9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Travel Bedside Crib
Buying a travel bedside co sleeper cot crib (via Itb)
A mattress cover that is machine washable is important for those times when your baby has an accident or you need to clean up the crib between trips. This cover is simple to use and comes with an extra travel cot bedside crib bag.
It comes with a clever incline option that eases reflux and is compatible with divan beds as well as bed frames. It features side panels that are breathable to help regulate the temperature of your baby while they sleep.
Safety
A crib at the bedside can help 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 death by suffocation). Bedside cribs allow you to comfort your baby at night, and to easily reach them to feed them or soothe them without having to get up from your bed. This is particularly beneficial after a c-section birth.
They're also a great choice for older children who are still too small to be able to fit into a toddler bed. It's important that your crib is compliant with the most current safety standards. Search for a crib that is compliant with the BS EN1130:2019. This requires a wall of 120mm between the mattress of your crib and yours to prevent your child from rolling on yours.
Find cribs that allow you to place your baby's feet on the bottom of the bed. This will allow them to feel more comfortable and decrease the chance of them being trapped in the bed. Certain cribs allow you to tilt your crib, which can be ideal for babies suffering from digestive issues such as reflux or colic. It is recommended to use the crib tilting with caution. It could increase your baby's risk of falling out.
Before packing away a crib, it must be thoroughly cleaned. This includes wiping down the mattress, bedding, and covers made of fabric. It also includes cleaning any waterproof areas. It's essential to do this to avoid the introduction of mould or bacteria into the baby's sleep environment. Be sure to clean and wash every part that is removable. You should also check the crib for signs of wear and tear and clean any materials that come in contact with faeces or urine, as these can become dirty and lead to infections. It is recommended to do this each time you use the crib and before you store it.
Sleeping in
A bedside crib lets you to keep your child close to you as you sleep. It lets you sleep in a safe manner and can be used as a stand-alone crib or a travel crib for extended stays with grandparents or during a holiday. You can choose from a wide range of models to suit the height of your bed, with some designed for divan beds, and others that attach to the side of your bed, similar to a side-car.
A good bedside crib should be easy to clean, ideally with a mattress that is machine washable. You should also consider an air-conditioned mattress that keeps your baby cool and comfortable. Some of the top cribs also come with reflux inclines for babies who suffer from acid reflux.
It is recommended to follow the Safe Sleep guidance provided by the Lullaby Trust and ensure your baby's bedding is secure and there are no gaps between the adult mattress and the crib. You could also consider a side-car crib like the Chicco Next2Me, which is quick and simple to assemble, and comes with a handy bag for travel. MFM test participants found it to be the lightest and portable of all bedside crib travel cribs they reviewed.
It is completely safe to sleep with your child in a crib. However, it may not be the best option for prolonged periods and can cause back pain. It is important to note that these cribs are only suitable for a period of six months, at which point you'll need to move them to a regular cot or moses basket.
Be cautious about a crib with a drop-down barrier that drops all the way to your mattress. This could cause your child to fall out of the crib and onto your mattress. Most new bedside cribs will have a 'half-height' barrier that is lower than the mattress to help prevent this from happening. One of our MFM test participants discovered that the feature was not as simple to use as she expected however, it was useful for her family.
Buy a second-hand crib
Shopping for second-hand baby products is a common strategy to save money for parents who are new. Consignment shops or flea markets, as well as thrift stores are excellent places to purchase baby items for sale at a fraction of the cost of retail.
Travel cribs are among the products for babies that you should not buy second-hand. Although it's difficult to discern the history of a crib that has been used, some may have been in accidents, which can make them unsafe. A crib mattress that has been used may also be contaminated with mold and stains that are hard-set, and also hidden indentations or depressions. These could be suffocation dangers for babies.
If you are shopping for a used crib for your portable, make sure you choose one with mesh side panels as well as a mattress that is firm. It should also be free of decorations or straps that could create a strangulation or choking hazard. 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 an online copy.
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Verify that the crib meets the federal safety standards prior to purchasing a used one. The most effective way to determine this is to compare it to the crib-safety guidelines on the website of the CPSC. You can also look on the website for recalls on specific cribs.
While some parents sell their travel cribs once their child leaves them, this is a bad idea. A used crib mattress can be prone to suffocation as time passes, and is often filled with bacteria. It is important to check the mattress for cleanliness by pressing hard into it with your hand. If it leaves an impression, it's too soft and should not be used.
If you purchase a second-hand crib for your baby then let them lay down in it for a few weeks prior to your journey. Set it up at home and allow them to sleep throughout the day several days prior to your trip. This will allow them to become comfortable with the new sleeping space and lessen the stress they will experience on your trip.
Getting started
A travel bedside crib or portable crib or play yard, gives you a safe place for your child to rest while you travel. Some parents utilize a travel crib at home or when visiting family and friends and others take it along with them when they go on vacation. Whatever the reason, a crib for travel can make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable for both you and your baby.
Find a portable cot that is simple to put together and fold. Before purchasing ensure that you have go through the directions to ensure that the process is simple and you feel comfortable using it. Also, choose a crib that's machine washable, since this feature will save you time and money. Maintaining your crib clean will keep it looking new, and many consignment stores won't accept an unclean crib.
Before you travel, practice setting up and folding the crib at home. This will help your baby become familiar with the crib and make it easier to transition to the hotel. You can also put your favorite blanket or a stuffed animal in there to familiarize your child with the smell and the space.
If your baby is awake or asleep, it's important to stay close to them in the crib. You can rock them or hold them to help them sleep and wake up. Alternatively, you can place them in the crib with their favorite blanket and swaddle them to keep them warm. If your baby gets too big to be swaddled, think about a sleep sack to ensure they are comfortable and safe in the crib.
If you are planning to take your baby on a vacation then a crib that is 3-in-1 may be the best option. This type of bed can be used as a co-sleeper, travel cot as well as a bassinet for babies up to 6 months old. Silver Cross Slumber is popular because it has a padded mattress and is made of breathable mesh. It's also easy to clean and folds down in seconds and is a great option for busy families.