A complete overview of cots and their design features
To buy inexpensive and at the same time high-quality beds for children of any age is not difficult today. Indeed, dozens of stores offer hundreds of models of different designs and in different price ranges. However, when buying, you should still focus on the functionality and features of the product, since the child's body is very susceptible to the quality of sleep. Starting from the newborn age, there is a constant formation of the skeletal system and a modification of the bed, its convenience directly affects health. Here we look at children's beds of different configurations and find out what should be the right berth for a child in his age category.
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Features of children's furniture
The first criterion for choosing a classic or original model is its safety. So, for example, a bed in a nursery for babies should be made of natural wood, have rounded corners and a protective edge. For children over three years old, the same conditions are met. The teenage option is as close as possible to the model of a berth for an adult, but it should be orthopedic and fit in size. If you plan to install an extra bed, for example, in the country, metal beds will be a good solution.
Often, adults prefer to choose a folding sofa, as this solution seems to be cost-effective. It is worth remembering that the sofa is not originally created for regular sleep (maximum is a spare place, just in case). Filling a sofa consists, as a rule, of foam rubber, which eventually loses shape, which harms the child’s posture.
Feature of modern models in ergonomic design. Manufacturers strive to make the bed as comfortable as possible both in terms of sleep, and in terms of storage, including useful little things. The choice of compact models allows you to find a spacious baby bed even for a very small bedroom.
Thematic design, which can be classic or original, deserves special attention. As is the case with the best cots in the form of race cars, houses, the original beds for children in the form of "attics" will appeal to children. The cost of such a bed is not much higher, but there will be no limit to the joy of any child if you can choose a model with your favorite characters or themes.
Material requirements
Initially, more stringent requirements are placed on children's furniture. In addition to ergonomics and safety, a children's bed from 1 year and above should be made of a material safe for the child.An ideal option is furniture made of woodland, which in all respects exceeds the cheaper analogs made of plastic. 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 signals the moldiness of the wood. Visually, beds for children should not have chips, cracks and scuffs (this is especially true for models made of particleboard). Edges should not be too thin, it is good if they are made of thermoplastic or PVC.
When choosing a baby bed from chipboard, be sure to check the material labeling. Marker E0 and E1 is considered safe, chipboard marked E2 is prohibited for use in the manufacture of furniture, as it has harmful compounds in the composition, which can harm not only children but also adults!
The best models and their parameters
For newborns, large cots with built-in mechanisms and a canopy for a crib are best suited. This can be an automatic wall adjustment or a swingarm swing mechanism. Popular models today are:
- Classic children's beds from 4 years old, equipped with castors and arcuate runners. The advantages of this model is that it easily fits into any interior, it is convenient to rock a child in it. A traditional bed is a budget option for a sleeping corner for a child;
- A children's bed with a lifting mechanism of the sleeping bed is a multifunctional option that allows you to change the height of the side as the child grows older. You can hang a canopy over the bed as a decoration;
- Models with a pendulum mechanism are designed for the comfort of both the child and parents. Rocking a baby in such a crib is much easier than simply by hand. The luxury assembly has an electric drive, which is controlled from the remote control;
- A cot with drawers for storing linen is a great option for a small nursery. Often, such models are equipped with a changing table, forming a whole range of furniture necessary for caring for the baby. But there are similar children's beds from 8 years.
Unusual eco-leather children's transforming beds are popular, which can be individually adjusted to the child's parameters. There is no need to buy a cot for growth every 3-5 years, such a piece of furniture can serve up to adolescence.
If you want to buy something really original and stylish, here are a few options for modern cribs created for the design of the bedroom:
- A bright accent in a bright and spacious bedroom will be a green baby bed. This color scheme has a beneficial effect on the psyche of the child. Blue, pink, brown, blue with a play area - all options will look great;
- To give lightness to a small room, you can buy a bright children's bed Provence. This option is especially good for girls. A children's bed in the Provence style does not visually overload the room, even if it is small;
- Boys will like a children's bed-ship, a tractor bed or furniture in the form of a race car. A pirate ship can be decorated with flags, a helm and self-adhesive cannon windows;
- Little princesses will love the four-poster bed. In addition to aesthetic appeal, such a decorative element will fulfill a protective role. You can buy a model with painted crowns or royal lilies;
- Accessories for a children's bed will help to complement the interior of the bedroom and give comfort.
If you choose a children's teenage bed, then the bedrooms in the Loft, Industrial or High-tech style will perfectly complement the children's metal bed or variations of the beds for children with metal legs, as well as lifting beds if there are several children.
Up to three years
After the birth of a child, parents strive to ensure that he has only all the newest and the best. It used to be that the models of cots were the same and there was no need to choose. But now, from a variety of models of cots from Italy, one can go around if one does not know the rules of choice. Do not rely on the appearance of the furniture, because beauty is not a sign of quality. First of all, it is necessary that the bed for a one-year-old child be comfortable and convenient, and then beautiful.
You will love the ivory baby bed for the newborn in both neutral color and quality. It is worth paying attention to the material from which the product is made. An ideal option would be a bed, which is made exclusively of natural material. To create a kit, you can purchase a cabinet of the same color.
Portable or hanging baby cot bed, convenient for parents of newborns. The most popular material for the cradle is the vine. In this version of the crib, the baby will feel cozy and comfortable. Baby cradles have an advantage not only for children, but also for parents. They can be conveniently moved to anywhere in the room without waking the baby. Along with all the advantages in such a multifunctional baby bed there is one main drawback. It lies in the fact that the kids grow up pretty quickly with them. Therefore, soon you will have to buy new furniture. But do not worry in this case, because today manufacturers have come up with a bed for a child under 6 years old - a transformer. The size can easily be increased by disconnecting several parts and the child will continue to sleep further in his crib.
The most practical option will be a wooden children's bed made of birch. In this product, the child will be able to sleep from birth to 5 years. As an additional decoration, you can buy a canopy for a baby bed. In some families, several generations grow in such beds. Each child in it is comfortable and convenient. Wooden beds do not emit harmful substances, and they are also very convenient to wash. The beds can have different configurations: on wheels, and on runners, and made in the usual stationary version. Some models have additional laundry compartments, which saves space in the house.
Wooden soft beds for children - a cost-effective solution. The size of the berth is determined by the area of the room where it will be located. No less popular beds made of plastic material. They are cheaper than wood, but in appearance and functionality are not much worse. The most important thing when choosing is safety.
Older than three years
Elite Italian beds for older children have become famous for their good quality and comfort. The selection of a berth for a baby should be carried out according to all standards of safety, ergonomics and environmental friendliness. By design, such furniture is most similar to a bed with a carriage screed for adults, most models have the appearance of a podium with backs, a soft or semi-soft bed. But a sleeping place may look like a children's couch. A children's bed with shelves can be equipped with solid or removable sides that will prevent the child from falling in a dream.
Children's beds from 6 years old should not be high so that the child can independently go to bed and get up from it himself. It is preferable to choose models from the forest, with a cotton canvas on the bed and hypoallergenic filler. A metal children's bed does not retain heat well, which can negatively affect the health of the child. Well saves space children's walls with a storage bed, with which the child can easily learn how to store things.
Types of beds for children from three years:
- Angular model;
- Classic bed with one or two backs (you can additionally install a canopy on the crib);
- Modular nurseries with stairs;
- Two-tier.
Popular today are bed-beds, bed-houses, four-poster beds. Such a bed for a teenager is not only comfortable, but will look like a full-fledged children's corner with a bed.
For teens
Popular today are models of inexpensive wooden beds from the forest, beautiful designs and a warm color of which create an atmosphere of comfort suitable for the child. A teenage bed can be called a baby bed from 7 years and older. Such furniture has many advantages:
- Children's beds made of forest species do not require special care and maintain an aesthetically pleasing appearance for years;
- Wood is an absolutely natural material, so a child’s sleep will be not only pleasant, but also beneficial;
- Natural shades of wood do not strain eyesight and are an excellent color scheme in any design;
- Wooden furniture made of chipboard or MDF will really save the budget compared to furniture made of other materials.
The advice on caring for a wooden children's bed is simple: regularly wipe the product from dust - more care is not required. You can always find beautiful models of wooden furniture for children at a low cost in stores or on order and start creating an original bedroom design in the near future!
For two children
Compact children's beds from 10 years for two children - an actual solution if the bedroom does not have large dimensions. An important point is the clear separation of sleeping areas so that each of the children feels comfortable. It is worth paying attention when choosing age, as teenage beds will be structurally different from double options for babies.
Choosing a bed for families with two children is also uncomplicated. As in other cases, the main criterion will be the safety of the product, the quality of the material of manufacture and functionality. In order to save space in the room of a small one-room apartment, you can choose the following models:
- Two-story models with a bed and a table are a good solution for convenient placement of same-sex and same-sex children. It should correspond in height, have a special ladder and protective sidewalls. Do not buy a bunk bed for three children, especially if children are not 6 years old, there is a high probability of injury. The bed with the stairs must be stable;
- The folding option allows you to expand the space for games in the daytime. A lot of attention when choosing should be given to the quality of the fasteners. This option is preferable for same-sex children;
- The built-in bed for two with a working area will significantly save usable space in the nursery. There are oval models that meet the needs of both same-sex and same-sex children. Such an oval bed will especially appeal to teenagers, if it is equipped with a podium and additional drawers, has shelves;
- A modular bed and modular systems (modular walls, along with other interior items) open up a place for imagination, as it is possible to separate a personal comfortable zone for each child even in a small room - and a functional nursery is ready in two ways. There is a children's bed 7 in 1, 2 in 1 and even 8 in 1, which will fully satisfy the needs of the child. It is worth considering the attached crib if the children do not want to sleep separately.
If children are of different sexes or with a large difference in age, sleeping places should be clearly delineated and made in accordance with the individual needs of each child.
Mattress
The choice of a good mattress should be approached no less responsibly than the choice of a bed. After all, if the purchase is wrong, then the child’s health will be at risk. The main rule is to buy a mattress according to the size of the bed. Therefore, in order not to be mistaken with volumes, it is necessary to measure a child's berth. And then go to the store for a new mattress.
Many experts recommend choosing ecological products exclusively with natural fillers. The mattress should have a removable cover and good air permeability. Do not take too soft mattresses, because by all standards it should be tough and elastic. This will help maintain the spine in the correct anatomical shape and prevent diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
Orthopedic mattresses are specially designed products that enable the body to maintain the most comfortable position during sleep. Thanks to this, the spine is straightened, and all internal organs and muscles relax.
To date, a huge range of orthopedic models is presented. Nevertheless, your choice is exclusively individual and in many respects it depends on the proportions of the child’s body, the presence of diseases of the spine or other physiological characteristics. Before purchasing an orthopedic model, it is better to consult an experienced orthopedic surgeon who will tell you which filler and design to choose. You can also get advice if you need a special children's medical bed.
For children, the best solution would be to purchase a springless semi-rigid mattress, but there are other options that are also suitable:
- Coconut coir - Coconut fibers or slabs keep your posture in good condition. A mattress with such a filler will be a good prevention against spinal curvature for children from 3 years old;
- Natural latex - such a mattress has both soft and hard sides. It meets the hygiene requirement (dust mites are excluded) and can last for many years without losing its appearance. With such a filler often make low products;
- Polyurethane foam is a budget analogue of latex filler, which is in no way inferior to it in quality, except in price.
The selection of a mattress cover and bedding is also important, because their material is in direct contact with delicate baby skin. In addition, the presence of a mattress cover will significantly increase the life of the mattress and protect it from pollution.
Selection tips
Not only attractive appearance matters. How to choose a baby bed? This is easy if you follow a few simple recommendations:
- If you plan to purchase a bed for 2-3 years, the size of the bed should be 30-40 cm larger than the real height of the child. If you want to buy a “castle” or “boat” model, please note that they are not regulated;
- So that the child gets enough sleep and does not have problems with posture in the future, they choose children's beds from 2-3 years old with a semi-solid filling (or mattress), which will perform orthopedic functions;
- Sleeper ventilation is important! Instead of a solid canvas, it is better to choose a model with lamellas or slats;
- It is better to choose designer models made of wood, especially when it comes to babies. A children's bed with a table made of alder, birch, maple and pine looks good. The latter option, although more profitable, but it is worth considering that pine products are quite soft and easily amenable to external influences;
- The composition of the materials is also important, ideally a bed in the form of a ship should be made using glue without formaldehyde and water-based resin paint. It is desirable that the decorative model was with a steel frame;
- Evaluate the whole assortment; it is often possible to purchase cots with a desk, with a workplace, with a ladder, with an extra bed and a functional area below;
- If you plan to purchase a crib with arcuate runners for motion sickness, it is better to give preference to options with a removable design. Which is easy to replace with ordinary wheels. Otherwise, the baby may fall out when he grows up and sways the bed;
- Measure the distance between the rods when it comes to the crib for babies.The optimal gap is not more than 5-6 cm. The head of the children's bed made of slats also matters, the distance between them should not exceed 8 cm, otherwise. Between them the baby's head may be stuck.
Typically, quality control and safety compliance of children's furniture is still at the production stage. But do not hesitate to ask the seller for certificates, because it is better to be safe again when it comes to children's health.
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