If you are a mother already, choosing the ideal crib model for your baby requires attention to many details, especially today, when the options on the market are endless.
The choice, of course, goes far beyond aesthetics! For architect and interior designer Taciana Leme, the most important issues when choosing a crib are: safety, comfort and functionality.
Alessandra Rodrigues, architect and landscape architect at the Mangô Arquitetura Office, comments that the choice of the baby's cradle is mainly related to family characteristics. "We can do several projects in one room with different models of crib, but it is the style and daily life of parents that will define which option best suits the room," he says.
Round crib, portable crib, Moses crib, among many other options? In practice, how to choose? After all, each model has its advantages and disadvantages.
Danielle Negri, pediatrician at Perinatal, exemplifies: cot with changing table or attached dresser is recommended for small rooms and space utilization. "Baby cribs allow them to move around the house and take up less space, but only accommodate the baby up to six months," he says.
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? Some cribs can turn into a minilayer, which can be a savings factor in the future and extend the life of the furniture by up to two years. Portable crib is good for travel, can be disassembled and mounted anywhere, but it's simple. Stability is low and has no accessories such as adjustable railings and movable platform ?, adds the pediatrician.
In this context, below, you know a little more about the features of the major crib models sold on the market today, so choose the one that best suits your baby's and family's needs!
1. Traditional crib
Maria Rosimeire Rodrigues de Souza Cruz, owner of Misk Decor, explains that the advantages of this type of crib are its smaller size (compared to other models, such as those that have a dresser attached) and the fact that it is more economical. "The downside, though, is that it doesn't turn into a minilayer and has an inferior design," he says.
For Alessandra Rodrigues, this is the most practical and fast option for those who need to assemble the baby's room quickly. "With two standards (Brazilian and American), the important thing is to check if the cribs meet the safety requirements (locking, rounded grids, non-peelable material etc.)," he says.
2. Baby cot
Taciana explains that the difference between the traditional crib and the minilay is that the second can, with some parts disassembled and the lower bed, turn into a bed with the same dimensions as the crib, but lower than a bed. conventional. ? Its usefulness will depend greatly on each child's individual development? Some, as soon as they start walking, already want to jump from the crib, in this case it is safer to use the minilayer; others look good in the crib until they are over two years old, he says.
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Alessandra points out that with this type of crib, the bars can be removed, the platform lowered and thus the child will have a walk for up to three years. "Look for models that maintain the mattress standards (to facilitate the purchase of kits), that come with assembly manual and no corners for the baby not to hurt when starting to walk", advises.
3. Cradle with changer, chest of drawers and pullout (multifunctional)
For Alessandra, this model called multifunction is one of the best options. It is a bed / pull-out bed with cot, a changing table and a fitted dresser. "Does it fit anyone who has a small room, has one more child in the room, needs a guest bed, wants to enjoy the furniture longer?" In the future the bed will be for the big baby and the dresser turns into a nightstand? But stay tuned! The changer is small and many parents are unsure of using it and prefer a larger space in case the baby rolls ?, he says.
Taciana points out that the changing and cot beds are ideal for those with little space and need to optimize some functions in one piece.
This is a kind of cradle ideal for those seeking convenience, as it is a multipurpose furniture that, besides ensuring comfort for the child, has space to store their clothes, toiletries etc. Maria Rosimeire points out that the great advantage of this model of crib is practicality, as the dresser is very close (to pick up clothes and everything).
In relation to the bunk bed (which is below the crib), the advantage is also practicality. "Parents can sleep with their baby, for example, when they need it," comments Maria Rosimeire.
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Taciana comments that this model of bed that includes a pull-out bed is widely used by those who need to accommodate a baby and a child in the same room or who has a nanny.
It is worth mentioning that some models still offer only the changer next to the cradle. This model, although not as complete, offers extra comfort, as it will not be necessary to change the child on the bed, for example.
4. Rocking cradle
Taciana comments, firstly, that there are older, traditional rocking cribs that are small in size and take up little space, but offer less comfort and, despite packing the baby, will need to be replaced with a short time of use. ? And there are the? Modern rocking cradles? What are you doing to keep the baby close to the parents during the day while they move around the house ?, he says.
Alessandra explains that rocking cribs are comfortable for the baby and practical for parents as they can help with baby's nights sleep. "Some models are folding, but check to see if the model has adequate locking and the maximum weight / age limit, so as not to risk the baby to turn around", advises the architect.
5. Montessorian cradle
Alessandra explains that the Montessorian room is a concept that pleases doctors and educators, because the idea is to make the child more autonomous in the space where he is. However, the crib often brings a rejection of parents for being too close (or directly) to the floor. The best alternative is to choose Montessorian cribs that are height-adjustable according to the size of the baby and can become a tatami walk ?, he says.
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For Taciana, the correct thing is not even to say Montessorian cradle. "Because, in this proposal of the Montessorian room, the baby must have freedom, so the recommendation is the use of cushions protected by cushions, or soon a Montessorian bed protected by cushions, which is nothing more than a bed on the floor," he says. the architect and interior designer.
6. Cradle Stork
Alessandra comments that the baby is going through a transition from uterine life to this new world, and the stork cradle was made to make this moment smoother. • Crib movements are similar to movement in the mother's womb, making the baby more comfortable and relaxed. Made to accommodate the child up to three months, should be installed in the parents room for greater security ?, says.
Generally speaking, this is not a long-lived crib as it is small and does not provide the safety needed for babies over three months, but can be seen as an alternative to leaving the small baby next to their parents' bed, not replacing the use of another fixed crib.
7. Cradle Moses
Alessandra points out that this is another great option for parents to have their nearest baby in the first months. "Check the quality of the product and installation, but as soon as you notice that the baby has started to roll, is a sign that you need more space, so exchange for a conventional crib," he says.
Maria comments that this type of crib is practical and good for the first months of the child's life. It is easy to transport and is close to the mother anywhere, but, as in the case of the stork cradle, has no long life and ends up not replacing the conventional (fixed) crib.
8. Portable Cot
Taciana points out that portable cribs have a great cost and several possible dimensions, but are not very comfortable. They are often best used for those who travel a lot or to leave the child in their grandparents' house. Choose the lightest and easiest to clean and assemble, he says.
Although quite interesting, it is not best suited for use as a permanent crib as it is less sturdy and in some cases may be less comfortable. Its main purpose is to make parents 'lives more practical, because with this kind of crib you can travel more easily with babies or simply let them sleep elsewhere (such as in the parents' room or grandparents house).
Maria Rosimeire emphasizes that this type of crib offers easy transportation and is a practical option for parents to accommodate the baby anywhere.
Alessandra warns about caution at the time of purchase:? Caution in this case must be redoubled. Some models on the market do not have breathable fabric and may suffocate the baby. Opt for hollow models with firm sides to avoid the risk of the baby getting stuck?
9. Round / Oval Crib
Taciana explains that round cribs are usually the first assembly of an oval crib."In this format, it is usually used up to about six months old, after that it will usually be tight, so it mounts in oval shape," he says.
In the round shape, the crib can walk around the house and accompany parents wherever they are. This type of crib has a high cost, because it can only be made of wood, but turns into four versions: round (works as a Moses), common crib, minibay and even two armchairs ?, adds the architect Taciana.
Alessandra points out that, also known as "grow up", these cribs are practical, rotatable and adjustable in size for the growth of the baby. "What should be analyzed is the cost of the trousseau with two sizes (non-standard) for the crib: the round and the oval," he explains.
How to choose the right type for your child?
The professionals explain which aspects should be taken into account when choosing the ideal crib for your baby!
Safety and quality
Pediatrician Danielle points out that safety for the baby is the main aspect to check when choosing the crib. The most common size is the American standard (130cm x 70cm). It is important the absence of corners or tips that make it possible to hold the baby's clothes ?, he says.
With respect to the crate, the distance between the smaller crates should be less than the baby's head (approximately 6.5 cm). Between dais and side rails, the distance must be less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) to prevent the child from pinching his hands and feet. Should the mattress be firm, adjusted to the size of the crib ?, highlights the pediatrician.
Danielle adds that the cradle must allow adjustment of the height of the mattress and have Inmetro seal. • Mobile grids, even on one side only, are contraindicated today. Casters, if present, should have locks? He says.
The architect Taciana recommends giving preference to cribs that do not have small loose parts, with rounded corners and that move firmly. "The function of different heights for the platform allow you to change the height of the platform as the baby grows, making it easier to put in the crib when newborn and preventing it to jump from the crib when bigger," he says.
? Check if the manufacturer has good origin and certification of Inmetro? There are some measures between grids and heights that should follow the norm?, Emphasizes Taciana.
Crib Size and Space Availability
The architect Taciana recommends always check the dimensions of the crib, as they are not standard. ? Most cribs sold in Brazil are American standard? By choosing this size you will have no trouble finding the mattress and accessories for your crib ?, he says.
Danielle stresses that size and space availability should be considered according to the baby's room.
It is no use, after all, buying a huge crib and not being available to circulate in the room, for example.
Comfort and functionality
Think about features that will offer more comfort to your baby and also to the parenting routine.
Taciana comments that a nice comfort item is a movable crate, which allows you to put the baby in the crib in a quiet and comfortable way. "But be careful when choosing this item: test the grille locks well so you don't risk it coming loose," he says.
Attached cribs and changing tables, for example, offer extra comfort, as parents already have an easy place to change the baby and still easily pick up all the necessary items (which will be stored in the dresser).
Baby room preferences and family particulars
Safety is essential, but other aspects are more related to the particularities and preferences of each family. Architect Alessandra highlights some questions that must be answered when choosing the ideal crib model:
1. How many babies will we have: Twin room, triplets often gets small for all the furniture you need. Therefore, the best option is the? Grow? Models. (round / oval), which adapt according to the size of the baby, facilitating the layout and even moving around the house (some come with training wheels).
2. Will there be more than one person sleeping in the room (baby + sibling / grandparents / parents): It is important to think about whether the space includes crib + bed + closet. "When the room is small for all this, we chose the multifunctional cribs, which integrate crib + bunk + changing table," explains Alessandra.
3. Will there be an armchair in the room: Many mothers prefer to breastfeed in bed or even on the couch, and the armchair is no longer essential. "In these cases, it is interesting to have a comfortable auxiliary bed for this special moment and even for mom or dad to sleep closer to the baby," says the architect.
4.? The bedroom will have a closet just for baby things ??: if the room does not have a closet in mind, it is interesting to choose a crib that has a bedroom set with wardrobe and chest of drawers. This facilitates the organization and makes it more charming, as Alessandra explains.
5.? How much will be invested ??: Riding the baby's room is part of this special moment of pregnancy, but it comes at a cost. • Some cribs are already prepared to receive the baby for a long time, becoming baby beds and bunk beds. This analysis is essential for the room to be comfortable for more years without having to spend more ?, advises the architect.
? With all these definitions, it is easier to choose the cradle model: colonial, Provencal, modern? Just think that all furniture should communicate, so choose a concept for the whole room ?, concludes Alessandra.
A selection of cribs to buy online
Have you decided which crib model fits best in your baby's room? Get inspired by the various options you find for sale on the internet.
To shop safely, research, analyze all features (advantages and disadvantages) of models, look for provenance brands and, if possible, consult an architect who will help you in choosing the ideal home.
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