Published: 01/16/2024

Where to put the baby's bed during the day?

Categories: Baby Universe

Throughout the day, nap times are very numerous for baby. These moments are essential to promote their well-being and of course their development. Therefore, parents must provide baby with a suitable environment so they can rest during the day. So there are many possibilities available to you, but how do you choose?

The different options for baby's naps

So that baby can take their naps in complete peace, different options are available to you and will allow you to choose the one that best suits your baby's needs.

The cradle

The cradle is an excellent choice for baby's daytime sleep, especially when it's a newborn. Reassuring and comfortable, it can be moved very easily, making it all the more practical. While at night it's recommended to place the cradle in the parents' bedroom, you can opt for another location during the day if you wish.

The Moses basket

The Moses basket is also an excellent choice for baby's daytime naps. Very easy to move and economical, you can transport it from room to room with ease. It's a great way to keep baby near you during naptime while providing a reassuring and cocooning sleeping environment.

The travel cot

The travel cot is suitable for parents who travel frequently. Lightweight and foldable, it's very easy to carry and set up. However, its large size makes it more suitable for babies who are already a few months old than for very young children. Indeed, a newborn might feel lost and insecure in such a space.0

The cot with bars

The cot with bars is also an ideal place for baby's naps. It's an environment they know. However, its use is only recommended from 6 months onwards. Before that, the cradle or Moses basket will generally be more suitable for small babies.

Regarding cots with bars, there are different possibilities such as:

The simple cot with bars: This is the classic baby cot format that can be used until around 2 years of age.
The evolutionary baby cot: This model will evolve at the child's pace to transform into a big bed when baby is ready to leave the cot with bars. It's a very practical and economical solution.
The combination baby cot: The combination baby cot combines a baby cot with other elements to create an all-in-one piece of furniture. We even usually talk about an evolutionary combination baby cot since it can have both options. The evolutionary combination cot is ideal for choosing an economical, space-saving and long-lasting solution. Some models like the Ecrin evolutionary combination baby cot even allow you to transition from a cradle to a cot with bars and then to a child's bed.
The twin baby cot: This is a combination baby cot designed to accommodate two babies. Therefore, everything is offered in duplicate and in the most space-efficient way possible.

Which room in the house to choose?

More than the type of bed chosen for baby's nap, the room in the house chosen will also be important. Some parents usually opt for their child's room, this allows them to create a calm environment and dim the light. However, others believe that naptime doesn't take place in the same environment as nighttime so as not to confuse their child's reference points. Both points of view are valid, and you'll need to decide here according to your child's needs.

You can also decide to settle baby in your bedroom for naptime, especially if you plan to take advantage of it to rest as well. Baby will be reassured by your presence and you can both enjoy a well-deserved rest.

A living room can also be a suitable environment as long as the environment is calm and conducive to your child's sleep. This can be relevant if you plan to read or work. Baby will stay near you while you continue your activities.

The golden rules for a successful nap

More than knowing how to put baby to sleep quickly, there are a number of good habits to adopt for successful naps:

Establish a ritual: Just like the evening ritual, naptime should have its own ritual to create calm and establish an environment conducive to sleep.
Opt for ideal sleeping conditions: Most often, we recommend a calm, low-light environment, but also reassuring with a comfort toy or pacifier, for example.
Adapting to baby's rhythm: Each child has their own rhythm, and being attentive to signs of tiredness will help you find the ideal nap schedule for your child.
Seeking help in case of difficulties: If you're having trouble establishing naptime for your baby, you can certainly consult professionals such as a midwife, a general practitioner, a pediatrician, or a sleep consultant specialized in babies.

Furthermore, keep in mind that your baby is constantly evolving and that their sleep needs will also change over the months and years.