Buying a Bedside Crib For Travel
The size of this crib is perfect for mums. It's larger than the Moses Basket but smaller than a Cot Bed. It folds down to a third of its original size and fits into a compact travel bag, making it ideal for travel.
Just remember that the crib should be used only for sleeping and that toys, pillows and blankets are a suffocation hazard.
Safety
When you're looking for a travel cot, make sure that the manufacturer is adhering to all safety standards. One good starting point is the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website, which will inform you whether or not a specific crib for portable has been recall. You'll also want to choose appropriate for your baby's bed to ensure it doesn't slide into gaps in the sides of the crib or create a suffocation risk.
When you are choosing the right bassinet or crib choose one that is in compliance with the latest safety standards, which were updated in 2022. It is also recommended to avoid cribs that are older, modified cribs or drop side cribs that were recycled for use in travel, as they aren't evaluated and could pose dangers to your baby's health.
A travel crib must be built well and strong. Check for missing, broken or loose screws and other hardware. If you're using a playard, it should have a secure wall and mesh windows for proper air flow. The crib slats should not be more than 2 3/8 inches apart to avoid the baby's head and limbs becoming trapped. Also, do not put blankets, pillows, stuffed animals or toys in the crib. These objects can strangle or suffocate your baby. They should be removed at the time they are able to stand up independently or before the age of 5 months.
Check regularly for loose or broken screws and hardware. This is particularly crucial when traveling with an infant. Take all plastic out of the crib, too.
If you're using a portable crib, be sure it's not directly under windows. A window could be an accident hazard for your baby could get hurt when they fall into it. Even if your baby is old enough to be able to roll over, it's best to keep their sleeping area away from windows. If your child starts to roll over in bed it's a good idea to wake them up to prevent injuries.
baby bedside cot (or playards which is what they're sometimes referred to as) are a great choice for those who are traveling on vacation, having a guests over, or simply needing an appropriate crib at a sleepover with friends. These playards fold up and come with a comfortable mattress that can hold infants up to 15kg. They are easy to assemble and compact once closed.
MFM home testers love the BabyBjorn travel crib due to the fact that it's simple to fold and store. Its simple one-handed drop down panels are also a breeze to use for parents who are tired. It's not the lightest backpack and play, but at under 15 pounds it's still an adequate weight. It also comes with normal handles instead of a backpack-style strap, which some parents prefer.
The Joie Kubbie Sleep is another great option. It includes a bassinet for the bed and a crib into one compact unit. This is ideal for holidays and overnight stays with family and friends. It's not the most affordable alternative but it does come with various features, including a storage basket and calming night lights that change colour, lullabies, and white noise, to help your child fall asleep.
It's also easy to keep clean, with wipeable and machine-washable fabrics. It's also light at just 12 kilos and easily fits into the small, compact travel case that comes with it. It has six height settings that include the tilt of the tummy for reflux/colic infants, and it can be adapted to beds of all sizes. It's also very easy to set up and our MFM tester having it set up in only 10 minutes. You'll need a separate mattress for it however.
Feeding
If you're traveling for business or pleasure it's crucial to keep your baby comfortable and safe when traveling. While some families might be tempted to use a bassinet or a crib that they already own, it's best to buy one specially designed for travel. They are smaller and come with mesh sides that allow parents to observe their baby without causing any disturbance to them. They're also light and can be easily transported between places. These also comply with the safety standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics and have not been recalled.
If you must utilize a crib for your bed, it's recommended that your infant be laid on their backs and that the bed be free of blankets, pillows, and toys. Co-sleeping can increase the chance of SIDS. If you have to sleep with your child occasionally, ensure that you only do so while your baby is asleep, and that you're at all times dressed and awake.
The bedside cribs for infants and young children include:
Some are designed to resemble miniature cribs or Moses basket, and others have sides that can be set down into the bed of the parent. This allows parents to reach their child at any time during 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 risk of suffocation. Examples include the Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Bassinet, an infant bed that is attached to the mattress for a parent. It is also an option for older babies because the sides can be easily raised to let you reach the baby from the adult bed without lifting them out. Another option is the travel cot that has an integrated bassinet that can be removed from the top of the crib which makes it easier to lift a sleeping infant for feeding or care.
Sleeping
Bedside cribs let you co-sleep safely with your baby. baby bedside sleeper are placed next to your bed, allowing you to easily reach them during night feedings and check on their sleep without disturbing them. Some cribs have drop sides that can be lower to make it easier, and others come with an adjustable height setting to ensure they are able to be able to fit in your bed at home or when you are away.
Although it was previously recommended that infants sleep in their own separate bedroom, there's a growing preference for parents to share a bed with their infants. This arrangement, also known as rooming in, allows babies to stay close to their parents while remaining in their own crib or a bassinet. There are several types of co-sleeper available, including the iCrib which is designed to be an easy-to-move crib that can be placed on the top of your bed or a regular crib. This model has a lightweight frame, a removable mattress, and can be folded up for easy storage. It also comes with the Joie Roomie Go crib, that can be attached to the edge of the bed and has 7 height settings that can be adjusted and a tummy tilt to help with reflux and colic. The crib was well-received by our MFM home testers for its ease of use and compact folding. it's also available in a variety of colors.
There are also cribs for bedside use, such as our Lilly and Alain cribs, that can be positioned next to an existing bed frame. The cribs come with a side barrier that slides down to allow you to pick up your baby for night feedings. However they are also fully enclosed so that your baby can rest comfortably. These cribs also meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements that specify that the 120mm high barrier should be placed between your mattress and your child's cot.
There are also cribs for travel that are specially designed to be taken on the road. They are usually smaller and lighter than a standard crib and are therefore more convenient to take into and out of hotels and cars. The Munchkin Brica travel crib, for instance, can be set up and taken down in under a minute and it weighs just three pounds, making it easy to move and carry.