How to choose the first cot and mattress for a child?

Planning the furniture and decor of a child's room is one of the most pleasant activities for future parents. In the early stages of your toddler's life, the crib will play the most important role. This is where he will spend the most time. What should be the first bed for a child? Many parents ask if it is a good idea, for example to baby house bed. In our guide, we suggest which model will work as a sleeping furniture for the youngest. It is extremely important that the bed you choose is comfortable and safe. The second important 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?

It plays an equally important role next to the crib mattress. What to consider and how to choose a mattress for a child? Get to know the most important features included in several points:

• 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, pay attention only to certified children's mattresses. If you want to know why these and not other criteria were mentioned by the Institute's experts and what they have an impact on the harmonious development, health and safety of your child, go to the rest of the article.

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?

Certificates are very important in choosing a crib. When buying, make sure that the cot is made in accordance with the PN-EN 716-1+AC:2019-07 standard, which specifies whether a bed for a small child meets the safety requirements. Check it on 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?

They work well cots on wheelsthat can be easily moved to another place if needed. Pay attention to whether the wheels are equipped with a blockade so that the cot is stable and there is no risk of uncontrolled moving it when the child grows up.

As for travel bed, it can actually be used as the only bed, but it also works well as a spare, if, for example, we have a two-level apartment and we want to have a child with us. Unfortunately, travel cots are sometimes unstable. It is worth taking a closer look at it when buying - so that you have no doubts about your choice later. Tourist models, however, have more sizes than traditional ones, which makes them easier to fit into a smaller apartment. When choosing a travel cot as the only one in the house, it should be equipped with a better quality, higher mattress, because the one used at the factory is thin and foldable.

A double bed for a child and a bunk bed - from what age?

Parents often ask for a double bed for a child (e.g. pull-out bed), and with limited space for more than one toddler, a bunk bed is often considered an option. From what age can such 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?

It is equally important to choose the right mattress for the baby who will spend most of the time in the crib in the first period of life. Based on the long-term research carried out by the Institute when assessing mattresses, it can be concluded that an incorrectly selected model may cause posture defects and be uncomfortable for a toddler. What mattress to buy for a baby cot, and what to avoid? It is better not to decide to buy a used mattress for a child, because it has already taken the shape of the previous user. The exception is a spring mattress for children. It can be used by the next toddler because it does not deform quickly.

A mattress for a baby for a crib must not be too soft or too hard. Instead, it should be flexible and provide good support for the whole body and the developing, ossifying spine. It should be emphasized that buying a mattress made of raw materials without a certificate 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 want to choose a good mattress for a child, remember that it should not fit the infant's body, because during the development of the musculoskeletal system, it must provide adequate support for the spine. Therefore, the slogan 'conforms to the body' should rather raise the concern that the mattress is designed as for an older child or an 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 mats are often used in children's mattresses. What are their properties and how do they differ? Find out about the available types and their composition:

• 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.

Keep in mind that all of them children's mattresses with a positive opinion of the Institute of Mother and Child have the properties listed above - this is one of the basic criteria that 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.