Recommendations on travel cribs or other gear for travel with an infant?

[caitiebluebug]

Hi everyone, I realize I'm jumping the gun on this one a bit, because I'm still in my 1st trimester, but my DH and I are moving to Costa Rica midway through my pregnancy and will be between there and Nicaragua for baby's first year. We don't want to accumulate too much stuff, since we'll be traveling regularly (I'm an anthropologist, and we're going for my research) and mostly on public buses.

My question is, does anyone have recommendations on travel cribs? I've looked at a few but most seem to have inflatable mattresses, which sound scary with an infant. In Costa Rica, we'll be in one place and will either co-sleep or have a bassinet, but in Nicaragua, there often aren't beds big enough for both of us, much less us & a baby. Mosquitoes are also a concern, so ideally I'd like something with netting but that will also allow ventilation since it will be quite hot most of the places we'll be.  

And of course, any other advice on travel essentials would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!  

[Jenni1894]

I'd go with a pack and play.  It fold up and have mesh sides.  many have bassinet attachments for the tops and mobiles and all kinds of fun stuff.   The mattresses are not inflatable and I'm pretty sure you can by mosquito nets for over them.  If not easily make one! 

[Marissamom]

Originally Posted by Jenni1894 

I'd go with a pack and play.  It fold up and have mesh sides.  many have bassinet attachments for the tops and mobiles and all kinds of fun stuff.   The mattresses are not inflatable and I'm pretty sure you can by mosquito nets for over them.  If not easily make one! 

or the graco travellite crib, a smaller version of the pack'n'play, it's what we have for my son for naps and to start the night in later. 

[MomtoDandJ]

We really like the KidCo Peapod.  It's so much smaller than a pack and play and it's way lighter, too.  I can fit in a carryon suitcase.  We got ours at Buy Buy Baby but amazon.com has them too.

Enjoy your trip! :)

[MittensKittens]

Originally Posted by MomtoDandJ 

We really like the KidCo Peapod.  It's so much smaller than a pack and play and it's way lighter, too.  I can fit in a carryon suitcase.  We got ours at Buy Buy Baby but amazon.com has them too.

Enjoy your trip! :)

This is wonderful!

[swede]

Originally Posted by caitiebluebug 

Hi everyone, I realize I'm jumping the gun on this one a bit, because I'm still in my 1st trimester, but my DH and I are moving to Costa Rica midway through my pregnancy and will be between there and Nicaragua for baby's first year. We don't want to accumulate too much stuff, since we'll be traveling regularly (I'm an anthropologist, and we're going for my research) and mostly on public buses.

My question is, does anyone have recommendations on travel cribs? I've looked at a few but most seem to have inflatable mattresses, which sound scary with an infant. In Costa Rica, we'll be in one place and will either co-sleep or have a bassinet, but in Nicaragua, there often aren't beds big enough for both of us, much less us & a baby. Mosquitoes are also a concern, so ideally I'd like something with netting but that will also allow ventilation since it will be quite hot most of the places we'll be.  

And of course, any other advice on travel essentials would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!  

Your baby may not want to sleep alone if s/he is used to co-sleeping.   Could you just sleep with the baby in one bed, and dh sleeps somewhere else when necessary?  I have co-slept with a baby or a toddler on a twin bed when traveling.  If you are nursing, I can't imagine getting baby out of netting and into your netted area to nurse through out the night. 
 

[bremen]

like a pp, i would recommend the peapod

http://www.amazon.com/KidCo-PeaPod-Portable-Self-2dInflating-Travel/dp/B001HY40P4/ref=pd_cp_ba_1

it has an "inflatable" matress, but it is the self-inflating kind, like some kinds of camping mats have.

[XanaduMama]

Originally Posted by swede 

Your baby may not want to sleep alone if s/he is used to co-sleeping.   Could you just sleep with the baby in one bed, and dh sleeps somewhere else when necessary?  I have co-slept with a baby or a toddler on a twin bed when traveling.  If you are nursing, I can't imagine getting baby out of netting and into your netted area to nurse through out the night. 
 

 

[LightForest]

I haven't seen this in real life but the GoCrib looks like an awesome travel solution. I think I've seen it on sale on one of those "daily deal" sites - the retail price is pretty high.

http://www.guavafamily.com/

[LightForest]

Originally Posted by swede 

Your baby may not want to sleep alone if s/he is used to co-sleeping.   Could you just sleep with the baby in one bed, and dh sleeps somewhere else when necessary?  I have co-slept with a baby or a toddler on a twin bed when traveling.  If you are nursing, I can't imagine getting baby out of netting and into your netted area to nurse through out the night. 
 

I completely agree - while my baby seems to care less whether she sleeps with us in the big bed or in her own bed (a pack n play), she always spends the night with us after her first waking because it's just so annoying to get her in and out of the pack and play in the middle of the night to nurse.