Buying a Bedside Crib For Travel
Mums love this crib's size it's larger than the size of a Moses basket but smaller than a cot bed. It folds down to just a third of its original size, and can fit into a handy travel bag, making it perfect for travel.
Remember that the crib should be used only for sleeping and that toys, pillows and blankets are an entrapment risk.
Safety
If you are looking for a travel cot ensure that the manufacturer complies with all safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) website is an excellent place to start. It will let you know if a portable crib has ever been removed from the market. It is also important to select a mattress that is appropriate for your baby's bed so that it doesn't fall into the gaps between the crib sides or cause suffocation hazards.
When selecting a crib or bassinet choose one that meets the newer safety standards that 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 are repurposed for travel because these aren't tested and may pose risks to your baby's health.
A travel crib must be built well and strong. Examine for loose, missing or broken screws and other hardware. If you're using a playard it should have mesh windows and secure walls for air circulation. The crib's slats must not be more than 2 3/8 inches apart to avoid the baby's head and limbs from becoming trapped. Don't put any toys, blankets, or toys in the crib. These items can choke or drown your baby. They must be removed when they are able to stand up on their own, or before the age of 5 months.
Make sure you check regularly for loose or broken screws and hardware. This is particularly crucial when traveling with a child. Remove all plastic from the crib too.
If you're using a portable crib, make sure that it's not close to a window. A window can be a fall risk and if your baby rolls into it, they could get injured. It's recommended to keep your baby's bedroom away from windows, even if they are old enough to roll over. If your baby starts to roll over while sleeping, it's a good idea get them up in order to avoid injury.
Portability
Portable cribs (or playards which is what they're sometimes referred to as) are a great option for those who are who is on vacation, has a guests over, or simply needing a safe crib to use at a sleepover with friends. These portable cribs are simple to build, compact when they're closed, and feature a comfortable padded mattress that can hold newborns up to 15kg.
The BabyBjorn Travel Crib is a favourite with MFM home testers, who love the fact it can be folded down and stored in several minutes and its simple one-handed drop-down panels are simple for even sleepy parents to use. It's not the lightest backpack and play, but with just under 15 pounds, it's a good weight. It also comes with regular handles instead of a backpack-style strap that some people prefer to use.
Another option that is worth considering is the Joie Kubbie Sleep, which incorporates a bedside crib and bassinet in one compact unit that's perfect for both holidays and overnight visits to relatives and friends. It's not the cheapest alternative, but it comes with a variety of features, such as a basket for storage as well as calming lights for the night that change colour, lullabies, and white noise, to aid your child to fall asleep.
The fabrics can be washed in the machine and wipeable, making it easy to clean. It's also light, at just under 12kg, and fits neatly into the small, handy travel case that comes with it. It has six different height settings and the ability to tilt the tummy for reflux/colic babies. It's suitable for any size bed. It is also very easy to install. Our MFM tester was able to set it up in less than 10 minutes. try what he says will require a separate mattress.
Feeding
When you travel for business or pleasure it's essential to keep your baby happy and safe on the road. It is better to buy a bassinet or crib designed for travel than to use one that you already have. These are smaller and with mesh sides that allow parents to monitor their babies without disturbing them, and are lightweight enough for easy transportation between locations. They also meet the safety standards of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and haven't been subject to recalls.
If you must utilize a crib for your bed it is recommended that your child be positioned on their backs and that the sleeping surface be free of blankets, pillows and toys. Sharing sleeping in a bed with parents isn't advised for any baby, regardless of age, and this kind of co-sleeping is linked to an increased risk 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 a variety of cribs for newborns and babies.
Some are shaped like an oversized crib or Moses basket, and others have sides that can be lowered down into the parent's bed. This allows for middle-of-the-night access to the baby for feeding and comforting while avoiding the dangers of true co-sleeping, which the AAP advises against due to suffocation risks. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Bassinet is a bedside sleeper which attaches to the mattress of a parent. It can also be an ideal option for older babies because the sides can easily be raised to let you reach the baby from the adult bed without lifting the mattress out. Another option is a travel cot that has an integrated 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 let you co-sleep safely with your baby. They are placed near your bed so you can easily reach them during night feedings and check on their sleep without disrupting them. Some cribs have drop sides that can be lower to make it easier, and some have an adjustable height to ensure they are able to accommodate your bed when you are at home or away.
While it used to be recommended that babies sleep in a separate bedroom, there is a growing preference for parents to sleep with their infants. This arrangement, referred to as rooming in, allows infants to stay close to their parents, while being separated from their own crib or a bassinet. There are many types of co-sleepers, such as the iCrib, an inflatable crib that is designed to be able to sit on the top of a bed or a crib. It includes a light frame, a mattress that is removable and is foldable up for easy storage. The Joie Roomie Go crib is another option. It is attached to the bed edge and comes with seven height positions, and a tummy-tilt for reflux and colic. Our MFM home testers praised this crib for its small folding design and its ease of use. It is also available in a variety of colors.
There are also cribs for bedside use, such as our Lilly and Alain cribs, which can be positioned next to an existing bed frame. The cribs have a side barrier that slides down to allow you to pick up your baby for feedings at night. However they are also self-contained, allowing your baby to rest comfortably. These cribs meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards which require a 120mm separation between your mattress and child's crib.
Additionally, there are cribs designed for travel and are designed to be used on the road. These are usually smaller and lighter than standard cribs, making it easier to carry them into and out of hotels and cars. Munchkin Brica, for example can be put together in under a minute and folded down in just three pounds. It is therefore easy to lift and transport.