How to choose a crib for a newborn

The birth of a child is a great happiness. And it is not surprising that parents try to create maximum comfort for their baby. Choosing a crib is a task that cannot be solved without thinking everything through in detail. After all, for the baby in the first months it will become the main “habitat”.

Criterias of choice

The range of cribs for newborns is amazing - from classic wooden ones to futuristic transformers. Therefore, before going to the store, you should think about what will suit the style and color scheme. The material of manufacture is also not the last criterion when choosing this interior element. And, perhaps, the most important thing is the safety of the baby.

Type of crib

The cribs on sale can be divided into the following groups:

• cradle – a small, lightweight model with compact dimensions. It can be easily carried around the house. Suitable for babies up to six months old;
• traditional – made most often from wood. But there are also models made from other materials. Parameters – 120x60 cm. A baby up to 3 years old will feel comfortable in it. Some models may differ in size and period of use;
• transformer – combines the functions of a bed, chest of drawers, changing table, and as the child grows up, it can be transformed into a school desk. The set of functions depends on the specific manufacturer. Can be used up to 7-12 years;
• playpen – you can sleep and play in it. Lightweight design with soft sides. Recommended for children under 3 years old, but some manufacturers may set a weight limit.

Each version of a crib has its own characteristics. For example, a cradle and playpen can be used not only as the main sleeping place, but also as an additional one. That is, the baby who has fallen asleep in them is then transferred and placed on another bed.

Advice! It is better to make your choice and purchase furniture 2-3 weeks before birth. The crib needs to be assembled, placed in its place and the room well ventilated.

Material of manufacture

Wood has long been used to make cribs. Natural raw materials have qualities that can ensure healthy sleep for a child. Today, products are available not only from wood, but also from plastic, metal and wood composite (MDF, chipboard and plywood). Models in which the material is combined are also produced. When choosing a crib for a baby, you must first of all be guided by the harmlessness of the raw materials used. Low-quality MDF panels can emit formaldehyde, although furniture made from them has a very attractive price.

Shape and design

Whatever the model, the main structural elements remain unchanged - front, back and side backs, bottom and legs. And starting from such a “meager” set, designers created a great variety of models of various forms and functionality.Today you can easily find not only traditional rectangular, but also oval and even round cribs. Various decorative elements add sophistication to the product. How necessary and convenient this is is for the consumer to decide.

Feature Set

The main purpose of a baby crib is to create conditions for sound sleep. To do this, they are often equipped with runners or a pendulum mechanism for motion sickness. The removable or lowerable side panel makes caring for the baby easier. Some models have an under-bed drawer in which it is convenient to store children's things. Naturally, transforming beds have the greatest functionality, but they are quite cumbersome.

Mobility

For most parents, it is important that the crib can be moved around the room. Cradles have the greatest mobility - they are easy to carry and install anywhere. Classic models and playpens are large in size, and their movement around the room is ensured by wheels attached to the legs. Transformers are the least mobile - they are quite heavy and moving them from place to place can be a problem.

Bottom type

The bottom of the crib can be solid or slatted. It must have reliable fastenings so that a naughty baby does not fall through. The bottom height adjustment function is important. This will allow you to adjust the height of the sides as your baby matures and grows. Some manufacturers offer designs that allow you to set the required bottom slope. In addition to the type of lounger, it is important to choose the right mattress: it should be comfortable, hypoallergenic and have orthopedic characteristics.

Advice! The mattress must be dried regularly, as well as other bedding (pillows, blankets).

Availability of additional equipment

To create greater comfort, children's furniture manufacturers produce additional equipment for cribs. They can be built-in, being an integral part of the structure, or sold separately. For example, you can purchase special fasteners that will allow you to attach the child's bed to the parent's bed at night (in this case, the front side is removed). Additional options may include pull-out under-bed drawers, runners, a canopy, etc. The variety offered by the modern furniture market will allow parents to choose a crib filled with the optimal set of functions.

Safety criteria for infant cribs: what to look for when purchasing

It is an axiom that children's furniture must meet increased safety requirements. The presence of certificates confirming that the materials used in production are harmless to the child is a mandatory condition when purchasing a crib. The design of the product must exclude the possibility of injury to the baby. When choosing, you need to pay attention to the absence of sharp corners and protrusions, and the reliability of the connections. The distance between the bars of the sides is 6-7 cm. This is necessary so that the baby’s arms, legs and head do not get stuck between the slats. It is necessary to ensure that there are locks for the wheels and the pendulum mechanism. Such a device will prevent the crib from moving and rocking due to a naughty child.

The choice of furniture for a newborn falls entirely on the parents. And how comfortable, safe and healthy their baby’s sleep will be will depend on their informed decision.