Buying a Bedside Crib For Travel

Moms love this crib's dimensions it's larger than the size of a Moses basket but smaller than a crib bed. It can also be folded down to just a quarter of its size and then put in a handy bag for traveling.

Remember that the crib should be used only for sleeping. Toys like blankets, pillows and pillows pose a suffocation hazard.

Safety

As you shop for a travel crib you'll want to be sure that the manufacturer is compliant with all safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) website is an excellent place to start. It will inform you whether a crib that is portable has ever been recalled. Pick a mattress that's suitable for the crib of your child so that it won't slip through the gaps or cause the risk of suffocation.

When selecting a bassinet or crib make sure it meets the newer safety standards, which were updated in 2022. It is also recommended to avoid cribs that are older or cribs that have been modified, or drop side cribs that are used for travel as they aren't tested and may pose risks to your baby's health.

A travel crib needs to be well-constructed and sturdy. Examine for broken, missing or loose screws, as well as other hardware. If you're using a playard it should have a secure wall and mesh windows to allow for adequate air flow. The crib slats should not be more than 2 3/8 inches apart to prevent the baby's head and legs from getting trapped. Don't put any pillows, blankets toys, stuffed animals or other items in the crib. These items can cause strangulation or death to your baby. They should be removed when they are able to stand on their own or before the age of 5 months.

It is also essential to check often for loose or broken hardware and screws, especially when you travel with your infant. Take all plastic out of the crib, too.

If you are using a portable crib be sure that it's not positioned directly in front of an enormous window. Windows pose a fall risk and if your child rolls into it, they may get injured. Even if your baby is old enough to be able to roll over it is recommended to keep their sleeping area away from windows. If your child begins to roll over in bed it's best to wake them up to prevent injury.

Portability

Whether you're going on holiday, have family staying over, or simply want a safe crib for sleepovers with your friends, an portable crib (or playard or playard, as they're often called) is a good option. These playards fold up easily to assemble and compact when closed, and feature an incredibly comfortable mattress that can hold newborns up to 15 kg.

MFM home testers love the BabyBjorn travel crib because it's easy to fold and put away. Its simple drop-down panels that are one-handed are also a breeze to use for parents who are tired. It's not the tiniest of packs-and-play on our list however it's a decent weight, weighing just under 15 pounds, and it features standard carry handles instead of an e-bag strap, which some find more comfortable to carry around.

Another excellent option is the Joie Kubbie Sleep, which combines a bedside crib to cot crib and bassinet into a compact unit that's perfect for both overnight and holiday visits to relatives and friends. It's not the most affordable alternative but it does come with various features, including a storage basket as well as calming lights for the night that change color and lullabies, as well as white noise, which can aid your child to fall asleep.

It's also easy to clean, with machine washable and wipeable fabric. And, despite its size and weight (it's more bulky when open) it's surprisingly light at just under 12kg and fits neatly into a compact, convenient bag that comes with it ideal for trips away from home. It comes with six height settings, including a tummy tilt for reflux/colic babies, and is able to fit beds of all sizes. It is also very easy to set up. Our MFM tester could do it in only 10 minutes. You'll need to buy an additional mattress for it however.

Feeding

Whether traveling for pleasure or business, it's important to ensure your baby is comfortable and safe on the road. It is better to buy a travel-specific crib or bassinet than to use one that you already own. These are smaller, have mesh sides that permit parents to check on their children without disturbing them. They are light enough to allow 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 have to use a crib alongside your bed it is recommended that you put your baby on their back. The bed should be free of blankets, pillows, and stuffed toys. Sharing a bed with parents isn't advisable for any baby, regardless of age, and this type of sleeping with a partner is associated with an increased risk of SIDS. If you have to occasionally co-sleep ensure that your baby is sleeping and that you and your partner are fully dressed and awake.

The types of bedside cribs that are available for infants and young children include:

Some are designed as a mini-crib or Moses baskets, while others have sides that can be placed on parents' bed. This allows parents to access their baby bedside sleeper during the middle of the night to comfort and feed them, while avoiding the dangers of co-sleeping. The AAP warns against this due to the danger of the risk of suffocation. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Bassinet is a bedside cot wooden sleeper that is attached to a mattress that is used by a parent. This is a great option for older children, as the sides can be raised to allow you to reach the infant without having to lift them from the bed. Another option is the travel cot, which has a built-in bassinet that can be removed from the top of the crib which makes it easier to lift an infant who is sleeping for feeding or other care.

Sleeping

bedside co sleeper rocking crib - how you can help - cribs are a great way to safely co-sleep with your baby. They are placed next to your bed at night so that you can reach over easily to feed them and check on them without disturbing their sleep. Some cribs come with drop-sides that you can lower to make it easier for you to do this, while others have a height adjustment so they will fit in your bed at home and when you go away.

It was previously recommended that infants be in their own room. However parents are increasingly choosing to sleep in a co-sleep. This arrangement, referred to as rooming in, allows infants to stay close to their parents, while remaining in their own crib or a bassinet. There are a variety of co-sleepers that are available such as the iCrib that is designed to be a portable crib that fits on the top of your bed or a standard crib. This model includes a light frame, a removable mattress and is foldable into a compact size for storage. There is also the Joie Roomie Go crib, that can be attached to the edge of the bed and has 7 height settings that can be adjusted and a tummy tilt to help with reflux and colic. Our MFM home testers highly praised this crib for its compact folding and ease of use. It is also available in a variety of colors.

You can also buy freestanding cheap bedside cot cribs such as our Lilly or Alain that you can put on top of the standard bed frame. The cribs feature a side barrier that can slide down to allow you to pick up your baby for night feedings. However they are also self-contained so your baby can remain asleep peacefully. These cribs also meet the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements that specify that the 120mm high barrier should be present between your mattress and the cot of your child.

Travel cribs are also available. They are specifically designed to be taken along when traveling. These are typically much smaller and more compact than a standard crib and are therefore easier to carry in and out of cars and hotels. Munchkin Brica, for example can be assembled in just a few minutes and folded down in three pounds. It is therefore easy to move and lift.