Buying a Bedside Crib For Travel
Moms love this crib's dimensions - it's bigger than the Moses basket but smaller than a crib bed. It can also be folded down to just a quarter of its size and can be put into a convenient bag for traveling.
Remember that the crib should be used only for sleeping and that toys, pillows and blankets are a suffocation hazard.
Safety
When you're looking for a travel cot, make sure that the manufacturer is adhering to all safety standards. A good starting point is the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website, which can let you know whether or not a certain crib is being removed from the market. Pick a mattress that's suitable for your baby's crib so it won't fall through the gaps or cause an suffocation hazard.
Look for cribs or bassinets that meet the updated safety standards of 2022. Also, avoid older cribs or cribs that have been modified, or drop side cribs that were recycled for use in travel, as they have not been tested and could pose a risk to your baby's well-being.
A travel crib should be sturdy and well-constructed. Make sure there aren't any loose, missing or broken screws as well as other hardware. If you're using a playard, it should have secure walls and mesh windows to allow for proper air flow. The crib slats shouldn't be more than 2 3/8 inches apart to prevent the baby's head and limbs from becoming trapped. Never put toys, blankets, or toys in the crib. These can cause suffocation or strangle your baby. They should be removed from the crib as soon as your child is able to pull up on their knees and hands or before 5 months of age or 5 months, whichever is first.
It's also important to check regularly for broken or loose hardware and screws, particularly when traveling with your infant. Make sure you take out all crib furniture prior to use, too.
If rocking bedside crib using a portable crib, be sure it is not located directly under a window. A window can be an accident hazard and if your baby falls into it, they could get injured. Even if your baby is old enough to be able to roll over, it's best to keep their sleeping area away from windows. It is important to wake your baby if they begin to roll over while sleeping.
Portability
Portable cribs (or playards which is what they're sometimes referred to as) are a great choice for those who is on vacation, has a family members over, or simply wanting a safe crib to use at a sleepover with friends. These foldable contraptions come with an extremely comfortable mattress that can support infants up to 15kg. They are easy to assemble and compact once closed.
The BabyBjorn Travel Crib is a fav among MFM home testers who appreciate the fact it can be folded and stored in just one or two minutes, and its easy-to-use drop-down panels are easy for even bleary-eyed parents to use. It's not the tiniest of packs-and-play on our list however it's a decent weight, weighing just under 15 pounds, and it comes with standard handles instead of the backpack-style strap that some find more comfortable to carry around.
Another excellent option is the Joie Kubbie Sleep, which incorporates a bedside crib and bassinet in one compact unit that's ideal for holidays as well as overnight visits to family and friends. It is not the cheapest option however it has various features, including a basket for storage, soothing night lights that change color and lullabies, as well as white noise, to help your child fall asleep.
The fabrics are machine washable and washable, which makes it easy to clean. It's also relatively lightweight at just 12 kilos and easily fits into the small, compact travel case that comes with it. It comes with six different height settings and the ability to tilt the tummy for reflux/colic babies. It's able to fit all bed sizes. It's also extremely easy to install and has our MFM tester able to get it ready in just 10 minutes. It'll require a separate mattress.
Feeding
If you're traveling for pleasure or business it's crucial to keep your baby happy and safe on the road. While some families might be inclined to use a bassinet or a crib that they own, it's best to buy one that is specifically designed for travel. These are smaller and have mesh sides to allow parents to check on their babies without disturbing them. They are lightweight enough for easy transport between places. These also meet the safety standards of American Academy of Pediatrics and have not been recalled.
If you have to use a crib that is placed at your bedside it is recommended that your child be placed on their back and the mattress be free of blankets, pillows and stuffed animals. Sharing a bed with parents isn't recommended for any baby regardless of age, and this kind of sleeping with a partner is associated with an increased risk of SIDS. If you have to sleep with your child at times, make sure that you only do so while your baby is asleep and that you are both awake and fully dressed.
The bedside cribs available for babies and infants include:
Some are shaped like an oversized crib or Moses basket, whereas others have sides that can be set down into the bed of the parent. This allows access to the baby to feed and comfort while avoiding the dangers of co-sleeping that the AAP recommends against due to suffocation risks. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Bassinet is a bedside sleeper that is attached to a parent's mattress. It is also an ideal option for older babies because the sides can easily be raised to let you reach the baby from the adult bed without lifting the mattress out. Another option is a travel cot that has a built-in bassinet which can be removed from the top of the crib, making it easier to raise an infant who is sleeping for feeding or other care.
Sleeping
Bedside cribs are a fantastic option to sleep comfortably with your newborn. They are placed near your bed during the night, so that you can reach them easily to feed them and observe them without disrupting their sleep. Some cribs have a drop side that can be lower to make this easier and others have an adjustable height setting to make sure they be able to fit in your bed at home or when you are away.
It was previously recommended that infants have their own bedrooms. However parents are increasingly choosing to sleep with their children. This arrangement, referred to as rooming in, allows infants to be close to their parents while remaining safely separated in their own crib or bassinet. There are several types of co-sleepers available, including the iCrib which is designed to be an easy-to-move crib that can be placed on top of your bed or a regular crib. This model comes with a light frame and a mattress that can be removed and folds up for easy storage. There is also the Joie Roomie Go crib, that is attached to the edge of the bed and features 7 adjustable height positions as well as a tummy tilt for reflux and colic. This crib was loved by our MFM home testers for its convenience and compact folding, and it's also available in a range of colours.
You can also buy freestanding bedside cribs such as our Lilly or Alain that you can put next to an existing bed frame. The cribs have a side barrier that slides down to allow you to grab your baby for night feedings. However the cribs are completely fully enclosed so that your baby can continue sleeping peacefully. These models meet the new BS EN1130:2019 safety standards which require a 120mm separation between your mattress and child's crib.
Travel cribs are also available. They are designed specifically to be taken along on the road. They are typically smaller and more compact than standard cribs, which makes it easier to carry them in and out hotels and cars. Munchkin Brica, for example can be put together in less than one minute and folded down in just three pounds. It is therefore easy to move and lift.