Buying a Travel Bedside Crib
A crib mattress cover that is machine washable can be helpful if your baby has an accident or you want to clean your crib between trips. This one is easy to use and comes with an extra travel bag.
It comes with an innovative incline feature that can ease reflux, and works with divan beds as well as framed bed frames. It also features breathable mesh sides 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 child without having to worry about suffocation. Bedside cribs allow you to soothe your baby in the night and have them easily reach them for feeding or comforting, without the need to get out of bed, which is particularly useful after a c-section birth.
They're also a great option for older children who aren't big enough to be able to fit into a toddler bed. However, it's important to ensure that your crib meets the most recent safety standards. Look for a model that complies with BS EN 1130:2019. This requires a 120mm-high barrier between the crib and the parent's mattress to prevent your child from slipping onto yours.
You could also look for a travel crib that offers the 'feet-to-foot position, which is where you place your baby in the crib with their feet on the foot of the bed - this allows them to remain more comfortable and lessens the possibility of them getting trapped under covers. Certain models allow you to tilt the crib which can be helpful for babies with digestive issues like reflux or colic. It is recommended to use the crib tilting system with caution. It could increase your baby's risk of falling out.
When not in use a travel crib must be thoroughly cleaned prior to when it's put away. This includes wiping down the bedding, mattress and fabric covers. It also involves cleaning any areas that are waterproof. It's essential to do this in order to avoid the introduction of mould or bacteria into the baby's sleep environment. Be sure to clean and dry all removable parts. You should also inspect the crib for signs of wear and tear and clean any fabrics that come in contact with faeces or urine as these can become contaminated and cause infections. This should be done every time you use the crib, and before packing it away to store it away.
Cosleeping
A bedside crib allows you to keep your child close while you rest. It's a safe method to sleep together and can be used as a crib for an individual or travel crib when staying with your grandparents or taking a vacation. You can choose from a range of models that are suitable for the height of your bed. Some are designed for divan bed and others attach to the side of your bed as sidecars.
A good bedside crib will be easy to clean, ideally with a mattress which can be washed in the machine. You should also consider a breathable mattress that keeps your baby cool and comfortable. Some of the best cribs also have an incline for reflux to aid babies with acid reflux.
You should always adhere to the Safe Sleep guidance provided by the Lullaby Trust and ensure your baby's crib is secure and there are no gaps between the mattress of an adult and the crib. You can also try a side-car crib such as the Chicco Next2Me. It is quick and easy to put together and comes with a convenient bag for transport. MFM test participants found it to be the most lightweight and portable of all cribs that they looked at for their bedside.
It is perfectly safe to cosleep with your baby in a crib. However, it might not be the best option for prolonged periods and could result in back pain. These cribs should be used for a maximum of six months. After that, you'll need change to a moses basket or cot.
Be wary of a model with a drop-down barrier that drops all the way to your bed. This can lead to your child escaping from the crib onto your mattress, which is not recommended. The majority of cribs with bedside rails come with an upper half-height bar that is lower then your mattress to prevent this. One of our MFM test subjects found that this feature wasn't as easy to use as she expected, but was still an excellent solution for her family.
Buying an old crib
Second-hand baby products are a great option to save money new parents. Consignment shops, flea markets and thrift stores are great places to locate baby items for sale at a fraction of the price retail.
Travel cribs are one of the products for babies that you should not buy second-hand. It is difficult to determine whether a crib was damaged in an accident, however there are some that have. This could result in it being unsafe. A crib mattress that has been used may have stains and mold that are hard-set, as well hidden depressions or indentations. These could pose risky for babies to suffocate.
If you are looking for a secondhand crib for your baby, opt for one that has mesh side panels as well as a mattresses that are firm. It shouldn't have any decorations or straps which could pose a strangulation hazard or choking risk. Lastly it should be simple to clean and include an instructional manual on paper, if it is possible. If the manual is not available, you can often get a copy from the internet.
Consumer ReportsOpens a new window is a reliable source for product information and advice. The Bump is proud partner with Consumer Reports. Consumer Reports experts review thousands of products each year, so you can feel confident in the reviews and ratings that you read here.
When looking for a second-hand crib, make sure it is safe according to federal standards. The easiest way to check is by comparing it to the crib safety guidelines on the CPSC's website. You can also search the website for recalls for specific cribs.
Some parents decide to sell their travel cribs once their child has outgrown them. This is a poor decision. A crib mattress that is used can become a suffocation risk as time passes, and is often contaminated with bacteria. Press firmly with your hand into the mattress to check for cleanliness. If it leaves marks, it's too soft and shouldn't be used.
If you decide to purchase a used crib, allow your baby the opportunity to sleep in it before your travels. Try putting it in your home and letting them sleep in it throughout the day for a few days prior to when you leave. This will allow them to adjust to the new sleeping environment and lessen their stress on your travels.
Getting started
A travel crib, also called a portable crib, or a play yard, provides a safe place to rest your baby while you are traveling. Some parents use a crib for travel at home or when visiting family and friends or bring it along on vacation. A travel crib will make your excursion more enjoyable and relaxing for both you and your child.
Look for a portable cot that is easy-to-assemble and to fold. Make sure you read the directions before you purchase to ensure that the procedure is easy and you're comfortable with it. Make sure to select a crib that's machine washable. This feature can save you time and money. Maintaining your crib clean will keep it looking fresh and a lot of consignment shops won't accept a dirty portable crib.
Do some practice folding and putting the crib prior to your journey. This will help your baby become familiar with the crib and make it easier to move to a hotel. You can also put a lovey or favorite blanket inside to help familiarize your baby with the space and the smell.
If your baby is asleep or awake it's crucial to stay close to them in the crib. You can hold them or rock them to assist them to fall asleep and then awake. You can also place them in their crib with a favorite blanket and swaddle them to keep them warm. If your baby gets too big to be swaddled, think about a sleep bag to keep them cozy and safe in the crib.
If you're planning to take your baby with you on vacation it might be beneficial to purchase a 3-in-1 travel crib. It can be used by newborns as well as a cot or bassinet. Silver Cross Slumber is popular because it features a padded bed and is made of breathable mesh. It's easy to clean and folds away in seconds, making it a great choice for families with busy schedules.