Buying a Travel Bedside Crib
A crib mattress cover that is machine washable is a great option if your baby has an accident or you need to clean the crib between trips. This cover does exactly this and comes with a simple travel bag.
It comes with a clever incline feature that helps ease reflux. It can be used with divan beds and framed bed frames. It also has mesh sides that are breathable to help regulate your baby's temperature during sleep.
Safety
A bedside crib is a space-saving solution for parents who are new. It is safe for your baby to sleep in close proximity to you but without the risk of sharing a bed (which could result in death by suffocation). Bedside cribs also enable you to comfort them 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 during recovery following a c-section birth.
These cribs are also a great option for older children who aren't big enough to fit into a toddler bed. It's important that the crib you have at your side meets the most recent safety standards - search for a crib that complies with BS EN1130:2019. This requires a 120mm high barrier between the crib and parent's mattress to prevent your child from rolling onto yours.
You can also search for a travel crib that offers the 'feet-to-foot position, which is where you place your baby in the crib with their feet towards the end of the bed - this will help them stay more comfortable and decreases the possibility of them getting trapped under the covers. newborn bedside cot let you tilt your crib, which can be ideal for babies suffering from digestive issues such as colic or reflux. It is important to use the crib tilting feature with caution. It could increase the chance of your baby falling out.
Before packing away a travel crib, it should be thoroughly cleaned. This includes cleaning the mattress, any bedding and any fabric covers and cleaning any water-proof areas. It's important to do this in order to avoid introducing bacteria or mould in your baby's bedroom. Remember to clean and wash any removable parts. You should also check the crib for signs that it is worn out and clean any materials which have come into contact with faeces and urine. They can be contaminated, and cause infections. This should be done each time before you use the crib, and prior to packing it away for storage.
Sleeping in
A bedside crib allows you to keep your child close to you while you sleep. It lets you sleep in a safe manner and can be used as a standalone crib or a travel crib for overnight stays at grandparents or during a holidays. You can pick from a variety of models that will fit your bed height with some specifically made for divan beds and others that simply attach to the sides of your bed like an side-car.
A crib that is suitable for bed should be easy to clean, and ideally with a removable mattress which can be washed in the machine. You should also look for mattresses that are breathable, keeping your baby cool and comfortable. Some of the best cribs will also offer 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 secure and that there are no gaps in between the crib and the mattress for adults. You can also opt for an infant crib with a side-car like the Chicco Next2Me. It is easy to put together and comes with the option of a travel bag. MFM testers found it to be the most lightweight and portable of all cribs that they looked at for their bedside.
While it is completely safe to cosleep in the crib, you must be aware that it may not be the most comfortable choice for long durations of time and may cause back discomfort. These cribs should be used for a maximum of six months. After that, you'll need to switch them to a moses basket or cot.
Be wary of models with a barrier that can be lowered all the way down to your mattress. This could result in your child falling out of the crib onto your mattress, which isn't recommended. Most new bedside cribs have a half-height barrier lower then your mattress to prevent this. One of our MFM test participants found that the feature was not as easy to use as we had hoped however it was useful for her family.
Buying a crib that is second-hand
Buying second-hand baby items is a popular way to save money for parents who are new. It doesn't matter if you need a brand new car seat or an extra crib for travelling, many baby items can be purchased at consignment stores and flea markets as well as thrift stores for just a fraction of the cost of retail.
However, there are some baby products that should never be bought secondhand, including travel cribs. It is difficult to determine if a crib has been in an accident, but there are some that have. This could result in it being unsafe. A crib mattress used for a while may also be contaminated with mold and stains that are hard-set, and also hidden indentations or depressions. These could be risky for babies to suffocate.
If you are in the market for a used portable baby crib, choose one with mesh side panels and a the mattress is firm. It shouldn't include any decorations or straps which could pose a strangulation hazard or choking risk. It should also be easy clean, and if possible include a user's manual on paper. If the manual is not there, you can usually find the manual online.
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Make sure the crib is in compliance with the federal safety standards prior to purchasing a second-hand crib. Compare it with the crib safety guidelines on the CPSC website. You can also use the website to look up recalls on a particular crib.
Some parents decide to sell their cribs for travel when their child moves out of them, it's an unwise choice. In time a crib mattress that has been used could be a danger to suffocate and contaminated with bacteria. It is important to check the mattress for cleanliness by pressing hard into it with your hand. If it leaves an indentation it's soft and shouldn't be used.
If you purchase a second-hand crib for your baby then let them lay down in it for a few weeks prior to your journey. Try setting it up in your home and let them sleep there during the day for a few days prior to when you travel. This will help them adjust to their new sleeping environment and lessen the stress they experience during your travels.
Getting started
A bedside crib for travel, also known as a portable crib or play yard, offers a safe and secure space for your baby to rest while you travel. Some parents use the crib at home or when visiting relatives and friends and others take it along on vacation. Whatever the reason, a travel crib can make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable for both you and your baby.
When shopping for a portable crib, choose one that is easy to install and fold down. Make sure you read the directions before you purchase to ensure that the process is simple and that you're comfortable using it. Choose a crib with a machine-washable feature to cut down on time and cost. Keep your portable crib clean to ensure it looks like new. Many consignment shops will not accept a dirty portable baby crib.
Do some practice folding and putting up the crib prior to your trip. This will help your baby get familiar with the crib, making it easier to move to a hotel. You can put a favorite blanket or lovey in there to familiarize your child with the smell and space.
If your baby is awake or asleep it's vital to remain close to them while they're in the crib. You can rock or hold them to help them sleep and wake up. You can also put them in their crib with a favourite blanket and swaddle to keep them warm. If your baby is too old for swaddling you can use a sleep sack. This will ensure that they are secure and comfortable in their crib.
If you're planning on taking your baby with you on vacation it might be beneficial to invest in a 3-in-1 travel crib. This kind of bed can be used as co-sleeper, travel cot as well as a bassinet for babies that are up to 6 months old. 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's also easy to clean and folds away in just a few seconds, making it a great choice for families with busy schedules.