9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Travel Bedside Crib

Buying a Travel Bedside Crib

A mattress cover that is machine washable is crucial for those times when your baby has an accident or you need to clean up the crib between trips. This one is simple to use and comes with the travel bag.

It features a clever incline option that helps to ease reflux and is compatible with divan beds as well as bed frames. It has side panels that are breathable to help maintain the temperature of your baby as they sleep.

Safety

A bedside crib is an ideal solution for new parents. It is safe for your baby to sleep close proximity to you but without the risk of bed-sharing (which can lead to suffocation). Bedside cribs can also allow you to soothe your baby at night and easily access them to feed or comfort them without having to get up, which is particularly useful after the birth of a c-section.

They're also a great choice for older children who aren't big enough to fit in a toddler bed. It is essential that your bedside baby crib is in compliance with the most up-to-date safety standards. Look for a crib that complies with the BS EN1130:2019. This requires a 120mm tall barrier between the crib and parent's mattress to prevent your child from falling onto your bed.

You can also look out for a crib that has the feet-to-foot position, which is where you put your baby in the crib with their feet towards the bottom of the bed - this allows them to remain more comfortable and lessens the risk of them getting trapped under the covers. Some models also allow you to tilt the crib which is beneficial for babies suffering from digestive issues like reflux or colic. But be aware that tilting the crib may increase the chance of your baby being thrown out, so it's best bedside cot for newborn to use it with extreme caution and only following the guidance of your doctor or health visitor.

When it is not being used, the travel crib should be thoroughly cleaned before it's packed away. This includes cleaning the mattress, any bedding or fabric covers, plus cleaning any waterproof areas. This is essential to prevent the introduction of mould or bacteria in your baby's sleeping environment. Remember to clean and dry any removable parts. You should also inspect the crib for signs of wear and tear, and clean any fabric that has come in contact with urine or faeces, because they can get dirty and lead to infections. This should be done each time you use the crib and before packing it away for storage.

Sleeping in

A bedside cot bed crib lets you to keep your child close to you while you sleep. It's a secure way to sleep in a cosleep position and can also 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 variety of models to suit your bed height with some specifically designed for divan beds, and others that simply attach to the sides of your bed as an side-car.

A good bedside cots for newborns crib is one that is easy to clean, ideally with a mattress that can be machine washed. 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 for infants suffering from acid reflux.

Follow the Safe Sleep guidelines provided by the Lullaby Trust to ensure that your baby's crib is safe and that there aren't gaps between the crib and the mattress for adults. You can also test a side-car crib like the Chicco Next2Me, which is fast and easy to assemble and comes with a handy bag for travel. This is a popular choice among MFM users, who found it to be the most portable and lightweight of the bedside cot bed cribs we tested.

It is completely safe to sleep with your baby in a crib. However, it may not be the most practical option for prolonged periods and could cause back pain. These cribs should only be used for six months. After that, you'll need to switch to a cot or moses basket.

Be cautious of cribs that have a barrier that can be raised to your bed. This could cause your baby to fall out of the crib onto your mattress. The majority of new cribs for bed come with a 'half-height' barrier that is lower than the mattress to help prevent this from happening. One of our MFM test participants found that the feature was not as easy to use as we had hoped however, it was beneficial for her family.

Buying a second-hand crib

The purchase of second-hand baby items is a common money-saving strategy for parents who are new. Consignment shops or flea markets, as well as thrift stores are excellent places to purchase baby items at a fraction the price of retail.

There are a few baby items that shouldn't be purchased second-hand, such as travel cribs. It's difficult to tell whether a crib has been damaged in an accident, however some may 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 dangerous for babies who are suffocated.

If you are in the market for a used crib for your baby, opt for one with mesh side panels and a mattresses that are firm. It should also have no decorations or straps that could cause the risk of strangulation or choking. It should also be easy to clean and, if it is possible it should have a manual on paper. If the manual is not there, you can usually find an online copy.

The Bump is delighted to be a part of Consumer ReportsOpens in new window, the reliable source for comprehensive product reviews and information. Experts from CR evaluate thousands of products each year, and you can trust the reviews and ratings that you read here.

Check that the crib meets the safety standards of the federal government before purchasing a second-hand crib. Compare it with the crib safety guidelines found on the CPSC website. You can also check the website for recalls of a specific crib.

Some parents decide to sell their travel cribs once their child leaves them, it's an unwise choice. A used crib mattress can become a suffocation risk over time, and it's often infected with bacteria. Press your hands firmly into the mattress to test for cleanliness. If it makes an indentation, it's soft and should not be used.

If you purchase a second-hand crib for your baby and you are able to let it sleep in it for a few days before your journey. Try putting it in your home and letting them sleep in it during the day for a few weeks prior to the time you leave. This will allow them to adjust to the new sleeping area and reduce their stress on your journey.

Getting started

A travel bedside crib is also known as a portable crib or play yard provides a safe place for your baby to rest while you travel. Some parents utilize a crib for travel at home or when visiting family and friends and others take it along with them on vacation. Whatever the reason, a crib for travel can make your trip more relaxing and enjoyable for both you and your baby.

Choose a cot that is portable that is simple to put together and fold. Review the instructions prior to you buy to ensure that the process is straightforward and that you're comfortable using it. Choose a crib with an option to wash it with a machine to cut down on time and cost. Maintaining your crib clean will keep it looking fresh and a lot of consignment shops will not accept a dirty portable crib.

Before you leave, practice setting up and folding the crib at home. This will get your baby familiar with it, making the transition to a hotel room feel less daunting. You can put a favorite blanket or lovey inside to help familiarize your child with the smell and the space.

If your baby is asleep or awake, it's important to stay close to them while they're in the crib. You can comfort them or rock them to aid them in falling asleep and then awake. You can also place them in their crib with a favorite blanket and swaddle to keep them warm. When your baby is too old for swaddling, you can opt for a sleep sack. This will ensure that they are safe and secure in their crib.

If you're planning to take your baby with you on vacation it might be beneficial to invest in a 3-in-1 travel crib. The bed is suitable for infants and also as a travel bassinet or cot. Silver Cross Slumber is popular because it features a padded mattress and is made of breathable mesh. It's also easy to clean and folds down in seconds and is a great choice for families with busy schedules.