Buying a Travel Bedside Crib
Having a machine-washable mattress cover is essential for those occasions when your baby has an accident or you need to freshen up the crib after a trip. This cover is perfect for that and comes with a convenient travel bag.
It has a clever incline option that eases reflux. It also works with divan beds as well as bed frames. It has sides with breathable mesh to keep your baby cool. baby as they sleep.
Safety
A crib that is placed near the bed can free space for parents who are new. It's safe for your baby to be able to sleep close proximity to you, but without the risk of bed-sharing (which could lead to death by suffocation). Bedside cribs allow you to comfort your baby at night, and easily reach them to feed them or provide comfort without having to get up from bed. This is particularly useful after a c-section birth.
These cribs are also a great option for older children who are too small to fit in the bed of a toddler. But, it's essential to ensure that your crib is compliant with the most current safety standards. Choose an item that meets BS EN 1130:2019. This requires a minimum of 120mm between the crib mattress and yours, to stop your child from falling onto yours.
You can also search for a travel crib that can accommodate the 'feet-to foot position, in which you place your baby in the crib with their feet on the bottom of the bed - this helps them to stay 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 like colic or reflux. It is recommended to use the crib tilting feature with caution. It can increase your baby's risk of falling out.
Before packing away a travel crib, it must be thoroughly cleaned. This includes cleaning the bedding, mattress and fabric covers. Also, it is important to clean any areas that are water-proof. This is crucial to prevent introducing bacteria or mould into the environment where your baby sleeps. Be sure to wash and wipe down every part that is removable. You should also check the crib for signs of wear and tear and clean any materials that come into contact with faeces or urine since they can be infected and cause infection. You should clean the crib each time you use the crib as well as before placing it in storage.
Sleeping in
A bedside crib allows you to keep your child close while you rest. It is a safe way to sleep together and can also be used as an independent crib or a travel crib when you stay with grandparents or going on vacation. You can choose from several models that will fit the height of your bed. Some are specifically designed to fit on divan beds, while others are attached to the side of your bed as an sidecar.
A good bedside crib is one that is simple to clean. It should have a mattress that can be removed and be machine washable. Choose mattresses that are breathable to keep your baby cool. Some of the best cribs also come with an incline for reflux that can help babies with 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 mattress for adults. You can also consider a side-car baby crib like the Chicco Next2Me. It is easy to put together and comes with an accompanying travel bag. MFM test participants found it to be the most lightweight and portable of the cribs for bedside use they tested.
While it is safe to cosleep in a crib, be aware that it may not be the most relaxing option for prolonged durations of time and may lead to back pain. It is also important to remember that these cribs are only suitable for a period of 6 months, when you'll have to transfer them to a regular cot or moses basket.
You should be cautious of models with a drop-down barrier that drops all up to your bed. This could cause your child to roll out of the crib and onto your mattress. Most cribs with a new bed will have a 'half-height' barrier that is lower than the mattress to prevent this from happening. One of our MFM testers found that the feature was not as simple to use as she expected however, it was beneficial for her family.
Buying an old crib
Buying second-hand baby items is a common strategy to save money for parents who are new. Consignment shops or flea markets, as well as thrift stores are great places to purchase baby items at a fraction the price retail.
However, there are some baby products that should never be bought secondhand, including travel cribs. It is difficult to determine whether a crib has been involved in an accident, but certain cribs may have. This could make it dangerous. In addition, a used crib mattress may have set-in stains and mold, and hidden depressions or indentations that could pose suffocation hazards for babies.
If you are looking for a secondhand crib for your portable, make sure you choose one with mesh sides and a mattress that is firm. It shouldn't have any straps or decorations that could pose a strangulation hazard or choking risk. best bedside cots should also be easy to clean, and if you can, have a manual printed on paper. If the manual isn't available, you might get a copy from the internet.
Consumer ReportsOpens a new window is a reliable source for information on products and suggestions. The Bump is proud of our partnership with Consumer Reports. Consumer Reports experts review thousands of products each year, so you can feel confident in the ratings and reviews that you read here.
When you're looking for an older crib, make sure that it meets federal safety standards. The easiest way to verify is by comparing it to the crib safety guidelines available on the CPSC's website. You can also use the website to look up recalls on a particular crib.
Some parents decide to sell their travel cribs once their child is old enough to use them. This is a bad decision. In time the mattress of a crib that is used may become suffocation hazard and infected with bacteria. It is essential to check the mattress for cleanliness by pressing hard into it with your hand. If it leaves a mark, it is too soft and should not be used.
If you decide to buy a second-hand crib, give your baby the chance to sleep in it before your journey. Try setting it up in your home and let them sleep there during the day for a few weeks prior to the time you travel. This will allow them to adjust to their new sleeping environment and ease their stress during your trip.
Getting started
A travel crib, also called a portable crib, also known as a play yard, provides a safe place to sleep your baby while traveling. Some parents use the crib at home or when visiting relatives and friends and others take it along with them on vacation. A travel crib will make your vacation more enjoyable and relaxing for both you and your child.
When you're looking for a portable crib, choose one that is simple to set up and fold down. Review the instructions prior to you buy to ensure that the process is simple and you're comfortable with it. Select a crib that has an option to wash it with a machine to save time and money. Keep your portable crib clean and it will appear like new. Many consignment stores won't accept a dirty portable baby crib.
Make sure you fold and set up the crib before your travels. This will help your baby get used to the crib and will make it easier for them to move to the hotel. You can also put your favorite blanket or a stuffed animal inside to help familiarize your child with the smell and the space.
It is important to keep your baby close, whether they are asleep or awake. You can hug them or rock them to assist them to fall asleep and then wake up. You can also place them in their crib with a favourite blanket and swaddle them to keep them warm. When your baby is big to be swaddled, think about a sleep bag to keep them cozy and secure in the crib.
If you're planning to take your baby on a trip then a crib that is 3-in-1 may be a good idea. The bed can be used by newborns as well as a bassinet or cot. Silver Cross Slumber is popular because it features a padded bed that is constructed of breathable mesh. It's also easy to clean and folds up in a matter of seconds which makes it an ideal choice for families with busy schedules.