Buying a Bedside Crib For Travel
The size of this crib is ideal for moms. It's bigger than a Moses Basket, but smaller than the Cot Bed. It can also fold down to one-quarter of its original size, and can be put into a convenient bag for transport.
It is important to remember that the crib should be used only to sleep and that toys such as pillows, blankets and pillows are an entrapment risk.
Safety
As you shop for a crib for travel you'll want to be sure that the manufacturer complies with all safety standards. One good place to start is the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website, which can let you know whether or not a certain crib for portable has been recalled. You'll also want to choose a mattress that is appropriate for your baby's bed so that it doesn't fall into the gaps between the crib's sides or create a suffocation risk.
Search for bassinets and cribs that meet the updated safety standards for 2022. It is also recommended to avoid cribs with a long history, modified cribs or drop side cribs that are recycled for use in travel, as they have not been tested and could pose a risk to your baby's well-being.
A travel crib should be sturdy and well-constructed. Make sure you check for broken, missing or loose screws and other hardware. If bedside crib or cot using a playard, it should be fitted with mesh windows and strong walls to allow air flow. The slats of the crib should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to prevent baby's head or limbs from becoming trapped. Do not put any toys, blankets or stuffed animals in the crib. These items can choke or drown your baby. They should be removed as soon as they can stand up on their own, or before the age of five months.
It is also essential to check regularly for broken or loose hardware and screws, especially when traveling with your infant. Make sure to remove all crib furniture before use, as well.
If you're using a portable crib, be sure that it's not directly under windows. A window can be an accident hazard and if your baby rolls into it, they may get injured. It's best to keep your baby's bedroom away from windows, even when they are old enough to roll over. It's important to wake up your baby when they begin to sleep on their backs.
Portability
Portable cribs (or playards, as they're sometimes called) are a great option for anyone going on vacation, having family stay over, or simply needing a safe crib for use during a sleepover or with friends. These playards fold up and have an extremely comfortable mattress that can support babies up to 15kg. They are simple to assemble and compact once closed.
MFM home testers love the BabyBjorn travel crib because it's easy to fold and to store. Its simple one-handed drop down panels are also convenient for parents who are bleary-eyed. It's not our tiniest pack-and-play play, but at just under 15 pounds it's still an adequate weight. It also has regular handles instead of a backpack style strap, which some prefer.
Another option that is worth considering is the Joie Kubbie Sleep, which incorporates a bedside crib and bassinet in one compact unit that is ideal for holidays as well as overnight visits to family and friends. It's not the cheapest, but it has a wealth of all-singing and all-dancing features such as a storage basket, soothing colour-changing night lights, lullabies and white noise to aid your baby to fall asleep and sleep. Its bassinet is higher than the majority for easier access in the beginning of the day when mom is still recovering.
It's also easy to keep clean, with wipeable and machine-washable fabrics. And, despite its size and weight (it's on the heavier side when open), it's relatively lightweight at less than 12kg. It can easily fit into a small, handy travel bag included - perfect for trips away from home. It comes with six height settings, including the tilt of the tummy for reflux/colic babies, and is able to fit beds of all sizes. It's also incredibly quick to install and our MFM tester having it up and running in a mere 10 minutes. You'll need to purchase an additional mattress for it however.
Feeding
It's important that your baby is safe and comfortable when you travel, whether for business or pleasure. While some families may be tempted to use a bassinet or a crib that they own, it's best to buy one specifically designed for travel. They are smaller, have mesh sides that permit parents to check on their babies without disturbing them. They are light enough to allow for easy transport between places. They also meet the safety standards of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and haven't been subject to recalls.
If you have to utilize a crib for your bed, it's recommended that your infant be laid on their backs and that the sleeping surface be free of pillows, blankets and toys. Co-sleeping can increase the risk of SIDS. If you have to occasionally co-sleep ensure that your baby is asleep and that both you and your partner are dressed and awake.
The bedside cribs for newborns and young babies include:
Some are designed to look like a mini-crib or Moses baskets, while others have sides that can be lowered into the parents' beds. This allows parents to access their infant during the middle of the night to comfort and feed their child, and avoid the dangers of co-sleeping. The AAP warns against this because of the danger of the risk of suffocation. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Bassinet is a bedside sleeper which attaches to a parent's mattress. It can also be an ideal option for older children because the sides can be easily raised to let you reach the baby from the adult bed without lifting them out. The travel cot that has a built-in crib that can be removed allows you to easily lift a sleeping baby for feeding or other care.
Sleeping
Bedside cribs let you sleep with your baby in a safe and secure way. They are placed near your bed during the night, so that you can reach over easily for night feeds and monitor them without disrupting their sleep. Some cribs have drop-sides that you can lower for this purpose, while others come with a height adjustment, so they will fit in your bed at home and when you go away.
While it used to be advised that infants 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 lets babies be close to their parents but remain safe and separate from their own crib or bassinet. There are several types of co-sleepers that are available, including the iCrib which is designed to be portable and can be placed on top of your bed or a standard crib. It comes with a lightweight frame, a mattress that is removable and is foldable into a compact size for storage. The Joie Roomie Go crib is another option. It is attached to the bed edge and has seven height positions and a tummy-tilt to ease colic and reflux. The crib was loved by our MFM home testers for its convenience and compact folding, and it is also available in a variety of colours.
You can also buy freestanding bedside cribs such as our Lilly or Alain which you can put on top of an existing bed frame. The cribs come with an elongated side that slides down to allow you to grab your baby for night feedings. However the cribs are completely self-contained, allowing your baby to rest comfortably. They also meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements which stipulate that a 120mm high barrier must be placed between your mattress and the cot of your child.
Travel cribs are also available. They are designed specifically to be taken along on the road. These are usually smaller and less bulky than standard cribs, making it easier to carry them in and out hotels and vehicles. The Munchkin Brica travel crib, for instance, can be set up and packed down in under one minute, and weighs just 3 pounds, so it is easy to move and carry.