Buying a Bedside Crib For Travel
The size of this crib is perfect for mums. It's bigger than a Moses Basket, but smaller than a Cot Bed. It can also fold down to a quarter of its size and can be put into a convenient bag for transport.
Remember that the crib is intended for sleeping. Toys such as pillows, blankets and pillows can cause a child to be suffocated.
foldable bedside crib
When you are looking for a crib for travel, you'll want to make sure that the manufacturer is compliant with all safety standards. The best starting point is the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website, which will inform you whether or not a particular portable crib has been recalled. You'll also want to choose the correct size for your baby's bed so that it doesn't fall into the gaps between the crib's sides or create a suffocation risk.
When choosing the right bassinet or crib make sure it is in compliance with the latest safety standards, which were updated in 2022. It is also recommended to avoid cribs with a long history and cribs that have been modified or drop side cribs that have been recycled for use in travel, as they aren't tested and may pose risks to your baby's well-being.
A travel crib must be well-built and sturdy. Check for missing, broken or loose screws, as well as other hardware. If you're using a playard it should have mesh windows and sturdy walls for air flow. The crib slats should not be more than 2 3/8 inches apart to avoid the baby's head and limbs becoming trapped. Don't put any toys, blankets or stuffed animals in the crib. These objects can choke or strangle your baby and should be removed from the crib when your child is able to pull up on their knees and hands or before 5 months old, whichever comes first.
Examine often for broken or loose screws and other hardware. This is especially crucial when traveling with a baby. Make sure you take out all plastic from the crib prior to use, too.
If you are using a portable baby crib, make sure it's not placed directly under the large windows. A window could be an accident hazard for your baby could be injured when they fall into it. It is recommended to keep your baby's sleeping space away from windows, even when they are old enough to roll over. It is important to wake your baby if they start to roll over while sleeping.
Portability
Whether you're going to a holiday, have relatives staying over, or just want a safe crib for sleepovers with friends, a 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 an incredibly comfortable mattress that can support newborns up to 15kg.
MFM home testers appreciate the BabyBjorn travel crib because it is easy to fold and to store. Its simple one-handed drop down panels are also easy for parents with a bleary eye. It's not our tiniest pack-and-play play, but at under 15 pounds it's still an acceptable weight. It also has regular handles instead of a backpack-style strap, which some parents find more comfortable.
The Joie Kubbie Sleep is another fantastic option. It combines a bedside bassinet and crib into a compact unit. This is perfect for overnight stays during holidays and with family and friends. It's not the most affordable option however it has various features, such as a basket for storage, soothing night lights that change colour as well as lullabies and white noise to help your child fall asleep.
The fabrics are machine washable and washable, making it easy to clean. It's also, despite its size and weight (it's more bulky when opened), it's relatively lightweight at just 12kg and can easily fit into a compact, practical travel bag that comes with it - perfect for trips away from home. It has six different height settings as well as the ability to tilt the tummy for reflux/colic babies. It's able to fit all bed sizes. It's also very easy to set up and our MFM tester being able to have it up and running in a mere 10 minutes. You'll need to buy a separate mattress for it, however.
Feeding
Whether traveling to work or for pleasure it's essential to keep your baby comfortable and safe when traveling. While some families might be inclined to use a crib or bassinet that they have but it's better to purchase one specially made for travel. These are smaller, have mesh sides to allow parents to check on their babies without disturbing them, and are lightweight enough for easy transport between places. They also conform to the safety standards of American Academy of Pediatrics and have not been subject to recalls.
If you must use a crib beside your bed it is recommended that you place your baby on their back. The mattress should be free of pillows, blankets and stuffed toys. Sharing sleeping in a bed with parents isn't advisable for any baby regardless of age, and this type of co-sleeping is linked to an increased risk of SIDS. If you must co-sleep at times, make sure that you only do so while your baby is asleep and you are at all times dressed and awake.
The bedside cribs for newborns and young babies include:
Some are designed like an oversized crib or Moses basket, and others have sides that can be lowered to the bed of the parent. This allows parents to reach their infant at any time during the night to soothe and feed them, while avoiding the dangers of co-sleeping. The AAP cautions against this because of the danger of being suffocated. Examples include the Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Bassinet, which is a bedside sleeper that connects to the mattress for a parent. This is a great option for older children, as the sides can be elevated so that you can reach the baby without having to lift them from the bed. Another option is a travel cot that has an integrated bassinet that can be removed from the top of the crib, which makes it easier to lift a sleeping infant for feeding or care.
Sleeping
Bedside cribs are a great way to safely co-sleep with your infant. They are placed next to your bed to allow you to easily reach them during night feedings and check on their sleep without disrupting them. Some cribs have an adjustable drop-side that you can lower for this purpose, while others come with a height adjustment, so they can be placed in your bed at home and when you go away.
Although it was previously recommended that babies sleep in their own separate bedroom, there is a growing trend for parents to share a bed with their infants. Also known as rooming-in, this arrangement allows babies to be close to their parents yet remain safely separated on their own crib or bassinet. There are many types of co-sleepers that are 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 standard crib. This model comes with a lightweight frame, a mattress that can be removed and is foldable into a compact size for storage. The Joie Roomie Go crib is another alternative. It is attached to the bed edge and has seven height positions, as well as a tummy-tilt to help with colic and reflux. Our MFM home testers highly praised this crib for its small folding and ease of use. It's also available in different colours.
There are also freestanding cribs for bedside use, such as our Lilly and Alain, that can be placed next to the traditional bed frame. The cribs have the side barrier that can be lowered to allow you to grab your child for feedings at night. However, the cribs are self-contained, allowing your baby to remain asleep peacefully. These models also meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements which require that a 120mm high barrier must be present between your mattress and your child's cot.
There are also cribs for travel available. They are specifically designed for use on the road. These are typically much smaller and more compact than standard cribs which makes them easy to transport into and out of cars and hotels. Munchkin Brica, for example can be set up in under a minute and folded down in less than three pounds. It is therefore simple to lift and transport.