A cradle for newborns is a rocking chair that fully or partially automates the process of rocking a baby. Smooth oscillation, thanks to runners or electronic system, completely imitates the natural lulling process. The variety of models allows you to choose a rocking chair for different requirements, which greatly facilitates childcare. It is recommended to use the cradle from the first days of the baby's life.
Stationary swing cradle
Features of the use of cradles for newborns
Rocking chairs for newborns are often presented in the form of adjustable chairs or small cots, which provide the baby with comfort and convenience. Multifunctional models serve as the main sleeping place for the baby.
Benefits of using
Baby rocking chairs meet many positive criteria:
- complete safety of the baby, thanks to the thoughtful arrangement of furniture;
- maximum comfort achieved by the orthopedic base;
- changing the shape of the bed due to adjustable elements;
- mobility.
With a small living space, the rocking chair takes up a minimum of space relative to stationary cots.
Disadvantages
Among the disadvantages of a rocking chair for babies, there is a short service life (within 6-12 months) and the high cost of furniture. The average price of classic models is 4,000 rubles, electronic ones - 25,000 rubles.
Varieties of rocker cradles
The main types of rockers differ in price and method of operation (mechanical models will cost less than electrical ones). The choice of the appropriate option is determined by the needs of the parents and the comfort of the baby.
Mechanical
Mechanical cradles-rocking chairs will be called models swinging from the movement of a child or the influence of an adult. Furniture legs are created in the form of runners, many models are supplemented with castors or runner locks.
Electronic
The electrolux for newborns works on the principle of an oscillating circuit, powered by batteries or mains. The model is recommended for babies from birth.
Electronic crib option
Features of frameworks for baby rocking chairs
Cots for newborns are suspended, attached, portable, stationary, on wheels. Traditional designs are suitable for children suffering from persistent abdominal pain, attached products allow you to lie down, "leveling" the cradle with the level of the bed, portable views provide mobility of designs. Hanging cots occupy a premium niche with a wide range of design options.
Cribs
The carrycot bed is suitable for children under 3 years of age. Furniture is made of aluminum or wood, the bed is trimmed with a soft fabric. Most of the models are equipped with additional castors at the bottom, runners that turn the cradle into a playpen or crib.
Suspended
Models with a fixed base (wood or wicker) have a suspended structure. The hammock is fixed to the ceiling and swings in all directions.
Baskets
Many parents will love the removable basket crib models. The sleeping place is easily removed from the frame, forming a portable cradle for the child. The resulting baskets are convenient to carry in your hands when walking, traveling, visiting the clinic.
Transformer
The model can be easily converted into a swing, child seat, chaise longue. Extended weight tolerances allow transformers to be used for up to 1 year.
Criteria for the selection of sleep cradles
A rocking cot for newborns must be ergonomic and functional. The task of the parents is to provide strength and safety, high quality textiles, physiological compliance of the baby with the crib.
Quality mechanisms
There are 2 swing mechanisms: longitudinal and transverse. The longitudinal version reproduces forward-backward movements, pediatricians recognize the model as more natural and often recommend it to parents.
Dimensions
The parameters of the cradle should correspond to the growth of the baby, withstand a mass of 2 times more than the crumbs. The sleeping place should be deep, excluding the child falling out. The standard dimensions of a hand-held rocking cot are 120x60 cm. Mini devices for children under 6 months reach 1 m in length and 50 cm in width.
Mechanical cradle
Additional functions
Additional options make the cradle's functionality wider, expanding the boundaries of operation. For example, the electric newborn cradle supports:
- 4-5 modes of motion sickness (swing, dance, auto, wave, vibration);
- reproduction of built-in sounds of nature, musical compositions;
- parental voice recording;
- changing the angle of inclination of the cradle;
- automatic motion sickness with baby crying;
- night light function.
The price of the device is determined by the functionality. Parents should select options in advance that suit their needs.
Cradle material
Natural breathable fabric is suitable for covering, the material should be easily removed.
Useful accessories
When choosing a rocking cot, useful additions deserve special attention:
- basket, shelf for linen;
- mosquito net or canopy;
- tension net at the bottom for storing toys;
- pockets sewn into textiles;
- seat belts.
Rocking clamps will not be superfluous. The element must be reliable and durable, allowing the movement of the rocking chair to be stopped at any time.
Review of the best models
The category includes popular cradles for newborns, awarded with positive reviews from orthopedists and users, due to the ideal combination of price, quality, functionality.
Budget option "My baby"
The cradle is equipped with a transverse pendulum, which can quickly calm and put your baby to sleep. The bed is made of solid birch, the wheels are made of plastic. The model is mobile, takes up a minimum of space (the size of the cradle is 90 × 45 cm), excludes the presence of sharp corners. A convenient lock is provided to prevent the cradle from rocking. The only inconvenience is created by noisy wheels.
Comfortable variant of Chicco Next2Me
The Chicco Next2Me electronic cradle for newborns is securely fixed to the parents' bed and is used permanently. The manufacturer of the model has provided 6 levels of height positions, a light aluminum base, 2 castors with brakes, a bag for carrying the cot. Mesh side panels provide good air circulation. The fabric is easy to remove and clean. The bed's sleeping place is 93x69 cm.
Carrycot Chicco Next2Me
Premium variant 4moms MamaRoo 4.0
The electric cradle for newborns of the American brand "Fomams" wins the hearts of parents with its multifunctionality. Model 4moms MamaRoo 4.0 is equipped with five-point seat belts, MP3, timer, has 5 modes of vibration and motion sickness. The backrest can be set in three positions. The cradle works from the euro socket. The maximum baby weight is 11 kg.
Tips for building the cradle yourself
When assembling a crib, you must adhere to the following sequence:
- Assemble the frame from the back and sides. Install the slats on the bottom or the holder in the ceiling (for suspended models).
- Mount the bottom part, side posts, headboard.
- Connect the bottom element with the swingarm with screws.
- Fasten the sides of the cradle to the uprights.
- Attach the runners with metal corners to the legs on the inside of the rocker.
Important! Before using the rocking cot, you should check how strong the product is.
Where to install the cradle-rocking chair in the children's room
The correct positioning of the baby bassinet is based on the following nuances:
- The optimum room temperature is 18-22 ° C; to avoid overheating of the child, place the crib away from heating appliances.
- The interior should exclude items that collect dust: carpets, rugs, heavy curtains, open cabinets, bookshelves. Dust is a habitat for pathogenic microbes, provoking childhood ailments.
- It is desirable to have a balcony in the children's room - a constant source of fresh air. At the same time, you should avoid the slightest drafts, warn the nearest location of the TV or music center.
- There should be no wall shelves above the cradle, pictures that could provoke an accident. Outlets are also unsafe for your baby.
- There are few indoor plants in the sleeping area, one is quite acceptable.
Baby bassinet in the interior
The correct positioning of the baby bassinet also implies good visibility and quality lighting. The kid will grow up to be smart and judicious if the nearest furniture does not prevent the child from viewing and analyzing the environment.
