What is a pendulum on a crib

Choosing a children's bed is one of the main tasks of future parents. But which option should you choose? Beds with a pendulum mechanism are popular today. What is it and what are its features?

What is a crib pendulum and why is it needed?

This is a device that rocks a sleeping place. Externally, beds with such a mechanism do not differ from ordinary ones. But they are capable of performing oscillatory movements.

During motion sickness, the sleeping place moves horizontally, the base remains motionless. Furniture can be used from infancy to 3–5 years.

Reference: the peculiarity of the pendulum is to imitate motion sickness in a mother’s arms, which is an additional calming factor. This bed serves as a cradle and a sleeping place at the same time.

The benefits include:

• smooth, quiet swing;
• starting the mechanism with one movement of the hand;
• long-term motion sickness, unlike a rocking chair, since the pendulum moves by inertia;
• stable, motionless position of furniture;
• long service life.

There are also disadvantages:

• The likelihood of the child rocking the sleeping place independently. Models with clamps will help to avoid this.
• Getting used to motion sickness. It is not known for certain whether the child really gets used to this. But if so, then it will be difficult for him to fall asleep without motion sickness.
• higher cost compared to a rocking bed.

Varieties of pendulums on a crib

The most common mechanisms are:

1. Longitudinal. Rocks back and forth. This option is recommended by pediatricians as the most natural for a newborn. However, installing furniture with a longitudinal pendulum requires a lot of space. It is necessary to leave a section from the wall for full oscillatory movements.
2. Transverse. Rocks to the sides, like a cradle. It is not as popular as the longitudinal one, but is indispensable for small rooms. The bed can be moved close to the wall.
3. Universal. The mechanism is reconfigured from longitudinal to transverse, and vice versa. This is convenient if you need to move the bed.

Is it worth buying a crib with a pendulum?

There is no universal answer. Parents rely on their own preferences and observations of the child:

• if a child falls asleep well without motion sickness, then he does not need a pendulum mechanism;
• This device will greatly facilitate the task of mothers who spend a long time rocking their baby to sleep before bed.

Attention: most parents are inclined in favor of the pendulum, since at night an awakened baby can easily be calmed down without jumping to his feet. To do this, you just need to touch the children's bed with your hand, starting the movement.