Buying a Bedside Crib For Travel
Mums love this crib's size It's larger than a Moses basket but smaller than a cot bed. It's also foldable down to a quarter of its original size and then put in a handy bag for transport.
Keep in mind that the crib is only for sleeping. Toys such as pillows, blankets and pillows can cause a child to be suffocated.
Safety
If you are looking for a travel cot ensure that the manufacturer complies with all safety standards. A good place to start is the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website, which will let you know whether or not a particular crib is being recalled. You should also select the right size for your baby's bed so that it doesn't fall into gaps in the crib's sides or create a suffocation hazard.
When selecting the right bassinet or crib make sure it conforms to the latest safety standards, which were updated in 2022. Also, avoid older cribs and cribs that have been modified or drop side cribs that are repurposed for travel because these have not been tested and could pose a risk to your baby's health.
A travel crib should be well-constructed and sturdy. Make sure there aren't any loose, missing or broken screws and other hardware. If you are using a playard, it should have mesh windows and sturdy walls to allow air circulation. The slats of the crib should be spaced no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart to keep baby's head and limbs from becoming trapped. Never put toys, blankets, or toys in the crib. These items can suffocate or strangle your baby and should be removed from the crib when your child is able to push up on their knees and hands or before 5 months old or when they reach 5 months of age, whichever comes first.
Make sure you check frequently for broken or loose screws and hardware. This is especially important when traveling with a baby. Take all plastic out of the crib too.
If you are using a portable crib, make sure it's not placed directly in front of the large windows. A window is an injury risk for falls and if your child rolls into it, they could be injured. Even if your baby is old enough to be able to roll over, it's best to keep their sleeping space away from windows. It's important to wake up your baby if they begin to roll over during sleep.
Portability
Portable cribs (or playards which is what they're sometimes referred to as) are a great choice for anyone going on vacation, having family members over, or simply needing an appropriate crib for a sleepover with friends. These portable cribs come with a comfortable mattress that can accommodate babies up to 15kg. They are simple to assemble and compact once closed.
Cots For Tots is a fav among MFM home testers, who appreciate the fact it can be folded down and stored in just one or two minutes, and its simple drop-down panels that can be operated with one hand are simple enough for even sleepy parents to use. It's not the lightest pack-and-play on our list however it's a decent weight, weighing just under 15 pounds. It comes with standard carry handles instead of a backpack-style strap which some prefer to carry around.
Another option that is worth considering is the Joie Kubbie Sleep, which incorporates a bedside crib and bassinet into a compact unit that's perfect for both holidays and overnight visits to friends and family. It's not the cheapest alternative but it does come with various features, such as an organizer basket, soothing night lights that change colour as well as lullabies and white noise, to aid your child to fall asleep.
The fabric is machine washable and wipeable, making it easy to clean. It's also light at just 12 kilos, and fits neatly into the small, handy travel case that comes with it. It comes with six height settings that include the tilt of the tummy for reflux/colic babies, and can fit beds of all sizes. It's also extremely easy to install, with our MFM tester able to get it up and running in a mere 10 minutes. It'll require a mattress that is separate.
Feeding
Whether traveling for business or pleasure, it's important to ensure your baby is comfortable and safe while traveling. While some families might be inclined to use a bassinet or crib that they own however, it's recommended to purchase one specifically designed for travel. They are smaller, have mesh sides to allow parents to monitor their babies without disturbing them. They are light enough to allow for easy transportation between locations. They also meet the safety standards of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and have not been recalled.
If you must use a crib beside your bed it is recommended you place your baby on their back. The bed should be free of blankets, pillows and toys. Sharing the bed with parents isn't advisable for any baby regardless of age, and this type of sleeping together 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 dressed and awake.
The kinds of cribs that are available for infants and young children include:
Some are designed to look like a mini-crib or Moses basket, while others have sides which can be placed on parents' bed. This gives parents access to the baby for feeding and comforting without exposing the risk of true co-sleeping, which the AAP advises against due to suffocation risks. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Bassinet is a bedside sleeper that is attached to the mattress of a parent. This is a great option for older children, since the sides can be raised so that you can reach the baby without having to lift them out of the bed. The travel cot that has a built-in crib that is removable allows you to raise a sleeping baby to allow feeding or other care.
Sleeping
Bedside cribs let you co-sleep safely with your baby. They are placed near your bed at night so that you can reach over easily for night feeds and observe them without disrupting their sleep. Some cribs have a drop side that can be lowered to make this easier, and others come with an adjustable height adjustment to ensure they are able to accommodate your bed when you are at home or away.
While it was once recommended that babies sleep in their own separate bedroom, there's a growing trend for parents to sleep with their infants. This arrangement, also known as rooming in, allows infants to stay close to their parents, while being separated from their own crib or a bassinet. There are several types of co-sleepers available like the iCrib, which is designed to be portable and can be placed on the top of your bed, or a standard crib. This model includes a light frame, a mattress that can be removed and is foldable up for easy storage. The Joie Roomie Go crib is another option. It is attached to the bed edge and has 7 height positions, as well as a tummy-tilt to help with colic and reflux. Our MFM home testers loved this crib for its small folding and ease of use. It's also available in various colors.
There are also cribs for bedside use, such as our Lilly and Alain, that can be put next to an existing bed frame. They come with a moveable side barrier that slides down so you can pick your baby up for evening feeding, however the crib is self-contained, and your child will sleep soundly throughout this period. They also meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements that specify that 120mm high barriers must be placed between your mattress and the cot of your child.
Lastly, there are cribs for travel that are specially made to be carried on the road. They tend to be smaller and lighter than standard cribs, making it easier to transport them in and out cars and hotels. Munchkin Brica, for example can be put together in less than one minute and folded down in three pounds. It is therefore easy to move and lift.