Buying a Travel Bedside Crib
A machine-washable crib mattress cover can be useful when your baby has an accident or you want to clean the crib between trips. This one is easy to use and comes with a travel bag.
It features an innovative incline option that helps to ease reflux. It also works with divan beds as well as framed bed frames. It also has breathable mesh sides to help regulate the temperature of your baby while he sleeps.
Safety
A bedside crib can be a space-saving solution for new parents. You can sleep close to your baby without having to worry about being suffocated. Bedside cribs also enable you to soothe your baby in the night and have them easily reach them for feeding or comforting without the need to get up which is a great benefit in the aftermath of a c-section birth.
They're also a good option for older babies who aren't big enough to fit in a toddler bed. However, it's important to ensure that your bedside crib meets the most recent safety standards. Look for an item that meets BS EN 1130:2019. This requires a wall of 120mm between the mattress of your crib and yours, to stop your child from falling onto yours.
You could also look for a travel crib that has the feet-to-foot position, which is where you place your baby in the crib with their feet towards the foot of the bed. This helps them to stay more comfortable and lessens the possibility of them getting trapped under the covers. Certain models allow you to tilt the crib, which can be helpful for babies suffering from digestive issues like colic or reflux. It is important to use the crib tilting feature with caution. It can increase your baby's risk of falling out.
When it is not being used, the travel crib must be thoroughly cleaned prior to when it's put away. This should include wiping down the mattress, any bedding and any fabric covers and cleaning any water-proof areas. It's essential to do this to avoid infusing mould or bacteria in your baby's bedroom. Also, remember to clean any parts that are removable and wash them regularly too. You should also inspect the crib for signs of wear and tear and clean any fabric that has come into contact with urine or faeces, since they can be infected and cause infection. You should do this every time you use the crib as well as before placing it in storage.
Cosleeping
A bedside crib lets you to keep your child close to you as you sleep. It allows you to cosleep comfortably and can be used as a separate crib or travel crib to stay with grandparents for the night or during a holidays. You can pick from a range of models to suit the height of your bed, with some designed for divan beds and others that can be attached to the side of your bed, similar to an side-car.
A good bedside crib will be easy to clean, and ideally with a removable mattress that can be machine washed. You should also consider a breathable mattress that keeps your baby cool and comfortable. Some of the top cribs also have an incline for reflux in 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 a side-car crib such as the Chicco Next2Me, which is quick and easy to assemble and comes with a convenient bag for transport. MFM testers found this to be the most lightweight and portable of all the bedside cribs they reviewed.
It is completely safe to cosleep with your child in a crib. However, it may not be the most practical option for prolonged periods and can cause back pain. These cribs should be used for a maximum of six months. After that, you'll need to switch to a moses basket or cot.
You should be cautious about a crib with a drop-down barrier that drops all the way to your bed. This could result in your child falling out of the crib onto your mattress, which is not recommended. The majority of new cribs for bed come with a 'half-height' barrier that is lower than the mattress to help prevent this from happening. One of our MFM test subjects found that this feature was not as simple to use as she had hoped, but was still an effective solution for her family.
Buying an used crib
The purchase of second-hand baby items is a common strategy to save money for new parents. Whether you need a new car seat or an extra crib for travelling, many baby items can be bought in consignment stores or flea markets. You can also find thrift shops for less than the cost of retail.
There are a few baby products that should never be purchased second-hand, such as travel cribs. It's hard to tell if a crib has been in an accident, but there are some that have. This could result in it being unsafe. Additionally the mattress of a used crib could have set-in stains and mold, as well as hidden depressions or indentations that could cause suffocation risks for infants.
When looking for a used portable baby crib, choose one with mesh side panels and the mattress is firm. It should not have any decorations or straps which could pose a strangulation hazard or choking hazard. It must also be easy to clean, and if possible it should have a manual on paper. If bedside sleeper cot is not available, you can often locate 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 most effective way to determine this is to compare it to the crib-safety guidelines on the CPSC's website. You can also look on the website for recalls on a specific crib.
Some parents decide to sell their cribs for travel when their child leaves them, it's an unwise choice. Over time, a used crib mattress could be a danger to suffocate and contaminated with bacteria. Press your fingers firmly into the mattress to test for cleanliness. If it leaves a mark, it is too soft and shouldn't be used.
If you decide to purchase a second-hand crib, give your baby a chance to rest in it prior your journey. Set it up at home and let them sleep in it throughout the day for several days prior to your travels. This will allow them to adjust to their new sleeping environment and reduce their stress during your travels.
Getting started
A travel bedside crib is also known as a portable crib or play yard, provides a safe place for your child to sleep while traveling. Some parents use a crib for travel at home or when visiting family and friends and others take it with them on vacation. A travel crib will make your trip more enjoyable and relaxing for you and your child.
Find a portable cot that is easy to assemble and fold. Review the instructions prior to you buy to ensure that the process is straightforward and you're comfortable with it. Also, choose one that is machine washable, since this feature will help you save time and money. Maintaining your crib clean will help keep it looking brand new and many consignment stores will not accept a dirty portable crib.
Before you leave prepare by setting up and folding the crib at home. This will help your baby get familiar with the crib and make it easier to transition to a hotel. You can even throw your favorite blanket or a blanket inside to help familiarize your baby with the space and the smell.
It's important to keep your baby close, whether they're asleep or awake. You can rock them or hold them to help them fall asleep and wake up. Alternatively, you can place them in the crib with their favorite blanket and swaddle them to keep them warm. When your baby is big for swaddling, consider a sleep sack to ensure they are comfortable and safe while they're in the crib.
If you're planning on taking your baby with you on vacation it could be beneficial to purchase a 3-in-1 travel crib. The bed is suitable for infants as well as a travel cot or bassinet. Silver Cross Slumber is popular because it comes with a cushioned bed and is constructed of breathable mesh. It's also easy to clean and folds down in a matter of seconds, making it a great choice for families with busy schedules.