Buzzwords De-Buzzed: 10 Alternative Ways To Say Bedside Crib
Buying a Bedside Crib For Travel
The dimensions of this crib are perfect for mums. It's larger than the Moses Basket, but smaller than the Cot Bed. It also folds down to just a third of its original size and fits into a convenient travel bag, making it perfect for travel.
Remember that the crib is designed for sleeping. Toys, pillows and blankets can make a child suffocate.
Safety
If you're looking to purchase a crib for travel you'll want to be sure the manufacturer meets all safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) website is a good place to begin. It will tell you whether a crib for portable use has ever been recalled. You should also select a mattress that is appropriate for your baby's crib, so it doesn't slip into gaps in the sides of the crib or cause suffocation hazards.
Search for bassinets and cribs that are in line with the latest safety standards of 2022. It is also recommended to avoid older cribs, modified cribs or drop side cribs that were repurposed for travel because these aren't tested and may pose risks to your baby's health.
A travel crib needs to be well-built and sturdy. Check for missing, loose or broken screws and other hardware. If you are using a playard it should be fitted with mesh windows and strong walls to allow air flow. The crib slats shouldn't be more than 2 3/8 inches apart to prevent the baby's head and limbs from becoming trapped. Don't put any blankets, pillows toys, stuffed animals or other items in the crib. These items could cause strangulation or death to your baby. They must be removed at the time they are able to stand on their own, or before the age of five months.
Examine regularly for loose or broken screws and other hardware. This is especially crucial when traveling with an infant. Take all plastic out of the crib too.
If you are using a portable crib, make sure it's not positioned directly under a large window. A window can be a fall risk and if your baby falls into it, they could be injured. Even if your child is old enough to be able to roll over, it's best to keep their sleeping space away from windows. If bedside crib and travel cot starts to roll over while sleeping it's a good idea wake them up to prevent injuries.
Portability
Portable cribs (or playards which is what they're sometimes referred to as) are a great choice for those going on vacation, having guests over, or simply needing a safe crib to use for a sleepover with friends. These portable cribs are simple to build and compact when closed, and come with an incredibly comfortable mattress that can support newborns up to 15kg.
The BabyBjorn Travel Crib is a fav among MFM home testers, who appreciate the fact that it can be folded down and stored in one or two minutes, and its easy-to-use drop-down panels are easy for even bleary-eyed parents to use. It's not the lightest backpack on our list, but it's a good weight, weighing just under 15 pounds. It comes with standard carry handles rather than the backpack-style strap that some prefer to haul around.
The Joie Kubbie Sleep is another fantastic option. It incorporates a bedside bassinet as well as a crib into one compact unit. It is ideal for long-term stays and holidays with friends and family. It's not the cheapest alternative however it has various options, including a basket for storage and calming night lights that change color and lullabies, as well as white noise to help your child sleep.
The fabric is machine washable and washable, which makes it easy to clean. It's also quite light at just 12 kilos, and fits neatly into the small, compact travel case that comes with it. It has six height settings and a tummy tilt to help with reflux or colic babies, and can fit beds of all sizes. It's also easy to set up. Our MFM tester was able to do it in only 10 minutes. It will require a separate mattress.
Feeding
It's important that your baby is safe and secure when you travel, whether on business or pleasure. It's better to purchase a bassinet or crib designed for travel instead of using one you already own. These are smaller, with mesh sides that allow parents to monitor their babies without disturbing them, and are light enough for simple transportation between locations. They also conform to the safety standards of American Academy of Pediatrics and have not been subject to recalls.
If you must use a bedside crib it is recommended that your infant be placed on their back and the mattress be free of blankets, pillows and animals stuffed. This type of co-sleeping increases the chance of SIDS. If you are forced to co-sleep on occasion, ensure that you only do this while your baby is asleep and you're completely dressed and awake.
The bedside cribs available for babies and infants include:
Some are designed to look like a mini-crib or Moses baskets, while others have sides that can be put into parents' bed. This allows parents to reach their child during the middle of the night to soothe and feed them, while avoiding the dangers of sleeping with their child. The AAP cautions against this because of the danger of the risk of suffocation. Examples include the Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Bassinet, a bedside sleeper that attaches to the sides of a mattress for a parent. This is a great option for older children, as the sides can be elevated to allow you to reach the baby without lifting them from the bed. Another option is a travel cot that has an integrated bassinet that can be removed from the top of the crib which makes it easier to lift an infant who is sleeping for feeding or other care.
Sleeping
Bedside cribs are a fantastic method to sleep in a safe environment with your newborn. They are placed next to your bed so you can easily reach them for feedings and check on their sleep without disrupting them. Some cribs have an opening on the side that you can lower to make this easier and some have an adjustable height so that they will accommodate your bed when you are at home or when you are away.
It was previously recommended that infants have their own bedrooms. However parents are increasingly choosing to co-sleep. This arrangement, referred to as rooming in, allows infants to remain close to their parents while remaining in their own crib or bassinet. There are many types of co-sleepers that are 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 regular crib. This model comes with 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 seven height positions, as well as a tummy-tilt to help with colic and reflux. Our MFM home testers praised this crib for its small folding and ease of use. It's also available in a variety of colors.
There are also freestanding bedside cribs, such as our Lilly and Alain, that can be put alongside the traditional bed frame. They have a movable side barrier that can slide down to allow you to take your baby to a evening feeding, however the crib is completely fully enclosed and your baby will sleep soundly throughout this period. They also meet the latest BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirements that specify that 120mm high barriers must be installed between your mattress and your child's cot.
There are also cribs for travel available. They are designed specifically for use on the road. They are typically smaller and less bulky than standard cribs, making it easier to move them from and into cars and hotels. Munchkin Brica, for example can be put together in under a minute and folded down in three pounds. It is therefore easy to move and lift.