Transformable bed for newborn children: types and rules of choice

What is a transforming bed?

In the modern world, transformable beds are becoming increasingly popular, which are pieces of furniture that can provide a child with a full-fledged sleeping place, areas for games, sports or study.

In order to make life easier, modern manufacturers are developing many solutions for the design and functionality of cribs.

In addition, a transformable children's bed, due to its great functionality, can offer additional shelves and drawers for the child's things and toys. Moreover, as he gets older and grows, the bed can also increase in size. Such models become especially indispensable in conditions of limited space in a children's room.

One of the simplest and at the same time ingenious inventions of our time is the transformable crib, already known to many and appreciated.

Flaws

1. Although the length of the bed can be increased as the child grows, the width cannot be changed (it is on average 60 cm). At 4-5 years old, the baby will already feel a little cramped. Choosing a mattress will also not be so easy due to the non-standard size of the bed.
2. Keep in mind that the shelves and chest of drawers in almost all models are small; you won’t be able to put a large number of things there.
3. The design of the transformer is heavy, so cleaning underneath it is not easy. If a child inadvertently throws something under the crib, it will also be difficult to get this item out.
4. Many mothers complain that some models have changing tables that are too high, which makes them uncomfortable to use. If you are short, you should especially pay attention to this nuance.

A transforming bed is a beautiful piece of furniture that also has good functionality. If you notice more advantages than disadvantages in such a model, remember in the store: this is a purchase for a baby. When choosing a crib, special attention should be paid to assessing the quality and safety of the design.

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Materials

Round cribs are usually made from natural materials. Wood manufacturers usually choose birch, aspen or beech. Pine is also used, but it breaks down faster - it is not as dense. Paints are only non-toxic, specially made for children's furniture.

A round bed can consist of the following elements:

• Solid half-arches;
• Quarter circles.

The first option is more reliable - it does not have two connecting seams, which makes the structure stronger. The second option is cheaper.

Functionality

For a newborn, a small round bed is better than a large classic one, according to manufacturers. The small size of the bed reminds of the most measured time of the baby - in the womb. This means that the baby’s sleep will be calmer and he will feel more protected.

This bed itself is not durable. Babies are growing quickly, they will not have enough space. In order to be able to use the sleeping place longer, the crib can be extended and its bottom can be lowered as needed, thereby increasing its service life. How long it can last depends on the modification.

The baby's cradle is already too small

Dimensions

A round transformable crib for newborns usually has a bed diameter of 75 cm. This is an average figure, it may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. The enlarged sleeping area becomes approximately 125x75 cm.

Interesting. There can be only one mattress: if it is a transformer, then an extension part for a larger bed is attached to the small round one (for a cradle). You can buy two different, separate mattresses.

Available in oval or semicircular

When a round bed for newborns grows after its owner, it becomes oval. Extension sides are inserted between the two semicircles, new slats are added to the bottom, and a new mattress is placed - the sleeping bed for an older child is ready. Moreover, at this moment you can lower the bottom a little lower so that the baby, who is learning to sit down, cannot fall out.

There is no semicircular bed. Experience shows that it is impractical. However, the seats of chairs can be semicircular, which can be made from a bed later (more on all the transformation possibilities below).

Advantages and disadvantages of transformable beds

Transforming beds have a number of advantages over classic options:

• functionality and practicality;
• saving room space;
• modern and beautiful design.

In addition, such models will save money from the family budget, since there is no need to purchase additional furniture.

A transforming bed is such a wise and creative move as combining several items into one.

However, the transformer also has serious disadvantages:

• high price compared to a regular bed;
• the need for daily transformation of the bed in the morning and evening;
• bulkiness;
• risk of injury during folding and unfolding procedures;
• transformation mechanisms that are not very durable.

Also, in the manufacture of such furniture, simpler and cheaper materials are often used than for classic beds.

Features of Transformers

The transformable bed consists of a cradle, a bedside table, and a lower drawer. After the child grows up, the cradle is removed, the chest of drawers is placed next to the bed, and the lower part becomes an adult bed, where you need to buy a new mattress.

pros

The swing mechanism is pendulum. This mechanism comes in handy when you put your baby to sleep in a crib and he wakes up slightly - in some cases you can rock the baby to sleep.

When the child begins to get up and actively move in the crib, you can use a special part to fix the pendulum.

The transformable crib fits organically into the interior of the children's room

Possibility to install the mattress on two different levels. There are special holes on which the mattress rests. It is much more convenient to put the baby to sleep when you don’t have to bend over too much and abruptly tear him away from you.

Of course, when the child begins to sit and stand up, it becomes necessary to move the mattress lower. Having two tiers in the crib is very convenient.

The height of the railings in the crib can be adjusted, depending on the model.

Overall, these cribs look very attractive. The appearance allows you to choose the color scheme to match the design of the newborn’s room.

The drawers of the transforming crib are spacious . You can place things here in advance, even before the baby is born. The capacity of the drawers allows you to pack things for the first six months of life.

If you use a vertical storage system, you can fit much more things for home use, walks, visits, to the clinic, etc.

You can place personal hygiene items in the drawers: underwear, napkins, diapers, cotton swabs and other accessories for a newborn. Everything is at hand, which is very convenient.

But the most spacious bottom cabinet. The sides of the crib, things for growth that are still large, blankets, diapers, nappies and bed linen can be stored here.

Minuses

The changing area in some models is flush with the bedside table. Because of this, it is very small and narrow, which does not allow one to properly care for the newborn and swaddle him.

You will probably be able to carry out hygienic procedures for the first two or three weeks, but then the child will actively twitch his arms and bump against the sides. After which, of course, the child cries loudly.

Perhaps your baby will explore all the corners and edges of the crib

As a rule, to calm him down, mothers put a pacifier in his mouth. Does a baby need a pacifier? Read here.

On the side of the bed there is a removable plastic or silicone protection against teeth. But in fact, while playing, the child finds ways to pinch his lip, catching his lower teeth on this very protection from the teeth. It’s better to take it off and let the child chew on the wood rather than hurt himself .

There are models in which the grilles cannot be removed, that is, none of the crossbars can be removed. There is no question of the child being able to climb into the crib on his own and fall asleep on his own.

Therefore, it is better to choose models where the grilles are removable.

The sides must be at a high enough level to ensure the safety of the baby

The presence of a changing table also does not help the child fall asleep independently. Attempts to put and tire a child in a crib so that he falls asleep on his own will end in failure, especially after the child learns to get up.

All objects standing on the table attract great attention, because not everyone has a table, and it will not always be empty.

The baby needs to touch everything, play with what is stored on the table. Take clothes away and scatter them around the crib. Do not display medications in a visible place. Keep them out of the reach of children.

You will find a list of essential pharmacy supplies for a newborn on our website.

Types of transformation mechanisms

All mechanisms for transforming beds can be divided into 4 groups:

• spring;
• retractable;
• folding;
• gas lift.

Spring mechanisms are durable, but require the use of great force, so the children's version of transforming beds is practically not equipped with such mechanisms.

As a lift, such mechanisms use coiled springs, which take on part of the load.

The retractable mechanism is the easiest to use and does not require much force. However, the range of such furniture is very modest - most often it is used in bunk beds.

Pull-out beds for children belong to the category of transformers, as they can change their functional purpose and take on different forms.

Folding beds are a very good solution. When assembled, the sleeping place is usually secured with some kind of special lock, which, when opened, unfolds the bed. Here you have to be very careful not to hurt your arm or leg. In addition, such beds must be attached to solid walls, and interior partitions will not fit, so the options for placing the bed in the room are immediately limited.

This bed is an excellent choice for a small-sized home, because at night it is a full-fledged sleeping place, and during the day it is a compact wardrobe.

Gas lift mechanisms are the most convenient, safe and easy to use. But they also have disadvantages - their high cost and fragility.

A gas lift for a bed is a very important device that allows you to easily transform this furniture.

Let's take a closer look at some types of transformers.

Wardrobe bed or chest of drawers

A transformable children's bed with a chest of drawers or a wardrobe will help save room space and is a good option for a small apartment. This model provides the child with the opportunity to sleep on a large and comfortable bed at night, and during the day it acts as a wardrobe or chest of drawers for children's things. Also, on the sides of the bed there are usually additional drawers, shelves and niches. As a rule, this furniture is equipped with gas lift mechanisms, so the child can fold and unfold the bed himself.

This model is often purchased for a child’s room.

For newborns

Transformable beds for newborns are a composite structure, which, in addition to the crib itself, usually also includes drawers, shelves and a changing table. As the child grows up, the entire structure is disassembled and transformed into a full-fledged bed with an attached bedside table and hanging shelves. It is worth noting that in such models, although the length of the bed increases, its width remains unchanged, so not all children will be comfortable sleeping on such a bed. In addition, in its initial form the design is quite cumbersome and will look awkward in a small room.

Transformable beds for newborns can be a real godsend in terms of saving money, time and free space in the apartment.

There is quite a large selection of colors for such models on the market, so you can, for example, even find options in pink for a newborn girl.

With a pendulum

A transforming bed for a newborn baby can be equipped with a pendulum mechanism that allows you to lull the child to sleep. The pendulum starts easily with a simple push. Some models can even be triggered by a child's crying.

A transformable children's bed with a pendulum will allow you to rock your child to sleep without additional effort.

Important! Choose a transformable children's bed with a pendulum on bearings, as a pendulum on wooden slats may begin to creak over time.

Loft bed

The sleeping place for this model is located above the floor at a height of 1 to 1.5 meters, and under it there is an area for games, for sports activities or a table for studying. This bed is equipped with sides on the sides to prevent the child from falling while sleeping. It is worth noting that such a bed is quite large, but it will allow the child to organize his own personal corner in the room.

A loft bed is a compact two-story structure with a sleeping area on the second floor.

Table-bed

This model is ideal for a schoolchild's room. The design combines a full-fledged single bed with a desk, which, as a rule, meets all requirements and standards.

The table-bed is quite comfortable and compact, does not take up much living space, but can provide ample opportunities.

There are several options for making such beds:

• the tabletop is located under the bed at night, and moves out from under it during the day;
• two-tier option, where the top tier is a bed and the bottom is a table;
• the table top rises up, freeing up the sleeping area;
• option with a folding bed-wardrobe, during the transformation of which the bed is hidden in the closet, and the table takes a horizontal position.

Oval

An interesting option for young children. As a rule, in such cribs the bed is located quite high, so it is convenient for the mother to pick up the child. Also, such cribs are characterized by low weight. With this model, when you move the base of the bed down, you get a spacious playpen for your child to play with. More transformations are often available, such as cradle, changing table, table and chair. Moreover, manufacturers offer to purchase additional parts that will expand the transformation capabilities.

Oval-shaped transformable beds occupy leading positions in terms of sales results.

What transformation options does a round crib have?

A round bed has no corners that could cause injury. The child here feels protected, as if in the mother’s womb. Manufacturers include instructions with the bed, allowing parents to independently choose the optimal furniture conversion mode.

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Popular options for transforming a 6-in-1 bed:

• A round-shaped cradle for a newborn with a lowering base for a sleeping place. By moving the bottom to the upper position, you can get a full-fledged changing table. This bed option is designed for children aged 0 to 6 months. The size of the sleeping place is from 70 to 100 cm in diameter. A canopy can be installed above the cradle.
• Spacious oval children's bed for babies up to 3 years old. Due to additional parts, the sleeping area can be expanded up to 120 cm in length. The width depends on the diameter of the cradle, that is, it ranges from 70 to 90 cm. The height of the berth is adjustable, and the guards can be removed if necessary.
• A spacious playpen can be obtained by moving the base of the berth to the lower position. The crib becomes a safe play space.
• The children's sofa, which the structure turns into after dismantling one of the side rails, will allow the child to rest during the day. The width of the seat depends on the size of the bed (120-160 cm). For additional comfort, it is recommended to lean several pillows against the backrest.
• Two armchairs and a table are formed by detaching the central crossbar and the side parts. Each chair is 70-90 cm wide and 35-45 cm deep and can support a weight of up to 90 kg.
• An oval bed for children from 3 to 9 years old can be obtained by expanding the central crossbar. The width of the bed remains the same, and the length can reach 140-165 cm.

The base is surrounded by bumpers on all sides, which protect the child from falling out of the bed. During installation and unfolding, you may need a small set of tools to tighten and remove bolts.

What materials are transforming beds made of?

The range of materials used in the manufacture of transformable children's beds is absolutely the same as in the production of adult furniture:

• tree;
• Chipboard and fibreboard;
• metal;
• plastic.

Wood is the most suitable material for children's furniture, as it is easy to process, quite durable, and does not pose any threat to the child's health.

Furniture made from natural materials has always been popular not only in the interiors of rooms for adult households.

Beds made of chipboard or fibreboard are short-lived, prone to rotting and are very susceptible to moisture.

Metal beds, despite their reliability and longevity, have such disadvantages as a small range, heavy weight and risk of injury.

A metal children's bed will create a unique atmosphere for your child.

Plastic furniture is lightweight and has a bright design, but mechanical stress often leaves scratches and stains.

How to choose the right bed and mattress

When choosing a bed, you need to take into account the size of the children's room, the height and age of the child. Make sure that the materials used are safe from a health point of view and anti-allergenic.

Important! The base of a children's bed should be made of slats (planks), which will provide useful and comfortable sleeping conditions.

A transforming bed is versatile and durable; this furniture can significantly save space in an apartment or small room.
For very young children, experts recommend purchasing hard orthopedic mattresses made of coconut fiber or latex, and for schoolchildren, a good option would be a mattress with an independent spring block, which will ensure the correct formation of the spine.

This bed allows you to significantly save your family budget.

Rating of the best manufacturers

On the Internet you can find many ratings of manufacturers of children's beds, the most often included in them are the following:

• domestic: Red Star, Lel, SKV, Briciola, Antel, Papaloni;
• foreign: Pali, Wundermöbel, Bambolina, Valle.

A crib, changing table, chest of drawers for linen and baby care products purchased separately are much more expensive than one transforming crib, which simultaneously combines all these items.
It is worth noting that domestic manufacturers have long learned to make high-quality furniture, so their models very often top ratings and tops in terms of price-quality ratio.

The versatility of a transforming bed will undoubtedly increase the comfort of a child’s room, making efficient use of space. Thanks to the wide range, among the presented models it is easy to find exactly what suits your child.

The main advantages during operation are the lightness and noiselessness of the moving parts.

Pros and cons of a round crib

DIY crib bumpers for newborns

Every day there are more and more mothers who give their preference to round and oval beds. Here's what they like:

• No corners. The coordination of the baby's movements leaves much to be desired. He may fall; hitting a corner (especially with his head) can cause injury. In addition, corners are a source of creaks and loosening. Therefore, a round cradle is safer and more comfortable.
• Mobility. A round baby bed is usually equipped with wheels. Thanks to this, as well as its compact and lightweight design, you can easily move it around the house with you.
• Beauty. Many mothers choose this first piece of furniture for their baby precisely because of its stylish design. The most popular color is white, which is suitable for both girls and boys. Beige shades and dark tones are used less often. Very rarely – bright colors.

Design of a nursery with a white cradle

• Long lifespan. This indicator depends on the possibilities of transformation - from 4 to 12 years.
• Space saving. For the first six months of a baby’s life, its bed is more compact and will fit even in a small corner.
• Convenience. You can approach the bed from any side, place it along the wall, diagonally from the corner, whatever you like. In addition, it is more convenient for a little person to view the world from it.
• Baby's comfort. A small cradle is considered the best option for a newborn. She reminds him of his mother's womb and gives him a feeling of security.

Such transforming beds have disadvantages:

• No drawers. The design usually does not provide for them. The maximum that can be installed is a pendulum system for the cradle.
• Price. As a rule, such furniture is more expensive than classic options.
• Several mattresses. One, as in a standard rectangular bed, is no longer enough. You need to buy either two, or a transformer, this will also be more expensive.