Buying a Travel Bedside Crib
A machine-washable crib mattress cover can be helpful if your baby has an accident or you need to clean your crib between trips. This cover does exactly that and comes with a simple travel bag.
It has a clever incline feature that helps ease reflux. It is compatible with divan beds as well as frame-like bed frames. It also comes with breathable mesh sides to aid in regulating the temperature of your baby while he sleeps.
Safety
A bedside crib can save space for the new parents. It is safe for your baby to sleep close proximity to you but without the risk of bed-sharing (which could lead to suffocation). Bedside cribs allow you to soothe your baby at night and easily access them for feeding or comforting, without needing to leave the bed which is a great benefit after an c-section birth.
They're also a great choice for older babies who aren't big enough to fit in the bed of a toddler. It's crucial to make sure that your bedside crib meets the most recent safety standards. Look for an item that meets BS EN 1130:2019. This requires a wall of 120mm between the mattress of your crib and yours, to stop your child from rolling on yours.
You can also look out for a crib that has the feet-to-foot position, in which you place your baby in the crib with their feet at the bottom of the bed. This allows them to remain more comfortable and lessens the risk of them getting trapped under the covers. Certain models allow you to tilt the crib, which is beneficial for babies with digestive issues such as colic or reflux. But be aware that tilting the crib can increase the risk of your baby falling out, so it should be to use it with extreme caution and only with the guidance of your doctor or health visitor.
Before packing away a travel crib, it must be thoroughly cleaned. This includes cleaning the bedding, mattress and covers made of fabric. Also, it is important to clean any areas that are water-proof. This is essential to prevent introducing mold or bacteria in your baby's sleeping environment. Be sure to clean any parts that are removable and clean them regularly. You should also check the crib for signs of wear and tear, and clean any fabric that has come in contact with faeces or urine, because they can get infected and cause infection. You should clean the crib each time you use the crib as well as before placing it in storage.
Sleeping in
A bedside crib lets you to keep your child close to you as you sleep. It allows you to cosleep in a safe manner and can be used as a stand-alone crib or a travel one for extended stays with grandparents or during a holiday. You can pick from various models that will fit your bed's height. Some are designed to fit on divan beds, while others attach to the bedside as a sidecar.
A great bedside crib is one that is simple to clean. It must have a removable mattress and be machine washable. Also, you should look for a breathable mattress that keeps your baby cool and comfortable. Some of the top cribs also have a reflux incline to help babies with acid reflux.
You should always 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 mattress of an adult and the crib. You could also consider an alternative side-car crib, such as the Chicco Next2Me, which is quick and easy to assemble and comes with a handy bag for travel. MFM test participants found it to be the most lightweight and portable of all the bedside cribs they reviewed.
It is completely safe to cosleep with your child in a crib. However, it may not be the most practical option for long periods and could cause back discomfort. These cribs should be used for six months. After that, you'll have change them to a cot or moses basket.
Be wary of models with barriers that can be raised all the way down to your mattress. This can cause your baby to roll out of the crib and onto the mattress. Most new bedside cribs will come with a half-height barrier that is lower than your mattress to stop this from happening. One of our MFM test participants found that the feature was not as easy to use as she expected however, it was beneficial for her family.
Buying a second-hand crib
Second-hand baby items are an excellent option to save money new parents. Consignment shops, flea markets and thrift stores are great places to purchase baby items for sale at a fraction of the price retail.
There are a few baby items that shouldn't be bought secondhand, including travel cribs. It is difficult to determine whether a crib has been in an accident, but there are some that have. This could make it unsafe. A crib mattress used for a while may also have mold and stains that are hard-set as well as hidden indentations or depressions. These could be suffocation dangers for babies.
If you are looking for a secondhand crib for your baby, select one that has mesh side panels as well as a firm mattress. It should not have any decorations or straps which could create a strangulation risk or pose a risk of choking. It must also be easy to clean and, if it is possible it should have a manual printed on paper. If the manual isn't there it is usually possible to find the manual online.
The Bump is proud to partner with Consumer ReportsOpens in new window the most trusted source for comprehensive product information and advice. Experts from CR evaluate thousands of products every year, so you can trust the ratings and reviews you see here.
If you are looking to purchase a second-hand crib, be sure that it meets federal safety standards. The easiest way to verify is to compare it with the crib safety guidelines on the site of the CPSC. My Web Page can also search the website for recalls on a specific crib.
While some parents sell their cribs for travel when their child moves out of them, it's an unwise choice. 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 an impression, it's too soft and should not be used.
If you choose to purchase a second-hand crib, give your baby the opportunity to sleep in it prior to your trip. Set it up at home and let them sleep in it throughout the day for several days prior to your travels. This will allow them to adjust to the new sleeping environment and ease the stress they experience during your trip.
Getting started
A travel crib, also called a portable crib or play yard, provides a safe place to sleep your baby while traveling. Some parents take their crib with them when they go on vacation, while others make use of it at home or when visiting family and friends. Whatever the reason, a travel crib can make your trip more relaxing and enjoyable for both you and your baby.
Look for a portable cot that is easy to assemble and fold. Before purchasing ensure that you have go through the directions to ensure that the procedure is easy and you feel comfortable using it. Also, make sure you choose a crib that is machine washable, as this feature will save you time and money. Keeping your travel crib clean will help keep it looking fresh and many consignment stores will not accept the dirty crib.
Before you leave, practice setting up and folding the crib at home. This will help get your baby familiar with it, making the transition from a hotel room feel less intimidating. You can even put a lovey or favorite blanket inside to help familiarize your baby with the room and smell.
If your baby is asleep or awake it's crucial to stay close to them in the crib. You can rock them or hold them to help them fall asleep and get up. You can also put them in their crib with a favourite blanket and swaddle to keep them warm. Once your baby is too large to swaddle, you might want to consider a sleep sack to ensure they are comfortable and safe in the crib.
If you're planning to take your baby on a vacation, a 3-in-1 crib may be advisable. This bed is suitable for infants as well as a bassinet or cot. Silver Cross Slumber is popular because it comes with a cushioned mattress and is constructed of breathable mesh. It's easy to clean and folds away in just a few seconds and is a great option for busy families.