Buying a Bedside Crib For Travel
The dimensions of this crib are perfect for mums. It's larger than a Moses Basket, but smaller than a Cot Bed. It folds down to a third of its original size, and can fit into a convenient travel bag, making it perfect for travel.
Keep in mind that the crib is only for sleeping. Toys or blankets, pillows and pillows can suffocate a child.
Safety
As you shop for a crib for travel it is important to make sure that the manufacturer complies with all safety standards. One good starting point is the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website, which will let you know whether or not a particular crib for portable has been recall. It is also important to select the correct size for your baby's crib so that it doesn't fall into the gaps between the sides of the crib or create a suffocation hazard.
Look for cribs or bassinets that meet the updated safety standards of 2022. Avoid cribs that are older or modified for travel or cribs with drop-sides. These cribs haven't been tested, and could cause danger to your baby's safety.
A travel crib should be strong and well-constructed. Examine for broken, missing or loose screws and other hardware. If you're using a playard it should have mesh windows and secure walls to allow air circulation. The slats on the crib should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to prevent baby's head or legs from getting trapped. Do not put any toys, blankets or stuffed animals in the crib. These can cause suffocation or strangle your baby. They should be removed from the crib as soon as your child is able to pull up on their hands and knees or before 5 months old or 5 months, whichever is first.
It is also essential to check regularly for broken or loose hardware and screws, especially when traveling with your child. Take all plastic out of the crib, too.
If you're using a portable crib, make sure it's not positioned directly under a large window. A window is a fall risk and if your baby falls into it, they could get injured. It's recommended to keep your baby's bedroom away from windows, even when they are old enough to roll over. It's important to wake up your baby if they begin to roll over while sleeping.
Portability
Whether you're going to a holiday, have relatives staying over, or simply want a safe crib for sleepovers with friends, an portable crib (or playard, as they are sometimes called) is a great choice. These portable cribs have an extremely comfortable mattress that can support babies up to 15kg. They are simple to put together and compact when closed.
MFM home testers love the BabyBjorn travel crib due to the fact that it is easy to fold and to store. Its simple drop down panels that can be operated by one hand are also a breeze for parents with a bleary eye. It's not our lightest pack-and play, but at just under 15 pounds it's still an acceptable weight. It also comes with regular handles instead of a backpack-style strap, which some parents find more comfortable.
The Joie Kubbie Sleep is another great alternative. It combines a bedside bassinet and crib into a compact unit. This is ideal for overnight stays during holidays and with friends and family. It's not the most affordable alternative however it has many features, such as a storage basket as well as calming lights for the night that change colour, lullabies, and white noise to aid your child to fall asleep.
It's also easy to clean, with machine-washable and wipeable fabrics. It's also relatively lightweight, at just under 12kg and easily fits into the small, handy travel case that comes with it. It comes with six different height settings and a tummy tilt for reflux/colic infants, and it can be adapted to beds of all sizes. It's also incredibly quick to install, with our MFM tester able to get it up and running in a mere 10 minutes. baby bedside co sleeper 'll need an additional mattress for it however.
Feeding
When you travel for pleasure or business it's essential to keep your baby comfortable and safe when traveling. While some families might be attracted to use a bassinet or crib that they already own, it's best to buy one that is specifically designed for travel. They are smaller, with mesh sides that allow parents to monitor their babies without disturbing them. They are light enough to allow for easy transport between places. They also meet all safety standards of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and have not been recalled.
If you must use a crib next to your bed it is recommended that you put your baby on their back. The bed should be free of blankets, pillows and stuffed toys. This type of co-sleeping increases the chance of SIDS. If you are forced to co-sleep at times, make sure that you do it only while your baby is asleep and that you are completely dressed and awake.
There are a variety of cribs for babies and newborns.
Some are designed to look like a mini-crib or Moses basket while others have sides which can be lowered into the parents' bed. This allows for middle-of-the-night access to the baby to feed and comfort while avoiding the dangers of true co-sleeping, which the AAP recommends against due to suffocation risks. Examples include the Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Bassinet, an infant bed that is attached to the parent's mattress. This is a good option for older children, as the sides can be elevated to allow you to reach the infant without lifting 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, making it easier to raise the sleeping infant to feed or care.
Sleeping
Bedside cribs are a fantastic method to sleep in a safe environment with your infant. They are placed next to your bed at night, so that you can reach them easily for night feeds and monitor them without disrupting their sleep. Some cribs have drop sides that can be lower to make it easier, and some have an adjustable height setting so that they will be able to fit in your bed at home or away.
While it used to be advised that babies sleep in their own separate bedroom, there's a growing preference for parents to co-sleep with their infants. This arrangement, referred to as rooming in, allows babies to remain close to their parents, while remaining in their own crib or bassinet. There are many types of co-sleepers like the ICrib, which is an iCrib-style portable crib that can fit on the top of a bed, or a crib. It has a light frame and a mattress that can be removed and it folds up for easy storage. The Joie Roomie Go crib is another alternative. It is attached to the bed edge and comes with 7 height positions, as well as a tummy tilt for reflux and colic. The crib was loved by our MFM home testers for its ease of use and compact folding, and 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 positioned alongside an existing bed frame. The cribs come with a side barrier that can slide down to allow you to pick up your child for feedings at night. However, the cribs are self-contained, allowing your baby to continue sleeping peacefully. These cribs are in compliance with the new BS EN1130 safety standards, which require a 120mm barrier between your mattress and the child's cot.
There are also cribs for travel available. They are specifically designed to be taken along on the road. These are usually smaller and lighter than standard cribs, which makes it easier to move them into and out of hotels and cars. Munchkin Brica, for example can be set up in under a minute and folded down in three pounds. It is therefore simple to lift and move.