How to choose a crib for a baby. Which crib is best for a newborn: smart purchases. What should a crib be like for a newborn?

Finally, the long-awaited baby has been born, and amid the hustle and bustle, the question comes to the fore - which crib is best to choose for a newborn. It would seem that there is nothing complicated about this, but in fact it is necessary to take into account a lot of nuances. After studying information on the Internet, mothers begin to understand that matching the crib to the tone of the rest of the furniture is far from the most important thing. We will talk about this in our article.

Which crib is better to choose: classification

Some models are very difficult to assemble on your own; sometimes you even have to use the services of the seller to assemble the product. After purchase, keep the warranty card and receipt. Modern domestic and foreign manufacturers present several types of cribs on the market, each of which needs to be considered in more detail.

Manege

Such products are folding models made of fabric, plastic and metal. They are very convenient for frequent travel, easy to use and maintain. Such beds do not need to be supplemented with a mattress, and if such a need arises, it can always be purchased separately. The dimensions of the playpens are wider and shorter than those of standard cribs.

Due to their lightness, playpens are increasingly being chosen for household use, because parents can easily move the product around the apartment with their child.

The functionality of the product is excellent: it is possible to place the bottom on the upper level, which is convenient for children up to 3 months, there is an opening on the side wall that is closed with a zipper, sometimes the package includes a changing table and a shelf for small items and baby cosmetics. The playpen is suitable for children up to 3 years old.

This product combines a chest of drawers and a changing table with a crib. Particularly popular are those bed models that, through transformation, turn into teenage furniture: the upper sides of the bed form a desk with a chest of drawers attached to the side, or the bed smoothly turns into a sofa.

As a rule, a newborn baby’s crib is purchased shortly before he is born. At the same time, 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.

When choosing a crib, you cannot be guided by “beauty” alone. There are many important points to take into account.

A children's room without furniture is like a house without a roof. A crib, a chest of drawers, a cabinet, a changing table - these are the main items that should be in the room. As the baby grows and matures, so will his wealth of furniture. In the meantime, the crib is almost his only refuge. It is desirable that it meets all the needs of the child and fits into the interior of the children's room.

The crib must "breathe"

When you come to a children's store, your eyes widen: there is so much that you sometimes forget why you came. There are also many varieties of cribs: there are cradles for babies, cribs-“houses” - with a canopy in the form of a roof, and beds in the “European standard” style - painted white, and even pretending to be Gothic in style, there are also simpler products. Do not buy anything under the influence of first emotions.

As soon as the first excitement has subsided, estimate your financial capabilities and begin a thorough inspection. Sellers often especially praise more expensive goods. But price is not an indicator of quality. First of all, pay attention to the material from which the crib is made. Natural wood has always been considered the best.

Wood is an environmentally friendly material, it “breathes” itself and allows others to “breathe”. It is easy to wash, making it easy to keep the crib clean.

Do not think that you will be able to determine at first glance what a particular crib is made of. You may well mistake impact-resistant polystyrene or plastic for wood. There is nothing wrong with the fact that some parts will not be made of wood; it is important that there are not too many of them and this does not interfere with the baby’s body “breathing.” Therefore, if you choose a cradle, be sure to ask the seller for a hygiene certificate - it should indicate what material the product is made of, as well as how harmless it is.

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

Not all the cradle that rocks

A comfortable and spacious crib is ideal. In addition, it must have two levels. The height of the crib is not particularly important for a newborn. For now, it is better that the bed is not very deep, then it is much easier to put the baby down without waking her. When the child grows up and begins to stand up, the depth of the crib is already important so that the little person, while learning about the world, cannot fall out of it. The distance from the top bar of the railing to the mattress in its lowest position should be at least 66 cm. For some cribs, the top bar on one side is removed, which makes the crib 10 centimeters lower.

This is very convenient for a mother who rocks her baby in her arms. It is easier to put the baby down without causing him any inconvenience. But then the bar should be returned to its place so that the child, overcome by curiosity, does not fall.

The crib can also be on wheels, which is very convenient for moving it to other rooms. Some models are made like rocking chairs. Your baby will surely like this crib; he can lie down for a while and enjoy this process, and then fall asleep faster.

There are cots that extend in width and length. It is good if two or more rods at the crib are removed. Then an older child can easily get out of it and get back in without having to climb over the top and without fear of falling. There is also an option when the bed is combined with a changing table.

There are models that have lower drawers for bed, clothes or toys. This slightly increases the cost of the crib, but makes it more convenient, as it saves you from having to buy an extra wardrobe or chest of drawers. Everything you need is at hand.

Some parents like a cradle basket. However, it is only suitable for children up to one year old and is convenient in that it has handles for carrying, removable, machine washable covers. A large open space can be frightening and apprehensive for little ones at first. And they feel comfortable in the cradle, although in three to four months the child will grow out of it and you will have to buy a new bed. An excellent replacement for such a crib is a stroller with a removable basket.

Modern stores are overflowing with cribs of several types, made of different materials, different shapes, and it is difficult for parents to make a choice.

To know how to choose a crib for a newborn, it is important to know some nuances. Then you will be able to purchase a convenient, comfortable and reliable model.

Types of cribs

Choosing a crib for a newborn is a serious matter. Parents are thinking about how to choose a model so that it is comfortable for the baby and fits into the interior.

The main types of cribs are:

1. Cradle;
2. Transformer;
3. Manege;
4. Classic crib;
5. Round crib.

Cradle

In the first weeks of life, a newborn is afraid of large spaces, so a compact cradle is the ideal choice.

After the baby grows out of the cradle, he can be transferred to a crib. It is convenient because a newborn can be rocked and moved in it by holding the arms. Sometimes a stand for it is included.

To be fair, your newborn will spend most of his time in your arms, nursing and napping. And when you try to put it in the cradle, it will wake up.

Yes, this is a reality for which you need to be prepared and not be offended that the child refuses such an expensive and long-chosen cradle.

To better understand your baby and not create high expectations, watch the online course Happy Motherhood: a gentle care technique for children from birth to 3 months.

Of course, there should be a place for saving. And in this regard, a cradle or even a stroller is a very good option.

Transformable bed

A transformable bed is furniture that can change its appearance. It has a function:

• dresser;
• cabinets.

These beds are suitable for children from birth to 7 years. As the child grows up, excess elements can be removed to make the bed longer. Some models are even suitable for teenagers.

On average, the size of the transformer is 120x60 cm. The kit includes silicone pads to protect the child. The backrest is lowered, the bottom can be fixed in several ways, to different heights.

There is a pendulum mechanism that will free the mother’s hands from rocking the baby.

Playpen bed

Playpen beds are made of metal, plastic and fabric. They are convenient to take on trips because they fold up and are easy to clean. They do not require a special mattress, but if you wish, buy it separately.

The playpen differs from the crib in that it is wider and shorter. It contains additional elements:

1. Changing table (in some models).
2. Shelf for creams and other small items (in some models).
3. Mobile.
4. Pocket.

It can be moved to the room where the mother goes so that the baby can be seen.

Classical

Most people think about how to choose an economical crib for a newborn? The most suitable option is a classic crib. It is also the most common.

It is usually made of wood (beech, aspen, birch, maple) and metal. Some models are produced on wheels, the height of the bed is adjustable.

The top position is intended for an infant. As the child grows older, the bottom drops.

More expensive models have drawers where bedding, toys or clothes can be stored. In this model, a child can sleep until he reaches three years of age.

Round

Round cribs have become popular lately. It is stylish and transforms into various options. Among the additional functions it has:

• changing table (not available on all models);
• drawers (not in all models);
• motion sickness mechanism (not in all models).

The downside is that this model is expensive and large in size.

Crib material

When you think about the best crib to choose for a newborn, you also take a closer look at its material. Models of children's furniture should be:

1. Reliable.
2. Durable.
3. Eco-friendly.

It is usually made from materials such as:

• wood (beech, birch, alder, aspen, oak, pine);
• metal.

Natural wood is, of course, the best option, but expensive. If it is pine, then it will be cheaper, since it is softer and can be deformed.

MDF is compressed wood fibers, they are reliable and safe.

Chipboard is compressed chips; they most often contain harmful formaldehyde. It is necessary to choose models from such material carefully. It is recommended to check the certificate before purchasing.

Furniture made of metal (steel, aluminum) is strong, durable, but has a lot of weight and cost.

Mechanisms and additional parts

In addition to standard parts, the crib has additions. For example, you can do without a mosquito net or canopy; they only collect excess dust.

But if the side wall of the crib is removed, then it will be easier for an older child to climb into it himself.

The good thing about adjusting the bottom of a baby crib is that you can remove one of the side walls and move the crib towards the adult bed, closer to mom.

Many parents choose to sleep with their baby, but connecting the baby's crib to theirs will make it more comfortable for everyone to sleep.

Important! Make sure that there is no gap left between the two sleeping places where the child can roll into.

The bottom is adjustable by level. Usually there are from two to five. The fifth one is suitable for sleeping together.

By the way, this is the best option for a crib, especially if you plan to breastfeed. After all, getting up at night to see your child, feeding him, waiting until he falls asleep and putting him into bed is not something every mother can do.

It is much more comfortable for both the baby and the mother to sleep close to each other and at the first squeak of the baby, put him to the breast.

Co-sleeping allows you to get enough sleep from the first days after birth and raise a calm, healthy child.

Some models also have the following parts with mechanisms:

1. Auto wall;
2. Rocking chair;
3. Wheels;
4. Pendulum;
5. Mattress;
6. Removable slats.

The auto-wall is a movable wall; it lowers and rises when you press a button.

A bed with a rocking chair (runners) helps rock a newborn to sleep. When not needed, it can be fixed in a stationary position. When the child stands up freely, the restraints will come in handy.

The wheels on the crib are convenient because it can be easily moved to another place. Such models usually combine both runners and wheels. But if the crib is placed on them, it will not be possible to rock it.

A pendulum-like mechanism makes motion sickness easier. This is a harness with straps that effectively rocks a newborn to sleep. He can be:

• longitudinal;
• transverse;
• universal.

The longitudinal pendulum moves along the child’s body, the transverse pendulum moves across it, and the universal pendulum swings back and forth.

The bottom of the crib can be slatted or solid.

Important! The slatted bottom is ventilated, so unpleasant odors and moisture will not linger.

Removable slats are located above the side walls. When a child grows up, it is difficult for him to climb over the side. It is too early to remove one of the walls; the baby may fall out of the crib.

So, by removing only the slats, you can get the perfect option. The child will be able to get out of the crib safely without parental help.

The ideal gap between the slats and the wall is 7cm. If the distance is greater, the child can put his arm or leg between them and get stuck.

In addition to these basic parts, the set may include decorative elements, for example, a canopy. It's beautiful, but you can get caught in your sleeves and hit yourself. And be sure to clean it from dust.

Newborns and children in the first year of life spend most of their time sleeping. Therefore, choosing the right crib is the key to a peaceful rest for your baby. If everything is a little simpler with a stroller: it is absolutely necessary, but parents have many questions about a sleeping place for a child. Indeed, today in children's goods stores there is a huge selection of various models of cribs for children: cradles, transformers, with a pendulum mechanism, with removable sides and even with silicone pads. What should you pay attention to when choosing in order to properly organize a comfortable sleeping place for your baby?

What should a crib be like for a newborn?

Despite the variety of models of cribs, parents should first of all take care of the safety of their baby. Therefore, the main characteristics of a sleeping place for a newborn should be as follows:

• The crib should not have sharp corners, rough edges, or protrusions that could cause injury or scratches to the baby. If the model is equipped with latches or latches, parents should check that they close securely and the baby cannot pinch a finger;
• The sides and bottom of the product should not be a solid surface. In this case, there will not be sufficient air ventilation to the mattress and the baby. The bottom and sides should be racked;
• wooden cribs are coated with varnish or a special substance so that they do not dry out. Parents should clarify what composition the parts of the product are coated with, because the baby may chew on the sides. Iron cribs are painted: it should not contain toxic substances. Harmful components can negatively affect a child’s health, so adults must take this point into account when choosing a model;
• pay attention to the distance between the bars: it should not be less than 5 cm, so that the baby’s hand or leg does not get caught, but no more than 8 cm, so that the child’s head does not get stuck between the bars;
• the ability to adjust the bottom of the crib: while the baby cannot stand up, the bottom can be set higher. But when the baby learns to rise to his feet, the bottom should be moved down so that the child cannot fall out of the crib;
• not necessary, but very convenient when the side of the crib is lowered or removed. In this case, you can move the baby's bed close to the parent's bed. This is convenient if the baby often wakes up at night and the presence of the mother has a calming effect on the newborn.

Many cribs have a rocking mechanism. Undoubtedly, this is convenient: the baby wakes up at night, you just need to pump him up a little, and he falls asleep again. But there is another side: the child gets used to rocking and can no longer fall asleep on his own. Parents must constantly pump it, this process often takes several hours. Mom does not have time to complete many tasks for which she simply does not have time. As your child gets older, it will be very difficult to wean him off motion sickness.

Dr. Komarovsky believes that motion sickness is not at all harmful to the baby, but it causes a lot of inconvenience to parents. Therefore, it is advisable not to accustom your baby to motion sickness from birth. The pediatrician is sure that it is better to actively spend time with the child, so that by the evening the tired baby can fall asleep on his own without any problems.

Of course, if parents decide to buy a crib for a newborn with a pendulum mechanism, there is nothing wrong with that. Each family decides what is convenient for their child. But experts are of the opinion that it is better not to accustom a baby to motion sickness in a crib.

Is it necessary to rock a baby to sleep: the opinion of Dr. Komarovsky - video

Which one to buy: types of bedroom furniture for babies

Before buying a crib for a newborn, parents should decide on the model. Each type has its own design features, pros and cons. Let's look at the most popular types of cribs.

Cradle or cradle for a newborn

A crib of this model is an ideal option for a newborn baby. The baby is accustomed to feeling the warmth of the mother’s body from all sides even before birth. He feels completely safe when he is in a small space where it is warm and cozy. The cradle creates a feeling of additional protection and comfort for the baby. Cradles are made from hypoallergenic materials so as not to harm the health of the child.

Bassinet beds are compact and lightweight, so they are easy to move around the room. The standard dimensions of a sleeping place for this model are 90–97 cm in length, 25–27 cm in height and 48–55 cm in width. The baby will be able to sleep in such a crib from birth to six months.

Some cradles are equipped with a rocking mechanism that is turned on and set for a certain time. In modern models, the rocking process may be accompanied by music or other soothing sounds. There are cradles on wheels and with a pendulum mechanism. Many cribs already come with a mattress, canopy and bedding, as well as a mosquito net to protect your baby from insects.

Cradle for a baby: assembly and review of capabilities - video

Pendulum bed and rocking chair for baby

A rocking bed is a model that has been used by many generations of parents. The main feature of this model is the presence of arched runners, with the help of which the crib can be rocked from side to side. Some types of rocking chairs have special drawers for storing children's things and bedding. These cribs are made of wood, so they are durable and can be passed on through generations.

The size of the bed for these two options is in most cases standard: length 125 cm and width 60–70 cm, depending on the model.

The pendulum bed resembles a rocking chair in appearance, but it has a different swing mechanism:

• longitudinal: imitates the rocking of a baby in the mother’s arms. During longitudinal motion sickness, children calm down and fall asleep faster;
• transverse: also a convenient mechanism for rocking a child. The crib is placed next to the parent's, and if the baby wakes up, the mother does not need to get up, just stretch out her hand and pump the baby up;
• universal: some models of cribs provide the ability to rearrange the pendulum into a longitudinal or transverse position, depending on what is more convenient for parents and what the baby likes best.

Review of a crib with a pendulum mechanism - video

Add-on cot for baby

This model for newborns was invented in America, but today it is popular among young parents around the world. Child psychologists insist that a baby sleeps more peacefully when he feels his mother’s presence nearby. But not all parents are ready to practice co-sleeping, so this is a great option for them. The baby sleeps in his own bed, but his parents are always nearby. The mother does not need to get up several times a night to feed: she can simply move towards the baby, give the breast, and the baby falls asleep again. Some models have a mechanism with which the child's bed is fixed close to the adult's and cannot be moved from its place.

This model can also be used as a separate bed for a baby. The sidewall is easy to put in place so that the baby does not fall out during sleep. But the size of the sleeping place of this model is slightly smaller than a standard bed and is 90–100 cm long and 50–55 cm wide. Therefore, they are more suitable for children of the first year of life.

Review of an additional cot for a baby - video

Transformable bed for a child

Such models are very popular among parents. The fact is that they serve not only as a sleeping place, but also as a chest of drawers, a changing table, and can even increase in size. Therefore, a child older than three years can sleep in it. Many elements are simply removed as the baby grows older, when their use is no longer necessary. When the baby grows up, the chest of drawers and changing table can be removed and this option can be used until adolescence.

The dimensions of this model can be different, because it transforms as the baby grows. There are standard sizes: length 140 cm, width 70 cm. And some manufacturers produce transformers that are distinguished by large dimensions of the sleeping place: length 170 cm and width 75 cm.

Some models even have a built-in rocking mechanism so that parents can soothe and put the baby to sleep.

Transformable bed review - video

Comparative characteristics of cribs of different models - table

When to buy: is a crib needed in the first year of a baby’s life?

Some parents, even before the baby is born, decide for themselves that they will practice co-sleeping with their baby. In this case, there is no question of buying a crib at all: adults begin to choose this necessary piece of furniture when they are going to teach the child to fall asleep on his own without his parents. But not all mothers and fathers are ready to sleep together and prefer that the baby have his own sleeping place. And some are quite sure that in the first year of life, when the baby is still very small, the crib can be replaced by other inventions.

Can a stroller become a crib for a baby?

Experts say that the stroller is not intended for a baby to be in it all the time. It is made of durable materials that allow air to pass through, but to a lesser extent than crib runners. The size of the cradle in the stroller is much smaller, so the baby may feel cramped in it as he grows older.

According to Dr. Komarovsky, it is best for a child to buy a crib from the moment of birth so that the baby gets used to sleeping in it on his own. But if parents have financial difficulties, a stroller can cope with this role in the first three months of life. But once the baby reaches three months of age, purchasing a crib becomes mandatory.

Strollers are designed for walking outside, dust and other contaminants accumulate on them, so for the baby it is recommended to buy sleeping furniture equipped with a hard mattress and bedding made from natural materials.

Can a child sleep in a chaise longue or swing instead of a crib?

Doctors also do not recommend replacing the bed with a chaise longue or rocking swing. These inventions are designed for the convenience of parents: they can be moved from room to room while the mother is doing her business, or taken with her on a visit or to the hospital, so that the baby does not become capricious. Some mothers prefer to rock the baby on a swing, but as soon as the baby is deeply asleep, he needs to be transferred to the crib.

The chaise lounge and swing do not have a hard back, the baby can only lie in one position. If a child spends time in these devices for a short time, this will not bring health time and does not negatively affect the spine. But constantly staying and sleeping in a sun lounger in the future can cause serious problems with the baby’s spine.

Bouncer cradle for sleeping: is it possible or not?

The bouncer cradle appeared relatively recently on the children's goods market, but has already earned popularity among parents. This invention is comfortable: it can be moved from room to room, because the weight of the cradle is not too heavy. The bouncer has the ability to adjust the back: it lowers so that the baby can lie horizontally, and rises when the baby plays.

The bouncer cradle is equipped with an orthopedic mattress, so the baby can sleep in it if the backrest is completely folded out. In the first three months of the baby, parents can use the cradle to sleep the baby. But once the child learns to roll over or stand up, he may fall out of the bouncer, so it is not safe. These models have a special belt that can be used to secure the baby, but it will be uncomfortable and hot for the baby to sleep in this state.

How to choose a quality crib for a newborn

Making the right choice: buying a crib for a baby - video