A parent’s main duty is to ensure their children are always safe and comfortable. This includes when they travel away from home to visit their relatives or go to a pre-planned holiday destination.
During such outings, a baby travel bassinet provides your baby with a safe, comfortable, and familiar sleeping environment. They are lightweight and portable and can conveniently fit alongside your other travel luggage. This relieves parents of the worry of finding a safe place for their babies to sleep.
Here is a guide on baby travel bassinets, how to use them safely, and what to consider when picking one.
What is a Baby Travel Bassinet?
Definition and Features
A travel bassinet is a piece of baby furniture designed to provide babies with a safe and comfortable sleeping space when they travel away from home.
Features:
- They are Lightweight and foldable. Baby travel bassinets are lightweight and are easily moved to a car. They can also be collapsed into a compact form and easily packaged in their special travel bags.
- They are easy to install. Travel bassinets are designed for fast assembly and disassembly. They have easy-to-fit components and parents do not need a tool to install them.
- They are durable. Despite being lightweight, travel bassinets have a sturdy frame and can safely support your baby.
- They have mesh-sided walls. Travel bassinets have side walls made of mesh to improve their airflow. This reduces the baby’s suffocation risks.
- They have a canopy. It protects the baby from garage sunlight.
Importance of a Travel Bassinet for Parents
Travel bassinets are small and easily fit in guest and standard hotel rooms. Parents can get to sleep in the same room.
Travel bassinets have a firm mattress with a fitted sheet and are the safest environment for your baby to sleep in. Parents can be less worried about their babies suffocating and can get a good night’s sleep.
Parents can add the travel bassinet to their other luggage without making it too bulky. They can also fit in the trunk of any car and parents do not have to get suburbans or minivans for traveling.
Are Travel Bassinets Safe?
Parents may doubt a travel bassinet’s safety because of their lightweightness and foldability. However, they should put the doubts to rest as travel bassinets are completely safe for their babies.
The bassinet’s side walls are rigid and have evenly spaced slats. This reduces the risk of entrapment as sagging or collapsed walls can create gaps between the side walls and the mattress. The mesh sides facilitate proper ventilation of the bassinets and reduce the risk of the baby suffocating. They also give parents an unrestricted view of their baby.
They have a sturdy frame and can support a baby from birth to 6 months. Although they are designed for mobility, the bassinet’s wheels or casters have a locking mechanism to keep them stationary when the baby is inside.
Get a certified bassinet and follow the specific manufacturer’s safety guidelines for using bassinets and your baby will be safe and sound.
You can also read our other blog “Understanding Bassinet Safety Standards of 2024” to to identify what is a safe and reliable bassinet.
Are Bassinets Allowed on Planes?
Parents can pack travel bassinets for road trips. However, sometimes parents may need to go to far destinations and should fly to get there.
Airplane traveling is generally advised against for children under 7 months. However, it may be unavoidable and you must travel with your baby on an airplane in certain instances.
Personal bassinets are not recommended on flights because most airlines have dedicated airline bassinets. This is mostly due to safety reasons. The dedicated airline bassinet has satisfied safety requirements for air travel and some personal bassinets might fail to meet these standards.
Most airlines only allow personal travel bassinets to be brought on board as luggage. This is because of strict air travel requirements such as weight limits and design. The limits vary from airline to airline but the maximum weight limit is usually 11kg. Most airlines do not allow parents to have custody of bassinets on board.
What are the Common Types of Baby Travel Bassinets?
1. Playpen with Bassinet
The playpen with bassinet has wheels for easy movement and can be converted into a playpen to create a safe, enclosed playing environment for your baby.
They have side doors that allow the baby to access the play area and have mesh side walls for parents’ visibility and proper airflow. The playpen can easily collapse into a compact form and be packed in its special travel bag for long or short trips.
2. Co-Sleeper Bassinets
They have lockable wheels for easy mobility and safety. They allow parents to sleep closer to their babies as their sides can be lowered and connected to adult beds through a locking mechanism. They can therefore conveniently soothe/nurse the baby throughout the night.
They are also easily foldable into a compact form for easy storage. They have a built-in storage feature for baby’s necessities like diapers and a few changes of clothes.
3. Fold up Bassinets
They are designed for travel and mobility. Made from baby-friendly materials and has the option of extending the stand to the ground or using wheels. This helps keep the bassinet stationary when the baby is inside. The bassinets can be rocked gently to calm the baby down/soothe them to sleep.
The bassinet can be collapsed into a compact shape that easily fits in a travel bag/car trunk. It requires no installation and saves time.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Baby Travel Bassinet
1. The Size and Weight
Pick a bassinet that is lightweight and not bulky. the storage space is usually limited as each family member has some luggage when traveling. Lightweight bassinets are easy to move to the car. They do not add significant weight to your other luggage.
2. Foldability
Pick baby travel bassinets that have a foldable design. The bassinet can be collapsed into a compact form and packed in a storage bag usually purchased alongside the bassinet. The foldable design makes them suitable for smaller hotel and guest rooms.
3. Safety
Your baby has to remain safe even during travels. Pick a bassinet that is sturdy and has an anti-tipping feature. It should also have mesh sides for ventilation and visibility. The sides should be rigid to prevent collapsing and sagging which could lead to the baby’s entrapment.
Pick a bassinet that has been certified by international safety standards and regulations. You can also choose a bassinet with a canopy to protect the baby from harsh sunlight.
4. Ease of Installation
Choose a bassinet that is easy to install. The components should be easy to fit and the installation process should not require any tools. They are suitable when you have to go for impromptu trips, the bassinet can be easily disassembled and packed.
Some bassinets require no installation at all, they are just folded and packed away.
List of the Best Travel Bassinet for Babies
Breathable Mesh Bassinet
This bassinet has a foldable design and can collapsed into a compact size that easily fits into the trunk of a car. It has wheels for mobility within the home, you can watch your favorite show in the living room while the baby is soundlessly napping beside you.
Apart from the breathable mesh sides, the bassinet has a breathable mosquito net that allows caregivers an unrestricted view of their baby. The net keeps your baby safe from mosquitoes and other insects.
The bassinet is sustainably sourced, meets international safety standards and regulations, and is perfectly safe for your baby.
This bassinet can be converted into cradle mode, comes in several color options, and can be customized.
Small Baby Bassinet
This is a high-end bassinet with a modern look that can improve the aesthetics of the nursery or bedroom. The bassinet has wheels that can be extended to the ground or uninstalled. Parents can extend the wheels when they wish to move the bassinet to other rooms and uninstall it when the baby is sleeping inside.
The bassinet is made from non-toxic materials making it safe for your baby. It has also been subjected to international safety standards and regulations and has been certified. Additionally, it has a FSC certification and is the perfect choice for environmentally conscious parents.
The bassinet has a rocking mechanism that allows you to soothe your baby or lull them to sleep. The bassinet is an installation-free folding bed and fits small sleeping spaces.
Portable Rocking Bassinet
The bassinet has a simple and practical design that facilitates gentle swinging. This makes it suitable as a cradle as you can swing the baby back to sleep when they suddenly wake up in the middle of the night.
The rigid side walls prevent entrapment of the baby as they prevent the formation of gaps between the mattress and the walls.
The bassinet has a foldable design and can be collapsed into a compact form for easy storage and transportation. The compact form fits into the trunks of most cars and parents can pack them for long trips such as visits to the relatives for Christmas holidays.
Simple Folding Bassinet
The bassinet has wheels for easy mobility around the home. The bassinet can double up as a bedside bassinet as the sides can be lowered and connected to the adult bed. This is convenient for parents as they do not have to get out of bed to reach their baby for night feeding or to soothe them when they cry.
The compact form fits the trunk of most car models making the bassinet suitable for on-the-go parents. It has a height-adjustable feature that allows the bassinet to be raised or lowered to a preferred height.
The bassinet has built-in storage space for baby essentials like diapers and change of baby clothes.
Playard with Bassinet
The playard with bassinet is designed for a baby’s safety, convenience, and comfort. It doubles as a bedside bassinet and play area for your baby. It can be converted into a fold-out playard to provide the baby with a safe, enclosed area to play.
It has mesh sides for proper airflow and to allow you to monitor your baby when they play or sleep.
At night, it can help you stay close to your baby and lull them back to sleep when they wake up or feed them when they get hungry.
This product is safe for the baby to play or sleep in and meets international safety standards and regulations. It is also sustainably sourced and the perfect sleeping solution and playing space for environmentally-conscious parents.
How to Safely Use a Baby Travel Bassinet?
The guidelines for using standard bassinets also apply to travel bassinets.
Always Sleep on Your Back: Ensure that your baby sleeps on their back in the bassinet. This ensures they get a clean air supply and reduces the risk of suffocation.
Lock Wheels When Sleeping: Most travel bassinets have wheels for mobility. The wheels should have a locking mechanism to keep the bassinet stationary when the baby is sleeping.
Reduce Bedding: Ensure that the bassinet is clear of loose bedding and toys as the baby may get tangled up in them and suffocate. The only items that should be in the bassinet when the baby is sleeping are the sheet and the mattress, the baby does not need a bumper, pillows, or stuffed toys.
Do Not Exceed Weight Limit: The baby should use the travel bassinet for up to 6 months. Past this age, the baby exceeds the height and weight limits and it becomes unsafe for them to use it.
Choose a Certified Bassinet: Certified bassinets have met safety standards and are safe for your baby to use. Non-certified bassinets may have defects that could harm your baby.
Tips for Travelling with a Baby Travel Bassinet
1. Tips for Air Travel with a Baby Bassinet
Most airlines do not allow parents to travel with bassinets. They provide an inflight bassinet for babies. However, the bassinet is not guaranteed as only a few are provided in the airplane. Contact the airline before booking and ask to reserve a bassinet seat for your baby.
For airlines that allow personal travel bassinets, inquire about the requirements such as size and design of the allowed bassinets so that you can get it beforehand and keep your baby comfortable during the flight.
2. Best Practices for Car Travel
Some car models are small and bassinets cannot fit in them. However, for larger family-designed models like minivans, the bassinet should be kept in the backseat. Strap the bassinet to the seat to prevent it from falling off.
Car seats are more favorable for car travel. The travel bassinet should be unfolded when the vehicle stops or when you are participating in outdoor activities and you need a safe sleeping environment.
3. Using the Bassinet in Hotels and Other Accommodations
Travel bassinets are suitable for any type of hotel room or other similar accommodations. They are compact and can fit in any room, you just have to place them beside the adult bed at night and fold and store them during the day to create space.
Ensure that you place them on level ground as the baby should sleep on a flat surface. Place them away from curtains and other dangling items.
4. International Travel Considerations
Travel regulations vary from country to country and this applies to travel bassinets as well. The weight and height limits may vary from country to country and you need to familiarize yourself with them before traveling.
This will help you enjoy your time without issues in the new country. Some brands have also been recalled/banned in other countries. Research well when planning your international travel.
What Are Some Alternatives to Baby Travel Bassinets?
Portable Cribs and Playards
Portable cribs and playards are some of the alternatives for travel bassinets. Portable cribs have a foldable design and can be collapsed into a compact form for convenient storage and traveling.
They are easy to install and uninstall. They do not require tools to install and parents can do the disassembly quickly when they need to travel.
Portable playards offer the best of both worlds. Your baby will not only have a safe and familiar environment to sleep in but also to play in. Therefore, you do not have to worry about your baby missing out on their regular playtime when you travel.
Co-Sleeping Options for Travel
Mini cribs and Moses baskets are the best alternatives to travel bassinets for parents who want to co-sleep with their babies during trips.
Mini cribs are smaller than standard cribs and take up less space. They can easily fit in hotel rooms and guest rooms besides the adult bed and parents can regularly check up on their babies throughout the night.
Moses baskets are portable and compact. They too can fit in most hotel rooms or guest rooms alongside the adult bed. They provide traveling infants with a familiar and safe sleeping environment.
Conclusion
Parents can now stop worrying about traveling with their babies. This is because they can still keep their babies safe and provide them with a safe sleeping environment during these outings.
Pick out a travel bassinet that best suits your needs and preferences. Trusted manufacturers also provide customizable options for travel bassinets for brands and you can have them tailored to your specific needs.
Contact us today for affordable quality travel bassinets!
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