How to choose the first cot and mattress for a child?
Planning the furniture and decor for a child's room is one of the most enjoyable activities for expectant parents. In the early stages of your little one's life, the crib will play the most important role. It's where they'll spend most of their time. What should a child's first bed be like? Many parents wonder if a playhouse bed is a good idea . In our guide, we suggest which model will work best as sleeping furniture for little ones. It's crucial that the crib you choose is comfortable and safe. Another crucial element is the right mattress.
There are many different models of these products on the market, from companies all over the world. How to choose a bed for a small child, and how to choose a mattress? Experts from the Institute of Mother and Child will help you choose the best products. Below is everything you need to know about mattresses and cots for the youngest children. The result of many years of research by our specialists is the list below, thanks to which you will learn what to look for when buying and how to choose the first cot and mattress for your little one.
The most important features of a baby cot
What features should the first baby bed have? Here is a list of them:
- appropriate dimensions,
- compliance with the standard i Certificates,
- use of certified paints,
- quality execution,
- accessories and additions (removable rungs, lowered side, wheels, drawer),
- type cots: classic or tourist.
How to choose the first mattress for a baby cot?
Next to the crib, the mattress plays an equally important role . What should you consider and how should you choose a mattress for your child? Learn the key features in just a few steps:
- Made of certified, proven raw materials,
- Maintaining its shape under the pressure of the child's body,
- Ensures air circulation,
- Easy to keep clean and washable.
When choosing, look only for certified children's mattresses . To learn why these criteria were specifically mentioned by the Institute's experts and how they impact your child's harmonious development, health, and safety, be sure to read the rest of this article.
Expert advises
The crib is the most important place for a newborn and infant. He spends a lot of time in it, so the choice must be really thought out. When choosing the first bed for a child, you should take into account whether it is a purchase for a longer or shorter period of time, because some models can be converted into couches over time. The choice on the market is large, so parents have an understandable dilemma: what to choose, what to pay attention to to make the toddler comfortable and comfortable?
The first bed for a child: dimensions
For parents who choose a child's bed, dimensions are one of the most important criteria. The most frequently purchased are traditional rung beds. They differ in the design, type of wood and color used. There are models with non-standard dimensions, but the most common on the market are those measuring 120 cm x 60 cm x 70 cm. This information is valuable when choosing a mattress, as the given dimensions of the cot correspond to its size. You will probably come across smaller or larger models more than once.
If you are wondering how to choose the first bed for a child, first of all, consider the place in the house where it will stand and keep in mind that your toddler is growing quickly, and the sleeping place should meet his needs at every stage of development.
Multifunctional beds are also popular, e.g. combined with a chest of drawers, which can then be used as a couch and a table. In order to meet the need for closeness and constant contact with the baby, manufacturers also offer side beds, in which the baby can sleep safely under the care of the parents who are right next to them.
What else should you pay attention to when buying your first crib?
Certifications are crucial when choosing a bed . When purchasing, make sure the bed complies with the PN-EN 716-1+AC:2019-07 standard, which determines whether a bed for a small child meets safety requirements . Check the product label.
Other valid certificates are issued by:
- National Institute of Hygiene;
- Wood Technology Institute;
- Department of Research and Implementation of the Furniture Industry.
A bed for a small child must be covered with certified paints that cannot peel off. When choosing, it is worth making sure that the cot does not have sharp edges or any parts in which the child's head could get trapped. The spacing between the rungs must not be less than 2,5 cm or more than 6 cm. Many models have removable rungs or a lowered side - this will be useful later, when the child will be able to leave the cot on its own.
The first crib: maybe on wheels?
Cribs with wheels are a good choice , as they can be easily moved to a different location if necessary. Make sure the wheels are equipped with locks to ensure the crib remains stable and prevents it from moving uncontrollably as the child grows.
Expert advises
Some parents would prefer a low baby bed or a travel cot rather than a traditional crib. A low bed for a child is a solution in line with the Montessori method, emphasizing the activity and development of the toddler's independence. This type of furniture, an example of which can be a very decorative bed for a child, is not intended for newborns and the youngest infants who spend most of the day sleeping. It is different when we choose a bed for a one-year-old child, which is usually much more independent and mobile. The lower piece of furniture will also work as a safe bed for a two-year-old.
As for a travel cot , it can indeed be used as the only bed, but it also works well as a spare, for example, if you have a two-story apartment and want to have your child with you. Unfortunately, travel cots can sometimes be unstable. It's worth considering this when purchasing – so you won't have any doubts about your choice later. Travel cots, however, come in larger sizes than traditional ones, making them easier to fit into a smaller apartment. If you choose a travel cot as the only bed in the house, it should be equipped with a higher-quality, higher mattress, as the standard one is thin and foldable.
A double bed for a child and a bunk bed - from what age?
Parents often ask about a double bed (e.g., a trundle bed) for their child, and when space for more than one child is limited, a bunk bed is often considered. At what age should these models be used?
Certainly not as the first cot for a toddler. A newborn or younger infant has completely different needs than an older child. When choosing a bed for a one-year-old or a safe bed for a two-year-old, we take into account the stage of its development, level of independence and activity. You can find more about changing a baby bed into an "adult" one in our other text - here.
How to choose the first mattress for a baby cot?
Equally important is choosing the right mattress for a child, who will spend most of their early years in a crib. Based on the Institute's long-term research evaluating mattresses, an incorrectly chosen model can cause postural problems and be uncomfortable for the little one. Which mattress should you buy for a crib, and what should you avoid? It's best not to buy a used mattress for a child, as it has already taken on the shape of the previous user. A spring mattress for children is an exception . It can be used by another child because it doesn't deform quickly.
A child's crib mattress should be neither too soft nor too hard. Instead, it should be resilient and provide good support for the entire body and the developing, ossifying spine. It's important to emphasize that purchasing a mattress made from uncertified materials is very risky.
Both the filling, the cover in the form of a cover and the hygienic overlay should have the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 raw material safety certificate. If you are not sure whether a given product has such a certificate, you can check it on its label or ask the seller.
Which mattress filling for a child should I choose?
There is a wide selection of mattresses on the market with different filling. It happens that manufacturers praise their product as antiallergic and adapting to the child's body. It sounds inviting, but it's worth taking a closer look at it. In fact, some raw materials, due to their composition, reduce the risk of allergies, but it depends only on the individual predispositions of the user of the product.
If you're looking to choose a good mattress for your child, remember that it shouldn't conform to the infant's body, as it needs to provide adequate support for the spine during the development of its musculoskeletal system. Therefore, the phrase "conforms to the body" should likely raise concerns that the mattress is designed for an older child or adult.
In recent years, the vast majority of infant mattresses available on the market have undergone the assessment process at the Institute. Our experience shows which raw materials are worth using when choosing a mattress for your child.
You can find their list below:
- Springs - classic mattress filling. A spring mattress for children does not change its shape during use, it is a good support for the ossifying spine of a child.
- Latex - generally available in synthetic form, but also natural and mixed. Evenly supports the body, does not deform. Its composition, however, can sometimes sensitize you, especially if the filling is completely natural.
- Polyurethane (PU) foam - mattress filling used very often. However, it cannot be the same foam as that used in mattresses for adults, with different densities, because these adapt to the shape of the body, and in the case of a child, support for the spine is very important, hence the best foam with high density. Over time, deformations may form and the mattress needs to be replaced.
- Highly flexible foam (HR) - durable, flexible and airy mattress filling. If the foam has a high density (18-35 kg / m3), it will support the proper development of the child's musculoskeletal system.
Vegetable mats - the next layer in the mattress
Plant-based mats are often used in children's mattresses. What are their properties and how do they differ? Learn about the available types and their compositions:
- Linen mat - due to the content of natural raw materials, it has fungicidal and bactericidal properties. Airy, durable and allows the body to regenerate during sleep.
- Coconut mat - made of coconut fibers. It is quite hard and stiffens the mattress. It inhibits the growth of mold and regulates air circulation. The admixture of natural latex it contains, however, may sensitize the baby. If there is an allergy in the family, it is better to avoid this type of mattress insert.
- Hemp mat - has insulating properties, inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi. It is also very durable and breathable.
- Buckwheat hull mat - has buckwheat hulls sewn into special pockets. Rarely allergic. It soothes and relaxes. It has properties that inhibit the multiplication of mites. However, it is worth paying attention to proper hygiene so that moisture does not cause the growth of mold or insects.
What features should a children's mattress cover have?
The cover is a very important element of the mattress. It should be made of a fabric or knitted fabric with a raw material composition that will ensure air circulation. Only such a cover will not cause your baby to sweat excessively. It is best if it is a natural or artificial fabric, but with thermoregulatory properties. You can easily check this feature. It should be included on the raw material label. If you do not find such information there - ask the seller.
Please note that all children's mattresses that have a positive opinion from the Institute of Mother and Child have the properties listed above - this is one of the basic criteria we take into account when issuing opinions.
The cover cannot be too deeply quilted. The surface on which the toddler sleeps must be smooth and even. However, it should be fastened with a zipper and easy to put on and take off for the washing process. Remember that a good cover does not change its dimensions during washing, so you do not have to worry that refreshing will change its shape.
Expert advises
A great solution will also be a textile hygienic overlay - mounted on the mattress with elastic bands. This will allow you not only to protect the mattress from getting wet and dirt, but also to let your child's heat pass through, so that he will sweat less. These types of overlays are often offered with mattresses, so before buying, make sure that the model you choose also has it.
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