Travel Cots

On a holiday, a day out or staying with the grandparents. Your baby’s biggest day job is sleeping, so a nice place to sleep when you’re not at home is essential. With a travel cot you simply take it with you! Most travel cots are foldable to a compact size, lightweight and can be transported in a handy carrying bag. It also functions perfectly as a safe playpen. Read on and find the multifunctional bed that suits your needs for the best.

What is a travel cot?

A travel cot is an easily movable place to sleep or play for your little one. Because it’s mostly used outdoors, it’s important that it is lightweight and easy to use. The bed is made of air-permeable textile and the metal frame contains one of the following folding systems.

1. Click system: This is the most common system. Unfold the bed, click in the sides and push the mechanism down from the bottom.
2. Pop-up system: Use only 1 hand to fold and unfold the bed!

Thanks to its compact size, you can easily store the travel cot when you’re not using it. The most common size is 60×120 cm. Square travel beds are also available, which function perfectly as a playpen

When do you use a travel cot?

Depending on the maximum weight capacity and the length of your child, you can use a travel cot from birth to 3-4 years. The travel cot is also known as a baby cot, campingbed or unfoldable playpen. The different names clearly indicate how multifunctional the bed is.

1. Baby cot: During the first months, your newborn baby will sleep well in your room. A travel cot offers a great solution for this time. Sometimes the bottom is adjustable, so you don’t have to bend too far and prevent back problems. Through the air-permeable sides you have a good view at your little one as well.
2. Campingbed: Due to its compact size and light weight, you can easily take the travel cot with you on holiday or during a day out. Some travel beds are even suitable as hand luggage for taking on the plane. Ideal for a nap during a transfer or a delay.
3. Unfoldable playpen: In addition to the many naps, it’s also safe to play in the travel cot. Ideal for a day at the beach, at the camping or when you are visiting someone. If you regularly use the travel bed as a playpen, it’s good to go for the square format. This way your little one has a nice space to play.

Travel cot options

Not every travel cot has exactly the same options. You can read more about the different options below and see what you should pay attention to.

• Frame: Due to the folding mechanism, you are dealing with a frame lock. Make sure that it closes well, so that little hands can’t get stuck. The frame should be on the outside of the travel cot so your little one doesn’t get trapped.
• Bottom: This is often height adjustable. Use the highest setting when using the travel cot as a bassinet. Lower the bottom as soon as your child starts to move and sits independently.
• Sides: A safe height is at least 55 cm. and must be breathable. There are also models with a crawl-in hatch. Unzip the compartment and your toddler can easily get in and out by itself. In addition to being practical, children also really like this!
• Wheels: Some travel cots even have wheels, so you can easily move the unfolded bed. Put it on the brake while you’re baby is sleeping or playing.
• Carrying bag: Sometimes these are included, but they are also available separately.
• Mattress: Most travel cots are provided with a (foldable) thin mattress. This is attached to the bottom to prevent sliding. It’s not recommended to put a mattress in the travel cot yourself. This creates space between the mattress and the flexible sids, so it’s possible for babies to get trapped. If you would like a thicker mattress, don’t use it until your child is 1 year old. Choose the mattress that’s suitable for the bed in question or which is recommende by the same supplier.

A travel cot is very useful, but not intended as a permanent place to sleep. Always make sure that your little one can’t reach anything when placing the bed somewhere. Take a look at our range of travel cots online. If you have any questions, please contact baby store Baby Plus. We are happy to help you.