Buying a Travel Bedside Crib
A crib mattress cover that is machine washable can be useful when your baby is injured or you need to clean your crib between trips. This one is simple to use and comes with an extra travel bag.
It features a clever incline option that eases reflux and is compatible with divan beds as well as bed frames. It comes with breathable mesh side panels to help keep your baby cool. baby as they sleep.
Safety
A bedside crib can save space for new parents. It's safe for your baby to sleep close proximity to you but without the danger of bed-sharing (which can lead to death by suffocation). Bedside cribs can also allow you to soothe your baby at night and access them to feed or comfort them without having to get up, which is particularly useful after an c-section birth.
These cribs are also a great choice for older children who aren't big enough to fit in the bed of a toddler. It's crucial to ensure that your crib meets the most current 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 stop your child from rolling on your bed.
Look for a crib that permits you to put your baby's feet on the bottom of the bed. This will make them feel more comfortable and will reduce the risk of them being sucked into the bed. Some cribs also allow you to tilt the crib which is helpful for babies suffering from digestive issues like reflux or colic. However, be aware that tilting the crib can increase the likelihood of your baby falling out, so it should be to use it with extreme caution and only following the advice of your GP or health professional.
Before packing away a travel crib, it must be thoroughly cleaned. This should include cleaning the mattress, bedding, and any covers made of fabric as well as cleaning any waterproof areas. This is crucial to avoid introducing mould or bacteria into the environment where your baby sleeps. Be sure to clean up any removable parts and wash them regularly too. You should also inspect the crib for signs of wear and tear, and clean any fabrics that come into contact with faeces or urine since they can be contaminated and cause infections. You should do this every time you use the crib, and before storing it.
Sleeping in
A bedside crib allows you to keep your child close to you while you sleep. It allows you to cosleep safely and can also be used as a separate crib or a travel crib for extended stays with grandparents or during a holidays. You can choose from a range of models to suit your bed height and bed size, including some that are designed for divan beds, and others that can be attached to the sides of your bed like an side-car.
A good bedside crib will be easy to clean, ideally with a mattress that is machine washable. Find a mattress that is ventilated to keep your baby cool. Some of the best cribs will also offer a reflux incline for babies who suffer 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 aren't gaps between the crib and the mattress for adults. You can also try a side-car crib like the Chicco Next2Me, which is fast and easy to assemble and comes with a convenient bag for travel. MFM test participants found it to be the most lightweight and portable of all cribs for bedside use they tested.
It is perfectly safe to sleep with your child in a crib. However, over here might not be the most convenient option for long periods and could cause back discomfort. These cribs should be used for up to six months. After that, you'll have to switch them to an cot or moses basket.
Be cautious of cribs that have barriers that can be lowered to your mattress. This can cause your baby to roll out of the crib onto your mattress. The majority of cribs with bedside rails come with a half-height barrier that is lower then the mattress to prevent this. One of our MFM test participants found that the feature was not as simple to use as we had hoped however it was beneficial for her family.
Buy a second-hand crib
Buying second-hand baby items is a popular way to save money for new parents. Whether you need a new car seat or an extra crib for travelling, many baby items can be purchased in consignment stores or flea markets. You can also find thrift shops for less than the cost of retail.
There are a few baby products that shouldn't be purchased secondhand, like travel cribs. Although it's difficult to discern the past of a used crib however, some cribs may have been in accidents, which can make them unsafe. Additionally the mattress used in a crib could have set-in stains and mold, and hidden indentations or depressions that could create a risk of suffocation for babies.
When shopping for a used crib that is portable, choose one with mesh side panels and a firm mattress. It shouldn't have any decorations or straps that could be a strangulation danger or pose a risk of choking. Additionally it should be simple to clean and come with an instructional manual on paper, if possible. If the manual is missing 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 detailed product information and advice. Consumer Reports experts evaluate thousands products each year, so the ratings and reviews that you read here are accurate.
When looking for a second-hand crib, be sure it meets federal safety standards. The easiest way to check is to compare it to the crib safety guidelines available on the CPSC's website. You can also visit the site to find recalls for a particular crib.
Some parents decide to sell their cribs for travel when their child moves out of them, it's a bad idea. In time a crib mattress that has been used may become suffocation hazard and contaminated with bacteria. Press your hands firmly into the mattress to check for cleanliness. If it leaves marks, it's too soft and shouldn't be used.
If you buy a used crib for your baby, let him or her sleep in it for a few days prior to your journey. Set it up at home and let them sleep in it during the day just a few days before your journey. This will allow them to get used to the new sleeping space and lessen the stress they will experience on your journey.
Getting started
A travel crib, also referred to as a portable crib, or a play yard, is a secure place to rest your baby while traveling. Some parents take their travel crib with them to vacation, while others make use of it at home or when visiting family and friends. A travel crib will make your excursion more enjoyable and relaxing for you and your child.
Look for a portable cot that is easy-to-assemble and to fold. Before you buy, make sure you go through the directions to ensure the process is easy and you feel comfortable using it. Also, choose a crib that is machine washable, as 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 leave, practice setting up and folding the crib at home. This will help your baby become used to the crib and make it easier to make the transition to a hotel. You can put an old blanket or a soft toy in the room to familiarize your child with the smell and space.
If your baby is awake or asleep it's crucial to stay close to them when they're in the crib. You can rock or hold them to help them sleep and wake up. You can also place them in their crib with a favorite blanket and swaddle them to keep them warm. When your baby is big for swaddling, consider a sleep sack to keep them comfortable and secure in the crib.
If you're planning to take your baby traveling it could be beneficial to invest in a 3-in-1 travel crib. This type of bed can be used as co-sleeper, travel cot and bassinet for newborns from 6 months to 6 years old. Silver Cross Slumber is popular because it comes with a cushioned bed that is constructed of breathable mesh. It is easy to clean, and folds up in a matter of seconds. This makes it a perfect option for busy families.