Buying a Travel Bedside Crib
A mattress cover that is machine washable is important for those times when your baby has a messy accident or you need to clean up the crib between trips. This cover does exactly this and comes with a simple travel bag.
It has an innovative incline feature that helps ease reflux. It works with both divan beds and frame-like bed frames. It also has breathable mesh sides to help regulate your baby's temperature during sleep.
Safety
A bedside crib is an ideal solution for parents who are new. You can lay down next to your child without having to worry about being suffocated. Bedside cribs let you soothe your baby during the night and reach them to feed or provide comfort without having to get up from bed. This is especially useful after a c section birth.
These cribs are also a great option for older children who are too small to fit in the bed of a toddler. It's essential that the crib you have at your side is compliant with the most current safety standards. Search for a crib that is compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This requires a 120mm tall barrier between the crib and your child's mattress to prevent your child from rolling onto yours.
You can also look out for a crib that has the feet-to-foot' position, where you place your baby in the crib with their feet at the foot of the bed - this helps them to stay more comfortable and decreases the possibility of them getting trapped under the covers. Certain models allow you to tilt the crib which can be helpful for babies with digestive issues like reflux or colic. However, be aware that tilting the crib could increase the risk of your baby falling out, so it's best done with caution and only with the guidance of your doctor or health professional.
When not in use the travel crib must be thoroughly cleaned prior to when it is packed away. This includes wiping down the mattress, any bedding, and any covers made of fabric as well as cleaning any waterproof areas. This is important to avoid introducing mold or bacteria into the environment where your baby sleeps. Also, remember to clean up any parts that are removable and wash them regularly too. Also, you should check the crib for signs of being worn out and clean any materials which have come into contact with urine or faeces. These can become infected and cause infection. 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 way to keep your baby close as you sleep. It's a safe method to sleep together and can be used as a crib for an individual or a travel crib when you stay with your grandparents or taking a vacation. You can pick from a range of cribs to fit your bed's height with some specifically designed for divan beds and others that attach to the side of your bed as side-cars.
A crib that is suitable for bed should be easy to clean, best with a mattress which can be washed in the machine. Find mattresses that are air-conditioned to keep your baby cool. Some of the top cribs also have an incline for reflux to aid babies with acid reflux.
You should always adhere to the Safe Sleep guidance provided by the Lullaby Trust and ensure your baby's bedding is safe and there are no gaps between the mattress of an adult and the crib. You could also consider an alternative side-car crib, such as the Chicco Next2Me. It is quick and easy to put together and comes with a convenient travel bag. MFM test participants found it to be the lightest and portable of all cribs that they looked at for their bedside.
It is completely safe to cosleep with your baby in a crib. However, travel cot bedside crib might not be the most practical option for long periods and could result in back discomfort. It is also important to keep in mind that these cribs are only suitable for up to six months, at which point you'll have to transfer them to an ordinary cot or moses basket.
Be wary of models with a barrier that can be lowered all the way down to your mattress. This could cause your child to roll out of the crib and onto your mattress. The majority of new cribs for bed have a half-height barrier 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, but it was still beneficial for her family.
Buying an used crib
The purchase of second-hand baby items is a common money-saving strategy for parents who are new. Consignment shops as well as flea markets and thrift stores are great places to locate baby items at a fraction the cost of retail.
However, there are some baby products that shouldn't be purchased secondhand, like travel cribs. Although it's difficult to discern a used crib's history it is possible that some were in accidents, making them unsafe. A crib mattress that has been used may also have mold and stains that are hard-set, as well hidden depressions or indentations. These could pose dangerous for babies who are suffocated.
When looking for a used portable baby crib, choose one with mesh side panels and mattresses that are firm. It shouldn't include any decorations or straps which could create a strangulation risk or pose a risk of choking. Additionally it should be easy to clean and have an instructional manual on paper, if possible. If the manual is not available, you may get a copy from the internet.
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Make sure the crib is in compliance with federal safety standards before buying a used one. The easiest way to check is by comparing it to the crib safety guidelines available on the site of the CPSC. You can also visit the site to find recalls for a particular crib.
Some parents decide to sell their cribs for travel when their child leaves them, this is a bad idea. A crib mattress that has been used may be prone to suffocation over time, and is often filled with bacteria. Press firmly with your hand into the mattress to test for cleanliness. If it leaves 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 before your travels. Try putting it in your home and letting them sleep there during the day for a few days prior to when you leave. This will help them adjust to the new environment and reduce the stress they experience during your travels.
Getting started
A bedside crib that is portable, also known as a portable crib or play yard provides a safe place for your baby to sleep during your travels. Some parents take their crib with them on vacation, whereas others make use of it at home or when visiting family and friends. A travel crib will make your vacation more enjoyable and relaxing for you and your child.
When shopping for a portable crib, you should look for one that is simple to put together and fold down. Before purchasing ensure that you have read the instructions to ensure that the process is easy and you are comfortable with it. Make sure to select one that is machine washable, since this feature will save you time and money. Cleaning your travel crib will help keep it looking brand new, and many consignment stores will not take a dirty portable crib.
Before you leave, practice setting up and folding the crib at home. This will help your baby get used to the crib and make it easier to make the transition to a hotel. You can place your favorite blanket or a stuffed animal in there to familiarize your child with the smell and environment.
If your baby is awake or asleep, it's important to stay close to them in the crib. You can rock or hug them to help them fall asleep and wake up. You can also put them in the crib with their blanket of choice and wrap them in a swaddle to keep them warm. Once your baby is too big for swaddling, consider a sleep sack to ensure they are comfortable and safe in the crib.
If you are planning to take your baby on a vacation, a 3-in-1 crib may be the best option. This kind of bed can be used as a co-sleeper, travel cot as well as a bassinet for babies up to 6 months old. The Silver Cross Slumber is a popular choice because it includes padding for the mattress that is made of breathable mesh. It's easy to clean and folds down in seconds and is a great choice for families with busy schedules.