Buying a Travel Bedside Crib<br /><br />A crib mattress cover that is machine washable can be useful when your baby is injured or you need to clean the crib between trips. This cover is perfect for that and comes with an easy-to-use travel bag.<br /><br />It has a clever incline option that eases reflux and is compatible with divan beds as well as framed bed frames. It has side panels that are breathable to regulate the temperature of your baby as they sleep.<br /><br />Safety<br /><br />A bedside crib is an ideal solution for new parents. It's safe for your baby to sleep in close proximity to you but without the risk of sharing a bed (which can lead to death by suffocation). Bedside cribs allow you to provide comfort for your baby in the night and have them easily reach them to feed or comfort them without having to get up which is especially helpful after the birth of a c-section.<br /><br />They're also a great choice for older children who are still too small to fit in the bed of a toddler. It's important that your crib is compliant with the most current safety standards. Look for a crib that complies with the BS EN1130:2019. This requires a minimum of 120mm between the mattress of your crib and yours to prevent your child from falling onto your bed.<br /><br />You could also look for a travel crib that can accommodate the 'feet-to foot position, in which you place your baby in the crib with their feet towards the bottom of the bed - this helps them to stay more comfortable and lessens the risk of them getting stuck under covers. Certain models allow you to tilt the crib which is helpful for babies with digestive issues such as reflux or colic. But be aware that tilting the crib could increase the chance of your baby falling out, so it's best to use it with extreme caution and only following the advice of your GP or health care professional.<br /><br />Before packing away a travel crib, it must be thoroughly cleaned. This includes wiping down the mattress, bedding and fabric covers. It also involves cleaning any areas that are water-proof. This is crucial to prevent the introduction of mould or bacteria in your baby's sleeping environment. Remember to clean and wash every part that is removable. Also, you should check the crib for signs that it is worn out and clean any materials which have come into contact with urine and faeces. They could become dirty and lead to infections. It is recommended to do this each time you use the crib as well as before placing it in storage.<br /><br />Cosleeping<br /><br />A bedside crib can be a safe and practical solution to keep your baby close to you while you rest. It lets you sleep safely and can also be used as a standalone crib or travel crib to stay with grandparents for the night or during a holidays. You can choose between a range of models that are suitable for your bed's height. Some are made to fit on divan beds, while others are attached to the bedside like an sidecar.<br /><br />A crib that is suitable for bed will be easy to clean, best with a mattress that is machine washable. Choose mattresses that are breathable to keep your baby cool. Some of the best cribs will also offer reflux inclines for infants suffering from acid reflux.<br /><br />It is recommended to follow the Safe Sleep guidance provided by the Lullaby Trust and ensure your baby's crib is secure and there are no gaps between the mattress of an adult and the crib. <a href="https://www.cots4tots.co.uk/categories/bedside-cot-beds">bedside cot co sleeper</a> can also test an alternative side-car crib, such as the Chicco Next2Me, which is quick and easy to put together and comes with a handy bag for travel. MFM testers found this to be the lightest and portable of the cribs that they looked at for their bedside.<br /><br /><br /><br />While it is perfectly safe to sleep in a crib, you should be aware that this may not be the most comfortable choice for prolonged periods of time and can lead to back pain. It is also important to remember that these cribs are only suitable for a period of 6 months, after which you'll have to move them to a regular cot or moses basket.<br /><br />Be cautious of cribs that have barriers that can be lowered all the way down to your mattress. This can cause your baby to roll out of the crib and onto your mattress. Most new bedside cribs come with a 'half-height' barrier that is lower than your mattress to help prevent this from happening. One of our MFM test subjects found that this feature was not as easy to use as she had hoped, but was still an effective solution for her family.<br /><br />Buying a second-hand crib<br /><br />Shopping for second-hand baby products is a common strategy to save money for new parents. Consignment shops or flea markets, as well as thrift stores are great places to find baby items at a fraction the cost of retail.<br /><br />However, there are certain baby products that shouldn't be purchased second-hand, such as travel cribs. It is difficult to determine if a crib has been in an accident, but certain cribs may have. This could result in it being unsafe. Additionally the mattress of a used crib may have set-in stains and mold, as well as hidden indentations or depressions that could pose suffocation hazards for babies.<br /><br />If you are in the market for a used crib for your baby, opt for one with mesh side panels and a mattresses that are firm. It should also be free of decorations or straps that could pose a strangulation or choking hazard. It must also be easy to clean, and if possible, have a manual on paper. If the manual is not there it is usually possible to find the manual online.<br /><br />Consumer ReportsOpens a new window is a trusted source of product information and advice. The Bump is a proud partner with Consumer Reports. Consumer Reports experts assess thousands of products each year, so the ratings and reviews that you see here are accurate.<br /><br />Verify that the crib meets federal safety standards before buying an older model. Check it against the crib safety guidelines on the CPSC website. You can also visit the site to check for recalls on the crib you are using.<br /><br />While some parents sell their cribs for travel when their child moves out of them, this is not a good idea. As time passes a crib mattress that has been used could become a hazard for suffocation and may be contaminated with bacteria. Press firmly with your hand into the mattress to test for cleanliness. If it makes an indentation, it's soft and shouldn't be used.<br /><br />If you decide to purchase a used crib, allow your baby the opportunity to sleep in it prior to your trip. Try setting it up in your home and letting them sleep in it during the day for a few days before you leave for your trip. This will allow them to adjust to the new environment and ease the stress they experience during your journey.<br /><br />Getting started<br /><br />A bedside crib for travel or portable crib or play yard provides a safe space for your baby to rest while you travel. Some parents utilize a travel crib at home or when visiting relatives and friends and others take it with them when they go on vacation. Whatever the reason, a travel crib can make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable for both you and your baby.<br /><br />Look for a portable cot that is easy-to-assemble and to fold. Before purchasing ensure that you have read the instructions to ensure that the procedure is easy and that you are comfortable with it. Pick a crib that has a machine-washable feature to save time and money. Cleaning your travel crib will keep it looking brand new and a lot of consignment shops will not take an unclean crib.<br /><br />Before your trip Practice setting up and folding the crib at home. This will help get your baby used to it, making the transition from a hotel room feel less daunting. You can also put your favorite blanket or a blanket in it to familiarize your baby with the space and smell.<br /><br />It is important to keep your baby close whether they're asleep or awake. You can comfort them or rock them to help them fall asleep and then awake. Alternately, you can put them in the crib with their favorite blanket and swaddle them to keep them warm. If your baby is old enough for Swaddling, you can use a sleep sack. This will ensure that they are safe and comfortable in their crib.<br /><br />If you're planning to take your baby traveling it could be beneficial to purchase a 3-in-1 travel crib. This bed can be used by newborns as well as a travel bassinet or cot. Silver Cross Slumber is popular because it features a padded mattress and is made of breathable mesh. It's easy to clean and folds up in seconds, making it a great option for busy families.<br /><br />