Choosing the Perfect Crib: Essential Tips and Trends!

On average, a newborn spends about three-quarters of their day in bed during the first few months of life. Thus, choosing the right bedding for infants is crucial. From cradles to space-saving combination beds and mattress types, many factors come into play. If you’re soon to make this purchase, here are some tips to help you find the most suitable model.

Baby Bassinet

The bassinet is a small, portable bed for newborns, suitable from birth until about 3 months old or when the baby begins to roll over. Bassinets are ideal and provide reassurance for newborns due to their smaller size and high sides, which create a snug and secure sleeping environment. Often equipped with handles for easy transport, bassinets must always be stabilized, typically with a stand. They are only meant for the first few months of a baby’s life.

Baby Cradle

Typically, the cradle is the baby’s second bed. Used after the bassinet but before the crib, it provides comforting nights for the baby until about 9 months old. Traditionally, as the name suggests, cradles allow rocking the baby to sleep thanks to their rocking base. However, the term “cradle” can also refer to non-rocking beds. You can find models made of wood with bars, on wheels, adorned with a canopy, or even a hood. These should meet the EN 1130-1 standard.

Round Baby Bed

The round baby bed is not only original and stylish but also safer, eliminating the hazards of sharp corners—an everyday concern for babies and parents alike. The main challenge might be finding suitable mattresses and bedding for a round bed.

Convertible Baby Bed

Brands are getting creative in supporting parents, particularly with convertible beds. The concept is to buy just one piece of furniture that adapts as the child grows. A baby crib can transform into a regular single bed for older children: the bars are removed, and both the mattress and the base are extendable. The EN 716 standard should appear on these convertible cribs, which should have bar spacings of about 5 cm to ensure safety.

Combination Baby Bed

The combination bed is a multifunctional piece of furniture. Besides serving as a sleeping area, a combination bed can include storage spaces, a changing table, a desk area, or even a play area. By integrating multiple functions, this type of bed saves space in the room and represents a one-time investment in a piece of furniture that will evolve with the child’s needs. Some models are so adaptable that parts can be detached and used independently, such as when a child needs a separate bed and dresser. Although more expensive, these combination beds are a solid investment.

Dimensions of a Baby Bed

Typically, baby beds come in two sizes. The larger the bed, the longer it can be used. These models can often be convertible into single beds.

Choosing a Mattress for a Baby Bed

Like adults, various materials make up baby mattresses. For infants, opt for natural fillings such as coconut fiber, latex, wool, or hypoallergenic foams. Regarding the mattress cover, cotton, wool, or tencel are good choices as they quickly absorb moisture and prevent overheating. Consider bamboo fiber for babies prone to allergies. The ideal mattress density is between 20 kg/m³ and 22 kg/m³ to prevent sagging. Ensure the mattress fits the bed tightly so there is no large gap between the mattress and the bed’s edge to avoid any risk of the baby slipping into it.

Selecting Paint for a Baby Bed

The finishes of baby beds and other nursery furniture should be guaranteed free from heavy metals and solvents. Look for products that meet the EN 71-3 standard, which ensures that the materials used in manufacturing are safe. Opt for the most natural products available. You might also consider painting the furniture yourself with organic paints. Also, ensure that the furniture meets the toy safety standard EN 71/3, which considers risks such as ingestion or mouthing by babies.

(Thanks to Marine Leroux, Product Manager at Galipette)