Buying a Travel Bedside Crib
A machine-washable crib mattress cover can be useful when your baby has an accident or you need to clean your crib between trips. This cover does exactly that and comes with a convenient travel bag.
It has a clever incline feature that can help ease reflux. It is compatible with divan beds as well as frame-like bed frames. It also comes with the ability to breathe through the mesh sides and aid in regulating your baby's temperature while sleeping.
Safety
A bedside crib is a space-saving solution for new parents. It's safe for your baby to sleep close proximity to you but without the risk of sharing a bed (which could lead to suffocation). Bedside cribs allow you to comfort your baby at night, and easily reach them to feed them or comfort them, without needing to get up from your bed. This is particularly useful following a birth via c-section.
These cribs are also a great choice for older children who aren't big enough to fit in a toddler bed. It is essential that the crib you have at your side is in compliance with the most up-to-date safety standards. Search for a crib that complies with the BS EN1130:2019. This requires a barrier of 120mm between the mattress of your crib and yours, to stop your child from falling onto yours.
You can also look out for a travel crib that can accommodate the 'feet-to foot position, in which you put your baby in the crib with their feet on the foot of the bed. This will help them stay more comfortable and reduces the chance of them becoming trapped under the covers. Certain models allow you to tilt the crib, which is beneficial for babies with digestive issues such as reflux or colic. 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 wiping down the bedding, mattress and fabric covers. Also, it is important to clean any areas that are waterproof. This is crucial to prevent introducing bacteria or mould in your baby's sleeping environment. Also, remember to clean any removable parts and wash them frequently too. You should also check the crib for signs of wear and tear, and clean any fabric that has come in contact with urine or faeces, because they can get dirty and lead to infections. This should be done every time before you use the crib, and prior to packing it away to be stored away.
Cosleeping
A bedside crib can be a safe and practical option to keep your baby close to you while you rest. It allows you to cosleep safely and can also be used as a stand-alone crib or a travel crib to stay with grandparents for the night or for trips on holidays. You can choose from a range of models that will fit the height of your bed with some specifically designed for divan beds and others that simply attach to the sides of your bed, similar to side-cars.
A great crib for bed is one that is simple to clean. It must have a removable mattress and be machine washable. Look for mattresses that are air-conditioned to keep your baby cool. Some of the best cribs also have reflux inclines for infants 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 aren't gaps between the crib and the mattress for adults. You could also choose an infant crib that is side-car, such as the Chicco Next2Me. It is simple to put together and comes with the option of a travel bag. It's a popular choice among MFM testers who found it to be the most portable and lightweight of the cribs that we reviewed.
It is perfectly safe to cosleep with your baby in a crib. However, it may not be the most practical option for long periods and could result in back pain. The cribs can only be used for up to six months. After that, you'll need to switch to an cot or moses basket.
Be cautious with models that have a barrier that can be lifted all the way down to your mattress. This could cause your baby to roll out of the crib and onto the mattress. Most new bedside cribs come with a 'half-height' barrier that is lower than the mattress to prevent this from happening. One of our MFM test subjects found that the feature was not as easy to use as we had hoped however it was beneficial for her family.
Buying an used crib
Second-hand baby products are an excellent way to save money for new parents. It doesn't matter if you need a brand new car seat or an extra crib for travelling, many baby items can be purchased in consignment stores and flea markets as well as thrift shops for less than the cost of retail.
However, there are some baby products that should never be bought secondhand, including travel cribs. It's hard to tell whether a crib was damaged in an accident, however certain cribs may have. This could render it dangerous. A crib mattress that has been used may have stains and mold that are hard-set, and also hidden depressions or indentations. bedside crib that turns into cot could be suffocation dangers for babies.
If you are looking for a secondhand crib for your portable, make sure you choose one with mesh side panels as well as a sturdy mattress. It shouldn't include any straps or decorations that could pose a strangulation hazard or choking hazard. Also it should be easy to clean and come with an instruction manual in paper if it is it is possible. If the manual is not there it's likely to be found the manual online.
Consumer ReportsOpens a new window is a reliable source of information on products and suggestions. The Bump is proud to be a partner with Consumer Reports. Experts from CR evaluate thousands of products every year, so you can trust the ratings and reviews that you read here.
When looking for a second-hand crib, be sure that it meets federal safety standards. Check it against the crib safety guidelines on the CPSC website. You can also search the website for recalls on a specific crib.
Some parents decide to sell their travel cribs after their child has outgrown them. This is a poor decision. A used crib mattress can be prone to suffocation over time, and it's often infected with bacteria. It's important to check the mattress for cleanliness by pressing hard into it with your fingers. If it makes an indentation, it's soft and should not be used.
If you purchase a second-hand crib for your baby and you are able to let it to sleep in it for a few days prior to your journey. Set it up at home and allow them to sleep during the day just a few days before your travels. This will help them become comfortable with the new sleeping area and reduce their stress on your trip.
Getting started
A travel crib, also known as a portable crib, or a play yard, is a safe place to sleep for your child while you are traveling. Some parents choose to use a crib for travel at home or when visiting friends and family 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 you're looking for a portable crib, you should look for one that is simple to set up and fold down. Make sure you read the directions before you buy to ensure that the process is simple and that you're comfortable using it. Make sure to select one that is machine washable, as this feature will help you save time and money. Keep your portable crib clean to keep it looking fresh and new. Many consignment shops won't accept a dirty baby crib.
Make sure you fold and set up the crib before your journey. This will help your baby get familiar with the crib and will make it easier for them to make the transition to the hotel. You can also put an old blanket or a soft toy in there to familiarize your child with the smell and space.
It is essential to keep your baby close whether they're asleep or awake. You can hug them or rock them to aid them in falling asleep and wake up. You can also put them in their crib with a favorite blanket and swaddle to keep them warm. When your baby is large to swaddle, you might want to consider a sleep sack to keep them comfortable and secure in the crib.
If you're planning to take your baby traveling it could be beneficial to invest in a 3-in-1 travel crib. This kind of bed can be used as co-sleeper, travel cot and bassinet for infants up to 6 months old. Silver Cross Slumber is popular because it comes with a cushioned bed and is constructed of breathable mesh. It's also easy to clean and folds up in just a few seconds, making it a great option for busy families.