A crib with a canopy is convenient for parents and useful for the child, and also very beautiful. The canopy protects the child and creates a cozy space in which the baby feels comfortable. It is important that the canopy over the bed is comfortable, practical and safe for the child. And this already depends on its design and, above all, on the holder.
A canopy over a newborn crib helps the baby adapt to the world around him.
If you choose the right one, the holder will provide the necessary functions and will be convenient to use, and will also give comfort and peace of mind to the child and parents. In order to choose the most convenient product, you need to understand its design features.
Features of choosing a canopy holder for a crib
Before choosing a holder, you first need to understand why you need a canopy over the crib. It performs quite a lot of functions:
- Creates a small personal space for the child.
- Protects from bright light.
- Protects against excess noise.
- Protects against insects in summer.
- Protects from drafts.
- Collects microdust.
To ensure maximum comfort for the baby, you must first decide on the location of the cradle, and then on which side the canopy will be attached to it, so as to create maximum protection and comfort. After this, you can begin to select a mount for the canopy for the crib.
The canopy increases comfort during a child's nap, protecting him from the sun's rays
What is a canopy for?
There have long been heated discussions between parents about the functionality of the canopy. Is such beauty justified in a children's room, and is there a need for such a piece of furniture? Whether or not to use a fabric canopy is up to the parents to decide. In addition to aesthetic pleasures and comfort in the nursery, the canopy performs practical functions.
- Protection. A thin barrier protects sensitive babies from bright light, extraneous noise and drafts. This item will be useful for animal lovers - with the help of a canopy you can protect the baby from pet hair getting into the crib. In the summer, the fabric will protect the little man from insects.
- Practicality. Some parents believe that a beautiful piece of furniture is of no use, but only collects dust. This feature is rather an advantage, because the fabric is easy to wash and protects the baby’s crib and bedding from dust settling.
- Emotional calm. According to experts, newborns feel more comfortable in a confined space. The canopy copes with such a “mission” perfectly. Older children feel safer and more independent, because each person needs their own personal place for privacy and relaxation.
A beautiful decorative element is not an absolute necessity, but the fact that it is functional and useful is undeniable.
Types of holders
Holders for a canopy for a baby crib are distinguished by the type of location on the crib and the type of attachment to it and the shape of the cape fastener.
In order for the canopy to fit harmoniously into the interior of the nursery, the holder for it is selected taking into account the dimensions of the bedroom and bed
Depending on the type of location on the crib, the devices are:
- In the middle of the wide side.
- At the head of the bed.
- Along the perimeter of the crib.
A canopy located along the wide side provides the greatest protection to the child; it can completely cover the crib or only part of it, say the headboard. At the same time, it provides easy access to the entire crib. Suitable for very young children, as they mostly need peace, comfort and isolation from the outside world.
A canopy shaped like a bed allows you to cover one or several sides at once.
A curtain at the head of the bed is ideal for older children who are already a few months old. With this type of arrangement, the fabric covers only the upper part of the crib. The main purpose of such a cape is to protect the baby from external light, noise and other distractions. There is a good view from inside the canopy, and the child can observe the outside world, which is already beginning to interest him. The cradle itself can be positioned either facing the wall or sideways.
Canopies on the sides of the bed will protect the child from sunlight
The canopy around the perimeter of the crib is suitable for older children who sleep in cribs without sides.
Depending on the type of fastening, there are the following devices:
- beds;
- floor;
- ceiling;
- wall-mounted
Bed anchors are often sold along with the cribs themselves. They are the easiest to install, since they usually form a common kit with the crib and come with detailed instructions. This holder has its advantages - the cradle and it can be easily moved without outside help.
However, these mounts are the least reliable and are more suitable for the smallest toddlers. Older children, when they begin to be interested in the outside world, can pull and tug on the fabric of the canopy; accordingly, the fasteners must withstand such a load. The bed carrier carries the greatest risk of being knocked over. There’s nothing scary about it, since the holder is lightweight, but it’s also not very pleasant. Also, only light fabric can be used with this holder, and the canopy itself will be small - precisely because of the limited load. There is no need to buy a bed holder separately from the bed - the included load is already calculated accurately, but if you select it yourself, you can make a mistake and the structure will turn out to be flimsy.
Holders with fastening on the side of the crib are designed for light fabrics made of tulle or voile
Floor holders are installed on the floor and are also attached to the sides of the cradle. Due to the additional support on the floor, the structure is more resistant to the baby’s attempts to tug and pull it. These holders are sold separately. You can use thicker and heavier fabrics with them. However, their weight also remains limited. Floor holders fit well along the side wall.
Floor holder with dismountable metal rod
The bulkiness of such a holder makes the entire cradle complex less mobile. It is possible to move the crib together with the floor fasteners, but this will require some strength, skill and the help of a second person.
Wall and ceiling holders are attached respectively not to the cradle, but to the wall or ceiling. They are the most reliable, it is impossible to knock them over - unless you tear them out of a concrete wall together with screws, which a toddler is unlikely to be able to do. Due to its strength, this design allows you to make the canopy longer, richer and more beautiful. With it it is possible to use several fabric options, denser fabrics, you can choose a length even to the floor. There are also many design options you can come up with.
The simplest ceiling holder is a hoop attached to a hook
Of course, it will no longer be possible to move the cradle along with the canopy. But at the same time, it is not difficult to roll it out from under the canopy, if necessary. Another important point is that if the canopy is dismantled, there will be holes in the wall or ceiling that will need to be covered with something. Another option is possible - remove the crib for newborns and put a larger one for middle-aged children. In this case, the canopy can turn into a fairy-tale tent or a wizard's house, or something else - there are no limits to children's imagination.
Types of fastenings
Canopy holders for a baby crib are now made from different materials, but the first thing people pay attention to is durability. The fastening will most likely be hidden by fabric, so its external characteristics are not so important. Most often they are white and metal.
This is a ring attached to the tube. Modern models allow you to adjust the height - this is convenient if you have several canopies of different lengths.
In general, you won’t be able to hang it above the crib without fastenings, but there are several options for those for whom standard fastenings are not suitable - for example, if the crib was made by yourself.
Option 1. Clings to the widest back. Sufficiently stable. The main thing is to position it exactly in the middle and securely. Suitable for newborns.
Option 2. On the headboard. The fabric will not cover the entire cradle, which means that the baby can be taken out of the crib without the risk of getting tangled in the fabric.
Option 3. For the entire perimeter of the crib. This option is ideal for beds without sides. Then you will need four holders (for each corner of the bed).
Option 4. Floor mounting. It is firmly attached to the floor, and a very long cloth is hung on it. The disadvantage of this option is that the stroller does not move well. When you start moving her, she will stop covering the crib.
Option 5. On the ceiling. More suitable for adults and teenagers, especially if the fabric is heavy.
Option 6. Wall mounting is more universal, but you will need to drill holes in the wall, and moving the crib will be problematic (there will be holes in the wall).
All these varieties are equally suitable for both adults and children. Moreover, you don’t need to think that canopies by their nature are suitable only for girls because of their lightness and airiness.
With it you can make a wonderful tent or princess bedroom for girls, but for boys, castles, balloons and spaceships are modeled in the same way.
Carefully draw up a design project for the entire room and determine the position of the bed. Stationary ones are more reliable, but they limit the possibility of rearranging furniture.
Features of brackets for attaching the cape
The brackets on which the cape is attached are distinguished by shape:
- Oval or round.
- U-shaped or L-shaped.
Oval or round brackets provide the most volume for the canopy. They are a ring on which the canopy curtain is hung. However, they require some skill in attaching the cape.
U-shaped or L-shaped brackets are a stick on which the curtain is thrown and secured. Brackets are easier to use.
Mounts for a canopy on a crib are usually made of aluminum - this is the most durable, environmentally friendly and lightweight material. But sometimes there are products made of plastic, they are usually much cheaper. Plastic can be harmful.
When purchasing, it is important to check that the item does not have a strong odor - otherwise you cannot purchase it. It is also necessary to verify the certificates for the goods.
Features of fastening the cape to the bracket
There are two main ways to attach the cape to the bracket:
- With Velcro or ribbons.
- On the canvas curtains.
When fastened with Velcro or ribbons, the bracket ring does not separate and is solid. The cape is tied with ribbons or Velcro, and the fasteners are hidden with frills.
Option for attaching a canopy to ribbons
An example of attaching a canopy to a drawstring
When the curtain is attached to the canvas, a drawstring is sewn into it in advance, into which the bracket itself is inserted. Moreover, in the case of mounting on an oval or round bracket, its ring moves apart. This method of fastening is the most convenient, durable and neat.
Options for decorating a canopy for a children's bed
Canopy covers are made from a variety of fabrics. These can be light single curtains made of transparent tulle, or there can be complex designs with tulle, thick fabric and a chic lambrequin.
You can decorate absolutely any bed with a canopy.
Transparent curtains made of thin tulle protect the child from dust and random insects. However, they do not block it from light, noise or drafts. They do not limit his attention during sleep either.
Thanks to the translucent canopy, the child is in a cozy area, but not hidden from the eyes of the parents
Curtains made of denser, opaque fabrics limit the baby's space and allow him to sleep and relax in absolute peace. Such curtains limit the entry of bright light into the child's face.
Long capes made of dense fabrics that reach the bottom of the crib or the floor protect the little one from all possible factors. They limit his space, making it more personal and creating peace. They protect it well from insects, dust, bright light, and noise. Due to their length, they reliably and carefully protect it from small drafts.
The fabric dome over the girl’s bed can be additionally decorated with tassels or ribbons
Curtains made of thick fabric can be complemented with light tulle. And the most luxurious options are a rich lambrequin. These ensembles require a good quality, strong crib canopy with a double oval or round bracket. This option is very convenient to use. Thick fabric protects the child from drafts. Light tulle covers the area in front of the face, leaving room for vision.
For older children, such a canopy can turn into a real place for games and adventures.
A fabric canopy with a rope pattern in a student’s bedroom, decorated in a nautical style
The complexity of the design primarily determines its weight, and the weight determines the choice of holder for a canopy for a crib. A light tulle cape is suitable for the bed holder; it is unlikely to withstand more weight. The floor holder can be loaded with a more complex design. This can be a product made from one layer of medium-density fabric or light tulle. Complex fabric ensembles made from dense fabrics can be hung on ceiling or wall devices.
In the rooms of school-age children, a canopy can play a purely decorative role, decorating the interior and attracting attention.
In terms of design, canopies can be very diverse. The traditional version is a pastel-colored cape with frills and bows, reminiscent of the canopy of a fairy-tale princess. Other options: a cape in the style of an oriental tent or in the form of a starry sky.
Canopy tent in the bedroom of a little princess
Manufacturers offer a huge number of options and you can choose a stylish design that will please the child and parents for a long time.
Features of a canopy holder for a crib
A canopy is not only a beautiful decoration for a crib or a fashion statement. This is also a protective accessory that protects the baby from mosquitoes and other insects. During the daytime, the canopy perfectly protects the child from overheating in strong sunlight.
It provides reliable protection from dust, drafts and other various influences, not only for a newborn.
From the point of view of psychologists, the cape has a positive effect on the child’s psyche, creating an atmosphere of security and comfort from childhood.
An interesting piece of interior design for a child's bedroom is the canopy - an almost weightless curtain secured in various ways.
The accessory is attached to the crib using special parts - holders - strong supports or brackets made of plastic or metal. In appearance they are a ring or an oval located on a special stand (tube) with a device to which the cradle is attached.
The choice of design is made depending on the needs of the buyer.
The height of the structure is adjustable
This design looks very elegant, complementing the layout of a children's bedroom. In addition, without it it is impossible to secure the fabric canopy.
