Which bed for baby's first months?

Categories: Baby's Room

Before baby arrives, preparations involve researching a thousand and one different topics. The question of sleeping arrangements is one of the most important since baby will spend between 14 and 17 hours sleeping during the first months of life. So what is the appropriate bed for baby's first months? What criteria should be considered when choosing a baby bed? What are the recommendations to promote sleep and preserve baby's safety? We tell you everything to properly prepare for your newborn's sleep!

Which bed for baby's first months?

During the first few months, baby will have different needs. This is particularly due to the fact that they will grow very quickly, which will require certain adjustments. This is especially true when it comes to the bed in which they will sleep at night.

From 0 to 6 months

From birth to about 6 months, it is recommended to put baby in a bassinet or a co-sleeper. The bassinet is a smaller format than the crib. It is thus more containing and reassuring for a newborn who until then had only known the cozy belly of their mother.

The other alternative is the co-sleeper. It opts for the same dimensions as the bassinet, but has a removable part to come up against and attach to the parents' mattress. Baby is thus at height and right next to mom and dad. This solution allows you not to have to get up during the night to take baby, it is particularly appreciated by parents who have opted for breastfeeding.

The bassinet and co-sleeper are suitable until about 6 months. After that, baby will need a little more space.

From 6 months to 2 years

The crib is suitable from 6 months to about 2 years old. It is generally offered in 60x120 cm or 70x140 cm format. This baby bed allows the little ones to be safe throughout the night. It's when they start trying to escape by climbing over the barrier that it's time to move to a big kid bed.

From 0 to 6 years

Parents who want to save money and avoid buying a new piece of furniture just 6 months after birth can opt for a convertible baby bed. The 0-6 year convertible baby bed is a piece of furniture that transforms as the child grows. First a cradle, it then becomes a crib and finally a child's bed.

The convertible baby bed can also first be a crib, then a child's bed. This is particularly the case with our OCTAVE vintage convertible baby bed – Walnut. There are also other formats of convertible baby beds such as twin baby beds or combination baby beds for example.

How to choose a baby bed?

In order to choose a safe and quality baby bed, you can take into account the following criteria:

Prefer a baby bed made of FSC certified wood, with ecological panels with low formaldehyde content, and with solvent-free paint and varnish. The aim is to limit the presence of volatile organic compounds and preserve baby's well-being.

Made in France and made in Europe will guarantee you a quality piece of furniture. Moreover, opt preferably for a brand specialized in the design of baby furniture.

Keep in mind that your baby bed may need to last until your child is 6 years old. So make sure to choose a model that can match any potential decor changes.

More than just your baby crib, you'll also need to find a mattress for it. So make sure you know how to choose an ideal mattress for a child's bed so that your baby has all the necessary comfort.

What you need to know to put your baby to bed properly

To ensure peaceful and safe nights for your baby, certain recommendations are advocated by most health organizations such as:

  • Sleeping flat on the back
  • No objects in the bed such as pillows, duvets, head positioners, bed reducers, stuffed toys, etc.
  • Dress baby in a sleep sack and pajamas appropriate for the season
  • A temperature between 18°C and 20°C (64°F and 68°F)

Furthermore, certain other recommendations should be taken into account such as:

  • Prohibit animals from accessing baby's room
  • Air out daily
  • Use products with an environmental label for cleaning (no essential oils)
  • No smoking indoors

By following these recommendations, you ensure that baby is in a healthy and safe environment for the night, but also for naps. The WHO recommends sharing the same room as baby at least until they are 6 months old. If you are not in the room, using a baby monitor with or without a camera can allow you to monitor your child from another room.

Ask for help if in doubt

If you have doubts about baby's sleep setup, you can seek advice from different people such as:

  • A midwife (at the maternity ward or in private practice)
  • A pediatric nurse (especially at your city's PMI - Mother and Child Protection center)
  • A pediatrician
  • A child sleep consultant

Don't hesitate to ask for help to ensure that baby is well installed throughout the night.

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