20 Fun Facts About 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 original size, and then put in a handy bag for transport.
Keep in mind that the crib is intended for sleeping. Toys or blankets, pillows and pillows can suffocate a child.
Safety
As you shop for a travel crib you'll want to be sure that the manufacturer complies with all safety standards. One good starting point is the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website, which can let you know whether or not a certain crib is being recalled. You should also select a mattress that is the right size for your baby's bed to ensure it doesn't slide into the gaps between the sides of the crib or create a suffocation hazard.
When selecting a bassinet or crib choose one that conforms to the latest safety standards that were updated in 2022. Avoid cribs with older designs and modified for travel or cribs with drop-sides. These cribs have not been tested, and may pose a risk to your baby's safety.
A travel crib should be well-built and sturdy. Examine for loose, missing or broken 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 flow. The crib slats should not be more than 2 3/8 inches apart to prevent the baby's head and limbs from becoming trapped. Don't put any 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 are able to stand up on their own, or before the age of 5 months.
It's also important to look regularly for broken or loose hardware and screws, especially when traveling with your infant. Remove all plastic from the crib, too.
If you're using a portable crib, make sure it's not close to a window. Windows pose an accident hazard and if your baby falls into it, they could get injured. It is recommended to keep your baby's bedroom away from windows, even when they are old enough to roll over. If your child begins to roll over during sleep, it's best to wake them up to prevent injuries.
Portability
If you're planning a trip on vacation, have family staying over, or simply want a safe crib for sleepovers with your friends, a portable crib (or playard, as they are sometimes called) is a great choice. These playards fold up easily to put together and are compact when closed, and come with a comfortable padded mattress that can accommodate infants up to 15 kg.
bedside cosleeper love the BabyBjorn travel crib due to the fact that it is easy to fold and to store. Its easy drop down panels that can be operated by one hand are also convenient to use for parents who are tired. It's not the tiniest of packs-and-play on our list, but it's a good weight, weighing just under 15 pounds. It features standard carry handles rather than the backpack-style strap that some prefer to haul around.
Another option that is worth considering is the Joie Kubbie Sleep, which combines a bedside crib and bassinet in one compact unit that is ideal for both overnight and holiday visits to relatives and friends. It's not the most affordable alternative however it has a variety of features, including an organizer basket as well as calming lights for the night that change color, lullabies, and white noise to help your child sleep.
The fabric is machine washable and washable, which makes it easy to clean. It's also relatively lightweight at just 12 kilos, and fits neatly into the small, handy travel case that comes with it. It comes with six height settings and a tummy tilt for reflux/colic infants, and it can be adapted to beds of all sizes. It's also extremely easy to install, with our MFM tester being able to have it up and running in a mere 10 minutes. You'll need to buy an additional mattress, however.
Feeding
It's crucial that your baby is safe and secure when you travel, whether on business or pleasure. It is better to buy a travel-specific crib or bassinet than to use one that you already have. They are smaller, have mesh sides that permit parents to check on their children without disturbing them, and are light enough to allow for easy transport between places. They also meet the safety standards of American Academy of Pediatrics and have not been recalled.
If you must use a crib alongside your bed, it is recommended that you put your baby on their back. The sleeping surface should be free of blankets, pillows and toys. Sharing the bed with parents isn't advisable for any baby regardless of age, and this type of sleeping together is associated with an increased risk of SIDS. If you have to sleep with your child at times, make sure that you only do so while your baby is asleep and you are at all times dressed and awake.
The bedside cribs that are available for infants and young children include:
Some are designed to look like a mini-crib or Moses basket, while others have sides that can be placed on parents' beds. This allows access to the baby for feeding and comforting while avoiding the risks of true co-sleeping which the AAP advises against due to dangers of suffocation. Examples include the Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Bassinet, which is a bedside sleeper that connects to the sides of a parent's mattress. This is a good option for older children since the sides can be raised so that you can reach the baby without having to lift them from the bed. The travel cot that has an integrated crib that can be removed enables you to easily lift a sleeping baby up for feeding or for care.
Sleeping
Bedside cribs let you sleep peacefully with your baby. They are placed near your bed at night, so that you can reach them easily for feedings at night and observe them without disrupting their sleep. Some cribs have a drop side that can be lowered to make this easier, and others come with an adjustable height adjustment to ensure they are able to accommodate your bed when you are at home or on the go.
It was previously recommended that infants sleep in their own bedroom. However parents are increasingly opting to co-sleep. Also known as rooming in, this arrangement lets babies be close to their parents yet remain safely separated on their own bassinet or crib. There are a variety of co-sleeper available like the iCrib, which is designed to be an easy-to-move crib that can be placed on top of your bed or a standard crib. It has a light frame and a mattress that can be removed and it can be folded for easy storage. The Joie Roomie Go crib is another option. It attaches to the bed edge and has seven height positions as well as a tummy tilt for reflux and colic. The crib was highly praised by our MFM home testers for its user-friendly design and compact folding, and it comes in a variety of colours.
There are also freestanding cribs for bedside use, such as our Lilly and Alain, that can be positioned on top of an existing bed frame. They have a movable side barrier that slides down to allow you to pick your baby up for dinner at night, but the crib is otherwise self-contained and your baby will sleep soundly throughout this time. They also meet the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements which require that the 120mm high barrier should be installed between your mattress and your child's cot.
Additionally, there are travel cribs that are specifically designed to be used on the road. These are typically much smaller and more compact than a standard crib which makes them easier to carry in and out of hotels and cars. Munchkin Brica, for example can be set up in just a few minutes and folded down in less than three pounds. It is therefore simple to lift and move.