Buying a Bedside Crib For Travel

Mums love this crib's size - it's bigger than a Moses basket but smaller than a crib bed. It also folds down to just a third of its original size, and can fit into a handy travel bag, making it perfect for travel.

Just remember that the crib should only be used for sleeping. Toys such as pillows, blankets and pillows are a suffocation hazard.

Safety

As you shop for a crib for travel it is important to make sure that the manufacturer is compliant with all safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) site is an excellent place to start. It will tell you if a portable crib has ever been removed from the market. Pick a mattress that's suitable for your baby's crib so it doesn't slide through the gaps or cause a suffocation risk.

When choosing a bassinet or crib, look for one that is in compliance with the latest safety standards that were revised in 2022. You should also avoid older cribs and cribs that have been modified or drop side cribs that are used for travel as they have not been tested and could pose a risk to your baby's health.

A travel crib should be well-built and sturdy. Check for missing, broken or loose 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 prevent baby's head or limbs from becoming trapped. Do not put any toys, blankets, or toys in the crib. These can cause suffocation or strangle your baby. They should be removed from the crib when your child is able to push up on their knees and hands or prior to five months of age, whichever comes first.

Make sure you check often for broken or loose screws and hardware. This is particularly important when traveling with a child. Take all plastic out of the crib too.

If you are using a portable crib for your baby ensure that it's not placed directly in front of an enormous window. A window is an accident hazard and if your baby rolls into it, they may be injured. Even if your baby is old enough to be able to roll over, it's best to keep their sleeping area away from windows. If your child starts to roll over while sleeping it's a good idea get them up in order to avoid injury.

Portability

If you're planning a trip on vacation, have family staying over, or just want a safe bedside crib for sleepovers or with friends, a portable crib (or playard, as they are sometimes called) is an excellent option. These foldable contraptions come with a comfortable mattress that can support infants up to 15kg. They are easy to put together and compact when closed.

MFM home testers appreciate the BabyBjorn travel crib because it's simple to fold and put away. Its easy drop-down panels that are one-handed are also convenient to use for parents who are tired. It's not the lightest pack-and-play on our list however it's a decent weight at just over 15 pounds. It has regular carry handles rather than the backpack-style strap that some find more comfortable to haul around.

The Joie Kubbie Sleep is another great alternative. It incorporates a Rocking bedside crib bassinet as well as a crib into a compact unit. This is ideal for overnight stays during holidays and Rocking bedside Crib with family and friends. It's not the most affordable one, but it does come with many dancing and all-singing features such as a storage basket and soothing night lights that change colour as well as white noise and lullabies to help your baby sleep and sleep. Its bassinet is higher than the majority for easier access during the early days when mum is still recovering.

It's also easy to keep clean with wipeable and machine-washable fabrics. It's also light at less than 12kg, and fits neatly into the small, handy travel cot bedside case that comes with it. It has six height settings that include the tilt of the tummy for reflux/colic babies, and can fit beds of all sizes. It's also very easy to install and our MFM tester having it ready in just 10 minutes. You'll need to purchase an additional mattress, however.

Feeding

It's crucial that your baby is safe and comfortable when you travel, whether on business or pleasure. It is better to buy a bassinet or crib designed for travel rather than using one you already have. They are smaller and have mesh sides, which allows parents to observe their baby without disturbing them. They are also lightweight and can be easily transported between places. These also meet the safety standards of American Academy of Pediatrics and have not been recalled.

If you must use a crib that is placed at your bedside cot used it is recommended that your infant be positioned on their backs and that the bed be free of blankets, pillows and animals stuffed. Sharing a bed with parents isn't recommended for any baby, regardless of age, and this type of sleeping together is associated with an increased risk of SIDS. If you do have to sleep with your partner at times ensure that your baby is asleep and that you and your partner are dressed and awake.

There are many types of cribs for babies and newborns.

Some are shaped like miniature cribs or Moses basket, while others have sides that can be put down into the parent's bed. This allows parents to reach their child during the middle of the night to soothe and feed their child, and avoid the dangers of co-sleeping. The AAP cautions against this because of the risk of suffocation. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Bassinet is a bedside sleeper that attaches to the mattress of a parent. This can also be an ideal option for older children because the sides are easily raised to let you reach the infant from the adult bed without lifting them out. Another option is a travel cot with an integrated bassinet that can be removed from the top of the crib making it easier to lift up the sleeping infant to feed or other care.

Sleeping

bedside cot crib cribs are a fantastic way to safely co-sleep with your infant. They are placed near your bed to allow you to easily reach them during night feedings and check on their sleep without disrupting them. Some cribs have drop-sides that can be lowered to make it easier for you to do this, while others come with a height adjustment, so they can fit into your bed at home or away.

In the past, it was suggested that infants have their own bedrooms. However parents are increasingly opting to sleep in a co-sleep. This arrangement, also known as rooming in, allows babies to remain close to their parents while being separated from their own crib or a bassinet. There are a variety of co-sleepers available like the ICrib, which is an iCrib-style portable crib that can be able to sit on the top of a bed or a crib. It comes with a lightweight frame, a mattress that can be removed and is able to be folded into a compact size for storage. The Joie Roomie Go crib is another alternative. It attaches to the bed edge and comes with seven height positions, as well as a tummy tilt to help with colic and reflux. Our MFM home testers loved this crib for its compact folding and easy to use. It is also available in a variety of colors.

There are also freestanding bedside cribs, like our Lilly and Alain cribs, which can be put alongside the traditional bed frame. They have a movable side barrier that slides down to allow you to pick your baby up for evening feeding, however the crib is completely self-contained, and your child will continue sleeping soundly during this time. These cribs are in compliance with the new BS EN1130:2019 safety standards that require a 120mm gap between your mattress and child's cot.

Travel cribs are also available. They are specifically designed to be carried on the road. They tend to be smaller and less bulky than standard cribs, making it easier to transport them into and out of cars and hotels. The Munchkin Brica travel crib, for instance, can be set up and packed down in under one minute, and weighs just three pounds, making it easy to lift and carry.