A closer look at the travel cot

With a portable cot you ensure complete peace of mind. Indeed, no more questions to ask yourself when it comes to getting baby to sleep. And this even when you are travelling. Whether away on a trip or just for an evening, there is no need to wonder: "will there be a bed for the little one?". Your solution lies in buying a travel cot.

What is a travel cot?

If the term does not mean much to you, a travel cot is simply a bed for travelling. Also known as a folding cot, you will use it whenever you are away from home. And using it is genuinely child's play. Highly practical, it is an invaluable way to take the stress out of every outing you make with baby. It also means no more fretting over whether the hotel provides one. This little bed, perfectly suited to your little one, will be a precious companion wherever you go!

From what age can you put baby in one?

Like many baby products — from prams to sleeping bags — the travel cot is suitable for children from birth to 3 years old. That said, there is nothing stopping you from using it a little longer. Do bear in mind, however, that there are also less bulky models, and consequently less spacious ones.

These will accommodate baby from newborn up to around the halfway point of their first year. It is wise to choose a model that is more physiologically appropriate, given that your baby's body is not yet fully consolidated. Alternatively, opting for an infant support insert may also be a solution.

Do you need to put a mattress in a travel cot?

It is worth knowing that these folding cots are not designed for baby to sleep in regularly. That said, some travel cot models do come with genuinely soft and comfortable mattresses. If you plan to use the cot frequently, opt for those models to ensure maximum comfort for your child. As for adding an extra mattress, this is strongly advised against. Indeed, it can create a risk of suffocation for your baby.

Which travel cot should you choose?

To help guide you on the criteria to consider when selecting one, here is what we recommend:

• Choose a model that is easy to assemble and disassemble. Practicality also means speed.
• Opt for a cot that takes up as little space as possible once folded. The easier it is to carry, the better. Space-saving guaranteed.
• Give your baby both comfort AND safety. Make sure it offers good stability and that it has padded protections.

Don't forget these essentials alongside this purchase

Once you have chosen your travel cot, remember to complement it with, in particular, fitted sheets in the right size. Sheets that are too large or too tight are a risk for baby — he could, once again, be in danger of suffocating. And do not forget the sleeping bag. It will help, in particular, to protect baby from draughts or the cold and also to help baby fall asleep peacefully without wriggling around constantly.