One of the most important choices for your child's first years of life is undoubtedly that of the barbed model in which the child will sleep. It is a child's accessory of extreme importance, around which the entire design of the child's room revolves: beds with shores are also fundamental as an element of furniture and while it is possible to give up other products by arranging in some way, it is very difficult to avoid the purchase of a couch with bars.
Ikea, Chicco, Pali, Foppapedretti, Prenatal and many other brands offer various models of beds with shores and this is so important that it is regulated in detail by some European regulations, which dictate its size and other details.
But what month or so after which month should barbeds be used? And up to what age do you need to use a side bed? What are the ideal characteristics of a baby bed? Which mattresses and sheets should you prefer? Are there recommended resting positions for your baby? We will try to answer these questions in the following paragraphs.
Cot or cot?
Although there are a number of gearboxes available on the market designed to adapt barbeds to the needs of newborn babies, in our way of seeing a baby in its first months of life should sleep either in a traditional cradle or in the padded carrycot of the wheelchair.
If you choose this second option, it is preferable to detach the legs of the wheelchair and store the carrycot on the floor or in a very stable and safe position, making sure that all the mechanical parts able to move or move are firm, so as not to cause discomfort or damage to the infant.
There is no precise age limit within which the child can abandon the cradle and begin to sleep in a bed with banks and much depends on the development of the individual baby, but generally the six months of life are seen as an acceptable threshold from which you can start using the bed. Before that term wheelchair or cradle ensure a much more protected and controlled environment, within which the baby rests quietly.
But how many years can a side bed be used? Keep in mind that, since the bars can be adjustable, retractable or removable, the baby bed can be used for up to about three years, another reason why you must be careful in choosing this furniture that will remain in the room for a very long time and will have to be both aesthetically pleasing and functional, safe and strong enough to withstand a prolonged use over time.
What does the law say?
There are two European standards that regulate the sector and to which cribs and loungers must comply, EN 1130 and EN 716. Among the various elements specified by these standards, it should be remembered that the minimum height of the banks must be sixty centimetres in order to prevent the child from easily crossing them.
Another very important fact is the space between the single slats, provided between six and seven and a half centimetres: this to prevent the baby from getting his head into the bars.
These two standards mean that all major manufacturers automatically supply models of tail loungers that meet these requirements, and it is generally difficult to find them in specialist shops or online shops for "outlawed" beds, but it is always better to check compliance with European rules.
How to choose a couch with bars
In addition to what is established and regulated by law, there are some criteria of common sense that can help us to buy a bed with good quality shores.
We need a very sturdy structure that is able to ensure stability and durability over time: up to this point, by far the most preferred material was wood, which manages to be at the same time robust and warm, able to furnish and protect.
Once we have made sure of the solidity of the structure, it is necessary to make sure that no toxic materials or harmful paints have been used: this data is also regulated by law and therefore there should be no problems, we remind you that it is preferable to use water-based paints that are not dangerous for your baby.
As far as the netting is concerned, we recommend choosing one with wooden slats that can support the back of the newborn baby in a correct way.
The minimum height of the shores, as mentioned above, is regulated by law and we invite you to prefer high shores, preferably concealed or adjustable, ensuring the reliability and safety of the mechanisms that regulate the movement of the shores.
To be able to adjust and finally remove the shores will help you during your child's development in the early years: you can lower the obstacle gradually until your child is able to overcome it without any problems: he will therefore continue to use the bed for years, while remaining always protected by an edge.
Finally, some words about the use of various bumpers and padding: contrary to what is generally thought, they are not useful for much and on the contrary, their use should be discouraged. They obstruct and block visibility, do not effectively protect against shocks and if they are fitted with lace, laces and ribbons they can be dangerous, to the point that there are also indications from the European Commission that underline the negative aspects. Better, if you really feel the need, use a gear unit.
The choice of mattress, sheets, pillow and blankets
In addition to a high quality structure, you should also pay attention to the choice of the mattress. Preferably look for a rigid one, in rubber, latex or other materials that cannot easily be deformed. The padding, if present, must be Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified and the mattress must have the same dimensions as the bed, so that there is no space between the sides and the mattress, thus avoiding that the child can remain stuck with hands or feet.
As far as the sheets are concerned, the best fabric is 100% cotton, which has excellent breathability and do not make the moisture stagnate, as well as light cotton or flannel will have to be blankets.
The pillow, finally, is preferable low (during the first months you can also avoid its use) and with alveolar structure, to allow breathing even in case the child turns face down during sleep. For the choice we recommend cushions against plagiocephaly and anti-skin cushions.
The correct position during sleep
And precisely with regard to the movements of the baby during sleep, we remember that the preferred position according to doctors is the belly one upwards, i. e. supine.
This position in fact reduces the risks of SIDS but, if the newborn child often has problems, it will be necessary to consult with his or her paediatrician in order to agree solutions.
Finally, remember that the bed is not a box and it is better to avoid filling it with toys and plush toy, either for safety reasons or not to unnecessarily solicit the child who has to rest or sleep.
The best loungers with bars
Ikea, Chicco, Pali, Foppapedretti, Prenatal: these and many other important and well-known brands offer countless models of side beds on the market, many of them with cheap prices and offers of various types. We have pre-selected four different barbeds for you on the basis of a good quality/price ratio, so you can choose the model that meets your needs and then order it on Amazon, getting discounts and special offers, and then receive everything comfortably at home with home delivery.
Foppapedretti Bed Heartbreak Cots
Foppapedretti Dolcapedretti DolcuoreDolcuore is a wooden bed with adjustable sides and mesh at two heights that allow both immediate use, from the first months of life, and easy tidying and cleaning. One of the heads has embossed and fabric decorations, with hearts and teddy bear. This Foppapedretti bed is equipped with scratch-resistant rubber wheels and braking system and has a large lower drawer divided into two compartments.
Mattress not included.
Waldin Natural Sunbed
Waldin natural sunbedSystem complete bed + mattress, is available in both untreated natural wood and white lacquered. Made of solid beech, it can be converted from cradle to bed to sofa, with wheels and side panel included. It can be placed next to the double bed and the slats can be adjusted in ten different heights.
The mattress is in foam with a thickness of about 4 cm and the mattress cover is removable, 100% cotton.
Lucy Foppapedretti Sunbed
Foppapedretti lounger LucyDotted with adjustable sidebar, four wheels including two brakes and slatted net.
The Lucy bed is equipped with a drawer and measures 132 x 71 x 101 cm.
Mattress not included.