As you know, with the birth of a newborn, the lives of both parents change dramatically. First of all, there is a need to create the most favorable conditions for your child. And a crib acts as a necessary paraphernalia. In particular, we are talking about a pendulum crib, which, due to the rocking effect created, allows you to calm the baby, due to which he falls asleep faster.
There are many different models. How to assemble a crib with a pendulum yourself? And most importantly, is it possible to make such furniture or is it easier to buy ready-made furniture?
The information requires thorough analysis. But what kind of bed is this? This article will be devoted to the answers to these and some other related questions.
What is a pendulum crib?
A crib with a pendulum is the best option for a sleeping place for newborns, which imitates the effect of swinging in the mother’s arms. In some cases, the baby is able to independently start this mechanism when he turns over in an attempt to fall asleep.
It is only important that there is no obstacle in the area of the moving side, otherwise the swinging process will become impossible and the furniture will lose its functionality.
Modern models of baby cribs with sides, which are sold in many stores, are made from high-quality and strong wood, and therefore have a fairly long service life.
Main element
The main element of the entire structure is the pendulum mechanism for the crib, which can be transverse, longitudinal or universal. In this case, only the child’s sleeping place swings, while the frame itself remains stationary.
In order to set the bed in motion, just touch the side with your hand and it will begin to rock. And if a mother has time, she can easily lull the baby to sleep by quietly humming a lullaby.
As for the three types of pendulum, each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.
How to assemble a children's pendulum bed?
Ours is now 1 g 3 m. In a year, they removed the side and the entire wall from the crib. Down the pillows from the sofa, they don’t fall far. I fell almost the first two nights, then I somehow began to understand that it was the edge, even in a dream.
Hi all! Girls, does anyone know how to fix a pendulum crib? The baby is already a year old and cannot sleep in his crib. It seems to me that he often wakes up in it because it rocks when the baby tosses and turns in his sleep.
Some types of rocking chairs have special drawers for storing children's things and bedding. These cribs are made of wood, so they are durable and can be passed on through generations.
Uncle, a bed for six months? The height of the walls will allow the child to cross as soon as he begins to crawl on 4 limbs. Take care of the child.
Beds of this type provide users with the ability to transform the mechanism. This is convenient if you may need to change the position of a piece of furniture in the future. In this case, parents will be able to convert the bed in a short time. Such models also have the ability to remove side rails and install additional accessories.
The main advantage of a rocking bed is the price. It costs about one and a half times less than a pendulum crib. And this is a savings of 5,000 to 8,000 rubles.
Longitudinal mechanism
This option best allows you to imitate the baby being in the mother’s hands. The trajectory of rocking in this case is forward and backward, which is a more physiological way of lulling a child to sleep. As many experts note, it is these types of cribs with a longitudinal pendulum that are preferable to use, since they help normalize intracranial pressure.
And precisely due to the fact that the furniture swings back and forth, it can be placed against the wall, and it will not clutter up the space. This is very convenient, especially when the bed is located in the parent's bedroom.
At the same time, for some mothers this type of rocking may cause certain difficulties or inconveniences. From their point of view, it is much easier to rock the baby in the transverse direction. It is precisely for such cases that the next type of pendulum has been developed, which will be discussed further.
Lateral rocking
Externally, the entire structure resembles a cradle for comfortable rocking from left to right and vice versa. It is easy for parents to rock their baby to sleep, even while lying in their own bed. But even in this case, the baby can independently set his crib in motion, turning over from side to side.
As for the disadvantages, a crib with a transverse pendulum also has them. Such furniture requires quite a large space. Otherwise, due to lack of free space, the body of the crib will constantly hit the wall, which, in general, is undesirable.
In other words, it cannot be moved close to the wall, as is the case with a longitudinal pendulum. Another disadvantage is the lack of physiology of the swinging process itself.
Disassembly with lifting mechanism
The question of how to disassemble a lift-up bed may seem more difficult. This is practical furniture, where under the sleeping bed there is a spacious compartment for blankets and other accessories. To gain access to the internal compartment, you do not need free space on the sides, because the mattress with the base can rise up.
For proper disassembly, follow the same recommendations as for a regular double bed. The mattress is removed, the base with slats is unscrewed, and the screws of the corner fastenings are removed. The difficulty is presented by the gas lift, which ensures the movement of the internal frame of the frame. It is fixed with bolts at three points. In addition to it, there is an additional metal strip that acts as a hinge and a holding function. It can also be removed by unscrewing two bolts.
In order not to get confused and to assemble everything correctly, it is worth sketching out a diagram of the bed, marking the individual elements, their quantity and length. The second option would be to photograph important components before disassembly and during the process.
The Anatomy of Sleep online store contains many beautiful beds that can be easily disassembled for transportation. Details of the implementation of fastening units can be obtained from a consultant.
Universal option
The main feature of the universal pendulum (as you might guess) is that when assembling the crib, you can choose an active, more convenient option - longitudinal or transverse. Moreover, it is possible to alternate longitudinal movement with transverse movement. This way the baby can get used to both.
It is worth noting that if one child likes longitudinal rocking, then this option is not always acceptable for another child. And it can take more than two weeks to understand which type is suitable in each particular case. This is precisely the beauty of assembling a crib with a universal pendulum - thanks to the presence of two swing options, the baby will have a restful sleep.
Typically, parents purchase beds several years in advance, and during this period of time some changes may occur, including rearrangement of furniture. Having universal children's sleeping furniture in stock, you don't have to worry about upcoming rearrangements. This bed will take any convenient place.
Analysis of the base and frame
To understand how to disassemble a double bed, you need to understand its structure. By removing the bedding and lifting the mattress, you can gain access to the base. If it is separate, then the element is pulled out of the frame and folded in half, like a book. This should be enough to move it to another room.
When you need to move to a new home, you may need to do some minor disassembly. The base on slats, separate with legs or overhead, has its own wooden frame. Its fixation is made at three points: in the corners and in the middle. For this, confirmats are used - special screws with a recessed head and a hexagonal hole.
The process is performed in the following sequence:
- Having selected the appropriate key, the elements are unscrewed.
- With light blows, the side thin strip is separated.
- After this, the slats are easily removed from the grooves and compactly folded into a column for transportation.
You can remove them without disassembling the frame, but simply bending each one in the middle, but then the wooden perimeter of the base will take up a lot of space in the car.
After working with this part, it is important to know how to disassemble the bed further, namely its frame. If the model has slanted reinforcing strips, then their screws are unscrewed with a screwdriver. In this case, the support corner on which the base rested is immediately disconnected. It is practical to provide a bag made of thick polyethylene to put all the small parts and fasteners in it. The process will be much faster when you have a screwdriver available.
The frame has important fastening points in the corners and in the middle. Fixation can be done through a metal corner, where it is enough to unscrew all the screws. A more complex hidden method is a screw and nut placed inside wooden walls. Then on the side panel you need to find a rotating washer that releases the exit of the rod. To do this, rotate it 90 degrees. This is how the sides and backs are detached. With a light tap the structure can be disassembled into individual parts. The central panel is dismantled in the same way.
One nuance of all types of pendulum
It is worth noting that regardless of the type of pendulum (transverse, longitudinal, universal), they all have one significant drawback. Small children get used to rocking very quickly. And for this reason, subsequently falling asleep on a static surface will be quite difficult.
The best choice for most babies is still assembling a crib with a pendulum of a longitudinal design. At the same time, as studies have shown, in those children who are accustomed to both types of rocking, the vestibular apparatus develops better. It is recommended to buy a model that has an affordable price and will take its rightful place in a child’s room or parent’s bedroom.
Hinged
A crib with hinges is a “classic” option for children under three years old. Smooth rocking motions soothe the baby, promoting healthy, sound sleep.
The bed on hinges is assembled as a classic option
Assembly of the hinged version takes place in several stages:
- To assemble the base, you will need three main sides: two sides and one back, attach to the bottom. At the same time, it is worth considering that the grooves on the sides should go outward ;
- The rear and front backrests are attached to the body with screws;
- The bottom can be installed at two levels , providing different depths;
- Firmly secure the sides to the base of the crib;
- For stability, it is recommended to install fixing elements at the bottom of the sides.
Preparatory stage
The procedure for assembling and installing a children's bed consists of two main stages - preparation and the assembly process itself. First you need to prepare everything you need:
- instructions;
- a screwdriver depending on the type of fasteners (one or more);
- crib details;
- hammer;
- reversible key;
- screws;
- screw plugs;
- textile.
After unpacking, you need to inspect all the parts of the children's furniture.
Varieties
Different types of cribs differ from each other, first of all, in reliability and service life. You should take a responsible approach to choosing a crib so that it lasts as long as possible and does not endanger your children.
Cradle
A cradle is ideal for a newborn baby. Your baby will sleep more comfortably in a small cradle than in a large bed. This crib takes up little space and can be moved freely around the room. However, it is worth remembering that the cradle is suitable for a baby no older than six months, and when he begins to stand on his feet, the child will need a larger crib. Many parents use a stroller cradle instead of a cradle. The shape of the cradle resembles a mother's tummy, so a recently born baby will sleep peacefully and pleasantly in such a crib.
Spacious structures are not so well suited for a baby - it is still unusual and uncomfortable for him to be in them.
Among other things, the cradle can be easily placed right next to the parents’ bed so that the mother can hear the baby’s call at any time. In addition, thanks to its lightness, the cradle can be moved anywhere at any time without disturbing the baby’s sleep.
Classical
The classic design of a baby crib will fit into any room design. Such cribs are usually quite simple and functional. The sleeping area is fenced on all sides with lattice walls, one of which can be dismantled. Most classic cribs are designed for children under three years of age.
Transformer
The advantage of transformers is the ability to adjust the size of the bed depending on the height of the child. Therefore, this bed has an increased service life. Transformers also have shelves for diapers and bottles. Thanks to the sides, the baby will not fall out of the bed while sleeping. Most models have a built-in mattress and storage cabinets.
Assembly process
How to assemble a crib with a pendulum? Usually, to assemble a cabinet or kitchen cabinet, they use the services of professional furniture assemblers. However, you can assemble a children's bed yourself, without outside help. Moreover, it is more convenient to assemble the crib on site, that is, in the children’s room or in the parents’ room.
The process itself, in turn, also consists of several steps:
- Stage 1. The assembly process of the crib begins with the installation of a fixed fence. The side and bottom parts are connected using screws. After this, the headboard is attached to them.
- Stage 2. Now the bed is attached on 4 sides, and only then the movable grille is installed. There are recesses on the non-side walls of the structure. The grille is simply inserted into them and secured with screws.
- Stage 3. How to install a pendulum on a crib? Now it’s time to tackle this mechanism. To do this, you need to secure 4 guides between the backrests. A wooden bottom is mounted in the gap between the top two. After this, you need to fix the lower part of the pendulum with screws.
- Stage 4. At the final stage, the box is assembled in the same way as the pendulum. Movable elements are attached to the top of the pendulum, and the legs of the crib are fixed to them.
If wheels are provided, then you need to secure them in the designated places, after turning the crib over. But here it all depends on the situation and preferences on how to assemble a crib with a pendulum - if there is a need to move furniture, then it is much easier to do this with wheels.
However, when the crib will stand in one place, the wheels do not need to be attached, even if they are included.
Instructions for assembling a transforming crib
A transformable crib will allow you to manually increase the sleeping space at any time, thanks to the ability to remove the bedside table. This design consists of a bed, a table, a bedside table and a chest of drawers. The bedside table and table can be detached, thereby increasing the size of the crib itself.
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Frame assembly
First of all, we screw the guides to the side backs and connecting partitions of the future design. We assemble the frame. First of all, we screw on the back part and the connecting partition, then we install the right and left backrests. Finally, all that remains is to screw the front part of the crib to the frame structure.
Fixing the middle bottom
We install the bottom of the crib, again, in accordance with the age of the baby. For newborns, a high seating position is optimal; for older children, the bottom drops lower.
Assembling a chest of drawers or cabinets
Assembling the drawers of the transformable crib. We connect the walls of the box, nail the bottom, and screw the guides. We insert the finished box into the frame. Assembling the chest of drawers. We connect the back and side parts of the chest of drawers together. Two boards with holes for self-tapping screws are installed under the cover. Two similar planks are screwed at the base. Install guides for drawers. As a rule, markings are provided for the guides on the walls of the chest of drawers. Following the markings, we screw the guides to the walls.
We connect the back and walls of the structure together. Preparing the base for the pendulums. We screw the bolts into the prepared holes and secure them with nuts. We install the chest of drawers on the frame. Screw the lid of the chest of drawers using self-tapping screws.
Installation of grilles or limiters, headboard, top bottom
We make blanks for pendulums on the back of the cradle. We install the backrests. We collect the lamellas. We install the remaining structural parts. Screw on the folding side of the crib.
Bottom assembly
We fasten the bottom of the structure with screws.
Useful tips for choosing a crib
Since we are talking about a child, every effort must be made to create favorable conditions for him. To do this, there are a few things to consider:
- Children's sleeping furniture should be completely safe - no sharp corners or untreated parts!
- You should make sure that the parts are made of environmentally friendly, high-quality and hypoallergenic material. And you need to worry about this when choosing a crib. It’s not a sin to ask the seller if the certificate is available.
- The sleeping place itself should be comfortable.
- You should regularly check the crib for stability and secure fastening of the bolts. This will allow you to identify any problems early.
- From time to time you need to clean the crib using soft products and water.
How to assemble a crib with a pendulum is now clear. The last thing to keep in mind is choosing a mattress for your child.
You need to purchase only one that is made from natural ingredients. It must also be orthopedic so that the baby sleeps soundly and soundly throughout the night.
Advantages and disadvantages
Compared to conventional beds, the transformer has the following features:
- The design changes with the child - you can increase the sleeping area to 50 cm, because you can remove the cabinet.
- The width cannot be added - 60 cm is enough for a child of 5 years old, but this is not enough for a schoolchild of 8-9 years old.
- Products are made from different materials - wood, plastic, metal.
- Transformable children's beds are created based on the structure of the child's body, so he can expect a comfortable rest.
- Since there is a chest of drawers built into it, all things will be at hand.
- When choosing a bed with a changing table, it will be convenient for the mother to care for her child.
- The price of the design is average, but it depends on the number of items in the set.
- This bed is much larger in size compared to the classic one.
- The advantage of the products is the presence of drawers under the bottom.