Buying a Bedside Crib For Travel
Mums love this crib's size It's larger than the Moses basket but smaller than a cot bed. It can also fold down to one-quarter of its original size, and can be put into a convenient bag for transport.
Just remember that the crib should be used only for sleeping and that toys, pillows and blankets are dangers to suffocate.
Safety
If you are looking for a travel cot, make sure that the manufacturer is adhering to all safety standards. One good place to start is the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website, which can let you know whether or not a particular crib is being recall. Choose a mattress that fits the crib of your child so that it won't slip through the gaps or create an suffocation hazard.
When selecting the right bassinet or crib make sure it conforms to the latest safety standards that were updated in 2022. Avoid bedside crib and travel cot that are older or modified for travel or cribs with drop-sides. These cribs haven't been tested, and may pose a risk to your baby's safety.
A travel crib must be built well and strong. Make sure you check for broken, missing or loose screws as well as other hardware. If you're using a playard it should have a secure wall and mesh windows to ensure proper air circulation. The crib's slats must not be more than 2 3/8 inches apart to avoid the baby's head and limbs from becoming trapped. Do not put any toys, blankets or toys that are stuffed with animals in the crib. These objects can cause strangulation or death to your baby. They should be removed when they can stand on their own, or before the age of five months.
Examine often for broken or loose screws and other hardware. This is especially important when traveling with a child. Take all plastic out of the crib as well.
If you're using a portable crib, make sure it is not located right under the window. A window can be a fall risk and if your baby falls into it, they could get injured. Even if your baby is old enough to be able to roll over it is recommended to keep their sleeping area away from windows. It's crucial to wake your baby if they begin to roll over during sleep.
Portability
Whether you're going on holiday, have family staying over, or simply want a safe crib for sleepovers with friends, an portable crib (or playard or playard, as they're sometimes called) is a good option. These foldable contraptions come with a comfortable mattress that can support infants up to 15kg. They are easy to put together and compact when closed.
The BabyBjorn Travel Crib is a favorite among MFM home testers who appreciate the fact that it can be folded and stored in just several minutes and its easy-to-use drop-down panels are easy for even bleary-eyed parents to use. It's not the lightest backpack on our list however it's a decent weight at just over 15 pounds, and it features standard carry handles rather than a backpack-style strap which some prefer to carry around.
The Joie Kubbie Sleep is another great option. It includes a bassinet for the bed and a crib into a compact unit. This is ideal for long-term stays and holidays with friends and family. It's not the least expensive however it comes with a wealth of dancing and all-singing features such as a storage basket as well as calming colour-changing lights for the night and white noise. It also has lullabies to help your baby fall asleep and sleep. Its bassinet is higher than the majority to make it easier to use in the early hours when mom is still recovering.
The fabrics can be washed in the machine and washable, making it easy to clean. It's also, despite its size and weight (it's on the bulkier side when opened) it's light at just 12kg and can easily fit into a compact, practical travel bag that comes with it - perfect for trips away from home. It has six different height settings as well as a tummy-tilt for reflux/colic baby. It's able to fit any size bed. It's also easy to set up. Our MFM tester was able to set it up in less than 10 minutes. It will require a mattress that is separate.
Feeding
If you're traveling for business or pleasure it's crucial to keep your baby comfortable and safe while traveling. It's better to purchase a travel-specific crib or bassinet rather than using one you already own. These are smaller and with mesh sides that allow parents to monitor their babies without disturbing them, and are light enough for simple transportation between locations. These also meet the safety standards of American Academy of Pediatrics and have not been recalled.
If you have to utilize a crib for your bed, it's recommended that your child be positioned 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 form of co-sleeping is linked to an increased risk of SIDS. If you have to occasionally co-sleep ensure that your baby is sleeping and that you and your partner are dressed and awake.
The types of bedside cribs available for infants and young children include:
Some are designed as a mini-crib or Moses baskets, while others have sides which can be put into parents' beds. This allows parents to access their child at any time during the night to soothe and feed them, while avoiding the dangers of co-sleeping. The AAP warns against this due to the danger of the risk of suffocation. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Bassinet is a bedside sleeper that is attached to a mattress that is used by a parent. It can also be an ideal option for older babies because the sides can easily be raised to let you reach the baby from the adult bed without lifting them out. Another option is the travel cot, which has a built-in bassinet which can be removed from the top of the crib making it easier to lift up an infant who is sleeping for feeding or care.
Sleeping
Bedside cribs allow you to sleep with your baby in a safe and secure way. They are placed near your bed during the night so that you can reach them easily to feed them and observe them without disrupting their sleep. Some cribs come with drop-sides 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.
Although it was previously recommended that babies sleep in a separate bedroom, there is a growing preference for parents to sleep 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 that are available such as the ICrib, which is an inflatable crib that is designed to fit on the top of a bed, or a crib. This model comes with a light frame and a removable mattress and it can be folded for easy storage. The Joie Roomie Go crib is another option. It attaches to the bed edge and comes with 7 height positions, as well as a tummy tilt to ease colic and reflux. Our MFM home testers loved the crib for its compact folding and ease of use. It is also available in different colours.
There are also freestanding bedside cribs, such as our Lilly and Alain cribs, that can be positioned alongside an existing bed frame. The cribs come with the side barrier that can slide down to allow you to pick up your baby for night feedings. However, the cribs are self-contained, allowing your baby to remain asleep peacefully. These cribs meet the latest BS EN1130 safety standards, which require a 120mm barrier between your mattress and child's cot.
Lastly, there are cribs for travel that are specially designed to be taken on the road. They are typically smaller and lighter than standard cribs, which makes it easier to transport them from and into cars and hotels. Munchkin Brica, for example can be assembled in just a few minutes and folded down in just three pounds. It is therefore easy to lift and transport.