Buying a Travel Bedside Crib
The use of a machine-washable mattress cover is crucial for those times when your baby has an accident or you need to clean up the crib after a trip. This cover is perfect for that and comes with a simple travel bag.
It has a clever incline feature that can help ease reflux. It is compatible with divan beds and frames for bed frames. It also features mesh sides that are breathable to help regulate your baby's temperature while sleeping.
Safety
A bedside crib is an ideal solution for new parents. You can rest close to your baby without worrying about suffocation. Bedside cribs can also allow you to soothe your baby at night and access them to feed or comfort them without needing to get out of bed, which is particularly useful in the aftermath of the birth of a c-section.
These cribs are also a great choice for older children who aren't big enough to fit into a toddler bed. It is essential that your crib is in compliance with the most up-to-date safety standards - search for a crib that is compliant with the BS EN1130:2019. This requires a 120mm tall barrier between the crib and parent's mattress to stop your child from rolling onto your bed.
You can also search for a travel crib that has the feet-to-foot' position, where you put your baby in the crib with their feet on the end of the bed. This allows them to remain more comfortable and lessens the chance of them becoming trapped under covers. Certain models allow you to tilt the crib which is beneficial for babies suffering from digestive issues like colic or reflux. But be aware that tilting the crib could increase the risk of your baby being thrown out, so it should be used with great care and only on the guidance of your physician or health professional.
Before packing away a crib, it must be thoroughly cleaned. This includes wiping down the mattress, bedding and covers made of fabric. bedside baby bed includes cleaning any areas that are waterproof. It's essential to do this to avoid the introduction of mould or bacteria in your baby's bedroom. Be sure to wipe down any removable parts and wash them regularly too. You should also inspect the crib for signs of wear and tear and clean any fabric that has come into contact with faeces or urine as these can become contaminated and cause infections. This should be done each time you use the crib and prior to packing it away to store it away.
Cosleeping
A bedside crib allows you to keep your child close as you sleep. It is a safe way to sleep in a cosleep position and can also be used as a crib for an individual or travel crib when staying with grandparents or on vacation. You can choose from a wide range of models that will fit your bed's height with some specifically made for divan beds and others that attach to the sides of your bed as side-cars.
A good bedside crib is one that is simple to clean. It should have a removable mattress and be machine washable. Choose a mattress that is ventilated to keep your baby cool. Some of the best cribs also have a reflux incline for infants suffering from acid reflux.
It is recommended to adhere to the Safe Sleep guidance provided by the Lullaby Trust and ensure your baby's crib is secure and there aren't any gaps between the mattress of an adult and the crib. You could also choose an infant crib with a side-car like the Chicco Next2Me. It is easy to put together and comes with an accompanying travel bag. It is a favorite with MFM test participants who found it be the most portable and lightweight of the bedside cribs we evaluated.
While it is perfectly safe to sleep in the crib, you must be aware that it may not be the most relaxing option for long periods of time and can lead to back discomfort. It is also important to keep in mind that these cribs are only suitable for 6 months, when you'll have to transfer them to a regular cot or moses basket.
Be wary of models with barriers that can be raised to your bed. This can lead to your child falling out of the crib onto your mattress, which isn't recommended. The majority of new cribs for bed have a half-height barrier that is lower then the mattress to prevent this. One of our MFM test subjects found that this feature was not as easy to use as she had hoped however, it was a useful solution for her family.
Buying a used crib
Buying second-hand baby items is a popular way to save money for new parents. Consignment shops, flea markets and thrift stores are excellent places to find baby items at a fraction the price retail.
Travel cribs are one of the products for babies that you should not buy second-hand. While it's difficult to know a used crib's history it is possible that some were in accidents, making them unsafe. A used crib mattress could have stains and mold that are hard-set as well as hidden indentations or depressions. These could be suffocation dangers for babies.
If you are looking for a secondhand crib that is portable, choose one that has mesh side panels as well as a mattress that is firm. It should also have no decorations or straps that could create a strangulation or choking hazard. Additionally, it should be easy to clean and have a paper manual if feasible. If the manual is not there it's likely to be found the manual online.
The Bump is pleased to partner with Consumer ReportsOpens in new window, the trusted source for in-depth product information and advice. Consumer Reports experts assess thousands of products each year, so the ratings and reviews that you see here are accurate.
When you're looking for a second-hand crib, be sure it is safe according to federal standards. Check it against the crib safety guidelines found on the CPSC website. You can also check the website for recalls on specific cribs.
Some parents decide to sell their travel cribs once their child has outgrown them. This is not a good decision. As time passes, a used crib mattress could become a hazard for suffocation and infected with bacteria. It's 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 decide to buy a used crib, allow your baby the chance to sleep in it before your journey. Set it up at home and allow them to sleep throughout the day several days prior to your trip. This will help them adjust to the new sleeping environment and reduce their stress on your trip.
Getting started
A travel crib, also known as a portable crib, also known as a play yard, is a secure place to rest your baby while traveling. Some parents bring their travel crib with them on vacation, whereas others make use of it at home or when visiting family and friends. Whatever the reason, a crib for travel can make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable for both you and your baby.
Find a portable cot that is easy-to-assemble and to fold. Review the instructions prior to you buy to ensure that the process is simple and you're comfortable with it. Choose a crib with the ability to wash it in the machine to cut down on time and cost. Keeping your travel crib clean will help keep it looking brand new, and many consignment stores will not take the dirty crib.
Do some practice folding and putting the crib prior to your travels. This will help your baby get used to the crib, making it easier to make the transition to a hotel. You can even put an adorable or favorite blanket inside to help familiarize your baby with the surroundings and smell.
Whether your baby is awake or asleep it's crucial to stay close to them in the crib. You can hold them or rock them to help them fall asleep and then wake up. Alternatively, you can place them in the crib with their blanket of choice and swaddle them to keep them warm. If your baby is too old for Swaddling, you can use a sleep sack. This will keep them safe and secure in their crib.
If you're planning to take your baby on a trip, it may be helpful to invest in a 3-in-1 travel crib. This bed is suitable for infants and also as a travel bassinet or cot. The Silver Cross Slumber is a popular choice due to the fact that it has padding for the mattress that is made of breathable mesh. It is also easy to clean and folds in just a few just a few seconds. This makes it an ideal option for families with busy schedules.