Which bed for baby's first months?

Categories: Baby Universe

Baby room: what bed for their first months?

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

What bed for baby's first months?

During their first months, baby will have different needs. This is notably due to the fact that they will grow very quickly, which will require certain adjustments. This is particularly true regarding the bed in which they will sleep.

From 0 to 6 months

From birth until about 6 months, it is recommended to install baby in a bassinet or co-sleeper. The bassinet is a smaller format than the crib with bars. It is thus more containing and reassuring for a newborn who had only known until then 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 alongside and attach to the parents' mattress. Baby is thus at the same 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 with bars is suitable from 6 months of age until about 2 years. It is generally offered in 60x120 cm or 70x140 cm format. This baby bed allows little ones to be safe throughout the night. It is when they start trying to escape by climbing over the rail that it is time to move to a big kid bed.

From 0 to 6 years

Parents who wish to save money and avoid buying new furniture barely 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 bassinet, it then becomes a crib with bars then a child's bed.

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

How to choose a baby bed?

In order to opt for a safe and quality baby bed, you can consider the following criteria:

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

Made in France and made in Europe will guarantee you quality furniture. What's more, preferably opt for a brand specialized in designing furniture for babies.

Keep in mind that your baby bed will need to last perhaps until your child is 6 years old. So make sure to opt for a model that can coordinate with any possible decor changes.

More than your baby bed, you will also need to find them a mattress. So make sure you know how to choose an ideal mattress for a child's bed so that baby benefits from all the necessary comfort.

What you need to know to put baby to bed properly

In order to guarantee baby serene and safe nights, certain recommendations are advocated by most health organizations such as:

  • Sleeping flat on their back
  • No objects in the bed such as cushion, duvet, head support, crib reducer, stuffed animal, etc.
  • Dress baby in a sleep sack and pajamas appropriate for the season
  • A temperature between 18°C and 20°C

Moreover, certain other recommendations should be considered such as:

  • Prohibit animals' access to baby's room
  • Air out daily
  • Use products with an environmental label for cleaning (no essential oils)
  • Do not smoke indoors

By respecting these recommendations, you ensure that baby is in a healthy and safe environment for the night, but also for their 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 camera can allow you to monitor your child from another room.

Ask for help in case of doubt

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

  • A midwife (at the maternity hospital or in private practice)
  • A pediatric nurse (especially at your city's PMI)
  • A pediatrician
  • A child sleep consultant

So do not hesitate to ask for help to ensure that baby is properly installed throughout the night.

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