9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Travel Bedside Crib
From Shiapedia
Buying a Travel Bedside Crib
A crib mattress cover that can be washed by a machine is a great option if your baby has an accident or you want to clean your crib between trips. This one does just that and comes with a convenient travel bag.
It has an innovative incline feature that eases reflux. It also works with divan beds as well as framed bed frames. It has breathable mesh side panels to maintain the temperature of your baby while they sleep.
Safety
A bedside crib can be a space-saving solution for new parents. It's safe for your baby to sleep close proximity to you but without the danger of sharing a bed (which could result in suffocation). Bedside cribs also enable you to provide comfort for your baby in the night and have them easily reach them to feed or comfort them without needing to get up, which is particularly useful in the aftermath of an c-section birth.
These cribs are also a great choice for older children who aren't big enough to fit into the bed of a toddler. However, it's important to ensure that your crib is compliant with the most current safety standards - look for an item that meets BS EN 1130:2019. This requires a wall of 120mm between the crib mattress and yours, to stop your child from falling onto yours.
You can also look out for a travel crib that has the feet-to-foot position, in which you place your baby in the crib with their feet towards the foot of the bed. This will help them stay more comfortable and lessens the risk of them getting trapped under the covers. Some cribs let you tilt your crib, which can be beneficial for babies with digestive issues such as colic or reflux. Be aware that tilting the crib may increase the chance of your baby falling out, so it's best to use it with extreme care and only on the guidance of your physician or health professional.
Before packing away a travel crib, it should be thoroughly cleaned. This should include wiping down the mattress, any bedding and any fabric covers as well as cleaning any waterproof areas. This is essential to prevent introducing mold or bacteria into your baby's sleep environment. Make sure you clean and dry all removable parts. You should also inspect the crib for signs of wear and tear, and clean any fabrics that come in contact with faeces or urine, because they can get infected and cause infection. This should be done each time you use the crib, and before packing it away to be stored away.
Sleeping in
A bedside crib allows you to keep your child close to you as you sleep. It is a safe way to sleep in a cosleep position and can be used as a crib for an individual or a travel crib when you stay with grandparents or going on vacation. You can choose between several models that suit your bed's height. Some are specifically designed for divan bed and others can be attached to the side of your bed like sidecars.
A good bedside co sleeper cot crib is one that is easy to clean. It should have a mattress that can be removed and be machine washable. Choose mattress that is air-conditioned to keep your baby cool. Some of the top cribs also come with an incline for reflux to aid babies with acid reflux.
You should always adhere to the Safe Sleep guidance provided by the Lullaby Trust and ensure your baby bedside sleeper's bedding is secure and there are no gaps between the mattress of an adult and the crib. You can also consider an infant crib with a side-car, such as the Chicco Next2Me. It is simple to assemble and includes a travel bag. This is a popular choice with MFM testers who found it be the most portable and lightweight of the bedside cribs we evaluated.
While it is perfectly safe to sleep in a crib, be aware that this may not be the most comfortable choice for long durations of time and may cause back discomfort. The cribs can only be used for a maximum of six months. After that, you'll need to switch to an cot or moses basket.
You should also be cautious about a crib with drop-down barriers that drop all the way to your bed. This can lead to your baby rolling out of the crib onto your mattress, which isn't recommended. The majority of cribs with 4-in-1 bedside crib rails come with an upper half-height bar that is lower then your mattress to stop this. One of our MFM testers found that this feature wasn't as straightforward to use as she had hoped however, it was a useful solution for her family.
Buy a second-hand crib
Shopping for second-hand baby products is a popular way to save money for parents who are new. If you require a new car seat or an extra crib for travelling, many baby items are available at consignment stores, flea markets, and thrift stores for just a fraction of the cost of retail.
Travel cribs are among the products for babies that you should never purchase second-hand. Although it's difficult to discern the history of a crib that has been used it is possible that some were in accidents, which can make them unsafe. Additionally the mattress used in a crib may have set-in stains and mold, and hidden depressions or indentations that could cause suffocation risks for infants.
If you are shopping for a used portable crib, look for one with mesh side panels as well as a sturdy mattress. It should not have decorations or straps that could create an choking or strangulation risk. It should also be easy clean, and if possible include a user's manual printed on paper. If the manual is not available, you may locate a copy on the internet.
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When you're looking for a second-hand crib, make sure it meets federal safety standards. The easiest way to verify is to compare it to the crib safety guidelines on the CPSC's website. You can also use the website to check for recalls on the crib you are using.
Some parents decide to sell their travel cribs when their child leaves them, this is an unwise choice. A used crib mattress can develop suffocation hazards over time, and it's often contaminated with bacteria. Press your hands firmly into the mattress to test for cleanliness. If it leaves a mark, it is too soft and should not be used.
If you purchase a used crib for your baby, let him or her to sleep in it for a few days before your journey. Set it up at home and allow them to sleep during the day a few days prior to your trip. This will allow them to adjust to the new sleeping space and reduce their stress on your travels.
Getting started
A travel bedside crib is also known as a portable crib or play yard offers a safe and secure place for your child to sleep while traveling. Some parents utilize a travel crib at home or when visiting relatives and friends, while others bring it along when they go on vacation. A travel crib will make your vacation more enjoyable and relaxing for both you and your child.
Choose a cot that is portable that is easy-to-assemble and to fold. Review the instructions prior to you buy to ensure that the process is straightforward and that you're comfortable using it. Choose a crib with a machine-washable feature to save time and money. Keep your portable crib clean to ensure it looks like new. Many consignment shops will not accept a dirty baby crib.
Make sure you fold and set the crib prior to your trip. This will get your baby used to it, which will make the transition from a hotel room feel less intimidating. You can even throw a lovey or favorite blanket in it to familiarize your baby with the space and smell.
Whether your baby is awake or asleep, it's important to stay close to them when they're in the crib. You can hold them or rock them to assist them to fall asleep and wake up. You can also put them in their crib with a favorite blanket and swaddle to keep them warm. When your baby is large bedside cot to swaddle, you might want to consider a sleep bag to keep them cozy and safe in the crib.
If you're planning to take your baby on a trip then a crib that is 3-in-1 may be the best option. This type of bed can be used as a co sleeper bedside cot-sleeper, travel cot as well as a bassinet for babies up to 6 months old. Silver Cross Slumber is popular because it comes with a cushioned mattress and is made of breathable mesh. It is easy to clean, and folds in just a few just a few seconds. This makes it a perfect option for families with busy schedules.
