Buying a Travel Bedside Crib
A crib mattress cover that is machine washable can be useful when your baby has an accident or you need to clean the crib between trips. This one does just that and comes with a convenient travel bag.
It comes with an ingenious tilt feature that aids in easing reflux. It can be used with divan beds as well as frames for bed frames. It also has mesh sides that are breathable to help regulate your baby's temperature while sleeping.
Safety
A bedside crib is an ideal solution for new parents. It is safe for your baby to be able to sleep close proximity to you, but without the risk of bed-sharing (which could lead to death by suffocation). Bedside cribs can also allow you to soothe your baby at night and easily access them to feed or comfort them without needing to get out of bed which is especially helpful in the aftermath of an c-section birth.
They're also a great choice for older children who are still too small to be able to fit into the bed of a toddler. It is essential that the crib you have at your side is in compliance with the most up-to-date safety standards. Search for a crib that is compliant with the BS EN1130:2019. This requires a 120mm-high barrier between the crib and the parent's mattress to stop your child from slipping onto yours.
Choose a crib that allows the baby's feet at the foot of the bed. This will allow them to feel more comfortable and will reduce the risk of them being sucked into the bed. Some cribs also allow you to tilt the crib which can be helpful for babies suffering from digestive issues like colic or reflux. However, be aware that tilting the crib can increase the risk of your baby falling out, so it's best done with caution and only with the advice of your GP or health care professional.
When it is not being used, a travel crib should be thoroughly cleaned before it is packed away. This includes cleaning the mattress, bedding, and any covers made of fabric, plus cleaning any waterproof areas. It is essential to do this to avoid introducing bacteria or mould in your baby's bedroom. Make sure you clean and wash all removable parts. You should also check the crib for signs that it is worn out and clean any fabric which have come into contact with faeces and urine. They can be infected and cause infection. It is recommended to do this each time you use the crib as well as before you store it.
Sleeping in
A bedside crib lets you to keep your child close to you as you sleep. It's a safe method to sleep together and can also be used as an independent crib or a travel crib if you are staying with grandparents or going on vacation. You can pick from a range of models to suit your bed's height with some specifically designed for divan beds and others that can be attached to the side of your bed like side-cars.
A great crib for your bed will be easy to clean, ideally with a mattress that can be machine washed. Look for mattresses that are breathable to keep your baby cool. Some of the best cribs also have 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 crib is secure and there aren't any gaps between the mattress of an adult and the crib. You could also choose an infant crib that is side-car like the Chicco Next2Me. It is easy to put together and comes with the option of a travel bag. It is a favorite with MFM testers who found it to be the most portable and lightweight of the bedside cribs we reviewed.
While it is safe to sleep in a crib, be aware that this might not be the most relaxing option for long periods of time and can lead to back pain. It is important to note that these cribs are only suitable for 6 months, when you will need to move them to an ordinary moses basket or cot.
Be wary of models with barriers that can be raised all the way down to your mattress. This can lead to your child escaping from the crib onto your mattress, which is not recommended. Most cribs with a new bed will have a 'half-height' barrier that is lower than your mattress to prevent this from happening. One of our MFM test subjects discovered that the feature was not as easy to use as she expected, but it was still beneficial for her family.
Buying a used crib
Buying second-hand baby items is a popular way to save money for parents who are new. Consignment shops, flea markets and thrift stores are excellent places to find baby items for sale at a fraction of the price of retail.
Travel cribs are among the baby products you should not purchase second-hand. Although it's difficult to discern the past of a used crib it is possible that some were in accidents, which can make them unsafe. In addition, a used crib mattress may have set-in stains and mold, as well as hidden indentations or depressions that could cause suffocation risks for infants.
If you are looking for a secondhand portable baby crib, choose one with mesh side panels and the mattress is firm. It shouldn't include any decorations or straps which could create a strangulation risk or choking risk. foldable bedside crib should also be easy to clean and, if it is possible include a user's manual printed on paper. If the manual isn't available, you can often get a copy from the internet.
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Verify that the crib meets federal safety standards before buying an older model. 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 has outgrown them. This is a poor choice. A used crib mattress can develop suffocation hazards over time, and is often filled with bacteria. Press firmly with your hand into the mattress to check for cleanliness. If it leaves marks, it's too soft and should not be used.
If you choose to purchase a used crib, give your baby the chance to rest in it prior your trip. Set it up at home and let them sleep in it throughout the day for just a few days before your trip. This will allow them to get used to the new sleeping space and ease their stress during your travels.
Getting started
A travel crib, also called a portable crib, or a play yard, is a secure place to sleep for your baby while traveling. Some parents use a travel crib at home or when visiting family and friends, while others bring it along on vacation. A crib for travel will make your vacation more enjoyable and relaxing for you and your child.
When shopping for a portable crib, choose one that is simple to install and fold down. Before you buy make sure you've go through the directions to ensure that the procedure is easy and that you are comfortable with it. Select a crib that has the ability to wash it in the machine to save time and money. Cleaning your travel crib will help keep it looking fresh and many consignment stores will not accept a dirty portable crib.
Before you travel, practice setting up and folding the crib at home. This will help your baby get familiar with the crib and will make it easier for them to transition to the hotel. You can also put a lovey or favorite blanket inside to help familiarize your baby with the space and smell.
It is important to keep your baby close, whether they are asleep or awake. You can hold them or rock them to assist them to fall asleep and then awake. You can also put them in the crib with their favorite blanket and swaddle them to keep them warm. If your baby is too old for swaddling you can use a sleep sack. This will keep them safe and secure in their crib.
If you're planning to take your baby traveling it could be beneficial to purchase a 3-in-1 travel crib. It is suitable for infants and also as a travel cot or bassinet. Silver Cross Slumber is popular because it features a padded bed that is constructed of breathable mesh. It is also easy to clean, and it folds in just a few seconds. This makes it a great option for families with busy schedules.