Can a baby sleep in a travel crib long term?

Another common question among parents is whether they can place their newborn to nap in a travel crib. Most travel cots can be used for up to 3 years. However, check the recommendations for each product for height and weight limits. Whether babies sleep in a crib, bassinet, portable crib, or playground, they should be placed on their backs.

This helps reduce the risk of suffocation and death. Toddlers should still lie on their backs to sleep even after they have learned to roll, which can happen anytime from 4 to 6 months. However, if babies have independently rotated from back to tummy or side to side while sleeping, there is no need to put them back on. The same safe sleep rules apply to travel cots as normal cribs.

Travel cribs are ideal for short periods away from home or for daytime naps, but they are not designed for frequent use over a long period of time. With a travel cot or crib, you can take it to the garden where you are working, to the kitchen or to the trunk to go to grandma's house. If you're worried about your little one getting cold, you can consider using a safety-approved swaddle blanket or perhaps a sleeping bag. A Pack n Play measures approximately 40 inches long and about 28 inches wide, while a mini crib measures about 38 inches by 24 inches.

Ideal for sleeping at grandma's house, as long as you place soft blankets on the included mattress. Travel crib age ranges really vary, so always look at what the manufacturer suggests and if there is a weight limit. You live in a small house or apartment: Mini cots are smaller but sleek and secure, so why take up more space than you need with a traditional crib? You should stop using it once your little one can get out of the travel crib, which Guava Family estimates is about 3 years old. A popular manufacturer, Graco, also recommends that parents “provide the necessary supervision for continued safety when it comes to using their sleep products.

Another benefit is portability, especially if one of the children is unwell or if the crib needs to be removed from the room temporarily. The other good news here is that there really are no age restrictions for when a baby can safely sleep in a pack and play. A portable crib is a great way for your baby to have precious bonding time with their grandparents and continue to sleep in their safe space. Some children may start trying to get out of the crib before the recommended time to remove them from the crib.

Whether you only use the baby's playground at grandma's house, when traveling, or every night instead of a crib, it's important to know when your child can't play anymore and when to stop using it.

Kayode Alhassan
Kayode Alhassan

Kayode Alhassan is an experienced travel enthusiast with a focus on providing valuable information about hotels in Courbevoie. He is committed to helping travellers make informed decisions. Kayode holds a Bachelor's degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from the University of Surrey.