Tips for choosing a crib
But how to make the right choice among the wide variety of types, models and sizes of children's beds?
If you stay with us a little longer, we will try to help you by introducing you to some of the most important criteria to look for when choosing a crib.
Practical tips for choosing a crib
Start setting a budget
The times we live in require good financial planning. And no, this does not mean saving money at the expense of the quality of the crib - you should definitely not do that.
It simply means getting a realistic idea of how much you can afford and, based on that, start looking for a bed for your little one.
For example, if the budget you have available is not very large, instead of looking for the most expensive branded bed for your baby or small child, you can limit your search to cribs or cribs from manufacturers that offer high quality but at a slightly cheaper price.
The market currently offers a wide range of modern, stylish, comfortable and, above all, high-quality beds for a children's room at affordable prices from producers who, although not so popular, do not compromise on the quality of the products they offer for children.
Consider the age of the child
We hardly need to say that the beds of newborns are different from those of older children.
Therefore, it is important to take into account the age of the child for whom you choose a crib.
Bed for a newborn
For example, if you choose a baby bed for your baby, you should decide whether you want to choose a baby bed/crib or a rocking bed.
We say this because although both types are intended for babies and very young children, they differ both in size and construction, as well as in the time in which children can use them.
The rocking beds, for example, are very comfortable and are suitable for children's rooms and bedrooms that do not have much space, but they are smaller and children can only sleep comfortably in them during the first months of their lives.
The baby cots and cots are more voluminous and their price is slightly higher, but honestly they are preferred by parents, since the little ones can sleep in them from birth, up to the age of 2-3 years or even more.
In addition, most models of these baby cribs have practical drawers for storing clothes and items, which is another advantage.
Bed for children from 4-5 years
If you are looking for beds for older children, you can opt for baby beds or low cots with safety rails on the sides, as well as evolution beds that "grow" with the child.
Bed for children from 5-6 years
And if you decide to have an even bigger child (from 5-6 years old), you can consider buying a traditional bed (single bed with a size for an adult).
Bunk beds, four-poster beds, models in the shape of a car, ball, rocket or other fun shape, as well as evolutionary children's beds can also be a good choice for older children.
Special attention must be paid to the mattress
When choosing a mattress for the child's bed, whether you have chosen a baby bed, a rocking bed or a standard bed, it is good to bet on a mattress with a high hardness.
We recommend opting for hard mattresses because, in addition to providing a comfortable place to sleep, they are very useful for the health of the baby and the childbecause they provide the perfect support for the little one's spine.
It is also good that the mattress is mite-repellent, hypoallergenic, easy to care for and, if possible, equipped with an underlay against bedwetting.
As for the dimensions, the children's mattress should be between 13 and 20 cm thick, and the width and length should perfectly match the bed frame and the slatted base.
Tip: If you are hesitant to choose a standard mattress or reversible mattress for your baby or toddler bed, we advise you to opt for a reversible mattress.
The reversible mattresses are easier to clean, they can rotate depending on the season (winter/summer) and the child will sleep on them longer.
Don't underestimate the materials of the crib
Both the quality of the bed and the safety of the child depend on the materials. For this reason, we recommend paying special attention to them.
Today, there are baby and children's beds made of various materials such as wood, laminated chipboard, MDF, metal and others to choose from on the market.
Logically, furniture (including children's beds) made of natural wood is preferred, as wood is an ecological, durable and extremely hard-wearing material.
Unfortunately, wooden beds are quite massive, heavy, and the price of such a bed is not one of the most affordable.
That's why many parents opt for a children's or baby bed made of laminated chipboard or MDF, as these materials are not only sufficiently strong and durable, but also significantly lighter than solid wood.
In addition, cots can be made of chipboard or MDF in any size, color and finish, and their price is much more acceptable and affordable for average families.
Metal cots are also very up-to-date at the moment, because metal is extremely strong and durable. The disadvantages of metal-framed children's beds are that they do not fit all interior styles and that their price is slightly higher than beds made of chipboard or MDF.
Where the crib should be located
Whether it is a good idea to place the baby's bed in the parents' bedroom, there is a single and 100% correct answer.
According to some experts, but also many parents, it is good to have the newborn's bed in the parents' bedroom, at least for the first few months.
On the one hand, the baby will sleep more deeply and more peacefully, since he will feel the closeness of his parents, and on the other hand, it will be easier for parents to observe the child when he is asleep and react quickly when he cries.
However, according to another part of parents and experts, the better option is to put the crib in the nursery and sleep the baby in it after birth.
In defense of their claim, the experts point out that babies who sleep independently in the nursery later become more self-reliant and independent.
Safety comes first
Although we have left safety as the last in our list of tips for choosing a crib, it is in fact the first thing to pay a lot of attention to.
What do we mean by that?
Pay attention to the quality of the workmanship
No matter what type of children's or baby bed you choose, you have to pay attention to the quality of its workmanship.
In other words, you should check that the mounting joints are made of metal, strong and properly made. Also, make sure that all edges are rounded and that the headboard and bed frame are well leveled.
It is also not bad to check the distance between the slats and the slatted base, especially if you buy the slatted frame and mattress separately.
Consider the height of the bed
The height should not be more than 30 cm from the ground. A lower bed allows the child to get in and out more stably and certainly prevents another fall.
Make sure the grid is high enough
Not only must it be stable and high enough so that the child cannot fall over it, but its bars must also be far enough away that the little one cannot crawl through.
It is also not bad that the grid can be removed after some time when the child is old enough and no longer needs it.
Ensuring the bed is free of toxic paints and coatings
Since the little ones often chew on the frame or rods of the divider, it is essential to be sure that no harmful varnishes, paints or adhesives have been used in the production of the crib you want to buy.
source :Practical tips for choosing children's beds I expedo.bg | Expedo-moebel.de
