Now I was browsing online stores for children. I had never thought about a cradle, but then I saw it and wanted it. Although they managed with their son without her. Who has a cradle? Is it convenient to use? Until what age do babies sleep in them? Is it worth the money spent? Damn, they are all so beautiful.
Along with the usual stationary cribs, in children's goods stores you can find cozy and soft cradles for newborns. It is believed that the baby will be more comfortable in such a cradle, because its shape resembles mother’s favorite tummy. Also, thanks to the design of the cradle, it is easy to rock the baby to sleep, without any need to hold him in your arms. Thinking about which cradle to choose?
? Read the tips in our article!
Which is better: a cradle or a crib?
Parents often argue about whether to use a cradle or a crib.
better for a newborn baby. Let's look at the pros and cons of the cradle and understand its practicality. Also on the site you can read about how to choose the best cribs
Pros of the cradle
- In the cradle, the newborn feels comfortable and protected , does not experience stress and sleeps sweetly, just like in the womb.
- The rocking mechanism helps parents quickly lull a crying toddler to sleep.
- Unlike a classic large crib, the design of the cradle does not take up much space , is suitable for small spaces and fits perfectly into any interior.
- Modern models can be equipped with lighting, music, a motion sensor and other interesting gadgets. Models with wheels can be moved and placed next to the parent's bed.
- The functionality of electronic mini cribs helps mom and dad get some rest.
Cons of the cradle
- Limited time of use.
- High cost of more “advanced” models.
Put it on yourself! (Review of models of side beds)
Pediatricians' debates about the benefits and harms of co-sleeping have led to the emergence of a kind of compromise - an add-on crib, which is becoming increasingly popular. What is it and how to choose the right side bed – read below. Inventions such as the add-on crib and the practice of co-sleeping first appeared in America, where they quickly became popular and spread throughout European countries. What is so good about an extension crib, and why should you love it? Let's figure it out together. Every mother, naturally, wants to sleep next to her baby in the first months in order to protect him from all accidents. Such a dream is very useful, but in the future it becomes difficult to wean the child from asking to go to bed with his parents. Over time, parents begin to feel burdened by being next to an older child, but transferring him to a separate bed and his own room can become serious stress for the child.
Krivonogova Tatyana Sergeevna, professor of the Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Advanced Training and Teaching Staff, Siberian State Medical University, Doctor of Medical Sciences, doctor of the highest category, head of medical and health care:
“Until the newborn is three months old, you constantly have to get up at night. This is inconvenient because mom also needs to rest. An additional crib solves this problem. She moves closer to the mother’s bed, it turns out that the child seems to be with her, but at the same time he has his own place. When a child cries, the mother reaches out her hand and strokes and pats the baby. The mother's hand, the sound of the voice, the smell of the mother are enough for the child to calm down and continue to sleep.
I always say in my classes: a child needs to know his place. This means that the baby should always be in sight, but he needs to learn to be independent. For example, I advise mothers not to run to their baby and pick him up at the first cry. An additional crib will allow you to gradually accustom your child to a separate sleep. After all, how you teach a child from the very first months is how he will continue to behave.”
Add-on cribs solve this issue. They are intended for modern parents who want to teach their baby to be independent, but understand how important it is for the baby to feel his mother nearby in the first months of life.
If you look a little into the history of the issue, it turns out that American parents, with their idea of independence, have always practiced separate sleep from the first days of a child’s life: the baby slept not only in a separate crib, but also in a separate room.
This continued until doctors proved that a child’s healthy breathing during sleep is directly dependent on how far the mother is from him at that moment. When the mother is nearby, the baby hears the rhythm of her breathing, and this helps him cope with sudden respiratory arrest syndrome. Science convinced the Americans to come to a compromise and they began to place the baby not in a separate room, but in a separate crib attached to the parent’s.
We found that side beds are very comfortable:
1. Mom and dad sleep together, dad does not move to the sofa. 2. At the same time, the child feels his mother nearby and sleeps more peacefully. 3. Such sleep is absolutely safe for the baby. 4. In such a crib it is very convenient to feed your baby at night - you don’t even have to get up to do this. 5. It is also easier to put a suddenly awakened child to sleep - sometimes just a mother’s touch is enough for this. 6. This crib is much more comfortable than a regular one for mothers after a caesarean section: the mother does not have to bend over to lift the baby.
Recently, side beds have begun to be produced in Russia. Now you don’t need to saw off the wall of a regular crib and adjust its height - it’s much easier to purchase ready-made furniture. Fortunately, there is even a certain range of brands and models.
By the way, one common advantage of all cribs from Russia is the naturalness of the material. Oak, pine, ash or birch are treated with coatings that are harmless to the baby. But there are some differences:
"Elephants". A young company from Siberia makes simple and very inexpensive cribs - from 4,900 rubles. Material – Siberian birch. Size: 90*60, so the crib is suitable for the first 6-9 months. You can also purchase soft sides for the crib, which not only decorate, but also allow you to gradually move the child away from the parent's bed.
Russian-American offers cribs of the same name with a more elegant design and in different design options. Size: 120*60 - this means that it can be used for up to 2-3 years. Crib material – beech, pine, ash. The cost is significantly higher: 12,900 rubles.
The furniture factory "Red Star" from the city of Mozhga (Udmurtia) offers wooden side beds with enamel coating. Cost from 4020 rubles. Dimensions – 85*45 – the smallest add-on crib among those presented, which is suitable only for the first 3-5 months.
The same factory offers the Elena model, which, thanks to the removable side, turns into an elegant sofa. It can be used as an additional cot to the parent's bed. The dimensions of the model 152*77 allow it to be used with various transformations up to school age. Price 10,500 rub.
This is exactly the case when the proverb “one or two and you’ve missed the mark” has a literal meaning. The rest of the manufacturers whose cribs are bought in Russia and who are trusted are representatives of foreign countries.
Bednest. A crib with a stylish modern design measuring 86*47 cm is produced in Europe, suitable for babies up to 6 months. The price is about 400 dollars (12,000 rubles), plus delivery. The main advantage of this crib is its unique compactness; the crib folds up and fits into a small bag. This is convenient in case you decide to go with the whole family for an overnight stay.
Cullabelli , Italy. A crib made of solid wood, dimensions 81*38 (suitable for babies up to 5 months). Cost $300 plus shipping. Italians know a lot about style, so the crib is completely dressed in a plain, laconic cover.
Tobi , Germany. The classic design crib has dimensions of 86*43 or 94*51 cm. Price from 170 € + delivery. It is possible to decorate with fabric borders.
Pinolino , Germany. A crib made of fir or spruce is available in different design options: from simple angular to elaborate. Dimensions 92*58 cm. Price from $160 excluding delivery costs.
Roba , Germany. Room Bed side beds have a standard size of 120*60cm and are suitable for children up to three years old. The set includes a removable wooden and textile wall, mattress, sides, canopy and holder, pillowcase and duvet cover, wheels. The bottom of the crib has five fixed positions and the lowest one - near the floor, for babies who are learning to stand up. The beds are made of beech; cost 260€ without delivery.
A baby can sleep in an attached crib until he is about 2 years old - that is, until he begins a period of pronounced independence, and the time comes to accustom him to a separate sleep.
Then the side crib can be turned into a table, bench or shelf to be used for its intended purpose after the birth of the next baby.
Types of cradles
Cot cradle
The most common model on the market. It is made mainly of wood, but wicker and forged children's furniture is also found. For ease of use, manufacturers often supplement the cradle with wheels, which, if desired, can be removed or fixed in one place. The sleeping place itself can be equipped with a rocking chair.
Hanging
An interesting model that is attached to the ceiling . For houses where this option is not possible, stationary supports were invented that hold the bed in weight. Due to the unusual interior design, an atmosphere of magic and lightness is created in the children's room. Most often, hanging cradles are made using weaving techniques from natural wood. You need to rock the baby yourself, slightly pushing the structure.
Electronic
The most modern model that will do everything for you : lull you to sleep, sing a song and respond to a child’s cry. Cradles of a more expensive price segment can be controlled remotely using a remote control.
Rocking cradle
A stationary wooden or plastic cradle that swings due to rounded runners . Sometimes the set includes additional wheels: with their help you can turn the rocking chair into a stable cradle.
Wicker cradle-basket
A very practical and environmentally friendly model of a portable cradle, which is perfect for your baby to relax on the balcony or sleep in different rooms. For the convenience of parents, these baskets are equipped with handles.
Add-on crib for newborns: types and rules of choice
All women who have given birth know how tiring it is to wake up several times every night to soothe and feed the baby, constantly getting out of a warm bed. An additional crib for newborns is designed to eliminate this problem forever. A young mother will not need to make her way through the darkness to her child every time in the middle of the night, without turning on the light, so as not to wake up her husband, who also has to get up for work.
How to choose
Durability and safety
You should pay special attention to the quality of assembly of the cradle, check for the absence of sharp corners, chips and removable parts . The bed frame should be strong and well support the newborn's spine, as well as facilitate safe rocking.
Dimensions
Most models have standard length dimensions, but the width can vary, depending on the brand and the designer’s ideas. It is better for parents to give preference to a wide cradle so that the baby’s movements are not constrained.
Material
The materials from which the furniture is made must be hypoallergenic and safe . For the final coating of a baby's cradle, only certified paints and varnishes, without odor or toxic fumes, must be used.
Photos of baby cots for babies
<
>
In general, the add-on crib is very functional and makes life much easier for young mothers. At night, you can feed your baby without getting up from your seat, simply by moving the baby closer to you. In addition, the child feels much calmer next to his mother, sleeps more soundly and is less capricious.
Best cradle: rating of cradles for newborns
Don't know which cradle is better
? Our rating will help you get acquainted with popular brands and decide on the choice of your future children's bed.
Simplicity 3014 LOL
Modern and functional model for newborns
. It stands out from other competitors by the ability to transform from a cradle on legs into a cradle-basket, a bedside baby bed, and a changing table. Among the characteristics, it is worth noting the remote control, the presence of a hanging, moving carousel with bright soft toys, as well as a built-in music system. The kit already includes a mattress, which significantly saves the budget of young parents.
The average price in Russia is 7,300 rubles.
Pali series Baby Baby
A very cute wicker cradle made from willow twigs. All textile parts are made of natural cotton. The set also includes a high-quality beech stand, which helps transform the cradle into a full-fledged cradle bed. There is no rocking mechanism, but the wheels allow you to roll the bed around the room or slowly rock the baby from side to side. If desired, you can block the movement of the wheels and fix them in a stationary state. When purchasing, parents will receive not only a beautiful wicker model, but also a bedding set: a blanket, mattress, sheet, pillow and hood.
The average cost is 15,000 rubles.
Combi Fealetto Auto Swing
Quite an expensive, but very functional model of an electronic cradle. It has several modes of motion sickness of different amplitudes, a set of soothing melodies for baby's sleep with adjustable volume and their automatic shutdown. Easily transforms into a feeding and playing table. The mattress is included.
The best material for a newborn's crib
The best is always chosen for children, so the furniture in which the baby will have to sleep from birth should be as natural as possible. At all times, cribs were made of wood and now this tradition is fully preserved.
Any wood has the ability to breathe, which is very important. Nowadays there are many models on sale in which wood is combined with plastic or metal.
Pediatricians allow such materials in small quantities, but you must always require a hygiene certificate when purchasing. It is often completely unclear what a particular model is made of. The documents will indicate the material, and it will be possible to make a correct conclusion about how safe and harmless the selected model is.
Alder, birch, and maple are best suited. Models made from pine are also considered good: they have a low price, but pine is a soft species, so products made from it may have traces of the teeth of little mischief-makers. Do not forget that all wooden samples can be washed frequently and the products will not be damaged.
Useful video
For those who need to compare the characteristics of different models, we recommend looking at a review of two cradles : the Spanish brand Micuna and the Chinese manufacturer Simplicity.
We advise young parents to read: “Choosing the best cribs. Tips" "How to choose the best mattress for a crib" "The best mobile for newborns" "How to make a crib with your own hands" "How to decorate a crib"
We had Simplicity - it has a large cradle. The age when a child should move from the cradle to a safer crib is different for everyone. I arranged the move as soon as I started trying to sit up or get up. Almost six months. While the child cannot even theoretically turn over the side (and in our cradle the sides were quite high), I see no point in relocating him. Well, if he himself doesn’t mind ;)
Personally, we are happy that we followed the advice and bought a bassinet. She really saved us :))
We somehow grew up sharply, so up to a little over 3 months, but I am VERY pleased. It was wicker. True, we sleep together at night, but all our daytime sleeps are in the cradle and it was very comfortable - and it’s easy to rock and, if necessary, take it to another room, both the cradle itself and the cradle separately.
I am also captivated by the mobility of the cradle
