During its first year, your baby will spend 16 to 18 hours a day in its crib. This shows the importance of choosing the right equipment. A good bed that lasts is also a budget and an investment if you wish to have other children. Finally, a proper bed prevents sudden infant death syndrome. Discover our advice.
The pretty grandmother's crib or the vintage bassinet?
At birth, your child can sleep in a crib or a crib with bars. If you choose a crib, you can use it for less than six months. It must be stable, and if it has wheels, you must be able to block them when your baby sleeps.
The "natural" and nomadic side of the bassinet may be appealing, but it will only last a few weeks. It's less airy than a crib or cradle. Its base should be stable and the mattress should be firm. The bassinet must be wide enough at the top so that the baby can turn his head.
Which bed to choose?
The wooden slatted crib has proven its worth.
It can be easily washed, the air circulates well through the bars and the slatted bed base. It will be useful from birth until your child is clean.
These beds must meet the NF EN 716-1 standard. Choose a model with an adjustable height slatted base, it is very convenient to spare your back when baby is not yet upright. Then it will be lowered so that the uprights measure at least 60 cm high. Some slatted beds have uprights that can be lowered. Make sure they are securely locked in place when you put your child to bed.
This is a great classic that can be found in secondhand stores. If this is the case, check that the spacing between the bars is less than 65 mm and that the paint does not flake (wash it or if possible repaint it). It is recommended to change the mattress which must be chosen exactly to the size of the bed and firm. This is important for the prevention of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), so that the child cannot bury his face in it.
There are also folding cloth beds called "umbrella beds".
Very practical for travel, it is not the right solution for everyday life. The mattresses sold with are very thin, with a rigid side that "holds" the bottom of the bed. Never add an extra mattress, your baby could get stuck between this mattress and the crib cover.
The new beds that hook onto the parents' bed to allow co-sleeping.
This is obviously to allow maximum proximity and avoid getting up to breastfeed, for example. It is not without danger, because the child can roll in your bed while you sleep, choke on a pillow or blanket underneath you, or fall into the space between the two beds if they have not been sufficiently secured. For the same reasons, you should never sleep with your child in your bed.
Some recommendations
- It is advisable to put the baby's bed in your room while he sleeps through the night. However, after six months, it is preferable that he gets used to his room. It will reassure him to know you are close by.
- Monitoring by baby monitor does not replace your presence, it is a false security. Studies have shown that it does not affect the rate of sudden death.
- Vacuum the mattress regularly to eliminate dust mites.
- The bedding consists of a sheet and a fitted fitted fitted sheet, and that's it. The cotton jersey fitted sheets are comfortable, soft, they wash well and do not iron, they fit the mattress without wrinkles. Everything else is dangerous for the child: sheet, blanket, comforter, terry towel, bed bumper, the child could bury his face in it and choke.
- Also be careful with objects that could cover the child's face or tighten his neck: cotton diaper (sometimes used as a cuddly toy), baby's cradle, anti-flat head cushion, amber necklace, curtain cord if the bed is near a window.
Always on your back
Lay your child on his back, in a "turbulette" at his waist, he must not be able to slide in it.
If you choose a mobile, use brightly colored mobiles so your baby can see it. Secure its hook on the outside of the crib, tighten it tightly so it can't fall on your child. Remember to change the side of the crib every week to encourage your child to look the other way. Getting him/her used to moving his/her head is the best way to avoid "flat head".
Don't place your baby on his side, even with a baby carrier. It could tip over to the prone position or risk burial, hyperthermia and confinement. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration has banned the sale of these gadgets because it considers them dangerous. On the other hand, when he is awake and under your supervision, encourage him to mobilize his head by placing it on his stomach at least twice a day for a few minutes.
