Buying a Travel Bedside Crib
A mattress cover that is machine washable is essential for those occasions when your baby has a messy accident or you need to clean up the crib after a trip. This one is simple to use and comes with a travel bag.
It has an innovative incline feature that eases reflux, and works with divan beds as well as bed frames. It also has breathable mesh sides to aid in regulating your baby's temperature while sleeping.
Safety
A bedside crib can be a space-saving solution for new parents. You can sleep close to your baby without worrying about the risk of suffocation. Bedside cribs let you comfort your baby at night, and to easily reach them to feed them or soothe them without having to get up from your bed. This is particularly useful after a c section birth.
These cribs are also a great choice for older children who aren't big enough to fit into a toddler bed. However, it's important to ensure that your crib is compliant with the most recent safety standards - look for one that is compliant with BS EN 1130:2019. This requires a minimum of 120mm between the mattress of your crib and yours, to stop your child from falling onto yours.
You can also search for a crib that offers the 'feet-to-foot' position, where you put your baby in the crib with their feet at the foot of the bed - this allows them to remain more comfortable and reduces the chance of them becoming stuck under covers. Certain cribs allow you to tilt your crib, which is helpful for babies who have digestive issues like reflux or colic. Be aware that tilting the crib can increase the chance of your baby being thrown out, so it should be to use it with extreme caution and only following the advice of your GP or health care professional.
When it is not being used, a travel crib should be thoroughly cleaned before it's put away. This includes wiping down the bedding, mattress and covers made of fabric. It also includes cleaning any waterproof areas. It's important to do this to avoid infusing mould or bacteria into your baby's sleeping environment. Also, remember to clean any parts that are removable and wash them regularly too. You should also check the crib for signs of wear and tear, and clean any fabrics that come in 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 placing it in storage.
Sleeping in
A bedside crib is a secure and practical solution to keep your baby close as you sleep. It allows you to cosleep in a safe manner and can be used as a standalone crib or travel crib for extended stays with grandparents or for trips on holiday. You can pick from a range of models to suit your bed height, with some designed for divan beds and others that attach to the side of your bed, similar to an side-car.
A good bedside crib will be easy to clean, ideally with a removable mattress that can be machine washed. You should also look for mattresses that are breathable, keeping your baby cool and comfortable. Some of the top cribs also have an incline for reflux to aid babies suffering from acid reflux.
It is recommended to follow 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 could also choose a side-car baby crib, such as the Chicco Next2Me. It is easy to put together and comes with a travel bag. MFM testers found it to be the most lightweight and portable of the cribs that they looked at for their bedside.
While bedside crib and travel cot is safe to sleep in the crib, you must be aware that this might not be the most relaxing option for prolonged periods of time and can cause back discomfort. It is also important to keep in mind that these cribs are only suitable for a period of six months, at which point you'll need to move them to a regular moses basket or cot.
Be wary of models with a barrier that can be raised to your bed. This can lead to your child falling out of the crib onto your mattress, which is not recommended. Most cribs with a new bed come with a 'half-height' barrier that is lower than the mattress to help prevent this from happening. One of our MFM test participants found that the feature was not as simple to use as expected however, it was useful for her family.
Buying a second-hand crib
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 traveling, a variety of baby items can be purchased at consignment shops, flea markets, and thrift shops at less than the cost of retail.
Travel cribs are among the products for babies that you shouldn't purchase second-hand. It is difficult to determine whether a crib was in an accident, but there are some that have. This could make it dangerous. In bedside crib travel cot , a used crib mattress could have set-in stains and mold, as well as hidden depressions or indentations that can cause suffocation risks for infants.
If you are looking for a secondhand crib for your baby, opt for one with mesh side panels and a mattresses that are firm. It shouldn't include any straps or decorations that could be a strangulation danger or pose a risk of choking. It should also be easy clean, and if possible include a user's manual on paper. If the manual is not available, you can often get a copy from the internet.
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If you are looking to purchase a second-hand crib, be sure that it meets federal safety standards. The easiest way to check is to compare it with the crib safety guidelines on the site of the CPSC. You can also go to the website to look up recalls on the crib you are using.
Some parents decide to sell their travel cribs once their child has outgrown them. This is not a good choice. A crib mattress that has been used may become a suffocation risk over time, and is often contaminated with bacteria. It's important to test the mattress's cleanliness by pressing firmly into it with your hand. If it creates an indentation it's soft and shouldn't be used.
If you choose to purchase a used crib, give your baby the chance to sleep in it prior to your trip. Set it up at home and allow them to sleep throughout the day just a few days before your travels. This will allow them to get used to the new sleeping area and reduce their stress on your journey.
Getting started
A bedside crib for travel, also known as a portable crib or play yard gives you a safe space for your baby to rest while you travel. Some parents utilize a crib for travel at home or when visiting relatives and friends, while others bring it with them on vacation. A travel crib can make your vacation more enjoyable and relaxing for both you and your child.
Choose a cot that is portable that is easy to assemble and fold. Before purchasing ensure that you have go through the directions to ensure the process is easy and you feel comfortable using it. Choose a crib with a machine-washable feature to cut down on time and cost. Maintaining your crib clean will help keep it looking brand new and many consignment stores won't accept the dirty crib.
Practice folding and setting up the crib before your trip. This will help your baby become familiar with the crib and make it easier to move to the hotel. You can even put your favorite blanket or a blanket in it to familiarize your baby with the surroundings and the smell.
It's important to keep your baby close whether they are asleep or awake. You can rock or hold them to help them sleep and get up. You can also put them in the crib with their blanket of choice and swaddle them to keep them warm. When your baby is big for swaddling, consider a sleep bag to keep them cozy and safe in the crib.
If you're planning on taking your baby traveling it could be beneficial to purchase a 3-in-1 travel crib. The bed is suitable for infants as well as a travel cot or bassinet. Silver Cross Slumber is popular because it has a padded bed and is constructed of breathable mesh. It is also easy to clean, and folds up in a matter of minutes. This makes it a perfect choice for busy families.