Buying a Travel Bedside Crib
Having a machine-washable mattress cover is essential for those occasions when your baby has a messy accident or you want to freshen up the crib after trips. This one is easy to use and comes with a travel bag.
It has an innovative incline option that can ease reflux, and works with divan beds as well as framed bed frames. It also comes with breathable mesh sides to help regulate your baby's temperature while sleeping.
Safety
A crib at the bedside can help save space for the new parents. It is safe for your baby to sleep in close proximity to you but without the risk of bed-sharing (which could result in suffocation). Bedside cribs let you comfort your baby at night and reach them to feed or soothe them without having to get up from your bed. This is particularly useful following a birth via c-section.
They're also a good option for older children who are still too small to fit into the bed of a toddler. It is essential that your crib is in compliance with the most up-to-date safety standards. Search for a model which complies with BS EN1130:2019. This requires a minimum of 120mm between the mattress of your crib and yours to prevent your child from rolling on yours.
Look for a crib that permits you to place your baby's feet near the bottom of the bed. This will allow them to feel more comfortable and will decrease the chance of them being trapped under the covers. Some models also allow you to tilt the crib which is beneficial for babies suffering from digestive issues such as reflux or colic. Be aware that tilting the crib could increase the likelihood of your baby falling out, so it's best done with care and only on the advice of your GP or health care professional.
When not in use, a travel crib should be thoroughly cleaned before it's packed away. This should include cleaning the mattress, any bedding or fabric covers as well as cleaning any waterproof areas. It's essential to do this in order to avoid infusing mould or bacteria into your baby's sleeping environment. Remember to clean and dry every part that is removable. You should also check the crib for signs that it's worn out and clean any materials which have come into contact with urine or faeces. They could become contaminated, and cause infections. You should clean the crib each time you use the crib, and before you store it.
Sleeping in
A bedside crib allows you to keep your child close to you while you sleep. It's a safe method to cosleep and can be used as a crib for an individual or a travel crib if you are staying with grandparents or on vacation. You can pick from a wide range of cribs to fit your bed's height with some specifically made for divan beds and others that can be attached to the sides of your bed like side-cars.
A good bedside crib should be easy to clean, best with a mattress which can be washed in the machine. Look for mattresses that are air-conditioned to keep your baby cool. Some of the top cribs also come with a reflux incline to help babies with acid reflux.
Follow the Safe Sleep guidelines provided by the Lullaby Trust to ensure that your baby's crib is safe and that there aren't gaps in between the crib and the adult mattress. You can also opt for a side-car baby crib, such as the Chicco Next2Me. It is easy to assemble and includes an accompanying travel bag. This is a popular choice with MFM users who found it be the most portable and lightweight of the cribs for beds we tested.
It is perfectly safe to cosleep with your baby in a crib. However, it may not be the most convenient option for prolonged periods and could result in back pain. These cribs should only be used for a maximum of six months. After that, you will have change to an cot or moses basket.
Be wary of models with barriers that can be lowered all the way to your mattress. This can lead to your baby rolling out of the crib onto your mattress, which isn't recommended. The majority of cribs with bedside rails come with an upper half-height bar that is lower than your mattress to prevent this. One of our MFM testers discovered that this feature was not as straightforward to use as she had hoped, but was still a useful solution for her family.
Buying an used crib
Second-hand baby items are an excellent way to save money for new parents. Consignment shops, flea markets and thrift stores are excellent places to find baby items at a fraction the price of retail.
Travel cribs are one of the baby products you should never purchase second-hand. While it's difficult to know a used crib's history it is possible that some were in accidents, which could make them dangerous. Additionally the mattress of a used crib may be covered in stains or mold, as well as hidden depressions or indentations that could cause suffocation risks for infants.
If you are looking for a secondhand portable crib, look for one with mesh side panels and a sturdy mattress. It shouldn't have any decorations or straps that could create a strangulation risk or choking risk. Lastly it should be simple to clean and include an instruction manual in paper if it is possible. If the manual isn't available, you might find a copy on the internet.
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When looking for a second-hand crib, be sure that it meets federal safety standards. The easiest way to check is by comparing it to the crib safety guidelines available on the site of the CPSC. You can also use the website to look up recalls on a particular crib.
Although some parents sell their travel cribs when their child leaves them, it's a bad idea. A used crib mattress can develop suffocation hazards over time, and is often filled with bacteria. Press firmly with your hand into the mattress to check for cleanliness. If it leaves a mark, it is too soft and shouldn't be used.
If you choose to purchase a used crib, allow your baby a chance to sleep in it prior to your trip. Set it up at home and let them sleep in it during the day a few days prior to your travels. This will allow them to adjust to their new sleeping environment and ease their stress during your trip.
Getting started
A travel crib, also referred to as a portable crib, also known as a play yard, is a secure place to sleep your baby while traveling. Some parents use a travel crib at home or when visiting relatives and friends, while others bring it along with them on vacation. Whatever the reason, a crib for travel can make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable for both you and your child.
When you're looking for a portable crib, choose one that is simple to install and fold down. Before purchasing ensure that you have read the instructions to ensure the process is easy and that you feel comfortable using it. Make sure to select a crib that is machine washable, since this feature will save you time and money. Keep your crib clean to ensure it looks brand new. Many 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 used to the crib, making it easier to transition to the hotel. You can put your favorite blanket or a stuffed animal in there to familiarize your child with the smell and the space.
It's important to keep your baby close whether they're asleep or awake. You can comfort them or rock them to help them fall asleep and wake up. You can also place them in their crib with a favourite blanket and swaddle them 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 are planning to take your baby on a trip and need a crib that can be three-in-one, a 3-in-1 crib be a good idea. This type of bed can be used as co-sleeper, travel crib and bassinet for newborns from 6 months to 6 years old. Silver Cross Slumber is popular because it has a padded bed that is constructed of breathable mesh. It's also easy to clean and folds away in seconds, making it a great option for busy families.