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If you’re a traveling parent or always out and about, travel cribs are essential when you want bring your baby along with you wherever you go. Normally, because of their size, weight and clunky design, cribs are not made to be taken from one place to another. The conventional crib is something you wouldn’t normally even think about bringing with you on a trip. Thankfully, due to new manufacturing techniques and technologies, it’s possible to find a lightweight, portable model designed specifically to be mobile.
During their first few months of life, babies want nothing more than to sleep and eat. It’s in the parents arms or crib where they’ll spend most of their time. If you are planning a weekend getaway or simply spending a night out, having a travel cot is something you won’t want to be without. It not only gives the parents a much needed break from continuously carrying the baby, but it also provides a safe space for the infant to nap in. In this guide, we’ve provided recommendations and guidance on how to purchase the best travel crib for the best price.
Contents
- 1 Key Facts
- 2 The best travel cribs on the Canadian market
- 3 Shopping Guide: Everything you need to know about travel cribs
- 3.1 What are travel cribs and what are they used for?
- 3.2 Detachable versus folding travel cribs, which are better?
- 3.3 Are there any Canadian regulations for travel crib standards?
- 3.4 What is the best size of travel crib?
- 3.5 How long can a travel crib be used for?
- 3.6 What kind of mattress is best for a travel crib?
- 4 Purchase Criteria
- 5 Summary
Key Facts
- Travel cribs or travel cots, are designed for infants to sleep in them as comfortably as they would if they were in their own crib at home.
- These portable cribs are usually lightweight and fold down easily, to take up minimal space when stored. Most of them are meant to be compact enough to put in a small trunk.
- Most travel cribs come with a carrying bag for easy transport.
The best travel cribs on the Canadian market
If you have an infant, and are constantly on the move, having a travel crib is a must. Whether you’re constantly running errands around town or traveling often, having a baby crib you can take with you is a lifesaver. Their biggest advantage is that they hold true to the functional design of conventional cribs, while also being portable and more easily managed. Here are some of the best travel crib models of 2019.
- Phil & Ted’s – Travel Crib
- Evenflo – Portable Babysuite Deluxe Hayden
- Ingenuity – Smart & Simple Playard™ – Ridgeable™
- Evenflo – Loft Portable Bassinet
- Summer Infant – Your Side Sleeper – Lock Link Fashion
- Cosco – Funsport Deluxe Playard
Phil & Ted’s – Travel Crib
Phil and Teds Travel Crib is one of Amazon’s choice products. It has an ultra compact design and is carry on compliant for most airlines. Its breathable mesh keeps it at an extremely light weight of only 6lb. The Oak-tex certified fabrics are safe and gentle on even the most delicate of skins. This product is highly ranked and reviewed by parents.
This travel crib functions both as a cot and a playpen with a zip-open side for easy access. The ready to go self-inflating mattress comes with a fitted sheet that provides your baby with an extra comfy place to sleep soundly. The TR_V4CA_5 manufactured design is made without nib holes, the rails held together using nothing more than tension.
Evenflo – Portable Babysuite Deluxe Hayden
This travel crib by Evenflo is a deluxe edition bassinet that provides parents with a convenient space for their baby to sleep and play. The built-in changing station has multiple fabric compartments that store everything from toys to diapers. The advanced design easily rotates to transform the changing station into a full-size bassinet.
The padded floor mat also functions as a play-mat, with an attachable and customisable toy bar to create a clean surface for your baby to play on. This baby-suite is made for newborn babies, to 25 month old toddlers. When necessary, the crib easily folds up to fit right inside its matching carrying case. Even with all these features, this cribs’ maximum weight is only 15 pounds.
Ingenuity – Smart & Simple Playard™ – Ridgeable™
With machine washable fabrics, this portable crib is easy to move and easy to maintain. The Ingenuity, Smart & Simple Playard Crib includes a removable inclined sleeper, a changing pad and a storage tote. Like other products on this ranking, it conveniently folds up for easy transport. The elevated changing area is easy on the back and it can be flipped out of the way when it’s not being used.
This travel crib is made of a breathable mesh, that makes it comfortable for newborns as they play, sleep or relax in the safety of their crib. The minimum recommend weight is 6 pounds and the maximum weight on it should be no more than 30 pounds. This cribs’ design is suitable for both girls and boys.
Evenflo – Loft Portable Bassinet
The Evenflo portable bassinet is a high tech crib that has an easy, collapsible design, that allows you to bring luxury for your infant wherever you go. It’s advanced bluetooth technology lets you choose your favourite songs to serenade your baby to sleep wherever you are. This model includes a soft nightlight and a room temperature monitor to provide your baby with an optimal sleeping environment.
Folded, the bassinet is 53 W x 10 D x 68 H centimetres. The soft mesh panels promote airflow through the crib and allow for complete visibility while the baby is sound asleep inside. It’s easy to clean mattress pad comes with a comfortable and soft fitted sheet. The manufacturer suggests discontinuing use once the baby reaches 20 pounds.
Summer Infant – Your Side Sleeper – Lock Link Fashion
The Summer Infant – Your Side Sleeper is a great crib for hot summer days and nights. The portable crib is designed to create a comfortable co-sleeping environment, locking into place next to you on the bed. The sturdy metal frame prevents you from rolling on top of your baby while you both sleep.
This portable crib conveniently folds up into a compact, transportable size. The mesh sides promote air circulation to prevent babies from overheating, while also still allowing full visibility for the parents. The set comes with a comfortable mattress pad and fitted sheet. The manufacturer advises against placing the crib on an elevated surface other than a bed.
Cosco – Funsport Deluxe Playard
This deluxe playard available at Costco functions both as a spacious, portable playpen and a comfortable nap time cot. The bassinet has easy snap-on bars and a breathable mesh for a cool sleeping space that sets up in minutes. It comes with a connectable and customisable arch that features two hanging toys that provide visual stimulation.
Its squeeze and latch fold-up design is lightweight and fits perfectly into it’s carrying bag, which is included with every purchase. This item also includes two wheels for optimum mobility no matter where you decide to set it up. It’s perfect for at home use or to take along with you while traveling. Just like all the other articles in this section, this travel crib is well liked by consumers.
Shopping Guide: Everything you need to know about travel cribs
Before selecting a travel crib, it’s a good idea to educate yourself as much as possible on all the different models and designs available before making your purchase decision. This accessory will play a significant role in the life of your baby during their first years. To make sure your baby gets the best quality product that satisfies all their needs, and yours, it’s important to do thorough research. Below, we’ll discuss the most frequently asked questions and doubts that parents have when it comes to travel cribs.
What are travel cribs and what are they used for?
These products are meant to provide a consistency and security, even when braking the routine. Moreover, just as many strollers fold in seconds, travel cots have been designed to do the same. They have a huge advantage because of their effortless set up and take down, being much lighter than conventional cribs. Their compact design allows them to fit in the car and small storage spaces; all without compromising the comfort necessary for a conducive sleeping environment for your infant.
(Source: Famveldman: 53287918/123rf.com)
Detachable versus folding travel cribs, which are better?
Their assembly is usually very simple, and in most cases it takes only a matter of minutes. More often then not, they incorporate complementary accessories that are for the most part removable. Folding or compact cribs usually have a frame or casing that easily folds up for storage. In order to use these models, they must be opened from their folded form by means of a button or some sort of latch system.
| Type of travel crib | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Foldable | More comfortable and light for transport. | Less resistant, the mattress included is usually very thin. |
| Detachable | Stronger and more stable base. | Heavier and more difficult to transport. |
Are there any Canadian regulations for travel crib standards?
The regulations stipulate that the interior posts of the cot are not higher than 1.5 mm. If it has wheels, at least two of them should have brakes to prevent unwanted and potentially dangerous movement. According to this guideline, the crib must be made of non-toxic materials. Always make sure that the model is homologated. Moreover, they should have a tight-fitting mattress with up to 3cm between the sides and the mattress. These regulations also stipulate that the mattresses should be minimum 3.8 cm thick.
(Source: Famveldman: 63589930/123rf.com)
What is the best size of travel crib?
The ease with which the crib breaks down into its compact size is just as important as the size itself. This will not only dictate where you can store your travel crib, but also how easily you’ll be able to take it with you wherever you go. Ideally, you should even be able to fit it into a standard sized suitcase, leaving enough room for all your clothes and other travel necessities to fit on top.
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How long can a travel crib be used for?
The resistance and quality of the crib will be greatly influenced by the materials used to make it, There are many high quality, robust designs that have no age limit. In fact, it’s not uncommon for parents to buy travel cribs with the idea of using them as a playpen when the baby gets older. When travel cribs are made with high quality materials and of a thoughtful and durable design, they can provide two separate functions.
What kind of mattress is best for a travel crib?
As a recommendation, the mattress should measure around 120 x 60 cm; a standard size. Normally, if a mattress has these dimensions, parents will be able to use all the fittings and sheets they already have from their crib at home. The varying qualities of each mattress that we’ll want to compare and pay attention to are firmness, breathability and shape, making sure that it will be the most appropriate for the baby.
Purchase Criteria
When choosing a travel crib for your baby, there are a number of characteristics and features you’ll want to keep in mind. Not all families have the same needs. Below we’ve listed the most important factors to consider before making your final purchase.
Size
Size is one of the most important aspects to asses when making your purchase. You must take into account the dimensions of the crib, both opened and when folded. The whole idea behind a travel cot is that it has the ability to be able to be used in different places and it you can carry it with you wherever you go. For this reason, it must be of manageable size for you to be able to take full advantage of it.
Although it may not fit in every space you wish to utilise it in (a small hotel room for example), it should be a size that you can use in most places. In relation to its size once folded, the most compact models will be the most useful. Always check that it fits in the trunk of your vehicle and, preferably, that there is still plenty of room after placing it inside. If your car’s trunk is wide, this may not be as much of a concern. However, in the case of cars with little space, this is a key consideration.
Assembly
The set up and take down of the travel crib should be very simple, especially if you plan on using it often. Generally, the action is similar to that of an umbrella, requiring little effort to open and close it. Other models incorporate a button; offering a different, but just as simple, assembly.
If you opt for a detachable travel cot, you’ll never need tools to attach or detach it from the bed. The ease of assembly will depend solely on the design of the model. In the case of detachable cribs, assembly tends to be a bit more complicated. But with practice, the process will never take a substantial amount of time whether the crib is foldable or detachable.
Transport and manageability
It is important that the travel cot is manageable and easily carried. The fact that it is portable does not necessarily mean that it will be light. Sometimes, if the crib is a bit more robust, it’s much easier to transport if it has wheels. However, make sure that at least two of the wheels have brakes on them to comply with safety regulations.
It is important to note that manageability is closely related to weight. The lighter models weigh around 18 lbs. If the frame of the crib is made of aluminium, the weight could increase to 22 or 24 lbs. Today, most travel cribs come with a carrying bag in order to make taking it with you much easier.
Accessories
In addition to its design, the accessories that each model incorporates are also key features that help distinguish one model from another. One of the most common accessories that come with travel cribs are the changing pads. This is an extremely practical and useful accessory, as they are designed to fit perfectly into the crib itself, providing a convenient and stable surface for changing diapers.
Another great feature are pockets built into one or both sides to keep the baby’s belongings safe and with you at all times. Some models also incorporate zippers at one end to facilitate easy access to the baby. The last determining factor when it comes to accessories is the presence of built in toys. These may or may not be desired depending on the parents preferences. Nonetheless, these toys can offer wonderful stimulation and distraction before and after the baby wakes from their sleep.
Mattress
Finally, it is essential to check whether your crib of choice has a mattress that provides your baby with the comfort they need. Travel cribs almost always include a mattress with your purchase. However, this doesn’t mean the one included in the package is of the best quality. More often than not, the mattresses they come with are too thin to ensure full, proper rest for your baby. Keep in mind that while the mattresses should be comfortable, they are meant for naps and temporary sleeping spaces, not a consistent bed.
A mattress should be breathable, comfortable and with an appropriate level of firmness. To get the most of your money, and for the well-being of your baby, you need to make sure that the mattress included with your travel crib meets these requirements. If not, it’s very common for parents search out a thicker and higher quality mattress that fits into the crib to create the most ideal sleeping environment for their child.
Summary
Travel cribs are the perfect solution for babies to feel right at home, even when they are away from the comfort of their own home. They are amazing substitutes for permanent cribs, often just as comfortable as the bigger, more complex ones kept in their rooms. If you choose the right model, comfort is always guaranteed, as well as their ease of assembly and portability.
Depending on the model, these items can be used until the little ones are anywhere from 3 to 4 years old. As they will be a faithful companion during the first few years of life, it is imperative that the parent makes the right choice for them and their baby. Remember that in order to choose the right model, a number of factors need to be weighed and particular preferences should be taken into account.
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(Featured image source: Famveldman: 654638906/123rf.com)
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