About Portable Cribs

Portable cribs can be used for an infant or young toddler to sleep or play in while traveling or when there is no other bed available. Some parents use a portable crib instead of a larger, stationary crib because of the lower cost. Others choose them because they can be moved from room to room when the child naps or plays.

Identification

Portable cribs are also called playpens and play yards. They tend to have mesh sides and a padded rim along the top. Padding also hides strong metal supports in the corners of the crib. The bottom of a portable crib is flat and usually has either a built-in cushion or a separate cushion that can be placed along the bottom of the crib. Portable cribs are lower than stationary cribs, often standing on four feet just a few inches above the ground.

Considerations

Because the bottom cushions of portable cribs tend to be thin, many parents also line the bottom with a baby blanket or comforter. Some portable cribs also come with a bottom fitted sheet that can be put over the bottom cushion. While the primary purpose may be for sleeping, an older baby may enjoy playing in the crib when given a few toys or baby books. This can be useful while you are cooking or doing another task that is difficult difficult to accomplish while watching a baby.

Types

Some portable cribs are made for indoor or outdoor use. These come with mesh tops that can zip closed to keep out bugs. Others come with removable bassinet tops for newborns to sleep in until they learn to roll over. Some portable cribs are built like tents and are made for sleeping and playing outdoors.

Time Frame

Newborns can sleep in a portable crib as long as there are no thick cushions placed inside. Babies that are unable to roll over should be placed on their backs in portable cribs just as with stationary cribs. Once a baby gets old enough to roll over, thicker cushions and blankets can be placed in the crib. Many parents stop using a portable crib once a baby becomes a toddler, but if a toddler is willing to sleep in the portable crib, he may be able to fit in the crib until the age of 3 by sleeping diagonally across the bottom.

Warning

Once a child gets tall enough to stand up in a crib, she should not be left alone in a portable crib. Once children learn to stand up, they often begin to climb. Climbing out of the portable crib can cause the child to fall to the ground and sustain bruises from the fall. It's important not to get into the habit of allowing a toddler to play in a portable crib alone because an escape will leave him in the room unsupervised.