How to choose a crib for a newborn - what are the cots

At first, a newborn spends much more time in a state of sleep than when awake (how much time does a newborn baby sleep) During this period, the analysis and assimilation of all the new information that the baby received is carried out. That is why it is so important to create conditions for a newborn to have a restful sleep. For this, first of all, the child will need a cozy bed where it would be comfortable to sleep. Despite the fact that there is a huge amount of information about them today, many young mothers continue to be interested in questions: how to choose the right crib for a newborn baby, whether wheels are needed on it, whether a built-in drawer and others are needed. Let's deal with them.

how to choose a crib for a newborn

Choose the crib correctly!

Safety requirements for a crib for a newborn.

Regardless of the type in the crib for a newborn:

  1. There should be no protrusions or sharp corners so that the baby does not hit them, as well as unreliable latches, because of which you can pinch your finger.
  2. Contrary to the belief that the bed should be exclusively wooden, pediatricians now suggest considering metal models as an alternative. After all, most wooden cribs are varnished to prevent drying out and breakage of parts. If you still decide to buy a wood product, you should check with the seller what varnish or paint it is coated on, or better yet, on surfaces that the baby can bite with the appearance of teeth, there are special overlays made of non-toxic materials.
  3. The bottom and sides should not be continuous to provide good ventilation in the bed itself and under the mattress.
  4. The bars on the sides should not be excessively frequent so that the child’s leg or arm is not stuck between them. Also, they should not be too rare so that the baby does not try to stick his head through them. The optimal width between them is considered 7-8 centimeters.
  5. Another requirement is the presence of a removable wall. You can’t call it mandatory, but such a detail can greatly facilitate the life of mother at night, if the bed with the front wall removed is brought close to the adult.
  6. Also an additional, but not mandatory requirement is the presence of two levels of the bottom of the crib. Then you can easily put the newborn on a bed higher, and when the child grows up and begins to try to get out of the crib, then the bed level can be lowered.

If you are hesitant about which crib to choose for the newborn, then the following overview of the different models of cribs may be useful.Choosing the right model will mainly come down to what features you would like to see in it.

Cribs or single cots

Such cradles seem to have been specially invented so that the tiny and defenseless baby is surrounded by the maximum amount of warmth and comfort. They are most often made from hypoallergenic, breathable materials (such as willow vines). They are small in size, and the space of the newborn is very limited (as in his mother’s stomach), which creates a feeling of additional security. In addition, they can be easily moved to where you need it, since many models are not only light in themselves, but also equipped with wheels. Well-known manufacturers complete their crib-beds with a mattress, a canopy (as an option - a mosquito net), bedding and funny toys. Some of these beds are even equipped with a motion sickness system to music.

Crib beds or single cots
Crib beds or single cots

A variant of such a crib for a newborn can be a special cradle, which is attached to a regular wooden or metal bed with the possibility of motion sickness of the baby. It is convenient to get it, for example, to go out.

Their main drawback is that, due to their high cost, these models will not last longer than 6 months, since the child will simply grow out of them.

The classic model. Wooden crib

These are the most common models designed for both newborns and babies up to three years. If it was not varnished, but was simply well polished, then a more environmentally friendly option is difficult to find. The cots equipped with wheels can be freely moved around the room to the desired place. Cribs on runners with loose clamps allow you to rock the baby before bedtime, and with fixed ones - to set the bed firmly on the floor.

Wooden crib for a newborn
Wooden crib

Typically, such models have a double bottom level and a standard size of 120 by 60 cm. Many of them are supplemented with drawers, which, of course, makes it more convenient to store all kinds of children's little things at hand with a small room size, but they also make the bed heavier and make it practically unreal moving around the room.

Rocking beds and pendulums

Rocking chairs - a traditional model, arcuate runners allow you to swing it from side to side. Minus: when the baby grows up, he, leaning on the side grill, can fall out of bed. The storage box below is low-functional: when rocking, objects in it will roll and create noise.

Rocking crib

Pendulums can be longitudinal and transverse. They have a more bulky design that can break or creak. But the model with a pendulum has strong advantages: motion sickness in them is considered less harmful than in a rocking chair, and the presence of a locking mechanism will prevent the baby from swinging on its own.

Convertible bed

Such a model is suitable for practical parents who can use their own finances rather rationally, but also the space in the room. They are called transformers because in most cases they are equipped with additional removable pieces of furniture like a changing table, chest of drawers or cabinets, various shelves and drawers for linen or toys. In addition, some models can be moved apart, turning from a crib for a newborn into a good bed for a schoolboy. And if you remove all the partitions and shelves, then they may well serve as a small sofa.

Convertible bed
Convertible bed

Among the main disadvantages is that in a couple of years this coloring and the bed itself can simply annoy the child or significantly worsen his appearance thanks to the artistic or handmade abilities of the growing child.

Transformer crib: advantages and disadvantages - https://kid.htgetrid.com/en/veshhi-dlya-malyisha/detskaya-krovatka-transformer-plyusyi-i-minusyi.html

Oval Crib Transformers

These models are extremely elegant - smooth rounded shapes look very stylish.In addition, the absolute absence of sharp corners increases the safety of the product, and the baby inside is very comfortable. And such a bed takes up less space than a rectangular one.

Oval Crib Transformers
Oval Crib Transformers

But this is not all the advantages of such designs. They are still very deftly transformed. A round transforming crib can become a cradle, a round playpen, a small or large (if you push the walls apart) oval crib, sofa, chairs with a table. Thanks to diversity, she will never get bored.

Extra bed

Sleeping next to the baby, without worrying that his dad will crush him, is possible if you buy an extra bed for newborns. However, the baby can sleep in it even up to three years. The side wall of such a bed reclines, and mom, not getting out of bed, can feed or reassure the child. From the point of view of psychology, such intimacy is useful and convenient for both a baby and mother.

Extra bed

We read in detail about extra beds, about the rules of choice, about popular models – https://kid.htgetrid.com/en/veshhi-dlya-malyisha/pristavnyie-krovatki-dlya-novorozhdennyih.html

Metal crib

They resemble traditional wooden models in shape, but can be additionally equipped with a cradle. The child does not come in direct contact with the metal parts, since all the parts are covered with fabric protection. Sometimes these beds can be folded, creating a berth for a preschool child. The bottom in many models has two levels, and the crib can be used as an arena.

metal cots for babies
metal crib

We also read on the topic:

  1. Crib Safety Criteria for a Newborn
  2. Choose a mattress for a newborn
  3. Room for a newborn baby boy
  4. A complete list of things for a newborn
  5. Online store of goods for children

Important: How to teach a child to sleep in a crib

Video consultation: what are cribs

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Add a comment

  1. Marina

    I'm just busy looking for a crib. I read the article with interest and set a lot for myself in their places. I really liked the bed in the first photo, but I did not see such in the stores. I made a copy of the photo and I’ll go talk to the managers of furniture salons, how can I get one!

  2. Anna

    there is not a word about extra beds with woven sides = (I would like to know more about them!

  3. Eugene

    How so? metal? Seriously? I only have associations with a hospital bed. wood is better than metal if it is coated with water-based varnish, of course, preferably beech. and the metal bed is cold (even if covered with fabric) and traumatic. we have a wundermobel crib, but instead of a metal one I would buy a gandylyan 🙂

  4. Kristina

    They also thought a lot, watched, chose - the whole family participated in the difficult process of choosing a crib))) And finally settled on a round transformer bed! Girls, it's somethingrecomend for everybody! The bed is super comfortable, you can approach the baby from any side without stumbling into sharp corners like a rectangular one, the shape is super! We have been using the bed for 2.5 years, it’s correctly noted in the article - it DOESN’t bother with time, on the contrary, we reveal new and new options for its transformation))) In general, this is a bed, playpen, and a writing table with chairs, whatever you want)) ) And the place under the bed (oval) remains, we bought a wicker box for toys, we push it under the bed - it’s convenient and does not take up extra space, beauty))) Who cares, we bought in the Comfortbaby online store with delivery, we ourselves are in Yekaterinburg. And yes, for those who doubt the strength, I can safely say that for 2.5 years not a single crack, chip, abrasion or paint including))) Here it is an array of beech in all its glory) I hope my review will help the same demanding and selective future mummies)))

  5. Nikolay

    I am an adherent of ordinary wooden cribs, I had a daughter, and was in this crib, also the grandchildren went through these cribs, the children of friends, also went through these cribs and many others.

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