Cradle

The cradle: a secure cocoon for baby's first nights

As your baby's first bed when he returns from the maternity ward, the cradle you choose for him must be secure and cosy, while complying with safety standards for infant sleeping. We offer a selection of different models, from the most sober wooden cradle to the most sophisticated models that evolve with your child's age. For parents who want to stay as close as possible to their infant during the night, co-sleeping cradles are ideal. They attach directly to the parent's bed, allowing the child to be fed without having to get up. Most can be converted into an independent cot or playpen as the child grows. Want to rock your child to sleep? Rocking cradles allow that gentle movement that reminds infants of the oscillations felt in their mother's womb. Other cradles made from lighter materials are designed for nomadic parents who don't want to be burdened with an umbrella bed too soon. Sometimes foldable, similar to a bassinet, these cradles can be used day and night. Take pleasure in browsing our selection of cribs with bars and textiles suitable for toddlers, and adopt the one best suited to your baby.

With baby on the way, it's time to choose the right items to welcome him. And among these, the cradle is simply indispensable. It's the cosy nest in which your little angel will rest and feel at ease. But only if you choose the right one.

A bed for baby's first months

The main advantage of a cradle is that it reassures the little one as he begins his life. A small, comfortable space, it provides protection from the vast world. The crib's small size is reassuring, as it resembles mom's cozy womb. It's the place where baby will feel safe during naps or at night. It's also a reassuring piece of equipment for parents. It is generally used from birth to six months of age. Simply place your little one in the cradle until it can sit up. The cradle doesn't take up a lot of space, and can easily be installed in the parents' bedroom to follow baby's movements. For this, we recommend a model with wheels. Purists will love the rocker models, which allow you to rock your baby for long periods without complicating your life. In this category, you can also opt for a suspended cradle.

Baby will spend more than 18 hours a day in his crib. So it's vital to offer him the very best.

The perfect cradle

As you can see, there's a huge choice of cribs. So what should you take into account to make sure you don't buy the wrong one?

The first thing to catch your eye is the style of the cradle. Is your interior zen? A wicker model will be in the best taste. A wooden cradle (beech, for example) goes everywhere. You can play around with colors, from sleek, elegant white to pastel blues and pinks and less classic hues. Always check that the paints used are safe for baby. And as this is not always indicated, choose models from well-known brands recognized for their reliability (Chicco, for example).

Another key criterion in your choice: the mattress. You spend a lot of time finding the perfect mattress for you. It's the same for baby! Forget soft mattresses, which can be dangerous for your little one. A firm mattress is ideal. It will allow the child to sleep without sinking in, and will hold him or her in place. Are you buying a mattress independently of the cradle? Always check that the dimensions perfectly match the structure. There must be no gap between the mattress and the edges. Nor should the mattress be too thick. Baby would then be too close to the edge. The perfect mattress should be made of characteristic materials with an average thickness of 10 to 15 cm. For density, prefer models ranging from 20 to 22 kg/m3. If you've opted for a characteristic latex mattress, prefer 60 kg/m3.

Have you selected a model with castors? Also check that a locking system (brake) is present. The bed won't move. If you've opted for a suspended cradle, check the fastening system. It must be particularly sturdy and adapted to the surface you're going to drill into.

Because your child's safety is paramount, there are a number of points to check. The bottom must be perfectly flat and totally rigid. The spacing of the bars must not exceed 7 cm. This will prevent baby from getting stuck. A minimum rung height of 20 cm is recommended. This is essential if baby is to grow up in complete safety, and to avoid "growing up" with the silly idea of climbing over the bars.

There are many different types of cradle. The classic model measures around 40 x 80 cm. There are evolutionary variants that are practical for keeping an eye on baby as he grows, but take up a lot of space. The Cododo cradle is ideal for parents who want to keep an eye on their baby while they're in bed. It attaches to the parents' bed, so they don't have to get up to look after the little one.

And to keep baby in a comfortable cocoon, you can supplement his belongings with a bassinet, a kind of nomadic cradle that's very practical up to the age of 3 months.