Grandparents will tell you a jhula is all a baby needs. The paediatrician will talk about firm, flat surfaces. Both are right about different things. Here is how to choose a first bed that keeps the baby safe, fits your room and is still useful at two.
The options, compared
| Option | Age | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swing cradle / jhula | 0 to 6 months | Soothing a newborn, small rooms, traditional homes | Must have a rocking lock and a firm, flat mattress; outgrown fast |
| Cradle with cot (combo) | 0 to 3 years | Cradle inside a cot: one purchase, grows with the baby | Takes floor space; check the cradle locks still |
| Standalone cot or crib | 0 to 3 years | Firm, flat, roomy; many convert to a toddler bed | Needs a mattress bought to size |
| Bedside co-sleeper | 0 to 6 months | Night feeds; baby within arm's reach on a separate surface | Short life; must fix tight to the adult bed |
| Playpen | 6 months to 3 years | Safe play and naps when you need two free hands | Not a newborn bed; mesh sides need checking |
Safe sleep basics
- A firm, flat mattress that fits the frame with no gap at the edges.
- Baby on the back to sleep, in the same room as you for the first months, on a separate surface.
- Nothing loose inside: no pillows, bumpers, soft toys or heavy blankets. Use a sleepsuit or swaddle instead.
- Gaps between slats should be narrow enough that a fist cannot pass through (under 6 cm).
- If the cradle swings, it must lock still for sleep. Rocking is for settling, not for the whole night.
- Your paediatrician's advice comes first; ask at the next visit if anything here is unclear.
Size and room
Measure the space beside your bed before you come in. A combo cradle-cot needs roughly 130 by 70 cm; a swing cradle about half that. Doors and lifts matter too: most cots are delivered flat-packed and assembled at home.
Mattress and bedding
Buy the mattress with the cot so the size matches. Firm is right; soft is not. Add 2 waterproof protectors and 3 fitted sheets so one is always dry. In Telangana and Andhra, a cotton or breathable mattress cover keeps the baby cooler than a vinyl one.
Mosquito net and bed rail
A net sized for the cot is the simplest protection at dusk and through the monsoon. When your toddler moves to a bed, a bed rail (we stock LuvLap anti-fall rails) replaces the cot sides.
What to check in the store
- Push the frame: it should not wobble.
- Lock the rocking or swing and try to move it.
- Lock the wheels, if any.
- Run a hand over every edge for splinters or sharp hardware.
- Ask about the paint or finish; it should be non-toxic and fully dry.
Shop this guide
Questions parents ask us
Is a jhula safe for a newborn?
When should a baby move from a cradle to a cot?
Do I need cot bumpers?
Do you deliver and assemble cots?
Still deciding? Ask us.
Message the store team with your budget and your child's age. We reply with options, photos and the nearest store that has them in stock.
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