Portable cribs, as their name suggests, are designed to be moved easily from place to place. They vary drastically in their portability, however: Travel cribs are more like play yards, constructed of soft vinyl or mesh sides, and they fold up compactly for travel (they usually come with a carrying bag or case). Folding cribs, on the other hand, are more like standard cribs, constructed of wood with slats on the sides. Some have stationary sides, while others have drop sides. Folding cribs typically offer several mattress-height adjustments similar to standard cribs, but they have locking wheels that allow them to be moved from room to room. They also fold flat for storage when not in use, but they're not the type of thing you'd want to cart through an airport.

Reviewers say the following about shopping for a portable crib.

  • Check the weight limit. Portable cribs have varying weight limits and if you plan to use it for awhile, you'll want a product that can be used as your child grows.
  • Check with the Consumer Product Safety Commission for recall information. While the most recent recall of portable cribs was in 2005, a few models have drop sides that may be banned as of 2011. It's always a good idea to check the CSPC website before purchasing any portable crib to be sure there haven't been any recalls.
  • Consider where you'll use your portable crib. Some models are better suited for both indoor and outdoor use, with wind shields, UV shields and waterproof fabric. Folding cribs are generally not well-suited for outdoor use, and they're more cumbersome to carry.
  • Measure your space requirements. Some portable cribs are smaller than standard cribs, but a few are full size. If you're looking for a space-saving unit, you'll want one that's smaller.
  • Follow the assembly instructions carefully. Most accidents relating to cribs are due to improper assembly. Following the instructions carefully will reduce the likelihood of malfunctioning parts that could pose a hazard to your baby.

Portable crib safety

Portable cribs, like most baby products, are subject to periodic safety recalls by manufacturers and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). However, the most recent recall we found is for Delta portable cribs in 2005. The manufacturer, in cooperation with the CPSC, voluntarily recalled about 10,000 units due to the crib slats separating from the headboard, which could allow an infant to fall out or pose an entrapment hazard. Consumers who own a Delta portable crib sold between January 2004 and February 2005 can contact Delta for two free replacement headboards.

There are two important safety issues parents should be aware of when purchasing a portable crib (or any crib). First, drop-side cribs have been the subject of recent controversy after a number of accidents involving the drop side detaching from the crib that resulted in infant injuries or fatalities. If a drop side detaches from the crib (often due to malfunctioning hardware or poor assembly), an infant could become trapped or suffocate. A proposed ban on drop-side cribs would go into effect in 2011 if passed. While several manufacturers recalled their drop-side cribs for repair or replacement in 2010, many of them are phasing drop-side cribs out entirely in advance of the impending ban. Some folding cribs do have drop sides, so parents should be aware of this concern when shopping.

Another consideration for consumers is that to maximize safety, a crib mattress should fit snugly within a crib's sides. Not all portable cribs are the same size, so parents and caregivers should ensure that the mattress (especially if it's been purchased separately) does not leave any gaps around the outside edges that could allow an infant to become trapped.

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