Buying a Travel Bedside Crib
Having a machine-washable mattress cover is important for those times when your baby has a messy accident or you have to clean up the crib between trips. bedside cot mattress does exactly this and comes with an easy-to-use travel bag.
It has a clever incline option that helps to ease reflux, and works with divan beds as well as framed bed frames. It also has mesh sides that are breathable to help regulate your baby's temperature during sleep.
Safety
A bedside crib can 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 the risk of suffocation). Bedside cribs can also allow you to provide comfort for your baby at night and easily access them for feeding or comforting without needing to get up, which is particularly useful during recovery following a c-section birth.
They're also a great option for older children who aren't quite big enough to be able to fit into a toddler bed. But, it's essential to ensure that your crib meets the latest safety standards. Choose an item that meets BS EN 1130:2019. This requires a 120mm tall barrier between the crib and your child's mattress to stop your child from falling onto yours.
You could also look for a travel crib that can accommodate the 'feet-to foot' position, where you put your baby in the crib with their feet towards the end of the bed - this allows them to remain more comfortable and lessens the risk of them getting trapped under the covers. Some models allow you to tilt your crib, which is helpful for babies who have digestive issues like colic or reflux. It is important to use the crib tilting feature with caution. It could increase the chance of your baby falling out.
When not in use a travel crib must be thoroughly cleaned prior to when it's put away. This includes cleaning the bedding, mattress and fabric covers. It also involves cleaning any areas that are water-proof. It's important to do this in order to avoid introducing bacteria or mould in your baby's bedroom. Also, remember to clean up any parts that are removable and wash them frequently too. You should also examine the crib for signs of being worn out and clean any fabrics which have come into contact with faeces and urine. They could become dirty and lead to infections. You should clean the crib each time you use the crib as well as before storing it.
Sleeping in
A bedside crib is a safe and practical way to keep your baby close while you rest. It is a safe way to sleep together and can be used as a crib for an individual or a travel crib if you are staying with grandparents or going on vacation. You can pick from a wide range of cribs to fit the height of your bed, with some made for divan beds and others that attach to the side of your bed like a side-car.
A crib that is suitable for bed should be easy to clean, ideally with a removable mattress which can be washed in the machine. Find a mattress that is ventilated to keep your baby cool. Some of the top cribs also have a reflux incline for babies suffering from acid reflux.
Follow the Safe Sleep guidelines provided by the Lullaby Trust to ensure that your baby's crib is secure and that there aren't gaps between the crib and the mattress for adults. You can also consider a side-car baby crib like the Chicco Next2Me. It is simple to assemble and includes a travel bag. It's a popular choice with MFM testers, who found it to be the lightest and most portable of the cribs for beds we tested.
While it is completely safe to sleep in the crib, you must be aware that this might not be the most comfortable choice for prolonged periods of time and can lead to back discomfort. These cribs should be used for six months. After that, you'll need change them to a moses basket or cot.
You should be wary of a model with an opening that opens all up to your bed. This can cause your baby to roll out of the crib and onto your mattress. The majority of new cribs for bed have a half-height barrier lower than your mattress to prevent this. One of our MFM testers found that the feature was not as easy to use as we had hoped however, it was beneficial for her family.
Buying a crib that is second-hand
The purchase of second-hand baby items is a common strategy to save money for parents who are new. If you require a new car seat or an extra crib to travel with, many baby items are available at consignment shops, flea markets, and thrift stores for less than the cost of retail.
Travel cribs are one of the products for babies that you should not buy second-hand. While it's difficult to know the past of a used crib however, some cribs may have been in accidents, which can make them dangerous. A used crib mattress could have stains and mold that are hard-set, and also hidden indentations or depressions. These can be dangerous for babies who are suffocated.
When looking for a used portable baby crib, choose one with mesh side panels and a the mattress is firm. It should not have any decorations or straps that could be a strangulation danger or choking hazard. Also it should be simple to clean and come with an instruction manual in paper if it is feasible. If the manual isn't available, you can often find a copy on the internet.
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When you're looking for a second-hand crib, be sure it is safe according to federal standards. Check it against the crib safety guidelines found on the CPSC website. You can also visit the site to check for recalls on a particular crib.
Some parents decide to sell their travel cribs once their child is old enough to use them. This is a bad choice. Over time the mattress of a crib that is used may become suffocation hazard and infected with bacteria. Press your fingers firmly into the mattress to check for cleanliness. If it creates an indentation, it's too soft and should not be used.
If you buy a used crib for your baby, let him or her sleep in it for a few weeks prior to your travels. Try putting it in your home and letting them sleep in it during the day for a few days before you leave. This will allow them to adjust to the new sleeping space and ease their stress during your travels.
Getting started
A bedside crib for travel is also known as a portable crib or play yard, gives you a safe space for your baby to sleep during your travels. Some parents choose to use the crib at home or when visiting family and friends or bring it along with them when they go on vacation. A travel crib can make your trip more enjoyable and relaxing for both you and your child.
Look for a portable cot that is easy-to-assemble and to fold. Before purchasing make sure you've read the instructions to ensure that the process is easy and you are comfortable with it. Make sure to select one that is machine washable, as this feature can save you time and money. Keep your portable crib clean to ensure it looks fresh and new. Many consignment stores won't accept a dirty baby crib.
Before you leave, practice setting up and folding the crib at home. This will get your baby used to it, making the transition to a hotel room feel less daunting. You can put a favorite blanket or lovey in there to familiarize your child with the smell and space.
It is important to keep your baby close whether they are asleep or awake. You can rock or hold them to help them sleep and get up. You can also place them in their crib with a favorite blanket and swaddle to keep them warm. Once your baby is too big to be swaddled, think about a sleep sack to keep them comfortable and safe in the crib.
If you're planning to take your baby on a trip then a crib that is 3-in-1 may be a good idea. It can be used by newborns and also as a travel cot or bassinet. The Silver Cross Slumber is a popular option because it comes with an upholstered mattress that is made of an air-tight mesh. It's easy to clean and folds away in just a few seconds which makes it an ideal option for busy families.