Pregnant women have many signs regarding childbirth and the unborn baby. One of them: you can’t buy any items for a baby before his birth. However, there are individual items that must be selected in advance in any case. And furniture for the nursery is one of them. Further we will consider which crib for a newborn is better to choose.
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The first problem that a couple preparing to become parents will encounter is an extensive selection of furniture. There are many types of cribs adapted to different needs. Expectant mother and father will have to choose from a huge list of options:
- crib;
- classic bed;
- children's sofa bed;
- convertible bed.
This is just a general list of possible types of beds. Each of these options has its own varieties, which we will discuss in more detail below. However, before choosing a crib for a newborn, it is necessary to solve a more important issue.
Task for mom
Undoubtedly, it is very important to choose the right crib for a newborn. But before that, the expectant mother must come to a definite decision whether she will take the child to her bed. After all, the habits of the newborn, the comfort of the parents, and the calm sleep of the baby will depend on this.
In general, young parents are divided into two warring camps, and the “wars” in women's forums do not cease for a minute. The arguments of each of the parties can sound very convincing, and even experienced pediatricians and pediatric neurologists cannot resolve the conflict. Supporters of separate sleep believe that in this way the child will grow more independent, and the members of the “joint rest” camp enjoy a quiet child and have more time for leisure, however, they lie with their child.
In fact, if you decide to put the child near by, then perhaps the question of buying a crib can be postponed until later, paying more attention to the stroller and finding a suitable hospital.
If you doubt whether the child will sleep separately, but do not want to refuse to buy furniture, then you can turn your attention to the beds with removable bumpers. But first things first.
Cradles
So, how to choose a crib for a newborn? Let's start with the simplest option. Cradles used in ancient Russia. Now this option can only afford a wealthy family. Why? Everything is very simple. Let's look at the benefits of a cradle:
- small size;
- relatively light weight.
That's all. A bit, isn't it? Now take a look at the flaws:
- The small size will not allow the child to sleep in it for more than six months.
- Due to its high height, it is impossible to leave the child alone if he learns to sit and, especially, crawl.
- The price of cradles is no different from the cost of full beds, so buying furniture for six months, not being sure that you will need it, is a waste for the average family.
- The inconvenience of the design. If the baby wakes up at night, mother will have to bend low to take it. Once is not a problem, but running to a newborn ten times a night can easily make back pain.
Separately, it is worth returning to the question of price. The cost of such cradles can vary from 5-6 thousand for a simple one and up to tens of thousands for pathos and fashionable models with ruffles, a canopy and other joys of modern life.
In addition, cradles can have different supports - wheels, arcs (runners) and solid legs, but with a pendulum. If you are planning to purchase this type of furniture in a store, be sure to pay attention to the course of the motion sickness mechanism, its smoothness and softness.
Since we choose the best crib for a newborn to buy, it is better not to dwell on this option. Usually mothers take such things for free from friends or relatives.
Classic model
This option of beds came to us from the Soviet past. People who are interested in how to choose the right crib for a newborn often come across similar offers in stores. And the mother-in-law with the mother-in-law, most likely, will be advised precisely by him. What do we have in practice?
- strong wooden frame;
- a mechanism that increases the height of the handrails and the sunbed;
- security.
Of the obvious shortcomings, it is worth noting two nuances:
- bulkiness;
- impracticality.
In such a crib, the child will be able to sleep for a very long time, even if he was already 6-7 years old. However, until he can get out of it on his own, mom and dad will have to help him, and this is daily physical activity on the back with a 6-25 kg child.
Modern classic models are also equipped with pendulums of varying degrees of complexity. This can be ordinary wheels on legs, and an arc connecting the supports, and a pendulum mechanism.
The latter, by the way, should be given special attention. If you choose the simpler and cheaper option, then it can be ordinary plastic holders. But in this case, the child simply needs to be strictly controlled so that he does not jump in the crib and swing it. More expensive options include metal pendulums, and even automatic electronic mechanisms that trigger a baby’s cry and begin to rock it themselves. However, as practice shows, children often need a parent, and automation will not put them to sleep.
Sofa bed
Considering what is better to choose cribs for newborns, be sure to stop at this option and think carefully. What is the meaning of this furniture? One of the walls of the crib is calmly unscrewed with a screwdriver, and the berth turns into a comfortable folding sofa on which a schoolboy can sleep. There is also a simpler option - the so-called bed-bed. She removes both sides, and it turns out quite a comfortable and stable couch for an older child.
The advantages of buying such a bed are obvious:
Of the minuses, it is worth noting:
- Irrational use of the place. Until the child turns 5-6 years old, the bed will take up much more space than a cradle or "classic".
- Mobility. The legs of such models are often devoid of wheels, so pulling a bed around the apartment will be inconvenient.
In general, this type of berth has one indisputable advantage - removing one of the lattices, you can put the crib against your own, and if the child suddenly wakes up at night without getting up to breastfeed him or simply put his hand on him so that he can feel the presence of his mother nearby.
As for the price, the situation is similar to cradles. “Sofas” will be expensive, and “beds” differ in cost depending on the imagination of the furniture maker.
Transformers
So we got to the most fertile soil when considering how to choose a crib for a newborn. Competitive species have already been considered, the last one left. Transformers - cribs with two or more modules.
The transformer basic set includes three elements:
- sleeping area;
- lower drawer;
- chest of drawers (sometimes with a built-in changing table).
Initially, all parts are assembled in a single design. As a result, my mother has a classic-looking bed with built-in drawers for diapers. As the child grows, the sides are first removed, then the chest of drawers is removed. In some cases, a place for writing is collected from the changing table. It turns out a bed on which a person 1.7 meters or more can fit.
But not everything is so rosy. These beds are very massive and heavy, which means that you will have to immediately allocate a place for them. You just don’t push them. If the child refuses to sleep without a mother, you will not be able to move the bed closer to yourself. Also, kits usually do not have canopies, so they need to be purchased separately.
If we talk about long-term prospects, then the child may not want to sleep 10 years on the same bed. In this case, it will either have to be sold or thrown away.
The price category of such a bed depends on the number of modules and the presence of a built-in pendulum. On average, about 10-15 thousand rubles will have to be paid for a budget transformer.
Requirements
The following point is very important in the question of how to choose a crib for a newborn. The rules presented below directly affect the health and development of the baby:
- Natural materials. No special explanation is required here. The subject with which the newborn will be in contact for almost 18-20 hours a day in the first month of life should be collected from environmentally friendly materials.
- Convenience. The best cribs can be adjusted in height. In the upper position, they are used to sleep the newborn, so that it is easier for parents to take the baby. The lower position is suitable to leave the baby there to play. This rule applies to classic models and transformers.
- Security. The child should not climb through the bars or get out through the side.
- Reliability. The bed should be firmly fastened. Unfortunately, this item often contradicts the presence of a pendulum mechanism on the crib (in 80% of cases it is made of ordinary plastic).
Following these points, you will protect yourself and the child from unnecessary stress, problems and dangerous situations.
Additional help
We figured out the main nuances of the problem of how to choose a crib for a newborn. The tips below should pay attention to expectant mothers and fathers:
- Any new thing has its own "industrial" smell. In this regard, it is recommended to buy a crib in advance in order to manage to weather it.
- Prepare a place for the crib. Take measurements so that the furniture can fit in the space allotted for it.
- A place for a crib must comply with certain sanitary standards. Adequate lighting, the absence of drafts and dangerous objects are vital indicators.
- Allow extra space for the pendulum if you plan to purchase such furniture.
- It is better to purchase a bed with a mattress, which is ideal in size. But in this case, pay attention to the quality thereof. A little further we will analyze this issue.
- Carefully check the crib for factory defects, uneven surfaces and smoothness. Any violation of the integrity of the coating can lead to a child being injured or a splinter.
- Good cribs have silicone or plastic piping on the sides. This will protect the baby's furniture and cutting teeth from damage.
Ratings and reviews
If you are going to purchase furniture for your child by reviews or ratings, be careful. The thing is that people do not like to admit their mistakes. Therefore, after reading good reviews, which crib to choose for a newborn, do not rush headlong into the store.
A vivid example. A newly-made mother brings home a child from the hospital and puts in a bought (donated) cradle for 50 thousand rubles. This was the first and last time a child lay in it. After another child’s hysteria, my mother began to take the child to her side on the parent's bed, and the cradle remained dusty until better times.
Thus, before deciding which crib to choose for a newborn according to reviews of friends / relatives / forums, it is better to think for yourself, weigh all the pros and cons of each type of furniture and make your own decision.
The same can be said of ratings. But here the situation is a little different. If we consider the question of how to choose a crib for a newborn by rating among pieces of furniture of the same type (for example, classics), then it will be easy to make a top. For example, "Papaloni Giovanni" and Baby Italia Dolly lead in many ratings. Moreover, the first option, for 9000 p., Has a lower drawer, but without a pendulum, and the second option, for 15000 p., Stands on skids, but does not have additional space for things. And here the choice depends on the capabilities and needs of the parents.
If we talk about the rating of types of cribs, then everything is more complicated, and depends on the luck of the buyer and the quality of the furniture purchased. In general, the types of cribs can be arranged as follows.
- Classical
- Crib with removable side walls.
- Transformer.
- Sofa bed.
- Cradle.
This is due to the poor quality of manufactured products. For example, transformers have a low rating because of their massiveness and supposedly narrow berth, although this depends on the specific model. Classic wins due to mobility and ease of assembly, in addition, good stores provide free furniture assembly services.
In general, how to choose a crib for a newborn? Rely on your housing situation and personal preference. Each little child is already a person, so if he does not want to sleep in the crib, then this will be his decision, not yours.
Mattress
So, we figured out how to choose a crib for a newborn. But that is not all. Another important aspect is the mattress on which the child will sleep. How to choose a mattress for a newborn in a crib? It is necessary to take into account such parameters as:
- Rigidity. The skeleton of the newborn in the first months is still formed and grows stronger. Therefore, the stiffer the mattress, the better. This will form the correct posture.
- Environmental friendliness. The mattress should be made of natural and safe materials so that the child does not have allergies.
- Dimensions Naturally, it should fit in a purchased crib.
- Security. Even when buying a mattress from reputable manufacturers, metal springs should be avoided. During marriage (or fake), in the best case, this system may be inconvenient or create a load on the spine of the child, in the worst case, it will tear the mattress and may cause injury to the sleeping person.
- Reliability. Pay attention to the brand of the manufacturer. Do not be too lazy to ask the sellers for delivery documents, a supply contract, certificates.
- Buy orthopedic mattresses only on the advice of a doctor.
How to choose if there are so many criteria? First of all, pay attention to the first two points. Next up will be the question of price. The cost of mattresses varies from 2 thousand to 10 000 for innovative models.
After that, you can already pay attention to other details.
A blanket
You figured out how to choose a crib for a newborn and a mattress in it? There was the last step in preparing a berth for the child. What blanket to choose for a newborn in a crib? There are several types that you should pay attention to:
- The envelope. Very practical option. Used for discharge from the hospital, and then can migrate to the crib. Be careful not to confuse with ordinary decorated envelopes that are suitable exclusively for the first photo shoot.
- Woolen. Very warm, but at the same time they remove excess heat well and do not allow the baby to sweat. Ideal for winter and cold apartments.
- Downy. They also warm well, but can be sources of allergic reactions.
- Wadded. Natural cotton wool perfectly warms and does not cause allergies, but it is very heavy and accumulates moisture (sweat).
- Synthetics. Not every synthetic material is suitable for a particular child. Sintepon, holofiber, comfort - cheap and lightweight materials, well suited for the warm season. Of the significant disadvantages - poorly absorb moisture.
In general, you need to choose a blanket based on the time of year, temperature and financial capabilities, since you can never be sure that it will suit the child. If we talk about the universal option, then in winter it is better to take woolen clothes, and in the summer get along with diapers. Remember that the temperature regime for the newborn needs to be selected wisely. You shouldn’t make a mimosa out of a child from Mikhalkov’s poem, but you don’t need to turn it into a walrus either.