Buying a Travel Bedside Crib
Having a machine-washable mattress cover is important for those times when your baby has an accident or you have to clean the crib between trips. This one is simple to use and comes with an extra travel bag.
It features a clever incline option that eases reflux. It also works with divan beds as well as bed frames. It also features breathable mesh sides to help regulate your baby's temperature while sleeping.
Safety
A crib at the bedside can help save space for the new parents. It is safe for your baby to be able to sleep close proximity to you, but without the danger of bed-sharing (which could result in suffocation). Bedside cribs can also allow you to comfort them in the night and have them easily reach them for feeding or comforting, without the need to leave the bed, which is particularly useful during recovery following a c-section birth.
These cribs are also a great option for older children who are too small to fit in a toddler bed. It's crucial to make sure that your crib is compliant with the most recent safety standards. Choose wooden bedside cot that meets BS EN 1130:2019. This requires a 120mm-high barrier between the crib and the parent's mattress to prevent your child from falling onto yours.
Look for a crib that allows you to put your baby's feet near the bottom of the bed. This will help them feel more comfortable and will reduce the risk of them being sucked into the bed. Certain cribs allow you to tilt your crib, which can be helpful for babies who have digestive issues like reflux or colic. It is important to use the crib tilting feature with caution. It can increase the chance of your baby falling out.
When not in use the travel crib must be thoroughly cleaned prior to when it is packed away. This includes cleaning the bedding, mattress and fabric covers. Also, it is important to clean any waterproof areas. It's essential to do this to avoid the introduction of mould or bacteria into the baby's sleep environment. Remember to wash and wipe down all removable parts. Also, you should inspect the crib for signs of wear and tear, and clean any fabric that has come in contact with urine or faeces, as these can become dirty and lead to infections. This should be done every time you use the crib, and before packing it away to store it away.
Cosleeping
A bedside crib is a secure and practical option to keep your baby close to you while you sleep. It lets you sleep safely and can also be used as a standalone crib or travel crib to stay with grandparents for the night' or on holiday. You can pick from a range of models to suit the height of your bed with some specifically designed for divan beds, and others that simply attach to the sides of your bed, similar to an side-car.
A great bedside crib is one that is simple to clean. It should have a mattress that can be removed and be machine washable. Look for mattress that is ventilated to keep your baby cool. Some of the best cribs also have a reflux incline for babies suffering from acid reflux.
You should always adhere to the Safe Sleep guidance provided by the Lullaby Trust and ensure your baby's crib is secure and there aren't any gaps between the adult mattress and the crib. You can also opt for an infant crib that is side-car, such as the Chicco Next2Me. It is easy to put together and comes with the option of a travel bag. MFM testers found it to be the lightest and portable of all the cribs for bedside use they tested.
It is perfectly safe to cosleep with your baby in a crib. However, wooden bedside cot may not be the most practical option for long periods of time and could cause back discomfort. It is also important to keep in mind that these cribs are only suitable for a period of 6 months, after which you'll need to move them to a regular moses basket or cot.
You should also be cautious about a crib with drop-down barriers that drop all up to your mattress. This can lead to your child falling out of the crib onto your mattress, which is not recommended. Most new bedside cribs have an upper half-height bar that is lower then your mattress to stop this. One of our MFM testers discovered that this feature wasn't as simple to use as she had hoped however, it was a useful solution for her family.
Buy a second-hand crib
Buying second-hand baby items is a common money-saving strategy for parents who are new. If you require a new car seat or a crib for travelling, many baby items can be purchased in consignment stores or flea markets. You can also find thrift shops for a fraction of the price of retail.
Travel cribs are one of the baby items you shouldn't buy second-hand. It's difficult to tell if a crib has been in an accident, but there are some that have. This could result in it being unsafe. Additionally, a used crib mattress could have set-in stains and mold, as well as hidden depressions or indentations that can create a risk of suffocation for babies.
If you are looking for a secondhand portable crib, look for one that has mesh side panels as well as a firm mattress. It should also be free of decorations or straps that could create an choking or strangulation risk. It should also be easy clean, and if possible include a user's manual on paper. If the manual isn't available, you can often get a copy from the internet.
Consumer ReportsOpens a new window is a reliable source for product information and advice. The Bump is proud of our partnership with Consumer Reports. Consumer Reports experts review thousands of products each year, so you can trust the reviews and ratings you see here.
If you are looking to purchase an older crib, make sure it meets federal safety standards. Compare it to the crib safety guidelines found on the CPSC website. You can also go to the website to check for recalls on the crib you are using.
While some parents sell their cribs for travel when their child moves out of them, this is an unwise choice. A crib mattress that has been used may develop suffocation hazards over time, and it's often infected with bacteria. It is important to test the mattress's cleanliness by pressing it into it with your fingers. If it makes an indentation, it's soft and shouldn't be used.
If you purchase a used crib for your baby and you are able to let it lay down in it for a few days before your trip. Set it up in your home and letting them sleep there throughout the day for a few weeks prior to the time you travel. This will allow them to adjust to the new environment and ease the stress they experience during your travels.
Getting started
A travel crib, also known as a portable crib, or a play yard, is a safe place to sleep your baby while traveling. Some parents bring their crib with them to vacation, while others use it at home or to visit family and friends. Whatever the reason, a crib for travel can make your trip more relaxing and enjoyable for both you and your baby.
Look for a portable cot that is easy to assemble and fold. Before purchasing make sure you've go through the directions to ensure the process is easy and you are comfortable with it. Select a crib that has an option to wash it with a machine to cut down on time and cost. Cleaning your travel crib will keep it looking new and a lot of consignment shops won't accept an unclean crib.
Practice folding and setting up the crib prior to your travels. This will help get your baby familiar with it, making the transition to the hotel room less intimidating. You can place a favorite blanket or lovey in there to familiarize your child with the smell and the space.
If your baby is awake or asleep it's vital to remain close to them in the crib. You can hold them or rock them to help them fall asleep and wake up. You can also place them in their crib with a favourite blanket and swaddle them to keep them warm. When your baby is big to be swaddled, think about a sleep bag to keep them cozy and secure in the crib.
If you are planning to take your baby on a vacation, a 3-in-1 crib may be advisable. The bed is suitable for infants as well as a bassinet or cot. Silver Cross Slumber is popular because it features a padded bed that is made of breathable mesh. It's easy to clean and folds away in seconds and is a great option for busy families.