7 Things About Bedside Crib You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing
Buying a Bedside Crib For Travel
The dimensions of this crib are ideal for mothers. It's bigger than a Moses Basket but smaller than a Cot Bed. It also folds down to a third of its original size, and can fit into a handy travel bag, making it ideal for travel.
Make sure that the crib is only for sleeping. Toys such as pillows, blankets and pillows can make a child suffocate.
Safety
As you shop for a travel crib it is important to make sure that the manufacturer is compliant with all safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) website is the best place to start. It will inform you if a portable crib has ever been recall. You should also select a mattress that is the right size for your baby's bed, so it doesn't slip into the gaps between the crib sides or create a suffocation hazard.
When choosing a crib or bassinet choose one that meets the newer safety standards that were updated in 2022. Also, avoid cribs that are older, modified cribs or drop side cribs that were recycled for use in travel, as they have not been tested and may pose risks to your baby's safety.
A travel crib should be sturdy and well-constructed. Check for missing, broken or loose screws, as well as other hardware. If you're using a playard, it should have secure walls and mesh windows to allow for proper air flow. The slats on the crib should be spaced no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to prevent baby's head or legs from getting trapped. Never put toys, blankets or stuffed animals in the crib. These can cause suffocation or strangle your baby. They should be removed from the crib when your child is able push up on their hands and knees or prior to 5 months old, whichever comes first.
Examine regularly for loose or broken screws and hardware. This is particularly crucial when traveling with an infant. Make sure to remove all plastic from the crib before using it, and.
If you are using a portable crib ensure that it's not placed under a large window. A window is an accident hazard for your baby may be injured when they fall into it. Even if your child is old enough to roll over, it's best to keep their sleeping area away from windows. It's important to wake up your baby if they start to sleep on their backs.
Portability
Portable cribs (or playards, as they're sometimes called) are a great option for anyone who is on vacation, has a guests over, or simply wanting a safe crib to use during a sleepover or with friends. These foldable contraptions are easy to assemble and compact when closed, and feature the most comfortable padded mattress that can support newborns up to 15kg.
The BabyBjorn Travel Crib is a favorite among MFM home testers who appreciate the fact that it can be folded and stored in several 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 but it's a decent weight at just over 15 pounds. It has regular carry handles rather than an e-bag strap, which some prefer to haul around.
The Joie Kubbie Sleep is another excellent option. It combines a bedside bassinet and crib into one compact unit. This is ideal for overnight stays during holidays and with friends and family. It's not the most affordable option however it has many features, such as an organizer basket, soothing night lights that change colour and lullabies, as well as white noise, to aid your child to fall asleep.
The fabrics can be washed in the machine and wipeable, making it easy to clean. It's also quite light at less than 12kg, and fits neatly into the small, compact travel case that comes with it. It comes with six different height settings that include a tummy tilt for reflux/colic babies, and is able to fit beds of all sizes. It's also very simple to install. Our MFM tester could do it in just 10 minutes. It will require a separate mattress.
Feeding
It is essential that your child is safe and secure when you travel, whether on pleasure or business. While some families may be attracted to use a bassinet or crib that they have, it's best to buy one specially designed for travel. They are smaller and come with mesh sides, which allows parents to check on their baby without disturbing them. They're also light and can be easily transported between places. They also meet all the safety standards of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and haven't been recalled.
If you have to use a crib next to your bed it is recommended you put your baby on their back. The sleeping surface should be free of pillows, blankets and stuffed toys. This kind of sleeping arrangement increases the chance of SIDS. If you do have to sleep with your partner at times, make sure that your baby is sleeping and that both you and your partner are dressed and awake.
The kinds of cribs available for newborns and young babies include:
Some are shaped like miniature cribs or Moses basket, whereas others have sides that can be lowered down into the bed of the parent. This allows parents to reach their infant during the middle of the night to soothe and feed their child, and avoid the dangers of sleeping with their child. The AAP cautions against this due to the risk of the risk of suffocation. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Bassinet is a bedside sleeper that is attached to a mattress that is used by a parent. It is a good choice for older children, as the sides can be elevated so that you can reach the infant without having to lift them out of the bed. Another option is a travel cot, which has a built-in bassinet which 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 cribs are a fantastic method to sleep in a safe environment with your newborn. They are placed next to your bed during the night, so that you can reach out easily for night feeds and check on them without disturbing their sleep. Some cribs have drop sides that you can lower to make this easier, and others have an adjustable height to make sure they be able to fit in your bed at home or away.
While it was once recommended that infants sleep in their own separate bedroom, there is a growing trend for parents to share a bed with their infants. This arrangement, also known as rooming in, allows babies to stay close to their parents, while remaining in their own crib or a bassinet. There are many types of co-sleepers, such as the iCrib, an iCrib-style portable crib that can be placed on the top of a bed, or a crib. This model comes with a light frame and a mattress that can be removed and it can be folded to make it easy for storage. The Joie Roomie Go crib is another option. It attaches to the bed edge and comes with seven height positions as well as a tummy-tilt for reflux and colic. Our MFM home testers praised this crib for its small folding and easy to use. It is also available in various colors.
There are also freestanding bedside cribs, like our Lilly and Alain, that can be positioned on top of the traditional bed frame. The cribs have the side barrier that slides down to allow you to pick up your child for feedings at night. However the cribs are completely self-contained, allowing your baby to remain asleep peacefully. These models also meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements which stipulate that 120mm high barriers must be placed between your mattress and the cot of your child.
There are also cribs for travel available. They are designed specifically for use when traveling. cheap bedside cot tend to be smaller and lighter than standard cribs, which makes it easier to carry them from and into hotels and vehicles. The Munchkin Brica travel crib, for instance can be set up and put down in under an hour and weighs just 3 pounds, making it easy to carry and lift.