11 Ways To Completely Redesign Your Bedside Crib
Buying a Bedside Crib For Travel
The crib's size is a hit with moms It's larger than the Moses basket, but smaller than a crib bed. It can also fold down to one-quarter of its size and then put in a handy bag for traveling.
Make sure that the crib is only for sleeping. Toys, pillows and blankets can cause a child to be suffocated.
Safety
If you're looking to purchase 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 a good place to begin. It will inform you whether a crib for portable use has ever been recalled. Pick a mattress that's suitable for your baby's crib so it won't fall through the gaps or pose the risk of suffocation.
Look for cribs or bassinets that meet the current safety standards for 2022. Avoid older cribs and cribs that have been modified for travel, or cribs with drop-sides. These cribs have not been tested, and could be a danger to your baby's safety.
A travel crib must be sturdy and well-constructed. Make sure you check for broken, missing or loose screws as well as other hardware. If you're using a playard, it should have sturdy walls and mesh windows to allow for adequate air circulation. The crib's slats must not be more than 2 3/8 inches apart to prevent the baby's head and limbs becoming trapped. Never put toys, blankets, or toys that are stuffed with animals in the crib. These items can strangle or suffocate your baby. They should be removed when they can stand up on their own or before the age of 5 months.
It's also important to check frequently for loose or broken hardware and screws, particularly when traveling with your infant. Make sure you take out all plastic from the crib prior to use, too.
If you're using a portable crib, be sure it's not directly under the window. A window is an accident hazard for your baby could be injured in the event that they crash into it. It is recommended to keep your baby's bedroom away from windows, even if they are old enough to roll over. If your child starts to roll over in bed, it's a good idea wake them up to prevent injuries.
Portability
If you're on holiday, have family staying over, or just need a secure bedside crib for sleepovers or with friends, a portable crib (or playard, as they are sometimes called) is a great choice. These foldable contraptions are easy to assemble and are compact when closed, and come with an incredibly comfortable mattress that can support newborns up to 15kg.
MFM home testers appreciate the BabyBjorn travel crib because it's simple to fold and put away. Its simple drop-down panels that are one-handed are also a breeze for parents who are bleary-eyed. It's not our tiniest pack-and-play play, but with just under 15 pounds it's still an acceptable weight. It also has regular handles instead of a backpack style strap that some people prefer.
Another option that is worth considering is the Joie Kubbie Sleep, which includes a crib for bed and a bassinet into one compact unit that's ideal for both overnight and holiday visits to family and friends. It is not the cheapest alternative however it has various features, such as a storage basket as well as calming lights for the night that change color and lullabies, as well as white noise to help your child fall asleep.
The fabric is machine washable and washable, making it easy to clean. It's also relatively lightweight at just 12 kilos and easily fits into the small, compact travel case that comes with it. It has six different height settings, as well as a tummy-tilt for reflux/colic baby. It's suitable for any size bed. It is also very easy to set up. Our MFM tester could do it in less than 10 minutes. You'll need to buy an additional mattress for it, however.
Feeding
It is essential that your child is comfortable and safe when you travel, whether for business or pleasure. While some families may be inclined to use a bassinet or a crib that they already own but it's better to purchase one that is specifically made for travel. These are smaller and have mesh sides that permit parents to check on their children without disturbing them. They are light enough to allow for easy transportation between locations. They also meet the safety standards of American Academy of Pediatrics and have not been recalled.
If you are required to use a crib next to your bed it is recommended you put your baby on their back. The bed should be free of blankets, pillows, and stuffed toys. Sharing a bed with parents isn't recommended for any baby regardless of age, and this kind of co-sleeping is linked to an increased risk of SIDS. If you do have to sleep with your partner at times, make sure that your baby is asleep and that both you and your partner are dressed and awake.
There are many kinds of cribs for babies and newborns.
Some are shaped as a mini-crib or Moses basket, while others have sides which can be lowered into the parent's beds. This gives parents access to the baby for feeding and comforting without exposing the risk of true co-sleeping which the AAP cautions against due suffocation risks. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Bassinet is a bedside sleeper that attaches to a parent's mattress. It is a good choice for older children, since the sides can be elevated to allow you to reach the infant without having to lift them out of bed. Another option is the travel cot, which has a built-in bassinet which can be removed from the top of the crib, which makes it easier to raise an infant who is sleeping for feeding or other care.
Sleeping
Cots For Tots allow you to sleep with your baby in a safe and secure way. They are placed near your bed at night, so that you can reach over easily for night feeds and check on them without disturbing their sleep. Some cribs come with drop-sides that you can lower for this purpose, while others have a height adjustment so they can fit into your bed at home or away.
While it used to be advised that infants sleep in their own separate bedroom, there is now a increasing preference for parents to co-sleep with their infants. Also known as rooming-in, this arrangement lets babies be close to their parents but remain in a safe space on their own bassinet or crib. There are many types of co-sleepers available such as the ICrib, which is an inflatable crib that is designed to be placed on the top of a bed, or a crib. It has a light frame and a removable mattress and it can be folded for easy storage. The Joie Roomie Go crib is another alternative. It is attached to the bed edge and comes with 7 height positions, as well as a tummy tilt to ease colic and reflux. Our MFM home testers praised this crib for its compact folding and easy to use. It is also available in various colors.
You can also buy freestanding bedside cribs such as our Lilly or Alain that you can place on top of an existing bed frame. They come with a moveable side barrier that slides down to allow you pick your baby up for night feeding, but the crib is fully enclosed and your baby will sleep soundly throughout this period. These cribs meet the latest BS EN1130:2019 safety standards which require a 120mm barrier between your mattress and the child's cot.
There are also cribs designed for travel and are designed to be used on the road. They are usually smaller and more compact than standard cribs, making them more convenient to take into and out of hotels and cars. The Munchkin Brica travel crib, for instance can be set up and put down in under a minute and it weighs just three pounds, making it easy to move and carry.