A Bedside Travel Cot From Red Kite
This affordable option from Red Kite offers the functionality of a cot and bassinet in a portable unit. It comes with a baby insert that can raise the baby to prevent back strain. This is ideal for those who had C-sections.
It's easy to pack into the bag for travel, and it is ready to use without any assembly. The pull-and-click function is simple to master however it comes with an ability that you need to memorise.
Choosing the right bedside cot
A bedside travel cot provides an ensconced and safe space for your baby to rest and give them the peace they require on a long journey. These are perfect for family trips or holidays, as well as other activities. The right one for you will depend on what you need. You should consider the type of crib you'd like to travel with, its weight and dimensions. It is also important to think about whether the cot can fit inside your car, especially with all the other baby equipment you'll have to bring along for the journey.
A bedside cot is designed to be movable and easy to install. They are usually lightweight and compact and are the ideal option for traveling with a newborn or a young child. They are also simple to put together. They're usually equipped with a mattress perfect for the size of the crib, which helps your child get a good night's rest.
Some of these cribs come with additional accessories, making them a great option for children and babies. Some travel cots feature an attached changing table to the side, while others come with a bassinet. Some also come with wheels, making them easier to move.
Choose a cot for travel that is sturdy enough for your baby. This will stop it from falling over and spilling your little one's toys and stuffed animals on the floor. You should also select a cot with mesh sides to allow for ventilation. This will keep your child comfortable and content.
It's an excellent idea to examine the folding mechanism of a travel cot prior to buying it. You don't want a bed that is easily opened by a baby, which could lead to death. The best models come with an locking mechanism that is not able to be manipulated by a child. Certain models feature buckles for security and stability.
Bassinets
A bassinet or bedside cot is an infant sleep space that can be moved around that lets parents monitor their babies. They are suitable for infants up to six months, and can be a huge help during flights, as they are lightweight, small and take up little space. They can be easily stowed when not being used.
Aside from bedside sleeper cot of storage and making them, bassinets are designed to be safe and comfortable for babies to sleep in. The majority of them are fitted with mesh walls that allow air to circulate freely and reduce the danger of suffocation. Most come with a carrying bag and are made of materials that are nontoxic and easy-to-clean.
There are different models of bassinets that are available, but you should look for one that is suitable to your baby's age and height. It is also important to look over the specifications and reviews of any bassinet that you are considering purchasing before making a choice.
Consider a cot which can be transformed into an infant bassinet. They are much easier to set up and remove than regular travel cots and are suitable for infants up to toddlers. They usually come with a toy arched, and some even come with an entertainment centre that can play music, lights and vibrations.
Many airlines offer bassinets on long-haul flights. However, this could differ based on the type of aircraft used and the availability of seats. You can reserve a bassinet at the time of booking with Lufthansa for a cost. Etihad Airways offers bassinets for babies up to 24 pounds on its long-haul flights. You can request them at the time of booking or later using the Manage My Booking option on the airline's website.
Southwest does not have bassinets onboard its flights, and Icelandair only offers bassinets on its long-haul routes. However, there are some other airlines that do offer bassinets, such as Iberia. You can request a bassinet during the time of booking or by calling Iberia's reservation center.
Drop-side cots
If you're looking for a bedside cot that you can use from birth, take a look at the variety of options available. These cots for bassinets are light and come with a carry case. They are ideal for travel or staying at friends or relatives' houses. They also come with adjustable height settings and some can be tilted to an incline to accommodate babies with reflux.
The primary benefit of having an cot at the bedside is that it makes it easier for you to reach your baby whenever they wake up in the middle of the night. This is particularly important if you're breastfeeding, as the proximity to your baby can aid in promoting more frequent and consistent feeding sessions, which is key for a healthy milk production. Some cots come with a drop-down feature and some have an incline option, which allows you to easily lift your baby up to feed or comfort your baby without stepping out of bed.
It is important to keep in mind that even though a bedside cot can be useful, it must always be used with caution. Cots that have movable parts such as the drop-side, need to be assembled with care and checked regularly to ensure they are working properly. Older cots or secondhand ones can have loose slats broken filler bars, or rails that create danger gaps that your child might fall through or be trapped in. Also, some cots are older and might not be compliant with current Australian safety standards.
If you decide to purchase a second-hand cot, be sure to go to the website of the manufacturer for instructions before assembling it. Choose a cot that is that is built to the most current safety standards.
For a 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 that keep everything secure. It has multiple height adjustments and an incline option for reflux, and is very compact when folded for storage.
Travel cots
Travel cots are great for parents who need an incredibly safe and comfortable space to put their child down while they're away or at home. Easy to put up fold, store and fold, they're perfect for sleepovers or during holidays. Some models come with the ability to rock or change your baby's mats to help soothe your baby or change them before bedtime.
If you're looking for a new travel cot, make sure it's rated to the British Standard Institution (BSI) and has been specifically designed with your baby in mind. Also, make sure to check the age-appropriateness of the product since many are suitable for babies from newborn (look for a model with a built-in bassinet) and up to three years old.
The quality of the mattress is one of the most important aspects to take into consideration when selecting the right travel cot. Be sure that it is firm and padded 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 that prevent it from moving during use or when it is stored.
Other desirable features of the travel cot are a mesh window so you can watch your baby as they sleep and carrying bags to make transporting easier. There are models that double up as a playpen, or an electronic mobile to keep your baby entertained and engaged.
If you're looking for a quick and easy way to create a secure sleeping space for your infant or toddler, an upholstered bedside cot might be the perfect solution. The best ones are simple to fold and unfold, and they can be put into bags for transport. They are also generally light, making them perfect for travel, even on a yacht or plane! If you're not sure what model to purchase take a look at the various options and ask other parents for their suggestions. A bedside travel cot is a great investment that will prove invaluable during the initial years of your child's life.