A suitable baby bed as well as the appropriate furnishing of the crib is, in addition to the choice of a baby mattress that is as good and safe as possible, another essential aspect in creating an ideal and, in particular, safe sleeping environment for your baby.
Numerous studies on SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) have shown, among other things, that babies who sleep in the same bed as their parents are at increased risk.
Although there are different opinions on the subject CO-Sleeping in the common bed, However, both opponents and supporters agree that babies at least until the child reaches the age of 7. Months of life in any case should sleep in their own baby bed. Please also note our information on potential Sudden Infant Death Syndrome risk factors.
An own and above all also safe baby bed can be regarded therefore also as a possible preventive measure for the risk reduction of the sudden child death – which kinds of baby beds are there however in principle, what to look for when buying, and what should be considered in the design in any case?
Recommendable baby beds
For which baby bed, crib, bassinet or baby cradle you ultimately decide is usually dependent on their own requirements and preferences. As explained below, however, it is very important to take the recommendations regarding safety to heart – this of course also applies when buying used cribs. Nevertheless, some recommendable models should be presented in the following:
- Pinolino Florian
- Pinolino Lenny
- J. Zoellner Penny
The baby and crib "Florian" from Pinolino can be converted into a junior bed and a children’s sofa with a few simple steps. The Quality bed is TuV/GS tested and has a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty.
In addition to 3 slip rungs, the bed also has a triple height adjustable slatted frame.
Price:€ 132,30
Product details
- Partly solid pine, creamy white and maple glaze
- 3 slip rungs
- Dimensions bed: L 144 cm, W 75 cm, H 83 cm
- Mattress size: 140 x 70 cm
- Slatted frame 3-fold height adjustable from 16 cm to 32 cm and 48 cm
- Convertible to junior bed and sofa, 4 conversion blocks included
The Pinolino baby bed Lenny is characterized by its simple, timeless design and solid construction. It is made of solid pine, painted white. The crib can be converted into a junior bed and children’s sofa in a few easy steps and thus be used for a particularly long time. The accessories needed for this are included.
Product details
- Solid: beech, painted white (wood structure visible)
- L 144cm, W 75 cm, H 85 cm
- mattress size:140 x 70 cm
- convertible to junior bed and sofa bed, 4 conversion blocks included
- 3 slipping rungs
- 3-fold height-adjustable slatted frame from 20 cm to 34 cm and 46 cm
The Julius Zollner baby crib Penny is designed for the mattress size 70 x 140 cm. The crib has a solid bed frame made of beech, the other parts are made of beech replica. The slatted frame is included twofold adjustable in its height. In addition, the Julius Zollner bed has two very easy to remove slip rungs. The Zollner baby bed Penny can be converted into a junior bed if necessary and thus be used for many years.
Price:€ 149,00
Product details
- Suitable for mattresses in the size 70 x 140 cm
- color: white
- Convertible to junior bed
- 2-fold height adjustable slatted frame
- 2 slip rungs
Different types of baby cribs
Extra bed, bassinet, baby cradle or rather a classic baby bed right away? – Many parents often find it difficult to choose a baby bed suitable model for the first months of life of your baby to decide. The spatial conditions often play a role – because not every parents’ bedroom offers enough space for a baby bed in 70×140. Regardless of which type of crib you ultimately choose, the Safety of your baby is always the top priority. In the following, however, the most important features of various models will be briefly explained:
Classic baby crib
Classic baby cribs are usually designed for mattresses with the dimensions 120x60cm or 140x70cm available and usually bordered on the sides with bars, which ensures optimal air circulation and prevents "fall out. In addition, the bars allow optimal visual contact at all times.
Many models have a height adjustable lying surface – this allows appropriate adjustment of the crib depending on the age.
In the first months of life, for example, the slatted frame can be placed relatively high to allow the easiest possible putting in and taking out of your baby. When your baby becomes more mobile over time and can already stand, a lower mounted lying surface, that your child can fall out of the crib. However, it should be noted that the distance between the mattress surface and the upper edge of the crib should be at least 30 cm for babies. Another advantage of baby cots is that they can be used for a relatively long time, so most models can be converted into a junior cot in just a few steps to full-fledged children’s beds convertible. Depending on the size of the crib, these may well be up to 3. or 4. The bed must be used for the first year of life.
The safety of baby beds
When buying a suitable baby bed, however, there are a few things to consider so that the safety of your child is in no way jeopardized. Particularly important here, among other things, is the Distance between the individual bars or other components – this should in no case be less than 4.5cm and more than 6.5cm, otherwise your baby could get trapped. The distance between the lying surface and the bed frame is also extremely relevant, this may be a maximum of 2.5 cm.
An essential criterion is of course also the processing in the broadest sense, so the bed must of course be stable and must not have any sharp edges. In addition, the baby bed should be as untreated as possible, as varnishes or paints can contain harmful substances – look out for test marks such as the TuV/GS certificate. Corresponding recommendations can be found at the end of this page.
Other relevant safety aspects
- The baby crib should have only smooth surfaces and should not have any transverse elements on which your child can "pull itself up" or. could climb up
- No protruding or easily detachable components, closures or other parts
- Baby cribs with four castors must have at least 2 castors that can be locked
- Use only a suitable baby mattress that matches the dimensions of the bed
- Make sure that the so-called slider bars are only used as specified in the respective assembly instructions
- Please note our information on potential sources of danger in the baby crib
A high-quality and safe baby crib with an appropriate mattress is probably one of the most important things for babies Most important purchases of parents-to-be and, depending on the model, can be used for newborns up to 3 years old. or 4. used during the first year of life. Nevertheless, due to the dimensions often arise difficulties, because there is not enough space in the parents’ bedroom. Also, a baby crib cannot simply be taken into the living room or other common areas. Especially in the first months of life, however, it is very important that your baby sleeps close to you. In addition to the classic baby crib, there are also other types of baby cribs, which are usually suitable only for the first 6 months of life:
Extra bed
Additional beds, often also referred to as add-on beds or baby balconies, are particularly suitable for the first months of life for newborns up to 6 months of age. Month of life and give both parents and baby a special sense of security, as this baby crib is usually attached or placed directly on the side of the parent’s bed, which allows to create the closest possible proximity even during sleep, without exposing the baby to the risks of sleeping together in the same bed. The extra bed is usually opened to the side of the parent’s bed, which creates additional closeness and makes breastfeeding or bottle feeding particularly comfortable. However, with most models it is nevertheless possible to close all sides, which can also be set up independently of the parent’s bed.
In contrast to classic baby beds, a crib can only be used for about 6 months due to its smaller dimensions. A common dimension (mattress) here is 55x90cm, but there are also somewhat larger versions, which are so to speak a combination of classic baby bed and extra bed, available. Some models, such as the Chicco Next2Me, are also very easy to move thanks to their light weight and lockable castors, and can therefore also be conveniently moved into the living room or other common areas.
As with classic baby cribs When buying certain things to consider to ensure the highest possible safety, the minimum and maximum distances between the bars, the distance between the lying surface and the bed frame, or the requirements for materials and harmful substances. In the case of additional beds made of fabric, it is also important to ensure that the fabric is as air-permeable as possible. In any case, please also note our information on potential sources of danger in the baby crib, which also apply to rollaway beds. It is also important to note that sensor mats for monitoring breathing cannot be used with rollaway beds connected to the parents’ bed, as the parents’ movements are also transmitted to the rollaway bed and reliable monitoring of the baby is therefore not possible!
bassinet and baby cradle
Bassinet and baby cradle are very similar in structure and are as well as side beds usually for the first 6 months of life suitable for your baby, as the lying surface has smaller dimensions than a classic baby crib. Depending on the model, both bassinets and cribs can be used both during the day and at night as a place to sleep, and babies often feel more secure than in a classic baby crib due to their smaller dimensions.
The most decisive advantages are probably that a baby cradle or bassinet can usually fit in parents’ bedrooms where there is no room for a baby crib. In addition, bassinets, as well as most baby cribs, are equipped with wheels and can therefore be especially simply with in the living room, kitchen or other rooms which allows the baby to stay close and participate in the family life.
The most essential difference between baby cradle and bassinet is that baby cradles, as the name suggests, have a Cradle function have, so the basket is attached to the bed frame so that it can be swiveled and rocked your baby to sleep. Please note that in some models this cradle function is realized by means of runners – this eliminates the possibility of comfortable "moving" to other rooms due to the lack of casters.
Both bassinet and baby cradle basically consist of a metal or wooden base, a bed body (woven or with bars) and the matching baby mattress. In particular, bassinets with woven baskets are often clothed in fabric and equipped with a bed canopy.
In terms of safety, care should in any case be taken here to ensure that the Lining as air-permeable as possible In addition, in the case of baby cradles and bassinets, attention should also be paid to the distances between the bars, the distance between the lying surface and the frame of the bassinet and, of course, the requirements for materials and possible harmful substances. With regard to the equipment with nest or canopy, there are also some things to consider in order not to endanger the safety of your baby – please note our information on possible sources of danger in the baby bed.
Possible sources of danger in the baby crib
According to various studies, babies who sleep in a separate room in their first months of life, or even together with their parents in bed, are at a higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome than babies who sleep in a crib or bassinet sleeping in the parents’ bedroom in their own baby crib.
However, even when using your own baby crib, some things must be taken into account to ensure the highest possible safety for your baby and to exclude possible risks as best as possible – this already starts with setting up the baby crib in a suitable place, whereby here in particular climatic factors as well as potential Sources of danger around the crib role, as well as in the construction of the bed itself (no protruding parts, sharp edges, etc.).). However, a particularly important aspect with regard to the highest possible level of safety also concerns potential sources of danger in the baby crib itself.
The right baby crib mattress
The choice of a suitable Baby mattress is a particularly important factor When setting up the baby crib. A safe mattress for the baby crib must be free of harmful substances and have a suitable firmness level. Both the mattress itself and the cover should be as air-permeable as possible to prevent the potential risk of CO2 rebreathing or oxygen deficiency in an awkward position. Please note our detailed information on safe baby mattresses.
Nest in the baby crib
Nest or bed surrounds are often bought to protect the baby’s head from the hard bars or to create a "more secure" ambience.
However, nests and bed surrounds in the baby crib, bassinet or side bed sometimes pose a high risk, especially if they are not installed properly. On the one hand Air circulation in the baby crib impaired On the other hand, there is a risk that the face or head may be covered by the nest, resulting in overheating, CO2 rebreathing or oxygen deficiency.
According to numerous experts, the use of nests and bed surrounds should be avoided in classic baby beds as well as in bassinets, baby cradles or side beds.
Sky
Canopies for cribs or bassinets pose similar risks as do nests, since they can cause a buildup of air in the crib and, in the worst case scenario, cover the baby’s face or body, which can lead to overheating or CO2 rebreathing. Plus, there’s a risk that your baby could get tangled in the sky, which in the worst case could lead to strangulation.
Short bed canopy, which only reach the top of the crib, usually do not interfere with air circulation and can be used as long as your baby can’t reach them yet.
Blankets, pillows and sheepskins
The use of comforters, pillows and sheepskins in the baby crib is also expressly warned against, as there is an undeniable risk of the baby’s head sinking into the crib. is covered by a blanket or pillow. This can be Overheating or CO2 rebreathing which in the worst case can lead to suffocation. For the sake of your child’s safety, use only baby sleeping bags.
With regard to the use of sheepskins in the baby bed, it should be noted that the leather skin of the sheepskin is naturally not air-permeable but insulating, so here too there are risks of overheating, rebreathing, as well as the risk of oxygen deficiency and even suffocation. Blankets, pillows and sheepskins have no place in the baby’s crib because of the previous statements!
Cuddly animals and toys
First and foremost, a baby crib should of course ensure the most restful and safe sleep possible, but many children have certain difficulties falling asleep without their favorite teddy bear or comforter. Music boxes or mobiles also often have a calming effect on babies and make it easier to fall asleep. However, there are a few things to keep in mind in order not to jeopardize the safety of your child.
When buying cuddly toys or comforters for the baby’s bed, make sure that they are not too big – they should not be able to completely cover the baby’s face. In addition, attention must be paid to the materials and fillers used, which should be free of harmful substances and lint. Also, the seams, head and other limbs must be sturdy and firmly attached to prevent injury from swallowing small parts, lining, etc. to prevent. Among other things, so-called air-permeable cuddly toys are also recommended.