Buying a Bedside Crib For Travel
The size of this crib is perfect for mums. It's bigger than a Moses Basket, but smaller than the Cot Bed. It can also be folded down to one-quarter of its original size and fit into a handy bag for traveling.
Remember that the crib should only be used for sleeping. Toys, pillows and blankets are a suffocation hazard.
Safety
When you are looking for a crib for travel you'll want to be sure that the manufacturer complies with all safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) site is an excellent place to start. It will let you know if a portable crib has ever been removed from the market. Choose a mattress that fits the crib of your baby so it won't fall through the gaps or pose the risk of suffocation.
When selecting the right bassinet or crib, look for one that is in compliance with the latest safety standards that were updated in 2022. Also, avoid older cribs or cribs that have been modified, or drop side cribs that were repurposed for travel because these aren't tested and could pose a risk 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 mesh windows and sturdy walls for air flow. The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart to prevent baby's head or limbs from being trapped. Don't put any toys, blankets, or toys that are stuffed with animals in the crib. These items can choke or drown your baby. They should be removed at the time they are able to stand independently or before the age of five months.
It's also important to check often for loose or broken hardware and screws, especially when traveling with your child. Make sure you take out all crib furniture before using it, and.
If you are using a portable baby crib ensure that it's not positioned directly beneath a large window. A window is an accident hazard for your baby may be injured when they fall into it. Even if your baby is old enough to roll over it is best to keep their sleeping space away from windows. It's important to wake up your baby if they begin to sleep on their backs.
Portability
Portable cribs (or playards, as they're sometimes called) are a great option for those traveling on vacation, having a guests over, or simply wanting an appropriate crib for a sleepover with friends. These foldable contraptions have a comfortable mattress that can support infants up to 15kg. They are simple to put together and compact when closed.
MFM home testers love the BabyBjorn travel crib because it's easy to fold and put away. Its simple one-handed drop down panels are also convenient for parents who are bleary-eyed. It's not our lightest pack-and play, but with just under 15 pounds it's still a good weight. It also comes with regular handles instead of a backpack style strap, which some prefer.
The Joie Kubbie Sleep is another great alternative. It combines a bedside bassinet and crib into a compact unit. This is perfect for long-term stays and holidays with family and friends. It is not the cheapest option, but it comes with various features, such as a storage basket and calming night lights that change colour, lullabies, and white noise to help your child sleep.
It's also easy to clean, with machine washable and wipeable fabric. And, despite its size and weight (it's on the heavier side when open), it's relatively lightweight at just 12kg and slots neatly into a compact, practical bag included - perfect for trips away from home. It has six different height settings, as well as a tummy-tilt for reflux/colic baby. newborn bedside cot for all bed sizes. It is also very easy to install. Our MFM tester was able to set it up in only 10 minutes. It will require a separate mattress.
Feeding
If you're traveling for pleasure or business, it's important to keep your baby comfortable and safe on the road. It is better to buy a travel-specific crib or bassinet rather than using one you already own. These are smaller and have mesh sides to allow parents to monitor their children without disturbing them. They are light enough for simple transport between destinations. They also meet all the safety standards of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and haven't been subject to recalls.
If you have to use a crib next to your bed it is recommended that you put your baby on their back. The bed should be free of blankets, pillows and toys. 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 do have to sleep with your partner at times, make sure that your baby is asleep and that you and your partner are fully dressed and awake.
The types of bedside cribs that are available for babies and infants include:
Some are shaped like miniature cribs or Moses basket, while others have sides that can be set down into the parent's bed. This allows for middle-of-the-night access to the baby for feeding and comforting while avoiding the dangers of true co-sleeping, which the AAP cautions against due dangers of suffocation. Examples include the Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Bassinet, a bedside sleeper that attaches to the mattress for a parent. This is a great option for older children, since the sides can be raised to allow you to reach the infant without lifting them out of bed. Another option is the travel cot with a built-in bassinet which can be removed from the top of the crib, which makes it easier to lift up an infant who is sleeping for feeding or other care.
Sleeping
Bedside cribs allow you to sleep peacefully with your baby. They are set next to your bed, allowing you to easily reach them for feedings and check on their sleeping without disturbing them. Some cribs have an adjustable drop-side that can be lowered for this purpose, whereas others come with a height adjustment, so they will fit in your bed at home and when you go away.
In the past, it was suggested that infants sleep in their own bedroom. However parents are increasingly opting to sleep with their children. Also known as rooming in, this arrangement allows babies to be close to their parents but remain safely separated on their own crib or bassinet. There are many types of co-sleepers such as the iCrib, which is an inflatable crib that is designed to be placed on the top of a bed, or a crib. It includes a light 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 and includes 7 adjustable height positions and a tummy tilt for reflux and colic. The crib was loved by our MFM home testers for its convenience and compact folding, and it is also available in a variety of colours.
You can also buy freestanding bedside cribs like our Lilly or Alain that you can place on top of an existing bed frame. They come with a moveable side barrier that can slide down so you can take your baby to a evening feeding, however the crib is otherwise fully enclosed and your baby will sleep soundly throughout this time. They also meet the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements that specify that the 120mm high barrier should be present between your mattress and the cot of your child.
Lastly, there are cribs designed for travel and are made to be carried on the road. These are usually smaller and more compact than standard cribs, which makes it easier to move them from and into hotels and cars. Munchkin Brica, for example can be put together in under a minute and folded down in less than three pounds. It is therefore easy to move and lift.