Buying a Travel Bedside Crib
Having a machine-washable mattress cover is important for those times when your baby has a dirty accident or you want to freshen up the crib after a trip. This one is simple to use and comes with an extra travel bag.
It comes with a clever incline feature that helps ease reflux. It is compatible with divan beds as well as framed bed frames. It features sides with breathable mesh to maintain the temperature of your baby as they sleep.
Safety
A bedside crib can be a space-saving solution for new parents. You can lay down next to your child without having to worry about being suffocated. Bedside cribs allow you to comfort your baby at night and reach them to feed them or comfort them, without needing to get up from bed. This is especially useful following a birth via c-section.
These cribs are also a great option for older children who aren't big enough to fit into a toddler bed. It's crucial to ensure that your bedside crib meets the most current safety standards. Choose an item that meets BS EN 1130:2019. This requires a 120mm high barrier between the crib and parent's mattress to prevent your child from rolling onto yours.
Choose a crib that allows the baby's feet at the foot of the bed. baby bedside cot will help them feel more at ease and lower the chance of being sucked into the bed. Some cribs also allow you to tilt the crib, which can be helpful for babies with digestive issues like reflux or colic. Be aware that tilting the crib can increase the risk of your baby being thrown out, so it's best done with caution and only with the guidance of your physician or health visitor.
Before packing away a travel crib, it must be thoroughly cleaned. This includes cleaning the mattress, bedding, and fabric covers. It also includes cleaning any waterproof areas. This is crucial to prevent introducing bacteria or mould into your baby's sleep environment. Be sure to wipe down any parts that are removable and clean them regularly. 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, as these can become dirty and lead to infections. This should be done every time you use the crib and before packing it away to store it away.
Sleeping in
A bedside crib lets you to keep your child close to you while you rest. It allows you to cosleep in a safe manner and can be used as a separate crib or travel crib for overnight stays at grandparents or during a holidays. You can pick from a wide range of models that will fit your bed's height with some specifically designed for divan beds and others that attach to the sides of your bed like an side-car.
A good bedside crib is one that is simple to clean. It should have a mattress that can be removed and be machine washable. Find mattresses that are ventilated to keep your baby cool. Some of the best cribs will also offer a reflux incline for infants suffering from acid reflux.
You should always adhere to the Safe Sleep guidance provided by the Lullaby Trust and ensure your baby's bedding is secure and there aren't any gaps between the adult mattress and the crib. You could also choose a side-car baby crib like the Chicco Next2Me. It is simple to put together and comes with a travel bag. MFM testers found it to be the lightest and portable of the cribs for bedside use they tested.
While it is completely safe to sleep in a crib, be aware that this may not be the most comfortable option for prolonged periods of time and could cause back pain. It is important to note that these cribs are only suitable for up to 6 months, when you will need to move them to a regular cot or moses basket.
Be wary of models with barriers that can be raised all the way down to your bed. This could cause your child to fall out of the crib onto your 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 testers found that the feature was not as easy to use as expected however it was useful for her family.
Buying an old crib
Shopping for second-hand baby products is a common strategy to save money for 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 purchased in consignment stores, flea markets, and thrift shops at a fraction of the price of retail.
Travel cribs are one of the baby items you shouldn't purchase second-hand. While it's difficult to know the past of a used crib, some may have been in accidents, making them unsafe. A used crib mattress could also have mold and stains that are hard-set as well as hidden depressions or indentations. These could be risky for babies to suffocate.
When shopping for a used portable crib, look for one that has mesh side panels as well as a firm mattress. It shouldn't have any decorations or straps that could pose a strangulation hazard or choking hazard. It should also be easy to clean, and if you can, have a manual printed on paper. If the manual is not there it is usually possible to find a copy online.
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Make sure the crib is in compliance with the federal safety standards prior to purchasing a used one. The most effective way to determine this is to compare it to the crib safety guidelines available on the website of the CPSC. You can also visit the site to find recalls for the crib you are using.
Some parents decide to sell their travel cribs when their child is old enough to use them. This is a poor decision. A used crib mattress can be prone to suffocation over time, and is often infected with bacteria. It is essential to test the mattress's cleanliness by pressing firmly into it with your hand. If it leaves an indentation it's soft and shouldn't be used.
If you buy a used crib for your baby and you are able to let it to sleep in it for a few weeks prior to your trip. Try setting it up in your home and letting them sleep in it during the day for a few days before you leave. This will allow them to become comfortable with the new sleeping space and ease their stress during your journey.
Getting started
A bedside crib for travel is also known as a portable crib or play yard gives you a safe place for your baby to sleep while traveling. Some parents choose to use the crib at home or when visiting friends and family or bring it along when they go on vacation. A travel crib will make your trip more enjoyable and relaxing for both you and your child.
Look for a portable cot that is easy to assemble and fold. Check the instructions before you buy to ensure that the procedure is easy and you're comfortable with it. Choose a crib with the ability to wash it in the machine to save time and money. Maintaining your crib clean will keep it looking new and a lot of consignment shops will not take a dirty portable crib.
Before you travel, practice setting up and folding the crib at home. This will help your baby get familiar with the crib, making it easier to transition to the hotel. You can even throw an adorable or favorite blanket inside to help familiarize your baby with the room and the smell.
It is essential to keep your baby close whether they are asleep or awake. You can hug them or rock them to aid them in falling asleep and wake up. Alternatively, you can place them in the crib with their blanket of choice and wrap them in a swaddle to keep them warm. When your baby is big to be swaddled, think about a sleep sack to ensure they are comfortable and safe in the crib.
If you're planning to take your baby on a trip, it may be helpful 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 because it includes an upholstered mattress and is constructed of an air-tight mesh. It's easy to clean and folds away in just a few seconds which makes it an ideal option for busy families.