The first months of life, the crib becomes a place for the baby to explore the world, so sleeping furniture for the baby should have all the amenities.
How long the first child's bed is used depends on the characteristics of the specific model. The bed will typically last 2-3 years, or maybe 10 years. Whether it will be a simple wooden crib, a rocking chair or a whole set of devices is up to parents to choose.
But it must be safe, comfortable, durable, and environmentally friendly. To choose the crib you need, study the types and functional characteristics.
Transformable crib
It is a complex of useful elements. The design consists of a bed, a chest of drawers, a changing table, drawers and shelves. They are combined into one whole.
Transformer - means that the crib folds out into separate structural elements. Based on the robot principle. And from the children's sleeping place a bed is formed for a junior schoolchild. The sides are removable, some models are equipped with a folding bottom.
This furniture guarantees convenience when caring for a newborn, since the necessary accessories are at hand. And for an older child, the chest of drawers will serve as a locker for clothes or toys.
The corners of the transformers are smoothed, which guarantees the safety of the baby.
Advantages of transformable beds
- Automatic motion sickness.
Many models are equipped with a special pendulum mechanism that makes swinging the baby easy. The pendulum performs arbitrary oscillations from the movement of the newborn. At the same time, the bed itself moves, but the entire structure remains in place.
- Transformation into a sofa.
Assumes long-term use. The bed is suitable for a child up to 10 years old. Since the back, chest of drawers and table are removed, the sleeping space is increased.
- Economical.
By purchasing a transformer that includes a set of necessary items, there is no need to buy a chest of drawers, a changing table, or a teenage bed.
Takes up little space. The combined elements are located close to each other, which allows you to place items much more compactly than all separately.
- Presentable appearance.
Typically, wooden cribs are made of beech, birch, and aspen. Therefore, the natural pattern gives a unique appearance. In addition, design solutions decorate the product.
Disadvantages of Transformers
- Drawer size.
In some models, the chest of drawers is equipped with small drawers, so storage space is limited. If this fact is important when purchasing furniture, then you should pay attention to this feature.
- Not all models are equipped with a pendulum mechanism.
- Difficult to move around the room due to heavy weight and lack of wheels.
- High price.
- The need for additional space for the operation of the pendulum mechanism.
Additional features
Models are made equipped with a music button. In addition, a mobile or backlight is installed.
Safety
Of course, loving and caring parents want to know how to choose a crib for a newborn so that it is not only beautiful, but, above all, safe and comfortable. To make the right choice, pay attention to the following elements of the product:
Cribs for babies are often equipped with wheels, which is very convenient. The furniture is easy to move and roll away if necessary. When deciding how to choose a crib for a newborn, you can consider such products. But keep in mind that if the floor in the apartment is not perfectly flat, then you will need to buy a model with wheel locks. The same requirement applies to models on skids.
Many types of beds for children have slatted bottoms. It is precisely these models that experts advise choosing, since then the children's mattress is provided with excellent ventilation and will always be dry. Options with adjustable bottom height are available. In the first months, it is raised higher to make it easier for the mother to reach the baby. After a few months, the bottom is lowered and the baby, once standing on his feet, will not be able to fall out of the crib.
When choosing a crib for a newborn, you should definitely pay attention to the bars. They should not have sharp edges or jagged edges. The distance between the twigs should not exceed 6-8 cm, otherwise, due to curiosity, the baby, sticking his head between them, may get stuck. Models that have removable walls are very convenient. In this case, by removing the wall, the crib can be placed close to the parents' sleeping place.
Give preference to cribs made of natural wood. It is advisable to buy beech cribs. Unlike inexpensive pine, which is easily scratched and deformed, beech is characterized by strength and durability. A beech crib will adequately withstand 2-3 operational periods (about 5-6 years), serving both the baby and his younger sisters and brothers.
We do not recommend considering wood-look models. They are made from chipboard, but these materials have neither strength nor durability.
Some models are equipped with a mattress. In order not to overpay, be sure to pay attention to its quality. An important requirement is that the mattress for a baby should be moderately hard.
Pendulum baby crib
A crib with a pendulum mechanism replaces the cradle and ordinary children's bedroom furniture. It is an important piece of furniture and, thanks to its special design, helps the mother care for the baby.
The principle of operation depends on the type of pendulum. There are three types of pendulum mechanisms. Each one operates according to the principle: the sleeping place sways, but the base of the bed does not move.
- Longitudinal pendulum
The mechanism is represented by hinges and bushings that provide long-term rocking. The action is similar to rocking on your hands. Children calm down and fall asleep faster. Doctors say that moving back and forth is more natural for the body.
- Transverse pendulum
Oscillations occur from side to side, like a regular cradle. This model requires little space. Therefore, it is perfect for a small room.
- Universal
The third type of pendulum combines the previous two, that is, it transforms from transverse to longitudinal, and vice versa. In this way, the optimal method of motion sickness for the child is selected.
Additional functions of a crib with a pendulum:
- Some models are equipped with a bottom raising/lowering function.
- Removable walls will give the mother access to the baby; if desired, it is possible to move the bed to her own sleeping place.
- There are models with a chest of drawers or a changing table. It turns out to be a place to store things. A changing table will serve as a useful addition in the first months of life.
- There are options equipped with an electric motor that provides electronic control.
The pendulum mechanism is turned off using special clamps when swinging is undesirable.
To choose a working and reliable device, please note that when the pendulum starts, there should be about 40 oscillatory movements.
Take the time to study the small details. For example, the composition of the fixative, because many manufacturers save money in the production of accompanying elements. If the bushings are made of plastic, they may fail due to low strength.
The advantage of this type is that it replaces swinging in mother’s arms. The bed sways even when the baby turns. That is, when the baby wakes up, he will fall asleep again under the rocking movements of the cradle.
The downside of this piece of furniture is that it is difficult to move. If the crib does not have wheels, moving it will be more difficult. The difficulty in choosing the type of pendulum device is that parents do not know which swinging method is suitable for their child. In this case, choose the universal option.
How to assemble a typical children's bed?
It is better to buy materials in a furniture shop, it will cost less. In addition, craftsmen can immediately cut and process all the parts. For external elements, the optimal thickness of the blanks is 16 mm, for internal elements - 20. In addition to them, the following lumber is needed:
- timber 5x5, its length is about 8 m;
- 2x10 boards, minimum required - 10 pieces;
- slats 2x2.
Having chosen the material and drawing, they begin to work. It starts with the legs, the construction of the frame, then the backs are attached to it, and the sides are hung. The dimensions of the bed and mattress should be related to each other. To the size of the latter, a few centimeters are always added for allowances.
Mattress base
The legs have different lengths. Those at the head should be longer than the elements at the foot. The frame is attached to them. Grooves are cut out in the middle of the longitudinal parts, and slats are inserted into them. They are attached with wood glue, and small self-tapping screws are screwed in for reliability. The frame is fixed with metal corners. After the operation is completed, wheels are mounted to the legs.
Assembling sides and backs
Both are attached to bars, which are the legs of the structure. They consist of two transverse elements connected by slats. First, holes are cut out in them, their spacing is a maximum of 12 cm. The ends of the slats, coated with glue, are inserted into the grooves of both elements, then they are mounted to the leg bars.
Decoration
The finished crib can be coated with three layers of varnish and painted with acrylic or acrylate paint. If you use stain, the new furniture will acquire a beautiful appearance and protection from rotting, but this operation will have to be done in the fresh air. A bed made of MDF, chipboard or wood is covered with foam rubber and then upholstered with fabric.
Wooden crib
These cribs are popular due to their functionality and long service life. Wood is the most common material for making children's furniture. Wooden models have been used since birth. If the top is not covered with varnish or paint, then it is the most environmentally friendly option. The surface is sanded for smoothness.
The furniture is equipped with wheels, which makes it easier to move around the house. If runners on legs are equipped, then it will be easy to rock your baby before bed or simply calm him down with gentle rocking. And fixed locks on the wheels will ensure stability and safety.
The double bottom is adjustable according to the age or needs of the baby. Bed size: length - 120 cm, width - 60 cm. Some models are equipped with drawers for storing all sorts of small items. This is convenient when there is no free space, but it makes the crib heavier.
Wooden beds come in several types:
- with a pendulum device;
- rocking bed;
- transformer.
When choosing a crib, you should pay attention to the distance between the slats; a value of 7-8 cm is considered suitable.
Material of the most durable cribs:
- beech;
- aspen;
- birch;
- maple;
- pine.
Pine is softer than previous materials, but cribs made from it are very popular. When choosing this composition, prepare for the fact that marks and scratches will remain on the surface.
This surface is not covered with varnish, polishing or paint. Inspect carefully to ensure there are no burrs or knots. Run your hand over the surface to check for nicks or roughness. Otherwise, it will lead to splinters and scratches.
If the model you liked was treated with some kind of product, please specify what. It is important that no lead is used.
Please note that even a natural new bed needs time for the specific smell to disappear. Therefore, furniture is purchased several weeks before use. Caring for the crib is easy. You don't have to worry about washing the crib, as it will dry quickly.
Modern wooden cribs are equipped with an adjustable bottom and a removable side panel. They are reliable, durable and stable.
Dimensions
Length
The length of cribs ranges from 90 to 140 cm. In this case, models with a length of 120 cm are most often found. A bed with a short length will have to be changed earlier (classic), and a bed with a larger size, as a rule, belongs to transformers designed for babies , preschoolers and schoolchildren.
Width
The width of cribs varies from 40 to 70 cm. The most common models are those with a width of 60 cm. In a bed with a smaller width, the child will be cramped, and wider options are most often transformers.
Standard sizes of mattresses are 60x120, 70x120 and 70x140, so it is better to choose beds with a length of 120 or 140 cm and a width of 60 or 70 cm, respectively. This is important if the bed and mattress are purchased separately.
Depth
This parameter means the distance from the top of the side walls of the bed to its bottom. The following values of this indicator are more common: 38-48 cm (minimum depth), 60-64 cm (maximum depth).
If the baby is very small, then the depth of the bottom can be small - this will allow you to pull him out without bending too much. The deeper the crib, the more difficult it is for the baby to get out of it on his own, but it also becomes more difficult to get him out.
Number of bottom height levels
The number of bottom height levels provided in the bed design. This indicator varies from 1 to 6. The more such levels, the more accurately you can choose the optimal height for the child. For the little ones, you can set the bottom at the highest level. Older children should lower the bottom deeper.
Important: since some beds are equipped with a removable sidewall, which allows you to move it closer to your mother’s bed, adjusting the bottom will allow you to equalize the height of the two beds.
Side height adjustment – allows you to change the height of the side wall of the bed. This function is relevant for older children who are inconvenient to reach through the high sidewall. If necessary, the wall can be easily lowered and then raised to the previous level. The latches of such sidewalls do not allow the child to use them independently.
Distance between slats
The optimal option is 7-9 cm. If this figure is larger, then the child can fit between the slats (the diameter of a newborn’s head is approximately 10 cm), if less, then the baby’s legs and arms may get stuck between the slats.
Baby crib with drawers
The crib is a cozy, comfortable and functional sleeping place. There are always a lot of things in a child's room that need to be put somewhere. You can store anything in boxes. They will be a great way to store diapers, bedding, nappies, and toys.
A huge advantage is saving space, and the diversity of the model range allows you to choose a piece of furniture that suits the design.
The dimensions of the boxes are made according to specified standards. Classic drawers are located at the bottom of the crib, but placement on the side is also common. The boxes are lined up in one or two rows. The sides are removed as the child grows.
If there is only one row, the design options are also highlighted here. There may be two or three non-bulky drawers. When the child grows up, he will be able to make his own bed. Just choose a model where pulling out/retracting is easy. Some boxes come with wheels to help you move easily over carpet or floors.
The cost of a crib with drawers increases, but purchasing a chest of drawers separately will not be cheaper.
It is worth considering that boxes with wheels can move out on their own if the model has runners or a pendulum mechanism. If the box does not fit tightly to the bottom, then dust settles in it.
The advantage is that linen or other things are located near the bed, which makes caring for the child easier.
Choosing a crib for a newborn
So, which crib to choose for a newborn? If we consider classic models (with legs, on runners or pendulum), then this category offers a fairly large selection of furniture.
Among the advantages of classic cribs are:
- Possibility of long-term operation. In such a crib, a child will be able to sleep comfortably up to 3-4 years of age;
- A wide variety of classic models allows you to choose the best option, taking into account the needs of mother and baby.
- Along with this, classic cribs also have disadvantages:
- Dimensions;
- For a newborn, the crib space is too large; it is more comfortable for him to sleep in a small cradle.
If your family moves often, you can buy a playpen. It is easy to fold and does not take up much space during transportation. Many models have wheels, allowing you to move them around the room. But such products also have their drawbacks. These include a low bottom, soft sides that make it difficult for the baby to stand up independently, and a short service life.
Baby crib with chest of drawers
These models are a combination of two necessary elements. A chest of drawers connected to a crib saves space. An important criterion is sustainability. Small children love to tidy up their drawers, which poses a threat to the child's health. He might fall out.
The main advantage is the long period of use of the baby's sleeping place. So, having bought furniture for a newborn, it is used for many years by removing the chest of drawers and increasing the sleeping space. Over time, the side walls are removed. What remains is an ordinary teenage bed. Transformable strollers have been developed using the same principle: they adapt to the age and needs of the child.
The beds are equipped with a removable crossbar. The height of the bottom is adjustable in two levels, so the baby's position changes. For a newborn, the level is adjusted higher so that it is convenient for the mother to take the baby. And after some time, when the child learns to roll over, the bed becomes deeper.
If the model is equipped with drawers under the chest of drawers and a sleeping place, then the chest of drawers itself can be swapped with the crib.
The downside of this piece of furniture is the small drawers. They don't hold much stuff. The disadvantage is also the high price compared to an ordinary crib. But buying a chest of drawers, a crib and a changing table separately is no less expensive.
View
A classic crib is the simplest and most reliable crib design, consisting of end (back) and side walls, as well as a bottom.
However, it is impossible to change the size of such a crib and therefore, over time, when the baby turns 3-4 years old, you will have to purchase another sleeping place. The functionality of a classic crib is limited - you need to separately purchase a changing table and chest of drawers (wardrobe). Bunk bed – consists of two tiers and is intended for two children. This design saves space in the room and allows you to accommodate children of different ages - babies like to sleep on the second “floor,” while older children need a more spacious bed. The disadvantages of such beds are difficulty in installation due to their massiveness and not always a safe and convenient ladder.
Important: there are two-tier models designed for one child (the first tier plays the role of a cabinet or desk).
Three-tier bed – consists of three tiers and is intended for three children. The advantages and disadvantages of a three-tier bed are the same as those of a bunk bed.
A transformer is a more complex, functional and expensive option that allows you to expand your sleeping area. These cribs are equipped with changing tables and chests of drawers, and have an opening side panel. Therefore, the transformer will last longer than a classic bed - until the child reaches 10-12 years of age. Among the disadvantages, one can note the relatively larger size of the transformer.
A playpen is a crib in which the bottom can be set at two levels: higher (for a baby up to 5 months) and lower. This crib is light and compact. The playpen is intended for children under 3 years old.
Cradles are reminiscent of baskets intended only for infants. It features a closed design (solid walls and bottom) and small dimensions. The cradle is usually installed on a sofa or large bed, but there are also models with special stands. This crib can be used not only for sleeping, but also for transporting the child. Cradles are often decorated with lace.
Bunk bed
Cradle
Crib with changing table
Often the children's room in the pictures is furnished with a lot of children's furniture, including a separate changing table. But in real life, the crib is placed in the mother's bedroom. Therefore, there is not enough space for a separate special table. The option with a changing place will be very useful.
- There are models where a removable board is attached on top, which serves as a dressing table. This option is simple and economical. There are no additional drawers or shelves, but all the necessary hygiene products are placed in hanging pockets that are attached to the outside of the side surface. There are many storage systems available for children's small items.
- Some types of bedroom furniture are equipped with a folding side panel , which serves as a changing table. The panel is firmly attached, so the safety of the device is guaranteed by the manufacturer. The space is not limited at all, as it rises and falls at will.
- Models with fabric walls. Folds up and is easy to transport. The changing table can be removed if necessary. It has seat belts. Having fastened the child, you can go away to get the necessary thing.
The sleeping area can be removed to create a full-fledged playpen. Some cribs are equipped with lighting and a mobile phone. The downside of cribs is their short service life; as soon as the baby sits down (5 or 6 months), it is already dangerous to leave him unattended.
If there is enough space in the room, you can buy a changing table separately. It is important only for the first year of a child’s life. Therefore, children's furniture, including a changing table, will be an economical option.
What should a baby's first crib be like?
The baby spends most of his time in the crib during the first months, so it should be comfortable and safe.
- Wood is considered the safest and most environmentally friendly material. It is recommended to use pine, birch, beech, and oak wood.
- All surfaces must be perfectly flat so that the child does not get hurt.
- Children's furniture is usually coated with environmentally friendly water-based paints or varnishes.
- All side parts should consist of lattice rods, the base under the mattress should be made of slats (and not a single piece of material) to ensure good ventilation of the crib and mattress.
- If the crib is made for several years, then its design includes adjustment of the level of the berth. The older the child, the lower the base is lowered.
- Particular attention should be paid to the reliability and safety of all fastenings.
Typically, cribs have standard sizes of 120 by 60 or 140 by 70 cm. Compliance with these parameters allows you to select the correct size of the mattress, bed linen, and protection for the sides.
Baby cot with wheels
Furniture on wheels makes it easier for mom to place a bed. Often a young mother changes the location of the crib to watch the baby when he is very small or sick. In this case, the weight of the bed plays a role. To avoid inconvenience, it is recommended to choose a model with wheels.
The wheels are made of polyurethane or rubber. Modern designs are absolutely silent. It is important that special clamps are installed on them, which will ensure the stability of the structure. So that the bed does not roll around on its own or due to the baby’s movements.
Some wheels have rubber linings with stoppers. In almost all crib models with wheels, they are removable.
The beds are available in the following types:
- wooden ordinary;
- rocking bed (usually removable wheels);
- crib with a drawer or several;
- pendulum with box.
Some models are equipped with a music box at the head.
Design
End (back) and side walls
Rack - consists of narrow vertical slats. This design allows adults to watch the baby without getting up from a chair or sofa and hang toys. In addition, the rods of the walls can serve as a support for an older child who has learned to stand and sit. However, slatted walls will not protect the baby from drafts.
Solid (deaf) - does not allow you to see the baby, to do this you need to go to the crib and look from above, but such backrests perfectly protect against drafts. There are models in which the slatted backrest is located at the foot of the bed, and the solid one at the headboard.
Solid with slats - a combined option in which one half of the walls is slatted, and the other is solid. In terms of its qualities, it differs little from the slatted structure and has rather an aesthetic value.
Mesh - consists of a frame frame and a fine mesh. This design allows an adult and a child to see each other and provides better protection from drafts than a slatted design. In addition, it is safe in case the baby loses balance - it is impossible to hurt yourself on it. However, the net cannot serve as additional support for the child.
Important: to compensate for the lack of a slatted structure, you can purchase special fabric meshes (screens) that protect your baby from drafts.
Bottom
Slatted - consists of transverse slats on which the mattress is laid. This design is resistant to dampness that periodically occurs in a crib - moisture is not retained, which allows you to quickly dry the mattress. This design also improves air circulation, which is necessary for the baby’s comfort. However, in terms of strength, such a slatted bottom is inferior to a solid one.
Solid (solid) - a solid plane without openings or openings. These bottoms are stronger than slatted ones, but are not as convenient for drying.
Views and drawings
Before you start thinking about the “image” of a future bed, you need to mentally formulate your preferences, taking into account the age and gender of the child, the number of beds, and the functional load of the future piece of furniture. The choice of its material, size and shape will depend on these answers.
For newborns
The best option for “super babies” is a separate bed, the bed of which is 50-60 cm from the floor. Its minimum length is 120 cm; for convenience, it is advisable to make one side removable. Having built such a structure, you don’t have to worry about changing your sleeping place for 3-4 years. It is necessary to provide in advance so that it is possible to lower the high bed lower later.
Rocking bed
Another option that kids and especially their parents will like. The disadvantage of the rocking chair is its short service life, since, having learned to stand, the child is able to rock it strongly. Such actions are fraught with fall. It is a little more difficult to build, but it is quite within the capabilities of a novice master.
Not a bed, but a racing car
This type of sleeping place is especially popular among boys, because they can show off it to their peers. By adding casters to the bed, you can get a real sports racing car. In stores, the price for these products is quite high, so if you find a good solution and implement it, you can save money and at the same time make your child happy.
Bunk children's bed
Such sleeping places, which save space in small apartments, have earned special love from parents with many children. Not everyone has the opportunity to set aside a large area for children. However, independent implementation requires special skills and abilities, so you must first weigh all its advantages and possible disadvantages.
A bed that takes up an entire “house”
This popular Scandinavian type of sleeping place - a full-fledged, cozy house in the house - is liked more by girls. But if you decorate it with masculine attributes and give the “dwelling” an unusual shape, then the boys will not remain indifferent to such a hut, which can easily turn into a gaming headquarters or a place for battles.
Attic sleeping place
A bed arranged “in the attic” is a salvation for small-sized apartments, since any piece of furniture of suitable size can be placed under it. For parents of children who are capricious before bed, this is the best option, since the process of going to bed will turn into an exciting game for their children.
All options are interesting, they will definitely find their child and his loving father - a master who is fired up with a new idea. A do-it-yourself children's bed, drawings, materials for it are topics that parents who want to rationally and creatively use the existing space, as well as bring something new to the design of the house, need to become familiar with.
To understand the process, watch one of the popular videos:
Types of children's beds and rules for choosing them
To choose a bed for a child, it is important to consider his age, type of construction, size of the children's room, material and reliability of the furniture. Some rules and recommendations will help parents make the right choice. Choice of material: The crib must be made of quality materials. The structure can consist of wood, metal, MDF and chipboard. Natural wood is an environmentally friendly and safe material. According to experts, preference should be given to wooden structures. In the production of furniture for children, the following types of wood are used: pine; beech; birch. Natural wood fills the room with a pleasant aroma and creates a favorable atmosphere for relaxation. Metal structures are characterized by strength and reliability, and a long service life.
However, metal furniture has a low temperature; sleeping on a wooden structure is much more comfortable and warmer. Furniture stores also sell cribs made from materials such as MDF and laminated chipboard. Compared to wood and metal, they are inferior in operational properties and technical characteristics. The technical component is also very important; the assembly of the crib is strictly carried out according to the instructions from the manufacturer.
Types of children's beds: Furniture stores offer different options for children's models. The following types are considered the most common.
Cradle
Cradles are intended for newborns and infants up to 6 months. Experts call the following advantages of a cradle for sleeping newborns: the small dimensions of the cradle allow the baby to feel comfortable and safe while sleeping; the possibility of rocking the baby; parents can place the cradle next to their bed so that the baby is in sight all the time.
Podium bed
This type of design is only suitable for spacious rooms. The model is a structure in the upper part of which there is a sleeping place, and in the lower part there are drawers for storing toys, bedding or books. You can choose it for children over 3 years old, so that they can go downstairs on their own and not fall while sleeping. For the safety of the child while resting, the podium bed is equipped with high, reliable sides.
Loft bed with table
It is advisable to choose this model when arranging a spacious children's room in order to place a desk and an armchair in it.
Such a bed for a child is a structure, the upper part of which is equipped with a bed for sleeping, and the lower part serves as a work or play area. Below, under the bed for sleeping, you can place a student’s table, an armchair and drawers for books and notebooks.
Two-tier models
The two-story design is suitable for families in which two children sleep in one room. The peculiarity of this model is that the sleeping places are located under each other, and each of them is equipped with reliable sides that protect against falling.
It is safer to place the older child at the top and the youngest at the bottom. To climb to the second tier, you need to use a ladder, which attracts active children. Among the advantages of two-tier models are the presence of drawers for bedding and side cabinets for clothes and children's linen. In addition, the price of such a double sleeping structure is lower than the cost of two full-sized beds.
Rules for choosing a bed for children
A bed for children must have the following characteristics: reliability of fastenings; smoothness of the surface of the structure; naturalness of the material; attractive appearance differences by gender; built-in drawers
When boys and girls grow up, they not only sleep on a children's bed, but also play, and sometimes they like to jump. It is important that the fastenings are secure. For safety reasons, it is better to choose products with bolted connections that are reinforced with metal corners.
When choosing wood products, it is important that the material is well polished and not splintered. Wood species suitable for children include oak, beech and birch. When choosing a bed for a child, it is important to adhere to the following recommendations: The presence of a side stop will protect an active baby from falling during sleep. The bumpers also prevent the pillow and blanket from slipping during sleep.
Choosing a mattress. It must be orthopedic and moderately rigid. A good option would be a coconut fiber mattress. The measurements of the mattress must strictly correspond to the parameters of the bottom of the furniture.
Spacious drawers serve as storage space for toys and bedding. The upholstery of the bed should be chosen from soft and natural materials that do not cause allergic reactions or irritation on the body. Possibility to change the bottom level. As the baby grows, parents have the opportunity to lower the bottom so that he does not fall to the floor in his sleep.
Should the design of the bed be taken into account?
When all the necessary criteria affecting the comfort and health of the child have already been taken into account, parents should pay attention to the appearance and color design of the children's bed. Modern design and attractive furniture develop the correct aesthetic taste of the baby from childhood.
For your daughter it is better to buy a crib in the colors for girls, and for your son in the colors for boys. In the first case, these are lilac, pink, orange colors, in the second - all the others. Furniture stores also offer bright and colorful models with your favorite characters.
Source: ofmebel-sborka.ru
Transforming model
For studio apartments or rooms with a lack of square meters, a transforming bed would be the ideal choice. The design includes a bed with restrictive sides, a built-in changing table and a mini-dresser.
All devices are easy to install and allow full use of the available space for processing the umbilical cord, feeding and changing the baby. Drawers allow you to optimally place most of your baby's things and items.
Material requirements
Initially, more stringent requirements are imposed on children's furniture. In addition to ergonomics and safety, a children's bed from 1 year and above should be made of material that is safe for the child. The ideal option is furniture made from wood, which in all respects exceeds its cheaper plastic counterparts. A children's bed made of MDF or a children's bed made of plywood can also be of high quality, but a wooden one is still better.
When choosing a crib made of wood, you need to inspect the product for “bluish” areas. Their appearance indicates moldiness of the wood. Visually, beds for children should not have chips, cracks or abrasions (this is especially true for models made of particle board). The edges should not be too thin; it is good if they are made of thermoplastic or PVC.
When choosing a children's bed made of laminated chipboard, be sure to inquire about the labeling of the material. Markers E0 and E1 are considered safe; chipboard marked E2 is prohibited for use in furniture manufacturing, as it contains harmful compounds that can harm not only children, but also adults!
Manufacturing a structure for children aged 3 years and older with sides: children's loft bed
There are several types of loft beds. The structure can be located on four supports and attached to a wall or ceiling. The first option is the easiest to manufacture. The stock is made of solid wood. To produce it you will need glued or calibrated boards with a cross-section of 40 mm, timber 50x50 mm, planed planks 35 mm wide and 10 mm thick.
Drawing of a loft bed for children over 3 years old
The frame of a do-it-yourself children's loft bed is knocked out of the board, having internal dimensions in each direction that are 20 cm larger than the dimensions of the mattress. The timber frame is screwed flush from the inside to the bottom end of this box. A slatted base is made from thin planks. The elements must be 20 mm shorter than the internal dimensions of the box. The planks are located at a distance of 50-65 mm from each other and are screwed to the frame with self-tapping screws.
The height of the fence for a child's bed from 3 years old is determined by calculating the thickness of the mattress. The side should rise above it by 15-20 cm. At the location of the stairs, a gap of about 80 cm wide is created in the fence. To make the sides, it is advisable to use a decorative panel made of MDF or chipboard. You can also enclose the sleeping bed with a frame made of wooden beams with a cross-section of 25x25 mm. Its racks will rest against the beam on which the slatted base of the berth is located. They are attached with through ties to the box enclosing them.
Helpful advice! To prevent the sharp edges of the bars from pressing into the mattress and damaging its mattress cover, they must be chamfered.
To make a loft bed you will need solid wood, boards and planed slats
The stock is attached using screw connections or metal corners to the vertical posts. For reliability, the supports are fixed with slats at the ends.
Organization of the lower zone of a children's bed from 3 years old with sides
You can fit a spacious closet into the free space created under your home-made loft bed. It is better to place its doors on the side of the structure. The second wall in this case will be an additional support point. In the remaining free space you can install a shelving unit with open shelves or a desk. Children's beds with drawers that fill the lower space under the bed are very popular.
You can also place a longitudinal cabinet in the free space. The side support panels will experience minimal load, and the sleeping area will not interfere with free access to the closet. Its walls are attached in the same way for both options. One outer side is covered with laminated chipboard, to which it is necessary to attach the shelves using confirmations. Then a straight panel is fixed, which is used to hang the doors.
The first tier of the loft bed can be organized as a place for games
The resulting rectangular under-bed space can be divided by horizontal and vertical partitions into any zones with drawers and open shelves. Here it is advisable to install a desk, the top of which is made of laminated chipboard. This is only possible if the bed height is sufficient. One of the side panels of the structure will serve as a fulcrum. Different options are shown in the photo of do-it-yourself children's beds made of wood.
Helpful advice! To further save space, the laminated chipboard tabletop can be retractable or folding.
