Buying a Bedside Crib For Travel
The crib's size is a hit with moms It's larger than a Moses basket but smaller than a cot bed. It also can fold down to a third of its original size, and can fit into a compact travel bag, making it ideal for travel.
Keep in mind that the crib is designed for sleeping. Toys such as pillows, blankets and pillows can cause a child to be suffocated.
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) site is an excellent place to start. It will let you know if a portable crib has ever been recall. Select a mattress that is suitable for the crib of your child so that it won't fall through the gaps or pose the risk of suffocation.
Find bassinets or cribs that are in line with the latest safety standards for 2022. Also, avoid cribs with a long history and cribs that have been modified or drop side cribs that were recycled for use in travel, as they have not been evaluated and could pose dangers to your baby's safety.
A travel crib needs to be well-constructed and sturdy. Check for missing, broken or loose screws and other hardware. If you are using a playard, it must have mesh windows and sturdy walls to allow air circulation. The slats of the crib should be spaced no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart to keep baby's head and limbs from being trapped. Also, do not put pillows, blankets or toys with stuffed animals in the crib. These can cause suffocation or strangle your baby. They should be removed from the crib when your child is able push up on their knees and hands or prior to 5 months old or 5 months, whichever is first.
Check frequently for broken or loose screws and hardware. This is particularly important when traveling with a baby. Remove all plastic from the crib, too.
If you're using a portable crib, be sure it's not close to a window. Windows pose a fall risk and if your baby falls into it, they could get injured. It is recommended to keep your baby's bedroom away from windows, even when they are old enough to roll over. If your child starts to roll over while sleeping it's a good idea to awake them to prevent injury.
Portability
Portable cribs (or playards which is what they're sometimes referred to as) are a great choice for those who are going on vacation, having family members over, or simply wanting an appropriate crib during a sleepover or with friends. These portable cribs include a comfortable mattress that can accommodate babies up to 15kg. They are simple to assemble and compact once closed.
MFM home testers are awestruck by the BabyBjorn travel crib due to the fact that it's simple to fold and put away. Its easy drop down panels that can be operated by one hand are also easy to use for parents who are tired. It's not the lightest backpack and play, but at 15 pounds, it's a good weight. It also has regular handles instead of a backpack strap, which some parents prefer.
Another option that is worth considering is the Joie Kubbie Sleep, which includes a crib for bed and a bassinet in one compact unit that's ideal for both holidays and overnight visits to family and friends. It's not the most affordable option however it has many features, such as an organizer basket and calming night lights that change colour as well as lullabies and white noise, which can help your child fall asleep.
It's also easy to keep clean with machine washable and wipeable fabric. It's also light, at just under 12kg and easily fits inside the compact, convenient travel case that comes with it. It has six height settings, including a tummy tilt to help with reflux or colic babies, and is able to fit beds of all sizes. It is also very easy to set up. Our MFM tester could do it in less than 10 minutes. You'll need an additional mattress however.
Feeding
It's important that your baby is comfortable and safe when you travel, whether on business or pleasure. While some families might be inclined to use a bassinet or a crib that they have but it's better to purchase one specially designed for travel. These are smaller and have mesh sides, which allows parents to check on their baby without causing any disturbance to 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 recalled.
If you must use a bedside crib it is recommended that your baby be laid on their backs and that the sleeping surface be free of blankets, pillows and animals stuffed. Sharing the 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 sleep with your child on occasion, ensure that you only do this while your baby is asleep, and that you are at all times dressed and awake.
There are a variety of cribs for newborns and babies.
Some are designed to look like a mini-crib or Moses basket, while others have sides that can be placed on parents' bed. This allows parents to reach their infant during the middle of the night to soothe and feed their child, and avoid the dangers of sleeping with their child. The AAP warns against this because of the danger of suffocation. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Bassinet is a bedside sleeper which attaches to the mattress of a parent. This is a great option for older children since the sides can be elevated so that you can reach the baby without having to lift them out of the bed. The travel cot that has an integrated crib that can be removed allows you to lift a sleeping baby for feeding or care.
Sleeping
Bedside cribs let you co-sleep safely with your baby. They are set next to your bed, allowing you to easily reach them for feedings and check on their sleep without disrupting them. Some cribs come with an adjustable drop-side that can be lowered for this purpose, whereas others come with a height adjustment, so they will fit in your bed at home or away.
While it used to be advised that babies sleep in their own separate bedroom, there is a growing trend for parents to share a bed with their infants. Also known as rooming in, this arrangement lets babies be close to their parents yet remain safe and separate from their own crib or bassinet. There are many types of co-sleeper available, including the iCrib which is designed to be a portable crib that fits on the top of your bed or a regular crib. This model has a lightweight frame and a mattress that is removable and it can be folded for easy storage. There's also the Joie Roomie Go crib, that can be attached to the edge of the bed and features 7 adjustable height positions as well as a tummy tilt to help with reflux and colic. This crib was loved by our MFM home testers for its ease of use and compact folding, and it comes in a variety of colours.
There are also bedside cribs, like our Lilly and Alain cribs, which can be placed on top of the traditional bed frame. bedside co sleeper come with a moveable side barrier that can slide down to allow you take your baby to a dinner at night, but the crib is completely self-contained and your baby will continue sleeping soundly during this time. These cribs meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards that require a 120mm separation between your mattress and child's crib.
There are also cribs designed for travel and are designed to be taken on the road. They are typically smaller and lighter than standard cribs, which makes it easier to move them in and out hotels and cars. The Munchkin Brica travel crib, for example, can be set up and put down in less than one minute, and weighs just three pounds, so it is easy to lift and carry.