Buying a Travel Bedside Crib
A crib mattress cover that can be washed by a machine can be helpful if your baby has an accident or you need to clean your crib between trips. This cover is perfect for this and comes with an easy-to-use travel bag.
It has an innovative incline feature that can help ease reflux. It is compatible with divan beds and frames for bed frames. It has breathable mesh side panels to regulate the temperature of your baby as they sleep.
Safety
A bedside crib is a space-saving solution for new parents. It is safe for your baby to sleep close proximity to you, but without the danger of bed-sharing (which can lead to the risk of suffocation). Bedside cribs can also allow you to provide comfort for your baby in the night and have them easily reach them for feeding or comforting, without having to get out of bed which is a great benefit in the aftermath of an c-section birth.
These cribs are also a great option for older children who are too small to fit into the bed of a toddler. It's essential that the crib you have at your side is compliant with the most current safety standards - search for a crib that complies with BS EN1130:2019. This requires a 120mm tall barrier between the crib and parent's mattress to prevent your child from slipping onto yours.
You can also search for a crib that offers the 'feet-to-foot' position, where you put your baby in the crib with their feet on the end of the bed. This helps them to stay more comfortable and reduces the possibility of them getting stuck under covers. Some models allow you to tilt your crib, which is helpful for babies who have digestive issues such as reflux or colic. It is important to use the crib tilting feature with caution. It can increase the chance of your baby falling out.
When not in use, a travel crib must be thoroughly cleaned prior to when it's put away. This includes wiping down the mattress, bedding and covers made of fabric. It also involves cleaning any waterproof areas. This is important to avoid introducing bacteria or mould into your baby's sleep environment. Also, remember to clean any parts that are removable and wash them frequently too. Also, you should check the crib for signs that it is worn out and clean any fabrics which have come into contact with urine and faeces. They can be dirty and lead to infections. This should be done every time you use the crib, and prior to packing it away for storage.
Cosleeping

A bedside crib is a secure and practical option to keep your baby close as you sleep. It's a safe method to sleep in a cosleep position and can be used as an independent crib or a travel crib when you stay with your grandparents or taking a vacation. You can pick from a wide range of models to suit the height of your bed and bed size, including some that are designed for divan beds and others that can be attached to the sides of your bed like side-cars.
A good bedside crib is one that is simple to clean. It should have a mattress that can be removed and be machine washable. Choose mattresses that are air-conditioned to keep your baby cool. Some of the best cribs also have an incline for reflux to aid babies suffering from acid reflux.
Follow the Safe Sleep guidelines provided by the Lullaby Trust to ensure that your baby's crib is secure and that there are no gaps in between the crib and the mattress for adults. You can also opt for an infant crib with a side-car, such as the Chicco Next2Me. It is easy to put together and comes with an accompanying travel bag. It is a favorite with MFM testers who found it be the most portable and lightweight of the cribs that we tested.
While it is perfectly safe to cosleep in the crib, you must be aware that this might not be the most relaxing option for long periods of time and could cause back pain. It is also important to keep in mind that these cribs are only suitable for a period of six months, at which point you will need to transfer them to an ordinary cot or moses basket.
Be cautious with models that have a barrier that can be raised all the way down to your mattress.
bedside crib or cot can lead to your baby rolling out of the crib onto your mattress, which isn't recommended. Most new bedside cribs have a half-height barrier that is lower than your mattress to stop this. One of our MFM testers found that this feature was not as straightforward to use as she had hoped, but was still an effective solution for her family.
Buying a crib that is second-hand
Shopping for second-hand baby products is a common strategy to save money for new parents. It doesn't matter if you need a brand new car seat or a crib for travelling, many baby items can be bought at consignment stores, flea markets, and thrift shops for less than the cost of retail.
There are a few baby products that shouldn't be purchased secondhand, like travel cribs. It's difficult to tell if a crib has been involved in an accident, but some may have. This could render it unsafe. A crib mattress used for a while may have stains and mold that are hard-set, and also hidden depressions or indentations. These can be dangerous for babies who are suffocated.
If you are looking for a secondhand crib that is portable, choose one that has mesh side panels as well as a mattress that is firm. It should also have no decorations or straps that could cause a strangulation or choking hazard. Lastly it should be simple to clean and come with an instruction manual in paper if it is possible. If the manual isn't there it is usually possible to find a copy online.
The Bump is proud to be a part of Consumer ReportsOpens in new window, the trusted source for in-depth product information and advice. Experts from CR evaluate thousands of products every year, and you can be confident about the ratings and reviews you see here.
Check that the crib meets the federal safety standards prior to purchasing an older model. Compare it to the crib safety guidelines found on the CPSC website. You can also go to the website to check for recalls on the crib you are using.
Some parents decide to sell their travel cribs when their child moves out of them, it's not a good idea. In time, a used crib mattress could become a hazard for suffocation and may be contaminated with bacteria. Press your hands firmly into the mattress to check for cleanliness. If it leaves marks, it's too soft and shouldn't be used.
If you purchase a second-hand crib for your baby, let him or her sleep in it for a few days prior to your travels. Try setting it up in your home and letting them sleep in it throughout the day for a few weeks prior to the time you travel. This will allow them to adjust to their new sleeping environment and reduce their stress on your journey.
Getting started
A bedside crib for travel, also known as a portable crib or play yard provides a safe space for your baby to sleep during your travels. Some parents choose to use a travel crib at home or when visiting family and friends or bring it along on vacation. A travel crib will make your trip more enjoyable and relaxing for you and your child.
If you're shopping for a portable crib, you should look for one that is simple to set up and fold down. Review the instructions prior to you purchase to ensure that the process is simple and that you're comfortable using it. Make sure to select one that is machine washable. This feature will save you time and money. Keep your portable crib clean to ensure it looks brand new. Many consignment shops will not take a dirty portable crib.
Before you travel Practice setting up and folding the crib at home. This will help your baby get familiar with the crib, making it easier to transition to the hotel. You can even throw a lovey or favorite blanket in it to familiarize your baby with the space and the smell.
It is important to keep your baby close whether they are asleep or awake. You can hold 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. When your baby is too old to Swaddling, you can use a sleep sack. This will ensure that they are secure and comfortable in their crib.
If you're planning to take your baby traveling it could be beneficial to invest in a 3-in-1 travel crib. This kind of bed can be used as a co-sleeper, travel cot as well as a bassinet for babies that are 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 also easy to clean and it folds in seconds. This makes it an ideal choice for busy families.