I bought our Babyway Classic Travel Cot about two years ago when we were going on a weekend away with friends and on a Lake District holiday. Our firstborn daughter had just turned one and we needed somewhere for her to sleep safely on these trips. After that, we didn’t use it for nearly two years because we’ve just not been anywhere where we needed a travel cot — other than Sweden but I bought another one that’s pretty much the same but by a brand available in Sweden to keep at my mum’s house. This travel cot/play pen is suitable from birth until three years old or up to 15kgs. The size is 780 x 1190 x 600mm and the cot comes with a thin base mattress that also wraps around the folded up bed when you put it away. If we can, we take our regular cot mattress with us on trips as it’s the same size as the travel cot. Our regular mattress is 1200 x 600 mm and from IKEA. This travel mattress fits it too. The Dream ‘N’ Play comes with a foldable mattress with a polyester cover but we would suggest purchasing a mattress separately as the one that comes with has been described as quite thin. The BabyBjorn cot is very easy to use as the legs unfold automatically. It is also light, weighing in at only 6kg, compared to around 8kg for cheaper travel cots. The BabyBjorn is also very practical as all the fabric can be removed easily for machine washing and the soft mesh fabric allows you to watch your child easily. This travel cot/play pen is suitable from birth until three years old or up to 15kgs. The size is 780 x 1190 x 600mm and the cot comes with a thin base mattress that also wraps around the folded up bed when you put it away. If we can, we take our regular cot mattress with us on trips as it’s the same size as the travel cot. Our regular mattress is 1200 x 600 mm and from IKEA. This travel mattress fits it too.

Most lower priced cots can be classed as “basic” travel cots. That is, they function as a travel cot and apart from a thin mattress or base mat, there is little in the way of extra features. I bought our Babyway Classic Travel Cot about two years ago when we were going on a weekend away with friends and on a Lake District holiday. Our firstborn daughter had just turned one and we needed somewhere for her to sleep safely on these trips. After that, we didn’t use it for nearly two years because we’ve just not been anywhere where we needed a travel cot — other than Sweden but I bought another one that’s pretty much the same but by a brand available in Sweden to keep at my mum’s house. Not all travel cots have the same age range. Most basic cots have an age range of 0-3 months with larger cots being suitable for children up to 5 years. Some very lightweight pop-up cots, such as the Koo-Di, are only suitable for much younger children.Last week, I got the travel cot out again because we now have a second baby and she’s on the move! There’s nowhere upstairs where she can play safely as her sister is still using the normal cot as a toddler bed. We co-sleep with Baby No. 2 so she doesn’t have a cot that can be used as a play pen. I can’t believe the difference in my sanity now! I get the travel cot out every day and use it as a play pan so that my baby can play safely while I do some work on the computer, put the washing away or give the toddler a bath. I thought the cot looked nice and of decent quality too. From the instructions it was really easy to set up the travel cot but with folding it away it’s a two person job when putting the base around the main part. The unassembled size of the travel cot it very good as a cot but not very practical as anything else. The mattress is quite spongy, comfortable and easy to clean. The travel cot is very narrow and too small to be used as a playpen and the base doesn’t seem sturdy enough. The fabric quality is good and it’s really practical to use but it does make a noise when baby is turning over on it. Due to the shape and size I would expect it to be slightly cheaper but it’s not extortionate! Overall, its perfect as a travel cot to stay at my parents home. Caroline Dulin – Baby Joshua 4 Months This cot is suitable up to five years of age giving it longer durability than other travel cots. The integrated changing station and zip door that allows access to a playpen makes this product more versatile than some of its competitors. The design is extremely sturdy with a removable (thin) base layer and second detachable bassinet layer.

I really love this travel cot and it’s now being used each and every day to ensure I get some stuff done and my littlest one can play without bumping into things or getting to things or areas that are not suitable for her. She’s also safe away from her sister’s reach and gets to have her toys to herself for a little while which is nice for her. Some cots have a removable higher level mattress called a bassinet which is great for lifting in and out very young babies. Travel cots are also available with changing stations; another useful feature but not essential. A practical feature is a zipped side opening panel as the travel cot can then be used as a playpen when the child is older. When looking for the best baby travel cot, the following are some of the key things to consider and look out for: If you are looking for a lightweight (weighing 1.4kg) and easy-to-use travel cot, then the Koo-Di Pop Up travel cot is an option worth considering. Unlike other travel cots the Koo-Di has four rods that slide in place to keep the cot upright. The integrated zip-up mosquito net and the fact this is extremely lightweight makes this a very popular choice for those travelling abroad.

BWCLACOT

With such a simplistic design the cot is only suitable for babies between 6 and 18 months and this is much lower than other basic travel cots (around 3 years). The Koo-Di can still be used as a playpen or tent when your child outgrows it but you’ll have to invest in a new travel cot.