Are You Getting The Most From Your Bedside Crib?

Buying a Bedside Crib For Travel

The size of this crib is ideal for mothers. It's larger than a Moses Basket, but smaller than a Cot Bed. It can also fold down to a quarter of its original size, and then put in a handy bag for traveling.

It is important to remember that the crib should be used only to sleep and that toys like blankets, pillows and pillows pose a suffocation hazard.

Safety

When you're looking for a travel cot ensure that the manufacturer is adhering to all safety standards. A good place to start is the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website, which can inform you whether or not a certain crib for portable has been recall. You'll also want to choose a mattress that is appropriate for your baby's crib, so it doesn't slip into the gaps between the crib sides or create a suffocation risk.

When choosing a crib or bassinet choose one that meets the newer safety standards that were revised in 2022. It is also recommended to avoid cribs that are older and cribs that have been modified or drop side cribs that were used for travel as they aren't evaluated and could pose dangers to your baby's safety.

A travel crib needs to be well-built and sturdy. Make sure there aren't any loose, missing or broken screws and other hardware. If you're using a playard, it must have mesh windows and sturdy walls for air flow. The crib's slats must not be more than 2 3/8 inches apart to prevent the baby's head and limbs from becoming trapped. Also, never put pillows, blankets or toys with stuffed animals in the crib. These objects can choke or drown your baby. They must be removed at the time they are able to stand up independently or before the age of five months.

It's also important to check often for loose or broken screws and hardware, especially when traveling with your infant. Make sure to remove all crib furniture before use, as well.

If you are using a portable crib for your baby ensure that it's not positioned directly under the large windows. A window can be an accident hazard and if your child rolls into it, they may get injured. It's recommended to keep your baby's sleeping space away from windows, even if they are old enough to roll over. If your child starts to roll over while sleeping it's best to get them up in order to avoid injury.

Portability

If you're planning a trip on vacation, have family staying with you, or need a secure bedside crib for sleepovers with friends, a portable crib (or playard or playard, as they're sometimes called) is an excellent option. These playards fold up and have a comfortable mattress that can accommodate children up to 15 kg. They are easy to put together and compact when closed.

The BabyBjorn Travel Crib is a fav among MFM home testers who appreciate the fact that it can be folded and stored in just a few minutes and that its easy-to-use drop-down panels are simple enough for even sleepy parents to use. It's not the lightest backpack and play, but with just under 15 pounds, it's an acceptable weight. It also comes with regular handles instead of a backpack strap, which some parents find more comfortable.

Another option that is worth considering is the Joie Kubbie Sleep, which incorporates a bedside crib and bassinet in one compact unit that is ideal for both holidays and overnight visits to relatives and friends. It's not the cheapest option but it does come with many features, including an organizer basket as well as calming lights for the night that change colour, lullabies, and white noise to help your child fall asleep.

It's also easy to clean, with machine washable and wipeable fabric. It's also light at just 12 kilos and fits nicely inside the compact, convenient travel case that comes with it. It has six different height settings as well as an adjustable tummy tilt for reflux or colic babies. It can fit all bed sizes. It is also very easy to set up. Our MFM tester was able to do it in only 10 minutes. You'll need to buy an additional mattress however.

Feeding

If you're traveling to work or for pleasure it's essential to ensure your baby is comfortable and safe on the road. While some families might be attracted to use a bassinet or a crib that they own but it's better to purchase one that is specifically designed for travel. They are smaller and have mesh sides that allow parents to observe their baby without disturbing them. They are also lightweight for easy transportation between destinations. They also meet all safety standards of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and haven't been recalled.

If you are required to use a crib that is placed at your bedside, it's recommended that your infant be laid on their backs and the mattress be free of blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals. This type of co-sleeping increases the chance of SIDS. If you have to sleep with your child occasionally, ensure that you only do so when your baby is asleep and you're completely dressed and awake.

The types of bedside cribs available for infants and young children include:

Some are designed like a mini crib or a Moses basket, whereas others have sides that can be set down into the parent's bed. This allows for middle-of-the-night access to the baby for feeding and comforting while avoiding the dangers of co-sleeping that the AAP recommends against due to the risk of suffocation. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Bassinet is a bedside sleeper which attaches to a mattress that is used by a parent. This can also be a safer option for older babies because the sides can easily be raised to let you reach the baby from the adult bed without lifting the mattress out. Another option is the travel cot, which has a built-in bassinet which can be removed from the top of the crib, making it easier to raise an infant who is sleeping for feeding or other care.

Sleeping

Bedside cribs let you co-sleep safely with your baby. They are placed next to your bed to allow you to easily reach them for feedings and check on their sleeping without disturbing them. Some cribs have an opening on the side that can be lower to make it easier, and others have an adjustable height setting to ensure they are able to be able to fit in your bed at home or when you are away.

Previously, it was recommended that infants have their own bedrooms. However parents are increasingly opting to sleep in a co-sleep.  bedside travel cot , referred to as rooming in, allows babies to stay close to their parents, while remaining safely separated in their own crib or a bassinet. There are many types of co-sleepers that are available such as the iCrib, an iCrib-style portable crib that can fit on top of a bed or a crib. This model comes with a light frame and a mattress that can be removed and can be folded for easy 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 and a tummy tilt to help with reflux and colic. Our MFM home testers praised the crib for its compact folding design and its ease of use. It is also available in various colors.

There are also bedside cribs that are freestanding, such as our Lilly or Alain which you can put next to the standard bed frame. The cribs come with an elongated side that can slide down to allow you to grab your child for feedings at night. However they are also self-contained so your baby can remain asleep peacefully. These cribs also meet the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements which stipulate that 120mm high barriers must be placed between your mattress and the cot of your child.

There are also cribs for travel available. They are designed specifically to be taken along on the road. They are usually smaller and lighter than a standard crib and are therefore more convenient to take into and out of cars and hotels. The Munchkin Brica travel crib, for example can be set up and put down in less than a minute and it weighs just 3 pounds, making it easy to lift and carry.