Buying a Travel Bedside Crib
The use of a machine-washable mattress cover is essential for those occasions when your baby has an accident or you want to clean up the crib after a trip. This cover is perfect for this and comes with a simple travel bag.
It has a clever incline option that helps to ease reflux, and works with divan beds as well as bed frames. It has side panels that are breathable to regulate the temperature of your baby while they sleep.
Safety
A bedside crib is a space-saving solution for new parents. It's safe for your baby to be able to sleep close proximity to you but without the danger of bed-sharing (which could lead to death by suffocation). Bedside cribs can also allow you to provide comfort for your baby in the night and have them easily reach them for feeding or comforting without having to get up which is a great benefit after a c-section birth.
These cribs are also a great option for older children who aren't big enough to fit into the bed of a toddler. But, it's essential to make sure that your crib is compliant with the most recent safety standards. Look for an item that meets BS EN 1130:2019. This requires a minimum of 120mm between the mattress of your crib and yours to prevent your child from falling onto your bed.
Find a crib that allows you to put your baby's feet near the bottom of the bed. This will allow them to feel more at ease and reduce the risk of them being trapped in the bed. Some models also allow you to tilt the crib, which can be helpful for babies with digestive issues such as reflux or colic. It is recommended to use the crib tilting feature with caution. It can increase the chance of your baby falling out.
When not in use a travel crib should be thoroughly cleaned before it's put away. This includes cleaning the bedding, mattress and fabric covers. Also, it is important to clean any waterproof areas. This is crucial to prevent the introduction of 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 that it is worn out and clean any fabrics that have come in contact with urine and faeces. They could become dirty and lead to infections. This should be done each time you use the crib, and before packing it away to store it away.
Sleeping in
A bedside crib is a secure and practical option to keep your baby close while you sleep. It lets you sleep safely and can also be used as a separate crib or a travel one for overnight stays at grandparents or during a holidays. You can pick from a variety of models to suit your bed height with some specifically made for divan beds and others that simply attach to the sides of your bed, similar to an side-car.
A crib that is suitable for bed is one that is easy to clean, best with a mattress which can be washed in the machine. Look for mattress that is ventilated to keep your baby cool. Some of the best cribs also have an incline for reflux in babies who suffer from acid reflux.
It is recommended to follow the Safe Sleep guidance provided by the Lullaby Trust and ensure your baby's bedding is safe and there aren't any gaps between the adult mattress and the crib. You can also test a side-car crib such as the Chicco Next2Me. It is quick and simple to assemble, and comes with a handy bag for transport. MFM testers found this to be the most lightweight and portable of the cribs for bedside use they tested.
While it is completely safe to sleep in a crib, be aware that it may not be the most relaxing option for long durations of time and may cause back discomfort. It is important to note that these cribs are only suitable for six months, at which point you'll have to move them to a regular moses basket or cot.
You should also be cautious about a crib with a drop-down barrier that drops all the way to your mattress. This can lead to your child escaping from the crib onto your mattress, which is not recommended. The majority of cribs with bedside rails come with an upper half-height bar that is lower than your mattress to stop this. One of our MFM testers discovered that this feature was not as easy to use as she expected however it was an excellent solution for her family.
Buying a crib that is second-hand
Second-hand baby items are a great option to save money new parents. Consignment shops as well as flea markets and thrift stores are excellent places to find baby items for sale at a fraction of the price retail.
Travel cribs are one of the baby products you should not buy second-hand. Although it's hard to determine the history of a crib that has been used however, some cribs may have been in accidents, making them unsafe. Additionally the mattress used in a crib may be covered in stains or mold, and hidden indentations or depressions that could cause suffocation risks for infants.
When looking for a used portable baby crib, choose one that has mesh side panels as well as a firm mattress. It should also be free of decorations or straps that could create a strangulation or choking hazard. Lastly, it should be easy to clean and come with a paper manual if possible. If the manual isn't available, you can often get a copy from the internet.
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When looking for a second-hand crib, be sure that it meets federal safety standards. The most effective way to determine this is by comparing it to the crib safety guidelines on the website of the CPSC. You can also search the website for recalls of a specific crib.
Some parents decide to sell their travel cribs after their child is old enough to use them. This is a poor decision. A crib mattress that has been used may be prone to suffocation over time, and it's often infected with bacteria. Press your hands firmly into the mattress to test for cleanliness. If it leaves an indentation, it's soft and shouldn't be used.
If you decide to purchase a second-hand crib, give your baby the opportunity to sleep in it before your travels. Try setting it up in your home and letting them sleep in it throughout the day for a few days before you leave. This will allow them to become comfortable with the new sleeping space and lessen the stress they will experience on your travels.
Getting started
A travel bedside crib, also known as a portable crib or play yard, offers a safe and secure place for your baby to rest while you travel. Some parents utilize a crib for travel at home or when visiting family and friends, while others bring it with them when they go on vacation. Whatever the reason, a travel crib can make your trip more enjoyable and enjoyable for both you and your baby.
Find a portable cot that is easy to assemble and fold. Check the instructions before you purchase to ensure that the process is simple and you're comfortable with it. Select a crib that has an option to wash it with a machine to save time and money. Keep your crib clean and it will appear fresh and new. Many consignment shops will not accept a dirty baby crib.
Make sure you fold and set up the crib before your trip. This will get your baby used to it, making the transition to a hotel room feel less intimidating. You can put a favorite blanket or lovey inside to help familiarize your child with the smell and space.
It's important to keep your baby close, whether they are asleep or awake. You can rock or hug them to help them sleep 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 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 then a crib that is 3-in-1 may be the best option. This type of bed can be used as co-sleeper, travel cot and bassinet for infants up to 6 months old. Silver Cross Slumber is popular because it has a padded bed and is made of breathable mesh. It's easy to clean and folds down in seconds and is a great option for busy families.