Buying a Bedside Crib For Travel
Moms love this crib's dimensions - it's bigger than the Moses basket but smaller than a cot bed. It can also be folded down to one-quarter of its original size and can be put into a convenient bag for travel.
Just remember that the crib should be used only for sleeping and that toys, pillows and blankets are a suffocation hazard.
Safety
If you are looking 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 will let you know whether or not a certain portable crib has been recall. You should also select the right size for your baby's crib, so it doesn't slip into gaps in the crib's sides or create a suffocation risk.
When you are choosing a bassinet or crib make sure it conforms to the latest safety standards that were revised in 2022. Also, avoid older cribs or cribs that have been modified, or drop side cribs that have been recycled for use in travel, as they have not been tested and could pose a risk to your baby's safety.
A travel crib should be well-constructed and sturdy. Examine for broken, missing or loose screws as well as other hardware. If you're using a playard it should have mesh windows and secure walls to allow air flow. The crib slats shouldn't be more than 2 3/8 inches apart to avoid the baby's head and limbs becoming trapped. Do not put any toys, blankets, or stuffed animals in the crib. These objects can choke or strangle your baby. They should be removed from the crib as soon as your child is able push up on their hands and knees or prior to 5 months of age or 5 months, whichever is first.
It is also essential to check regularly for broken or loose hardware and screws, especially when you travel with your infant. Make sure to remove all crib furniture before using it, and.
If you're using a portable crib, make sure it's not close to the window. Windows pose a fall risk and if your baby rolls into it, they may get injured. It is recommended to keep your baby's bedroom away from windows, even when they are old enough to roll over. It's important to wake up your baby if they start to sleep on their backs.
Portability
Portable cribs (or playards, as they're sometimes called) are a great choice for those who are traveling on vacation, having a family stay over, or simply needing a safe crib to use during a sleepover or with friends. These portable cribs are simple to build and compact when closed, and feature a comfortable padded mattress that can hold newborns up to 15 kg.
The BabyBjorn Travel Crib is a favourite with MFM home testers, who love the fact that it can be folded and stored in just a few minutes and that its simple drop-down panels that can be operated with one hand are easy for even bleary-eyed parents to use. It's not the tiniest of packs-and-play on our list however it's a decent weight, weighing just under 15 pounds. It features standard carry handles rather than an e-bag strap, which some find more comfortable to haul around.
The Joie Kubbie Sleep is another excellent alternative. It combines a bedside bassinet and crib into one compact unit. This is perfect for holidays and overnight stays with friends and family. It is not the cheapest option however it has a variety of options, including a basket for storage and calming night lights that change color as well as lullabies and white noise, which can help your child fall asleep.
It's also easy to clean, with wipeable and machine-washable fabrics. It's also, despite its size and weight (it's on the heavier side when it's open) it's light at just under 12kg and can easily fit into a compact, practical travel bag that comes with it - perfect for trips away from home. It has six height settings, including the tilt of the tummy for reflux/colic infants, and it can be adapted to beds of all sizes. It's also incredibly quick to install and our MFM tester being able to have it ready in just 10 minutes. It will require a separate mattress.
Feeding
Whether traveling for business or pleasure it's crucial to keep your baby happy and safe on the road. While some families might be attracted to use a bassinet or a crib that they have but it's better to purchase one specifically made for travel. They are smaller and come with mesh sides so parents can observe their baby without causing any disturbance to them. They are also lightweight to make it easy to transport between locations. They also meet all the safety standards of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and haven't been recalled.
If you are required to use a crib beside your bed it is recommended that you place your baby on their back. The mattress should be free of blankets, pillows and stuffed toys. Sharing sleeping in a bed with parents isn't advisable for any baby, regardless of age, and this type of co-sleeping is linked to an increased risk of SIDS. If you have to occasionally co-sleep ensure that your baby is asleep and that you and your partner are dressed and awake.
There are many kinds of cribs for babies and infants.
Some are designed like miniature cribs or Moses basket, while others have sides that can be lowered down into the bed of the parent. This lets parents access their infant during the middle of the night to soothe and feed their child, and avoid the dangers of co-sleeping. The AAP warns against this because of the risk of being suffocated. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Bassinet is a bedside sleeper which attaches to the mattress of a parent. This is a good option for older children, as the sides can be raised so that you can reach the baby without having to lift them out of bed. Another option is the travel cot that has a built-in bassinet that can be removed from the top of the crib making it easier to lift up an infant who is sleeping for feeding or other care.
Sleeping
Bedside cribs let you sleep with your baby in a safe and secure way. They are placed near your bed so you can easily reach them for feedings and check on their sleep without disturbing them. Some cribs have drop sides that can be lower to make this easier, and some have an adjustable height to make sure they be able to fit in your bed at home or on the go.
While it was once recommended that babies sleep in their own separate bedroom, there is a growing preference for parents to share a bed with their infants. This arrangement, also referred to as rooming in, allows babies to remain close to their parents while being separated from their own crib or a bassinet. There are many types of co-sleepers available, including the iCrib which is designed to be portable and can be placed on the top of your bed or a regular crib. This model comes with a light frame and a removable mattress and can be folded to make it easy for storage. The Joie Roomie Go crib is another option. It is attached to the bed's edge and comes with 7 height positions, as well as a tummy-tilt to help with colic and reflux. Our MFM home testers highly praised this crib for its compact folding and ease of use. It's also available in different colours.
There are also freestanding bedside cribs, such as our Lilly and Alain cribs, that can be positioned on top of the traditional bed frame. These have a movable side barrier that can slide down so you can take your baby to a dinner at night, but the crib is completely self-contained, and your child will sleep soundly throughout this period. These cribs are in compliance with the new BS EN1130:2019 safety standards which require a 120mm separation between your mattress and the child's cot.
Lastly, there are cribs designed for travel and are made to be carried on the road. They are usually smaller and more compact than a standard crib, making them more convenient to take into and out of cars and hotels. The Munchkin Brica travel crib, for instance, can be set up and packed down in under a minute and it weighs only three pounds, so it is easy to carry and lift.