Buying a Bedside Crib For Travel
Moms love this crib's dimensions - it's bigger than the size of a Moses basket, but smaller than a crib bed. It can fold down to a third of its original size, and can fit into a convenient travel bag, making it ideal for travel.
It is important to remember that the crib should be used only for sleeping and that toys such as pillows, blankets and pillows are an entrapment risk.
Safety
As you shop for a travel crib it is important to make sure that the manufacturer complies with all safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) site is the best place to start. It will let you know if a portable crib has ever been recalled. Pick a mattress that's suitable for your baby's crib so it won't slip through the gaps or cause an suffocation hazard.
When you are choosing a bassinet or crib choose one that meets the newer safety standards, which were updated in 2022. It is also recommended to avoid cribs that are older and cribs that have been modified or drop side cribs that were repurposed for travel because these have not been evaluated and could pose dangers to your baby's health.
A travel crib should be strong and well-constructed. Examine for loose, missing or broken screws and other hardware. If you are using a playard it should have mesh windows and sturdy walls to allow air flow. The crib slats shouldn't be more than 2 3/8 inches apart to prevent the baby's head and legs from getting trapped. Also, do not put pillows, blankets or toys with stuffed animals in the crib. These can cause suffocation or strangle your baby and should be removed from the crib as soon as your child is able to push up on their knees and hands or before 5 months old or when they reach 5 months of age, whichever comes first.
It is also essential to check frequently for loose or broken screws and hardware, especially when traveling with your child. Take all plastic out of the crib, too.
If you're using a portable crib be sure that it's not positioned directly under an enormous window. A window can be an accident hazard for your baby could be injured in the event that they crash into it. Even if your baby is old enough to roll over it is best to keep their sleeping area away from windows. It is important to wake your baby if they start to sleep on their backs.
Portability
If you're planning a trip to a holiday, have relatives staying over, or just need a secure bedside crib for sleepovers or with friends, an portable crib (or playard or playard, as they're often called) is a good option. These portable cribs are simple to assemble, compact when they're closed, and feature a comfortable padded mattress that can accommodate infants up to 15kg.
MFM home testers appreciate the BabyBjorn travel crib due to the fact that it's simple to fold and to store. Its simple drop-down panels that are one-handed are also a breeze to use for parents who are tired. It's not the lightest backpack on our list but it's a decent weight, weighing just under 15 pounds. It has regular handles instead of an e-bag strap, which some find more comfortable to haul around.
Another option that is worth considering is the Joie Kubbie Sleep, which combines a bedside crib and bassinet into one compact unit that is ideal for both overnight and holiday visits to family and friends. It's not the most affordable alternative however it has various features, including a storage basket and calming night lights that change colour as well as lullabies and white noise to help your child sleep.
The fabrics are machine washable and wipeable, making it easy to clean. It's also light, at just under 12kg, and fits neatly into the small, compact travel case that comes with it. It has six different height settings, as well as the ability to tilt the tummy for reflux/colic babies. It can fit any size bed. It is also very easy to set up. Our MFM tester was able to do it in only 10 minutes. It'll require a mattress that is separate.
Feeding
Whether traveling for business or pleasure it's crucial to keep your baby comfortable and safe on the road. It's better to purchase a crib or bassinet designed for travel instead of using one you already own. baby bedside crib are smaller and have mesh sides that permit parents to check on their children without disturbing them, and are light enough to allow for easy transport between destinations. They also meet the safety standards of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and haven't been recalled.
If you have to use a crib beside your bed, it is recommended that you place your baby on their back. The mattress should be free of blankets, pillows and stuffed toys. Sharing a bed with parents isn't advised for any baby, regardless of age, and this kind of sleeping together is associated with an increased risk of SIDS. If you must occasionally co-sleep, make sure that your baby is asleep and that you and your partner are fully dressed and awake.
The kinds of cribs that are available for newborns and young babies include:
Some are shaped like an oversized crib or Moses basket, whereas others have sides that can be put down into the parent's bed. This lets parents access their child at any time during the night to comfort and feed them, while avoiding the dangers of sleeping with their child. The AAP warns against this due to the risk of being suffocated. Examples include the Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Bassinet, a bedside sleeper that attaches to the sides of a mattress for a parent. This is a good option for older children, since the sides can be raised to allow you to reach the infant without having to lift them from the bed. Another option is a travel cot with a built-in bassinet that can be removed from the top of the crib, which makes it easier to lift up an infant who is sleeping for feeding or other care.
Sleeping
Bedside cribs are a fantastic option to sleep comfortably with your baby. They are set next to your bed, allowing you to easily reach them during night feedings and check on their sleep without disrupting them. Some cribs come with drop-sides that can be lowered for this purpose, whereas others have a height adjustment so they can be placed in your bed at home or away.
Although it was previously recommended that babies sleep in a separate bedroom, there's a increasing preference for parents to sleep with their infants. Also known as rooming-in this arrangement allows babies to be close to their parents but remain safe and separate from their own crib or bassinet. There are many types of co-sleepers like the iCrib, which is an inflatable crib that is designed to be placed on the top of a bed, or a crib. This model has a lightweight frame, a mattress that can be removed and is able to be folded into a compact size for storage. The Joie Roomie Go crib is another alternative. It attaches to the bed's edge and features seven height positions, as well as a tummy-tilt for reflux and colic. Our MFM home testers loved the crib for its compact folding and ease of use. It is also available in different colours.
You can also purchase freestanding bedside cribs such as our Lilly or Alain that you can place on top of the standard bed frame. The cribs feature the side barrier that can slide down to allow you to pick up your baby for feedings at night. However, the cribs are self-contained so your baby can rest comfortably. These models meet the new BS EN1130 safety standards, which require a 120mm gap between your mattress and child's cot.
There are also cribs for travel available. They are specifically designed for use when traveling. They are typically smaller and more compact than standard cribs, making it easier to move them from and into cars and hotels. The Munchkin Brica travel crib, for instance, can be set up and put down in less than one minute, and weighs just 3 pounds, making it easy to move and carry.