Ashwin Lewis
IKEA cribs are designed to be safe for babies, but they are not sold as co-sleepers. However, some parents have shared their experiences of converting IKEA cribs into co-sleepers by removing one side and securing the crib to the bed. While this DIY approach may be appealing to those seeking a cost-effective solution, it is important to prioritize safety. Before attempting any modifications, parents should carefully review safe sleep environment guidelines for infants and ensure that the crib is securely attached to the bed to prevent gaps or instability. Additionally, it is crucial to follow safe co-sleeping practices, such as avoiding smoking, drinking, or drug use, and refraining from using large duvets or pillows near the baby.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | IKEA cribs are designed, built and tested to be safe for babies. |
| Crib preparation | The crib should contain no more than a firm mattress and a fitted sheet. |
| Crib and mattress dimensions | The crib and mattress should have the same dimensions to avoid the risk of entrapment or suffocation. |
| Fitted sheets | Should be the same dimension as the mattress – a tight fit avoids loose textiles in the baby’s bed. |
| Mattress protector | Use a mattress protector made of breathable materials to avoid the risk of suffocation. |
| Crib base | Must be lowered to its lowest setting once the baby can sit up unaided, to minimize the risk of falling from the crib. |
| Crib's removable side | Take away the crib's removable side when your child is big enough to climb out of the crib, to avoid the risk of falls. |
| Crib placement | Place the crib away from radiators, hot pipes and direct sunlight – a baby’s skin is thin and can burn easily. |
| Crib attachments | Never attach hooks, handles or similar items to the crib – your baby could get caught when moving around in the crib. |
| Co-sleeping | Co-sleeping with an IKEA crib is possible, but it is not sold or recommended as a co-sleeper. |
| Co-sleeping safety | Ensure that the crib is securely attached to the bed and that there is no gap between the crib and bed mattress. |
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What You'll Learn
DIY co-sleeper cribs from IKEA
Co-sleeping is a popular choice for many parents, and while IKEA does not sell co-sleeper cribs, it is possible to adapt one of their cribs for this purpose. It is important to note that IKEA will not recommend this, and you do so at your own risk. However, if you are going to do it, there are several steps you can take to ensure your baby's safety.
Firstly, you will need to buy a cot bed with a removable side. The IKEA SNIGLAR bed is one option that parents have used for this purpose. When assembling the bed, leave one side out. You will then need to secure the crib to your bed to avoid a gap between the two mattresses. This can be done with bungee cords or something stronger. You can also add a "bridge" between the two mattresses to make the transition from your bed to the crib smoother.
It is important to make sure that the crib is the same height as your bed. If it is not, you may need to adjust the height of the crib. You can do this by drilling into the wood and adding a bar to the legs to increase the height. Alternatively, you can remove the removable side of the crib and lower the base to its lowest setting to reduce the height.
Once your baby is big enough to climb out of the crib, you should take away the removable side or switch to a toddler bed frame to avoid the risk of falls. It is also important to follow general crib safety guidelines, such as using a firm baby mattress that is the same size as the crib and fitted sheets that fit tightly to avoid loose textiles in the baby's bed. Keep curtains, lamp cords, and other long objects out of the baby's reach to prevent strangulation and suffocation hazards.
By following these steps, you can create a DIY co-sleeper crib from IKEA that is safe and secure for your baby.
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Safety guidelines for co-sleeping
Co-sleeping, or bed-sharing, can be a safe and beneficial practice for both parents and babies, but it is important to follow certain safety guidelines to ensure the baby's safety.
Firstly, it is important to note that co-sleeping should only be done intentionally and with both parents' consent. Both parents should be comfortable with the decision and aware of their shared responsibility for the infant. If one parent is uncomfortable with bed-sharing, room-sharing is recommended as a safer alternative by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
When setting up a co-sleeping environment, the bed should be prepared with tight-fitting sheets, and unnecessary blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals should be removed to prevent safety hazards. The baby should be placed on their back on a firm, clean surface, and their head should not be covered. The bed should not be too soft, and waterbeds should be avoided. Additionally, strong scents from lotions, fabric softeners, and air fresheners should be avoided as they can irritate the baby's sensitive senses.
It is important to ensure that the baby cannot roll off the bed by using bedrails or placing the bed against a wall with no space between them. The room layout should be evaluated to ensure a clear path between the bed and the baby's crib or bassinet. Curtains, cords from lamps or blinds, canopies, baby mobiles, and long textiles should be kept out of the baby's reach to prevent strangulation and suffocation hazards. The crib should be placed away from radiators, hot pipes, and direct sunlight to avoid burns and overheating.
When co-sleeping, it is crucial to maintain a safe environment for the baby. Persons under the influence of substances, medications, or excessive sleepiness should not co-sleep with the infant. Additionally, excessively long hair should be tied up, and jewellery or clothing with strings or cords should be removed to prevent entanglement.
While co-sleeping can provide benefits such as improved sleep and easier breastfeeding, it is important to follow these safety guidelines to ensure the well-being of both parents and infants.
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SNIGLAR crib as a co-sleeper
The SNIGLAR crib is a safe and comfortable option for your baby. It is made from solid beech, a durable and renewable natural material. The crib's base is well-ventilated, ensuring good air circulation and a pleasant sleeping climate for your baby. It also comes with a conversion kit, allowing you to easily transform it into a toddler bed when your child is ready.
When using the SNIGLAR crib as a co-sleeper, there are a few important safety considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, ensure that the crib is securely attached to your bed. You can use nylon straps or bungee cords to attach it firmly to your bed frame. This will prevent any gaps between your mattress and the co-sleeper, reducing the risk of your baby falling between the two. Additionally, check that the crib and mattress have the same dimensions to avoid any risks of entrapment or suffocation.
It is recommended to use a firm baby mattress in the crib to prevent obstruction to your baby's breathing. A fitted sheet that is the same dimension as the mattress is also crucial to avoid loose textiles in the crib. Keep in mind that the crib should not have any canopies, baby mobiles, or long textiles hanging over it. Ensure that curtains, lamp cords, and blind cords are out of your baby's reach to prevent strangulation hazards.
The SNIGLAR crib offers two height adjustments for the bed base. You can remove one bed side when your child is able to safely climb in and out of the bed. This flexibility allows you to customize the crib to your specific needs as a co-sleeper.
While IKEA does not sell or recommend the SNIGLAR crib as a co-sleeper, many parents have found success in using it as such by following the necessary safety precautions. Always remember to prioritize safety over convenience when altering the crib for co-sleeping.
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Adjusting the height of the crib
As your baby grows, you will need to adjust the crib's height accordingly. The crib should be lowered when your baby starts sitting up, standing up, or pulling themselves up. This is to prevent them from toppling over the edge or falling out of the crib. The lowest setting should be used once the baby can sit up unaided to minimise the risk of falling.
You can adjust the height of an IKEA crib to get it to the right level. To adjust the height, first remove the crib sheet, mattress protector, and any pillows or blankets. Then, unscrew the foot screws and slowly lower the mattress to the desired level. Once you've adjusted the mattress near the foot screws, screw them back into the crib. Repeat this process with the head screws, ensuring the mattress is stable and secure. Finally, put the mattress protector and crib sheet back on.
It is important to note that leaving the mattress too high can pose risks of your baby injuring themselves. Therefore, it is recommended to follow the height regulations and sleep safety guidelines provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for babies shorter than 35 inches tall. Once your baby is taller than 35 inches, it is time to transition them to a toddler bed.
Additionally, when adjusting the height of the crib, ensure that the crib and mattress have the same dimensions to avoid the risk of entrapment or suffocation. Fitted sheets should also be the same size as the mattress to prevent loose textiles in the baby's bed.
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Safe crib environment considerations
When using a crib, there are several considerations to ensure a safe sleeping environment for your baby. Here are some essential safety tips to create a safe crib environment:
Mattress Safety
Choose a firm, flat, and tight-fitting mattress that holds its shape when pressed. Avoid soft mattresses, as they may contribute to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Ensure the mattress fits snugly in the crib, with no gaps exceeding 2-3/8 inches (about 6 centimetres) between the mattress and crib sides. This prevents your baby from getting trapped. The crib and mattress should have matching dimensions to avoid entrapment or suffocation risks. Use a fitted bottom sheet designed for cribs, and avoid loose bedding.
Crib Placement and Hazards
Keep the crib away from windows, drapes, curtains, and cords to prevent entanglement or falling hazards. Avoid placing it near radiators, hot pipes, or direct sunlight, as your baby's skin is sensitive and can burn easily. Ensure furniture is at a safe distance, so your baby can't use it to climb out. Remove hazards like bibs, necklaces, and toys with strings or cords from the crib.
Crib Condition and Maintenance
Use a crib made after 2011, and avoid those older than ten years, as they may not meet current safety standards. Check the crib for missing or loose hardware, and ensure all parts and slats are intact and properly installed. The crib should have no missing or cracked slats, and the distance between slats should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (about 6 centimetres) to prevent your baby from falling out or trapping their head. The crib should have no cutouts in the headboard or footboard to prevent head entrapment. Regularly tighten screws and hardware, and lower the crib base to its lowest setting once your baby can sit up unaided to minimise the risk of falling.
Safe Sleeping Position
Always place your baby on their back to sleep, using light sleeping clothing adjusted to the room temperature to prevent overheating. Avoid placing them on their stomach, as this is associated with an increased risk of SIDS.
These considerations will help ensure your baby's crib is a safe and comfortable sleeping environment. Remember to follow safe co-sleeping guidelines if you choose to adapt your IKEA crib for co-sleeping purposes.
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Frequently asked questions
IKEA cribs are designed to be safe for babies, but they are not sold or recommended as co-sleepers. However, some parents have converted IKEA cribs into co-sleepers by removing one side and securing the crib to the bed. This can be a more affordable option, but it is important to carefully review safe sleep environment guidelines for infants before attempting this.
When converting an IKEA crib into a co-sleeper, it is crucial to ensure that the crib is securely attached to the bed to prevent any gaps. The crib mattress should be firm and fit snugly against the bed mattress to avoid any dips or gaps that could pose a risk of entrapment or suffocation. It is also important to follow general crib safety guidelines, such as keeping curtains, lamp cords, and loose textiles away from the crib to prevent strangulation hazards.
The SNIGLAR crib from IKEA has been mentioned by some parents as a good option for converting into a co-sleeper due to its adjustable height and removable side. However, it is important to note that IKEA does not endorse this use, and parents should always prioritize safety over convenience when making these adjustments.
