Munchkin, a well-known brand in the parenting world, established in 1991, offers a wide range of baby products, from toys to travel gear. Among their travel solutions, the Brica Fold ‘n Go Travel Bassinet stands out for its exceptional portability. For parents who are frequently on the move, this bassinet promises convenience, but how does it truly perform? Let’s delve into a detailed review of the Brica Fold ‘n Go Travel Bassinet.
brica foldPortability and Ease of Use: Designed for Travel
The Brica Fold ‘n Go Travel Bassinet truly lives up to its name when it comes to portability. It is the lightest bassinet in its category, making it incredibly easy to carry around, even with one hand full of baby gear. Its compact design is achieved through a simple folding mechanism; just push two buttons, and it folds neatly and secures with a Velcro strap. This feature makes it exceptionally convenient for travel and storage.
For parents constantly juggling baby essentials, the Brica bassinet is designed for easy setup. Opening it is as simple as pushing the side buttons and unfolding it. This straightforward setup makes it a hassle-free option when you need a quick and easy sleep space for your baby while visiting friends, relatives, or during travel. Its lightweight and compact nature means it can be easily stored in the car, ensuring you always have a portable sleep solution ready.
brica foldSafety and Intended Use: Floor Use Only
While the Brica Fold ‘n Go Travel Bassinet offers undeniable convenience, it’s crucial to understand its safety guidelines and intended use. It is explicitly designed and approved for floor use only. Despite its appearance, it is not safe to use this bassinet in a bed or on elevated surfaces like sofas. This limitation is a significant safety consideration for parents to be aware of.
The mesh sides, while promoting breathability, are not designed to prevent a baby from rolling out, especially if placed on an unstable surface. Using it on the floor is non-negotiable for safety. Families with pets need to be especially cautious, as the floor-level design makes it easily accessible to animals, potentially posing a risk to the baby. Furthermore, its placement on the floor means it’s susceptible to floor-level hazards like drafts and dust. There’s also a tripping risk for anyone unaware of its presence, particularly in low-light conditions.
It is crucial to understand that the Brica Fold ‘n Go is not a co-sleeper. Co-sleepers are designed with features that ensure baby’s safety when placed next to a parent’s bed, offering both proximity and a defined safe sleep space. The Brica bassinet lacks these co-sleeping safety features and should never be placed in a bed.
brica foldQuality and Materials: Areas for Improvement
The overall quality of the Brica Fold ‘n Go Travel Bassinet is adequate for its primary purpose of portability, but there are areas where improvements could be made. The materials consist of polyester and polyurethane foam, which are not considered premium. Of concern is the fact that it meets the older flame retardant standard TB-116, suggesting the foam likely contains flame retardants, which are increasingly being questioned for their potential health impacts.
The fabric sides are described as flimsy and ineffective. They can collapse easily even with slight pressure, raising concerns about durability and long-term use. While the mattress pad is washable, the bassinet lining itself is spot-clean only and non-removable, which may be less convenient for thorough cleaning.
Best Applications and Value: Travel is Key
The Brica Fold ‘n Go Travel Bassinet’s best application is undoubtedly its portability. It is designed for parents who need a sleep solution while traveling, visiting, or on the go. It is not ideally suited as a primary, everyday bassinet at home. While it could potentially be used next to a floor mattress setup, strict precautions must be taken to ensure no bedding or hazards can enter the bassinet.
In terms of value, the Brica Fold ‘n Go is positioned as a more budget-friendly option compared to sturdier, feature-rich bassinets. However, its value is directly tied to its portability. If you are specifically seeking a travel bassinet for occasional use, it can be a worthwhile investment due to its convenience and lightweight design. However, for primary use or for those prioritizing features like sturdiness, elevation, or co-sleeping capabilities, other bassinets might offer better overall value.
Conclusion: A Convenient Travel Bassinet with Limitations
The Brica Fold ‘n Go Travel Bassinet is a practical solution for parents prioritizing portability. Its lightweight design, easy setup, and compact fold make it an excellent choice for travel and on-the-go naps. However, it’s important to acknowledge its limitations, particularly its floor-use-only safety guideline and the basic quality of materials. It’s not designed as a primary bassinet and lacks features found in more versatile models.
If your main need is a highly portable and affordable travel bassinet for occasional use, the Brica Fold ‘n Go is a valid option. Just be sure to adhere strictly to the safety guidelines, especially regarding floor placement and pet safety, to ensure a safe sleep environment for your baby while on the move.
