The 12 Best Bedside Crib Accounts To Follow On Twitter
Buying a Bedside Crib For Travel
The dimensions of this crib are ideal for mothers. It's larger than the Moses Basket, but smaller than a Cot Bed. It folds down to a third of its original size, and can fit into a handy travel bag, making it ideal for travel.
It is important to remember that the crib should be used only to sleep and that toys like blankets, pillows and pillows pose dangers to suffocate.
Safety
When you're looking for a travel cot make sure that the manufacturer is adhering to all safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) site is a good place to begin. It will inform you whether a crib that is portable has ever been recalled. You should also select the correct size for your baby's bed to ensure it doesn't slide into the gaps between the crib sides or create a suffocation hazard.
When selecting a crib or bassinet choose one that conforms to the latest safety standards, which were updated in 2022. It is also recommended to avoid cribs with a long history and cribs that have been modified or drop side cribs that are repurposed for travel because these aren't evaluated and could pose dangers to your baby's safety.
A travel crib must be strong and well-constructed. Check for missing, loose or broken screws as well as other hardware. If you're using a playard it should have sturdy walls and mesh windows for adequate air flow. The crib slats shouldn't be more than 2 3/8 inches apart to prevent the baby's head and limbs becoming trapped. Also, never put blankets, pillows or toys with stuffed animals in the crib. These can cause suffocation or strangle your baby and should be removed from the crib as soon as your child is able to push up on their knees and hands or before five months of age or when they reach 5 months of age, whichever comes first.
It's also important to check frequently for loose or broken screws and hardware, especially when you travel with your infant. Remove all plastic from the crib, too.
If you're using a portable crib, make sure it's not right under windows. Windows pose an injury risk for falls and if your child rolls into it, they could be injured. Even if your baby is old enough to roll over it is best to keep their sleeping space away from windows. If your baby starts to roll over while sleeping, it's best to awake them to prevent injuries.
Portability
Whether you're going on vacation, have family staying over, or simply need a secure bedside crib for sleepovers with friends, a portable crib (or playard, as they are sometimes called) is a good option. These foldable contraptions are easy to assemble and are compact when closed, and come with an incredibly comfortable mattress that can accommodate infants up to 15 kg.
The BabyBjorn Travel Crib is a favorite among MFM home testers, who appreciate the fact that it can be folded and stored in just a few minutes and that its simple one-handed drop-down panels are simple enough for even sleepy parents to use. It's not the lightest backpack on our list, but it's a good weight at just over 15 pounds, and it comes with standard handles instead of a backpack-style strap which some find more comfortable to haul around.
Another excellent option is the Joie Kubbie Sleep, which includes a crib for bed and a bassinet in one compact unit that's perfect for both overnight and holiday visits to relatives and friends. It is not the cheapest option but it does come with various options, including an organizer basket and calming night lights that change colour and lullabies, as well as white noise, to help your child sleep.
The fabrics are machine washable and washable, making it easy to clean. It's also relatively lightweight at less than 12kg and easily fits into the small, handy travel case that comes with it. It comes with six different height settings that include a tummy tilt to help with reflux or colic babies, and can fit beds of all sizes. It's also extremely easy to install and has our MFM tester having it up and running in a mere 10 minutes. It'll require a separate mattress.
Feeding
It's important that your baby is safe and comfortable when you travel, whether on pleasure or business. It is better to buy a travel-specific crib or bassinet instead of using one you already have. These are smaller and have mesh sides to allow parents to check on their children without disturbing them. They are lightweight enough for easy transport between destinations. They also meet 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 child be positioned on their backs and that the sleeping surface be free of pillows, blankets and toys. Sharing a bed with parents isn't advised for any baby, regardless of age, and this type of co-sleeping is linked to an increased risk of SIDS. If you are forced to co-sleep occasionally, ensure that you only do this while your baby is asleep and you are at all times dressed and awake.
The kinds of cribs available for newborns and young babies include:
Some are shaped like miniature cribs or Moses basket, and others have sides that can be set down into the bed of the parent. This allows for middle-of-the-night access to the baby to feed and comfort without exposing the risk of true co-sleeping which the AAP recommends against due to suffocation risks. Examples include the Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Bassinet, which is a bedside sleeper that connects to the sides of a parent's mattress. It is a good choice for older children, since the sides can be raised so that you can reach the infant without lifting them from the bed. The travel cot with built-in cribs that can be removed enables you to lift a sleeping baby for feeding or for care.
Sleeping
Bedside cribs allow you to co-sleep safely with your baby. They are placed near your bed at night, allowing you to reach out easily for feedings at night and observe them without disrupting their sleep. Some cribs have drop sides that can be lower to make this easier and some have an adjustable height to make sure they be able to fit in your bed at home or when you are away.
In the past, it was suggested that infants be in their own room. However parents are increasingly choosing to sleep with their children. Also known as rooming in, this arrangement allows babies to be close to their parents yet remain in a safe space on their own crib or bassinet. There are many types of co-sleeper available, including the iCrib which is designed to be portable and can be placed on the top of your bed, or a standard crib. It comes with a lightweight frame, a removable mattress, and can be folded into a compact size for storage. The Joie Roomie Go crib is another option. Cots 4 Tots attaches to the bed's edge and has 7 height positions, as well as a tummy-tilt for reflux and colic. Our MFM home testers loved the crib for its compact folding and ease of use. It's also available in various colors.
There are also freestanding bedside cribs, like our Lilly and Alain cribs, that can be put next to the traditional bed frame. The cribs have the side barrier that slides down to allow you to grab your baby for night feedings. However they are also self-contained so your baby can remain asleep peacefully. These cribs are in compliance with the new BS EN1130:2019 safety standards which require a 120mm barrier between your mattress and child's cot.
Travel cribs are also available. They are designed specifically for use when traveling. They are usually smaller and lighter than standard cribs which makes them more convenient to take into and out of cars and hotels. The Munchkin Brica travel crib, for example can be set up and taken down in under one minute, and weighs just 3 pounds, making it easy to lift and carry.