Buying a Bedside Crib For Travel
The crib's size is a hit with moms it's larger than the Moses basket, but smaller than a crib bed. It's also foldable down to a quarter of its size and then put in a handy bag for transport.
Keep in mind that the crib is intended for sleeping. Toys, pillows and blankets can suffocate a child.
Safety
When you are shopping for a travel cot, make sure that the manufacturer is adhering to all safety standards. A good place to start is the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website, which can inform you whether or not a certain portable crib has been recalled. Pick a mattress that's suitable for the crib of your baby so it won't fall through the gaps or pose the risk of suffocation.
When selecting the right bassinet or crib, look for one that meets the newer safety standards, which were updated in 2022. Avoid older cribs and cribs designed for travel or cribs with drop-sides. These cribs haven't been tested, and could be a danger to your baby's safety.
A travel crib must be built well and strong. Make sure there aren't any loose, missing or broken screws, as well as other hardware. If you're using a playard, it must have mesh windows and sturdy walls for air flow. The crib slats shouldn't be more than 2 3/8 inches apart to prevent the baby's head and limbs becoming trapped. Also, do not put blankets, pillows toys, stuffed animals or other items in the crib. These items can cause strangulation or death to your baby. They must be removed at the time they can stand on their own or before the age of five months.
Check regularly for loose or broken screws and other hardware. This is particularly important when traveling with a baby. Remove all plastic from the crib as well.
If you're using a portable crib, make sure it's not right under the window. A window is a fall hazard and your baby may be injured when they fall into it. Even if your child is old enough to be able to roll over, it's best to keep their sleeping area away from windows. It's important to wake up your baby when they begin to sleep on their backs.
Portability
If you're to a holiday, have relatives staying over, or simply want a safe bedside crib for sleepovers or with friends, the portable crib (or playard or playard, as they're sometimes called) is an excellent option. These playards fold up easily to put together and compact when closed, and feature a comfortable padded mattress that can hold newborns up to 15 kg.
The BabyBjorn Travel Crib is a favorite among MFM home testers, who appreciate the fact that it can be folded down and stored in several minutes and its simple drop-down panels that can be operated with one hand are simple for even sleepy parents to use. It's not our lightest pack-and play, but at 15 pounds, it's a good weight. It also comes with regular handles instead of a backpack strap that some people prefer to use.
The Joie Kubbie Sleep is another great option. It combines a bedside bassinet and crib into one compact unit. This is ideal for overnight stays during holidays and with friends and family. It is not the cheapest alternative however it has a variety of features, such as an organizer basket, soothing night lights that change color, lullabies, and white noise to help your child fall asleep.
It's also easy to clean, with wipeable and machine-washable fabrics. It's also relatively lightweight at just 12 kilos and fits nicely inside the compact, convenient travel case that comes with it. It comes with six height settings that include a tummy tilt to help with reflux or colic babies, and can fit beds of all sizes. It's also extremely easy to set up and has our MFM tester having it ready in just 10 minutes. It'll require a mattress that is separate.
Feeding
If you're traveling to work or for pleasure it's essential to keep your baby comfortable and safe when traveling. It's better to purchase a crib or bassinet designed for travel than to use one that you already own. They are smaller and come with mesh sides that allow parents to observe their baby without disturbing them. They're also light and can be easily transported between places. These also conform to the safety standards of American Academy of Pediatrics and have not been subject to recalls.
If you must use a crib alongside your bed, it is recommended that you place your baby on their back. The sleeping surface should be free of blankets, pillows, and stuffed toys. Sharing a bed with parents isn't advisable for any baby, regardless of age, and this kind of co-sleeping is linked to an increased risk of SIDS. If you do have to sleep with your partner at times, make sure that your baby is asleep and that both you and your partner are dressed and awake.
The bedside cribs available for babies and infants include:
Some are shaped like miniature cribs or Moses basket, whereas others have sides that can be put down into the parent's bed. This allows access to the baby to feed and comfort without exposing the risk of true co-sleeping, which the AAP advises against due to dangers of suffocation. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Bassinet is a bedside sleeper that attaches to a mattress that is used by a parent. It is also a safer option for older babies since the sides can easily be raised to allow you to reach the baby from the adult bed without lifting them 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 raise an infant who is sleeping for feeding or care.
Sleeping
Bedside cribs are a great method to sleep in a safe environment with your baby. They are placed near your bed at night, so that you can reach out easily for night feeds and check on them without disturbing their sleep. Some cribs come with a drop-side that you can lower for this purpose, while others have a height adjustment so they can fit into your bed at home and when you go away.
It was previously recommended that infants sleep in their own bedroom. However, parents are increasingly preferring to sleep with their children. Also known as rooming-in, this arrangement allows babies to be close to their parents, but remain safe and separate from their own bassinet or crib. There are best bedside cot uk of co-sleepers such as the iCrib, an inflatable crib that is designed to fit on top of a bed or a crib. This model comes with a lightweight frame, a mattress that is removable and is able to be folded up for easy storage. There's also the Joie Roomie Go crib, that can be attached to the edge of a bed and includes 7 adjustable height positions and an incline for the tummy to aid in reflux and colic. The crib was highly praised by our MFM home testers for its ease of use and compact folding. it comes in a range of colours.
You can also purchase bedside cribs that are freestanding, such as our Lilly or Alain which you can put on top of an existing bed frame. The cribs have a side barrier that slides down to allow you to grab your baby for feedings at night. However, the cribs are self-contained, allowing your baby to continue sleeping peacefully. These models meet the new BS EN1130:2019 safety standards that require a 120mm gap between your mattress and child's crib.
Additionally, there are cribs for travel that are specially made to be carried on the road. They are usually smaller and more compact than a standard crib, making them easier to carry in and out of cars and hotels. Munchkin Brica, for example can be assembled in under a minute and folded down in three pounds. It is therefore easy to lift and move.