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 crib bed. It's also foldable down to just a quarter of its size and then put in a handy bag for traveling.
Just remember that the crib should be used only for sleeping and that toys, pillows and blankets are an entrapment risk.
Safety
When you are shopping for a travel cot, make sure that the manufacturer complies with all safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) website is a good place to begin. It will inform you whether a crib that is portable has ever been recall. Choose a mattress that fits the crib of your child so that it won't fall through the gaps or pose a suffocation risk.
Search for bassinets and cribs 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 pose a risk to your baby's safety.
A travel crib must be sturdy and well-constructed. Examine for broken, missing or loose screws, as well as other hardware. If you're using a playard it should have secure walls and mesh windows to ensure proper air circulation. The slats of the crib should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to prevent baby's head or limbs from being trapped. Don't put any toys, blankets, or toys in the crib. bedside crib or cot can choke or strangle your baby and should be removed from the crib at the time your child is able push up on their hands and knees or before five months of age or 5 months, whichever is first.
Examine regularly for loose or broken screws and other hardware. This is particularly important when traveling with a child. Remove all plastic from the crib, too.
If you're using a portable crib, make sure it is not located close to the window. A window can be an injury risk for falls and if your baby falls into it, they could get injured. It's best to keep your baby's room away from windows, even when they are old enough to roll over. If your baby starts to roll over in bed it's best to get them up in order to avoid injury.
Portability
If you're planning a trip to a holiday, have relatives staying over, or just want a safe bedside crib for sleepovers or with friends, a portable crib (or playard, as they are sometimes called) is a good option. These portable cribs are simple to put together and are compact when closed, and feature an incredibly comfortable mattress that can hold newborns up to 15kg.
MFM home testers appreciate the BabyBjorn travel crib because it's simple to fold and to store. Its simple one-handed drop down panels are also a breeze for parents with a bleary eye. It's not our tiniest pack-and-play play, but at under 15 pounds it's still a good weight. It also comes with regular handles instead of a backpack-style strap, which some parents prefer to use.
Another great option is the Joie Kubbie Sleep, which incorporates a bedside crib and bassinet into a compact unit that's ideal for both holidays and overnight visits to friends and family. It's not the cheapest alternative but it does come with many options, including a basket for storage and calming night lights that change colour and lullabies, as well as white noise, which can help your child sleep.
The fabrics are machine washable and wipeable, making it easy to clean. It's also quite light, at just under 12kg and fits nicely into the small, compact 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 all bed sizes. It's also extremely easy to install and our MFM tester having it set up in only 10 minutes. You'll need to buy an additional mattress, however.
Feeding
It is essential that your child is safe and comfortable when you travel, whether for pleasure or business. It is better to buy a crib or bassinet designed for travel rather than using one you already own. They are smaller, have mesh sides to allow parents to check on their children without disturbing them, and are lightweight enough for easy transportation between locations. These also meet the safety standards of American Academy of Pediatrics and have not been recalled.
If you are required to use a crib next to your bed it is recommended you place your baby on their back. The bed should be free of blankets, pillows and toys. This type of co-sleeping increases the risk of SIDS. If you must co-sleep on occasion, ensure that you only do so when your baby is asleep and you are at all times dressed and awake.
There are many types of cribs for newborns and babies.
Some are shaped like a mini crib or a Moses basket, and others have sides that can be put down into the bed of the parent. This allows for middle-of-the-night access to the baby for feeding and comforting while avoiding the dangers of co-sleeping that the AAP recommends against due to dangers of suffocation. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Bassinet is a bedside sleeper which attaches to a parent's mattress. This is a great option for older children since the sides can be elevated to allow you to reach the infant without having to lift them out of bed. The travel cot with an integrated crib that is removable allows you to easily lift a sleeping baby for feeding or for care.
Sleeping
Bedside cribs are an excellent method to sleep in a safe environment with your newborn. They are placed next to your bed at night, allowing you to reach over easily to feed them and observe them without disrupting their sleep. Some cribs have an opening on the side that can be lower to make this easier, and others come with an adjustable height adjustment so that they will be able to fit in your bed at home or on the go.
While it used to be recommended that babies sleep in a separate bedroom, there's a growing preference for parents to share a bed with their infants. Also known as rooming in, this arrangement allows babies to be close to their parents yet remain in a safe space on their own bassinet or crib. There are many types of co-sleepers that are available such as the iCrib that is designed to be portable and can be placed on the top of your bed or a standard crib. It comes with a lightweight frame, a mattress that can be removed and is able to be folded up for easy storage. The Joie Roomie Go crib is another alternative. It attaches to the bed edge and has 7 height positions, as well as a tummy-tilt to ease colic and reflux. Our MFM home testers highly praised this crib for its compact folding and ease of use. It is also available in a variety of colors.
There are also bedside cribs, like our Lilly and Alain, that can be placed next to a traditional bed frame. They come with a moveable side barrier that can slide down to allow you to pick your baby up for night feeding, but the crib is completely fully enclosed and your baby will be sleeping comfortably throughout this time. They also meet the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements which stipulate that the 120mm high barrier should be installed between your mattress and the cot of your child.
There are also cribs for travel available. bedside co sleeper are designed specifically to be carried when traveling. These are typically much smaller and lighter than a standard crib and are therefore easier to carry in and out of hotels and cars. Munchkin Brica, for example can be assembled in just a few minutes and folded down in less than three pounds. It is therefore simple to move and lift.