SLEEPING PORTACOTS
I’m enjoying the last few days of our summer break before heading back to work, daycare and about a dozen loads of washing. We’ve all had a fabulous time catching up with family and friends, going to beaches and bbqs, but it’s meant lots of late bedtimes for my little ones.
Sam’s still in a portacot and he is T.I.R.E.D from all the busy days and plane trips. By night time he’s well and truly ready for his bed.
As seasoned travellers we’ve used a variety of portacots over the last few years.
The Traditional Style Portacot: Babylove Mascot Portacot RRP $169.00
Sammy is using one like this at the moment and it works really well. Suitable from newborn to 2+, it’s a traditional style cot with a clip on bassinet and change table (super handy for newborns who need changing frequently), it’s got three mesh sides for ventilation and viewing. Plenty of room for baby to grow but a hefty 13 kg to cart around (when it feels like you’ve got everything but the kitchen sink.) On the plus side it’s cheap enough to buy and leave at Grandma’s house. You can buy it here…
Lightweight New Generation Portacot Phil and Teds Traveller RRP $199.00
Great for families on the go, it’s only 4.2 kg. I tend to pack too much so I love that about it, plus the teeny tiny storage bag it packs down into. Putting it together takes a little longer but after a few goes you’ll be a pro. It’s got a self inflating mattress, which is thinnish, but then most portacot bases are very firm. It’s suitable from newborn to 3 years but might be a bit squeezey for a larger three year old. Lucky my tots are pint sized. Take a look at it here
Lightweight Option number 2: Quicksmart Easy fold 3 in 1 Travel Cot RRP $249.00
I’m a big fan of the Quicksmart brand. I had the original Backpack Stroller (which by the way, is rather complicated to put together – but that’s another blog post), and still use their Easy Fold Stroller when I’m travelling, so their travel cot was one I just had to try. It’s a similar size and shape to the traditional portacot but at 7 kg it’s considerably lighter. It’s super easy to assemble and has a solid enough feel, it comes with a bassinet and change table. The storage bag is a little bulky but it’s light enough to carry around. Buy it here
My 3 Top tips:
If you travel a lot, investing in something lightweight is a great idea. While they might cost a bit more it’ll be less of a hassle when you’re packing the car or loading up the airport trolley.
Always check the portacot is SIDS safe. Looks for pockets, straps, a firm fitting mattress and any unsafe connections, particularly if you’re borrowing a friends or using an old one at the grandparents house.
Airlines are obliged to let you check in a portacot for free, so it doesn’t count as part of your weighed baggage allowance. Hooray to that!
