20 Resources That Will Make You More Efficient At Bedside Crib

Buying a Bedside Crib For Travel

The crib's size is a hit with moms - it's bigger than the Moses basket, but smaller than a cot bed. It can also fold down to just a quarter of its original size and can be put into a convenient bag for travel.

Remember that the crib should only be used to sleep and that toys like blankets, pillows and pillows pose a suffocation hazard.

Safety

If you are looking for a travel cot, ensure that the manufacturer is adhering to all safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) website is a good place to begin. It will let you know if a portable crib has ever been removed from the market. Pick a mattress that's suitable for the crib of your child so that it won't slip through the gaps or pose the risk of suffocation.

When choosing a bassinet or crib make sure it meets the newer safety standards, which were updated in 2022. Avoid cribs with older designs and modified for travel or cribs with drop-sides. These cribs haven't been tested and could cause danger to your baby's safety.

A travel crib needs to be well-built and sturdy. Make sure there aren't any loose, missing or broken screws and other hardware. If you're using a playard, it should have a secure wall and mesh windows to allow for proper air circulation. The slats on the crib should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart to prevent baby's head or limbs from being trapped. Never put toys, blankets or toys in the crib. These items can cause strangulation or death to your baby. They should be removed at the time they are able to stand independently or before the age of 5 months.

It is also essential to check often for loose or broken hardware and screws, especially when traveling with your child. Remove all plastic from the crib too.

If you're using a portable crib, be sure it's not right under the window. Windows pose a fall risk and if your baby falls into it, they may get injured. It's best to keep your baby's sleeping space away from windows, even if they are old enough to roll over. If your baby starts to roll over in bed, it's a good idea get them up in order to avoid injury.

Portability

Whether you're going on vacation, have family staying with you, or want a safe bedside crib for sleepovers or with friends, an portable crib (or playard, as they are sometimes called) is an excellent option. These foldable contraptions have an extremely comfortable mattress that can hold babies up to 15kg. They are easy to put together and compact when closed.

The BabyBjorn Travel Crib is a favorite among MFM home testers who appreciate the fact it can be folded down and stored in just one or two minutes, and its simple drop-down panels that can be operated with one hand are easy for even bleary-eyed parents to use. It's not the lightest pack-and-play on our list but it's a decent weight at just over 15 pounds. It has regular carry handles rather than the backpack-style strap that some prefer to carry around.

Another great option is the Joie Kubbie Sleep, which combines a bedside crib and bassinet into a compact unit that's ideal for both holidays and overnight visits to family and friends.  bedside crib co sleeper 's not the most affordable option but it does come with various features, including an organizer basket, soothing night lights that change colour as well as lullabies and white noise, which can aid your child to fall asleep.

It's also easy to keep clean, with wipeable and machine-washable fabrics. It's also, despite its size and weight (it's on the bulkier side when opened) it's surprisingly light at less than 12kg. It slots neatly into a compact, practical bag that comes with it perfect for trips away from home. It has six height settings that include a tummy tilt to help with reflux or colic babies, and can fit beds of all sizes. It's also incredibly quick to set up and has our MFM tester able to get it set up in only 10 minutes. It will require a mattress that is separate.

Feeding

When you travel for pleasure or business it's essential to ensure your baby is comfortable and safe on the road. It's better to purchase a crib or bassinet designed for travel instead of using one you already own. They are smaller and come with mesh sides that allow parents to monitor their child without disturbing them. They're also light for easy transportation between destinations. They also comply with the safety standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics and have not been recalled.

If you must use a bedside crib, it's recommended that your baby be placed on their back and that the bed be free of any blankets, pillows, and toys. Sharing a bed with parents isn't advisable for any baby regardless of age, and this kind of sleeping with a partner is associated with an increased risk of SIDS. If you have to occasionally co-sleep, make sure that your baby is sleeping and that you and your partner are dressed and awake.

There are many types of cribs for babies and infants.

Some are shaped like miniature cribs or Moses basket, whereas others have sides that can be lowered to the bed of the parent. This gives parents access to the baby for feeding and comforting without exposing the risk of true co-sleeping which the AAP cautions against due suffocation risks. Examples include the Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Bassinet, an infant bed that is attached to the side of a mattress for a parent. This is a good option for older children, as the sides can be raised so that you can reach the baby without having to lift them out of bed. Another option is a travel cot, which has a built-in bassinet that can be removed from the top of the crib, making it easier to raise a sleeping infant for feeding or other care.

Sleeping

Bedside cribs are a great option to sleep comfortably with your newborn. They are placed near your bed to allow you to easily reach them during night feedings and check on their sleeping without disturbing them. Some cribs have an opening on the side that can be lower to make it easier, and others have an adjustable height to make sure they accommodate your bed when you are at home or away.

Previously, it was recommended 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 a variety of co-sleepers that are available like the iCrib, which is designed to be a portable crib that fits on the top of your bed, or a regular crib. It has a lightweight frame, a mattress that is removable and is able to be folded into a compact size for storage. It also comes with the Joie Roomie Go crib, that can be attached to the edge of a bed. It includes 7 adjustable height positions and a tummy tilt to help with 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 bedside cribs, like our Lilly and Alain, that can be placed next to the traditional bed frame. They come with a moveable side barrier that slides down to allow you to pick your baby up for dinner at night, but the crib is completely fully enclosed and your baby will be sleeping comfortably throughout this time. These cribs meet the latest BS EN1130 safety standards, which require a 120mm barrier between your mattress and the child's cot.

Additionally, there are travel cribs that are specifically designed to be taken on the road. These are usually smaller and more compact than standard cribs, which makes it easier to transport them in and out hotels and vehicles. The Munchkin Brica travel crib, for example, can be set up and put down in under an hour and weighs only three pounds, so it is easy to move and carry.