Buying a Bedside Crib For Travel
The crib's size is a hit with moms it's larger than the size of a Moses basket, but smaller than a crib bed. amazon bedside cot folds down to a third of its original size and fits into a compact travel bag, making it perfect for travel.
Remember that the crib should be used only for sleeping and that toys such as pillows, blankets and pillows are an entrapment risk.
Safety
When you are looking for a crib for travel it is important to make sure the manufacturer meets all safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) site is an excellent place to start. It will let you know whether a crib for portable use has ever been removed from the market. Pick a mattress that's suitable for the crib of your child so that it won't fall through the gaps or pose a suffocation risk.
When selecting a crib or bassinet make sure it is in compliance with the latest safety standards that were revised in 2022. It is also recommended to avoid older cribs or cribs that have been modified, or drop side cribs that are used for travel as they aren't tested and may pose risks to your baby's safety.
A travel crib needs to be strong and well-constructed. Make sure there aren't any loose, missing or broken screws and other hardware. If you're using a playard it should have a secure wall and mesh windows for adequate air circulation. The slats of the crib should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to keep baby's head and limbs from becoming trapped. Do not put best bedside cots , blankets or toys in the crib. These items can strangle or suffocate your baby. They should be removed as soon as they can stand up on their own or before the age of 5 months.
It's also important to look frequently for loose or broken hardware and screws, especially when traveling with your child. Make sure to remove all crib furniture before use, as well.
If you are using a portable baby crib ensure that it's not placed in front of a large window. A window could be an accident hazard for your baby may be injured when they fall into it. It's recommended to keep your baby's sleeping space away from windows, even when they are old enough to roll over. If your child starts to roll over in bed, it's a good idea to awake them to prevent injury.
newborn bedside cot
If you're planning a trip on vacation, have family staying over, or simply want a safe crib for sleepovers with friends, a portable crib (or playard or playard, as they're sometimes called) is a great choice. These portable cribs have a comfortable mattress that can hold infants up to 15kg. They are easy to assemble and compact once closed.
The BabyBjorn Travel Crib is a favourite with MFM home testers who appreciate the fact it can be folded and stored in just a few minutes and that its simple drop-down panels that can be operated with one hand are simple enough for even sleepy parents to use. It's not the lightest pack-and-play on our list but it's a decent weight at just a little over 15 pounds. It comes with standard handles instead of the backpack-style strap that some find more comfortable to carry around.
Another great option is the Joie Kubbie Sleep, which includes a crib for bed and a bassinet into one compact unit that's perfect for both holidays and overnight visits to family and friends. It's not the cheapest however it comes with many features that are all-dancing and all-singing like a basket for storage and soothing night lights that change colour as well as white noise and lullabies to help your baby fall asleep, and its bassinet setting is higher than the majority to make it easier to use in the beginning of the day when mom 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 opened), it's relatively lightweight at just under 12kg and slots neatly into a compact, convenient travel bag included - perfect for trips away from home. It has six height settings and a tummy tilt to help with reflux or colic babies, and can fit beds of all sizes. It's also extremely easy to set up and our MFM tester being able to have it ready in just 10 minutes. You'll need to purchase an additional mattress for it however.
Feeding
It's important that your baby is comfortable and safe when you travel, whether on pleasure or business. While some families may be tempted to use a bassinet or a crib that they already own however, it's recommended to purchase one specially made for travel. These are smaller and with mesh sides that allow parents to monitor their babies without disturbing them, and are light enough to allow for easy transport between destinations. They also meet all safety standards of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and have not been recalled.
If you must use a crib beside your bed it is recommended that you put your baby on their back. The sleeping surface should be free of blankets, pillows, and stuffed toys. Sharing the bed with parents isn't recommended for any baby, regardless of age, and this kind of sleeping with a partner is associated with an increased risk of SIDS. If you do have to sleep with your partner at times ensure that your baby is asleep and that both you and your partner are fully dressed and awake.
The kinds of cribs that are available for newborns and young babies include:
Some are designed like a mini crib or a Moses basket, while others have sides that can be put down into the bed of the parent. This allows parents to reach their child in the middle of the night to comfort and feed their child, and avoid the dangers of sleeping with their child. The AAP warns against this because of the danger of suffocation. Examples include the Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Bassinet, a bedside sleeper that attaches to the sides of a 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 an integrated bassinet that can be removed from the top of the crib, making it easier to lift up the sleeping infant to feed or care.
Sleeping
Bedside cribs allow you to sleep peacefully with your baby. They are placed near your bed, allowing you to easily reach them for night feedings and check on their sleeping without disrupting them. Some cribs come with an adjustable drop-side that can be lowered to make it easier for you to do this, while others come with a height adjustment, so they can be placed in your bed at home and away.
It was previously recommended that infants have their own bedrooms. However parents are increasingly choosing to co-sleep. Also known as rooming-in this arrangement lets babies be close to their parents, but remain safely separated on their own bassinet or crib. There are several types of co-sleepers that are available like the iCrib, which is designed to be portable and can be placed on top of your bed or a regular crib. It has a light frame and a removable mattress and it can be folded to make it easy for storage. The Joie Roomie Go crib is another option. It is attached to the bed's edge and features seven height positions as well as a tummy-tilt to help with colic and reflux. Our MFM home testers loved this crib for its compact folding design and its ease of use. It's also available in different colours.
There are also bedside cribs that are freestanding, such as our Lilly or Alain that you can place on top of a standard bed frame. The cribs come with a side barrier that can slide down to allow you to grab your baby for night feedings. However the cribs are completely self-contained, allowing your baby to rest comfortably. These cribs meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards which require a 120mm gap between your mattress and child's crib.
There are also cribs for travel available. They are specifically designed to be carried on the road. These are typically much smaller and lighter than a standard crib which makes them easier to carry in and out of cars and hotels. The Munchkin Brica travel crib, for instance can be set up and put down in less than an hour and weighs just 3 pounds, so it is easy to lift and carry.