A Bedside Travel Cot From Red Kite
This budget-friendly model from Red Kite combines the functionality of a bassinet as well as a cot into 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 can be packed into a travel bag and pops up in a matter of seconds without assembly. The pull-and-click functionality is easy to master, but it has a certain style that you need to memorise.
How to choose a cot for your bed
A bedside travel cot provides an ideal and secure place for your baby to sleep and give them the peace they need during an extended journey. These are great for family excursions and holidays as well as other adventures. The right one for you will depend on what you require. You should consider the type of travel crib you want as well as its weight and size. You should also think about whether the cot can fit inside your car, particularly with all the other baby gear you have to bring along for the journey.
A bedside cot is designed to be movable and easy to put up. They're typically small and lightweight, making them the perfect option for travel with a newborn or a young child. They are also easy to set up and easy to construct. Most of these beds come with a mattress that is specifically designed to fit the dimensions of the crib, which will help your little one to get a good night's sleep.
Some of these travel cots come with added accessories that make them a great option for infants and children. Some travel cots have a changing table attached to the side, and others come with an additional bassinet. You can also find a few equipped with wheels that make them easier to move around the room.
Pick a cot that is sturdy enough for your baby. This will prevent it from falling over and spilling the baby's food and their stuffed toys on the floor. It's also a good idea to choose a cot that has mesh sides for ventilation, as this will keep your baby comfy and happy.
Before you purchase a travel cot it's a good idea to check the folding system. You don't need a bed that a child could open easily which could lead to suffocation. The most secure models have a locking mechanism that cannot be opened by a small child. Certain models feature buckles for safety and stability.
Bassinets
A bedside travel cot or bassinet is an infant sleep space that can be moved around that allows parents to keep an eye on their babies. They are perfect for babies between 6 and 6 months old and can be a huge help during flights, as they are small, light and take up little space. They can be easily stowed when not being used.
Bassinets aren't just simple to store and assemble but they also provide a safe and comfy place for babies to rest. The majority of bassinets have mesh walls that allow air to circulate and reduce the chance of suffocation. Many also have a carry-bag and are constructed from materials that are safe and easy to clean.
There are numerous bassinets available. It is important to choose one that suits your baby's size and age. It is also important to look over the features and reviews of any bassinet that you are considering purchasing before making a decision.
You may want to consider a cot that converts into an actual size bassinet. These are generally simpler to put up and remove than standard cots for travel, and they can be used from birth up to toddlerhood. Some come with a toy bar while others come with an entertainment center that plays music lights, vibrations, and lights.
Many airlines provide bassinets for long-haul flights. However, this may differ based on the type of aircraft and seat availability. You can reserve a bassinet at time of booking with Lufthansa for a small fee. Etihad Airways also offers bassinets on its long-haul flights to babies up to 24 pounds. They can be requested at the time of booking or 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. Iberia is one of the airlines that offer bassinets. You can request a bassinet at the time of booking or by calling the Iberia reservation office.
Drop-side cots
If you're looking for a bedside travel cot that can be used from birth, take a look at the variety of options available. These bassinet cots are lightweight and come with a carry case. They are great for traveling or sleeping over at friends or relatives' houses. These cots are also available with adjustable height settings 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 if they awake during the night. This is especially crucial when you're breastfeeding, since the close proximity could aid in promoting more frequent and consistent feeding, which is key to a healthy production of milk. Some cots have a drop-down option and some even have an inclined position, making it easier to raise your child to feed them and soothe them without having to get out of bed.
It is important to keep in mind that although a bedside cot may be convenient however, it must be handled with care. Cots with movable parts like the drop side should be carefully assembled and regularly inspected to ensure that they are working properly. Older or second-hand cots could have broken rails, slats not secured or broken filler bars that can create dangerous gaps where your child could fall or be trapped. Also, some cots may be older and might not be compliant with current Australian safety standards.
If bedside crib to cot decide to purchase a secondhand cot, make sure you visit the manufacturer's website to find instructions before you begin assembling it. Select a brand new cot that has been that is built to the most current safety standards.
If you are looking for a high-quality option we recommend the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib. This cot is extremely straightforward to assemble (one of the fastest in our MFM tests) and comes with neat zips to keep everything safe. It has multiple height settings as well as an incline for reflux, and it is compact when folded for storage.
Travel cots
Travel cots are ideal for parents who need an incredibly safe and comfortable space to put their child down when they're away or at home. They're easy to set up fold, store and fold they're great for sleepovers or holidays. Some models come with a changing mat or rocking mechanism that can help you change your baby prior to the bedtime time or help calm them before they go to bed.
If you're shopping for a new travel cot, make sure it's rated to the British Standard Institution (BSI) and designed with your baby 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 3 years old.
The quality of the mattress is one of the most important things to consider when choosing the right travel cot. Make sure it's comfortable and firm and is covered with an apex-proof mattress cover or protector. The same is true for the base of the cot, which should be solid and have non-slip feet to stop it from moving when used or when it is stored.
A travel cot should also have a mesh window to keep an eye on your baby as they sleep, and a bag for easier transportation. You can also find models that double up as a playpen or a musical mobile to keep your child active and entertained.
If you're looking for an efficient and easy way to create a safe sleeping space for your baby or toddler, then a bedside travel cot may be the ideal solution. The best ones are easy to fold and unfold and they can be put into bags for transport. They're also typically light which makes them ideal to travel with, even on a plane or yacht! If you're unsure of which model to buy, research the options and ask other parents for their recommendations. A bedside travel cot is a great investment that will prove invaluable for the first few years of your child's existence.