Buying a Bedside Crib For Travel
Mums love this crib's size it's larger than the size of a Moses basket, but smaller than a cot bed. It can also be folded down to just a quarter of its original size and fit into a handy bag for traveling.
Remember that the crib is intended for sleeping. Toys or blankets, pillows and pillows can cause a child to be suffocated.
Safety
If you're looking to purchase a travel crib it is important to make sure the manufacturer meets all safety standards. One good place to start is the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website, which will let you know whether or not a certain portable crib has been recalled. It is also important to select a mattress that is appropriate for the crib of your baby, so it doesn't slip into gaps in the crib sides or create a suffocation hazard.
Look for cribs or bassinets that meet the current safety standards for 2022. You should also avoid older cribs or cribs that have been modified, or drop side cribs that were repurposed for travel because these aren't evaluated and could pose dangers to your baby's well-being.
A travel crib must be strong and well-constructed. Check for missing, broken or loose screws, as well as other hardware. If you're using a playard it should have mesh windows and sturdy walls for air circulation. The crib slats shouldn't be more than 2 3/8 inches apart to avoid the baby's head and limbs becoming trapped. Never put toys, blankets or toys in the crib. These objects can strangle or suffocate your baby. They should be removed at the time they can stand independently or before the age of 5 months.
It is also essential to check often for loose or broken screws and hardware, especially when traveling with your child. Make sure you remove all plastic from the crib before using it, and.
If you're using a portable crib, make sure that it's not close to windows. A window could be a fall hazard and your baby may be injured if they roll into it. Even if your child is old enough to roll over it is best to keep their sleeping area away from windows. It's crucial to wake your baby when they begin to roll over while sleeping.
Portability
Portable cribs (or playards which is what they're sometimes referred to as) are a great option for anyone traveling on vacation, having a guests over, or simply wanting a safe crib to use for a sleepover with friends. These playards fold up easily to build and compact when closed, and feature the most comfortable padded mattress that can accommodate infants up to 15kg.
MFM home testers are awestruck by the BabyBjorn travel crib because it's easy to fold and store. Its easy drop-down panels that are one-handed are also convenient for parents who are bleary-eyed. It's not our tiniest pack-and-play play, but at under 15 pounds, it's a good weight. It also comes with regular handles instead of a backpack-style strap that some people find more comfortable.
Another great option is the Joie Kubbie Sleep, which combines a bedside crib and bassinet into one compact unit that is ideal for holidays as well as overnight visits to friends and family. It's not the most affordable one, but it does come with a wealth of all-singing and all-dancing features such as a storage basket, soothing colour-changing night lights as well as white noise and lullabies to help your baby fall asleep, and its bassinet setting is higher than the majority to make it easier to access during the early days when mom is still recovering.
The fabrics can be washed in the machine and washable, which makes it easy to clean. It's also quite light at less than 12kg, and fits neatly into the small, handy travel case that comes with it. It has six height settings and a tummy tilt to help with reflux or colic infants, and it can be adapted to beds of all sizes. It's also easy to set up. Our MFM tester was able to set it up in only 10 minutes. You'll need to buy an additional mattress however.
Feeding
When you travel to work or for pleasure, it's important to keep your baby comfortable and safe while traveling. While some families may be inclined to use a bassinet or a crib that they own, it's best to buy one that is specifically made for travel. These are smaller, have mesh sides that permit parents to monitor their children without disturbing them. They are light enough to allow for easy transport between places. They also meet all the safety standards of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and haven't been recalled.
If you have to use a crib that is placed at your bedside it is recommended that your child be positioned on their backs and that the bed be free of blankets, pillows and animals stuffed. This type of co-sleeping increases the risk of SIDS. If you must occasionally co-sleep ensure that your baby is sleeping and that both you and your partner are dressed and awake.
The bedside cribs available for babies and infants include:
Some are designed as a mini-crib or Moses basket while others have sides which can be put into parent's beds. This allows access to the baby for feeding and comforting without exposing the risk of true co-sleeping, which the AAP recommends against due to dangers of suffocation. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Bassinet is a bedside sleeper that is attached to a mattress that is used by a parent. It is also a safer option for older babies since the sides are easily raised to allow you to reach the infant from the adult bed without lifting the mattress out. Another option is the travel cot that has a built-in bassinet that can be removed from the top of the crib making it easier to raise a sleeping infant for feeding or other care.
Sleeping
Bedside cribs let you sleep with your baby in a safe and secure way. They are set next to your bed to allow you to easily reach them during night feedings and check on their sleep without disturbing them. Some cribs have a drop side that you can lower to make this easier, and some have an adjustable height setting to make sure they fit your bed at home or away.
Although it was previously advised that babies sleep in their own separate bedroom, there is a growing preference for parents to co-sleep with their infants. This arrangement, also referred to as rooming in, allows babies to remain close to their parents while remaining in their own crib or a bassinet. There are many types of co-sleeper available like the iCrib, which is designed to be portable and can be placed on top of your bed or a standard crib. This model has a lightweight frame and a mattress that can be removed and can be folded to make it easy for storage. It also comes with the Joie Roomie Go crib, which fastens to the edge of the bed and features 7 adjustable height positions and a tummy tilt for reflux and colic. Our MFM home testers highly praised the crib for its compact folding and easy to use. It's also available in a variety of colors.
There are also freestanding bedside cribs, such as our Lilly and Alain cribs, that can be placed on top of the traditional bed frame. The cribs come with an elongated side that slides down to allow you to grab your baby for feedings at night. However the cribs are completely self-contained so your baby can continue sleeping peacefully. These cribs meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards that require a 120mm separation between your mattress and child's cot.
Additionally, there are cribs designed for travel and are designed to be taken on the road. These are usually smaller and more compact than standard cribs, making it easier to move them into and out of cars and hotels. The Munchkin Brica travel crib, for example can be set up and taken down in less than a minute and it weighs only three pounds, making it easy to carry and lift.