Buying a Bedside Crib For Travel
The crib's size is a hit with moms It's larger than the size of a Moses basket, but smaller than a cot bed. It can also fold down to a quarter of its original size, and can be put into a convenient bag for transport.
Just remember that the crib should only be used for sleeping and that toys such as pillows, blankets and pillows are an entrapment risk.
Safety
When you are shopping for a travel cot make sure that the manufacturer complies with all safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) website is the best place to start. It will tell you whether a crib that is portable has ever been removed from the market. Choose a mattress that fits the crib of your child so that it won't slip through the gaps or pose an suffocation hazard.
When selecting the right bassinet or crib, look for one that is in compliance with the latest safety standards, which were updated in 2022. It is also recommended to avoid cribs with a long history and cribs that have been modified or drop side cribs that were recycled for use in travel, as they aren't tested and could pose a risk to your baby's health.
A travel crib needs to be strong and well-constructed. Check for missing, broken or loose screws and other hardware. If you're using a playard it should have a secure wall and mesh windows to allow for proper air circulation. The crib slats shouldn't be more than 2 3/8 inches apart to prevent the baby's head and legs from getting trapped. Don't put any pillows, blankets or toys with stuffed animals in the crib. These objects can choke or strangle your baby. They should be removed from the crib at the time your child is able to push up on their hands and knees or prior to 5 months of age or when they reach 5 months of age, whichever comes first.
It's also important to look regularly for broken or loose screws and hardware, especially when traveling with your infant. Remove all plastic from the crib, too.
If you are using a portable crib, make sure it's not placed beneath a large window. A window can be an injury from falling and your baby may be injured if they roll into it. It's best to keep your baby's room away from windows, even if they are old enough to roll over. If your baby starts to roll over in bed it's a good idea to wake them up to prevent injuries.
Portability
Whether you're going on vacation, have family staying with you, or want a safe crib for sleepovers or with friends, an portable crib (or playard or playard, as they're sometimes called) is a great choice. These portable cribs have an extremely comfortable mattress that can support infants up to 15kg. They are simple to assemble and compact when closed.
MFM home testers appreciate the BabyBjorn travel crib because it's easy to fold and put away. Its simple drop down panels that can be operated by one hand are also a breeze for parents who are bleary-eyed. It's not our tiniest pack-and-play play, but with just under 15 pounds, it's an adequate weight. It also comes with regular handles instead of a backpack style strap that some people prefer.
The Joie Kubbie Sleep is another fantastic alternative. It combines a bedside bassinet and crib into one compact unit. This is perfect for overnight stays during holidays and with friends and family. It is not the cheapest option but it does come with various options, including an organizer basket as well as calming lights for the night that change color, lullabies, and white noise, to help your child fall asleep.
The fabrics are machine washable and washable, making it easy to clean. And, despite its size and weight (it's on the heavier side when opened) it's light at just 12kg and can easily fit into a compact, convenient bag that comes with it perfect for trips away from home. It comes with six height settings and a tummy tilt for reflux/colic infants, and it can be adapted to beds of all sizes. bedside sleeper cot 's also incredibly quick to set up and has our MFM tester having it up and running in a mere 10 minutes. It'll require a mattress that is separate.
Feeding
If you're traveling for business or pleasure, it's important to keep your baby comfortable and safe when traveling. It is better to buy a travel-specific crib or bassinet rather than using one you already own. These are smaller, have mesh sides that permit parents to check on their children without disturbing them. They are light enough for simple transport between destinations. They also meet the safety standards of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and have not been recalled.
If you must use a crib beside your bed it is recommended you put your baby on their back. The sleeping surface should be free of blankets, pillows, and stuffed toys. This type of co-sleeping increases the chance of SIDS. If you must co-sleep occasionally, ensure that you do it only when your baby is asleep, and that you are at all times dressed and awake.
The bedside cribs available for infants and young children include:
Some are shaped like an oversized crib or Moses basket, while others have sides that can be put down into the parent's bed. This allows parents to access their baby at any time during the night to soothe and feed them, while avoiding the dangers of sleeping with their child. The AAP warns against this because of the risk of being suffocated. Examples include the Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Bassinet, an infant bed that is attached to the sides of a parent's mattress. This can also be a safer option for older children because the sides are easily raised to let you reach the baby from the adult bed without lifting the mattress out. Another option is a travel cot, which has a built-in bassinet which can be removed from the top of the crib, making it easier to lift the sleeping infant to feed 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, allowing you to easily reach them for night feedings and check on their sleeping without disturbing them. Some cribs have drop sides that can be lowered to make this easier and some have an adjustable height setting to ensure they are able to fit your bed at home or when you are away.
Although it was previously advised that babies sleep in their own separate bedroom, there is now a increasing preference for parents to share a bed with their infants. This arrangement, referred to as rooming in, allows babies to be close to their parents while remaining safely separated in their own crib or a bassinet. There are many types of co-sleepers available, such as the ICrib, which is a portable crib designed to be able to sit on top of a bed or a crib. This model comes with a light frame and a mattress that can be removed and can be folded to make it easy for storage. The Joie Roomie Go crib is another alternative. It attaches to the bed's edge and features 7 height positions, and a tummy-tilt for reflux and colic. The crib was highly loved by our MFM home testers for its ease of use and compact folding, and it's also available in a range of colours.
There are also freestanding cribs for bedside use, such as our Lilly and Alain, that can be positioned next to an existing bed frame. The cribs have a side barrier that can be lowered to allow you to grab your baby for feedings at night. However they are also fully enclosed so that your baby can continue sleeping peacefully. These cribs also meet the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements which stipulate that 120mm high barriers must be installed between your mattress and the cot of your child.
There are also cribs for travel that are specially designed to be used on the road. They are usually smaller and less bulky than a standard crib which makes them easier to carry in and out of hotels and cars. Munchkin Brica, for example can be put together in less than one minute and folded down in three pounds. It is therefore simple to lift and transport.