A Bedside Travel Cot From Red Kite
This low-cost option from Red Kite offers the functionality of a cot and bassinet in one portable package. It includes a baby insert that can be set up high to reduce back strain and is ideal for those who have had C-sections.
It is easy to pack into the bag for travel, and it is ready to use without assembly. The pull-and-click function is simple to master, but it has an ability that you need to memorise.
Choosing the right bedside cot
A bedside cot can provide a safe and secure space for your baby's sleep, giving them the comfort they require on an extended journey. They are ideal for family trips or holidays, as well as other activities. The process of selecting the right one will depend on your specific needs. It is important to consider the type of travel crib you want along with its weight and dimensions. You should also be aware of whether the cot will fit in your car, especially when you consider all the other baby equipment you'll have to bring along for the journey.
A bedside cot must be easy to transport and install. They are lightweight and compact, which makes them ideal for travel with a child or baby. They are also quick and simple to assemble. They're usually equipped with a mattress that is perfectly adapted to the size of the crib, thereby helping your child to get a good night's sleep.
Some of these cribs have added accessories which makes them a great option for children and babies. Some travel cots feature a changing table that is attached to the side, and others come with an additional bassinet. Some come with wheels to make them easier to move around.
Choose a cot for travel that is sturdy enough to support your baby. This will stop it from tipping over and spilling your baby one and their stuffed toys on the floor. You should also choose a cot with mesh sides to allow for air circulation. This will keep your child comfortable and content.
Before purchasing a travel cot it's a good idea to check the folding system. There is no need for a bed that a child could open easily which could cause death. The best beds have a locking system that is not able to be manipulated by the child. Some even have buckles to ensure safety and stability.
Bassinets
A portable bassinet or bedside travel cot is a sleeping area for infants that allows parents to monitor them. They are perfect for babies between 6 and 6 months old and are a great help during flights, as they are light, compact and require little space. They are easy to store when not in use.
Apart from the ease of storage and making them, bassinets are designed to be safe and comfortable for babies to sleep in. The majority of bassinets have mesh walls that allow air to circulate and decrease the risk of suffocation. They also come with a carry bag and are constructed from materials that are non-toxic and easy to clean.
There are different models of bassinets on the market, but you should look for one that is appropriate to your baby's age and height. It is also important to look over the specifications and reviews of any bassinet that you are thinking of purchasing prior to making a decision.
You may want to think about a cot that can be converted into a full-size bassinet. These are generally easier to install and disassemble than standard cots for travel, and can be used from birth until toddlerhood. Some come with a toy bar and others include an entertainment center that plays music lights, vibrations, and lights.
Many airlines provide bassinets for long-haul flights. However, this can vary depending upon the type of aircraft used and seats available. For instance, Lufthansa offers bassinets on its long-haul fleet, and you can reserve one upon booking for a cost. Etihad Airways offers bassinets for babies weighing up to 24 pounds on its long-haul flights. They can be requested at the time of booking, or by using the Manage My Booking feature on the airline's website.
Southwest does not offer bassinets for its flights and Icelandair only offers bassinets on its long-haul routes. However, there are bedside travel crib that do provide bassinets, such as Iberia. You can request bassinets at time of booking, or by contacting Iberia’s reservation office.
Drop-side Cots
If you're in search of a bedside travel cot that you can use from birth, look through the variety of options available. These cots for bassinets are light and come with a carrying case. They are great to take on trips or for sleeping at relatives' or friends at their homes. Many of these cots also have adjustable height settings and can be tilted to an incline position which is perfect for babies with reflux.
A bedside cot makes it easier to reach your baby when they wake up during the night. This is especially crucial for breastfeeding mothers, as the close proximity can assist in encouraging more frequent and consistent feeding, which is key to a healthy production of milk. Some cribs have a drop-down side and some even have an incline option that makes it easy to get your baby up for feeding and comforting without getting out of the bed.
While a travel cot designed for use in bed is a good idea but you must make sure you use it with care. Cots that have movable parts such as the drop side should be carefully assembled and regularly checked to ensure that they're operating properly. Older cots or second-hand ones may have loose slats filleder bars that are broken or damaged, or rails that can create dangerous gaps that your child might fall through or get trapped in. Additionally, some cots are older and may not comply with current Australian safety standards.
If you decide to purchase a secondhand cot, be sure to check the manufacturer's website for instructions before you begin building it. Choose a new cot built to the latest safety standards.
We recommend the Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib as a premium option. It is incredibly simple to put together (one of the fastest in our MFM tests) and has zips that ensure everything is secure. It has a variety of height settings and an incline to prevent reflux, and it's compact when folded up for storage.
Travel cots
Travel cots (or extra beds) are a great choice for parents looking for a safe place to pop their toddler or baby down, whether at home or away. They are easy to fold and store, and then set up. They're perfect for sleepovers or holidays. Some models even feature an changing mat or a rocking mechanism that can help you change your baby prior to bedtime or to help them settle before they go to sleep.
When you are shopping for a travel cot, ensure it's rated by the British Standard Institution and designed with your child's needs in mind. Make sure you check the age range since some are suitable from the time of birth (look for those with a bassinet built in) from 3 years to.
One of the key things to look for in a quality travel cot is the quality of its mattress. Make sure it's comfortable and firm and is covered with an apex-proof mattress cover or protector. The cot's base should be solid and have non-slip footings to prevent it from shifting during use or storage.
A travel cot must include a mesh window to keep an eye on your baby as they sleep, and a carry bag for easy transport. You can also find models that double as a playpen, or an electronic mobile to keep your baby active and entertained.
If you're looking for an efficient and easy way to create a secure sleeping space for your infant or toddler, a bedside travel cot could be the perfect solution. The best ones are simple to fold and unfold and they fit into a bag for transport. They are also usually lightweight and therefore ideal to travel with, even on a yacht or plane! If you're unsure of which model to buy look into the options and ask other parents for their recommendations. A bedside travel cot is an excellent investment that will prove invaluable for the first few years of your child's existence.