Buying a Travel Bedside Crib
A mattress cover that is machine washable is crucial for those times when your baby has an accident or you want to freshen up the crib after a trip. This cover does exactly that and comes with a convenient travel bag.
It has an innovative tilt feature that aids in easing reflux. It can be used with divan beds as well as framed bed frames. It also comes with mesh sides that are breathable to aid in regulating your baby's temperature during sleep.
Safety
A bedside crib is a space-saving solution for new parents. You can lay down next to your child without worrying about suffocation. Bedside cribs allow you to help your baby sleep at night, and easily reach them to feed them or provide comfort without having to get up from your bed. This is particularly beneficial following a birth via c-section.
They're also a good option for older children who aren't big enough to fit into the bed of a toddler. But, it's essential to make sure that your crib is compliant with the latest safety standards. Look for one that is compliant with BS EN 1130:2019. This requires a barrier of 120mm between the crib mattress and yours to prevent your child from rolling on yours.
You could also look for a crib that can accommodate the 'feet-to foot' position, where you place your baby in the crib with their feet at the foot of the bed. This allows them to remain more comfortable and reduces the risk of them getting stuck under covers. Some models also allow you to tilt the crib, which can be helpful for babies with digestive issues such as colic or reflux. Be aware that tilting the crib can increase the risk of your baby falling out, so it's best used with great caution and only following the guidance of your physician or health professional.
Before packing away a travel crib, it should be thoroughly cleaned. This includes wiping down the mattress, any bedding and any fabric covers, plus cleaning any waterproof areas. It's essential to do this in order to avoid infusing mould or bacteria into the baby's sleep environment. Also, remember to clean up any removable parts and wash them regularly too. You should also examine the crib for signs that it is worn out and clean any fabric that have come into contact with urine and faeces. They can be dirty and lead to infections. This should be done each time you use the crib, and before packing it away to store it away.
Cosleeping
A bedside crib lets you to keep your child close as you sleep. It is a safe way to sleep together and can be used as an independent crib or a travel crib when you stay with your grandparents or taking a vacation. You can choose from various models that suit the height of your bed. Some are made for divan bed and others attach to the bedside as sidecars.
A great crib for your bed is one that is easy to clean, best with a removable mattress that is machine washable. Find mattresses that are air-conditioned to keep your baby cool. Some of the best cribs also come with reflux inclines for babies suffering from acid reflux.
Follow the Safe Sleep guidelines provided by the Lullaby Trust to ensure that your baby's crib is safe and that there are no gaps between the crib and the adult mattress. You could also consider a side-car crib like the Chicco Next2Me, which is fast and easy to put together and comes with a convenient travel bag. It is a favorite with MFM test participants, who found it to be the most portable and light of the cribs for beds we tested.
While bedside cot mattress is completely safe to cosleep in the crib, you must be aware that it may not be the most comfortable option for prolonged periods of time and can lead to back pain. It is important to note that these cribs are only suitable for a period of six months, at which point you will need to move them to a regular moses basket or cot.
Be wary of a model with drop-down barriers that drop all the way to your mattress. This can cause your baby to fall out of the crib and onto your mattress. Most cribs with a new bed will come with a half-height barrier that is lower than the mattress to prevent this from happening. One of our MFM testers found that this feature was not as simple to use as she had hoped however it was a useful solution for her family.
Buy a second-hand crib
Second-hand baby products are a great option to save money for new parents. If you require a new car seat or an extra crib for travelling, many baby items can be bought in consignment stores or flea markets. You can also find thrift shops for a fraction of the price of retail.
However, there are some baby products that should never be bought secondhand, including travel cribs. It's hard to tell if a crib has been in an accident, but there are some that have. This could result in it being dangerous. A crib mattress used for a while may also have mold and stains that are hard-set as well as hidden indentations or depressions. These can be risky for babies to suffocate.
If you are looking for a secondhand crib for your portable, make sure you choose one that has mesh sides and a sturdy mattress. It should not have any decorations or straps that could be a strangulation danger or pose a risk of choking. Also it should be easy to clean and have an instruction manual in paper if it is feasible. If the manual isn't available, you can often locate a copy on the internet.
The Bump is proud to be a part of Consumer ReportsOpens in new window the most reliable source for in-depth product information and recommendations. CR experts evaluate thousands of products every year, and you can feel confident in the ratings and reviews you see here.
When you're looking for an older crib, make sure it meets federal safety standards. Check it against the crib safety guidelines found on the CPSC website. You can also go to the website to check for recalls on the crib you are using.
Although some parents sell their travel cribs once their child is no longer in them, it's an unwise choice. A crib mattress that has been used may become a suffocation risk as time passes, and is often filled with bacteria. It is important to check the mattress for cleanliness by pressing firmly into it with your hand. If it leaves an indentation, it's soft and shouldn't be used.
If you purchase a used crib for your baby, let him or her lay down in it for a few weeks prior to your trip. Try putting it in your home and letting them sleep there throughout the day for a few days prior to when you travel. This will allow them to adjust to the new environment and ease the stress they experience during your travels.
Getting started
A travel crib, also known as a portable crib, or a play yard, is a secure place to sleep for your child while you are traveling. Some parents bring their crib with them on vacation, whereas others use it at home or to visit family and friends. A travel crib will make your vacation more enjoyable and relaxing for both you and your child.
When shopping for a portable crib, you should look for one that is simple to put together and fold down. Before purchasing, make sure you go through the directions to ensure that the process is easy and that you feel comfortable using it. Make sure to select a crib that is machine washable, since this feature will help you save time and money. Cleaning your travel crib will help keep it looking new, and many consignment stores will not take an unclean crib.
Before you travel, practice setting up and folding the crib at home. This will help your baby get familiar with the crib and make it easier to transition to a hotel. You can also put your favorite blanket or a blanket in it to familiarize your baby with the space and the smell.
Whether your baby is awake or asleep it's crucial to stay close to them in the crib. You can rock or hold them to help them fall asleep and get up. Alternatively, you can place them in the crib with their favorite blanket and wrap them in a swaddle to keep them warm. Once your baby is too big to be swaddled, think about a sleep sack to keep them comfortable and secure in the crib.
If you're planning on taking your baby with you on vacation, it may be helpful to purchase a 3-in-1 travel crib. This type of bed can be used as a co-sleeper, travel cot and bassinet for infants from 6 months to 6 years old. Silver Cross Slumber is popular because it comes with a cushioned mattress and is made of breathable mesh. It's also easy to clean and folds away in seconds and is a great option for busy families.