Buying a Bedside Crib For Travel
The size of this crib is ideal for moms. 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 can be put into a convenient bag for traveling.
Make sure that the crib is intended for sleeping. Toys, pillows and blankets can suffocate a child.
Safety
If you are looking for a travel cot ensure that the manufacturer adheres to all safety standards. A good place to start is the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website, which can inform you whether or not a certain portable crib has been recalled. You'll also want to choose the right size for the crib of your baby so that it doesn't fall into the gaps between the sides of the crib or create a suffocation hazard.
Look for cribs or bassinets that meet the updated safety standards for 2022. It is also recommended to avoid cribs that are older, modified cribs or drop side cribs that have been repurposed for travel because these aren't tested and may pose risks to your baby's safety.
A travel crib must be sturdy and well-constructed. Check for missing, loose or broken screws as well as other hardware. If you're using a playard, it should be fitted with mesh windows and strong walls to allow air circulation. The crib's slats must not be more than 2 3/8 inches apart to prevent the baby's head and limbs becoming trapped. Don't put any pillows, blankets toys, stuffed animals or other items in the crib. These items could cause strangulation or death to your baby. They must be removed as soon as they can stand up on their own or before the age of 5 months.
Make sure you check often for broken or loose screws and hardware. This is especially crucial when traveling with a child. Make sure you remove all plastic from the crib before use, as well.
If you're using a portable crib be sure that it's not positioned directly beneath an enormous window. A window can be a fall risk and if your baby rolls into it, they may get injured. It's recommended to keep your baby's sleeping space away from windows, even if they are old enough to roll over. If your child starts to roll over in bed, it's best to wake them up to prevent injuries.
Portability
Portable cribs (or playards or playards, as they're often referred to) are a great choice for those who are going on vacation, having guests over, or simply wanting an appropriate crib during a sleepover or with friends. These foldable contraptions come with an extremely comfortable mattress that can accommodate infants up to 15kg. They are simple to assemble and compact when closed.
MFM home testers are awestruck by the BabyBjorn travel crib because it is easy to fold and put away. Its easy drop down panels that can be operated by one hand are also easy to use for parents who are tired. It's not the tiniest of packs-and-play on our list but it's a decent weight at just over 15 pounds. It has regular carry handles rather than the backpack-style strap that some find more comfortable to haul around.
Another great option is the Joie Kubbie Sleep, which incorporates a bedside crib and bassinet into a compact unit that's ideal for both overnight and holiday visits to relatives and friends. It's not the cheapest alternative but it does come with many features, including an organizer basket and calming night lights that change colour and lullabies, as well as white noise to aid your child to fall asleep.
It's also easy to keep clean with machine washable and wipeable fabric. In spite of its size and weight (it's more bulky when open) it's light at just 12kg and slots neatly into a compact, convenient travel bag that comes with it perfect for trips away from home. It has six height settings and a tummy tilt to help with reflux or colic babies, and is able to fit beds of all sizes. It's also very simple to install. Our MFM tester could do it in less than 10 minutes. It'll require a mattress that is separate.
Feeding
It's important that your baby is comfortable and safe when you travel, whether for business or pleasure. While some families might be inclined to use a crib or bassinet that they have however, it's recommended to purchase one that is specifically made for travel. They are smaller and have mesh sides, which allows 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 have not been recalled.
If you have to use a crib beside your bed it is recommended you put your baby on their back. The mattress should be free of blankets, pillows and stuffed toys. Sharing sleeping in a bed with parents isn't recommended for any baby, regardless of age, and this form of co-sleeping is linked to an increased risk of SIDS. If you must occasionally co-sleep, make sure that your baby is sleeping and that both you and your partner are dressed and awake.
There are many types of cribs for babies and newborns.
Some are shaped as a mini-crib or Moses basket, while others have sides that can be lowered into the parents' bed. bedside sleeper cot allows parents to access their baby at any time during the night to soothe and feed them, while avoiding the dangers of co-sleeping. The AAP warns against this due to the risk of suffocation. Examples include the Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Bassinet, an infant bed that is attached to the sides of a mattress for a parent. This can also be an ideal option for older children because the sides can easily be raised to allow you to reach the infant from the adult bed without lifting the mattress out. Another option is a travel cot that has a built-in bassinet that can be removed from the top of the crib making it easier to lift the sleeping infant to feed or care.
Sleeping
Bedside cribs allow you to sleep with your baby in a safe and secure way. They are set next to your bed so you can easily reach them for feedings and check on their sleeping without disrupting them. Some cribs have an adjustable drop-side that can be lowered for this purpose, whereas others have a height adjustment so they can be placed in your bed at home and away.
In the past, it was suggested that infants be in their own room. However parents are increasingly opting to sleep with their children. This arrangement, also referred to as rooming in, allows babies to be close to their parents, while remaining safely separated in their own crib or bassinet. There are several types of co-sleepers that are available, including the iCrib which is designed to be an easy-to-move crib that can be placed on the top of your bed, or a regular crib. It includes a light frame, a mattress that is removable, and can be folded up for easy storage. The Joie Roomie Go crib is another option. It attaches to the bed edge and features seven height positions as well as a tummy-tilt to ease colic and reflux. The crib was well-received by our MFM home testers for its user-friendly design and compact folding. it is also available in a range of colours.
There are also bedside cribs, like our Lilly and Alain cribs, that can be put on top of an existing bed frame. They come with a moveable side barrier that slides down to allow you to take your baby to a dinner at night, but the crib is self-contained, and your child will continue sleeping soundly during this period. These cribs meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards that require a 120mm separation between your mattress and child's crib.
Lastly, there are travel cribs that are specifically designed to be taken on the road. They are typically smaller and less bulky than standard cribs, which makes it easier to carry them from and into cars and hotels. The Munchkin Brica travel crib, for instance, can be set up and taken down in under an hour and weighs only three pounds, making it easy to lift and carry.