Buying a Travel Bedside Crib
The use of a machine-washable mattress cover is essential for those occasions when your baby has a messy accident or you want to clean up the crib between trips. This cover is perfect for this and comes with an easy-to-use travel bag.
It comes with an innovative incline feature that helps ease reflux. It works with both divan beds as well as frame-like bed frames. It also has breathable mesh sides to aid in regulating the temperature of your baby while he sleeps.
Safety
A bedside crib can save space for new parents. You can lay down next to your child without worrying about the risk of suffocation. Bedside cribs let you help your baby sleep at night and reach them to feed them or provide comfort without having to get up from your bed. This is especially useful after a c section birth.
These cribs are also a great option for older children who are too small to fit into the bed of a toddler. But, it's essential to ensure that your crib is compliant with the most recent safety standards. Look for a model that complies with BS EN 1130:2019. This requires a 120mm high barrier between the crib and parent's mattress to stop your child from slipping onto yours.
You could also look for a travel crib that can accommodate the 'feet-to foot' position, where you put your baby in the crib with their feet on the end of the bed. This allows them to remain more comfortable and decreases the chance of them becoming trapped under the covers. Certain cribs allow you to tilt your crib, which can be ideal for babies suffering from digestive issues like colic or reflux. It is recommended to use the crib tilting system with caution. It could increase your baby's risk of falling out.
Before packing away a crib, it must be thoroughly cleaned. This should include cleaning the mattress, bedding, and any covers made of fabric as well as cleaning any waterproof areas. It's essential to do this in order to avoid infusing mould or bacteria into your baby's sleeping environment. Remember to clean and wash any removable parts. Also, you should check the crib for signs that it's worn out and clean any fabrics that have come in contact with urine and faeces. They could become infected and cause infection. This should be done each time you use the crib and before packing it away for storage.
Cosleeping
A bedside crib is a safe and practical way to keep your baby close as you sleep. It allows you to cosleep comfortably and can be used as a separate crib or a travel one to stay with grandparents for the night or for trips on holiday. You can pick from various models that are suitable for your bed height. Some are designed for divan beds while others are attached to your bed side as an sidecar.
A crib that is suitable for bed should be easy to clean, ideally with a removable mattress which can be washed in the machine. Find a mattress that is air-conditioned to keep your baby cool. Some of the best cribs also come with an incline for reflux to aid babies with acid reflux.
Always adhere to the Safe Sleep guidance provided by the Lullaby Trust and ensure your baby's bedding is safe and there aren't any gaps between the adult mattress and the crib. You can also try a side-car crib like the Chicco Next2Me, which is fast and simple to assemble, and comes with a convenient bag for travel. MFM testers found it to be the most lightweight and portable of the cribs that they looked at for their bedside.
It is perfectly safe to cosleep with your baby in a crib. However, wooden bedside cot might not be the most practical option for prolonged periods and can cause back discomfort. These cribs should only be used for a maximum of six months. After that, you will have change to a cot or moses basket.
You should also be cautious about a crib with drop-down barriers that drop all up to your bed. This can lead to your child escaping from the crib onto your mattress, which isn't recommended. Most new bedside cribs come with a 'half-height' barrier that is lower than the mattress to help prevent this from happening. One of our MFM test participants discovered that the feature was not as easy to use as expected, but it was still beneficial for her family.
Buying an old crib
Second-hand baby items are a great option to save money new parents. Consignment shops or flea markets, as well as thrift stores are great places to locate baby items for sale at a fraction of the price retail.
However, there are some baby items that shouldn't be bought secondhand, including travel cribs. Although it's difficult to discern the history of a crib that has been used it is possible that some were in accidents, which could make them unsafe. A used crib mattress could have stains and mold that are hard-set as well as hidden depressions or indentations. These can be dangerous for babies who are suffocated.
When looking for a used portable baby crib, choose one with mesh side panels and mattresses that are firm. It should also have no decorations or straps that could create a strangulation or choking hazard. It must also be easy to clean and, if it is possible, have a manual printed on paper. If the manual is missing, you can usually find an online copy.
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If you are looking to purchase a second-hand crib, make sure it is safe according to federal standards. Compare it to the crib safety guidelines available on the CPSC website. You can also look on the website for recalls of a specific crib.
While some parents sell their travel cribs when their child is no longer in them, this is not a good idea. In time, a used crib mattress may become suffocation hazard and may be contaminated with bacteria. It is essential to test the mattress's cleanliness by pressing it into it using your hands. If it leaves marks, it's too soft and should not be used.
If you decide to purchase a used crib, allow your baby the chance to rest in it prior your travels. Try putting it in your home and let them sleep there throughout the day for a few days prior to when you travel. This will allow them to adjust to the new sleeping area and reduce their stress on your journey.
Getting started
A travel crib, also called a portable crib or play yard, provides a safe place to sleep your child while you are traveling. Some parents use the crib at home or when visiting relatives and friends and others take it along with them on vacation. A travel crib will make your excursion more enjoyable and relaxing for both you and your child.
Find a portable cot that is easy-to-assemble and to fold. Review the instructions prior to you purchase to ensure that the process is simple and you're comfortable with it. Also, make sure you choose a crib that's machine washable. This feature will save you time and money. Keep your crib clean to ensure it looks fresh and new. Many consignment shops won't accept a dirty portable baby crib.
Make sure you fold and set the crib prior to your trip. This will help your baby become familiar with the crib and make it easier to transition to the hotel. You can even put a lovey or favorite blanket inside to help familiarize your baby with the surroundings and smell.
It's important to keep your baby close, whether they're asleep or awake. You can rock or hold them to help them fall asleep and get up. You can also place them in their crib with a favorite blanket and swaddle to keep them warm. Once your baby is too big to be swaddled, think about a sleep sack to ensure they are comfortable and safe in the crib.
If you're planning to take your baby with you on vacation, it may be helpful to invest in a 3-in-1 travel crib. This type of bed can be used as a co-sleeper, travel cot as well as a bassinet for babies from 6 months to 6 years old. Silver Cross Slumber is popular because it comes with a cushioned mattress and is constructed of breathable mesh. It is also easy to clean, and folds in just a few minutes. This makes it a perfect option for busy families.