How to choose a crib?

In preparation for the appearance of the child in the house, many parents ask themselves: is a cot necessary, because the child can always be put to bed with him, especially if the parent’s bed is large. But pediatricians do not recommend constant joint sleep of mother and child, because it is unsafe. In a dream, a mother or father can pin down or hurt the sleeping child, and with age the child becomes mobile and can roll over or crawl away, fall out of bed. Thus, the crib is, first of all, a place where the child is safe around the clock.

But nowadays there is such a variety of cribs in the stores that parents can become confused.

• Lullaby. This model is perfect for babies. In appearance, this bed resembles a cradle, which was used in past centuries. Small, cozy, trimmed with ruffles and ruffles - looks very cute and touching. In addition, it is possible to shake a child in it using the pendulum system. True the cradle has a small the sizetherefore, it can be used for up to 3.4 months - until the child grows up.
• Cot. A great option for moms who want to combine their sleep with a child. The bed is closely put to the bed of adults. This model allows you to teach a child to sleep separately, but at the same time next to the mother. And she, in turn, has the opportunity, without getting out of bed, to reach for the child, to stroke, calm him, if necessary. When choosing a crib, consider the height of the parent bed, so that they can be joined at the same level.
• Classic bed. It is the most sought after model. Such a bed is inexpensive, suitable for any interior. As a rule, it is a rectangular sleeper fenced in bars. There is a bed either on legs, or on wheels, or on runners. The last option is called a bed-pendulum or rocking bed. Some models have two bottom levels.
• Bed with a dresser. This model has many variations, but all of them are united by functionality. This bed is equipped with dressers, drawers, shelves, changing table. They can be ordered according to individual taste, choosing a color scheme. This type of crib allows you to save space, as well as store all children's things in one place.
• Bed arena. Reminds a playpen, the design consists of a frame and a stretched mesh and fabric. The playing space with the help of the transformation of the structure easily turns into a sleeping place. This option is convenient because it folds easily, so you can take a bed like this to the cottage and the nature.

All the above models of beds are used, as a rule, for children up to 2 years.. To achieve this age, it is already inconvenient to use such beds, because the child himself wants to climb and get out of bed, and the fears of night falls on the floor are already behind.

• Bed with bumpers. This model looks like a single bed with a low bed and sides around the edges. The size of the bed: 150x80 or 140x70 centimeters. Most often, this model has built-in drawers, which are located under the bottom of the bed. The back, sides and boxes can be painted with various drawings.
• Sofa bed. In terms of its function, it resembles a bed with sides, but it looks like a small cozy sofa with a mattress.Parents like this model due to low cost and compactness, as well as the ability of such a sofa to become a beautiful element of the interior in the apartment.

The following bed options are suitable for a baby aged 3 years:

• Transforming bed. If we talk about the appearance of this model, it resembles a bed with dressers and drawers. A distinctive feature is the ability of the crib structures to gradually move apart and become larger, in accordance with the size of the child. There are also models where the bed is transformed into a table or another type of furniture for the daytime.

• Bed-typewriter. Recently, the stores have a large selection of beds, made in the style of the cartoon. In boys, this is a cot-cars, as well as with the image of Spiderman and other characters. Girls are in demand beds for princesses, in the form of bears, cats, etc.

• Bunk bed. This option is suitable for families with two children. They take up little space and at the same time are an area for children's games. In addition to sleeping places, the kit may include a table, cabinets, drawers and always a staircase. The bunk bed can be made in the form of a bus, fire truck, etc.

In addition to the appearance and functionality, parents when choosing a bed should pay attention to the material from which it is made. Most often in stores there are beds made of chipboard, wood, iron, plastic.

• Cots of wood. Wood is a natural material, which is why it is environmentally safe for a child. The structure of the tree consists of fiber, which makes it easy to process this material and give any design form. It is worth paying attention that all elements of the bed should be perfectly polished so as not to plant a splinter. If the tree is treated with a means, for example, varnish, you should make sure that the composition is harmless.
• Cots of chipboard. Some parents want to buy a wooden bed, but it is expensive and heavy. In this case, an excellent option would be the bed of chipboard. They are inexpensive, practical, lightweight. Of the minuses - this material is afraid of moisture, from which it swells and loses its shape. Also, there are harmful resins in the material. It is necessary to ensure that their level does not exceed the norm. It is necessary to buy such bed only with the certificate.
• Plastic bed. The beds of this material weigh little, making it easy to carry them, easy to assemble and disassemble. In addition, high-quality plastic is a durable material that does not require special care. Among the shortcomings - inexpensive beds are made of plastic, which can be toxic.
• Cots made of metal. Recently, this material began to be in demand. In appearance, this bed resembles a classic one, only the bars and the frame are made of metal. Some models are transformers and move apart in length with the growth of the child. Non-toxic powder paint should be used as a coating. Buy this model should also be from a trusted manufacturer, since the life of the furniture depends on it.

When choosing a crib, parents should consider some criteria.

• The distance between the rods should be no more than 6 cm, so that the baby’s head could not get stuck.
• It is recommended to purchase a cot in which the bottom consists of rails. This will provide ventilation mattress.
• A crib on wheels is more convenient than the rest, since it can be easily moved around the room, as well as rock the baby.
• It is better to choose beds in which you can change the height of the bottom. This is convenient for both parents and baby, especially when he learns to sit and stand in his box.
• Bed material should be high quality and non-toxic. This will not worry about the situation when the child decided to try the bed "to the tooth."
• An important criterion when choosing a crib is the strength of the mechanisms. The connecting elements of wood and plastic are short-lived. Parts must be made of metal that does not break.

The child’s sleeping place is not only a bed, but also bed linen and accessories.

• Mattress. It must fit the size of the bed. Standard children's bed has a size of 120x60 centimeters. Before buying a mattress should be removed the size of the bed. It is recommended to choose a mattress with natural fillers, for example, with bamboo.
• Bumper. The sewn from fabric sides protect the child from blows during the movement. In addition, these bumpers protect the baby from drafts, closing it. The bumper also acts as a decoration for the bed and has a variety of colors.
• Pillow. It does not need children up to a year. Older children need a rectangular pillow, moderately stiff and low. The length of the pillow is usually 30-40 centimeters, width - 40-60 centimeters. Pillows with artificial fillers are considered to be durable, but they do not breath well and increase sweating. Fillers from natural ingredients "breathe", but often cause allergies.
• A blanket. Parents should purchase several blankets at different times of the year, because the temperature in the room varies. In addition, the blanket should be "at the time" of the child, not too large and not small. For a standard baby bed, a blanket of 80x120 centimeters will fit.
• Linens. The kit includes at least two duvet covers, three, four sheets. The best option would be bedding made of cotton and flannel.
• Canopy. It helps to protect the sleep of the child. Protects the child from sunlight, insects, dust, serves as interior decoration.

In a standard children's bed, babies usually sleep up to 2, 5 or 3 years. If a second child is born in a family, then the firstborn is bought a new bed even earlier. The main reason for changing the bed is when the child grew out of it. He must be mentally and physically ready to change the bed.

Some children do not agree to change the bed, even when they have legs out of the crib.

It is recommended to first put the child to sleep in a new place during the day so that he gets used to it. Sometimes it takes a child 3-4 months to get used to a new bed.

For information on how to choose the right crib for a child, see the “Live Healthy” program.