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 comes with a baby insert which raises the baby to reduce back strain. This is ideal for those who have had C-sections.
It's easy to pack into a bag for travel and it pops up instantly without assembly. The pull-and-click feature is simple to master however, it does have an art that you must memorise.
How to choose a cot for your bed
A bedside travel crib provides your baby with the safety and security they need to sleep during an extended trip. They are ideal for family vacations and holidays as well as other adventures. The process of choosing the best one will depend on your specific needs. You must consider the kind of travel crib you want along with its weight and dimensions. You'll want to make sure that the cot fits in your car together with the other baby equipment you'll have to bring.
A bedside cot is designed to be lightweight and easy to put up. They are small and lightweight making them ideal for traveling with a baby or child. Additionally, they are easy to set up and easy to construct. They're usually fitted with mattresses that fit perfectly into the crib. This will help your child have a great night's sleep.
Some of these cots come with added accessories which make them a good option for children and babies. Some travel cots feature an attached changing table to the side, while others come with an additional bassinet. You can also find some that are equipped with wheels which make them easier to move around the room.
Pick a cot that is sturdy enough to support your baby. This will stop it from falling over and spilling your little one and their stuffed toys to the floor. It's also an excellent idea to select a cot with mesh sides for ventilation so that you can keep your baby comfy and content.
It's an excellent idea to test the folding mechanism of a travel cot prior to buying it. You don't want a bed that can easily be opened by a child and cause the death of a child. The best models include an locking mechanism that cannot be easily manipulated by a tiny child. Some even have buckles to ensure stability and safety.
Bassinets
A portable bassinet or bedside travel cot is a sleeping area for infants that allows parents to monitor them. They are ideal for infants less than six months old and are ideal for flights as they are small, lightweight and take up very little space. They can also be stored away easily when not in use, making them ideal for travel.
Bassinets aren't only easy to store and assemble but they also provide a safe and comfortable place for babies to rest. The majority of them are fitted with mesh walls that allow air to circulate well and minimize the risk of the danger of suffocation. Most come with a carrying bag and are made of non-toxic materials and easy-to-clean.
There are a variety of bassinet models on the market. You should pick one that fits your baby's size and age. It is important to check out the reviews and specifications of any particular bassinet before making a purchase.
You might want to think about a cot that converts into a full-size bassinet. They are simpler to set up and take-down than regular travel cots and can be used by babies all the way to toddlers. They often come with a toy arch and some have an entertainment centre which plays music, lights and even vibrate.
Many airlines offer bassinets on long-haul flights. However, this can vary depending upon the type of aircraft used and seat availability. For instance, Lufthansa offers bassinets on its long-haul fleet and you can reserve one at the time of booking for a fee. Etihad Airways also offers bassinets on its long-haul flights for babies weighing up to 24 pounds. 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 provide bassinets on its flights, and Icelandair only offers bassinets on certain of its long-haul routes. However, there are some other airlines that offer bassinets, such as Iberia. You can request bassinets at the time of booking, or by contacting Iberia’s reservation office.
Drop-side Cots
If you're looking for a bedside cot that you can use from birth, check out the range of options available. These bassinet-style cots come with their own carrying case and are light, making them ideal for traveling or sleepovers at friends' or relatives home. These cots are also available with height adjustment options and some are tilted to an incline for babies with reflux.
A cot that is placed near the bed makes it easier to reach your baby in case they wake up during the night. This is particularly important when you're breastfeeding, since the proximity to your baby can aid in promoting more frequent and consistent feeding sessions which is essential for healthy milk production. Some cots have a drop-down option and some even offer an incline, making it easier to lift your child to feed them and provide comfort without having to get out of the bed.
It's important to remember that while a bedside travel cot may be convenient but it should be used with care. Cots with movable parts like the drop side need to be constructed with care and regularly checked to ensure that they are working properly. Older or secondhand cots might have broken rails, slats not secured or damaged filler bars which could create dangerous gaps in which your child could fall or get trapped. Also, some cots may be older and might not be compliant with current Australian safety standards.
Before you begin to put together a second-hand crib, check the instructions on the website of the manufacturer. Select a brand new cot that has been built to the latest safety standards.
If you are looking for a high-quality option, we recommend the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib. This crib is very easy to put together (one of the quickest in our MFM tests) and comes with neat zips that keep everything secure. It has a variety of height settings and an incline to prevent reflux, and is compact when folded for storage.
Travel cots
Travel cots (or extra beds) are a great choice for parents who need an area that is safe to put their baby or toddler down, whether they're at home or on vacation. They're easy to install, fold and store and take down, they're ideal for sleepovers or during holidays. Some models include an adjustable rocking mechanism or a changing mats to help you to calm your baby or change them before bedtime.
When you are shopping for a travel cot, ensure it is rated by the British Standard Institution and designed with your child's interests in mind. Make sure you check the age range since some are suitable from birth (look for ones with a bassinet built in) up to three years.
The quality of the mattress is among the most important things to consider when choosing a travel cot. Make sure bedside crib and cot and firm and includes an apex-proof mattress cover or protector. The same goes for the base of the cot, which should be solid and have non-slip feet to keep it from moving during use or while stored.
A travel cot should have a mesh window to keep an eye on the baby as they sleep, and a carry bag to make it easier to transport. You can also find models that double as a playpen or have musical toys to keep your child amused and active.
A bedside travel cot is an excellent option to create a safe environment for your child. The most effective models fold down and up quickly and easily into a bag for easy transportation. They're generally light too making them suitable to travel with, even on a boat or plane! If you're not sure which model to buy, research the alternatives and ask other parents for recommendations. A bedside travel cot is an excellent investment that will pay off throughout the first few years of your child's life.