The travel cot is an essential piece of equipment for all trips and
overnight stays. In the blink of an eye, it unfolds and forms the perfect
cocoon to protect your baby while they sleep.
Perfect for ensuring
your child's comfort and safety during the night, the travel cot can be
easily stored in the trunk of the car to accompany you on your travels. Here's
what you should expect from this type of cot:
Folding: it can be stored in just a few steps.
Space-saving and easy to transport.
Equipped with a good mattress.
Comfortable enough for a good night's sleep for baby.
Although it is an extra bed, it is important to choose it carefully based on
practical criteria. Let's look at all the points you need to pay attention to
when buying a good travel cot.
Choose an easily foldable model
While travel cots are foldable,
not all models work the same way.
It is important to be able to set
it up easily, as well as put it away quickly before leaving. The mechanism
should therefore be easy to handle. This should also be one of the selection
criteria.
For an online purchase, the simplest way is to consult the
various reviews left by previous buyers of the product you are interested in. In
store, of course, it is preferable to ask for a demonstration of the folding and
unfolding operation.
Travel cots usually come in a cover or storage
bag. Here too, try to inquire about the ease of storage. A poorly designed
carrying case can quickly make the operation tedious.
Check the size of the folded cot
Another very important point: bulkiness. Given that it is a travel extra
bed, you will need to transport it. Therefore, you need to make sure that once
folded, it fits easily into the trunk of your vehicle, without having to
sacrifice useful space. Stored in its transport bag or cover, it should slide
easily among other belongings. The differences can be significant depending on
the models:
Weight: from 4 to over 10 kg depending on the models.
Size: from a simple suitcase to a large travel bag.
Easy to handle: the bags or covers are equipped with strong and
practical handles.
It is therefore important to make the right choice. Note that the most
well-designed products are also the most expensive. Of course, price is not
everything, but you will find that it easily serves as an indicator of
quality.
Baby's comfort
Although we are talking about an extra bed, your child's comfort should not
be sacrificed.
Travel cots are equipped with mattresses. This is designed
to ensure good nights for baby. Note, however, that the use of this type of
bedding is not recommended before the age of 3 months.
Of course,
depending on the child's age, the notion of comfort is not the same. Some models
are equipped with a mattress booster, allowing the baby to be placed a little
higher in their bed. For older children, it will be necessary to ensure the
quality and support of the mattress.
Good to know: it is not recommended to add an extra mattress
to a travel cot. On the one hand, the original mattress is designed to ensure
the child's comfort. On the other hand, your little one may have restless nights
and end up in a bad position between the two mattresses. This solution is therefore
to be avoided, both from a comfort and safety point of view.
What criteria should guide you in choosing a mattress?
For travel cots that already come with mattresses, here's what to look for:
Folding or non-folding mattress: this will give you an idea of the
model's bulk.
Mattress weight: it should be light, while providing good support.
Mattress dimensions: it must be perfectly suited to the travel cot you
are interested in (generally 60x120 cm).
Firmness: children's mattresses are generally equipped with mattresses
with a density between 20 and 30 kg/m3. Below that, avoid.
As with the bed in their room, make sure your baby can sleep comfortably. Even
though a travel cot is an auxiliary accessory, it must be comfortable.
Travel cot options
Like many accessories, some models are offered with options. Let's see which
ones:
Protection curtains: if you want to shelter your baby from the
light, curtains are very practical. Your child can then sleep almost anywhere!
Wheels: a travel cot can be equipped with wheels. As it is an auxiliary
accessory, this can be useful for moving it easily according to your needs. Mattress
booster: for your little one, this option can be very useful during the night.
Regarding
design and aesthetics, there are all types of models. From the classic travel
cot with its fabric sides, to more sophisticated models made of wood and metal,
it's up to you to choose. As long as the safety and comfort of your baby are met,
you are free to opt for the model you want.
Remember:
Opt for a compact and easy-to-store folding bed. Prefer a model
equipped with a good original mattress. Make sure your accessory is easy
to fold and unfold. Always check for the "CE Standard" or "NF Standard"
logo.
You are now informed to buy the ideal travel cot for you and your
baby. Enjoy weekends with friends and travel!
