A Bedside Travel Cot From Red Kite
This budget option from Red Kite offers the functionality of a bassinet and cot in one portable package. It has a newborn insert that allows baby to be seated high to reduce back strain and is ideal for those who have had C-sections.
It is easy to pack into a bag for travel and it is ready to use without any assembly. The pull-and-click feature is simple to master however it comes with an ability that you need to learn to.
Choosing a cot for your bed
A bedside crib will provide your baby with the security and safety they need to sleep during long journeys. They are ideal for family excursions, holidays and other adventures. The process of choosing the right one will depend on your personal requirements. A few things to consider are the type of travel cot you're looking to purchase and the weight and the dimensions. You'll want to make sure that the cot is able to fit inside your car along alongside the other baby equipment you'll need to bring along.
A bedside cot is designed to be lightweight and easy to put up. They're typically lightweight and compact which makes them the ideal option for travel with a toddler or infant child. They are also easy to assemble. They're usually fitted with a mattress that fits perfectly inside the crib. This helps your child get a good sleep.
Some of these travel cribs have added accessories, making them a great option for children and babies. Some travel cots have a changing table that is attached to the side, while others have an additional bassinet. You can also find some that have wheels, which makes them easier to move around the room.
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's stuffed toys and other items onto the floor. You should also choose a cot that has mesh sides that allow for air circulation. This will keep your child comfortable and happy.
Before you purchase a travel cot, it's a good idea check the folding system. You do not want a bed which could easily be opened by a baby and cause death. The best models come with an locking mechanism that cannot be easily manipulated by a tiny child. Certain models feature buckles to provide safety and stability.
Bassinets
A bassinet or bedside cot is an infant sleep space that can be moved around that lets parents monitor their newborns. bedside cots are perfect for babies up to six months, and can be a great help during flights, as they are lightweight, small and require little space. They are easy to store when not being used.
In addition to the ease of storing and assembly, bassinets are made to be safe and comfortable for infants to sleep in. The majority of them are fitted with mesh walls that allow air to circulate easily and minimize the risk of the danger of suffocation. They are usually supplied with a carrying bag and are made out of non-toxic materials and easy-to-clean.
There are different models of bassinets on the market, but you should look for one that is suitable to your baby's age and size. It is recommended to read reviews and specifications of the bassinet prior to making a purchase.
Think about a cot that can be transformed into a bassinet. They are easier to set-up and remove than regular travel cots and are used for babies up to toddlers. Some come with a toy bar and others include an entertainment center that plays music as well as lights and vibrations.
Many airlines offer bassinets on long-haul flights. However, this could differ depending on the type of aircraft and the availability of seats. You can reserve a bassinet at the time of booking with Lufthansa for a fee. 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 using the Manage My Booking feature on the airline's website.
Southwest does not have bassinets on its flights, and Icelandair only offers them on some of its long-haul routes. Iberia is one of the airlines that offers bassinets. You can request bassinets at time of booking, or by calling Iberia’s reservation office.
Drop-side cots
If you are looking for an upholstered bedside cot that you can use from birth, look through the range of options available. These bassinet cots are lightweight and come with a carrying case. They are great for traveling or sleeping over at relatives' or friends at their homes. A lot of these cots come with adjustable height settings, and can be tilted to an inclined position, which is ideal for infants with reflux.
A bedside cot can make it easier to reach your baby if they get up at night. This is especially important for breastfeeding mothers, as the close proximity could help to promote more frequent and consistent feeding which is essential for healthy milk production. Some cots come with a drop-down feature and some even have an inclined option that makes it easy to raise your baby for feeding and comforting without getting out of bed.
It's important to remember that although a bedside cot is convenient, it must always be used with caution. Cots with moving parts, such as the drop-side, need to be put together with care and regularly checked to ensure they're functioning correctly. Older cots or second-hand ones may have loose slats, broken filler bars or rails that create dangerous gaps that your child might fall through or get trapped in. Some cots could be older and not meet current Australian safety standards.
Before you begin to put together a second-hand crib, check the instructions on the website of the manufacturer. Choose a new cot 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 put together (one of the quickest in our MFM tests) and comes with neat zips to keep everything safe. It comes with a variety of height adjustments, including an incline option for reflux, and is compact when folded up for storage.
Travel cots
Travel cots are great for parents who require a secure, comfortable and safe place to lay their child down when they're away or at home. They're easy to fold, store and set up. They're perfect for sleepovers and during holidays. Some models even come with changing mats or a rocking mechanism to help you change your baby prior to the bedtime time or help calm them before they go to sleep.
When you are shopping for a travel cot, make sure it is rated by the British Standard Institution and designed with your child's needs in mind. Also, look into the age-appropriateness of the product as a lot of them are suitable for babies from newborn (look out for ones that have an integrated bassinet) and up to around three years.
One of the main things to look for in a great travel cot is the quality of its mattress. It must be firm, padded and waterproof cover. The same is true for the base of the cot, which should be solid and have non-slip feet to prevent it from moving when used or storage.
Other features that are desirable in the travel cot are a mesh window so you can monitor your little one while they sleep, as well as bags to make transporting simpler. You can find models that are also playpen-like, or include a musical mobile. This will keep your child engaged and entertained.
If you're looking for a quick and simple way to create a secure sleeping area for your infant or toddler, then a bedside travel cot could be just what you need. The best ones fold down and up quickly, and fit neatly into a carrying bag for easy transportation. They're typically light, making them ideal for travel, whether on a yacht or plane! If you're unsure of which model to buy take a look at the various options and ask other parents for their recommendations. A bedside crib is an investment that will be a blessing to your child in the first few months of their life.