Buying bedside sleeper cot that can be washed by a machine can be helpful if your baby is injured or you need to clean your crib between trips. This cover does exactly this and comes with a convenient travel bag.
It comes with an innovative incline feature that can help ease reflux. It is compatible with divan beds as well as frame-like bed frames. It comes with side panels that are breathable to help maintain the temperature of your baby as they sleep.
Safety
A bedside crib is an ideal solution for new parents. It is safe for your baby to sleep close proximity to you, but without the danger of sharing a bed (which could lead to death by suffocation). Bedside cribs can also allow you to soothe your baby at night and easily access them for feeding or comforting, without the need to get up which is a great benefit after the birth of a c-section.
These cribs are also a great option for older children who aren't big enough to fit in the bed of a toddler. It's essential that the crib you have at your side meets the most recent safety standards. Look for a crib that is compliant with the BS EN1130:2019. This requires a minimum of 120mm between the crib mattress and yours, to stop your child from falling onto your bed.
Look for a crib that allows you to place your baby's feet on the bottom of the bed. This will help them feel more at ease and lower the chance of being trapped under the covers. Some models allow you to tilt your crib, which is beneficial for babies with digestive issues such as reflux or colic. But be aware that tilting the crib can increase the likelihood of your baby being thrown out, so it's best to use it with extreme caution and only with the advice of your GP or health professional.
When not in use the crib for travel must be thoroughly cleaned prior to when it's packed away. This includes cleaning the mattress, bedding, and fabric covers. Also, it is important to clean any areas that are water-proof. It's essential to do this to avoid infusing mould or bacteria into the baby's sleep environment. Be sure to clean any removable parts and clean them regularly. You should also check the crib for signs of wear and tear and clean any fabric that has come in contact with faeces or urine since they can be infected and cause infection. You should do this every time you use the crib, and before storing it.
Sleeping in
A bedside crib allows you to keep your child close while you rest. It allows you to cosleep comfortably and can be used as a standalone crib or a travel crib for overnight stays at grandparents' or on holidays. You can pick from several models that suit your bed height. Some are specifically designed for divan beds while others are attached to the bedside as an sidecar.
A good bedside crib will be easy to clean, and ideally with a removable mattress that is machine washable. You should also look for an air-conditioned mattress that keeps your baby cool and comfortable. Some of the top cribs also have an incline for reflux in babies who suffer from acid reflux.
Follow the Safe Sleep guidelines provided by the Lullaby Trust to ensure that your baby's crib is safe and that there are no gaps in between the crib and the adult mattress. You can also try a side-car crib like the Chicco Next2Me, which is fast and easy to assemble and comes with a handy bag for travel. MFM test participants found it to be the most lightweight and portable of all the cribs that they looked at for their bedside.
While it is perfectly safe to sleep in a crib, you should be aware that it may not be the most relaxing option for long periods of time and can lead to back discomfort. It is also important to remember that these cribs are only suitable for 6 months, when you'll need to move them to an ordinary moses basket or cot.
Be cautious with models that have a barrier that can be raised to your mattress. This could result in your child falling out of the crib onto your mattress, which isn't recommended. Most new bedside cribs will have a 'half-height' barrier that is lower than the mattress to stop this from happening. One of our MFM test subjects found that the feature was not as easy to use as we had hoped however, it was beneficial for her family.
Buying an used crib
Buying second-hand baby items is a common strategy to save money for new parents. Consignment shops, flea markets and thrift stores are great places to locate baby items for sale at a fraction of the cost of retail.
Travel cribs are one of the baby items you should never purchase second-hand. Although it's hard to determine the history of a crib that has been used, some may have been in accidents, which could make them dangerous. Additionally the mattress of a used crib may have set-in stains and mold, and hidden depressions or indentations that can create a risk of suffocation for babies.
If you are looking for a secondhand portable crib, look for one that has mesh sides and a mattress that is firm. It shouldn't have any straps or decorations that could pose a strangulation hazard or choking hazard. It must also be easy to clean, and if possible it should have a manual printed on paper. If bedside sleeper cot is not there, you can usually find the manual online.
Consumer ReportsOpens a new window is a reliable source of information on products and suggestions. The Bump is a proud partner with Consumer Reports. CR experts evaluate thousands of products each year, and you can trust the ratings and reviews that you read here.
When you're looking for an older crib, make sure it meets federal safety standards. The easiest way to verify is to compare it with the crib safety guidelines on the CPSC's website. You can also visit the site to check for recalls on specific cribs.
While some parents sell their travel cribs once their child leaves them, this is not a good idea. A used crib mattress can develop suffocation hazards over time, and it's often contaminated with bacteria. It is important to test the mattress for cleanliness by pressing firmly into it using your hands. If it leaves a mark, it is too soft and shouldn't be used.
If you purchase a used crib for your baby and you are able to let it to sleep in it for a few weeks prior to your journey. Set it up in your home and letting them sleep there throughout the day for a few days prior to when you leave. This will allow them to adjust to the new sleeping environment and ease the stress they experience during your travels.
Getting started
A travel bedside crib or portable crib or play yard gives you a safe place for your baby to sleep while traveling. Some parents bring their travel crib with them to vacation, while others utilize it at home, or when visiting family and friends. A travel crib can make your vacation more enjoyable and relaxing for you and your child.
When shopping for a portable crib, look for one that is simple to set up and fold down. Make sure you read the directions before you purchase to ensure the procedure is easy and you're comfortable with it. Also, make sure you choose a crib that is machine washable, since this feature will save you time and money. Keeping your travel crib clean will help keep it looking brand new and many consignment stores will not take an unclean crib.
Before you travel, practice setting up and folding the crib at home. This will help your baby get used to the crib and will make it easier for them to transition to a hotel. You can also put an adorable or favorite blanket in it to familiarize your baby with the room and smell.
Whether your baby is awake or asleep it's crucial to stay close to them in the crib. You can comfort them or rock them to assist them to fall asleep and then wake up. You can also put them in the crib with their favorite blanket and wrap them in a swaddle to keep them warm. Once your baby is too big for swaddling, consider a sleep sack to keep them comfortable and safe in the crib.
If you're planning to take your baby on a trip it could be beneficial to purchase a 3-in-1 travel crib. This bed can be used by newborns and also as a travel bassinet or cot. Silver Cross Slumber is popular because it has a padded bed and is constructed of breathable mesh. It's easy to clean and folds up in a matter of seconds which makes it an ideal choice for families with busy schedules.