Buying a Bedside Crib For Travel
The crib's size is a hit with moms - it's bigger than a Moses basket, but smaller than a cot bed. It can fold down to a third of its original size, and can fit into a compact travel bag, making it ideal for travel.
Remember that the crib should only be used to sleep and that toys such as pillows, blankets and pillows are a suffocation hazard.
Safety
As you shop for a travel crib it is important to make sure the manufacturer meets all safety standards. The best place to start is the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website, which can let you know whether or not a specific crib for portable has been removed from the market. 4-in-1 bedside crib that's suitable for the crib of your child so that it doesn't slide through the gaps or create the risk of suffocation.
Search for bassinets and cribs that are in line with the latest safety standards of 2022. Avoid cribs with older designs and that have been modified for travel, or cribs with drop-sides. These cribs haven't been tested, and could be a danger to your baby's safety.
A travel crib must be well-constructed and sturdy. Examine for broken, missing or loose screws and other hardware. If you are using a playard, it must be fitted with mesh windows and strong walls for air circulation. The crib's slats should not be more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to keep baby's head and legs from getting trapped. Never put toys, blankets, or toys in the crib. These objects can choke or strangle your baby. They should be removed from the crib at the time your child is able to push up on their hands and knees or prior to 5 months of age or 5 months, whichever is first.
Check often for broken or loose screws and other hardware. This is particularly important when traveling with a child. Take all plastic out of the crib as well.
If you're using a portable crib, be sure it is not located directly under the window. A window is a fall hazard and your baby may be injured in the event that they crash into it. It's recommended to keep your baby's sleeping space away from windows, even if they are old enough to roll over. It's important to wake up your baby if they start to sleep on their backs.
Portability
If you're to a holiday, have relatives staying over, or simply want a safe crib for sleepovers with friends, an portable crib (or playard or playard, as they're sometimes called) is an excellent option. These foldable contraptions are easy to assemble and are compact when closed, and come with a comfortable padded mattress that can hold 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 several minutes and its simple one-handed drop-down panels are simple enough for even sleepy parents to use. It's not the tiniest of packs-and-play on our list however it's a decent weight at just a little over 15 pounds. It comes with standard handles instead of a backpack-style strap which some prefer to carry around.
Another great option is the Joie Kubbie Sleep, which incorporates a bedside crib and bassinet into one compact unit that's ideal for both overnight and holiday visits to friends and family. It is not the cheapest option but it does come with many features, including an organizer basket and calming night lights that change color as well as lullabies and white noise to help your child sleep.
The fabric is machine washable and wipeable, making it easy to clean. 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 an adjustable tummy tilt for reflux or colic babies. It can fit any size bed. It's also incredibly quick to install and has our MFM tester being able to have it set up in only 10 minutes. You'll need to buy a separate mattress for it, however.
Feeding
If you're traveling for business or pleasure, it's important to ensure your baby is comfortable and safe while traveling. 4-in-1 bedside crib to purchase a crib or bassinet designed for travel rather than using one you already have. They are smaller, have mesh sides to allow parents to check on their babies without disturbing them, and are light enough for simple transport between destinations. They also meet all the safety standards of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and have not been recalled.
If you have to use a bedside crib, it's recommended that your child be laid on their backs and that the sleeping surface be free of any blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals. Sharing sleeping in a bed with parents isn't advisable for any baby regardless of age, and this form of sleeping together is associated with an increased risk of SIDS. If you have to occasionally co-sleep, make sure that your baby is sleeping and that both you and your partner are fully dressed and awake.
The bedside cribs that are available for newborns and young babies include:
Some are designed like miniature cribs or Moses basket, while others have sides that can be lowered to the bed of the parent. This allows for middle-of-the-night access to the baby for feeding and comforting without exposing the risk of true co-sleeping which the AAP cautions against due dangers of suffocation. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Bassinet is a bedside sleeper which attaches to the mattress of a parent. This is a great option for older children, as the sides can be raised so that you can reach the infant without lifting them out of bed. The travel cot that has a built-in crib that can be removed allows you to lift a sleeping baby for feeding or for care.
Sleeping
Bedside cribs let you sleep peacefully with your baby. They are placed near your bed to allow you to easily reach them for feedings and check on their sleeping without disturbing them. Some cribs have drop sides that can be lowered to make it easier, and some have an adjustable height setting so that they will accommodate your bed when you are at home or away.
Although it was previously advised that infants sleep in their own separate bedroom, there is a growing trend for parents to sleep with their infants. This arrangement, also referred to as rooming in, allows babies to remain 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 like the iCrib, which is designed to be an easy-to-move crib that can be placed on the top of your bed or a standard crib. This model has a lightweight frame and a removable mattress and it folds up for easy storage. The Joie Roomie Go crib is another alternative. It is attached to the bed edge and comes with 7 height positions, as well as a tummy-tilt for reflux and colic. This crib was praised by our MFM home testers for its user-friendly design and compact folding, and it is also available in a variety of colors.
You can also buy freestanding bedside cribs like our Lilly or Alain that you can put next to an existing bed frame. These have a movable side barrier that slides down to allow you take your baby to a evening feeding, however the crib is otherwise self-contained, and your child will sleep soundly throughout this period. These cribs are in compliance with the new BS EN1130:2019 safety standards which require a 120mm gap between your mattress and child's cot.
Travel cribs are also available. They are designed specifically for use when traveling. These are usually smaller and lighter than standard cribs, making it easier to carry them into and out of hotels and cars. The Munchkin Brica travel crib, for example, can be set up and packed down in less than one minute, and weighs only three pounds, so it is easy to carry and lift.