Buying a Bedside Crib For Travel
The size of this crib is ideal for mothers. similar web site than the Moses Basket but smaller than a Cot Bed. It can also be folded down to just a quarter of its original size and then put in a handy bag for travel.
Remember that the crib should only be used for sleeping. Toys, pillows and blankets are dangers to suffocate.
Safety
When you are shopping for a travel cot, make sure that the manufacturer complies with all safety standards. A good starting point is the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website, which can inform you whether or not a particular crib for portable has been recall. You'll also want to choose a mattress that is the correct size for your baby's bed so that it doesn't fall into gaps in the crib sides or cause suffocation hazards.
When you are choosing a bassinet or crib, look for one that is in compliance with the latest safety standards that were updated in 2022. Avoid cribs that are older or that have been modified for travel, or cribs with drop-sides. These cribs haven't been tested, and may be a danger to your baby's safety.
A travel crib must be built well and strong. Examine for loose, missing or broken screws and other hardware. If you're using a playard, it should have secure walls and mesh windows for adequate air circulation. The crib slats should not be more than 2 3/8 inches apart to prevent the baby's head and legs from getting trapped. Never put toys, blankets or toys that are stuffed with animals in the crib. These items can strangle or suffocate your baby. They must be removed at the time they can stand up on their own, or before the age of five months.
Check regularly for loose or broken screws and other hardware. This is particularly important when traveling with a child. Make sure you remove all plastic from the crib prior to use, too.
If you're using a portable crib, make sure it's not right under a window. A window is an accident hazard and if your baby falls into it, they may get injured. Even if your baby is old enough to roll over it is recommended to keep their sleeping space away from windows. It is important to wake your baby if they begin to sleep on their backs.
Portability
If you're to a holiday, have relatives staying over, or simply want a safe crib for sleepovers with friends, an portable crib (or playard, as they are sometimes called) is a great choice. These foldable contraptions are easy to assemble and are compact when closed, and come with the most comfortable padded mattress that can hold newborns up to 15kg.
MFM home testers are awestruck by the BabyBjorn travel crib due to the fact that it's easy to fold and put away. Its easy drop-down panels that are one-handed are also convenient to use for parents who are tired. It's not the lightest backpack on our list, but it's a good weight, weighing just under 15 pounds, and it comes with standard carry handles instead of the backpack-style strap that some find more comfortable to carry around.
The Joie Kubbie Sleep is another excellent alternative. It combines a bedside bassinet and crib into a compact unit. This is perfect for holidays and overnight stays with friends and family. It's not the most affordable however it comes with many dancing and all-singing features such as a storage basket and soothing night lights that change colour 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 beginning of the day when mum is still recovering.
The fabrics can be washed in the machine and wipeable, making it easy to clean. And, despite its size and weight (it's on the heavier side when it's open) it's light at less than 12kg. It slots neatly into a compact, convenient bag included ideal for trips away from home. It has six height settings and a tummy tilt for reflux/colic infants, and it can be adapted to beds of all sizes. It's also very easy to install, with our MFM tester being able to have it up and running in a mere 10 minutes. It will require a separate mattress.
Feeding
When you travel for business or pleasure it's crucial to keep your baby happy and safe when traveling. It's better to purchase a travel-specific crib or bassinet than to use one that you already have. They are smaller and have mesh sides that allow parents to check on their baby without causing any disturbance to them. They are also lightweight for easy transportation between destinations. They also meet the safety standards of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and haven't been subject to recalls.
If you must utilize a crib for your bed it is recommended that your child be placed on their back and that the bed be free of pillows, blankets, and animals stuffed. This kind of sleeping arrangement increases the chance of SIDS. If you are forced to co-sleep occasionally, ensure that you only do so while your baby is asleep and that you are completely dressed and awake.
There are many kinds of cribs for babies and newborns.
Some are designed like miniature cribs or Moses basket, and others have sides that can be put down into the bed of the parent. This allows for middle-of-the-night access to the baby for feeding and comforting without exposing the risk of co-sleeping that the AAP advises against due to suffocation risks. Examples include the Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Bassinet, a bedside sleeper that attaches to the sides of a parent's mattress. This is a great option for older children, as the sides can be elevated to allow you to reach the infant without lifting them out of the bed. 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 a sleeping infant for feeding or care.
Sleeping
Bedside cribs are a great way to safely co-sleep with your newborn. They are placed next to your bed so you can easily reach them for feedings and check on their sleeping without disrupting them. Some cribs have an opening on the side that you can lower to make it easier, and others come with an adjustable height adjustment so that they will fit your bed at home or on the go.
Although it was previously advised that infants sleep in their own separate bedroom, there is now a increasing preference for parents to share a bed with their infants. This arrangement, referred to as rooming in, allows infants to remain close to their parents while being separated from their own crib or a bassinet. There are a variety of co-sleepers available like the iCrib, which is designed to be a portable crib that fits on the top of your bed, or a standard crib. This model comes with a lightweight frame, a mattress that is removable, and can be folded into a compact size for storage. It also comes with the Joie Roomie Go crib, that is attached to the edge of a bed. It includes 7 adjustable height positions and a tummy tilt for reflux and colic. The crib was well-received by our MFM home testers for its convenience and compact folding, and it comes in a variety of colors.
There are also freestanding bedside cribs, like our Lilly and Alain, that can be positioned next to the traditional bed frame. They come with a moveable side barrier that can slide down to allow you pick your baby up for night feeding, but the crib is fully enclosed and your baby will sleep soundly throughout this time. These models meet the new BS EN1130 safety standards, which require a 120mm separation between your mattress and the child's crib.
There are also travel cribs that are specifically designed to be taken on the road. They are usually smaller and lighter than standard cribs, making them easy to transport into and out of hotels and cars. The Munchkin Brica travel crib, for example, can be set up and put down in under one minute, and weighs just three pounds, so it is easy to move and carry.