9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Travel Bedside Crib
Buying a travel bedside cot 6 months plus crib (head to the Ufmg site)
A crib mattress cover that is machine washable is a great option if your baby has an accident or you want to clean the crib in between trips. This cover does exactly this and comes with a convenient travel bag.
It has a clever incline feature that can help ease reflux. It is compatible with divan beds as well as frames for bed frames. It features sides with breathable mesh to regulate the temperature of your baby while they sleep.
Safety
A bedside crib is a space-saving solution for new parents. You can sleep close to your child without worrying about the risk of suffocation. 4-in-1 bedside crib cribs also enable you to soothe your baby in the night and have them easily reach them to feed or comfort them without having to get up which is a great benefit after an c-section birth.
These cribs are also a great option for older children who are too small to fit in a toddler bed. But, it's essential to make sure 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 minimum of 120mm between the crib mattress and yours to prevent your child rolling onto yours.
You could also look for a crib that has the feet-to-foot' position, where you put your baby in the crib with their feet at the bottom of the bed - this helps them to stay more comfortable and decreases the chance of them becoming stuck under covers. Some cribs also allow you to tilt the crib, which is helpful for babies suffering from digestive issues such as colic or reflux. But be aware that tilting the crib can increase the chance of your baby falling out, so it should be to use it with extreme caution and only with the advice of your GP or health professional.
When it is not being used, a travel crib should be thoroughly cleaned before it is packed away. This should include cleaning the mattress, any bedding and any fabric covers and cleaning any water-proof areas. This is crucial to avoid introducing mould or bacteria into the environment where your baby sleeps. Remember to clean and dry all removable parts. You should also check the crib for signs of wear and tear, and clean any materials that come in contact with urine or faeces, since they can be infected and cause infection. You should clean the crib each time you use the crib, and before you store it.
Sleeping in
A bedside crib is a safe and practical solution to keep your baby close to you while you rest. It's a secure way to sleep in a cosleep position and can also be used as an independent crib or a travel crib when you stay with your grandparents or taking a vacation. You can pick from a range of models that suit your bed height. Some are designed for divan beds while others attach to the side of your bed as sidecars.
A crib that is suitable for bed should be easy to clean, best with a mattress which can be washed in the machine. Choose a mattress that is ventilated to keep your baby cool. Some of the top cribs will also offer a reflux incline for babies suffering 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 aren't gaps in between the crib and the mattress for adults. 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. This is a popular choice among MFM test participants who found it to be the most portable and lightweight of the bedside crib with wheels cribs we reviewed.
It is perfectly safe to sleep with your baby in a crib. However, it may not be the most practical option for prolonged periods and can cause back pain. These cribs should only be used for up to six months. After that, you will have change to a cot or moses basket.
Be cautious of models with a drop-down barrier that drops all the way to your mattress. This can lead to your child escaping from the crib onto your mattress, which is not recommended. Most new bedside cot crib cribs will come with 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 she expected, but it was still beneficial for her family.
Buying a crib that is second-hand
Second-hand baby products are a great way to save money for new parents. It doesn't matter if you need a brand new car seat or an extra crib for travelling, many baby items are available at consignment stores and flea markets as well as thrift shops at just a fraction of the cost of retail.
There are a few baby products that shouldn't be purchased second-hand, such as travel cribs. It's hard to tell whether a crib has been involved in an accident, but there are some that have. This could result in it being dangerous. Additionally the mattress of a used crib could have set-in stains and mold, as well as hidden indentations or depressions that could cause suffocation risks for infants.
If you are shopping for a used portable crib, look for one with mesh side panels and a sturdy mattress. It shouldn't have any straps or decorations that could be a strangulation danger or choking risk. It should also be easy clean, and if you can, have a manual printed on paper. If the manual isn't there, you can usually find an online copy.
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Verify that the crib meets the safety standards of the federal government before purchasing a used one. The most effective way to determine this is to compare it with the crib safety guidelines available on the CPSC's website. You can also go to the website to find recalls for a particular crib.
Although some parents sell their travel cribs when their child moves out of them, this is not a good idea. In time a crib mattress that has been used could become a hazard for suffocation and contaminated with bacteria. It is essential to test the mattress's cleanliness by pressing firmly into it with your fingers. If it leaves an indentation, it's too soft and should not be used.
If you choose to purchase a second-hand crib, give your baby a chance to rest in it prior your travels. Set it up at home and allow them to sleep throughout the day for just a few days before your trip. This will allow them to adjust to the new environment and reduce their stress on your travels.
Getting started
A travel bedside cot mattress crib, also known as a portable crib or play yard offers a safe and secure place for your child to sleep during your travels. Some parents utilize a crib for travel at home or when visiting family and friends and others take it along on vacation. A travel crib can make your trip more enjoyable and relaxing for you and your child.
Look for a portable cot that is easy to assemble and fold. Check the instructions before you buy to ensure that the procedure is easy and you're comfortable with it. Also, choose a crib that's machine washable, as this feature can save you time and money. Maintaining your crib clean will keep it looking brand new and a lot of consignment shops won't accept an unclean crib.
Make sure you fold and set up the crib before your trip. This will help your baby get familiar with the crib, making it easier to move to a hotel. You can place a favorite blanket or lovey in there to familiarize your child with the smell and the space.
Whether your baby is awake or asleep it's vital to remain close to them when they're in the crib. You can rock or hold them to help them sleep and get up. You can also put them in their crib with a favourite blanket and swaddle to keep them warm. When your baby is large to swaddle, you might want to consider a sleep bag to keep them cozy and safe while they're in the crib.
If you are planning to take your baby on a vacation, a 3-in-1 crib may be the best option. It is suitable for infants as well 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 also easy to clean and folds up in seconds which makes it an ideal choice for families with busy schedules.
