Buying a Travel Bedside Crib
A machine-washable crib mattress cover can be useful when your baby is injured or you want to clean the crib in between trips. This cover does exactly this and comes with a simple travel bag.
It has an innovative incline feature that eases reflux. It also works with divan beds as well as bed frames. It features sides with breathable mesh to maintain the temperature of your baby while they sleep.
Safety
A crib at the bedside can help save space for new parents. You can rest close to your baby without worrying about suffocation. Bedside cribs let you soothe your baby during the night and reach them to feed or comfort them, without needing to get up from bed. This is particularly useful after a c-section birth.
These cribs are also a great choice for older children who aren't big enough to fit in a toddler bed. But, it's essential to ensure that your bedside crib meets the most current safety standards - look for an item that meets BS EN 1130:2019. This requires a barrier of 120mm between the crib mattress and yours, to stop your child from falling onto yours.
You can also search for a crib that offers the 'feet-to-foot position, in which you put your baby in the crib with their feet towards the foot of the bed - this will help them stay more comfortable and decreases the chance of them becoming trapped under the covers. bedside crib vs cot allow you to tilt the crib, which is helpful for babies with digestive issues such as reflux or colic. It is important to use the crib tilting with caution. It could increase the chance of your baby falling out.
Before packing away a travel crib, it must be thoroughly cleaned. This includes wiping down the bedding, mattress and covers made of fabric. It also involves cleaning any areas that are water-proof. This is crucial to avoid introducing mold or bacteria into the environment where your baby sleeps. Be sure to clean and dry any removable parts. Also, you should inspect the crib for signs of wear and tear and clean any fabric that has come in contact with faeces or urine, because they can get dirty and lead to infections. It is recommended to do this each time you use the crib, and before you store it.
Cosleeping
A bedside crib allows you to keep your child close as you sleep. It lets you sleep safely and can also be used as a separate crib or a travel crib for extended stays with grandparents' or on holidays. You can pick from a range of models that suit your bed height. Some are specifically designed for divan bed and others can be attached to the side of your bed like sidecars.
A good bedside crib is one that is simple to clean. It should have a removable mattress and be machine washable. You should also consider an air-conditioned mattress that keeps your baby cool and comfortable. Some of the top cribs also have a reflux incline for babies who suffer from acid reflux.
You should always follow the Safe Sleep guidance provided by the Lullaby Trust and ensure your baby's bedding is safe and there are no gaps between the adult mattress and the crib. You can also consider an infant crib with a side-car like the Chicco Next2Me. It is simple to put together and comes with the option of a travel bag. It is a favorite with MFM testers who found it to be the most portable and light of the cribs for beds we evaluated.
While it is perfectly safe to cosleep in a crib, you should be aware that it may not be the most comfortable option for long durations of time and may lead to back discomfort. It is also important to remember that these cribs are only suitable for a period of 6 months, when you'll have to transfer them to a regular moses basket or cot.
You should be cautious of models with drop-down barriers that drop all the way to your bed. This could cause your baby to fall out of the crib and onto the mattress. Most new bedside cribs have an upper half-height bar that is lower then your mattress to prevent this. One of our MFM test participants found that the feature was not as simple to use as she expected however, it was useful for her family.
Buying an old crib
Second-hand baby items are a great option to save money new parents. If you require a new car seat or a crib to travel with, many baby items can be purchased in consignment stores and flea markets as well as thrift shops for just a fraction of the cost of retail.
There are a few baby products that should never be purchased secondhand, like travel cribs. Although it's hard to determine the past of a used crib however, some cribs may have been in accidents, making them dangerous. Additionally, a used crib mattress may have set-in stains and mold, and hidden depressions or indentations that could pose suffocation hazards for babies.
If you are looking for a secondhand crib that is portable, choose one that has mesh side panels as well as a sturdy mattress. It shouldn't have any decorations or straps that could be a strangulation danger or choking risk. Lastly it should be simple to clean and include a paper manual if it is possible. If the manual isn't there, you can usually find the manual online.
The Bump is proud to partner with Consumer ReportsOpens in new window the most trusted source for comprehensive product reviews and information. Consumer Reports experts evaluate thousands products each year, which means the ratings and reviews that you read here are accurate.
Verify that the crib meets the federal safety standards prior to purchasing an older model. Check it against the crib safety guidelines found on the CPSC website. You can also check the website for recalls for specific cribs.
Although some parents sell their travel cribs when their child is no longer in them, this is an unwise choice. As time passes the mattress of a crib that is used could become a hazard for suffocation and infected with bacteria. It is essential to check the mattress for cleanliness by pressing hard into it with your hand. If it leaves an impression, it's too soft and should not be used.
If you decide to purchase a used crib, give your baby a chance to sleep in it prior to your journey. Set it up at home and allow them to sleep throughout the day for several days prior to your trip. This will allow them to adjust to the new sleeping environment and ease their stress on your journey.
Getting started
A travel crib, also called a portable crib, also known as a play yard, provides a safe place to sleep your child while you are traveling. Some parents use a crib for travel at home or when visiting family and friends, while others bring it along with them on vacation. A crib for travel will make your trip more enjoyable and relaxing for you and your child.
Look for a portable cot that is simple to put together and fold. Before purchasing, make sure you follow the directions to ensure that the procedure is simple and you feel comfortable using it. Pick a crib that has the ability to wash it in the machine to save time and money. Keep your portable crib clean to keep it looking fresh and new. Many consignment shops will not take a dirty portable crib.
Before your trip, practice setting up and folding the crib at home. This will get your baby used to it, which will make the transition to the hotel room less daunting. You can also put a favorite blanket or lovey inside to help familiarize your child with the smell and environment.
Whether your baby is asleep or awake it's vital to remain close to them in the crib. You can rock or hug them to help them fall asleep and wake up. You can also place them in their crib with a favourite blanket and swaddle to keep them warm. When your baby is large to swaddle, you might want to consider a sleep sack to ensure they are comfortable and safe while they're in the crib.
If you plan to take your baby on a vacation and need a crib that can be three-in-one, a 3-in-1 crib be the best option. The bed can be used for newborns and also as a travel bassinet or cot. Silver Cross Slumber is popular because it comes with a cushioned bed and is constructed of breathable mesh. It is also easy to clean, and it folds in minutes. This makes it a great option for busy families.