Why do you need a canopy for a crib, and is it needed in principle?
Why do you need a canopy for a crib? This question worries many future parents.
Opinions about the need for a curtain differ radically. Some people sharply object to such a structure, calling it a collection of dust, while others write rave reviews. Let's look at a few statements: This is nothing more than decoration. In fact, the canopy is really beautiful. And, as you know, beauty brings many benefits: children and parents lift their spirits, a beautiful interior allows its owner to feel comfortable.
The canopy helps the child feel comfortable. A newborn baby finds himself in a huge world, where there are many extraneous colors, sounds and movements. Limiting the space with a canopy allows the baby to feel in a secluded corner.
A child in a crib with a curtain falls asleep faster
If it is in a common room, then the light and a working TV will constantly attract the attention of the baby, preventing him from getting ready for sleep.
The canopy collects all the dust. It settles on all objects in the room, not just on the canopy
Timely cleaning is the rule for a child’s room. And the curtain over the crib protects it from excess dirt. Wash it once a week and hygiene requirements will be met. The curtain over the crib prevents access to fresh air. If the canopy is made of thick fabric, this is indeed the case. In cool weather, dense material will protect the child from drafts. It will also come in handy if the room has a split system. So it makes sense to have a change of different fabrics for each season. The canopy protects the child. In the hot summer, when fresh air from an open window is so needed, the baby may be bothered by mosquitoes and midges. A mesh curtain can serve as an additional protective barrier.
If there are curious cats or dogs in the house, the curtain will protect the child from their encroachments.
Why do you need a canopy for a crib?
Great article! I'll leave it here))) WHY DO YOU NEED A CANDY CANDY? There are real battles of opinions about the benefits and harms of a canopy on many mom’s forums. Some are categorically against the canopy, considering it just an unnecessary dust collector, while others defend this item with all their might, insisting on its necessity. Let's look at all the opinions from different angles. Is a canopy just a decoration, a whim of parents? The fact that a canopy is beautiful, you can’t argue with that. But is this beauty so useless? And the positive emotions that this beauty evokes? What about instilling aesthetic taste in a child? What about creating a cozy atmosphere in a children's corner? Perhaps these factors should not be discounted either. Why does a child need a canopy? A small child, when born, experiences a kind of stress from the huge spaces that open before him. At first, the child’s acquaintance with the world around him should be measured. And in this case, the canopy on the crib creates a feeling of security for the baby, forming a cozy, enclosed corner. Will a canopy help a child sleep? The additional protection from light and extraneous noise created by the canopy helps the baby not to be distracted by external factors. This means that the baby will fall asleep faster and his sleep will be more restful. In addition, if the baby's crib is in the parents' room, they can quietly read with light or watch TV. Some parents say that for the baby this is a certain ritual of going to bed: they close the canopy - you need to sleep. Is the canopy a dust collector? Following this idea, it is also advisable to remove all textiles from the apartment - curtains, carpets, bedspreads, etc. Dust is invariably present in any home. Therefore, wet cleaning of the room is simply necessary in any case. And washing the canopy is not difficult at all - it can be easily washed in the washing machine and dries very quickly. But if you look from the other side, in the absence of a canopy, all the same dust will settle on your baby’s crib. So we can say that with regular washing, it is more of an additional protection against dust than a collector. Does the canopy prevent fresh air from entering? But this depends on the fabrics from which the canopy for the crib is made. Canopies should allow air to pass through perfectly and not interfere with air exchange. However, along with the sides, they provide additional protection against drafts. For example, in the hot season, you can safely use the air conditioner without fear that your child will get blown out. Does a canopy provide protection? In summer, a canopy can provide additional protection from annoying insects. And for those who have animals at home, a canopy is simply necessary. It will protect the baby from the excessive curiosity of pets, and at the same time from the penetration of hair into the crib. However, whether to buy a canopy or not is, of course, up to you to decide!) (FROM USER’S JOURNAL Tatiana)
How to make it yourself
The easiest way is to make a hanging canopy. Accordingly, you will have to suspend the structure from the ceiling.
Tools and materials:
- Long ruler or measuring tape;
- Pencil;
- Drill and screwdriver;
- Dowel-nails;
- Ribbon or braid – 4 m;
- Wooden planks 1 m long - 2 pieces;
- Canopy fabric.
7 photos
First you need to make markings on the ceiling. Pre-prepared planks must be the same length.
Next, we make markings where we will install the dowels. They must be parallel to each other and located in pairs. The gap between the rows of fasteners should be 50 or 70 cm. If the bed is larger, then increase the gap to 1 m.
Then we make holes according to the markings and install dowels.
We tie ribbons to the fastenings so that the ribbon forms a loop. The length of the loops depends on the height of the ceiling, so you need to act according to the situation. Although on average the loop will be 40 cm.
11photos
The fabric is prepared as follows:
- The material for the canopy is taken equal to the height of the room, multiplied by 2. And an additional plus of 2-3 meters.
- In the center of the piece of fabric, measure out a portion equal to the distance between the dowels. You can add about 40 cm for beauty to create a sagging effect.
- According to the markings, you need to stitch the fabric, creating drawstrings.
- We thread the slats into the drawstrings and hang the canopy from the hinges.
- For beauty and safety, we fix the cornices with plugs.
- We distribute the free edges of the canopy along the edges of the bed.
- The canopy is ready.
In the same way you can make a round frame. Only for this you will need a hula hoop.
A canopy on stands will help turn the room into a royal chamber.
The canopy is located on a wooden frame, which in turn is supported by posts.
What do you need:
- Wooden stands with a cross section of 58x58mm. You can find racks with ready-made grooves. You will need 4 pieces.
- Wooden beams equal in length to the sides of the bed - 4 pieces.
- Glue.
- Self-tapping screws.
- Wooden tips - 4 pieces.
- Decorative linings for them - 4 pieces.
- Dowels – 4 pieces.
- Canopy fabric – 10 meters.
We connect the beams with glue and secure them with self-tapping screws to assemble the frame. Next, if desired, you can coat the structure with varnish or stain and dry it.
The frame should be installed so that the posts touch the corners of the bed.
As a final touch, we straighten the fabric on the beams and drape it to your taste.
If the bed initially has posts, then you can simply stretch the cords between them. Textiles are stretched onto an improvised frame. The canopy is ready.
How to make a canopy with your own hands?
Finally, we want to tell you how to make a canopy for a children's room with your own hands. There are many options for patterns on the Internet, but not everyone has a sewing machine at home and the desire to tinker with patterns. So we found the easiest way.
Step 1.
We go to a sewing store and buy a large diameter hoop. They will become a light and durable frame.
There we also select curtains made from natural fabric: cotton, linen, chintz or silk, and ribbons with which we will attach the frame to the hook in the ceiling. In this case, we are guided by the fact that the fabric completely covering the crib should allow air to pass through, and the fabric that protects from light from a window or from a lamp should be thick enough or at least dark.
Step 2.
At home we put curtains on hoops. To prevent the fabric from snagging, wrap something around the ends of the hoop.
How to choose fabric for a canopy for a crib
One of the basic rules is that the canopy fabric must “breathe,” that is, allow air to pass through. The most common option is mesh tulle. It falls beautifully in soft folds, does not interfere with the access of fresh air and looks very airy.
If the task is to cover the baby’s sleeping place from direct sunlight, choose cotton and linen fabrics
Thin linen, tulle, chintz or cambric look advantageous when framed with lace and ribbons. You can decorate the canopy with bright applications. Be careful when decorating the canopy with electric garlands. Without a doubt, the child will love this illumination, but natural fabrics can quickly ignite.
How to choose a canopy for a crib - recommendations from our editors
First of all, decide for yourself why you need a canopy. Will it be a purely decorative element, or does it have a practical purpose? As decoration, short canopies are used to decorate the head of the crib. But if you want the canopy to protect the baby from mosquitoes, drafts and bright light, you will need a floor-length curtain. For practical use, it is better to create two canopy options: summer and winter. The first is made of mesh, tulle or thin chintz and the second is made of tapestry or velvet.
Advice! When choosing a material for a curtain over a crib, keep in mind that it needs to be washed often, which means that the color of the fabric must be durable.
You can inexpensively buy a ready-made canopy for a baby crib; many manufacturers of baby products offer their products. But if you want to create a truly unique interior, sew the canopy with your own hands.
Your bright thoughts and love for your baby will make him a real amulet
What material can it be made from?
Hundreds of years ago, people began to use canopies. Then they were either ordinary linens made of thick cotton, or expensive fabrics - velvet, silk or satin. Canopies over the bed protected from the nasty eye and annoying insect.
Now the use of a canopy is an important condition for comfort and healthy sleep. Regardless of the family budget, it is better to give preference to light natural fabrics in soothing pastel shades
- For the summer option, natural cotton, mesh tulle, shiny satin, flowing cambric, elite linen, airy chiffon, lightweight chintz, thin organza, glossy taffeta are suitable.
- For the winter option and rooms with drafts (for example, if the bed is near a window), it is better to buy denser materials: iridescent silk, decorative tapestry, luxurious velvet, cozy plush.
Such delicate, light, and most importantly environmentally friendly materials do not require special care, dry quickly and are easily washed without losing their appearance and attractiveness. They create a stable shade, do not interfere with free air circulation and are well ventilated, allowing you to maintain the optimal temperature for the newborn.
To create a special interior, pay attention to the texture of the fabric: smooth flowing or crinkled, mesh or patterned materials with spraying, intricate hemstitching, embroidery or magnificent ruffles look much more impressive and richer. In the selection process, you cannot ignore the color scheme, which must be combined with the overall design of the room, with wallpaper, bedspread, curtains, bed linen and crib organizer
You also need to take into account that bright, saturated colors negatively affect the child’s sleep and calmness, so for newborns and infants it is better to choose calm tones without irritating elements
In the selection process, you cannot ignore the color scheme, which must be combined with the overall design of the room, with wallpaper, bedspread, curtains, bed linen and organizer on the crib. You also need to take into account that bright, saturated colors negatively affect the child’s sleep and calmness, so for newborns and infants it is better to choose calm tones without irritating elements.
Parents also need to decide what the cape will look like for a girl and for a boy. For girls, it is preferable to choose in pleasant delicate pink, lilac, yellow, violet or lilac shades
Subsequently, they can be used to decorate the cribs of older children and will become an important decorative part of the interior of your beauty’s room.
For boys, blue, green, brown or dark blue colors are considered traditional:
If parents decide to purchase a canopy before the birth of the child and do not know the gender of the unborn baby, then white or cream shades will be out of competition. These colors will suit any interior, regardless of the gender and age of the child.
Types of canopies for cribs
All canopies for cribs are classified according to several characteristics:
- By type of fastening.
- Depending on the length of the curtain.
- According to the materials used.
According to the method of fastening, three main types can be distinguished:
- canopies that completely cover the crib. As a rule, they are attached in the center to a special long stick (holder), so they are able to completely cover the baby’s bed. This variety is simply ideal for a newborn’s room;
Attaching the canopy to the crib
How to attach a canopy to a crib
Crib bumpers and canopy
- for older children, the best solution would be a canopy that is fixed at the head of the bed and covers only the upper part of the bed. This allows you to create some protection for the baby, but, at the same time, does not limit access to the outside world;
Children's bed with canopy photo
Children's bed for a girl with a canopy photo
Holders for canopies of cots
- canopy with fastening around the perimeter of the crib. The so-called royal, reminiscent of adult canopy beds. In this case, the design consists of 4 holders at the corners of the crib and a frame or other structure that holds the fabric at the top.
Canopy crib photo
Canopy for a crib photo
Canopy cribs for newborns
The length of the curtain canopies can be different. Medium length options are considered the most practical. Usually they reach the middle of the mattress, so they perfectly protect against bright light, drafts and other factors. Short options serve more for decoration. A long canopy is not entirely convenient to use - it will constantly get in the way and get underfoot.
Canopy crib set
Canopy cribs for newborns photo
White canopy for a crib photo
Depending on the type of fabric, canopies can be light or dense. The latter are most convenient in cases where the children's room is cool or it is combined with the parents' bedroom. Dense fabrics best protect from light, extraneous sounds and retain heat. Lightweight fabrics allow air to pass through well and create a feeling of airiness, but at the same time they become an excellent barrier for insects. But, no matter what option you choose, make sure that they are exclusively natural fabrics and not synthetic ones. Choose fabrics such as chintz, organza, silk or tulle. At the same time, the color scheme is preferable to delicate, restrained tones.
Canopy for crib
Canopy for a crib
Boy's bed with canopy
Is a canopy needed over a crib for a newborn?
Published by Buen - January 13th, 2016
The canopy over the crib always looks very beautiful and touching, decorating the entire room intended for the baby.
It also performs other protective functions: from light, from dust, from drafts, from mosquitoes. Sometimes a canopy comes complete with bumpers and other sleeping accessories.
But often young parents are faced with the question of whether crib canopies are dangerous for newborns, whether they need one at all and how to choose it?
Purpose of canopies
The canopy can be hung just for beauty. These are special, lightweight veil fabrics; they cannot protect the baby from dust, light, or midges. And they have a right to exist if parents believe that they simply have nothing to protect their child from.
If your child will spend a lot of time in the crib and you want to provide him with a sound and restful sleep, then you need a canopy made of thick fabric that completely covers the entire bed. Then, while the baby is sleeping, neither light nor drafts will disturb him.
In addition, such a visible decrease in space calms the child, because it’s just more familiar to him after his mother’s tummy.
You can often buy protective bumpers as a set - if you need them, read the article “Bumpers for a crib.”
Are crib canopies dangerous for newborns?
Dust
However, the question arises about the dust accumulating on the canopy. On the one hand, this protects the newborn from inhaling dust, on the other hand, the crib cannot be turned into a dust collector, this is simply harmful for the child and can cause allergies. Therefore, the canopy should be washed regularly.
Air
In addition, the dense fabric of the canopy can prevent the flow of fresh air to the child. This is why you need to choose your fabric carefully. It should not be synthetic, electrifying and too dense, “non-breathable”. Tulle, organza, and chintz are perfect.
It is precisely because of the obstruction to the flow of air and the accumulation of dust that many people categorically refuse the canopy. Indeed, if the room is located so that bright light will not interfere with the child’s sleep, if it is protected from drafts, then it may be a completely unnecessary thing.
Insects
However, a canopy over the crib can be absolutely indispensable if there are a lot of mosquitoes and midges in your house.
There are even special mosquito models for this. They should be long and cover the bed on all sides, while they can be completely transparent, allowing light and air to pass through.
mosquito canopy
Fastening
Canopies can be attached using special fasteners to the ceiling or wall. Some models come with a bracket that attaches to the side wall or back of the head of the crib.
Thus, when deciding on choosing a canopy for a crib for a newborn, you should first of all think about the safety of the child and what exactly it should protect him from. Useful articles:
Published in the Children's section Tags: how to choose..?, sleep
Canopy for a crib - does a child need it?
Opinions about the necessity or uselessness of a canopy for a child are quite contradictory, let's figure it out together whether it is worth purchasing a canopy or not, or whether it is better for your baby to do without it.
Opponents of canopies (including pediatricians) believe that a canopy is a completely unnecessary luxury, and in some cases, a thing that poses a danger to a child. To prove this, arguments are given that the canopy: 1) is a dust collector, 2) does not allow air to pass through well, 3) there is a danger that the child will become entangled in it and suffocate.
The logic is clear and understandable. Let's look at these problems from a different angle.
1) Canopy - dust collector. Yes, indeed, a huge amount of dust settles on the canopy and flies around in the apartment, even if you think that yours is absolutely sterile. And in this case, mom has to wash this canopy to remove dust 1-2 times a week. What's the end result? As a result, you have a choice: you either wash the canopy (if you have one), or the dust falls on the child and some of this dust settles in his lungs (if you don’t have this canopy).
2) The canopy does not allow air to pass through well. We can partially agree with this. Many of the materials from which modern canopies are made really do not allow air to pass through very well. Is it good or bad? Yes, it’s bad if you completely cover the child and don’t allow air to circulate. But this is good if you need to cover your child from a draft in places where it is possible, because thermoregulation in newborns is not yet as developed as in adults, and any slight draft unnoticed by parents can lead to a cold. We must always remember the difference in physical development between adults and newborns.
3) There is a danger that the child will become entangled in it and suffocate. Yes, there really is a danger that a child may become entangled in the canopy. But we must always remember two important rules. First: a child should never be left alone unattended. Second: any thing has its own recommended use periods. For canopies (despite the fact that their shelf life is much longer), the recommended period of use is up to 3-4 months. Just before the age when the baby’s thermoregulation improves and he begins to actively roll over. Of course, you can use a canopy over the crib for a much longer period, but you will need to provide additional types of fastening yourself to ensure the safety of the child.
In what cases (except for those described above) is the use of a canopy justified?
— If you live in a private house, or even in a city apartment with plastic windows, then there is always a possibility that mosquitoes, midges and other insects can enter the apartment and bite the child, and the use of fumigators near a newborn, to put it mildly, is not entirely useful baby.
— If you have a baby, then at the age of 3-5 she will want to feel like a little princess, and you can give her this opportunity by taking out a canopy from the bins and decorating her crib with it.
- If one of the parents is sick, but there is no way to leave the child alone, or he is afraid of a gauze bandage, from which the face of mom (dad) becomes unrecognizable, then it is the parents who can hide under a translucent canopy, remaining in full view of the child all the time.
— If there is a cat in the house, a canopy can protect the child from an overly curious animal, at least while sleeping.
- In old houses, or if the neighbors above have started renovations or rearrangements, there is a possibility that pieces of plaster may fall from the ceiling and dust may simply fall.
— While the room is being ventilated, your child can remain in the crib.
— If bright light interferes with the child’s sleep.
- The canopy can be used as a kind of educational activity - by attaching with a pin a picture of some animal or toy (or there is a drawing on the canopy itself), the child will choose an interesting “interlocutor” and will coo with him and smile.
— A canopy can bring purely aesthetic pleasure to a mother, because it is a completely harmless and extremely sweet desire to surround her child with comfort and beauty, so a mother may well simply please herself.
In conclusion, we note that the choice is yours as to how much you need a canopy, and whether it is an unnecessary luxury, whether to use it in the recommended first 3-4 months of a child’s life or much longer.
Options for attaching a canopy over the crib
Considering the ways of arranging canopies, you will notice that some of them are attached directly to the crib, others - to the wall or ceiling above it. From the point of view of mobility, the first option is preferable for babies - this way it will be easier to replace the cape or move it along with the cradle to another place.
The most common options for fixing the canopy are a metal or plastic ring on a leg, which is securely installed on the edge of the fence, and a frame frame that allows you to curtain the crib around the entire perimeter.
Stationary canopy mounts are suitable for older children, helping to create a cozy, fairy-tale atmosphere in their bedrooms. By analogy with “adult” structures, the following installation methods are distinguished:
1. Cornice - ordinary rails for curtains, located above the bed along the perimeter, across or along its edges, as well as in the letter P, greatly facilitate the process of opening and closing the sleep area. The mechanism for controlling textile elements can be anything - from classic eyelet rings to Austrian or French scallops falling in soft waves.
2. The beam, as a rule, is attached along the center line and the fabric is thrown over it in the letter L. This is a simple and convenient solution that is easy to implement yourself.
3. A crown is an improved ring design where instead of the usual circle, a lavishly decorated tiara or wreath is placed in the center. This option will undoubtedly appeal to the little heirs to the family throne.
4. The arc is a semi-oval that is attached to the wall with the protrusion outward. The fabric in this case decorates only the headboard and does not perform any protective function.
5. Frame-stand - a monumental method of fastening, when the cape covers the upper part of the berth and nobly drapes on column legs in the corners. The presence of a canopy is often assumed by the design of the bed itself.
6. Hooks on the ceiling make it easy to secure the fabric at the top using loops, but you should avoid physically touching it so as not to tear it off. Instead of a rigid horizontal frame, the veil can be stretched over ropes or ropes.
Mounting options for a canopy on a crib
The canopy can be secured in three ways:
- in the center of the wide side of the crib against the wall;
- above the headboard on a special mount;
- along the perimeter of the bed on a frame of four posts.
You can buy ready-made canopy holders for a baby crib or have them made to order, or make them yourself.
Types of devices for fastening canopies
Special holders are used to attach the curtain to the crib. They can be made of plastic or metal. Usually this is a round or oval ring, mounted on a vertical stand (stick). The canopy stick, in turn, is attached to the crib structure.
In such a structure, you can adjust the height of the stand and, accordingly, the fastening of the curtain
The choice of canopy design remains with the parents. There are canopies on sale as a complete set - from fasteners to ties. This kit contains assembly instructions and all the necessary fasteners. If your plans are to create an exclusive design, carefully consider its reliability.
The most durable option is to mount the holder on the wall using anchors or chokes and self-tapping screws
It will not be easy for a child to pull the curtain off such a reliable fastener. The holder itself can be made with your own hands from metal wire or a hollow tube.
How to hang a canopy bracket on a crib
The easiest way to attach a canopy holder to a baby crib is directly to its railing. There is no need to drill into the walls or damage the ceiling. The hanging bracket itself is very light and flexible. Its main drawback is unreliability. A persistent baby can bend or even break it by periodically tugging at the canopy. This does not pose a threat to his health, but you are unlikely to like it. In addition, mobile lightweight brackets look very simple, are completely hidden by fabric and are unlikely to decorate the interior.
It is easy to secure such holders - they are fixed to the bed elements with self-tapping screws or bolts
Fixed wall mounting is another matter. Craftsmen offer luxurious ideas for decorating such structures. They are very reliable due to their strong fixation in the wall. Ceiling cornices are also very reliable, the only difficulty is in using them on tension structures. In this case, you need to prepare a special stand to compensate for the gap between the canvas, the rough ceiling and the bracket.
Important! If you have chosen a stationary holder, first of all carefully consider the place for the crib in the room. After installing the bracket, changing the furniture arrangement will be problematic.
Video: how to install a canopy holder on a crib
How to attach canopy fabric to a crib
The canopy itself needs to be washed periodically, so its attachment is simple enough to put on and take off the fabric as needed. How to hang a canopy on a crib - this question depends on where the structure is attached. In most cases, the canopy has fabric loops that simply slide over the bracket tube.
Another option is a drawstring, which also fits onto the loop of the base.
The canopy can be fixed using Velcro or other fasteners or ribbon ties.
For self-production, you can choose any of the listed methods - they are all quite simple to implement.
How to choose fabric and sew a canopy
Using curtains over a bed is not only beautiful, but also functional. They help protect against insects, direct sunlight, and outside noise. During sleep, the canopy is completely closed, and during the daytime it can be tied with ribbons or fully opened.
Canopy in a nursery in beige tones
Canopy over wrought iron bed
Linen translucent canopy on bed frame
Beautiful canopy in an eco-style bedroom interior
Canopies over beds
To make it easy to use this decorative element, you need to choose the right fabric for it. It should be practical and convenient. Sewing curtains over the bed from velvet, tapestry, jacquard and other dense fabrics is not the best idea. Visually, they look very heavy and cumbersome, although they create the impression of luxury and wealth. Dust likes to settle on the surface of these materials, which significantly worsens the quality of a person’s sleep.
The fabric for the future product should be practical and comfortable.
Large transparent canopy on the bed frame
Canopy over the bed in the nursery
Hanging canopy over the bed
To make a canopy, it is better to focus on lighter, airier and translucent fabrics. They should allow air to pass through well, which will ensure a good night's rest. Curtains will create both a romantic and sophisticated style in the room. If you want to add a touch of piquancy to the bedroom, you can decorate the canopy above the bed with your own hands with waves and tassels. This will help create an oriental interior.
Yellow canopy over a crib
Canopy over the bed in oriental style
Pink canopy in the newlyweds' bedroom
Canopy over bed modern
Children's canopy should be made from fabrics such as:
- chintz;
- linen;
- silk.
Leather canopy over bed
Canopy over the bed blue
Light canopy in a spacious bedroom
Lightweight transparent canopy with ties on the bed frame
Competent care
Most parents refuse canopies only because they consider them “dust collectors.” Of course, there is some truth in this, however, with regular proper care, dust will not be scary for children.
Washing and cleaning the fabric from dirt will help keep the curtain in order and maintain hygiene. When using a canopy made of tulle or organza, care is noticeably simplified.
These materials wash and dry quickly and do not require ironing. Even after numerous washes, you can put the canopy back in place without fear of it becoming deformed.
A thick canopy can be washed from time to time, and in between times, you can take care of it using a vacuum cleaner.
Canopy decoration
There are a huge number of ways to decorate a product. You can use not only ruffles with lace, but also various kinds of thermal stickers, applique toys, and ribbons. Those who are interested in embroidery can embroider various designs, including scenes from cartoon fairy tales.
The finished product can even be decorated with small soft toys, flags, and boats. Surely the child will like it. But the decor should not make the fabric heavy, otherwise it will create an unpleasant impression.
The entire process of forming a canopy will not take you much time. You will have a lot of scope for imagination; you can decorate it according to your flight of fancy and make an original item that only you will have. A child's room with a canopy will look more comfortable, and the child's sleep will be protected from light and drafts.
Types of fastenings
Where exactly the canopy holder will be attached depends on how you arrange the sleeping place itself. If you plan to move the cradle with its long back against the wall, then it is better to place the stand for the cape on it.
Attaching the canopy in the center of the long wall of the crib
This is also done in the case when the crib is turned towards the wall with a narrow part. Both options look impressive.
Attaching a canopy over a narrow crib wall
The mount can also be placed in the center. In this case, it will need to be attached to the ceiling. From such a mount, the canopy will fall onto the crib in beautiful waves.
Attaching the canopy to the ceiling above the center of the bed
In the store assortment, there are more often mounts in the form of tripods, which are easily fixed directly to the headboards of the bed. Their use is justified when you do not want to hide the entire bed under the canopy, but are ready to decorate only some part of it with it.
Mounting the canopy using a tripod
If you are not ready to suffer with the selection of colors and styles of canopy, then look at the finished products, in which all the elements are consistent stylistically. You will only need to choose the crib configuration in accordance with the style of the interior design.
Baby crib set with canopy
The sewing of the canopy can be different, which also means different ways of attaching it to the holder. A common and convenient option has become string ties, with which the canopy is tied to the oval holder. A possible solution is to simply throw the canopy over the oval. The most consistent method of fastening in terms of aesthetics is considered to be one in which the canopy is strung on an oval frame. In this case, lush folds form at the canopy on the crib.
Attaching a canopy to a round frame
How to sew a canopy for a crib step by step instructions with photos
The stages of self-sewing are not very labor-intensive. The most important thing here is to choose the right fabric and prepare yourself for the fact that not everything will work out right away. Tulle or chiffon may not be picked up by your machine, slipping and gathering. However, all these difficulties will fade into the background when you see the result.
What you need for sewing
First of all, go to any children's store and buy the simplest holder - a ring. The next step is to decide on the mounting location. The calculation of the size of the fabric required for purchase depends on this. Consider both the height of the holder and the dimensions of the crib.
The simplest version of a holder with a bracket
Important! When buying fabric, consider one important point - if you want a more elegant design, with more gathers, then you need to buy a little more fabric. Then the fabric canopy will not just lie flat, but flow beautifully
After the preparatory steps, go to a fabric store and buy two types: thin and denser, usually take at least 4.5 meters for a standard rectangular crib. Don't forget to purchase some ribbon for gathering, snaps, a couple of low buttons or hooks. You can buy lace for decoration.
Making a simple pattern for a canopy for a crib
The pattern preparation process begins with accurate measurements of the size of the crib, taking into account the height of the holder. Don't forget to include the drawstring and bow.
Cutting diagram for a crib set with dimensions
When cutting, do not forget that the top edge of both fabrics will be attached to each other, and it is very important to cut both materials so that their sides coincide. Only length differences at the bottom are allowed
Steps for sewing a canopy for a crib with your own hands with detailed instructions
So, the material has been purchased, cut, and there is just a little bit left. Let's take a closer look at the sewing process.
Illustration | Description of action |
First of all, we begin processing the edges of the tulle. We overlock 3 sides. Everything except the top. | |
Let's take the second type of fabric. We repeat the same action. Here you can sew by already folding the fabric. | |
Align the fabrics and baste along the upper, raw part to each other. Sew the top. | |
Sew on the ribbon to form a drawstring. | |
Collecting fabric. | |
We sew buttons on both sides of the drawstring, simultaneously securing the assembly with a seam. | |
We are preparing fabric for decorating the canopy. | |
This is what our final version of the canopy looks like |
Decor options for a crib with a canopy
It is at this stage that the most interesting things happen. After the structure is assembled and the canopy is ready, thousands of ideas come to mind for mothers. The crib turns into a creative zone.
Ribbons and bows, soft toys and illumination can be used as decorative elements. The main thing is that it is safe for your child. It is not recommended to use small objects for decoration: pins, beads, small buttons. The baby may accidentally swallow an object that interests him.
Canopy for a crib: the practical side of the issue
In addition to serving as a decorative element, the canopy helps protect the child from:
1. Insects.
2. Excessive light.
3. Draft.
The canopy on the crib will protect the baby from drafts
A canopy over the crib will provide your baby with a restful sleep, keeping out annoying flies and annoying mosquitoes. You can safely open the windows in hot weather without worrying that insects will disturb your child.
Protection from insects is another practical function of the canopy
A canopy made of dense fabrics will limit the penetration of light into the cradle, which is especially important in overly lit rooms. In such a crib, even on a sunny day, the baby will sleep in pleasant twilight.
A canopy made of thick fabric will protect your child's sleep from bright daylight
A canopy that completely covers the bed will become an insurmountable obstacle to drafts, which will have a beneficial effect on health.
Such a canopy will completely protect the child from drafts
The canopy on the crib has another protective function. It will be an excellent barrier against dust. Everything that should have settled in the crib will remain on its outside. Of course, the canopy will have to be cleaned and washed often, but the baby’s good health is worth it, especially since caring for the main types of capes is quite simple.
With a canopy there is no need to worry about dust
The canopy is also indispensable from a psychological point of view, because it allows the newborn to get comfortable in the huge world without experiencing serious stress. Artificially reducing the space, temporarily narrowing it to the size of a crib will greatly contribute to this.
The canopy on the crib creates a cozy atmosphere in the room
Fabric selection
The canopy suspended above the sleeping area must be made of breathable fabric. For cribs it is most often sewn from thin tulle. Thanks to the mesh texture, the tulle allows air to pass through freely and easily gathers into beautiful soft folds.
If the crib is in the sunny part of the room, you can choose a denser material: cotton, satin, linen. Some parents prefer to equip their baby's crib with two canopies: transparent and light for the hot season, thicker for the cold weather.
It is important to remember that whatever fabric you choose, it must be natural. Synthetics almost do not allow air to pass through, a greenhouse effect will be created under it and there can be no question of any healthy and comfortable sleep under an artificial canopy
The colors for children's canopies are chosen to be plain, soft pastel colors. These colors emphasize the weightlessness, airiness and purity of the canopy and look great in the interior of a nursery.
Advantages of children's canopies
- Usually all parts are purchased in one set with the cradle. Modern bed models come in a variety of shapes.
- The prefabricated structure is easy to install due to the small number of elements.
- Thanks to the wide base of the holders, the attachment of the canopy to the crib is stable.
- In addition to the wall-mounted one, they often offer a stationary canopy attached to the surface with screws.
It is unlikely that the modern generation of parents slept in a crib with a wonderful canopy. That is why it is easy to explain the desire today to give their child what they themselves did not have.
The place where the baby rests is the heart of the children's room . It must be safe, comfortable and beautiful, so that the whole room becomes cozier and warmer. All of the above tasks are easily performed by a canopy.
Originally posted 2017-12-21 07:17:51.
Tips for choosing
The combination with the interior is one of the features that you should pay attention to when choosing a canopy. Here are some tips:
- Heavy material - velvet, tapestry, jacquard - is quite a popular material to use as a canopy. It adds luxury and aristocracy to the image of a children's bedroom.
- Satin and silk are an interesting option in combination with gilded furniture and bedroom paraphernalia.
- Oriental style - ideal in combination with flounces and tassels.
- High-tech - complemented by delicate curtains on the eaves.
- Duplicate the design of the protective fabric in other room accessories: bed linen, capes, bedspreads. This will create the necessary charming effect and sophistication of the interior.
- If you are trying to maintain restraint in the selection of material for the canopy, then the best variation would be shades of cool colors. For romance and sensuality, choose scarlet, purple or pink tones. You can also take a closer look at alternative golden options, which will always be in fashion.
- Translucent lightweight fabric allows you to visually expand the space and add lightness to the image of the room.
- A canopy is convenient for rooms with high ceilings: visually the ceiling is reduced, and people who previously felt discomfort in this room become calm and feel comfortable.
- For small rooms, a canopy can muffle extraneous sounds coming from neighboring rooms, but it must be made of dense natural fabric.
- When choosing a fabric component for a canopy, know that the final length needs to be increased by 15-20 cm. These centimeters are necessary for attaching the fabric.
- Do not forget that the material must be washed frequently, as it accumulates dust. The optimal choice would be organza, tulle and chintz. These materials are easy to care for: easy to wash, dry quickly and there is no need to iron. And materials such as tapestry and velvet require special care.
- Short canopies are a great choice for those who want to use them as a decorative tool, while for protective purposes, medium-length canopies are the best option.
- For warm rooms, materials such as tulle, organza or chintz are quite suitable, and for cold rooms, velvet or tapestry may be needed.
Principles for choosing a canopy for a nursery
One of the features that require attention when choosing is the combination of the canopy with the overall interior. Here it is better to follow the advice of experts:
- The most popular materials for canopies are tapestry, velvet and jacquard. They can make your bedroom look luxurious.
- For the oriental style of the children's room, it is worth installing a canvas with tassels and flounces.
- High-tech involves adding light curtains to the canopy on the eaves.
- The design of the canvas should be duplicated in bed linen, curtains, bedspreads and capes. This will add sophistication to the interior.
- If you want to adhere to restraint when choosing a material, you should pay attention to cold colors. A pink, scarlet or purple tint can add romance.
- A light, airy canopy will help to visually increase the space of a children's room.
- In small apartments, canopies muffle sounds from neighboring rooms. In this case, the canvas should be natural.
- When deciding on the fabric component, it is worth remembering that the length of the product is increased by 15 - 20 cm in order to beautifully secure the material.
How to set up a crib according to Feng Shui
Well, what feng shui - you ask, when there is no place and options for placing an extra bed?
But in vain: Chinese science studies the influence of the objects with which we surround ourselves on our physical and mental health, energy and condition. But children are much more sensitive than us. You want your baby to grow up healthy and purposeful, attentive and energetic? Then read our tips.
The ideal position of the crib is diagonally across the room so that the person lying down can see those entering. However, you should not place the crib itself diagonally.
To provide your child with a sense of security, place the crib with the head of the bed facing the main wall. But keep away from the wall shared with the bathroom.
Under no circumstances place the crib with its feet facing the door! This position is associated with the dead (the expression “carry feet first”). The impact on energy will be especially detrimental when placing a sleeping place in a draft between a window and a door.
It’s also not a good idea to place a child’s bed under a window: the window is a powerful source of energy that the baby will not be able to cope with. If the room has two windows and there is no other option, then close the window with thick curtains while the child sleeps.
If there is no way to place the crib in the parent’s bedroom except with the foot facing the window or door, create an artificial screen - from fabric, furniture (for example, a high shelving unit) or large indoor plants.
Of no small importance is how to place the crib in relation to the cardinal points:
- head to the north is considered an almost ideal option - in this case, the child sleeps along the magnetic lines of the planet, which promotes healthy sound sleep and rapid recovery in case of illness.
- For creative children, positioning the head to the west is suitable - this enhances sensitivity and emotionality. But this position is contraindicated for hyperactive children.
- Sleeping with your head to the east, in the direction of the celestial bodies, favors the growth and development of mental forces.
- The most undesirable position during sleep is with the head facing south - the baby will often get sick and sleep poorly.
If you cannot change the position, you can mitigate the adverse effect by attaching a small mirror to the back of the headboard, which will “reflect” all the negativity.
If it turns out that there is no other way to place the crib other than with the feet facing the door or the head of the bed facing south, you should seriously think about rearranging it. Often, it wouldn’t hurt parents to change the interior either.
Why do you need a canopy in a children's room?
In the first days of life, children are frightened by loud noises, open space, and bright lights. A canopy on a crib will allow your baby to gradually get to know the world around him.
A canopy made of thin light fabric will protect the child from annoying insects in the warm season. It is important to choose a fabric so that fresh air can pass through it, but mosquitoes will not.
Small children love to look at the objects around them. Fabric and decorations that sway in the summer breeze are guaranteed to attract a child's attention.
A child's nap is a respite for parents. A canopy, drawn up at night, gradually begins to evoke sleep associations in the child. Over time, this technique will begin to work during the day. In any case, the baby will be less distracted from sleep by sunlight and toys placed around the room.
Sometimes a crib is in an adult's bedroom. With the canopy drawn, you can leave the bedside lamp on and read a book before bed without worrying that your child will not fall asleep because of it.
Types of canopies
Initially, a canopy for a children's bed was made so that the child would have the feeling of a cocoon, so that he would feel protected, like in his mother's tummy. And in order not to frighten the child by a structure unexpectedly falling on him, you need to securely and correctly fasten the canopy to the crib.
Currently, several of the most common canopy designs are used:
- Frameless design. In this case, the canopy fabric is attached directly to the wall or ceiling.
- The frame is installed on the bed in the form of four posts in the corners, fastened together by a frame, onto which the canopy fabric is subsequently placed. Or it can be an independent free-standing structure.
- The design is on a stand, which will be installed on a crib using special fasteners.
It is necessary to choose the type of canopy design for a crib so that it fits harmoniously into the interior of the child’s room. You should also take into account the personal tastes of the parents, but you must not forget that the canopy should not interfere with either mother or baby in everyday life.
Attaching the canopy to the ceiling
The canopy is attached to the ceiling as follows:
- First, you need to make a marking above the crib at the head, specifying the location of the canopy.
- Using a self-tapping screw or other fastener, such as a hook, the base of the canopy is fixed to the ceiling.
- Next, the canopy fabric is attached to the base using ribbons, cords, and other things.
- At the end, all that remains is to carefully straighten the fabric and arrange the folds as desired.
The canopy hanging on satin ribbons looks beautiful
This option for attaching a canopy can be used if parents do not plan to move the crib from place to place. Although this design is the most durable and safe, it is quite difficult to remove it from the ceiling. The length of the canopy may vary. The fabric can reach both the floor and the middle of the crib.
A large canopy around the perimeter of the crib is attached to a special ceiling cornice
Attaching a canopy with a frame to a crib
This type of canopy implies a frame included with the bed. It can also be installed on the back wall of the bed, in which case the sleeping area will be completely covered with a canopy, or at the head of the bed, in which case only part of the crib will be covered with fabric.
Cot on wheels complete with canopy
The canopy on the bed frame is assembled as follows:
- All structural parts are connected to each other in accordance with the attached instructions.
- The frame fasteners are installed on the bed.
- The height of the future canopy must be adjusted at your discretion.
- The frame is fixed on the headboard.
The canopy fabric is straightened and laid out so that it covers the bracket and sides of the bed.
In the case when the crib is located against the wall with its wide side, it is advisable to place the canopy fastenings on the far wide wall, and if narrow, then at the headboard. Both options look great. Because The assembly process is quite simple, any novice master can handle it. If necessary, the crib along with the canopy can be moved around the room without any problems.
Mounting the canopy on a stand
Assembling the structure on a stand is quite simple, and almost anyone can do it, although at first glance everything seems confusing and complicated.
The canopy on a stand is a universal design that can be easily attached to standard size cribs
The main elements of such a canopy:
- The main part is in the form of a tube or platform, which is responsible for the stability of the entire structure.
- Straight tubes that connect to each other and make it possible to adjust the tripod in height.
- The upper supporting part of the tripod, which is a curved tube.
- The upper round or oval part on which the fabric is placed.
To install the canopy on a stand, you just need to connect all the parts, insert the rod into the base, attach the supporting part, the oval holder. And finally, fix the height of the structure and hang the canopy, straightening it and laying it in folds.
Such a canopy has a number of advantages over ceiling and frame ones; it can be easily moved around the room, the height of the rod can be adjusted, and in the future, when the child grows up, the canopy can be used in games, for example, to create a fairy-tale tent.
Choosing a canopy type
How to sew a canopy for a crib? To begin with, it is worth determining the type of fasteners and the canopy itself. In the classic version, it is a hanging fabric that is attached to a standard bracket. It can be screwed to the crib itself (the walls) or stand on the floor.
In this case, it is placed above the headboard or on the side. Then it serves as protection from noise and light or covers the baby completely. After looking at colorful photos of a canopy for a crib, you can decide in advance on the choice of one or another option for yourself and your baby.
Fabric selection
When choosing material for a canopy in a crib, you should take into account the features of its location. If the baby sleeps in his own children's room, where it is quiet outside the window, there are no drafts and direct sunlight does not fall on the crib, you can simply choose airy tulle trimmed in the color of the rest of the interior. It looks great, allows air to pass through perfectly, and at the same time reliably protects from dust.
It is better to protect a crib in “sunny” or “noisy” rooms with thicker fabrics. Linen, satin and cotton work well. They will better protect from direct sunlight, provide some sound insulation and help better separate the child's sleeping area in cases where parents share the same room with the baby.
Beautiful canopy for a cribCanopy for a crib
But it is better to immediately abandon the considered “royal” options made of velvet and velor, as well as synthetics in any of its forms. No matter how stylish such a canopy may seem to you, remember - we are talking about the quality of the air that the child will breathe while sleeping. It is better not to neglect the safety of his lungs and give preference only to natural fabrics.
A few words about the style and design When choosing a decorative style for a baby crib, remember: short options are purely decorative. They cannot protect from anything, because they simply do not reach the sleeping place. But they serve as a spectacular accent in the interior, turning an ordinary children's room into a real princess bedroom.
Beautiful canopy for a cribCanopy for a crib
The canopy for an infant's crib should be of medium length. Sufficient to hide the baby from drafts and insects during sleep, but not interfering with taking him in your arms, as will be the case with floor-length canopies.
Long options are optimal for older children. They ideally contribute to the creation of “your own” corner, maintain a special atmosphere in the room and, due to the child’s age, no longer interfere with anything.
When it comes to design, a canopy will suit almost any style. Difficulties may arise only with trends like high-tech, but children’s rooms are usually not decorated in such a style.
In order for the canopy to fit perfectly into the interior, it is worth keeping it in the same color scheme as other children’s textiles. For example, carpet and curtains. You can also add accessories in the same style to the room - for example, decorate both the canopy and room curtains with identical fringe.
Beautiful canopy for a crib
Canopy for a crib
Why do you need a canopy for a crib: main functions
The canopy looks like a beautiful curtain for cribs, but at the same time it performs a number of functions. The most important of them are:
- protecting the baby from excessive light and possible drafts;
- barrier for insects;
- “filter” for dust, which is considered the strongest allergen.
As a rule, a canopy is indispensable for newborns, but it will also not hurt older children. For example, a canopy helps to avoid problems with night terrors, develops the independence of a growing child, and besides its practical function, a canopy helps decorate a child’s room, gives it lightness, and fills it with tenderness.
Why a canopy for a crib?
White canopy for a crib
Beautiful canopies for a crib photo
Canopy for a crib photo
Do you need a canopy for a baby crib - greetings from the past
In the old days, the question of whether a canopy was needed for a crib did not raise much doubt. The answer was yes. In ancient times, the main purpose of the canopy was to protect the baby from prying eyes. Everyone was extremely superstitious back then.
The canopy for a crib for a newborn had additional useful functions: protection from unnecessary extraneous noise, dirt and insects. And there was plenty of this “good” around the child’s crib: the families were large, the living space was catastrophically small. Few people have even heard of hygiene. Most people lived very poorly. Therefore, in the old days, the canopy really helped in such a life.
But is a canopy needed for a crib in modern living conditions, or is it really possible to do without it? Let’s find out further.
Need a canopy
The product performs several functions that are quite important for a newborn:
- Protection from bright light. Bright lighting irritates and tires the baby's delicate eyes. In the mother's belly, the baby was in the dark until birth; now his vision is gradually getting used to daylight. The canopy holds back the bright light and dims it. This allows the baby to feel more comfortable.
- Protection from insects. Annoying insects bother not only adults, but also children. Mosquitoes and midges, if they have entered the house, can bite the baby. A four-poster bed will protect your baby from blood-sucking insects.
- Creating a chamber environment. After birth, the baby feels better in a small space. For a long time, the baby was in a tight space in his mother’s belly, and he liked it. The canopy limits the space, making the baby's crib a more intimate and intimate place, which is familiar to the baby. If there is no separate children's room, then a four-poster bed becomes a kind of personal territory for the child.
- Decorative function. Aesthetically, a four-poster bed looks very beautiful. A harmonious combination with the entire decor of the children's room gives comfort, calms and improves the mood of the mother, and with her the baby.
What to look for when choosing a canopy
If the question of whether a canopy is needed for a newborn’s crib is answered positively, then it’s time to start making a choice. First of all, you should pay attention to the fabric. It should be light, wash well and dry quickly. Wear resistance is welcome; the product should retain its appearance and not fade for a long time. Organza, tulle, silk, chintz work well. For newborns, neutral and calm colors are preferable.
Canopies can be attached to the head of the bed or cover the entire crib. They are floor-length, medium and short. Today there is a very large assortment of these products, so the final decision remains with the parents.