Buying a Bedside Crib For Travel
The dimensions of this crib are ideal for moms. It's larger than the Moses Basket, but smaller than the Cot Bed. It also folds down to just a third of its original size, and can fit into a convenient travel bag, making it ideal for travel.
Remember that the crib should only be used for sleeping and that toys, pillows and blankets are an entrapment risk.
Safety
When you are looking for a travel crib you'll want to be sure that the manufacturer is compliant with all safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) website is an excellent place to start. It will let you know if a portable crib has ever been recall. It is also important to select the right size for your baby's crib, so it doesn't slip into gaps in the sides of the crib or create a suffocation risk.
When selecting the right bassinet or crib choose one that meets the newer safety standards, which were updated in 2022. Avoid cribs with older designs and that have been modified for travel, or cribs with drop-sides. These cribs have not been tested and could pose a risk to your baby's safety.
A travel crib needs to be strong and well-constructed. Check for missing, loose or broken screws as well as other hardware. If you're using a playard it should have a secure wall and mesh windows to allow for proper 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. Don't put any pillows, blankets or toys with stuffed animals in the crib. These objects can choke or strangle your baby and should be removed from the crib when your child is able to push up on their hands and knees or before 5 months old or when they reach 5 months of age, whichever comes first.
Examine regularly for loose or broken screws and other hardware. This is especially important when traveling with a baby. Remove all plastic from the crib too.
If you're using a portable crib, be sure it is not located close to a window. Windows pose a fall risk and if your baby falls into it, they could be injured. Even if your child is old enough to be able to roll over it is best to keep their sleeping area away from windows. If your child begins to roll over during sleep it's a good idea to awake them to prevent injury.
Portability
Portable cribs (or playards or playards, as they're often referred to) are a great option for those traveling on vacation, having a family stay over, or simply needing a safe crib for use during a sleepover or with friends. These foldable contraptions include an extremely comfortable mattress that can hold babies up to 15kg. They are easy to assemble and compact when closed.
MFM home testers appreciate the BabyBjorn travel crib due to the fact that it's simple to fold and to store. Its simple one-handed drop down panels are also convenient for parents with a bleary eye. It's not the lightest backpack on our list but it's a decent weight at just over 15 pounds. It features standard handles instead of the backpack-style strap that some prefer to carry around.
Another excellent option is the Joie Kubbie Sleep, which combines a bedside crib and bassinet into one compact unit that is ideal for both holidays and overnight visits to relatives and friends. It's not the cheapest alternative, but it comes with many features, including a storage basket and calming night lights that change colour and lullabies, as well as white noise, which can help your child fall asleep.
It's also easy to clean, with machine washable and wipeable fabric. It's also light at just 12 kilos and fits nicely inside the compact, convenient travel case that comes with it. It has six height settings that include a tummy tilt for reflux/colic infants, and it can be adapted to beds of all sizes. It's also very simple to install. Our MFM tester was able to do it in less than 10 minutes. It will require a mattress that is separate.
Feeding
Whether traveling to work or for pleasure it's crucial to keep your baby comfortable and safe on the road. It is better to buy a bassinet or crib designed for travel than to use one that you already have. These are smaller, have mesh sides to allow parents to check on their babies without disturbing them. bedside crib with changing table are light enough to allow for easy transport between destinations. They also meet all safety standards of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and haven't been recalled.
If you have to use a crib that is placed at your bedside it is recommended that your baby be placed on their back and the mattress be free of any blankets, pillows and animals stuffed. Co-sleeping can increase the risk of SIDS. If you have to occasionally co-sleep ensure that your baby is asleep and that you and your partner are fully dressed and awake.
The types of bedside cribs available for babies and infants include:
Some are designed to resemble miniature cribs or Moses basket, while others have sides that can be lowered to the bed of the parent. This allows parents to access their baby during the middle of the night to comfort and feed their child, and avoid the dangers of co-sleeping. The AAP cautions against this due to the risk of the risk of suffocation. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Bassinet is a bedside sleeper that is attached to a mattress that is used by a parent. It can also be an option for older children because the sides are easily raised to allow you to reach the infant from the adult bed without lifting the mattress out. The travel cot that has a built-in crib that is removable allows you to easily raise a sleeping baby to allow feeding or other 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 night feedings and check on their sleeping without disrupting them. Some cribs have a drop-side that can be lowered for this purpose, while others have a height adjustment to ensure they will fit in your bed at home or away.
Although it was previously advised that infants sleep in their own separate bedroom, there is now a growing preference for parents to co-sleep with their infants. Also known as rooming in, this arrangement lets babies be close to their parents yet remain in a safe space on their own bassinet or crib. There are many types of co-sleeper available like the iCrib, which is designed to be a portable crib that fits on the top of your bed, or a regular crib. This model has a lightweight frame, a mattress that is removable, and can be folded up for easy storage. It also comes with the Joie Roomie Go crib, that can be attached to the edge of a bed. It features 7 adjustable height positions as well as a tummy tilt to help with reflux and colic. Our MFM home testers highly praised the crib for its compact folding and easy to use. It's also available in a variety of colors.
There are also freestanding bedside cribs such as our Lilly or Alain which you can put on top of the standard bed frame. The cribs have an elongated side that can be lowered to allow you to grab your child for feedings at night. However, the cribs are self-contained so your baby can remain asleep peacefully. These models also meet the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements that specify that the 120mm high barrier should be placed between your mattress and your child's cot.
There are also cribs designed for travel and are designed to be used on the road. They tend to be smaller and lighter than standard cribs, making it easier to carry them in and out hotels and vehicles. The Munchkin Brica travel crib, for instance, can be set up and put down in under a minute and it weighs just 3 pounds, making it easy to carry and lift.