Buying a Travel Bedside Crib
A crib mattress cover that is machine washable is a great option if your baby is injured or you want to clean your crib between trips. This one is simple to use and comes with an extra travel bag.
It has a clever incline option that can ease reflux and is compatible with divan beds as well as framed bed frames. It comes with breathable mesh side panels to maintain the temperature of your baby as they sleep.
Safety
A crib that is placed near the bed can free space for parents who are new. It is safe for your baby to sleep close proximity to you but without the danger of sharing a bed (which can lead to death by suffocation). Bedside cribs also enable you to soothe your baby at night and easily access them to feed or comfort them without the need to get out of bed, which is particularly useful during recovery following an c-section birth.
They're also a good option for older children who aren't quite big enough to be able to fit into a toddler bed. It's essential that your crib meets the most recent safety standards - search for a crib that is compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This requires a 120mm high barrier between the crib and your child's mattress to prevent your child from slipping onto yours.
You could also look for a travel crib that has the feet-to-foot' position, where you put your baby in the crib with their feet on the foot of the bed - this helps them to stay more comfortable and lessens the chance of them becoming trapped under the covers. Some cribs also allow you to tilt the crib, which is helpful for babies with digestive issues such as reflux or colic. It is important to use the crib tilting feature with caution. It can increase the risk of your baby falling out.
Before packing away a travel crib, it must be thoroughly cleaned. This includes wiping down the bedding, mattress and fabric covers. It also includes cleaning any areas that are waterproof. This is crucial to avoid introducing bacteria or mould into the environment where your baby sleeps. Be sure to clean up any parts that are removable and wash them frequently too. Also, you should 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 infected and cause infection. This should be done each time before you use the crib, and before packing it away to be stored away.
Cosleeping
A bedside crib is a secure and practical option to keep your baby close to you while you rest. It is a safe way to sleep in a cosleep position and can be used as an independent crib or travel crib when staying with grandparents or on vacation. You can choose from a range of models that suit your bed's height. Some are specifically designed to fit on divan beds, while others can be attached to the side of your bed like a sidecar.
A great crib for your bed will be easy to clean, ideally with a mattress that is machine washable. Also, you should look for an air-conditioned mattress that keeps your baby cool and comfortable. Some of the best cribs also have a reflux incline for babies who suffer from acid reflux.
You should always follow the Safe Sleep guidance provided by the Lullaby Trust and ensure your baby's bedding is safe and there are no gaps between the adult mattress and the crib. You could also consider a side-car crib like the Chicco Next2Me, which is quick and simple to assemble, and comes with a convenient bag for travel. MFM testers found this to be the lightest and portable of the bedside cribs they reviewed.
It is completely safe to cosleep with your baby in a crib. However, it might not be the most practical option for long periods and could cause back discomfort. These cribs should only be used for a maximum of six months. After that, you'll need to switch to a cot or moses basket.
Be cautious with models that have a barrier that can be lifted all the way down to your bed. This can lead to your child falling out of the crib onto your mattress, which isn't recommended. Most new bedside cribs have a half-height barrier that is lower then the mattress to prevent this. One of our MFM testers found that the feature was not as easy to use as she expected however, it was beneficial for her family.
Buying a second-hand crib
Second-hand baby products are an excellent option to save money new parents. It doesn't matter if you need a brand new car seat or a crib for traveling, a variety of baby items can be bought at consignment shops and flea markets as well as thrift shops at a fraction of the price of retail.
Travel cribs are one of the products for babies that you should not buy second-hand. It's hard to tell whether a crib was involved in an accident, but some may have. This could make it unsafe. A crib mattress used for a while may also be contaminated with mold and stains that are hard-set, as well hidden indentations or depressions. wooden bedside cot could pose dangerous for babies who are suffocated.
If you are looking for a secondhand portable crib, look for one with mesh sides and a sturdy mattress. It shouldn't include any decorations or straps that could create a strangulation risk or pose a risk of choking. Also it should be easy to clean and include an instruction manual in paper if it is it is possible. If the manual isn't available, you might find a copy on the internet.
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Check that the crib meets the federal safety standards prior to purchasing a second-hand crib. Compare it to the crib safety guidelines on the CPSC website. You can also check the website for recalls of specific cribs.
Some parents decide to sell their travel cribs once their child is no longer in them, it's a bad idea. In time a crib mattress that has been used could become a hazard for suffocation and contaminated with bacteria. It is important to check the mattress for cleanliness by pressing it into it with your hand. If it creates an indentation, it's too soft and should not be used.
If you decide to buy a used crib, give your baby a chance to sleep in it prior to your journey. Try putting it in your home and letting them sleep in it throughout the day for a few days prior to when you leave for your trip. This will allow them to adjust to the new sleeping area and reduce their stress on your journey.
Getting started
A travel crib, also called a portable crib, or a play yard, is a safe place to sleep your child while you are traveling. Some parents bring their cribs with them when they go on vacation, while others make use of it at home or to visit family and friends. A travel crib can make your excursion more enjoyable and relaxing for you and your child.
If you're shopping for a portable crib, look for one that is easy to install and fold down. Make sure you read the directions before you purchase to ensure the procedure is easy and that you're comfortable using it. Also, choose a crib that's machine washable, as this feature will save you time and money. Maintaining your crib clean will keep it looking brand new and many consignment stores will not accept an unclean crib.
Before you leave Practice setting up and folding the crib at home. This will help get your baby familiar with it, making the transition to the hotel room less intimidating. You can also put a favorite blanket or lovey in there to familiarize your child with the smell and environment.
If your baby is asleep or awake, it's important to stay close to them in the crib. You can hug them or rock them to assist them to fall asleep 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 old enough for swaddling, you can opt for 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 could be beneficial to purchase a 3-in-1 travel crib. This type of bed can be used as co-sleeper, travel cot and bassinet for infants up to 6 months old. The Silver Cross Slumber is a popular option because it comes with a padded mattress and is constructed of an air-tight mesh. It's also easy to clean and folds down in a matter of seconds which makes it an ideal option for busy families.