Buying a Bedside Crib For Travel
The dimensions of this crib are perfect for mums. It's larger than a Moses Basket, but smaller than a Cot Bed. It's also foldable down to one-quarter of its size and fit into a handy bag for traveling.
It is important to remember that the crib should only be used for sleeping and that toys, pillows and blankets are a suffocation hazard.
Safety
When you are looking for a travel crib it is important to make sure the manufacturer meets all safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) site is the best place to start. It will inform you whether a crib that is portable has ever been removed from the market. Choose a mattress that fits your baby's crib so it won't slip through the gaps or create an suffocation hazard.
Find bassinets or cribs that meet the updated safety standards of 2022. It is also recommended to avoid cribs that are older or cribs that have been modified, or drop side cribs that have been used for travel as they aren't tested and may pose risks to your baby's safety.
A travel crib should be sturdy and well-constructed. Examine for broken, missing or loose screws and other hardware. If you're using a playard, it should have a secure wall and mesh windows to ensure adequate 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 that are stuffed with animals in the crib. These can cause suffocation or strangle your baby and should be removed from the crib at the time your child is able to push up on their knees and hands or prior to 5 months old or when they reach 5 months of age, whichever comes first.
It is also essential to check regularly for broken or loose hardware and screws, particularly when traveling with your child. Take all plastic out of the crib, too.
If you're using a portable crib, be sure it's not close to the window. A window is a fall risk and if your baby rolls into it, they may get injured. Even if your baby is old enough to be able to roll over it is best to keep their sleeping area away from windows. If your child starts to roll over during sleep, it's best to wake them up to prevent injury.
Portability
Portable cribs (or playards, as they're sometimes called) are a great choice for anyone going on vacation, having family members over, or simply needing a safe crib for use at a sleepover with friends. These foldable contraptions are easy to put together, compact when they're closed, and feature a comfortable padded mattress that can support newborns up to 15 kg.
The BabyBjorn Travel Crib is a fav among MFM home testers who appreciate 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, and it comes with standard handles instead of the backpack-style strap that some find more comfortable to haul around.
Another great option is the Joie Kubbie Sleep, which incorporates a bedside crib and bassinet into a compact unit that is ideal for both overnight and holiday visits to family and friends. It's not the most affordable however it comes with many all-singing and all-dancing features such as a storage basket, soothing colour-changing night lights and white noise. It also has lullabies to aid your baby to fall asleep and sleep. Its bassinet sits up higher than most to make it easier to use during the early days when mom is still recovering.
The fabric is machine washable and washable, which makes it easy to clean. It's also light at just 12 kilos and easily fits into the small, compact travel case that comes with it. It comes with six height settings, including the tilt of the tummy for reflux/colic babies, and can fit beds of all sizes. It's also extremely easy to install and has our MFM tester being able to have it ready in just 10 minutes. It'll require a mattress that is separate.
Feeding
It's important that your baby is safe and comfortable when you travel, whether for business or pleasure. While some families may be inclined to use a bassinet or crib that they already own but it's better to purchase one specifically designed for travel. These are smaller and with mesh sides that allow parents to check on their babies without disturbing them. They are light enough to allow for easy transportation between locations. They also meet 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 infant be laid on their backs and the mattress be free of any blankets, pillows and stuffed animals. Sharing a bed with parents isn't advisable for any baby, regardless of age, and this type of sleeping with a partner is associated with an increased risk of SIDS. If you must occasionally co-sleep ensure that your baby is sleeping and that both you and your partner are fully dressed and awake.
The kinds of cribs available for babies and infants include:
Some are designed to resemble a mini crib or a Moses basket, and others have sides that can be put down into the bed of the parent. This allows access to the baby to feed and comfort while avoiding the risks of true co-sleeping, which the AAP recommends against due to dangers of suffocation. Examples include the Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Bassinet, which is a bedside sleeper that connects to the parent's mattress. It is also an option for older babies because the sides are easily raised to allow you to reach the baby from the adult bed without lifting the mattress out. The travel cot with a built-in crib that can be removed allows you to easily raise a sleeping baby to allow feeding or care.
Sleeping
Bedside cribs are a fantastic method to sleep in a safe environment with your newborn. They sit next to your bed at night so that you can reach over easily for feedings at night and observe them without disrupting their sleep. Discover More come with drop-sides that can be lowered to make it easier for you to do this, while others have a height adjustment so they can fit into your bed at home or away.
In the past, it was suggested that infants be in their own room. However parents are increasingly choosing to sleep in a co-sleep. This arrangement, referred to as rooming in, allows babies to stay close to their parents while remaining in their own crib or bassinet. There are a variety of co-sleepers that are available, such as the iCrib, a portable crib designed to fit on top of a bed or a crib. It comes with a lightweight frame, a removable mattress and is foldable up for easy storage. The Joie Roomie Go crib is another option. It attaches to the bed's edge and features 7 height positions, and a tummy-tilt to ease colic and reflux. The crib was praised by our MFM home testers for its user-friendly design and compact folding. it is also available in a variety of colors.
There are also bedside cribs, like our Lilly and Alain cribs, that can be put next to an existing bed frame. They come with a moveable side barrier that slides down so you can take your baby to a evening feeding, however the crib is otherwise self-contained, and your child will be sleeping comfortably throughout this period. These cribs are in compliance with the new BS EN1130:2019 safety standards that require a 120mm gap between your mattress and the child's crib.
Travel cribs are also available. They are designed specifically for use when traveling. They tend to be smaller and more compact than standard cribs, making it easier to move them in and out cars and hotels. The Munchkin Brica travel crib, for instance can be set up and packed down in under a minute and it weighs just 3 pounds, making it easy to lift and carry.