Buying Guide for Baby Beds & Baby Cribs
The choice of baby crib is one of the most important (and emotional) purchases you will make for your baby. Since this is where they will spend most of the hours of their first years of life, safety and practicality come first.
This guide will help you clarify your options on Skroutz and find the bed that fits perfectly your space and lifestyle.
1. Bed Type
In the baby crib category, you will mainly come across three basic options:
A. Classic Crib: The traditional wooden baby bed with bars.
It is a tried-and-tested solution, extremely sturdy and usually more affordable. It lasts until the child is about 2 to 3 years old.
B. Convertible Bed (Extendable / 3-in-1): A crib that later converts into a child/teen bed (by removing the bars and extending the length) or even into a desk/nightstand.
It is an excellent long-term investment. You pay a bit more now, but you won’t need to buy a new bed when the child grows up.
C. Bassinet: A smaller bed that "attaches" next to your own bed, with one side opening.
Ideal for the first 5-6 months. It makes nighttime breastfeeding and soothing much easier, since the baby is next to you but with their own safety.
2. Safety
Before you look at the design and color, make sure the bed you like meets the following:
- European Safety Standards: Look in the description for the EN 716 certification. This guarantees that the materials, spacing, and construction are safe for infants.
- Distance between the bars: It must be strictly between 4.5 and 6.5 centimeters so there is no risk of the baby’s head or limbs getting trapped.
- Non-toxic materials: Make sure the paints and varnishes are water-based (non-toxic), as babies tend to "chew" on the bars when teething.
3. Extra Features
- Adjustable Mattress Height: Almost essential. You want at least 2 or 3 height positions. At first (newborn), set it all the way up so you don’t have to bend over and hurt your back. When the baby starts to sit up or stand, lower it to the lowest level so they can’t climb out.
- Wheels with Brakes: Very convenient if you want to move the crib from the bedroom to the living room. The brakes should be reliable and sturdy.
- Storage Space: Many beds have built-in drawers at the bottom. They are a "lifesaver" for storing sheets, diapers, and onesies without taking up extra space in the room.
5. Extra Tip: Don’t Forget the Mattress
Usually, baby beds do not include a mattress in the initial price (of course, there are also some beds with a mattress).
- The correct size: The mattress must fit the crib exactly. If there is a gap larger than two fingers around the edges, it is dangerous.
- Firmness: Unlike adults, babies need a firm mattress for proper support of their spine and to prevent suffocation.
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