Buying a Bedside Crib For Travel
The crib's size is a hit with moms it's larger than a Moses basket, but smaller than a crib bed. It's also foldable down to one-quarter of its size and fit into a handy bag for transport.
It is important to remember that the crib should be used only for sleeping and that toys, pillows and blankets are a suffocation hazard.
Safety
If you're looking to purchase a travel crib, you'll want to make sure that the manufacturer is compliant with all safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) website is an excellent 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 fall through the gaps or pose a suffocation risk.
When you are choosing a bassinet or crib, look for one that is in compliance with the latest safety standards that were updated in 2022. Avoid older cribs and cribs modified for travel or cribs with drop-sides. These cribs have not been tested, and may be a danger to your baby's safety.
A travel crib must be well-built and sturdy. Check for missing, broken or loose screws and other hardware. If you're using a playard it should have secure walls and mesh windows for proper air flow. The slats on the crib should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to keep baby's head and limbs from becoming trapped. Also, never put blankets, pillows or toys with stuffed animals in the crib. These objects can choke or strangle your baby and should be removed from the crib at the time your child is able to pull up on their knees and hands or before five months of age or 5 months, whichever is first.
It's also important to check regularly for broken or loose screws and hardware, especially when traveling with your child. Make sure you take out all crib furniture prior to use, too.
If you're using a portable crib ensure that it's not placed directly in front of an enormous window. A window can be an injury from falling and your baby may be injured when they fall into it. Even if your child is old enough to roll over it is recommended to keep their sleeping space away from windows. It's crucial to wake your baby when they begin to roll over during sleep.
Portability
If you're planning a trip on holiday, have family staying with you, or want a safe bedside crib for sleepovers with friends, a portable crib (or playard, as they are sometimes called) is an excellent option. These playards fold up easily to put together and compact when closed, and come with an incredibly comfortable mattress that can accommodate infants up to 15kg.
MFM home testers are awestruck by the BabyBjorn travel crib because it's simple to fold and store. Its simple drop down panels that can be operated by one hand are also a breeze to use for parents who are tired. It's not our lightest pack-and play, but at under 15 pounds it's still an acceptable weight. It also has regular handles instead of a backpack strap, which some parents prefer to use.
Another great option is the Joie Kubbie Sleep, which incorporates a bedside crib and bassinet into one compact unit that's ideal for both holidays and overnight visits to family and friends. It is not the cheapest option, but it comes with many features, such as a storage basket and calming night lights that change colour and lullabies, as well as white noise, which can help your child sleep.
It's also easy to keep clean, with machine washable and wipeable fabric. It's also light at just 12 kilos, and fits neatly into the small, compact travel case that comes with it. It has six different height settings, as well as an adjustable tummy tilt for reflux or colic babies. It's able to fit any size bed. It's also very easy to install and has our MFM tester being able to have it up and running in a mere 10 minutes. You'll need an additional mattress for it however.
Feeding
When you travel for pleasure or business, it's important to keep your baby comfortable and safe while traveling. It's better to purchase a bassinet or crib designed for travel instead of using one you already have. These are smaller and have mesh sides so parents can observe their baby without disturbing them. They're also light and can be easily transported between places. These also comply with the safety standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics and have not been subject to recalls.
If you are required to use a crib beside your bed it is recommended that you put your baby on their back. The mattress should be free of blankets, pillows and toys. This kind of sleeping arrangement increases the chance of SIDS. If you have to occasionally co-sleep, make sure that your baby is sleeping and that you and your partner are dressed and awake.
There are many kinds of cribs for babies and infants.
Some are designed like miniature cribs or Moses basket, whereas others have sides that can be lowered down into the parent's bed. This lets parents access their child at any time during the night to comfort and feed their child, and avoid the dangers of co-sleeping. The AAP warns against this because of the risk of the risk of suffocation. bedside cot used include the Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Bassinet, a bedside sleeper that attaches to the mattress for a parent. It is a good choice for older children since the sides can be elevated to allow you to reach the baby without having to lift them from the bed. Another option is the travel cot, which has a built-in bassinet which can be removed from the top of the crib, which makes it easier to lift a sleeping infant for feeding or other care.
Sleeping
Bedside cribs are a great option to sleep comfortably with your infant. They are placed near your bed, allowing you to easily reach them for night feedings and check on their sleep without disrupting them. Some cribs have an adjustable drop-side that can be lowered to make it easier for you to do this, while others come with a height adjustment, so they can fit into your bed at home and away.
It was previously recommended that infants sleep in their own bedroom. However, parents are increasingly preferring to co-sleep. This arrangement, also known as rooming in, allows infants to remain close to their parents, while remaining in their own crib or a bassinet. There are a variety of co-sleepers like the iCrib, a portable crib designed to be placed on top of a bed or a crib. This model has a lightweight frame and a removable mattress and it folds up for easy storage. It also comes with the Joie Roomie Go crib, which fastens to the edge of a bed. It features 7 adjustable height positions and a tummy tilt for reflux and colic. Our MFM home testers loved this crib for its compact folding and ease of use. It is also available in various colors.
There are also freestanding bedside cribs, like our Lilly and Alain, that can be positioned alongside a traditional bed frame. The cribs come with a side barrier that can slide down to allow you to grab your child for feedings at night. However they are also self-contained so your baby can continue sleeping peacefully. These cribs also meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements which stipulate that the 120mm high barrier should be present between your mattress and your child's cot.
Lastly, there are travel cribs that are specifically designed to be used on the road. They are usually smaller and more compact than standard cribs and are therefore more convenient to take into and out of hotels and cars. Munchkin Brica, for example can be assembled in less than one minute and folded down in less than three pounds. It is therefore easy to lift and move.