Buying a Bedside Crib For Travel
The size of this crib is ideal for moms. It's larger than the Moses Basket, but smaller than the Cot Bed. It folds down to a third of its original size and fits into a convenient travel bag, making it perfect for travel.
Make sure that the crib is only for sleeping. Toys such as pillows, blankets and pillows can suffocate a child.
Safety
If you are looking for a travel cot, make sure that the manufacturer complies with all safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) site is a good place to begin. It will inform you if a portable crib has ever been recall. You should also select appropriate for your baby's bed, so it doesn't slip into gaps in the sides of the crib or create a suffocation risk.
When choosing the right bassinet or crib choose one that is in compliance with the latest safety standards that were updated in 2022. It is also recommended to avoid older cribs or cribs that have been modified, or drop side cribs that are recycled for use in travel, as they have not been tested and may pose risks to your baby's safety.
A travel crib needs to be built well and strong. Examine for broken, missing or loose screws and other hardware. If you're using a playard it should have sturdy walls and mesh windows to allow for proper air flow. The slats of the crib should be spaced no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to keep baby's head and legs from getting trapped. Don't put any toys, blankets, or toys that are stuffed with animals in the crib. These items could strangle or suffocate your baby. They should be removed as soon as they are able to stand up independently or before the age of 5 months.
Examine frequently for broken or loose screws and other hardware. This is especially crucial when traveling with a baby. Take all plastic out of the crib as well.
If you're using a portable baby crib be sure that it's not placed in front of a large window. bedside travel crib is a fall hazard and your baby may be injured when they fall into it. It's recommended to keep your baby's sleeping space away from windows, even if they are old enough to roll over. If your baby starts to roll over during sleep, it's a good idea awake them to prevent injury.
Portability
If you're planning a trip on vacation, have family staying with you, or want a safe bedside crib for sleepovers or with friends, an portable crib (or playard, as they are sometimes called) is an excellent option. These foldable contraptions are easy to put together and compact when closed, and come with an incredibly comfortable mattress that can support newborns up to 15kg.
The BabyBjorn Travel Crib is a favorite among MFM home testers who appreciate the fact it can be folded down and stored in just a few minutes and that its simple one-handed drop-down panels are easy for even bleary-eyed parents to use. It's not our tiniest pack-and-play play, but with just under 15 pounds, it's an acceptable weight. It also comes with normal handles instead of a backpack-style strap that some people prefer.
Another excellent option is the Joie Kubbie Sleep, which includes a crib for bed and a bassinet into a compact unit that's ideal for both holidays and overnight visits to relatives and friends. It's not the most affordable alternative but it does come with various features, including a basket for storage as well as calming lights for the night that change color, lullabies, and white noise to help your child sleep.
It's also easy to keep clean, with machine-washable and wipeable fabrics. It's also light at just 12 kilos, and fits neatly into the small, handy travel case that comes with it. It comes with six different height settings and the tilt of the tummy for reflux/colic babies, and can fit beds of all sizes. It's also extremely easy to set up and has our MFM tester being able to have it set up in only 10 minutes. You'll need to buy an additional mattress however.
Feeding
It is essential that your child is safe and secure when you travel, whether on pleasure or business. While some families might be tempted to use a bassinet or a crib that they already own however, it's recommended to purchase one specifically made for travel. These are smaller and with mesh sides that allow parents to check on their babies without disturbing them. They are lightweight enough for easy transport between destinations. These also meet the safety standards of American Academy of Pediatrics and have not been recalled.
If you have to use a crib beside your bed, it is recommended that you put your baby on their back. The mattress should be free of blankets, pillows and toys. This kind of sleeping arrangement increases the risk of SIDS. If you have to sleep with your child occasionally, ensure that you only do so when your baby is asleep and that you are at all times dressed and awake.
The bedside cribs for babies and infants include:
Some are shaped like an oversized crib or Moses basket, and others have sides that can be set to the bed of the parent. This allows access to the baby to feed and comfort without exposing the risk of true co-sleeping, which the AAP recommends against due to dangers of suffocation. Examples include the Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Bassinet, an infant bed that is attached to the sides of a parent's mattress. This can also be an option for older babies since the sides can easily be raised to let you reach the baby from the adult bed without lifting them out. Another option is a travel cot, which has a built-in bassinet which can be removed from the top of the crib making it easier to lift an infant who is sleeping for feeding or care.
Sleeping
Bedside cribs allow you to co-sleep safely with your baby. They are set next to your bed so you can easily reach them during night feedings and check on their sleeping without disturbing them. Some cribs have a drop side that can be lowered to make it easier, and others come with an adjustable height adjustment to ensure they are able to be able to fit in your bed at home or away.
It was previously recommended that infants be in their own room. However parents are increasingly choosing to sleep in a co-sleep. Also known as rooming in, this arrangement allows babies to be close to their parents but remain safe and separate from their own bassinet or crib. There are many types of co-sleepers that are available like the iCrib, which is designed to be portable and can be placed on top of your bed or a standard crib. It has a lightweight frame, a removable mattress and is foldable into a compact size for storage. There's also the Joie Roomie Go crib, that can be attached to the edge of a bed and features 7 adjustable height positions as well as a tummy tilt to help with reflux and colic. Our MFM home testers loved this crib for its small folding and easy to use. It is also available in a variety of colors.
You can also buy freestanding bedside cribs such as our Lilly or Alain that you can place next to a standard bed frame. The cribs feature a side barrier that can be lowered to allow you to grab your baby for feedings at night. However the cribs are completely self-contained, allowing your baby to continue sleeping peacefully. These cribs meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards that require a 120mm gap between your mattress and child's crib.
Travel cribs are also available. They are designed specifically to be carried when traveling. They are typically smaller and lighter than standard cribs, making it easier to move them in and out hotels and cars. The Munchkin Brica travel crib, for instance can be set up and packed down in under an hour and weighs just 3 pounds, making it easy to move and carry.