The Dolphin bed is a bright element of a children's room.

When arranging a space for a baby, it is important to choose a really high-quality, practical, beautiful and comfortable bed model. This will be the key to health and normal development of the musculoskeletal system. But how to find a model that meets all these parameters? The dolphin children's bed, which is also very convenient and comfortable, will help provide these requirements.

Functionality and practicality of the model

An excellent option when creating an interior for a baby is a dolphin children's bed. The design received such an unusual name thanks to a special extension mechanism called “Dolphin”. All it takes is a slight movement of the hand for the sleeping area to emerge and form a full-fledged bed. Manufacturers often decorate the front panel of models of this type with the image of a dolphin, which many children like.

An excellent option for babies who are just getting used to sleeping separately from their mother is a bed with sides. Special guards prevent the child from falling out of bed while sleeping.

We buy and assemble a Dolphin children's bed

Good day everyone!
Time goes fast. It seems like just yesterday we bought our first baby bed and onesies. Lo and behold, today we’re already going to the garden and choosing a new children’s bed.

We went to a nearby furniture store to make a purchase. The Dolphin bed and mattress cost the family budget 10 thousand rubles. This was the price in Yaroslavl at the end of 2020.

About delivery

You could pick up your purchase yourself or order delivery to your door. I chose the second one.

The courier arrived earlier than the agreed time in a regular passenger car. There were five packages in total. The heaviest is about 30 kg and 1.6 m long. Separately, a children's mattress. I had to carry all this up to the fifth floor. A little difficult, but doable.

During the unloading process they forgot about the warranty. The courier only gave it to me when I inquired about it. They suggested filling it out yourself. They didn't give me a sales receipt. Which is, to put it mildly, dishonest. I didn’t remind him.

Do you want to save 1000 rubles? It's simple. The disassembled bed can be taken away even in a regular sedan. The largest dimensions are 1630x800. Here's minus 400 rubles. One person can handle the climb even to the fifth floor. That's another 500 rubles.

It is also worth asking about the warranty and sales receipt. They might come in handy.

Instructions

I read the assembly manual. The kit comes with scanty instructions and poor picture quality. It was an ordinary black and white photocopy. If I made and sold beds, I would never include such instructions. Advice to the manufacturer: make it like Lego with pictures so that anyone can assemble it, even without experience in this field. The buyer will be pleased. They will see that he is cared for. Next time there will be no negativity towards the seller.

Assembly

The New Year holidays were ahead. Therefore, there was plenty of time for assembly.

I took photos with an Asus ZenFone Go in low light. The quality is poor in places.

I started by choosing a place to work. I cleared a small patch in the room: about 2 by 1.5 meters.

I found the bottom and placed it against the wall. This is the largest shield with dimensions of 1600 by 816.

Then I found two central partitions. Dimensions 334 by 816.

The guides for the central drawer need to be attached to them.

Next, we screw the two sides (backs) to the bottom of the future bed. Better with an assistant. If you are alone like me, then you need to put something under the edge of the bottom. Sidewalls 850 by 850.

We attach the central partitions with guides.

Then we attach the side strip (tsar 1600x50) on the front side. It has two holes to which the side back with the dolphin will be screwed. Therefore, you need to first align them so that the holes match in the future. On the bar they should be shifted to the right, further from the head part. If you do the opposite, you will have to rearrange the bar.

We fasten the left and right shields (knitting 525x816). These will be the floors for future boxes.

Install the front plinths. First under the central drawer (518x100), then under the side drawers (525x100).

We put the bed back to normal. We fasten the back part (tsar 1600x700). The frame is almost assembled.

We install a decorative backrest and an image of a dolphin. The left part is attached to the head back, and the back to the bar. On the left side, the holes are not visible from the end: they are simply under the film and need to be slightly pressed through.

It is attached to the bar with these bolts.

To the head back with ordinary Euro screws.

The bed is almost assembled.

Assembling the box

We take the front part of the box and screw four screws with red plastic into the holes.

It should look like this:

We insert mortgages (eccentric) into the holes that are in the sides of the box. The arrow should point towards the screws in the front panel.

We insert the screws of the front panel into the end holes of the side panels. Turn the screwdriver clockwise. The panel will be attracted.

Then you need to nail the plywood bottom with thin nails. Only then screw the guides to the bottom of the drawer.

We install the handle using these screws.

Installing side doors

First you need to install the hinges on the door. They are fastened with two self-tapping screws. You can pre-drill the holes with a “2” drill.

Try on and mark the holes in the bed with a pencil.

Drill holes into which the hinges will be attached. It is better to insert the drill into the screwdriver until it stops. This way the screwdriver will stand vertically inside the box.

Screw the handles in the same way as for the drawer.

Then you can leave it like that. The doors stay closed but open easily. Therefore, you can put stops.

Installation of stops

Includes two bar stops. One per box. Each in a separate package with its own components.

First you need to install the stop base inside the drawer. It is attached under the floor at a distance of 10 mm from the edge. Tighten three screws.

Then install the holder on the door. Distance 8 cm from the edge.

We install decorative plugs on the Euroscrews. This completes the assembly. Let's move to the right place. The bed is quite hard.

Finally

The fit quality of the parts is not ideal. In some places, gaps of several millimeters are formed.

If the child tosses and turns, he may hit the hard backrest. While the soft sides have been attached.

The opening for getting into the bed needs to be covered with something. Place chairs with cushions or armchairs. Otherwise, the child can easily fall at night.

Species diversity

Furniture production these days offers parents and their children a wide variety of sleeping places equipped with a “dolphin” mechanism.

According to the design features, dolphin beds are distinguished in the form of:

• sofas are compact models that are perfect for small spaces. The child can rest on a folded sofa, and when unfolding the sleeping bed, a full-fledged bed is obtained;
• attic - the design consists of a full bed on the second floor and a desk (sometimes with drawers, a narrow pencil case) on the first. The high practicality of such models explains their popularity among parents;
• armchairs - the compact dimensions of the structure allow it to fit into any space of any shape and size. Can be used as an additional or main bed.

Attic

Bed

Sofa

Armchair

Based on the material of manufacture, products are distinguished from:

• natural wood - they look luxurious and expensive. Natural wood is distinguished by a wide range of natural shades, high practicality, resistance to negative factors, environmental friendliness, and long service life. But such models have an impressive weight, so they can be too bulky for tiny rooms;
• MDF - the material copies the appearance of natural wood, but is slightly cheaper. It is varied in color and texture, and can imitate the appearance of not only wood, but also stone and plastic. The cost of products made from MDF is significantly lower than options made from solid wood, so they are more suitable for small children's rooms;
• plywood is the most affordable option that demonstrates average performance parameters. Plywood is resistant to prolonged exposure to water, high air humidity, and direct sunlight. But due to the rapid growth of the child, plywood remains the most profitable, because in a few years the baby will need a more spacious bed.

Manufacturing materials

One of the main criteria for choosing furniture is the material of manufacture. The design and service life of the models depend on it. The Dolphin bed is most often produced:

1. Made from solid wood. The most environmentally friendly material. It looks expensive and luxurious. It is characterized by high strength and resistance to external factors, durable. Does not cause allergies. Wood has high thermal conductivity, so the bed remains warm even when the apartment is cold. The main disadvantage is the high cost.
2. From chipboard. Such models cost much less, they are beautiful in appearance and stable. The main disadvantage is that they contain formaldehyde, which causes headaches and nausea. Its presence is determined by smell. Therefore, while the pores are eroding, the furniture is stored in a warehouse.
3. Made from plywood. The most affordable option in the price category. It has average performance characteristics. The furniture is not resistant to high humidity and direct sunlight.

Modifications of folding beds, popular models and designs

A child’s quality sleep also depends on the correct choice of foundation. In Dolphin beds they come in two types:

1. Solid canvas. Consists of sheets of plywood or wooden boards, adjusted to size. Difficult to repair and looks bulky. The only advantages are that it does not creak and is cheaper.
2. Lamels. Wood is most often used in production (birch veneer, beech slats). This base ensures high-quality ventilation of the mattress, which extends its service life.

The best anatomical effect is achieved by beds with slats. When choosing such furniture, it is important to pay attention to the width of the slats and the distance between them. Thin and sparse slats are not a reliable support for the mattress: it will begin to fall into holes and quickly become deformed.

Solid wood

Chipboard

Plywood

Solid fabric

Lamels

Main characteristics

Beds for children with a dolphin mechanism are very popular in the domestic market. They are distinguished from other models by their high performance parameters and affordable cost. Let us describe the main advantages for which such furniture is famous:

• practicality, low maintenance requirements;
• durability, high resistance to negative factors;
• interesting design, attractive appearance, wide range of colors - all this allows you to successfully combine the dolphin with other children's furniture, finishing in different styles;
• high comfort during sleep and rest, excellent level of safety due to the presence of special sides and the absence of sharp corners;
• easy transformation mechanism - unfolding a sleeping place of this design is not difficult at all.

Standard sizes of a dolphin children's bed with drawers:

• for preschoolers – 80x140, 80x160 cm;
• for teenagers – 80x190, 80x200 cm;
• double – 140x190, 140x200 cm.

If desired, you can make a design with other parameters to order, but it will cost several times more than the standard version.

Dolphin bed assembly

The instructions included with the furniture will tell you how to assemble the Dolphin bed. This is a small diagram that will be understandable to an average user (as a girl, it was difficult for me to figure out some points, but my husband quickly figured it out).

The manufacturer warns that the perfect assembly of the Dolphin bed can only be achieved with the help of a professional furniture assembler, however, if the client knows how to hold a screwdriver and a hammer in his hands, the result is no worse.

To assemble a crib you will additionally need:

• flat and Phillips screwdrivers;
• hammer;
• screwdriver with a cross-shaped nozzle No. 2, hexagonal No. 4;
• tape measure or ruler.

It is not difficult to assemble the Myth bed according to the diagram, but in the process I noted some nuances.

1. It’s easier to start by attaching the backs to the back wall, after which you can begin to frame the drawers.
2. Be sure to attach thrust bearings to the bottom of the walls to protect the floor from scratches.
3. It is also necessary to install corners between the shield and the bottom cover, which will protect the base of the bed from falling.
4. If you do not want to attach a protective side with a dolphin, install the bar in its place (this option is suitable for an older child).

Mattress

It is important to choose an orthopedic mattress for the dolphin crib in order to provide the child’s spine with the most comfortable conditions for sleep and rest. Based on the child’s weight, purchase budget, and the size of the selected model.

A successful children's mattress model has:

• natural filler: coconut coir, batting, horsehair;
• removable cover that can be washed if necessary;
• one side for use in the warm season, the other for use in the cold season.

The level of mattress hardness must be selected individually. An excellent solution would be a double-sided children's mattress, the sides of which have different hardnesses.

Additional items

Models of similar furniture differ from each other in the presence of additional storage space.

To increase the functionality of the model and diversify its design, manufacturers often complement it with a bedside table with a niche for storing linen, open shelves for small accessories, and LED strip lighting located at the bottom of the bed or on the headboard.

Color spectrum

A children's bed with a dolphin mechanism is available in different colors:

• white is a universal option that can easily fit into any color interior of a child’s room. White dolphin beds go well with the decoration of walls, floors, and ceilings of any color and shade. The only thing is that such furniture is not suitable for white walls;
• blue is an excellent option for children's interiors in a Mediterranean style, as blue goes well with gray, white, green, blue, and brown colors. For example, gray and blue colors look good in the design of walls and cribs. This bedroom is optimal for little boys;
• gray - this color of crib is relevant for a child’s room of any gender, as it goes well with many other colors in the design and does not look gloomy or boring;
• soft pink, peach, lilac - beds with a transformation mechanism called “Dolphin” in these colors are selected for young girls. With their help it is easy to create a cozy, romantic bedroom for a young beauty.

You can also choose cribs for children of this configuration in bright colors (red, blue, green, purple), however, in this case it is important to decorate the room in a calm color. Otherwise, it will be difficult for the baby’s psyche to relax in the overly bright design of the nursery.

Advantages and disadvantages

The children's model Dolphin 2 is called so not only due to its particularly durable and comfortable mechanism, but also because of its unique side, made in the shape of a dolphin. The panel is an original decoration; it performs a protective function and protects against falling during night sleep. Having such a unique bed, parents can safely leave their baby alone in the child's room.

Despite the fact that manufacturers create beds of different colors and sizes, it is possible to purchase a model made according to individual drawings.

For a child of preschool and primary school age, a bed is the best option:

• internal filling - two pull-out boxes can accommodate a large number of board games, sports equipment and soft toys;
• spacious bed - the width of the bed allows the baby to get a good night's sleep and rest;
• low height - comfortable low furniture is equipped with a special side;
• varied design - the resting place has a standard color or is intended exclusively for boys or girls.

The model has few disadvantages. For example, the pointed ribs of the backs. But this flaw can only affect particularly active children.

How not to make a mistake when choosing

High-quality children's furniture always comes with certificates, passports, and other documentation. Don't be shy to ask for it from the seller. If you refuse, think about whether this model is worth attention.

Be sure to take a closer look at the product. There should be no visible defects (cracks, chips, surface abrasions). It is better to choose an option with rounded corners and a safety edge.

Experts recommend paying attention to models equipped with original lighting, because it is very convenient. If it is located along the entire perimeter of the bed from below at the legs, this allows you to create the effect of the furniture floating at night. If the lighting is provided by built-in lamps at the headboard, then it is used as additional light in the evening when reading. In any version, such a decorative element looks very interesting.

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