Buying a Travel Bedside Crib The use of a machine-washable mattress cover is essential for those occasions when your baby has a dirty accident or you want to clean up the crib after a trip. This one is easy to use and comes with the travel bag. It comes with an ingenious tilt feature that aids in easing reflux. It works with both divan beds and framed bed frames. It also features breathable mesh sides to help regulate your baby's temperature while sleeping. Safety A bedside crib can save space for new parents. You can sleep close to your child without having to worry about the risk of suffocation. Bedside cribs let you help your baby sleep at night, and easily reach them to feed them or provide comfort without having to get up from your bed. This is particularly beneficial following a birth via c-section. They're also a great choice for older children who aren't big enough to fit into the bed of a toddler. bedside crib to cot that the crib you have at your side is compliant with the most current safety standards. Search for a crib that is compliant with BS EN1130:2019. This requires a 120mm-high barrier between the crib and the parent's mattress to stop your child from slipping onto yours. Look for a crib that allows you to place your baby's feet at the foot of the bed. This will allow them to feel more at ease and decrease the chance of them being trapped under the covers. Certain cribs allow you to tilt your crib, which can be ideal for babies suffering from digestive issues such as colic or reflux. Be aware that tilting the crib can increase the likelihood of your baby falling out, so it's best done with caution and only following the guidance of your physician or health care professional. When it is not being used, the crib for travel must be thoroughly cleaned prior to when it is packed away. This includes cleaning the bedding, mattress and fabric covers. Also, it is important to clean any areas that are waterproof. This is crucial to prevent introducing bacteria or mould into your baby's sleep environment. Also, remember to clean up any removable parts and wash them regularly too. Also, you should inspect the crib for signs of wear and tear and clean any fabric that has come in contact with faeces or urine, as these can become dirty and lead to infections. This should be done each time you use the crib and prior to packing it away for storage. Sleeping in A bedside crib is a safe and practical way to keep your baby close while you rest. It allows you to cosleep in a safe manner and can be used as a standalone crib or a travel one to stay with grandparents for the night' or on holidays. You can pick from various models that suit the height of your bed. Some are designed for divan beds while others can be attached to the bedside like sidecars. A good bedside crib should be easy to clean, best with a removable mattress which can be washed in the machine. You should also consider an air-conditioned mattress that keeps your baby cool and comfortable. Some of the top cribs also come with a reflux incline to help babies with acid reflux. You should always follow the Safe Sleep guidance provided by the Lullaby Trust and ensure your baby's bedding is safe and there aren't any gaps between the adult mattress and the crib. You could also choose an infant crib with a side-car, such as the Chicco Next2Me. It is easy to assemble and includes an accompanying travel bag. This is a popular choice among MFM test participants who found it be the most portable and lightweight of the cribs for beds we tested. It is perfectly safe to sleep with your child in a crib. However, it may not be the best option for long periods and can cause back discomfort. It is also important to keep in mind that these cribs are only suitable for six months, at which point you'll need to move them to an ordinary cot or moses basket. You should also be wary of a model with drop-down barriers that drop all the way to your mattress. This can cause your baby to roll out of the crib 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 testers discovered that this feature wasn't as simple to use as she expected however, it was an excellent solution for her family. Buying an used crib Buying second-hand baby items is a common money-saving strategy for parents who are new. Consignment shops or flea markets, as well as thrift stores are great places to find baby items for sale at a fraction of the price retail. However, there are some baby products that should never be purchased secondhand, like travel cribs. Although it's difficult to discern a used crib's history it is possible that some were in accidents, which could make them dangerous. Additionally, a used crib mattress may have set-in stains and mold, and hidden depressions or indentations that could pose suffocation hazards for babies. If you are in the market for a used portable baby crib, choose one that has mesh side panels as well as a firm mattress. It shouldn't include any decorations or straps which could be a strangulation danger or choking risk. It should also be easy clean and, if it is possible it should have a manual printed on paper. If the manual isn't available, you can often locate a copy on the internet. Consumer ReportsOpens a new window is a reliable source of information on products and suggestions. The Bump is proud of our partnership with Consumer Reports. Consumer Reports experts review thousands of products every year, so you can trust the reviews and ratings that you read here. Check that the crib meets federal safety standards before buying an older model. Check it against the crib safety guidelines available on the CPSC website. You can also check the website for recalls for a specific crib. Some parents decide to sell their travel cribs when their child has outgrown them. This is not a good decision. A crib mattress that has been used may become a suffocation risk over time, and is often infected with bacteria. It's important to test the mattress for cleanliness by pressing it into it using your hands. If it leaves an indentation, it's soft and should not be used. If you choose to purchase a used crib, give your baby the chance to rest in it prior your travels. Set it up at home and allow them to sleep during the day several days prior to your journey. This will help them become comfortable with the new sleeping space and lessen the stress they will experience on your travels. Getting started A travel bedside crib or portable crib or play yard gives you a safe place for your baby to sleep while traveling. Some parents use a crib for travel at home or when visiting relatives and friends or bring it with them when they go on vacation. Whatever the reason, a crib for travel can make your trip more relaxing and enjoyable for both you and your baby. Find a portable cot that is simple to put together and fold. Before purchasing, make sure you go through the directions to ensure that the procedure is easy and you feel comfortable using it. Also, make sure you choose one that is machine washable, since this feature will save you time and money. Maintaining your crib clean will help keep it looking fresh, and many consignment stores won't accept an unclean crib. Before you travel prepare by setting up and folding the crib at home. This will help get your baby used to it, which will make the transition to 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 the smell. Whether your baby is awake or asleep it's vital to remain close to them when they're in the crib. You can rock or hold them to help them fall asleep and wake up. You can also put them in their crib with a favourite blanket and swaddle them to keep them warm. If your baby is too old for swaddling you can use a sleep sack. This will keep them safe and comfortable in their crib. If you plan to take your baby on a vacation then a crib that is 3-in-1 may be the best option. This type of bed can be used as co-sleeper, travel crib as well as a bassinet for babies up to 6 months old. The Silver Cross Slumber is a popular choice because it includes a padded mattress that is made of breathable mesh. It's easy to clean and folds up in seconds, making it a great choice for families with busy schedules.