Buying a Travel Bedside Crib
A crib mattress cover that can be washed by a machine can be useful when your baby has an accident or you need to clean your crib between trips. This one does just that and comes with a convenient travel bag.
It has a clever incline feature that can help ease reflux. It works with both divan beds and frames for bed frames. It also has breathable mesh sides to aid in regulating the temperature of your baby while he sleeps.
Safety
A bedside crib can save space for parents who are new. You can sleep close to your baby without having to worry about being suffocated. bedside cot mattress allow you to help your baby sleep at night and reach them to feed them or soothe them without having to get up from your bed. This is particularly useful following a birth via c-section.
They're also a great choice for older children who aren't quite big enough to be able to fit into a toddler bed. It's essential that your bedside baby crib is in compliance with the most up-to-date safety standards. Search for a crib that complies with the BS EN1130:2019. This requires a wall of 120mm between the mattress of your crib and yours, to stop your child rolling onto your bed.
You can also search for a crib that offers the 'feet-to-foot' position, where you place your baby in the crib with their feet at the foot of the bed. This helps them to stay more comfortable and decreases the risk of them getting trapped under the covers. Some cribs let you tilt your crib, which is helpful for babies who have digestive issues like colic or reflux. You should use the crib tilting system with caution. It can increase the risk of your baby falling out.
Before packing away a travel crib, it should be thoroughly cleaned. This should include wiping down the mattress, any bedding or fabric covers, plus cleaning any waterproof areas. It's important to do this to prevent introducing bacteria or mould into your baby's sleeping environment. Also, remember to clean up any parts that are removable and wash them frequently too. You should also check the crib for signs of wear and tear and clean any fabric that has come into contact with faeces or urine because they can get infected and cause infection. This should be done each time you use the crib and before packing it away for storage.
Cosleeping
A bedside crib lets you to keep your child close while you sleep. It allows you to cosleep comfortably and can be used as a separate crib or a travel one for extended stays with grandparents or for trips on holiday. You can pick from a variety of cribs to fit the height of your bed and bed size, including some that are made for divan beds and others that simply attach to the sides of your bed, similar to an side-car.
A good bedside crib is one that is simple to clean. It must have a removable mattress and be machine washable. You should also consider an air-conditioned mattress that keeps your baby cool and comfortable. Some of the best cribs will also offer reflux inclines for babies who suffer 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 are no gaps in between the crib and the mattress for adults. You could also consider an alternative side-car crib, such as the Chicco Next2Me, which is fast and easy to put together and comes with a convenient travel bag. MFM test participants found it to be the most lightweight and portable of all the cribs for bedside use they tested.
While it is safe to cosleep in a crib, be aware that it may not be the most comfortable option for prolonged durations of time and may cause back discomfort. It is also important to remember that these cribs are only suitable for a period of six months, at which point you will need to move them to a regular cot or moses basket.
You should also be wary of a model with drop-down barriers that drop all up to your bed. This could cause your baby to fall out of the crib and onto the mattress. Most new bedside cribs have a half-height barrier that is lower than the mattress to prevent this. One of our MFM testers found that this feature was not as straightforward to use as she expected however it was an excellent solution for her family.
Buying an used crib
Buying second-hand baby items is a common money-saving strategy for new parents. Consignment shops or flea markets, as well as thrift stores are excellent places to locate baby items at a fraction the price of retail.
There are a few baby items that shouldn't be bought secondhand, including travel cribs. Although it's difficult to discern a used crib's history it is possible that some were in accidents, which can make them dangerous. Additionally, a used crib mattress could have set-in stains and mold, and hidden depressions or indentations that could create a risk of suffocation for babies.
When shopping for a used crib that is portable, choose one that has mesh side panels and a firm mattress. It shouldn't include any decorations or straps which could create a strangulation risk or choking risk. Also it should be simple to clean and include a paper manual if it is possible. If the manual is not available, you might find a copy on the internet.
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Verify that the crib meets the federal safety standards prior to purchasing a second-hand crib. The easiest way to check is to compare it with the crib-safety guidelines on the website of the CPSC. You can also check the website for recalls of a specific crib.
While some parents sell their travel cribs when their child is no longer in them, this is a bad idea. In time, a used crib mattress could be a danger to suffocate and infected with bacteria. Press firmly with your hand into the mattress to test for cleanliness. If it makes an indentation, it's too soft and should not be used.
If you purchase a used crib for your baby and you are able to let it to sleep in it for a few days before your journey. Set it up at home and let them sleep in it during the day just a few days before your travels. This will allow them to adjust to the new sleeping environment and reduce their stress during your travels.
Getting started
A travel bedside crib or portable crib or play yard, gives you a safe space for your baby to rest while you travel. Some parents take their travel crib with them when they go on vacation, while others make use of it at home or when visiting family and friends. A travel crib can make your trip more enjoyable and relaxing for you and your child.
Choose a cot that is portable that is easy-to-assemble and to fold. Before you buy, make sure you read the instructions to ensure that the process is simple and you are comfortable with it. Select a crib that has a machine-washable feature to cut down on time and cost. Keep your crib clean and it will appear fresh and new. Many consignment stores won't accept a dirty portable baby crib.
Do some practice folding and putting up the crib prior to your journey. This will help get your baby familiar with it, making the transition from a hotel room feel less intimidating. You can place an old blanket or a soft toy inside to help familiarize your child with the smell and the space.
It's important to keep your baby close, whether they're asleep or awake. You can rock them or hold them to help them sleep and get up. You can also place them in their crib with a favourite blanket and swaddle them to keep them warm. If your baby gets too big for swaddling, consider a sleep bag to keep them cozy and safe while they're in the crib.
If you're planning to take your baby traveling it might be beneficial to purchase a 3-in-1 travel crib. The bed can be used for newborns as well as a travel cot or bassinet. The Silver Cross Slumber is a popular option because it comes with an upholstered mattress and is made from breathable mesh. It is easy to clean, and folds up in a matter of just a few seconds. This makes it a perfect option for families with busy schedules.