The importance of the crib

It should not be an unconscious act, but it should be thought through very well, since several aspects must be taken into account that will facilitate the baby's rest and provide security.

Which to choose?

The choice of the crib is important, as it ensures a good rest for the baby. The most advisable thing is that during the first months the crib is in the parents' room for several reasons: it facilitates the monitoring and care of the baby in its multiple nocturnal awakenings and it also facilitates breastfeeding or feeding the baby.

To choose the best crib, the following items should be taken into account:

Types of cribs

The ideal crib during the baby's first months should be small and cozy, like the mother's womb; it is important that the baby feels sheltered in it. Ideally, a bassinet or crib is ideal. The use of this crib is about six months, depending on the baby's complexion.

When the baby grows it should be moved to a slightly larger crib. There are of several types:

How to protect the crib

They move a lot, even if they are newborns, so it is advisable to cover the bars with a protector to avoid blows. If the baby is very moved, you can put a bump on to protect the head. It is a strip of foam rubber covered in fabric.

If a crib on wheels is used, it is important to move it, ideally, without the baby inside to avoid accidents.

Blankets or ribbons should not be left hanging from the railings to avoid suffocation of the baby if it reaches them or falls on him. Likewise, it is important to adjust the crib mobiles well so that they do not fall on the baby.

What is the best posture for sleeping

The baby should sleep on his back or side, never on his stomach. Recent scientific studies show that sleeping on the back decreases the incidence of sudden death in infants.

In cases of intense reflux or abundant mucus, it is recommended to incorporate the baby slightly at night indirectly (never with a cushion or pillow), but by placing, for example, a couple of books on the legs of the head of the crib or place a towel under the mattress that elevates half your body and not just your head.

Pillow?

The use of pillows or cushions is not recommended for children under two years of age due to the risk of suffocation. Older people are not essential either and, if the child is comfortable without it, it would be better not to wear it.

If a baby uses a pillow, it can force the natural curvature of his neck, since having a small neck and a head proportionally larger than the rest of the body, the shoulder prevents adequate support.

The pillow for an older child should be quite thin or not high, not too soft and the same size as the bed. You should bring a washable cover made of a very soft fabric and the materials, which are becoming more and more, are recommended made of fiber, as they facilitate breathing and oxygenation.

How to cover it?

If it is cold, the best way to cover it is with blanket bags that are like a garment and avoid the risk of suffocation while being a good source of heat.

• The space available at home. If it is small, there are wooden or fabric cribs, with a changing table and drawer included that save space.
• Safety: although almost all cribs already comply with this, it is important that you make sure that the bars of the crib are vertical and that there is a maximum distance of 7.5 cm between them so that your baby cannot put his head. Also, to avoid inserting an arm or a leg between them, and could injure themselves, it is important to delimit it with a protection (rectangular cushions that are tied with ribbons along the crib).
• If you travel frequently, there are cribs that are good for travel, they fold and store in a bag, they are very light and easy to transport.
• The economy today is not a minor issue, for that perhaps the best option are functional cribs, those that when the baby grows up they become a small bed in which they can be up to 8-10 years, approximately. This avoids having to buy two things (a crib for babies and a bed for children).
  • Practical or functional crib: it has a single bed size and generally incorporates some handrails that can later be removed to become a children's bed valid for up to 7 and 10 years.
  • Wooden or wicker crib: useful up to approximately two years
  • Rocking Cradle: Helps to stimulate baby's sleep and calm him when he is upset about something. It is a model that a few years ago was very fashionable and now it is seen again. The movement it produces is similar to the intrauterine rocking that the mother gives the baby when she walks.
  • Travel cot: foldable, which can be used both at home and when traveling or traveling.
  • The crib should be adapted to… the age of the baby and the space available at home.
  • Safety: it is essential to make sure that between the bars you cannot put your head and delimit the crib with protectors to avoid blows.
  • To sleep ... better on your back and do without a pillow and blankets.