Any parent knows that having a baby changes our routines, and this is especially true for travel! We want to include them in all our amazing experiences, so finding the right gear for the job is key. Whether you're a die-hard explorer or a casual adventurer, you're probably looking for most convenient and safe baby travel solutions.
Strollers, car seats, and on-the-go storage are usually the first items on a baby registry. But what about a safe sleep solution when away from home? No matter where you travel to, safety during daytime strolls and nighttime snoozes are the top priority.
Our favorites are the BABYBJÖRN Travel Crib Light and the UPPAbaby Remi. Both offer great features while being completely unique from each other. If you want a trusty travel companion for hotel stays or an easy to set up sleep space for a sleepover at the grandparents' house, one is sure to fit your needs.
Why Safe Sleep for Babies is Important, Wherever You Go
No matter where our travels take us, we always want our children to be comfortable and safe. This is especially true for infants because of the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Unexpected death in sleep is one of the leading cause of infant death between 1 month to 1 year old, and still isn't fully understood.
However, we can significantly reduce the risk of SIDS by keeping up with the leading research and taking preventative measures. Choosing products that meet safety certifications is a great start. Safe bassinets, full-sized cribs, playards, and travel cribs will have adequate air circulation, provide a lay-flat surface, and have no risk of suffocation or strangulation.
After choosing your sleep solution, some precautions you can take are:
- Do not put any extras like blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, or crib bumpers in your baby's sleep space.
- Consider using a pacifier in infant stages. Scientists don't completely understand why, but studies suggest pacifiers help reduce SIDS, potentially by keeps the airway open. If a pacifier fits your family's needs and helps lull your baby to sleep, then it could be a good investment.
- Know when to stop swaddling. As soon as your baby can push themselves up with their hands and roll over, it's time to stop swaddling. They can turn themselves onto their front and get stuck if they can't move their arms. Consider switching to a wearable blanket or sleep sack at this stage.
- Do not co sleep with your baby. This is one of the most common ways babies can be put in danger during sleep.
Without reliable and portable sleep gear for infants, parents run the risk of unwittingly putting their baby in a dangerous situation. Sometimes we don't even think about it until right before a big trip or a planned sleepover!
UPPAbaby Remi Playard: The Best All-Rounder
If you want a multi-functional travel crib, the Remi is for you. It's great for all-day, extended use because of its multifunctional features. You can use it as a play area, a safe sleep bassinet, or, with the extra purchase of an affordab;e changing station accessory, a convenient place for diaper changes.
With a perforated design, air mesh mattress, and organic mattress cover, your little one will be comfortable during playtime or nap time. And you'll rest easy knowing the crib is GREENGUARD certified, has plenty of ventilation, and an easy-access zipper side for whenever your baby needs you.
Remi Playard Features:
- Perforated design with air mesh mattress for improved breathability
- Portable, lightweight frame that’s easy to set up + break down
- Easily add the included mesh bassinet for a newborn bedside solution
- Simple, zip-open soothing panel for quick access to baby
- Included bassinet, mattress, organic cotton mattress cover + storage bag
- Triple-layer, temperature-regulated mattress with organic cotton cover. Machine washable and made from air mesh for improved breathability. (Based on testing to ASTM D737)
- Included storage bag for easy transport
- Super simple set up and lightweight at 20 lbs
- Open, unobstructed design so baby is always visible with adequate airflow. Easy-access zipper side panel
The Pros & Cons
The biggest pro for this travel crib is, again, it's multi-functionality. It can easily be a play area, safe sleep space with the included bassinet, or even a changing station. You'll probably love this model for use in your living room, at a family member's house, or on road trips.
As far as cons, the worst you'll experience with this model is the weight. At 20 lbs, it is a bit heavier than the BABYBJÖRN model we'll talk about in a second. It does fold down surprisingly small for its weight, so if you're able to carry it without issue, then it shouldn't stop you from enjoying your travels.
BABYBJÖRN Travel Crib Light: The Simple Sleep Savior
If you're looking for convenient comfort with no headache, the Travel Crib Light is perfect for you. It may not have as much adaptability as the Remi, but its simplicity makes it a breeze to use. There's no special setup required, the fabrics are all washable, and it's super lightweight.
When you're already toting around all your essentials, saving weight wherever you can is essential. If you just need a light travel crib for sleep, then the portability of this model will probably be the deciding factor. It comes with a convenient carry bag as well, so you'll never struggle with transport.
Travel Light Crib Features:
- Included mattress and organic cotton mattress cover
- Included carry bag
- Airy mesh design for optimal airflow and ability to see baby
- Machine washable fabrics for head-ache free cleanup
- The travel crib complies with the EN 716 safety standard for folding cribs and national fire safety requirements with OEKO-TEX certified fabrics
- Lightweight at only 13 lbs
The Pros & Cons
For this travel crib, it's biggest con is also its biggest pro. It might not have the bells and whistles of the Remi playard, but that means that it's more lightweight and super intuitive to use. If you're on a fast-paced trip, you'll appreciate the smaller bulk and headache free design.
Hit the Road and Sleep Soundly!
Whichever model you go with, a lightweight crib for travel will keep the whole family sleeping soundly. Peace of mind is invaluable, especially when it comes to our baby's safety and comfort. So buckle up, hit the road, and at the end of the day, tuck in!
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