A baby's cradle is usually one of the first purchases parents make to furnish baby's room. But how do you choose the right cradle? There are many models of cocoons for newborns. Comfort, safety, mattress, materials, styling... so many criteria to keep in mind to make the best choice!
Need a hand? Here are our tips for ordering the ideal baby cradle and giving your little one's room some style!
Why is it important to choose the right baby cradle?
A baby cradle is a true little cocoon. It's smaller than a bed, which helps the newborn feel reassured in a small space. This cocoon reminds them of the womb where they spent nine months, forming a pleasant transition between the womb and baby's bed. A newborn will feel reassured in a cradle whose walls they can touch. Snuggled into this comfortable bedding, they'll fall asleep peacefully.
Sleeping well is particularly important for little ones, as it is for their parents. Babies sleep around 18 hours a day, but this sleep can be fragmented. Choosing a good baby cradle is therefore essential for the whole family's nights.
The cradle can welcome your little one at night, as well as for naps, right from the return home from the maternity ward.
The different types of cradles
Cradles for infants come in a huge range of models, so parents often find it hard to choose their baby's cradle.
Standard cradles, among the most common, have a fixed structure. They often include a rocking function, which helps soothe baby when they're having trouble falling asleep or need a little help settling down. Most of the time, standard cradles include wheels and brakes, making them easy to move from room to room (from baby's room to your bedroom, for example).
There are also foldable baby cradles, handy for taking on trips. This type of portable cradle folds up in just a few seconds. It comes in handy when you're spending the evening at friends' place. Otherwise, you might be tempted by the co-sleeping cradle, which attaches directly to the parents' bed and lets you keep baby right next to you.
Which criteria should you prioritize to choose the best cradle?
You need to take several important criteria into account to properly choose your baby's cradle. First, make sure the cradle in question carries the mention "Complies with EN1130 safety requirements". This mention guarantees that the spacing between the wooden bars is less than 7 cm, to ensure baby's safety. The cradle should also have a rigid, flat base, with a minimum depth of 20 cm.
In addition, choosing a good mattress for the cradle is also very important. To offer maximum comfort and safety for your baby, the mattress should be between 10 and 15 cm thick. Make sure there is no gap between the cradle's sides and the edges of the mattress.
From what age should you switch cradles?
New parents often wonder how long a cradle will last!
In fact, it all depends on the baby, their size and their level of motor development. If you notice your child trying to sit up on their own, that's a sign they're now big enough to move from the cradle to a baby bed. If they have trouble stretching their legs and arms in a cradle that's become too small, you can also move up to the next stage. This bed change usually happens around six months of age, but it varies from child to child. It's not an absolute rule!
FAQ - Baby cradle
What is the best cradle for a newborn?
The best cradle is one that meets EN1130 safety standards, has a rigid flat base, bar spacing under 7 cm, and a mattress between 10 and 15 cm thick with no gaps.
What should you avoid when buying a cradle?
Avoid cradles without safety certification, overly soft or loose mattresses, and models where there's a gap between the mattress and the cradle's sides.
What's the difference between a cradle and a bassinet?
A bassinet is typically smaller, more portable and often used for the first weeks, while a cradle usually has a sturdier frame and can include a rocking function.
What is the safest cradle to help reduce the risk of SIDS?
A firm, flat mattress, a rigid base, no loose bedding or soft objects, and a cradle that keeps baby on their back are all key factors recommended to reduce SIDS risk.
