Buying a Bedside Crib For Travel
The crib's size is a hit with moms - it's bigger than a Moses basket but smaller than a crib bed. It also folds down to a third of its original size and fits into a compact travel bag, making it perfect for travel.
Remember that the crib should be used only to sleep and that toys, pillows and blankets are a suffocation hazard.
Safety
As you shop for a crib for travel it is important to make sure the manufacturer meets all safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) website is the best place to start. It will let you know whether a crib that is portable has ever been removed from the market. It is also important to select appropriate for your baby's crib so that it doesn't fall into gaps in the sides of the crib or create a suffocation risk.
Find bassinets or cribs that meet the current safety standards of 2022. Also, avoid older cribs, modified cribs or drop side cribs that were recycled for use in travel, as they have not been tested and could pose a risk to your baby's well-being.
A travel crib should be strong and well-constructed. Examine for loose, missing or broken screws and other hardware. If you're using a playard it should have sturdy walls and mesh windows for adequate air flow. The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to prevent baby's head or limbs from being trapped. Don't put any toys, blankets or toys in the crib. These objects can choke or strangle your baby and should be removed from the crib when your child is able to push up on their knees and hands or prior to five months of age, whichever comes first.
It is also essential to check frequently for loose or broken hardware and screws, especially when you travel with your infant. Remove all plastic from the crib as well.
If you're using a portable crib, be sure that it's not right under the window. A window could be an injury from falling and your baby could get hurt if they roll into it. Even if your child is old enough to be able to roll over, it's best to keep their sleeping area away from windows. It's crucial to wake your baby if they start to roll over while sleeping.
Portability
Portable cribs (or playards, as they're sometimes called) are a great choice for anyone going on vacation, having family members over, or simply needing a safe crib for use at a sleepover with friends. These foldable contraptions come with a comfortable mattress that can support children up to 15 kg. They are easy to put together and compact when closed.
The BabyBjorn Travel Crib is a favourite with MFM home testers, who love the fact it can be folded down and stored in just one or two minutes, and its simple drop-down panels that can be operated with one hand are simple for even sleepy parents to use. It's not the lightest backpack and play, but at just 15 pounds, it's a good weight. It also comes with normal handles instead of a backpack style strap that some people find more comfortable.
The Joie Kubbie Sleep is another great option. It combines a bedside bassinet and crib into one compact unit. This is perfect for holidays and overnight stays with family and friends. It's not the least expensive however it comes with a wealth of dancing and all-singing features like a basket for storage and soothing night lights that change colour and white noise. It also has lullabies to help your baby sleep and sleep. Its bassinet is higher than other models for easier access in the early hours when mum is still recovering.
The fabrics are machine washable and washable, making it easy to clean. It's also light at just 12 kilos, and fits neatly into the small, handy travel case that comes with it. It has six different height settings as well as a tummy-tilt for reflux/colic baby. It's able to fit all sizes of beds. It's also easy to set up. Our MFM tester could do it in only 10 minutes. You'll need to purchase an additional mattress, however.
Feeding
It's important that your baby is comfortable and safe when you travel, whether for pleasure or business. It is better to buy a bassinet or crib designed for travel instead of using one you already own. These are smaller and have mesh sides that allow parents to observe their baby without disturbing them. They are also lightweight for easy transportation between destinations. These also conform to the safety standards of American Academy of Pediatrics and have not been subject to recalls.
If you must use a crib that is placed at your bedside, it's recommended that your child be laid on their backs and that the bed be free of blankets, pillows, and animals stuffed. This kind of sleeping arrangement increases the chance of SIDS. If you are forced to co-sleep at times, make sure that you only do this while your baby is asleep and you are completely dressed and awake.
There are many types of cribs for babies and infants.
Some are designed as a mini-crib or Moses basket while others have sides that can be put into parents' beds. This lets parents access their baby in the middle of the night to soothe and feed their child, and avoid the dangers of co-sleeping. The AAP warns against this due to the danger of being suffocated. Examples include the Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Bassinet, which is a bedside sleeper that connects to the sides of a mattress for a parent. It can also be an ideal option for older children because the sides are easily raised to let you reach the infant from the adult bed without lifting them out. Another option is a travel cot that has an integrated bassinet that can be removed from the top of the crib, making it easier to raise the sleeping infant to feed or care.
Sleeping
Bedside cribs allow you to sleep with your baby in a safe and secure way. They are placed next to your bed to allow you to easily reach them during night feedings and check on their sleep without disrupting them. Some cribs have a drop side that you can lower to make this easier, and others have an adjustable height adjustment to make sure they fit your bed at home or away.
It was previously recommended that infants be in their own room. However parents are increasingly opting to sleep with their children. Also known as rooming in, this arrangement lets babies be close to their parents but remain in a safe space on their own bassinet or crib. There are many types of co-sleepers available, such as the ICrib, which is a portable crib designed to be able to sit on the top of a bed, or a crib. It includes a light frame, a mattress that can be removed and is foldable into a compact size for storage. The Joie Roomie Go crib is another alternative. It attaches to the bed edge and features seven height positions and a tummy-tilt to help with colic and reflux. Our MFM home testers praised this crib for its compact folding design and its ease of use. It's also available in various colors.
travel cot bedside crib can also purchase freestanding bedside cribs like our Lilly or Alain that you can place next to a standard bed frame. The cribs come with an elongated side that can slide down to allow you to pick up your baby for night feedings. However the cribs are completely self-contained so your baby can rest comfortably. These models also meet the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements which stipulate that a 120mm high barrier must be installed between your mattress and your child's cot.
travel cot bedside crib are also available. They are specifically designed to be carried when traveling. These are typically much smaller and less bulky than standard cribs which makes them easier to carry in and out of hotels and cars. The Munchkin Brica travel crib, for example can be set up and put down in less than an hour and weighs just three pounds, so it is easy to lift and carry.