On the eve of the birth of the long-awaited baby, the future parents, in a hurry to acquire all the necessary, first of all think about buying a baby crib. And this is correct: after all, during the first months of life a newborn should sleep a lot. And if you do not make the wrong choice, you can rest well yourself. Contents:
- Best baby bed companies
- Baby cot arrangement
- Baby cot types
- Crib selection options
- Which baby cot to choose
- How much does a baby cot cost
The best cot makers - which firm to choose
The domestic market includes dozensmanufacturers of children's furniture. The most popular products of Russian companies and CIS countries. Their cribs are highly durable, affordable and made from natural( read - eco-friendly) materials.
We recommend that you pay attention to the models of the following brands:
1. Gandylian
2. Red Star
3. Agate
4. Baby Care
5. Erbesi
In this article you can read about the best baby cots of the listed brands. But do not dwell on the choice of the manufacturer. You still have to figure out all the variety of baby cots and their features.
The device of a cot
The classical cot is simple furniture, and for hundreds of years its design has not undergone any significant changes. The main elements here are the frame, assembled from the backs and adjacent high sides, as well as the hard bottom, covered with a mattress.
However, the configuration of some models may slightly differ and include additional details:
- Rocking pads;
- Pendulum mechanism;
- Wheels;
- Swaddling table, chest of drawers, chest, table;
- Drawers for laundry.
Types of beds for newborns
Classic
The most popular and budget option for children's furniture. Such beds are made of metal pipes or wood. For production, most often used beech, birch, pine, aspen or maple. And it is better to buy a model, well polished, but not varnished. If you want a metal frame, you'll also have to look for soft pads for the sides.
Almost all modern classic cribs are equipped with wheels for convenient movement and a height adjustment of the bottom( the upper position is intended just for the newborn).When the child grows up, you can lower the bottom of the bottom. In general, all classics are designed for children from birth to 3 years and has standard sizes of a sleeping place 120x60 cm.
Expensive models can be equipped with a drawer in which it is convenient to store children's things and toys. But it makes the whole construction heavy and clumsy. Another good solution - removable side walls. Thanks to them, an ordinary crib easily turns into a crib.
Pros:
- Stability;
- Eco-friendly materials;
- Simplicity of construction;
- Low cost;
- Long service life.
Cons:
- The sides of the side walls sometimes have to be covered with soft curtains;
- No arches and other mechanisms for motion sickness.
Rockers and pendulums
The pendulum option is considered more useful for the development of the child's vestibular apparatus, and besides it has a fixation system that excludes spontaneous swinging. Unfortunately, after a while such a mechanism begins to squeak or even fails. Any cot-rocking cot is a variation on the theme of classical models, but already equipped with arches on legs or a pendulum mechanism. Such furniture is ideal for capricious and "hand" babies, who have to rock before bedtime for a long time.
Pros:
- Comfortable to rock the baby;
- Can be used for up to 3 years;
- Swing lock.
Cons:
- The pendulum models are short-lived, although they are not cheap.
Cradles( cradles)
A cot-bed is ideal for crumbs up to 4 months old. It is compact and allows the baby to feel more comfortable, as in the mother's tummy. A light cradle can be attached to a stationary high frame or suspended on special straps in a standard sized crib if you got a 2-in-1 model.
This option is ideal for active parents: many mini-cribs can easily be carried by special handles, so as not to wake the baby. In addition, a small cradle does not take up much space in the room. And if you are ready to be generous with the purchase of an expensive functional model, you will find in it many more pleasant options like backlighting or an electronic motion sickness system.
Pros:
- Compact;
- Mobility;
- Relatively light weight;
- Causes a child's sense of security.
Cons:
- The kid will quickly outgrow the cradle, and have to buy an ordinary baby cot;
- Some models have blind walls.
Transformers
Transformers are very popular among young parents due to their versatility, although they are not cheap and take up a lot of space in the children's room. But this is a full-fledged furniture wall, which will serve the kid at least to the first class, and even longer.
In addition to a sleeping place, this can include changing table, chest of drawers, pedestal and bottom boxes for toys. And over time, all these elements can easily be removed, folded or moved apart and get a full-sized bed for the student. And on sale you can find unusual variants of oval or round shape transformers, which are disassembled, turning into a pair of children's armchairs and a table.
Pros:
- Multifunctionality;
- A large number of drawers and cabinets for storage of children's things;
- Stylish design;
- The bed can be used before school age.
Cons:
- Occupies a lot of space;
- High price;
- A few years may get bored.
Cradle-wheel
Lightweight but stable 2-in-1 models have soft fabric edges with mesh inserts. Also in one of the sidewalls there is a valve-inlet, zip-fastened. For the newborn this station wagon can be used as a crib, especially if it is possible to install the bottom part higher. Babies who already know how to sit will be able to play here, as in a conventional arena.
Thanks to its light weight and folding design, it is convenient to take these beds with you on a trip or just take out to the yard so that the child sleeps or plays in the fresh air.
The dimensions of the 2-in-1 model slightly outperform the classic cribs: they are slightly shorter, but much wider than conventional furniture. But in terms of their functional they are already approaching transformers, since they can be equipped with an overhead changing table, hanging shelves, pockets, as well as a mosquito net and a sunshade.
Pros:
- Mobility;
- Multifunctionality;
- Bright, beautiful colors;
- Absolutely safe;
- Will serve a child up to 2-3 years.
Cons:
- Without rigid side rails, it is difficult for a toddler to learn how to climb;
- The bottom is not very well located;
- Not designed for children heavier than 15 kg.
Options for choosing baby cots
Having dealt with the main types of baby cots, let's look at the parameters that must be taken into consideration when buying.
Materials for the manufacture of
The basic requirements for materials from which children's furniture are made are extended to cribs. This is sufficient strength, environmental friendliness and safety for the baby's health.
The following materials are more or less suitable for the acceptable parameters:
1. Wood
Natural hardwood( beech, birch, alder, oak), finely ground and not coated with any varnishes or paints, is the safest option. Pine products are usually cheaper, but because of the soft structure of this wood, scratches and chips are easily formed on it, and there are no splints near there.
2. MDF
A cot with the use of wood fiber boards( MDF or chipboard) can be bought only if their emission class is not higher than E1.This parameter is indicated in the hygienic certificate, so be sure to ask the seller for this document. Keep in mind that pressed boards of such a high quality cost a lot of money, so you can not save.
3. Steel or aluminum
Metal cribs are distinguished by their high strength, considerable weight and high cost. But they serve forever and allow any cleaning. But take care that all the side walls are covered with fabric covers.
4. Polypropylene and ABS plastic of high quality
The plastic is not only light in weight, but also of low strength, therefore the crib where such material is used will not last long. The problem is that not all manufacturers monitor the quality of plastic components, and in fact they are toxic and can cause a newborn allergy. Therefore, either take a crib of a well-known firm, or at all refuse plastic parts - even if it's trivial things like handles, rivets and stoppers.
Dimensions
This indicator is especially important for owners of a small living space, where a cot is reserved for a strictly limited space.
Focus on such figures:
- The classic in length and width measures 120x60 cm( European standard 125х65 cm);
- Transformers initially more - 140x70 cm, and in the decomposed state "grow up" to 190x80;
- Cradles for the smallest do not exceed 97x55 cm.
Knowledge of the size of the bed is needed not only to fit it into the layout of the room. For standard dimensions, manufacturers of children's bed linen, mattresses and other bedding are oriented. It is better to immediately take a model of some common size, otherwise you will have to sew the sheets yourself or order an expensive mattress according to individual measures.
Safety issues
Safety is the main requirement for all children's products, and cribs are no exception. Sleeping place of a child up to 3 years old must have protective edges protecting it from accidental falling during sleep and play. If they consist of wooden slats, the optimal distance between the crossbeams is not more than 6 cm: then a small leg or handle here is definitely not stuck.
All parts of the device must fit tightly to each other - without backlashes and gaps. This will protect the baby from accidental jamming. The corners must be rounded( no sharp edges), and the metal fasteners are recessed into the body.
It is undesirable to choose an overly light cot, and even with a narrow base. Such a model will be unstable, and the little creature will be able to turn it around. Prefer a wide product with a low center of gravity and the ability to lower the bottom when the child grows up.
In modern beds, from 2 to 5 levels of the height of the deckchair. The uppermost position is suitable for newborns: they are not too mobile, they can not sit still, and it will be more convenient for mother to take care of a crumb without bending into three deaths. The older child needs high sides so that he can not climb over them or fall out, leaning over the edge.
What kind of cot for a newborn to choose
1. If you are constrained in money or want to buy a simple and eco-friendly baby cot, choose a classic wooden furniture made of beech or birch.
2. The toddler is restless and sleeps better with you in the same room? Then you will need a model with a removable or sinking side wall. A cot-rocking chair is also suitable - with arches or a pendulum mechanism.
3. Parents of twins, as well as those who have a small living space, at first have enough compact cradles.
4. For those who prefer to buy practical furniture for many years, we advise you to acquire a sliding transformer that will "grow" with your child. Most often, these kits are made of wood and chipboard or MDF, so before buying, be sure to check the certificates of conformity for the goods.
5. If you plan to have several children and want to save on buying furniture for them, immediately take a strong iron bed.
6. For lovers of trips to the country and residents of the private sector, a cot-riding arena is ideal, which can easily be folded and taken with you on the road, or simply carried out into the yard on a fine day.
How much are baby cots
1. Prices for classic wooden cribs range from 2500-107000 rubles - depending on the type of wood, the availability of additional elements and the promotion of the brand.
2. The same classic, but already made in metal, costs from 6500 to 13000 rubles.
3. Cradles, despite the reduced functionality and miniature sizes are quite expensive - from 3000 to 55000 rubles.
4. Even more will have to pay for the transformer( 4,5-85 thousand rubles.), But here at least it is clear what you are paying such money for.
5. A simple rocking chair or pendulum model can be found at a price of 1800-3000 rubles, if you refer to the range of domestic manufacturers. Famous brands produce furniture for 9000-25000.
6. 2-in-1( manege and bed) can be bought for both 3500 and 20 thousand rubles. Everything depends on the quality of the materials, the equipment and the name of the manufacturer.