Usually, even before the birth of a child, mom and dad begin to worry about purchasing all the necessary things for him, including children's furniture, in particular, a cradle. A cradle for a baby can be called one of the most important acquisitions, which will be relevant from birth to 4-9 months.
A baby cradle will be needed by a child until they reach six months of age
Features of using cradles for newborns
The operation of such furniture has its own characteristics, which are determined by a number of factors. These include:
- Advantages and disadvantages of using a cradle;
- Varieties of lullabies for newborns;
- Product design;
- Sizes, accessories and more.
The main features of the cradle include:
- A short sleeper (length varies from 70 to 100 cm). The width is about 40-45 cm.
- The cradle for newborns is located on wheels, classic wooden legs or arches.
- The model can be supplemented with various accessories and functional elements (basket for storing things, mobile, mattress, cupboard for storing hygiene items, etc.).
Benefits of using
A cradle for a baby has both advantages and disadvantages. Compared to a regular crib, the carrycot has several significant advantages:
- A suitable sleeping area, making the newborn feel comfortable. In addition, the modest dimensions allow parents to easily rock the baby;
- The cradle for a newborn baby is equipped with a rocking mechanism, which contributes to the faster falling asleep of the crumbs;
- This bed is great for small spaces, as it takes up very little space;
- The cradle is very easy to carry to any suitable place, which allows parents to be close to the baby, without interrupting household chores;
- Many models are equipped with additional functions and accessories: playing calm melodies, automatic motion sickness, mobile and more.
On a note. Modern cradles have many useful features that make childcare easier. However, do not forget that they cannot completely replace parental love and attention.
Disadvantages
Despite the many advantages, cribs also have some disadvantages. These include:
- Short term of use (usually until the child reaches six months of age);
- Quite high price of the product.
Varieties of cradles
There are several popular types of cribs, which differ in the mechanism for motion sickness. In accordance with this feature, the following structures are distinguished:
- Classic;
- Cradle;
- Automatic;
- Suspended;
- Transformer;
- Mobile;
- Attached.
Classic
A traditional version of conventional cribs with a motion sickness function (manual mechanism). For the manufacture of furniture, an array of birch is used, which is sanded or varnished during processing. The position of the bottom can be adjusted. The bed itself rests on wheels, with which it can be moved around the house. There is no mattress for this type of cradle.
Classic bed
Cradle
This crib is very similar to a stroller carrycot. The length of the product is about 80-85 cm. Metal and plastic are used to make the cradle. The main part of the structure is covered with cotton on the inside and trimmed with decorative fabric on the outside. Often there are models that close like a cocoon, this design helps to protect the baby from loud sounds and bright light.
Automatic
This option is a cradle equipped with an electronic unit, a control panel, and a night light. The set is also complemented by a selection of soothing music.
The control system allows you to adjust the speed and time of motion sickness. Interestingly, some of the more expensive models independently respond to the crying of a child and include a vibration mode.
Recommendation. The main purpose of this model is to calm and lull the child, so it is better to use it as an addition to the main sleeping area.
Hanging cradle in the crib
Such a cradle for newborns is suitable for those cases when a stationary bed is already available. The latter, as a rule, does not provide an opportunity to rock the child (the maximum is to roll from side to side, if there are wheels). A fabric cradle for newborns will help to solve the problem, which is easily attached to the sides of the crib, and when it is no longer needed, it can be easily removed.
Suspended model
Cradle design features
Any cradle for newborns consists of two main elements:
- Frame;
- Sleeping place.
The first part of the structure is the base of the crib, on which the stability and reliability of the latter depend. It is for this reason that it is very important that the frame is strong. These include metal and wood products. The latter, moreover, are environmentally friendly and completely safe, therefore they have an advantage over the rest.
On a note. It is desirable that the frame is not painted or covered with paint. The only exception is treatment with a special non-toxic substance against pests.
The disadvantage of metal frames is their invasiveness. In this regard, it is recommended to cover the item with a cloth.
Important! For greater reliability, fasteners for connecting parts of the frame must be metal (plastic or wood will not cope with the load).
The shape of the frame is selected depending on the type of bed. The most common option is oval. Rectangular and round products are much less common.
As for the berth, the most important parameter is its size. Width varies from 70 to 90 cm, length can be 30-50 cm. It is better to give preference to wider products, since a spacious bed will provide the baby with the greatest comfort, allowing him to turn freely. An equally important characteristic of the base is the material from which it is made. The recommended option is a lattice base made of wood or its lightweight counterpart, woven from willow vines or palm branches.
The walls of the bed are covered with linen or cotton fabric. A soft and resilient mattress is placed at the bottom of the bed, which most often comes with a crib.
Many models are equipped with a special dome-hood that protects the baby from light and loud sounds.
Frame types
Frames differ in material and shape. The most common types of frames include:
- Solid braided. Small-sized one-piece frame in the form of a wicker basket of rectangular or oval shape.
- Fabric. For manufacturing, dense fabrics are used, for example, eco-leather or ecological polyester. From the inside, the product is covered with linen or cotton. A not too dense fabric frame is usually used for hanging cradles, portable cradles, swing cots.
- Metal. The item is crafted from durable steel. To make the structure lighter, the bottom and sides are covered with a cloth, leaving only the frame of the box metal.
Good to know. One of the most popular types of product is the combination of a wooden bottom, fabric upholstery and a metal frame.
- Wood. It can be made either directly from wood or from plywood. Experts recommend making the bottom of plywood or durable fabric.
- Knitted. You can make the frame with knitting needles or crochet. To make the product more durable (due to the use of thick threads), original and attractive, it is recommended to create a thing using the macrame technique.
Wicker cradle
Mounting methods
If we are talking about a suspended cradle, then any model of this type assumes its attachment to something. The bed can be fixed on:
- Ceiling;
- Wall;
- Racks (such a cradle resembles a swing).
The choice of this or that mounting method is determined by the capabilities of the children's room and personal preferences. However, fixing the cradle to the ceiling is the most economical option, since the cradle in this case takes up very little space.
Cradle selection criteria
Each parent wants to buy a beautiful, comfortable and high-quality sleeping place for their child. In order for the selection of a product to be successful, certain criteria must be followed.
Quality mechanisms
A reliable, well-functioning mechanism is one of the most important selection criteria, since the safety of the crib primarily depends on it. Before purchasing, you need to make sure that the fasteners and the frame itself are strong.
The standard version assumes a single fastener consisting of:
- Hook;
- Springs;
- Spring hook;
- Rings;
- Carbine.
Sometimes double fasteners or a crossbar are used to strengthen the structure, however, if high-quality and safe materials were used to create the bed, a single fastener will be sufficient.
Dimensions
An important nuance that you need to consider when buying a cradle is the height of the sides. It should be at least 30-40 cm. If the height of the sides is insufficient, there will be a risk of the child falling out of the crib. The exact dimensions are chosen depending on the age of the baby.
Additional functions
Among the additional functions that modern crib models are often equipped with are:
- A regulator that allows you to change the position of the back;
- The mechanism for changing the height of the box;
- Detachable dome-hood;
- Removable sides;
- Bedside table;
- Movable mechanism;
- A fabric cover that can be removed for washing or replaced with a new one.
Cradle material
A very important point is the safety of the raw materials used to create the crib. It is better to opt for natural materials (for example, natural knitted fabric). If preference is given to an artificial version, then you need to make sure that the child is not allergic to this type of raw material.
Useful accessories
These include:
- A canopy that protects the baby from external irritants;
- Mobile with toys;
- Remote control for electronic cradles;
- Mattress;
- Blankets.
Cradle with mobile
Review of the best models
There is a huge variety of baby bassinets available. Some models are especially popular due to their high quality and affordable prices.
On a note. Most cribs can be easily purchased from an online store that specializes in baby furniture.
A budget option
The most popular and affordable brands are:
- Tiny Love;
- "Gandilyan";
- My baby.
Comfortable option
Among the classic models equipped with various additional functions that increase the ease of use, it is worth highlighting:
- Cradle for babies Next2me from Chicco from the Italian manufacturer;
- Rocking cradle Everflo (China);
- Cradle Polini from a Russian manufacturer;
- Babyhome Cradle (Spain);
- Summer infant cot made in China.
Premium option
The most expensive, but at the same time the most convenient and perfect are electronic models, for example:
- Rocking cradle BeeAngel (China);
- Simplcity 3 in 1 (USA or China);
- Jetem (Germany or China);
- 4 in 1 Mille bed from a Chinese manufacturer;
- Rocking cradle Pituso 4 in 1 (China).
Making a cradle with your own hands
It is quite possible to make a cradle for newborns yourself. The easiest option is to hang the main part of the stroller from the ceiling or build a crib from a hoop and cloth.
Required tools and materials
To create a cradle, you will need the following items:
- Hacksaw for wood;
- Screwdriver;
- Self-tapping screws;
- 4 planks, each 1-2 cm wide;
- Drill;
- Strong rope;
- Strong fabric.
Work progress
The work includes the following actions:
- First you need to make a drawing of the future product.
- Drill symmetrical holes in the sides (upper corners) to fix the cradle to the wall or ceiling.
- Drill holes in the sidewalls and end walls (along the bottom line) so that there is 3 cm between them.
- Fasten all sides with self-tapping screws.
- Make the bottom of a durable fabric (cut around the perimeter of the box).
- Make holes along the edges of the material to match the holes on the box.
- Overwrap the loops.
- Connect the fabric to the box with a rope or other strong rope.
- Attach the ropes for hanging the baby cotter.
Where to install the cradle
It is best to have the one-month-old cradle next to the parent's bed. This recommendation is especially true for newborns under 6 months of age. After six months, the child can gradually be accustomed to his own room. By this time, the cradle is no longer needed - it will be replaced by a cot.
A cradle for newborns is a necessary thing in the first months of a baby's life. Such a crib provides maximum comfort and allows the child to be rocked. All this contributes to faster falling asleep and improves the quality of sleep. At the same time, it is important to choose the right cradle for the baby so that it meets the requirements of quality, safety and comfort.
