to ask for a quality certificate guaranteeing their safety. But here a new difficulty arises: certificates are often fake.