How to assemble a crib with a pendulum: instructions and recommendations

With the arrival of a small child in the family, a new life begins, full of joy and pleasant troubles. The baby needs not only love and care, but also the creation of favorable conditions for full development. Healthy sleep is of great importance for the baby, so after purchasing the appropriate furniture, a logical question arises - how to assemble a children's bed, doing it correctly, taking into account the specifics of its design. Of course, the easiest way is to turn to the help of professionals, but not all families have access to this service. And sometimes such an opportunity is simply brushed aside by a man, because self-assembly is direct proof that “dad can do anything.” Despite the laboriousness of the process, the task is quite feasible; the main thing is to follow the sequence of steps laid down in the instructions.

Pendulum crib: caring for the baby and his parents

A crib with a pendulum system, unlike other models, is equipped with a mechanism for rocking the child to sleep. This function will be of great help to the parents of the newborn in the first months of his life at home. This option is preferable when mom and dad deliberately decided not to accustom the baby to rocking in their arms or the parents have health problems. In addition, young mothers get tired of having to go to the crib at night every time the child wakes up. Here a pendulum crib comes to the rescue of parents. All you have to do is push the smart design with your hand and it will begin to sway rhythmically, putting the restless baby to sleep.

Pendulum crib with drawers

Pendulum crib with chest of drawers and drawers

The indisputable advantage of the pendulum is the sensitivity of the mechanism to light touches, thanks to which the baby can set the crib in motion. This will ensure a good night for the baby and allow the mother to rest.

The mechanism for setting the pendulum in the crib in motion

It should be noted that, if necessary, it is quite easy to make a pendulum crib into a traditional stationary crib. You only need to lock the system with clamps, which, as a rule, come with the furniture.

Among the additional functions of some models, it should be noted the ability to adjust the height of the bed of the crib and the front wall, drawers for linen, and soft sides. The best option is a design with three levels of bottom height, which can be used in accordance with the growth and development of the baby. The front wall can be not only retractable, but also completely removable. This will allow you to move the baby crib closer to the parent's bed, then the baby will smell the mother's scent, who can quickly feed him and put him to bed. The laundry drawer will allow the mother to quickly change diapers and baby clothes, in addition, you can store toys or a first aid kit there. It is necessary to provide free space in the room for pulling out the linen drawers of the crib. Fabric sides not only play an aesthetic role, but also keep the baby safe.

The height of the pendulum crib can be adjusted

One nuance of all types of pendulum

It is worth noting that regardless of the type of pendulum (transverse, longitudinal, universal), they all have one significant drawback. Small children get used to rocking very quickly. And for this reason, subsequently falling asleep on a static surface will be quite difficult.

The best choice for most babies is still assembling a crib with a pendulum of a longitudinal design. At the same time, as studies have shown, in those children who are accustomed to both types of rocking, the vestibular apparatus develops better. It is recommended to buy a model that has an affordable price and will take its rightful place in a child’s room or parent’s bedroom.

Where to begin?

Despite the fact that stores now offer a wide range of pendulum cribs of different models and types, designs made from multifunctional parts have become the most common. A pendulum crib usually consists of a body, supporting parts of the mattress, sides, legs, a drawer for baby clothes and a pendulum. In order for your baby’s new furniture to be reliable and safe, you need to be patient and take time, carefully following the instructions step by step. There are a number of general principles for assembling a children's bed. Let's start with the preparatory work.

Plastic elements of the pendulum mechanism

• It is preferable to assemble the crib in the child’s future nursery. This will eliminate the need to move furniture and squeeze through doorways, which can cause scratches and damage.
• Remove packaging. The design consists of several large parts, and it is better to lay out small parts on light-colored fabric, large sheets of paper or oilcloth.
• Prepare tools for work: a screwdriver, a reversible wrench, a screwdriver, and a hammer will come in handy. Please review the included instructions to see if anything additional is needed.
• Referring to the instructions, carefully check the presence of all parts and fasteners specified in it. As a rule, cribs consist of four sides, wheels, and a supporting part for the mattress. It is possible to have two side boards and drawers for linen. In the pendulum crib model, it is worth inspecting the details of the pendulum mechanism. If something is missing from the kit or defects, damage, or nicks are found, you should immediately contact the store and return the product or exchange the parts for new ones. This should not be neglected, as the child’s safety is most important. It is necessary to measure the gap between the slats - it should be no more than 6 cm.
• Slowly read the instructions carefully, look at the photos, diagrams, drawings. If there are no instructions, contact the purchase store or the manufacturer’s website and determine the model of the crib.

Dimensions of a crib - pendulum

Varieties

Different types of cribs differ from each other, first of all, in reliability and service life. You should take a responsible approach to choosing a crib so that it lasts as long as possible and does not endanger your children.

Cradle

A cradle is ideal for a newborn baby. Your baby will sleep more comfortably in a small cradle than in a large bed. This crib takes up little space and can be moved freely around the room. However, it is worth remembering that the cradle is suitable for a baby no older than six months, and when he begins to stand on his feet, the child will need a larger crib. Many parents use a stroller cradle instead of a cradle. The shape of the cradle resembles a mother's tummy, so a recently born baby will sleep peacefully and pleasantly in such a crib.

Spacious structures are not so well suited for a baby - it is still unusual and uncomfortable for him to be in them.

Among other things, the cradle can be easily placed right next to the parents’ bed so that the mother can hear the baby’s call at any time. In addition, thanks to its lightness, the cradle can be moved anywhere at any time without disturbing the baby’s sleep.

Classical

The classic design of a baby crib will fit into any room design. Such cribs are usually quite simple and functional. The sleeping area is fenced on all sides with lattice walls, one of which can be dismantled. Most classic cribs are designed for children under three years of age.

Transformer

The advantage of transformers is the ability to adjust the size of the bed depending on the height of the child. Therefore, this bed has an increased service life. Transformers also have shelves for diapers and bottles. Thanks to the sides, the baby will not fall out of the bed while sleeping. Most models have a built-in mattress and storage cabinets.

Let's start assembling the crib

1. Start assembling the main structure with the fixed rear wall. Here you need to determine the top and bottom, although in some models they differ little, it’s easier with side walls that have legs. Then you should place the back wall on the floor with the inside facing up - it should have holes for fastening. The sides of the crib are attached to the back wall with screws. When screwing, it is important to maintain the golden mean: tighten the screws so tightly that the structure remains strong for a long time, but do not overdo it, so as not to damage the parts.
2. Install the supporting part of the mattress - the bed. Depending on the model, it can be a wooden or plywood rectangle; in another case, the bed has the shape of a ladder made of a series of transverse slats. The boards must be carefully placed in the grooves located in the back of the crib and on the bar of the front wall. Provide the supporting part of the mattress with screws; initially they are screwed in loosely and only lightly tightened.

Assembling a crib with a pendulum mechanism

The required height of the mattress should be taken into account: for a newborn baby, a higher position is provided to make it more convenient for the mother to place the baby in the crib. When the child begins to learn to stand, the bed should be lowered for comfort and safety.

You need to choose the right mattress for your child

1. Insert the front movable part of the bed into the guide grooves of the two side parts. Now secure the mattress support section firmly by carefully tightening the screws.
2. Turn the resulting structure over to begin assembling and attaching the swing mechanism.

Crib frame - pendulum

Preparatory stage

The procedure for assembling and installing a children's bed consists of two main stages - preparation and the assembly process itself. First you need to prepare everything you need:

• instructions;
• a screwdriver depending on the type of fasteners (one or more);
• crib details;
• hammer;
• reversible key;
• screws;
• screw plugs;
• textile.

After unpacking, you need to inspect all the parts of the children's furniture.

Installation of the pendulum mechanism

Let's look at how to assemble a crib pendulum system using the most common model as an example.

1. Start by assembling the swingarm support. It usually includes four parts that need to be fastened together.
2. Next, use bolts and washers to assemble the hinges on the wooden plates.
3. Secure the resulting hinges with nuts to the base of the pendulum device. Place the nuts on small washers; do not tighten them tightly yet. If the model of crib you purchased is equipped with a drawer for linen, it’s time to install and attach it according to the included instructions.
4. We place the body of the crib on top of the support of the pendulum mechanism, fasten it with bolts on the legs of the crib, and fasten it with nuts and washers. Secure the side of the crib with screws. Install the bearing mechanism. It is important to check that the fasteners match the holes. After securing the fasteners, cover the screws with caps, which play a decorative role.

Pendulum mechanism for a baby crib

The finished pendulum crib should swing without much effort.

After assembly, it is necessary to check the safety and reliability of the structure. When rocking, the bed should not wobble. Test how firmly the base is installed and how easily the movable wall moves up and down. Make it a rule to check the crib every week, as the bolts may become loose, gaps, and sharp corners may appear.

It is necessary to periodically lubricate the elements of the pendulum crib

Hinged

A crib with hinges is a “classic” option for children under three years old. Smooth rocking motions soothe the baby, promoting healthy, sound sleep.

The bed on hinges is assembled as a classic option

Assembly of the hinged version takes place in several stages:

• To assemble the base, you will need three main sides: two sides and one back, attach to the bottom. At the same time, it is worth considering that the grooves on the sides should go outward ;
• The rear and front backrests are attached to the body with screws;
• The bottom can be installed at two levels , providing different depths;
• Firmly secure the sides to the base of the crib;
• For stability, it is recommended to install fixing elements at the bottom of the sides.

Interesting fact

There are three types of cribs with a pendulum system: with transverse swing, longitudinal movement and universal. Despite the fact that transverse motion sickness seems more common, longitudinal motion sickness is more beneficial for the child’s health. In this case, the newborn's head will not dangle from side to side, which can negatively affect the vestibular system.

There is a special mechanism, powered by electricity, rocking the crib

Did you know?

The distance between the walls of the crib and the mattress should be no more than 2 cm so that the baby can roll over and move in a safe environment.

Pendulum mechanism with lever element

They stop using the crib when the child’s height reaches 80-90 cm and the baby can get out of it on his own.

You can beautifully decorate a crib with a pendulum

What is a bed with a pendulum?

This is a type of children's furniture consisting of a wooden frame and a pendulum mechanism built into it. This type of furniture is ideal for those parents who have decided from birth not to rock their baby in their arms. It is enough to lightly touch the moving part of the structure, and the cradle will begin to rock evenly. It will calm the child and give parents a little rest.

REFERENCE! An important advantage of this type of crib is the presence of a fastening element. It is present in case the cradle should be in a static position.

Tips for the master

• The description of how to assemble a pendulum crib, instructions and photos may vary depending on the model of purchase. Carefully read the manufacturer's instructions included in the package.
• It is better to assemble the crib in the bedroom or nursery and not move it to other parts of the apartment.
• Keep the crib clean: remove dust and dirt regularly using water and a mild hypoallergenic detergent, laundry soap is suitable.
• If you find parts missing, consider ordering additional parts from the furniture manufacturer's website.
• It is better to assemble the crib the day before the baby arrives at home. Make sure that everything is ready for the arrival of the little man.

It is necessary to choose the right mattress for a crib

You need to choose a place for a baby cot

The crib must match the interior of the nursery

A pendulum crib, carefully assembled for the long-awaited baby with your own hands, tested for safety and reliability, will be an excellent place for your baby to relax and develop. In a nursery or bedroom it will become the center of attraction for parents and guests. In order for the crib to be a cozy nest and interior decoration, it is not necessary to call a professional furniture assembler. Thanks to the description of how to assemble a pendulum crib (instructions, photos), you yourself can easily achieve your intended goal.

Baby cot-cradle with pendulum mechanism of transverse swing

Wooden crib with pendulum mechanism

Universal option

The main feature of the universal pendulum (as you might guess) is that when assembling the crib, you can choose an active, more convenient option - longitudinal or transverse. Moreover, it is possible to alternate longitudinal movement with transverse movement. This way the baby can get used to both.

It is worth noting that if one child likes longitudinal rocking, then this option is not always acceptable for another child. And it can take more than two weeks to understand which type is suitable in each particular case. This is precisely the beauty of assembling a crib with a universal pendulum - thanks to the presence of two swing options, the baby will have a restful sleep.

Typically, parents purchase beds several years in advance, and during this period of time some changes may occur, including rearrangement of furniture. Having universal children's sleeping furniture in stock, you don't have to worry about upcoming rearrangements. This bed will take any convenient place.

Step-by-step instruction

Before proceeding with direct assembly, you need to carefully study all the diagrams, as they may differ from the instructions presented below:

1. The work begins with connecting the fixed parts, namely the side part. The headboard must be connected to the side and bottom with screws.
2. The upper bottom is secured on all sides.
3. A movable sidewall is mounted. It is inserted into special grooves located on the side walls. Fixation is done using screws.
4. The next step is assembling the pendulum. The guides need to be secured between its backs. In the span between the two guides in the upper part, the lower bottom is mounted.
5. The back of the pendulum is placed in the lower part. Screws are used for fastening.
6. The box is assembled in a manner similar to that of the pendulum.
7. Checking the reliability of all fastenings.

If the design does not have a box, the procedure is greatly simplified. The process of assembling a transforming crib with a pendulum is carried out as follows:

1. A frame consisting of a back and sides is assembled. Special slats for the bottom are installed.
2. The middle bottom is placed on slats.
3. A cabinet or chest of drawers is assembled, depending on the model.
4. The cabinet is attached to the back of the crib using screws.
5. Shelves are installed in the cabinet.
6. The top bottom, side bars and headboard are installed.
7. The lower part with the pendulum is mounted using screws.

After work, it is important to check for depressurization of holes, reliability of fasteners and resistance to loads. Then you can start using it

It is recommended to regularly check the condition of the crib to ensure the safety and comfort of the baby. The finished structure should move without much effort, but should not tip over.

After reviewing the presented material, we can conclude that a crib with a pendulum is the best option for a child, having a positive effect on his sleep and health in general.

Parents can assemble the structure themselves using the instructions. This requires a minimum of tools and components. If all manipulations are carried out correctly, comfortable and safe use of the bed is guaranteed, regardless of the model.

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Real photos of children's rooms:

Transformer assembly

This model is optimal for children from birth to 7 years of age. The assembly of the Wonderful baby model looks like this:

1. Combine the bottom and back.
2. Attach the walls with transverse self-tapping screws.
3. Insert the side panels into the grooves and secure with round or oval screws.
4. Install and secure the front part.

The transformer is lowered as the child grows. The pedestal, which is attached to the furniture base, can be removed by adding 50 cm in length. The usual width is 60 cm. It is constant.

Types of children's beds

Furniture of this type is divided into ordinary and multifunctional: a transforming crib, a pendulum crib, with drawers, with a chest of drawers, with a changing table, with wheels and a rocking crib. The main ones will be discussed in detail below:

1. Transformable children's bed. It combines several elements and is suitable for a long period of time. One of its functions is transformation from a cradle to a sleeping place for an older child. Part of such furniture includes attributes for the convenience of caring for a newborn - drawers or a chest of drawers. They can also serve as a place to store toys and things for an older child. Manufacturers most often equip such cribs with a rocking mechanism, music and lighting. The disadvantages are the high price.
2. Pendulum. It has a convenient design and takes up little space. It is divided into several types - according to the mechanism of motion sickness. The advantage of the longitudinal mechanism is the similarity of its vibrations to the natural movements during motion sickness. A baby in such a crib should calm down and fall asleep faster. The transverse pendulum moves left and right, but, according to some reviews, not all children like this method of motion sickness. In order not to make a mistake in choosing, it is best to purchase a universal mechanism. In this case, if your baby does not like the type of rocking, you can change it to another. Many models have the function of changing the height of the bottom of the bed. They can be equipped with electronic controls and removable walls, which is very convenient for mothers who want to place their child’s bed next to their own.
3. Rocking bed. In terms of functionality, it is no different from a pendulum cradle, only it does not have automatic functions. This type of furniture is more environmentally friendly compared to other types.