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. 4-in-1 bedside crib can also be folded down to one-quarter of its original size and then put in a handy bag for transport.
Make sure that the crib is designed for sleeping. Toys such as pillows, blankets and pillows can cause a child to be suffocated.
Safety
When you're looking for a travel cot ensure that the manufacturer is adhering to all safety standards. The best starting point is the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website, which will inform you whether or not a specific crib for portable has been removed from the market. Select a mattress that is suitable for your baby's crib so it won't slip through the gaps or cause an suffocation hazard.
Search for bassinets and cribs that meet the current safety standards for 2022. It is also recommended to avoid cribs that are older and cribs that have been modified or drop side cribs that are repurposed for travel because these aren't tested and may pose risks to your baby's well-being.
A travel crib needs to 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 a secure wall and mesh windows for adequate air flow. The crib slats shouldn't be more than 2 3/8 inches apart to avoid the baby's head and limbs from becoming trapped. Don't put any toys, blankets or toys that are stuffed with animals in the crib. These items can suffocate or strangle your baby and should be removed from the crib as soon as your child is able to push up on their hands and knees or prior to 5 months old, whichever comes first.
Make sure you check regularly for loose or broken screws and other hardware. This is particularly important when traveling with a child. Remove all plastic from the crib, too.
If you're using a portable crib ensure that it's not positioned directly in front of an enormous window. A window is a fall hazard and your baby could get hurt when they fall into it. Even if your baby is old enough to be able to roll over it is recommended to keep their sleeping area away from windows. If your baby starts to roll over in bed it's best to wake them up to prevent injury.
Portability
If you're planning a trip to a holiday, have relatives staying over, or simply need a secure bedside crib for sleepovers with your friends, the portable crib (or playard or playard, as they're often called) is a good option. These playards fold up easily to build and are compact when closed, and feature an incredibly comfortable mattress that can hold newborns up to 15 kg.
MFM home testers love the BabyBjorn travel crib because it is easy to fold and to store. Its simple drop-down panels that are one-handed are also easy to use for parents who are tired. It's not the lightest pack-and-play on our list however it's a decent weight at just a little over 15 pounds, and it features standard carry handles instead of a backpack-style strap which some prefer to haul around.
Another excellent option is the Joie Kubbie Sleep, which combines a bedside crib and bassinet into a compact unit that's ideal for both holidays and overnight visits to relatives and friends. It is not the cheapest alternative, but it comes with many options, including a storage basket, soothing night lights that change colour, lullabies, and white noise to help your child sleep.
The fabrics are machine washable and washable, which makes it easy to clean. bedside cosleeper 's also relatively lightweight at just 12 kilos, and fits neatly inside the compact, convenient travel case that comes with it. It has six different height settings and an adjustable tummy tilt for reflux or colic babies. It can fit all sizes of beds. It's also easy to set up. Our MFM tester was able to do it in less than 10 minutes. You'll need to buy an additional mattress for it however.
Feeding
It is essential that your child is comfortable and safe when you travel, whether for business or pleasure. While some families may be inclined to use a bassinet or a crib that they have, it's best to buy one that is specifically made for travel. These are smaller and have mesh sides to allow parents to check on their babies without disturbing them. They are light enough for simple transportation between locations. They also meet the safety standards of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and haven't 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 any blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals. Co-sleeping can increase the risk of SIDS. If you are forced to co-sleep occasionally, ensure that you only do so while your baby is asleep, and that you're completely dressed and awake.
The kinds of cribs for infants and young children include:
Some are shaped like a mini crib or a Moses basket, whereas others have sides that can be set to the bed of the parent. This allows access to the baby to feed and comfort without exposing the risk of true co-sleeping, which the AAP cautions against due the risk of suffocation. Examples include the Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Bassinet, an infant bed that is attached to the sides of a parent's mattress. It is a good choice for older children, as the sides can be raised so that you can reach the infant without having to lift them from the bed. Another option is a travel cot that has an integrated bassinet that can be removed from the top of the crib which makes it easier to lift an infant who is sleeping for feeding or care.
Sleeping
Bedside cribs allow you to sleep peacefully with your baby. They are placed next to your bed at night, allowing you to reach over easily for night feeds and observe them without disrupting their sleep. Some cribs have a drop-side that can be lowered to make it easier for you to do this, while others have a height adjustment to ensure they can be placed in your bed at home and away.
While it used to be recommended that babies sleep in a separate bedroom, there's 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 a variety of co-sleepers that are available like the iCrib, which is an iCrib-style portable crib that can be placed on the top of a bed or a crib. It has a light frame and a mattress that is removable and can be folded for easy storage. The Joie Roomie Go crib is another alternative. It attaches to the bed edge and comes with seven height positions as well as a tummy-tilt for reflux and colic. Our MFM home testers loved this crib for its compact folding and easy to use. It's also available in various colors.
You can also buy freestanding bedside cribs such as our Lilly or Alain that you can put next to an existing bed frame. These have a movable side barrier that can slide down to allow you pick your baby up for night feeding, but the crib is self-contained, and your child will sleep soundly throughout this time. These cribs also meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements which require that 120mm high barriers must be installed between your mattress and the cot of your child.
Additionally, there are cribs designed for travel and are designed to be taken on the road. They tend to be smaller and less bulky than standard cribs, making it easier to transport them in and out hotels and cars. The Munchkin Brica travel crib, for example can be set up and taken down in less than an hour and weighs just three pounds, making it easy to lift and carry.