A Bedside Travel Cot From Red Kite
This affordable option from Red Kite offers the functionality of a cot and bassinet in a compact, portable package. It comes with a newborn insert that raises the baby to avoid back strain. This is ideal for those who had C-sections.
It packs down into a bag for travel and pops up in a matter of seconds without assembly. The pull-and-click feature is easy to master, but it has an art that you must memorise.
What is the best way to select a bedside cot
A bedside crib provides your baby with the security and protection they need to sleep during long journeys. They are ideal for holiday trips and family outings as well as other activities. The process of selecting the best one will depend on your specific needs. The main factors to consider are the type of cot you're looking to purchase and the weight and the dimensions. You'll want to make sure that the cot fits inside your car along together with the other baby equipment you have to bring.
A bedside cot is designed to be lightweight and easy to set up. They are lightweight and compact, which makes them ideal for travel with a baby or child. Moreover, they're easy to put together and are simple to put together. They're usually equipped with a mattress specifically designed to fit the dimensions of the crib, which will help your child to get a good night's sleep.
Some of these cribs come with additional accessories that make them a perfect option for kids and babies. Some travel cots have an attached changing table to the side, while others come with an additional bassinet. You can also find a few that are equipped with wheels which make them easier to move around the room.
Select a travel cot that is sturdy enough to support your baby. This will prevent it from falling over and spilling the baby's and their stuffed toy on the floor. It's also recommended to choose a cot with mesh sides to allow for ventilation, as this will keep your baby comfortable and content.
It's an excellent idea to test the folding mechanism of a travel cot before purchasing it. There is no need for an infant bed that you can open easily and could cause suffocation. The best models come with locks that are not able to be manipulated by the child. Some even come with buckles to ensure stability and safety.
Bassinets
A portable bassinet, also known as a bedside cot is a sleeping area for babies that lets parents keep an eye on them. They are ideal for infants under six months and are ideal for travel because they are compact, lightweight and take up very little space. They are easy to store when not being used.
Aside from the ease of storage and assembling, bassinets are designed to be safe and comfortable for babies to sleep in. Most bassinets are fitted with mesh walls that allow air to circulate and reduce the risk suffocation. Most also come with a carry bag and are constructed from materials that are non-toxic and easy to clean.
There are different models of bassinets available however, you must look for one that is suitable to your baby's age and size. It's important to check out the reviews and features of any particular bassinet you are considering before you make the purchase.
You might want to think about an cot that can convert into a full-size bassinet. These are generally easier to set up and take down than regular travel cots, and can be used from birth to toddlerhood. Some come with a toy bar and others include an entertainment center that plays music as well as lights and vibrations.
Many airlines provide bassinets on long-haul flights, although this may vary based on the type of aircraft and seats available. You can reserve a bassinet at the time of booking with Lufthansa for a cost. 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 offer bassinets onboard its flights, and Icelandair only has them on some of its long-haul routes. However, there are other airlines that do provide bassinets like Iberia. You can request a bassinet during the time of booking or by calling the Iberia reservation office.
Drop-side Cots
If you are looking for a bedside cot that can be used from birth, look through the variety of options available. These cots are light and come with a carry case. They are ideal for traveling or sleeping over at relatives' or friends' houses. They also come with height adjustments and some can be tilted in an incline position to accommodate 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 particularly important for breastfeeding mothers, as the close proximity can aid in promoting more frequent and consistent feeding times which is crucial for healthy milk production. Some cots come with a drop-down option and some have an incline, which makes it easier to lift your child up to feed them and soothe them without having to get up from the bed.
It's important to remember that although a bedside cot can be useful, it must always be used with care. Cots that have movable parts such as the drop side need to be constructed with care and regularly checked to ensure that they're functioning correctly. Older cots or second-hand ones can have loose slats filleder bars that are broken or damaged, or rails that create dangerous gaps that your child could slip through or become trapped in. Additionally, some cots are older and might not be compliant with current Australian safety standards.
Before putting together a second-hand crib, check the instructions on the website of the manufacturer. You should also make sure to choose the newest one that is constructed using the latest safety standards in mind.
We recommend the Chicco Next2me side sleeping crib as a top alternative. It is incredibly simple to assemble (one of the quickest in our MFM tests) and has neat zips to keep everything safe. It can be adjusted in height and an incline option to reduce reflux, and is compact when folded up to store.
Travel cots
Travel cots (or extra beds) are a great option for parents who want a safe place to pop their toddler or infant down, whether at home or away. They're easy to install fold, store and fold and take down, they're ideal for sleepovers or during holidays. Some models include an adjustable rocking mechanism or a changing mats to help calm your baby down or change them prior to bedtime.
When choosing a travel cot, make sure it's rated by the British Standard Institution and designed with your child's needs in mind. Also, look into the age-appropriateness as a lot of them are suitable for babies as young as newborn (look for a model that have an integrated bassinet) and up to three years.
The quality of the mattress is one of the most important things to think about when choosing a travel cot. It should be firm, cushioned, and have a waterproof cover. The same goes for the base of the cot which should be solid and have non-slip feet to stop it from moving during use or storage.
A travel cot should also come with a mesh window that can keep an eye on the baby as they sleep, and a carry bag for easier transportation. There are also bedside cosleeper that double up as a playpen or an electronic mobile to keep your child amused and active.
A bedside travel cot is a great alternative if you're looking to create a secure space for your child. The best ones are simple to fold and unfold and they can be put into bags for transportation. They are also usually lightweight and therefore ideal for travel, even on a yacht or plane! If you're unsure of which model to choose, research the alternatives and ask other parents for recommendations. A bedside crib is a great investment that will be invaluable to your child for the beginning of their life.