Buying a Travel Bedside Crib
A machine-washable crib mattress cover can be useful when your baby is injured or you need to clean your crib between trips. This one does just that and comes with a simple travel bag.
It comes with a clever incline feature that can help ease reflux. It works with both divan beds and framed bed frames. It comes with breathable mesh side panels to help maintain the temperature of your baby while they sleep.
Safety
A crib at the bedside can help save space for new parents. You can rest close to your child without worrying about the risk of suffocation. Bedside cribs allow you to help your baby sleep at night, and to easily reach them to feed them or provide comfort without having to get up from your bed. This is especially useful after a c-section birth.
These cribs are also a great choice for older children who are too small to fit in a toddler bed. But, it's essential to ensure that your crib meets the most current safety standards - look for a model that complies with BS EN 1130:2019. This requires a 120mm-high barrier between the crib and parent's mattress to stop your child from falling onto yours.
You can also look out for a crib that offers 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 chance of them becoming 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 important to use the crib tilting feature with caution. It could increase the chance of your baby falling out.
When it is not being used, a travel crib must be thoroughly cleaned prior to when it's packed away. This includes wiping down the mattress, any bedding and any fabric covers, plus cleaning any waterproof areas. It is essential to do this to prevent introducing bacteria or mould into your baby's sleeping environment. Also, remember to clean any removable parts and clean them regularly. Also, you should inspect the crib for signs of wear and tear and clean any materials that come into contact with faeces or urine since they can be contaminated and cause infections. This should be done each time you use the crib and before packing it away to store it away.
Cosleeping
A bedside crib lets you to keep your child close to you while you rest. It allows you to cosleep comfortably and can be used as a separate crib or travel crib to stay with grandparents for the night' or on holidays. You can choose from a range of models that suit your bed height. Some are designed to fit on divan beds, while others can be attached to the side of your bed like sidecars.
A crib that is suitable for bed should be easy to clean, and ideally with a removable mattress that can be machine washed. You should also look for a breathable mattress that keeps your baby cool and comfortable. Some of the best cribs also come with an incline for reflux to aid babies with 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 test a side-car crib like the Chicco Next2Me, which is quick and simple to assemble, and comes with a handy bag for transport. MFM testers found this to be the lightest and portable of all the cribs for bedside use they tested.
While it is safe to cosleep in a crib, you should be aware that this might not be the most comfortable choice for prolonged periods of time and can cause back pain. It is important to note that these cribs are only suitable for 6 months, when you will need to move them to an ordinary moses basket or cot.
You should be cautious about a crib with a drop-down barrier that drops all up to your bed. This could result in your baby rolling out of the crib onto your mattress, which isn't recommended. Most cribs with a new bed come with a 'half-height' barrier that is lower than the mattress to prevent this from happening. One of our MFM testers found that this feature was not as straightforward to use as she expected however, it was an effective solution for her family.
Buying a used crib
Second-hand baby items are a great option to save money for new parents. Whether you need a new car seat or an extra crib for traveling, a variety of baby items can be purchased in consignment stores, flea markets, and thrift shops for just a fraction of the cost of retail.
However, there are certain baby items that shouldn't be purchased second-hand, such as travel cribs. It's difficult to tell if a crib has been damaged in an accident, however there are some that have. This could result in it being dangerous. Additionally the mattress of a used crib may be covered in stains or mold, and hidden depressions or indentations that could create a risk of suffocation for babies.
If you are looking for a secondhand crib for your portable, make sure you choose one with mesh sides and a firm mattress. It should also have no decorations or straps that could create an choking or strangulation risk. Lastly it should be simple to clean and come with an instruction manual in paper if it is possible. If the manual is missing it is usually possible to find an online copy.
Consumer ReportsOpens a new window is a reliable source for product information and recommendations. The Bump is a proud of our partnership with Consumer Reports. Consumer Reports experts assess thousands of products each year, which means the ratings and reviews that appear here are true.
Make sure the crib is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government before purchasing a used one. The easiest way to check is by comparing it to the crib safety guidelines on the CPSC's website. You can also go to the website to look up recalls on a particular crib.
Some parents decide to sell their travel cribs after their child has outgrown them. This is not a good decision. As time passes, a used crib mattress could become a hazard for suffocation and may be contaminated with bacteria. Press your hands firmly into the mattress to test for cleanliness. If it leaves marks, it's 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 prior to your journey. Set it up at home and let them sleep in it throughout the day a few days prior to your trip. This will help them adjust to their new sleeping environment and lessen the stress they experience during your journey.
Getting started
A travel crib, also known as a portable crib or play yard, is a secure place to sleep for your baby while you are traveling. Some parents choose to use the crib at home or when visiting relatives and friends or bring it along with them when they go on vacation. Whatever the reason, a crib for travel can make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable for both you and your baby.
Look for a portable cot that is easy to assemble and fold. Before purchasing, make sure you read the instructions to ensure that the process is easy and you feel comfortable using it. Select This Web page that has an option to wash it with a machine to save time and money. Keeping your travel crib clean will keep it looking new and a lot of consignment shops won't accept the dirty crib.
Do some practice folding and putting up the crib before your journey. This will help your baby get familiar with it, making the transition to a hotel room feel less intimidating. You can even throw a lovey or favorite 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 comfort them or rock them to assist them to fall asleep and then wake up. You can also put them in their crib with a favourite blanket and swaddle them to keep them warm. Once your baby is too big for swaddling, consider a sleep sack to keep them comfortable and safe in the crib.
If you plan to take your baby on a vacation, a 3-in-1 crib may be a good idea. The bed can be used by newborns as well as a cot or bassinet. The Silver Cross Slumber is a popular option because it comes with a padded mattress that is made of mesh that is breathable. It is easy to clean, and it folds in just a few seconds. This makes it a perfect option for busy families.