So, you’ve just booked your holiday, now you are wondering how your little one is going to sleep; will they actually sleep at all and do I need to buy a travel cot. I am hoping this blog post will help you to answer most of those questions.
Why might you need a travel cot? Firstly, it isn’t a necessity that you have a travel cot. Many hotels will offer you one, however, I say this from many experiences. Sometimes the convenience of having your own is a lifesaver. We have had many occasions where we have emailed the hotel before arriving, requesting a travel cot in the room. Only to turn up late at night to either no cot in the room, a very sketchy looking contraption, having to wait a long time for someone to bring one up to the room or even that they have run out.
What to look for in a travel cotWeight
This is one of the first things I recommend looking at. We like to keep luggage to a minimum and a travel cot can add unnecessary weight. Many airlines will allow you to travel with a travel cot free of charge with your child ticket, which is great but you also need to take into account your journey after the flight.
Age Range
A great way to get the most out of your travel cot is to get one that will progress with your child as they grow. Most travel cots will go from newborn up to 3/4, however, you can check the minimum and maximum age/weight on them.
Portability
Will you be wanting it to fit into a suitcase or is it for travelling in the car? different cots offer you a multitude of sizes and compactness from pop up to collapsible. bear this in mind when selecting your travel cot.
Added Extras
Look at what else the travel cot may be able to offer you. Some come with bassinets included or an attachable changing table, whilst others may offer you to double it up as a sun protection tent for the beach.
Our top 5 travel cots
I have picked out 5 Travel cots that I have either personally used and brought myself, or have been personally recommended by friends and family. The list is by no means in an order of preference. Each one is a great buy, they just each offer something different.
Do let us know if you go ahead and purchase any of these cots or if you have your own recommendation. We love to hear about your adventures so feel free to pop us a message over on social media so we can connect with you!
1. Graco Contour Electra Travel Cot
This was my first ever travel cot, I brought this when Roman was around 2 months old. We took this on a road trip to the Lake District with us to stay in a holiday home. It came in extremely handy and was very affordable.
Pro’s –
- It has a bassinet attachment for newborn babies, and can be adapted to be used for a few years.
- Detachable changing table on top for dressing and changing your baby.
- Easily to assemble, can be done by 1 person.
Con’s –
- Is quite heavy; maybe not the best if travelling around by plane.
2. Koo-Di Sun and Sleep pop up travel cot
This style of travel cot is great for families that are looking for something more compact and adaptable. We used one of these whilst travelling around Thailand, Roman was just over a year old and I placed it on the spare bed to create a soft surface.
Pro’s –
- Very compact, we travelled with one in our backpack.
- Doubles up as a great beach tent as it offers sun protection.
- Built-in mosquito net.
- Very lightweight pops up and down for quick assembly.
Con’s
- Not great for longterm due to size, children will quickly grow out of it.
- All of the parts are sold separate ie. matress so can get expensive.
3. BABYBJORN Travel Cot Light
This was always my dream travel cot, I never got round to buying one with Roman but maybe I can with Lennon; I would definitely take the plunge to invest. It is a one-stop-shop and comes highly recommended by everyone I know who has used it.
Pro’s –
- A full-size cot for newborns – 3 years that is very compact for travel.
- Extremely easy to assemble.
- Can double up as a playpen.
- Great quality, it’s made to last.
Con’s –
- The price tag is quite expensive.
- Mounts onto the floor so offers no insulation if the floor is cold.
4. Venture Airpod Travel Cot
Very similar to the BABYBJORN but with a lower price tag. If you are looking for a light and compact travel cot and not too worried about the brand then this is a great purchase. It has great online reviews but it sells out quickly.
Pro’s –
- Lightweight, weighing only 6kg.
- Comes in its own travel bag making it very convenient.
- Great price tag and cheaper than very similar designs.
- Quick assembly.
Cons –
- Thin mattress included (can be replaced).
- Covers cant be removed for cleaning.
5. Red Kite Dreamer Bedside Crib
This travel cot is very similar to my first ever travel cot, the Graco. However, this one also offers you the option to use it as a bedside crib. The side on the cot can dip down allowing you to have your baby right next to your bed. Great if your baby is used to sleeping in something like the next to me at home.
Pro’s –
- Bedside option great for babies who are used to co-sleeping.
- Very padded to help avoid any accidents.
- Easy to assemble and put back down.
- Great price for a cot that can go from birth up to 3 years.
Cons –
- Bulkier – better for car travel.
- Not the lightest on the market.
