Portable Baby Cribs

For family vacations or even day trips, portable cribs can be a lifesaver for a family on the go. Besides being convenient, portable cribs offer a more comfortable and sanitary place for the baby to sleep than the other alternatives you have when away from home.

Ready, Set, Sleep
While portable cribs have become more convenient and compact over the years, it's important to do your homework before you purchase one. If you are planning on purchasing a portable crib consider the following:

Size: Is it compact enough for your lifestyle? Some portable cribs merely fold in half while others are designed to be more travel-friendly, featuring a handle and wheels that make it easy to cart through busy airports.
Weight: Portable cribs vary in weight depending on the material and size. Make sure you are comfortable with the weight before you purchase it.
Comfort: It's unfortunate, but some portable cribs do seem to sacrifice the baby's comfort in order to make the crib easy to transport. Check out the mattress and make sure it is cozy for your little one. The last thing you want to do is lug a portable crib along only to discover your baby won't sleep in it.

Safety Issues
It's important to realize that portable cribs are not required to meet the same safety standards that standard baby cribs are. Take the time to make sure the portable crib you select is safe.

Visit www.recalls.gov to find out which portable cribs have been recalled.
Investigate the crib. Check for tears, holes or loose threads that babies might get clothing, fingers or toes caught in.
Regardless of whether the portable crib was pre-assembled, make sure no nuts, bolts or screws are exposed.
Be sure that there is no space between the mattress and the side of the crib.
Follow any height and weight limits recommended by the manufacturer.