Design, comfort, reliability and sustainability are usually the most important criteria when choosing a bed for a toddler. Parents often forget about safety, but purchasing a model with sides protects a 3-year-old baby from falling. From what material is it better to choose a bed and the sides themselves, what to take into account - we will talk about this in our article.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of having bumpers by the bed for a child of three years old:
- do not allow the child to fall in a dream;
- hold bed linen, so that it does not slip;
- favorite toys and other items for falling asleep do not fall during sleep.
- sometimes serve as a spectacular design element;
- serve as additional protection against drafts.
Minuses:
- Fabric crib bumpers will collect dust. But since they are removable, it is quite easy to solve this problem: you just need to wash them more often.
- Wooden sides hard, so the child needs to move carefully around the bed so as not to bump.
Types and models
Even adult children do not always control themselves during sleep, moving around the bed, so the sides will not be superfluous. It is important to take into account the age here, because soft sides can be suitable for children under three years old, but for older children it is better to choose a wooden version.
Classic cribs are among the most popular. In their modern design, they can be multifunctional and practical. They are designed to last for years of use. They have an adjustable bottom and are equipped with wheels for ease of movement.
Types of sides
Bumpers for babies' beds are also called bumpers or "security", because they protect the baby from falling.
Often they are soft, filled fabrics. In this case, they are attached around the perimeter of the crib, cover the handrails and railings of the structure. When moving around during sleep, the bumpers will not allow the baby to hit. This element also protects the child from the wind.
Most often, the bumpers are sold complete with a crib. If they are not there, then you can make them separately from wood or even sew them. Most often, manufacturers sew "secret police" from chintz, cloth or velor. The choice of these specific fabrics is due to their naturalness and hypoallergenicity.
- Soft sides. They are attached to the bed with Velcro or decorative buttons. Once secured, pay attention to how securely they hold. The soft sides are sometimes equipped with additional pockets in which you can put your favorite toys. Such bumpers are used up to a maximum of 3-4 years old; other options are suitable for older children.
- Removable crib pillows or toys in the form of a side will help create coziness in the room and serve as a developing element.
- Hanging organizer for baby cots. If it is filled with soft things and hung from a hard side, the organizer will protect the baby from impacts.
Dimensions
Models for children from 2-3 years old have standard sizes: 140x70 and 150x80 centimeters. If you intend to use the crib at a later age, a single bed will do - its size is about 100x190 cm.
Material
When choosing nurseries, it is important to pay attention to the material from which the product is created. Metal structures are more durable, but less comfortable. If you want to buy a wooden bed, you should give preference only to solid wood species: oak, maple, beech, pine.
The following materials are used for the production of beds:
- natural wood;
- Chipboard;
- metal;
- plastic;
- MDF.
Wood, with its natural origin and increased wear resistance, is ideal for the production of children's furniture, therefore, products from such material are presented in a wide range.
If you want to buy a good crib at a reasonable price, you need to look for softwood models. Please note that this type of wood is soft, so dents and scratches (for example, from children's toys) may appear on the surface of the product.
There will be no such problems with products made of beech, walnut, alder, cherry, birch, ash, maple.
If the surface of the bed is lacquered, it is worth clarifying which composition was chosen. It is better to give the advantage to water-based paint.
Particleboard in bed production is not a very suitable material, as it often releases toxins. However, it is widely represented in the economy class. Make sure the bed is made from EF EF material. Structural components of the crib must be additionally "sealed" (varnished and processed along the edge with a film or plastic).
MDF products are better. They are distinguished by their durability and perfectly retain their quality for years.
Plastic cribs are lightweight, but not very stable, therefore, models for small children are most often produced from them. Products of this type must necessarily have a certificate that guarantees their complete safety.
Mattress
The quality of the bed also depends on the mattress. If a child has problems with the spine, it is recommended first of all to pay attention to orthopedic models. In addition, pay attention to the strength and durability of the product, as soon the mattress may turn into a place for fun games or a trampoline.
The optimal thickness is six centimeters. Ecological fillers are coconut flakes with latex.
Colour
The influence of the shade on the mood and activity of the child is very large, and this should be used.
It is better to choose sleeping places for children from one to three years in bright natural shades of milky white, beige, vanilla, light gray, gray-green colors.
Soothing shades of blue, green, pink, turquoise, purple, brown can be used in large quantities in the bedroom. In addition, such shades are good for using in the rooms of hyperactive children. Blue, purple, black in small quantities will help calm and balance the psyche.
How to choose a quality and safe bed?
There are several factors to consider:
- Material... Better if it is pine, beech or birch.
- The size. The length should be 20 cm larger than the baby's height. Cribs are designed for children from two to five years old and are perfect for a three-year-old. They have standard sizes: 140 by 70 cm and 150 by 80 cm.
- Age. It is very important to take it into account: the model of the bed, its color and the set of functions that may be necessary depend on it.
- It is not at all necessary to buy a baby bed for growth. Better to periodically change your bedroom furniture.
Models
With drawers
Stationary or mobile (on wheels) structures equipped with one or two drawers. You will be able to effectively use the space under the bed, and easily store bedding.
With a saddle table
A piece of furniture that combines the functions of a changing chest of drawers and a baby cot. In some cases, the design assumes the presence of open shelves.
There are also transformer models that allow the bed to "grow" with the child.
A bed for children under the age of 3 should not only be comfortable, but also mobile. If necessary, it can be equipped with a canopy.
Classic version
These soft beds are in the form of standard single beds with a protective bumper. Children under 5 years of age most often roll over in their sleep, it is important to prevent them from falling. The protective bumper can be installed on one or both sides depending on the location of the bed. If the child's bed is against the wall, one side is enough, two are needed when located in the middle of the room.
Sliding
This type is suitable for children between 0 and 5 years of age. This product easily turns into a bed with a table.
Curly
This beautiful modern bed with unusual shapes in the form of a car, ship, castle, any animal. Protective bumpers are usually provided by the manufacturer. These models are suitable for children aged 3 to 5 years. It is important that the bumpers are securely fastened so that the child cannot lift or move them.
Versatile options
If you want to purchase an option for a long time, more practical options are suitable - in them the child can sleep until adolescence and even beyond. At school age, the child already begins to show independence, an individual approach is required for a furnished room.
In this case, an unusual baby bed with maximum functionality is ideal for both a child of 3 years old and a teenager.
Sofa bed
Today, the stores offer products in different colors, with a wide selection of headboards. You can choose from a unisex model or a product with colors especially for girls or boys.
Loft bed
This is a great option for those who need to equip both a work and a sleeping place for a child. This is the best option for a small room. The bed itself in this case is on the second floor (because of its location it is called "attic"), and below there may be shelves for storage (open and closed), a computer desk, a wardrobe, etc.
Twin beds
If you want to install a bed in one small room, then the following options are most often used:
- Bunk - are two full beds, located one above the other. They are durable and practical. The top bed can be reached using the ladder or drawers provided.
- Add-ons. These are beds with bumpers on high legs, under which you can place a second bed. Some manufacturers offer to purchase a kit for two children at once or some part separately. The stores offer a variety of styles (classic, minimalist), colors, shapes. The most unusual beds are made in a non-standard form - kids will love buses and locks.
The cost
Children's beds with bumpers are sold in specialized shopping centers, from well-known manufacturers, in online stores. The cost of the product depends on the material, brand and model: approximate prices for a classic bed are from 3,000 to 12,000 rubles, a sliding bed - 7,000-17,000 rubles, a bunk bed - 8,000-30,000 rubles.
Stylish options in the interior
For a little three-year-old girl, a bed in the shape of a carriage or a model with drawers for storing various little things is ideal. For a boy of three years old, you can choose a product with machine-shaped bumpers. A loft bed with sides is suitable for those who like to fly in a dream. The ideal option for a child is a bed with removable sides.
