Picking a travel cot or porta cot can feel SO overwhelming, there are so many designs on the market and they can all seem so similar.
So we thought, we would take the guess work out of it for you and narrow down our favourite travel cots (and travel bassinets) that are currently on the market.
As sleep consultants, cots are a big part of what we do so we have obviously taken alot of things into consideration such as comfort, weight, size, practicality, safety.
But, there are also a few things you should consider too:
1) What is the age and weight limit?
Although alot of toddlers/preschoolers stay in their cots until around 2.5/3 years of age, some travel cots will not be suitable upto this age, and likewise, some are not suitable from birth. Some also come with bassinet accessories for newborns, and others don't so always make sure you check this out prior to purchasing.
2) What is the weight and size of the cot?
Usually the reason for purchasing a travel or porta cot is because you will be travelling or needing your little one to sleep somewhere other then home (which will involve transporting the cot). Because of this I like to consider the weight and size of the cot, and particularly the size of the cot when its folded. This is because it will make it much easier for flying or storing in your car. Some travel cots are actually designed with this in mind and can be taking on the aircraft as carry on luggage.
3) How easy is it to use/assemble?
The last thing you want is arriving to a destination with a tired baby and needing to spend forever trying to figure out how to set up their sleep space. Choose a porta cot that is simple to both put up and pull down.
4) Cost
Depending how often you will be using your travel cot, it will depend on how much you will spend. Alot of accomodation options have travel cots free of charge or available to hire for a small fee. So if you won't be using it very often, then it might be worth just hiring one. But, if you travel alot or want it for use at the grandparents or to double as a playpen set up at home and feel you will be getting alot of use out of it, then its probably worthwhile getting the one you think ticks all your boxes.
So, lets take a look at our top 5:
1: BabyBjorn easy go travel cot: (Cost approx $449)
You may have seen this porta cot featured in a few of our reels. We genuinely love it!! Not only is it easy to assemble with a one movement setup, but its light weight (6kgs) and is suitable for newborns upto the age of 3 or until your child can climb out of the travel cot.
2: Bugaboo stardust (cost approx $449)
The bugaboo stardust quickly unfolds in one second, meaning your baby can be napping or playing in no time at all. It has a bassinet feature which means you dont need to bend over with your newborn. Newborns can use the bassinet upto 9kgs and then the cot until 15kgs or 89cm whichever comes first.
3: Phil and Ted traveller cot: ( Cost approx $349)
This one is a similar look to the Babybjorn cot but has slightly different features. It is one of the lightest travel cots on the market, weighing in at 2.8kgs, which is incredibly helpful if your travelling involves flying. It features an additional mesh top for shade which is handy if you are using as a playpen outside. The traveller is suitable from newborn upto 3 years.
4: UPPAbaby Remi travel cot (Cost approx $549)
The Remi travel cot is higher in cost then alot of the others on the market and you also don't get alot of the accesories included like you do with some of the others. But, it does tick alot of boxes, its lightweight, has a one hand set up, and has side access meaning you can easily settle your little one in their cot without leaning over and breaking your back- IYKYK!!!
5: Aeromoov instant travel cot (Cost approx $350)
This travel cot is really versatile and can even double as a playpen at the beach or backyard due to its fabric and sunshade. It is also lightweight weighing in at less than 5kgs. It has two different levels, one suitable for newborns upto 6kgs and the base level which is suitable until your toddler is able to climb out of the cot.
All of these travel cots tick our boxes, it will really just come down to which one you prefer and how much you are wanting to invest in something you may or may not use. In our opinion a porta cot is always a good investment, even if you don't go on holidays too often, you can double it as a playpen or use it when sleeping at grandparents etc. It gives you peace of mind too that bub is sleeping in a clean and safe cot that they are familiar with. Of course, getting your little one to sleep in a new environment is always much easier when they know how to independently induce sleep (self settle), if you need help with this we can help. x
