A Bedside Travel Cot From Red Kite
This low-cost option from Red Kite offers the functionality of a bassinet and cot in a compact, portable package. It comes with a baby insert that raises the baby to avoid back strain. This 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 assembly. The pull-and-click functionality is easy to master - though it has a nifty feature that you must learn.
Selecting a bedside cot
A bedside crib provides your baby with the security and safety they need to rest during long journeys. They are ideal for family excursions, holidays and other adventures. The right one for you will depend on the needs you have. It is important to consider the type of travel crib you want as well as its weight and size. You'll want to ensure that the cot fits in your car alongside the other baby equipment you'll must bring.
A bedside cot is designed to be portable and easy to put up. They're small and light making them ideal for travelling with a baby or a child. They are also easy to assemble. They're usually equipped with a mattress that's perfect for the size of the crib, thereby helping your baby have a restful night's sleep.
Some of these cribs come with additional accessories that make them a perfect option for children and babies. For instance, some have a changing station attached to the side of the cot. And some have an additional bassinet for newborns. You can also find some equipped with wheels that make them easier to move around the room.
When choosing a bedside travel cot, be sure to choose one that is strong enough to support your infant. This will stop it from tipping over and spilling your precious one and their stuffed toys onto the floor. It's also a good idea to choose a cot that has mesh sides to allow for ventilation, so that you can keep your baby comfy and content.
It's also a good idea to examine the folding mechanism of a travel cot prior to buying it. There is large bedside crib for a bed a child can open easily which could lead to death. The most secure models have an locking mechanism that is impossible to manipulate by children. Some models have buckles for safety and stability.
Bassinets
A bedside travel cot or bassinet is a portable infant sleeping space that lets parents keep an eye on their newborns. These are perfect for babies under six months and are an excellent aid on flights as they are small, lightweight and take up little space. They can be easily stowed when not being used.
Bassinets are not only 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, reducing the chance of suffocation. They also come with a carry bag and are made from materials that are safe and easy to clean.
There are many different bassinets available. You should pick one that suits your baby's size and age. You should also check the reviews and features of any bassinet that you're considering buying before making a choice.
Think about a cot that can be transformed into an infant bassinet. They are usually simpler to set up and take down than regular travel cots, and can be used from birth up to toddler age. They often come with a toy arch, and some have an entertainment center that plays music, lights and vibrations.
Many airlines provide bassinets for long-haul flights. However, this can differ based on the type of aircraft and the availability of seats. You can reserve an infant bassinet at the time of booking with Lufthansa for a fee. Etihad Airways offers bassinets for babies that weigh up to 24 pounds on its long-haul flight. You can request them at the time of booking or later, by using the Manage My Booking feature on the airline's website.
Southwest does not have bassinets for its flights and Icelandair only offers bassinets on certain of its long-haul routes. Iberia is among the airlines that offers bassinets. You can request bassinets at the time of booking, or by calling Iberia's reservation office.
Drop-side Cots
If you're looking for an upholstered bedside cot that you can use from birth, look through the variety of options available. These cots are bassinet-style and come with a carry case and are light making them ideal for travel or sleepovers at the homes of friends or relatives' homes. Many of these cots feature adjustable height settings and tilting to an inclined position, which is ideal for infants 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 awake in the middle of the night. This is particularly important if you're breastfeeding, as the close proximity can help to promote more frequent and consistent feeding sessions which is crucial for a healthy milk production. Some cots come with drop-down options and some even offer an incline, making it easier to raise your child to feed and comfort them without needing to get up from the bed.
It's important to remember that even though a bedside cot is convenient however, it must be handled with care. Cots that are movable like the drop-side, must be put together with care and regularly checked to ensure that they function properly. Older cots, or second-hand ones may have loose slats filleder bars that are broken or damaged, or rails that can create dangerous gaps that your child may fall through or get trapped in. Additionally, some cots are older and might not be compliant with current Australian safety standards.
If you decide to purchase a second-hand cot, make sure you go to the website of the manufacturer for instructions before assembling it. Choose a new cot constructed to the most recent safety standards.
For a quality option we recommend the Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib. This cot is easy to assemble and one of the most responsive in our MFM test. It also has nice zips that keep everything secure. It has multiple height adjustments, including an incline option for reflux, and is compact when folded up to store.
Travel cots
Travel cots (or extra beds) are a great choice for parents who need a safe place to pop their baby or toddler down whether they're staying at home or away. They are easy to fold and store, as well as put up. They're great for sleepovers or holidays. Some models include the ability to rock or change your baby's mats to help calm your baby down or change them prior to bedtime.
When shopping for a travel cot, make sure it's rated by the British Standard Institution and designed with your child's needs in mind. Check the age range as some are suitable from birth (look for those with the bassinet built-in) from 3 years to.
The quality of the mattress is one of the most important aspects to consider when choosing a travel cot. It should be firm, cushioned and waterproof cover. The same is true for the base of the cot which should be sturdy and have non-slip feet that keep it from moving when used or while stored.
A travel cot must have a mesh window to keep an eye on the baby as they sleep, and a carry bag for easier transportation. There are models that also have a playpen, or even have a musical mobile. This will keep your baby engaged and entertained.
If you're looking for a fast and simple method to create a secure sleeping area for your infant or toddler, then a bedside travel cot may be just what you need. The top models fold down and up quickly, and can easily fit into a carry bag for easy transport. They're also typically light and therefore ideal to travel with, even on a yacht or plane! If you're not sure about the best model to pick be sure to research the available options and speak with other parents for their recommendations. A bedside crib is an investment that will be a blessing to your child for the first few months of their life.