Choosing Cheap Portable Baby Mini Cribs

A portable crib would be the best place for baby to sleep when you are away from home. They can be easily transported anywhere as they usually have wheels and can be easily folded into a compact size. A portable crib is usually made of wood or metal. Vertical slats may also be found on its sides.

Portable cribs became so popular recently especially to families who love travelling. It is most useful when visiting a friend or relative or going for a vacation. Although it is designed for temporary use, it can be considered as an indispensable piece of furniture for baby.

Portable cribs are usually used for babies weighing not more than 30 pounds so it should not really be used as a substitute for a permanent crib.

Selecting and Buying a Portable Crib

When selecting a Portable crib, safety features should be your number one consideration. Portable cribs do not follow same safety standards as the full size cribs. As a matter of fact, the manufacturers often use same safety standards required for playpens. As parents, you must ensure that the portable crib you are purchasing is safe for baby.

To ensure that you are not putting baby on danger, always buy from a reputable dealer. These people are aware of recent recall notices and would regularly remove unsafe cribs from their inventory. Always make sure that the portable crib has not been included in any recall. Take time to fill-out the registration form and always check the manufacturer's website for any recent notices about the particular model.

Here are some guidelines that one must follow when selecting and buying a portable crib:

1. Be sure that it is constructed using high grade material. The construction should be sturdy and would not sway when an adult leans on it.

2. It should have a smooth finish so as baby would not hurt his or her fingers.

3. If it requires self assembly, be sure that there is no mesh or loose threads that baby might swallow and might create choking.

4. No gaps should be found between the mattress and the crib and the thickness of the mattress pad should not exceed one inch in depth. Mattress should be firm and should not leave any mark on it when you press down your index finger.

5. Bolts, screws, and nuts should not be sticking out and there should be no plastic coverings that is in danger of falling off.

6. Be sure that your pinky finger cannot be inserted into the mesh spaces easily. If it is, the mesh size may be too big for baby.

7. Top rails should be self-locking and automatically latch in place to prevent accidents. Locking mechanism should be difficult enough for baby to undo.

8. If a portable crib comes with wheels, be sure that it can be locked and will remain immobilized when baby is in it.

Many portable cribs also have drop sides and adjustable mattress levels like the regular cribs. They also come in different styles and designs but they may come in slightly smaller size than a regular crib. Almost all of them weigh lighter than the regular crib so that they can be easier to fold up and transport. Be sure that you try to fold them by yourself before you buy.