(If you need financial help getting a safe sleep space, you can contact your local Social Services agency, who can help connect you to an organization that provides low-cost or free sleep spaces.) It’s best to buy a new travel crib to ensure it’s up to the latest safety standards, rather than finding one secondhand. Consumer Product Safety Commission) and/or the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials). Look for products that meet federal safety standards through the CPSC (U.S. Also, make sure to only use the mattress pad provided - don’t add any extra cushioning. You shouldn't be able to fit more than two fingers between the mattress and the crib's side. It’s important to make sure that the mattress goes all the way to the edge of the crib, so baby won’t get stuck in the sides, Dr. The best portable cribs boast these features: And of course, always follow the crib manufacturer’s instructions. “It’s important, just in case there is a recall,” he says.

Ganjian: Make sure you register your travel crib. “These things age, and you want nothing more than 10 years old.” Another tip, per Dr. “You want to use a travel crib that’s new-ish,” Dr. If you've been letting your little one play in his travel crib during the day, be sure to pull out any leftover toys and stuffed animals at bedtime.Īnd if your current travel crib is older, it’s likely time for an upgrade. Keep it clear of everything except for a fitted sheet, such as bumpers, quilts and blankets.

If you try to use a regular crib sheet on a smaller mattress, you could end up with too much loose fabric, which could be a major safety hazard. When using your travel crib, make sure to only use sheets recommended by the manufacturer. With a portable crib or playard, you want to ensure it has fine mesh netting, a babyproof collapsing mechanism and removable fitted sheets, says Daniel Ganjian, M.D., a pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. What is a travel crib?Ī travel crib is a compact, lightweight sleep space that folds up for portability, yet is still sturdy enough to use on an everyday basis. If you're planning to bring a lightweight, portable travel crib, bassinet or playard, you need to follow the guidelines for a safe sleeping space. But there is one thing that should never change: A safe place for snoozing. Family vacations often include a shift in routine: Maybe your baby meets new people, stays up a little later or, if she's already eating solids, tries a few new foods.

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