baby weavers travel cot how to put up

• Travel Products

How to put up a travel cot

You've spent the day travelling with your family, you're exhausted and ready for sleep, but all that remains is to get everyone ready for bed. But wait...how do you put up a travel cot?

We know that putting together baby gear is rarely as simple as it's made out to be, so to make your life easier, we've pulled together instructions on how to put up a travel cot for four of the most popular travel cots on the market.

You'll notice that while most are pretty similar, some differ slightly and even offer the option of a newborn bassinet.

Bugaboo Stardust Travel Cot

Take the travel cot out of the bag.

Release the buttons on the side and unfold.

To set up the newborn bassinet

Take out the mattress.

Zip in the bassinet.

Attach the velcro straps to the mattress and place the mattress in the bed.

Baby Bjorn Travel Cot Light

Open the bag. Lift out the cot.

Hold the two short sides. Turn the cot so its legs are towards the floor and unfold it with one clear movement so that the legs unfold.

Make sure that each leg is securely in place by trying to push it back into its folded position without pulling the leg.

Place the mattress inside the cot. Pull the four red strap loops on the underside of the mattress cover through the holes in the bottom of the cot. Fasten each loop to a red hook.

BabyDan Travel Cot

Unzip the bag and remove the travel cot and stand the unit upright. Separate two velcro labs.

Remove the mattress pad and separate the four corner posts.

Lift the side rails upwards from the middle until each locks into position. Side rails must be raised above the horizontal position before they lock.

Push the centre support until it locks into position.

Lay mattress pad on the floor of the travel cot, soft side up. The middle velcro lab in both ends of the mattress are to put through the two holes in the cot and attached to the velcro under the cot.

Nuna Sena Aire

To open the travel cot frame, unfasten hook and loop straps from the mattress and unfold.

Pull the short sides of the travel cot frame outward.

Reach through the bassinet and push down on the center hub at the bottom of the travel cot.

To set up the bassinet, install the mattress soft side up.

To set up the Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot

Remove the mattress from the bassinet. Remove the 4 snaps on the bassinet fabric from the snaps at the center of each side of the travel cot.

Release the 4 buckles on the four corners of the travel cot. Once the buckle is separated, remove long strap from the loop on the travel cot.

Remove the bassinet from the travel cot.

Place the mattress on the bottom of the Travel cot.

Feeding the straps on the corners through the holes. Fasten the hook and loop. Repeat on other corners.

Popular articles to read

How to travel stress-free with a baby or toddler

The best travel potties and seats for toddlers

The best travel strollers to take on holiday

• #MyFamilyDaysOut
• Weekly Diary #HappyDays List
• Pregnancy diary
• Maternity Leave
• Second pregnancy
• Life with a newborn
• Life with baby
• Life with a toddler
• Baby Safety
• Work with me
• Mummy In Business
• Behind The Linky
• My Guest Posts
• #TheBabyFormula
• #CraftNight
• Cookie Policy
• Around Cheltenham

How to put up a travel cot + and help collapse a stuck travel cot in SECONDS

HELP! The travel cot side is stuck! Help! The travel cot won’t stay up! Ahhhhhhh the travel cot won’t collapse! I think it’s broken!

Sound familiar? Are you currently stuck with one of these problems, or any travel cot issue? Well, this is a post is for you! I’ve done a quick video to show you how to put your travel cot up, down, and unstick the sides… basically answering all those pesky problems that make them so irritating…

After 5 years of travel cots and using many different ones, either cots we’ve owned or in cottages or caravans on holiday, I can confirm this how many difference branded travel cots work – all the same . So if your travel cot is a Mothercare, Babystyle, Joie, Red Kite, ….. or some other brand most of these work the same way and get stuck in the same way… this is how to get your travel cot up, make the sides stay up, get it down, and make those sides click and unclip.

How to put up a travel cot

• Click the sides together – pull them up so they are ridged, both halves of the side should clunk in straight. Do opposite sides together, if you can. It should form a rectangle.
• Push the middle down (in the base) – make sure the legs can move out as you do this (lifting a side in the corner can help).

How to take down a travel cot

It’s basically the opposite of putting it up!

• Pull the middle up from the base (use the loop). It will probably fall over as you do this so hold a side!
• Unclip the sides – squeeze the catch in the middle of each side so the sides are floppy and swing! Do opposite sides together so you know it’s even!

Let me know if this helps, and if you prefer to read the instructions I’ve popped a guide at the bottom of this post.

Have you had the same travel cot struggles as us? Let me know in the comments, and if this helped too!

Our struggle was real and that’s why I’ve been meaning to write this for years: we have battled with the travel cot so many times when H was little, before we really got to grips with it. Basically, putting up a travel cot is easy when you remember the knack but putting one up and down is something none of us do often. Many a time, we’d arrive late desperate to get the cot up for a sleepy baby/toddler and there would be me saying “YOU DO IT!” to the husband when I just couldn’t get the side to stay up.

You might remember I started this blog to be helpful for instance blogging about how we fix the Perfect Prep temperature warning light in a heatwave, or how to keep a toddler’s hat on… well this is one I’ve had on my list for years. How to put up a travel cot and take it down, including how to make the side click, and how to get it back down when it just won’t collapse.

I hope this helps if you’re stuck with your travel cot, a side not going up or down, or just the whole cot stuck up. Let me know in the comments below if it helped, and share with your friends if you like it!

Am I coping or am I just surviving? | Two kids 3 months in

Healthy packed lunch ideas inspired by Captain America: Civil War

Disney World – our first long haul family holiday

No comments, leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Read previous post:

Visiting Cotswold Lavender  and social distancing – June 2020 Review

Today we went on our first day out since lockdown...

Being kind – Let Happiness Bloom with Moonpig + 25% OFF CODE!

Hi everyone. Sorry I've been a bit quiet, I felt...

How To Use Your Baby Travel Cot Like A Pro

• Writen by: Ricky
• April 28, 2022

Table of Contents

Ever wondered how to use a travel cot when you’re away? Or whether you even need one? In this article, we are going to be answering some of the more common questions, just like these.

When you’re travelling with a baby, your first priority is usually to make sure that the little one is comfortable throughout your journey. But when you reach your destination, you might find you’ve forgotten to tend to your baby’s sleeping arrangements. To make sure that the baby gets a good night’s sleep, it’s well recommended that you bring a baby travel cot to resolve any sleeping arrangements for your baby and ensure the best night’s sleep for a happy baby.

But how do you use a travel cot? We got you covered in this article with a lot of the frequently asked questions.

Travel cots often come with useful features like a changing pad so you can quickly and swiftly take action when your baby has done a number 2, or a storage basket on the side for diaper sand cleaning wipes. Some of them even come with a cute overhead mobile to entertain the little one, and sometimes they include a music box that plays lullabies to help get your baby off to sleep.

As you can see, a travel cot for your baby is an extremely helpful piece of kit when it comes to keeping everyone happy on your next holiday with babies and toddlers.

If you think that a travel cot is too complicated to figure out on your travels, don’t worry! This is the ultimate guide to using your travel cot like a pro.

How To Use A Travel Cot

How to fold a baby travel cot:

You may find that setting up the travel cot is easy, but dismantling it for storage or future travels might confuse you. First, take out the mattress and fold it up. Remove all the detachable accessories, like the mobile.

Next, pull up the rod in the centre to release the locks. You will now be able to push bars that frame the cot. Push them down and this will allow you to completely fold up the crib, bringing the ends together, easily compact for you to put in its travel bag, along with its other accessories.

How to fix a baby travel cot:

The most common problem that people have with a travel cot is that it will not stand up properly, causing it to be unstable and potentially unsafe for a baby. If you want to know how to fix a baby travel cot, then we might have a fix for you before it gets tossed on the scrap pile!

If you are unable to push down the base of your travel cot, check the sides and make sure that the bars of the frame is pushed down and completely locked in place.

You will be unable to push down the base until the sides are locked. You can also try closing it up to loosen the mechanism and open it up again to see if the bars will lock this time.

Remember, you must always lock the frame first before the base of the cot. If it doesn’t work, it might be best to send back the cot to the store for a refund or replacement, as it may be defective.

To further convince you that a travel cot is worth your investment, a travel cot can be used by babies from birth until they weigh about 15 kilograms. Some parents may use this to their advantage by making it their baby’s permanent bed at home. As long as you always make sure it is steady, safe, and secure, it will be okay for the baby to sleep in until they are too big for it.

Using it as your baby’s permanent bed will also help your baby with familiarity, comfort, and the feeling of home when you take it with you on your travels. It also costs less than a traditional crib, and it won’t be a heavy burden on your budget. Other than sleep, your baby may also use the travel cot for playtime at home, or anywhere you go.

And that’s it! That was our ultimate guide for how to use a travel cot like a pro. Our tips and advice will make sure that you use your travel cot to its fullest potential and get the most out of it. We hope this helps you make your travels with a travel cot a lot easier for your next trip!

Can you use a travel cot long term?

Generally, travel cots are made for shorter uses or for a little daytime nap when at home. However, not all travel cots are created equally. Some brands of travel cots will have a sturdier frame and heavy base to the cot, so providing everything is safe and secure, there is absolutely no reason why some travel cots can’t be used for full-time use

Is it OK to buy a second-hand travel cot?

Absolutely! Just remember that if you buy a second-hand travel cot, you want to make sure that the mattress (if it comes with one) is in good condition and thoroughly cleaned before use. Ensure that the frame is showing no signs of deterioration and is wiped down with gentle detergent.

Want to learn how to build and monetise a blog just like this?

me and my camera travelling through india...

Share this post:, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Recent Posts

Top 17 Unmissable Things To Do In Gloucester, UK

Top Places to Stay in Aberdeen, Scotland for a Perfect Trip

10 Best Places To Stay In Dundee, Scotland For A Perfect Weekend Getaway

Best Places to Stay in Weymouth for Every Budget

India Inspiration – North Central & Himalayas

Don't miss new updates on our freshest content!

• Food & Drink
• Inspirational
• Places To Stay
• Things To Do
• Travel Info
• Travel With Kids

Related Posts

Uncovering Aberdeen History: A Journey Through Time

Reading Through the Ages: A Journey from Past to Present

Colchester Through the Ages: A Journey Through Time in Britain’s Oldest Recorded Town

A Walk Through Time: Uncovering What Colchester is Like Today

Newquay vs. St Ives: A Tale of Two Cornish Titans

Better Life Design © 2024 All Rights Reserved.

Privacy overview, enter the competition.

FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A $100 AMAZON GIFT CARD VOUCHER

• Feeding and Mealtime
• Development
• Buying guides

Shopping cart

Travel Cots: Everything You Need to Know

• September 12, 2023
• Posted by Ehnan Zafar
• Leave a comment

Having a travel cot means your baby has a home away from home. We know travelling with a little one can be stressful at the best of times, especially when they have to stay away from the comfort of their own bed. But, there are so many different travel cots to choose from with so many different features that we understand it can be difficult to know which one is best for you. 

In this post, we give you all the information you need to be able to choose the perfect travel cot. We have also included plenty of options for you to look at from our range of travel cots on our Kiddies Kingdom website. 

What is a travel cot? 

Travel cots ensure your little one has a comfortable and safe place to sleep when they’re away from home. If you’re going on holiday, on a mini-break or if your baby is having a sleepover at a friend or family member’s house, a travel cot gives your baby their own space. 

Travel cots are usually made with a mesh construction that ensures plenty of ventilation circulates the cot. Often, a drop-down side is included so you can safely co-sleep with your baby, and then they have an extra sense of security when they’re in unfamiliar surroundings. Some travel cots even double up as a playpen meaning your little one not only has a place to sleep but somewhere to play and be entertained safely too. 

Some travel cots function as changing mats and have a rocking feature,  so you can change your baby’s nappy quickly and easily before bedtime and rock them gently to sleep. Travel cots are designed to be easy to put up and take down so you won’t have to take time out of your precious family holiday to put it together. The best travel cots are lightweight, compact and come in a handy travel bag so you can take it with you on every trip and sleepover. 

Choosing the best travel cot

Our range of travel cots from reputable brands like Joie and Maxi Cosi will give you peace of mind that your baby has a bed as safe and comfortable as a cot or cot bed to sleep in whilst travelling. Whether it’s to see Grandma and Grandpa, or a weekend away, you can take a travel cot anywhere and everywhere.

Here we have selected a few travel cots that we think make excellent travel companions. 

Joie Excursion Change & Bounce Travel Cot 

The Joie Excursion Travel Cot is ideal for families who enjoy travelling. This is a road trip ready travel cot with portable, pop-off toppers, a portable changing table and a snoozing seat to make life easier when travelling with a baby. This handy travel cot folds into a compact parcel with a carry handle so it is easy to transport. 

The Excursion is suitable from birth to 15kg, has a secure frame with mesh sides and a spacious bassinet. The snoozing seat works both on or off the cot and converts into a portable rocking unit when used on the floor. It features soft, cosy fabrics and even has a light and sound attachments with 2-speed settings and 5 classic lullabies to calm your babe to sleep. 

Maxi Cosi Swift 3-in-1 Travel Cot 

We’re pleased to introduce the impressive Maxi Cosi Swift , a travel cot that can be used as a newborn bassinet, a cot or a sturdy playpen. At only 7kg, this is the lightest of its kind. With a one-second folding mechanism, the Swift can be quickly put up and put down again without a fuss.  

The Swift grows with your baby from birth through to 3.5 years of age. This 3-in-1 travel cot has a unique two-stage mattress that unzips and resizes to fit the bassinet, providing a smaller and cosier mattress ideal for newborns. As your baby grows, the mattress zips back together to create a larger, super-comfy space for playtime or a well-deserved nap. 

Kinderkraft Sofi Bedside Travel Cot with Playpen

The Kinderkraft Sofi 4-in-1 cot was created in response to the needs of active parents who like to travel and enjoy the value of practical, multi-tasking products. It can be used right from birth until 3 years of age or 15kg. It serves as a crib, classic cot, playpen and travel cot so it can be used as the only cot your little one needs both home and away. 

In addition to this, the Soft folds and unfolds in under 5 seconds, without the use of tools to remove any components. Three of the four sides are made from mesh so you can always see your child whether they’re sleeping or playing. 

This brilliant cot has a rocking function so you can gently rock your little baby to sleep, thanks to the specially designed legs that can be transformed from non-rocking legs to curved legs in just two simple moves. 

As you now know, some travel cots have more than one function and they’re super-handy to take with you on holiday or for those precious evenings when your baby is having a sleepover. They are comfortable, safe and provide your cherub with a place to sleep and play away from their usual cot. 

How to put a travel cot up

Travel cots are all designed differently, meaning they all need to be put up in different ways. However, for the best travel cots, no tools are needed and it usually only takes a few seconds. After all, the purpose of travel cots is that they’re portable and easy to use. 

For example, the Kinderkraft Soft Bedside travel cot is ready to use in under 5 seconds by following these steps: 

• Take it out of the bag and lay it on the floor, legs facing upwards
• Pull out one of the legs and click it into place, then the other
• Flip it around to stand up and the mesh bassinet and playpen will naturally unfold. 

And that’s it! It’s now ready to use. To collapse, do the same in reverse and it’s as easy as that. 

For the Mazi Cosi Swift 3-in-1 Travel cot, follow these simple instructions to put it up: 

• Take it out of the zipped bag
• Stand the cot on the floor
• Pull the sides upwards from the bottom to fully unfold and click into place- this only takes 1 second! 

Make sure when you choose a travel cot that it can be easily put up and down in seconds. The last thing you need when you’re on holiday or dropping your little one off at their grandparents’ house for the evening is to spend time putting together a complicated travel cot. 

Frequency asked questions

Now you know all about what a travel cot is, the different options available plus their innovative features as well as how easy they are to assemble, here we have the answers to some of your other frequently asked questions about travel cots. 

Do travel cots come with mattresses?

Yes, most travel cots come with a mattress, but always check first before purchasing because if it doesn’t, it will cost you more money to buy one. However, it’s rare to come across a travel cot that doesn’t have a mattress included. The three examples given above all come with an appropriate mattress. 

The most important thing to remember is that babies need to sleep on a firm mattress, so make sure you’re choosing a travel cot with a comfortable but firm surface to sleep on. So if you’re wondering why travel cot mattresses or cot mattresses in general are so firm, safety is the reason.

Can you take a travel cot on a plane? 

This will depend on the type of travel cot you have and the airline you’re flying with. If your travel cost is small and light enough to act as hand luggage then there is no reason to suggest that you cannot take it on a place, as long as you don’t go over your hand luggage limit. 

Otherwise, you can always pack your travel cot away with the rest of your luggage to go in the holding area of the plane. Always speak to the airline before travelling to find out what the requirements are and if you can take it with you. In most cases, it shouldn’t be a problem to travel with your compact cot in a bag. 

We hope you feel more confident now in choosing the right travel cot for you. Make sure you choose one that is easy to put up and take down, has mesh sides for ventilation, is multi-functioning and small and lightweight so it’s easy to travel with. 

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Subscribe to be the first to get new family travel inspiration Sign up today!

MUMMYTRAVELS

Can you really keep travelling with a child in tow?

Subscribe to be the first to get new family travel inspiration

The beginner’s guide to travel with a baby

So many things are new when you’re a new parent, let alone the thought of jumping on a plane with your baby. And with so many people ready to say you can’t/shouldn’t/must be mad to even think about it, it’s not surprising a lot are put off travel with a baby entirely.

contains affiliate links *

But I firmly believe the first flight is the hardest – not actually because it’s particularly difficult (in hindsight, travelling with a young toddler was tougher than a three-month-old) but because it’s a leap into the unknown.

So don’t be put off – there’s a whole world to discover with your baby. And if you’re wondering just how to do it, what to pack and how to carry it all, here’s my beginner’s guide, a ‘travel with a baby checklist’.

Flying with a baby: Know before you go

Airlines will all have their own rules on luggage allowances, but infants are usually allowed to take at least two items (including travel cot, buggy, car seat) free of charge. They also have a small hold allowance, although not usually a hand luggage allowance.

What else do you need to consider? Here’s my top 10 things to know before you fly .

Packing for travel with a baby

If you’re going for a long trip, it’s not usually practical to take all the nappies and wipes you’ll need – but there are babies everywhere, so unless there’s a particular reason to stick to a certain brand, it’s often easier to stock up on arrival .

If you’ve got access to a washing machine, or even basic handwashing, take half as many clothes as you think you’ll need… plus some Vanish. And a few extra bodysuits.

Here’s my essential baby packing list. Don’t forget to keep spare clothes for the baby and yourself in hand luggage as often their sense of timing is less than impeccable when it comes to leaky nappies or sudden sickness.

Do save room for a first aid kit as well and make sure you keep Calpol sachets in hand luggage (when they’re above the minimum age to be able to take it).

If you’re travelling with younger babies, you can keep toys to a minimum – even just watching faces at the airport will be an experience. Fabric books, finger puppets and cuddly animals are great to have on hand, but avoid anything which makes too much noise.

For older babies and toddlers, here are my suggestions for travel toys to pack .

Running out of room? Here’s what not to pack …

Travel with a baby: Food, drink and sleep tips

Babies and children aren’t subject to the normal 100ml rules, so you’re only restricted to what’s ‘reasonable’ for the journey – it’s worth packing slightly more in case of delays.

New technology at UK airports means you’re unlikely to be asked to taste food and drink any more, although it may still happen both here and overseas.

If you’re bottle-feeding, airports and planes have more facilities for warming milk so cooled boiled water and pre-measured formula is fine, or order premixed cartons in advance from Boots  airside. If you can get your baby used to room temperature milk, that’s even better. Here are some of my other tips for flights if you’re formula feeding .

For older babies who are weaned, food pouches like Ella’s Kitchen  are much easier to spoonfeed or suck out, weigh less and won’t break. Again, you can order in advance to pick up at the airport.

And sleep? On the plus side, the white noise of planes can often send babies right off to sleep once you’re on board. If you’re travelling long-haul, try these tips for combatting jetlag in babies.

Baby travel essentials

Always check with your accommodation before you travel to see what baby kit they have – travel cots are very common, albeit normally basic models and you’ll need your own bedding. Some hotels have a much more extensive range from baby monitors to black-out blinds.

If you are taking a travel cot, my favourite was the lightweight Baby Bjorn Travel Cot , but here are a few things to bear in mind when you buy .

Consider a lightweight umbrella stroller as a travel buggy once they’re over six months and don’t need to lie flat. My Maclaren Volo  has travelled the world with us, complete with Buggysnuggle universal footmuff  to make it a bit cosier.

You’ll be able to leave it at the gate or plane door, but often won’t be able to pick it up until baggage reclaim at the other side (often on the outsize belt), so a baby carrier or sling is hugely helpful.

This way, you’ll have your arms free as you’re boarding and when you’re trekking through immigration at the other side. My favourite, again, was the Baby Bjorn range including the Baby Bjorn One .

Baggage handlers are not known for being kind to luggage, and that includes checked buggies and car seats. Although you can’t do too much to protect them, a buggy bag is worth the investment.

The Koo-di buggy bag  packs down very small and is impressively hard-wearing, or for something a big more structured (although not as long-lasting), I also used a Kiddicare Buggy Bag

One of my most useful multitasking essentials was a huge muslin. This doubled as a sheet, a blanket, a scarf, a sunshade, a towel, a breastfeeding cover – and a muslin, as well. Cuski muslins  are incredibly soft and I’ve lost count of how often they were used over the first couple of years.

This black one with stars on also worked well as a snoozeshade for the buggy, and let air in to keep her cool – the colourful designs were also lovely though.

Lastly, a few tips for eating – if you have a microwave, steriliser bags are light, take up hardly any room and can be used more than once to sterilise bottles, dummies and teethers. Otherwise, sterilising tablets such as Milton are often simplest.

And once your baby is weaned and old enough to support themselves, a Totseat  is an incredibly useful buy. Small enough to squash into a change bag, it works on any chair, so it’s also great if you’re eating somewhere which doesn’t have a high chair.

So those are my top tips for when you first travel with your baby. Let me know in the comments if there’s anything else you’d like to know and I’ll do my best to answer.

  PIN FOR LATER: THE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO TRAVEL WITH A BABY

Disclosure: contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission

Monkey image copyright MummyTravels, all others courtesy Depositphotos 

Award-winning family travel blogger and mum to the mini traveller, aka Minnie. Together we've visited Europe, America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia, tried a cruise and a road trip, and survived countless long-haul trips. London (UK) based. Serious beach habit.

27 Comments

Ordering two totseats (one for my little’un and one for my nephew) is on my pre Greece checklist. They look fab! And the Boots airside order collection is a total life saver. We’re not needing as much formula now, but picking it up in the airport is so convenient. Luckily Holiday Baby will guzzle it at any random temperature, so warming is something we don’t need to worry about.

They are genius – we used our Totseat so much. And fortunately a friend had advised me to offer milk at different temperatures to get my daughter used to it and so she never had a problem – made travel a lot easier!

I remember how daunted I was before the first flight I took with my baby – if only I’d had this to reassure me! Another tip is to take a supply of plastic bags in your hand luggage for soiled clothes etc.

Thanks! Same here – it was probably the most nerve-racking flight I’ve taken (and went incredibly smoothly in the end). That’s a really good tip about plastic bags as well, or I had a fold-up wet bag which usually lived at the bottom of the change bag too.

I’m not a mum yet but I can imagine this post being like gold dust for anyone who is! I definitely agree with you that travelling with your child is something that SHOULD be done. My sister has a little’un and he’s been on flights plenty of times in his short years… he knows how to behave now :). And I can imagine the experience of travelling with your child is well worth the stress. Great post Cathy :).

Thanks! And I do hope so – I agree that the more you do it when they’re little, the easier it is as it’s not such a weird experience too. My daughter gets really excited about the thought of going on a plane, and even the longest, most tiring ones have been worth the trip.

Really, really good tips. I was so, so nervous about the first flight with Monkey, so much so the first year he was born I didn’t fly! But you’re right – once you’re past the leap into the unknown, it’s becomes so much easier. Preparation is key. The tot seat is a brilliant idea, I hadn’t heard of them. We loved the snooze shade too, great for blocking out sunlight for nap times in the day.

Thank you! It really is all about planning and not believing the doom mongers, I think. I know a lot of people rave about the Snooze Shade too, and they always seemed brilliant – Minnie seemed to treat it as an incredible game, something to fight her way free of and escape from, so I had to switch to the lower-tech muslin instead!

We’ve been travelling with our kids since they were babies and this is great advice. We try to minimize the amount of gear we take but there are definitely some things that are essential!

Thanks! And absolutely, there are a few things I wouldn’t want to get on a plane without, although there’s a few items we’re finally not needing now she’s turned three which is good. More room for me in the suitcase!

Thanks for the heads up about the Totseat, they look great! I just re-entered the world of flying with babies and the thing that I had forgotten was just how much stuff a little person needs! Thanks for these tips, I will be referring to them before our next flight on Monday! #globalkids

They were SO useful – and you’re right, it’s incredible how fast you forget just how much babies need. Definitely a relief to need a bit less now. Have a good flight!

So many useful tips here Cathy, I need a refresher as I await the arrival of baby no. 3 in a few weeks time! 😀 You are so right about not letting it stop you though, my first two had their passport pictures done at 2 weeks old and it wasn’t much after that that we were off on their first adventures! 😀

My pleasure – and congratulations! Same here, I think my daughter was about three or four weeks old when I had her passport photos taken, and we were off almost as soon as the passport came through. Looking at her now, I can hardly believe how much she’s changed in about three years, and how many places we’ve managed to visit! Have fun on your travels with number three 🙂

Funny – I swear by all the same travel essentials as you! Totseat, Baby bjorn carrier and travel cot, sterilizer bags… Definitely agree, don’t let it stop you – I always tell people who are about to embark on a long haul flight with a baby “it’s never as bad as you think it will be!”

Thanks – exactly! Although thank goodness for some very useful paraphernalia…

What a great list – the hardest step is that first one, once yu get going it gets easier and easier! Thank you for linking up to #GlobalKids

Thanks! And definitely – once you realise it’s not as bad as you feared, it’s so much easier to keep going.

So I avoided traveling with my son until he was 6 months old. His first flight was to Las Vegas from Florida ha! I know, why on earth right? Well his father and I married there. That said, he slept like a bear on the 5 hour flight, not even a peep. He was so chill the whole time… then we got stuck at the Hoover Dam in some security checkpoint for 3 hours…. he crapped all over himself, was screaming and just went cray the whole time. (TOTALLY PAYBACK FOR BEING AN ABSOLUTE PRINCE). HA!

I know exactly what you mean – on my first trip with my daughter, the flight was a breeze, she dozed happily throughout. The enormous nappy explosion just as we were going through security was less fun!

Hi Cathy, great tips. I completely agree. That first step is quite daunting, (even if you have an aviation background!) But once you get out there, it’s great isn’t? I remember my husband learning the hard way about bringing a spare top! And a baby carrier to just so useful, especially if flying long haul solo. I love hearing about babies that have travelled so much since they were born. It’s lovely to see the Airmiles book fill up with all the destinations – certainly helps them settle when they are older. Thanks for linking up with #myfamilytraveltips

It really is – I can’t imagine how many flights I’d taken before my daughter (hundreds?!) but that first with her was nerve-racking. Once we’d survived (in retrospect, it was easy peasy, she slept most of it) I had so much confidence to carry on. And I think that practice makes it much easier flying with her now.

Some great tips here! We just got a Totseat and it is very handy. Also love taking our baby carrier with us, no matter how we travel (plane, ferry etc)

Thanks! And the baby carrier was so useful – I don’t think I appreciated at the time how helpful it was to have an easy way to carry her (and one which would send her to sleep)… The Totseat was brilliant, we used it so much.

We didn’t take enough nappies when we went to Majorca and oh my goodness, they were expensive! So if you’re going somewhere aimed at tourists I’d make sure you have enough or be prepared to pay double. Apart from that, agree with them all 🙂 #MyFamilyTravelTips

Oh ouch – yes, I can imagine small islands might be trickier. I think I looked in the Algarve and France and neither was eye-wateringly bad. And thanks!

• Pingback: Packing Tips - The Family Backpack

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Travel System

How To - My Babiie Nursery Products

• My Babiie Articles
• My Babiie Reviews
• My Babiie Unboxing
• How To - Travel Systems
• How To - Strollers & Pushchairs
• How To - Double Strollers
• How To - Highchairs
• How To - Car Seats
• How To - Nursery Products
• How To - Accessories
• My Babiie News

Stylish & Functional

My Babiie products are highly functional as well as looking great! Years of parenting allowed us to create products that work great for us parents. With our different models of strollers you will be able to find the one that is the perfect fit for you and your family.

How to assemble your My Babiie Travel Cot

This video shows you how simple it is to assemble your My Babiie Travel Cot .

This travel cot can double up as a Playpen and is a must have travel essential for babies.

LookBook Gallery

Sample block quote.

Praesent vestibulum congue tellus at fringilla. Curabitur vitae semper sem, eu convallis est. Cras felis nunc commodo loremous convallis vitae interdum non nisl. Maecenas ac est sit amet augue pharetra convallis nec danos.

Sample Paragraph Text

Praesent vestibulum congue tellus at fringilla. Curabitur vitae semper sem, eu convallis est. Cras felis nunc commodo eu convallis vitae interdum non nisl. Maecenas ac est sit amet augue pharetra convallis nec danos dui.

Cras suscipit quam et turpis eleifend vitae malesuada magna congue. Damus id ullamcorper neque. Sed vitae mi a mi pretium aliquet ac sed elitos. Pellentesque nulla eros accumsan quis justo at tincidunt lobortis denimes loremous. Suspendisse vestibulum lectus in lectus volutpat, ut dapibus purus pulvinar. Vestibulum sit amet auctor ipsum.

• How to,   travel cot

Customer Login:

Shopping bag:.

Your bag is currently empty.

A Beginner's Guide to your Baby's Cot - Everything You Need To Know

Whether you’ve had a baby, are expecting one or are just thinking about having a child in the future, a cot is going to be something that you use. Whilst they may look simple from the outside, there are a lot of questions surrounding your baby’s cot. Are they safe? Are there more than one type? Can my newborn baby sleep in a cot? These are all questions that are completely normal to think about – and we have the answers.

We have put together a huge blog of the most popular questions surrounding cots. We don’t expect you to sit and read through every single question (but you can if you’d like to). If you’re only looking for the answer to 2 or 3 questions, just click on the ones you’d like to read in our table of contents – you’ll be taken straight to them!

We hope that after you read our blog, you’ll be left feeling much more confident on buying your baby’s cot or using the one that you already have. 

What is a cot?

You may think this is a super simple question that everyone knows the answer to, but if you’re just starting out and aren’t sure what a cot actually is, we have a good explanation for you. A cot is simply a bed made for babies and small children. They are designed to keep your baby secure whilst they sleep in their cot through the night or during naps. Cots typically have 4 walls that surround the edges, normally in a cage-like design. 

Whilst your baby is very young, you’ll find putting them into such a secure space seems like a bit of a waste. Your baby won’t move around too much whilst they are still very young but it’s still important to protect them from rolling over. As your child gets older and is able to get onto their feet more, this is when a cot really comes in handy. The 4 walls will prevent your child from falling out of the cot and potentially hurting themselves. In simple terms, a cot is just a smaller and more secure bed.

Types of cot

There are a few different cots to choose from, but this does depend on the age of your baby and the circumstances you are in. You will probably use each of these cots at least once in your baby’s development as they all come in handy for different reasons. We will go into more depth about these cots later on in the blog to talk about their safety and how you should use them…

Standard Cot

These cots are normally the most popular type as they are easy to find and do exactly what you need them to do. Whilst they don’t have any other features, they do provide a safe space for your child and make sure that they won’t fall out of the bed during the night. There are many different styles and colours you can get of standard cots to fit in with your baby’s nursery. However, if you’re looking for something cheap and cheerful, there are plenty of standard cots to choose from!

You may have seen these types of cots before. Instead of a permanent frame around the sides, one side of the cot is able to drop down. These can be great for parents who are slightly shorter or who have back problems. Leaning over the side of the cot can make it very difficult to get your baby out or put them in safely.

These cots are designed to make it difficult for your baby to unlatch the side themselves whilst in their cot. There are many designs like a nudge and lift mechanism, catches and foot pedals so that you can easily drop the side down without risk to your baby.

Drop-sided cots are sometimes avoided by parents as they don’t deem them as safe. It’s important that your purchase an item that you will feel comfortable using and leaving your baby in. We will discuss more on the safety of drop-sided cots later in this blog.

Sleigh cots

Sleigh cots are simply just another design of cot. Instead of the standard rectangle shape, these cots have a wavy and more stylish design. If you’re looking to go for something with a little more character, a sleigh cot is a great choice. It’s just important that you check that the ends of the cot don’t have a dip or groove in them where your baby’s clothes could potentially get caught. 

Sleigh cots can still offer you the drop-sided feature. They offer you and your baby everything that a standard cot does but with just a different style. The rails can usually also be fully removed to turn the sleigh cot into a bed once your little one starts getting older.

This cot really does say what it does in its name. If you’re making a weekend trip to grandma’s house or going away on a holiday, a travel cot will keep your baby safe and allow them to have a good night’s sleep. Most travel cots can be folded down completely to make it easy to put in the car when driving to your new accommodation. Some parents also take them abroad with them to ensure that their baby will be comfortable during the night as well as safe.

What size is a cot?

A standard cot for your baby is usually around 60cm x 120cm. It’s important to make sure that your baby’s nursery is big enough for a cot before you go and buy one. If you don’t have the space for one, you can always look into Moses baskets first whilst your baby is still young. If you purchase a standard sized cot, you will be able to find a standard sized mattress very easily. Sometimes these are included with what you pay for the cot.

As your child gets older, they will no longer need the sides of the cot to keep them in their bed. Some cots allow you to take the sides straight off to turn it into a toddler bed right away. However, if yours doesn’t do this, you can purchase a cot bed instead. These are usually 70cm x 140cm – just slightly bigger than a cot. 

Can a newborn sleep in a cot?

Some parents can become a little confused when it comes to their baby’s first night at home. Can they go straight into a cot? Do they need to sleep in a Moses basket first? The answer is that it’s completely up to you. The only thing that you need to make sure of is that they are in your room and should be up until they are around 6 months old. 

Most parents use a Moses basket first if they find that the space isn’t big enough in their room for a full-sized cot. A Moses basket is simply just a scaled down version of a cot that offers your baby everything a cot would. If you do have the space, there’s nothing wrong with putting your newborn baby straight into a cot from their first night home.

As long as they are kept close to you during the entire night, it does not matter whether they are in a cot, bassinet, crib or Moses basket . It’s really important that you do not share a bed with your baby, especially when they are so young. This is because you may roll onto the during the night which can cause injury or in a worst-case scenario, death.

Find a cot that you feel comfortable with putting your newborn baby in and make sure it is comfortable for you when your put them in or take them out. You will be using the cot for a long period of time, so you need to make sure it’s the right one.

How to get a baby to sleep in cot

Babies are amazing at sleeping. Wherever you are, they can usually fall asleep pretty easily. However, when you put them in the one place that they are meant to sleep, they suddenly don’t want to anymore! We have some great information on how you can get your little one to sleep in their cot and some explanations as to why they might be struggling.

So, why won’t your baby settle in their cot? When they are newborns, sleeping in new environment can be extremely daunting. Before this, they have been alone in the womb, surrounded by white noise and warmth. But now, there are noises they haven’t heard before and a whole different routine to try and get into. Once those things they are used to are taken away, it can cause many problems for them and for you as a parent. However, don’t worry, there are plenty of things you can try and do to create a calm and natural environment for them. Here’s some things we recommend…

• Room temperature. If your baby’s room (or your own room) is too hot or cold, this will cause discomfort for your little one. When your baby is young, they will struggle to regulate their own temperature. If they get too hot, this can cause huge risks including SIDS. We recommend keeping the room cool, but not letting it get cold.
• Try out swaddling. Your baby is in one comfortable position whilst they are in the womb. By putting them in one position and keeping them in it during the night, this can also help sleeping become a little easier! You just need to remember that once your baby can roll over, you should no longer swaddle.
• Change the lighting. For your baby, the darker it is the better. Think about purchasing some black out curtains to ensure no light creeps into their room whilst sleeping. It’s also a good idea to turn off any lights outside of your baby’s room so that they do not become disturbed. When entering your baby’s room to change their nappy or to check on them, use a very low light to prevent waking them fully.
• Feeding routine. A feeding routine is one of the most important things to get into. Not only is it easier for you, it means your baby will be fed exactly when they need to be and will prevent underfeeding or overfeeding. If your little one goes to sleep feeling hungry or like they have not had enough, this will impact their sleeping routine. Make sure you are feeding your little one every 2-3 hours to ensure they are getting what they need.

Give these tips a try to see if it has any impact on your little one. If you still find that they are really struggling to sleep in their cot, it may be worth checking the mattress to make sure it is comfortable enough for them and making sure they are fully supported throughout the night. If problems continue, you can always go and see a doctor or nurse to talk about anything they recommend.

How long do babies sleep in cots?

There’s no rule as to when you need to move your little one out of their cot. It usually ranges from around 18 months all the way up to 3 years old. It’s down to you to decide when your feel it is right to change your baby’s cot into a cot bed or to completely move them over to a normal sized bed. Once you can see that your baby is beginning to outgrow their cot, it’s probably time for a change.

We’ll elaborate on this more later on in our blog where you can find out when to move your little one from a cot to a bed and how you will know it’s time.

What is a cot bumper?

A cot bumper is a pad that lies around the edges of your baby’s cot to prevent them from getting their hands or head caught in the gaps of the rails. Whilst these sound like a good idea, they have proven to be unsafe for babies over the years.

In 2007, a study was published that concluded that cot bumpers were unsafe. They found that 27 infant deaths were linked to cot bumpers either because the baby’s face was pushed into the bumper or because it was caught around the baby’s neck. They have also been found to not prevent serious injury and are more likely to cause injury if they are inside of a cot.

However, cot bumpers are still being sold and aren’t completely unsafe if used in a sensible way. They have been found to prevent minor injuries like bruises and marks and can be used if your baby is being closely monitored. For example, if your little one in in their crib whilst you are also in the room with them, you can watch to see if your baby gets into any complications. However, they are not advised throughout the night when you are not able to watch your baby.

We advise that you do not use cot bumpers when you are not able to watch your little one. Your baby should be placed on their back, on a firm mattress with no loose items for them to potentially grab and put over their face.

Are drop-side cots safe?

Sticking to the subject of safety – what about drop-side cots? We briefly spoke about these earlier in the blog. Many parents are put off of getting a drop-side cot as they are worried that the rail will potentially fall and hurt their baby.

If you are thinking about purchasing a drop-side cot, you need to make sure it is a highly secure mechanism that only you can manoeuvre. Your baby should not be able to drop the side down on their own, whether that’s on purpose or by accident. 

Drop-side cots aren’t as recommended as they used to be as they do pose safety risks. A cot with 4 secure sides is much safer as it doesn’t matter if your baby grabs the sides at all. If you find that a drop-side cot would be more comfortable for you when taking your baby out of the cot, it may be worth purchasing a Moses basket instead for the time being as there is much less risk. 

It really does come down to your instincts when purchasing items for your baby. If you feel that they would be beneficial to you then we advise you look into the safety precautions and make sure your baby will be left safe when you’re not around to monitor them. 

What is cot death?

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) – known as ‘cot death’ – is the sudden death of a healthy baby where there is not much explanation to go with it. This happens to around 200 babies a year. SIDS is a massive worry to new parents and parents who already have children. When a baby dies of SIDS, there is usually no proper explanation as to why it has happened. This is what makes it so worrying.

However, after years of research into the syndrome, there have been some things that have flagged up as to why babies die from SIDS. We have listed some things you can do to prevent sudden infant death syndrome…

• Place your baby on their back when putting them into their cot. Your baby is unable to rollover when they are young so will stay in that same position.
• Keep your baby’s cot in your room for at least the first 6 months of your baby’s life. This is for close monitoring throughout the night.
• Avoid any loose blankets inside of the cot. This can be pulled by your baby in their sleep and potentially cover their face.
• Use the ‘feet to foot’ position. This means that your baby’s feet are right at the end of the cot or Moses basket. This is useful if you do choose to use a blanket.
• Avoid sharing a bed with your baby.
• Ensure the room is not too hot or cold – your baby cannot regulate their temperature when they are so young.
• Do not smoke during pregnancy or around your baby once they are born. 

These are just a few things you can do to protect your little one whilst they are in their cot. Having your baby in your room for the first 6 months allows you to easily check on them and get to them as soon as you can if they begin crying or making any noise. It’s also easy to get up and check on your baby without waking them up.

You should take all of the precautions you can against SIDS. Unfortunately, this is something that many parents have had to experience and is important that we try and reduce the number as much as we possibly can.

When to take the side off a cot

You should remove the sides off of a cot once you are confident that your child is ready to move from a cot to a toddler bed. As we mentioned earlier, this usually happens between 18 months to 3 years old. You should carefully remove the sides off of the cot and make sure there are no sharp edges or screws left behind that your child could potentially injure themselves on. 

You should also consider if your child will be able to stay on their bed for the entirety of the night. If you are still worried that they will rollover and fall, you may way to keep them on for a little longer. You can also buy toddler beds that have small ridges on the edges to prevent this from happening.

How to put baby in cot

There are many questions when it comes to putting your baby in their cot. It can be difficult to know what’s wrong and what’s right – especially if you’re a new parent. Before you even place your baby in their cot, you need to test if the cot makes it easy for you to do that. For example, if the rails are too high and don’t allow you to be able to reach over properly, you may want to look into another design where the rails are slightly lower. It’s important that you know this before placing your baby inside as you want to make sure there is no risk of dropping them of injuring yourself. You can test it out by using an object that weighs around the same as a baby to see if you can put it in and get it out easily. 

The most important thing to remember when putting your baby in their cot is to always lie them down on their back. This may sound like a silly thing to suggest but you should not leave your baby unattended whilst they are laying on their tummy or slightly on their side. If they are placed on their back, they will not be able to rollover. This is something that young babies cannot do. As your child gets older, they will learn how to rollover, but will also have the strength to push themselves back over.

After your baby is in their cot, you should avoid any blankets, pillows or soft toys. Blankets can act as a hazard as your baby can grab this during the night and potentially cover their face with it. This will cause breathing difficulties for your little one and is a common cause of SIDS. The same goes for soft toys. Your baby will not need them during the night, and they will not help them sleep any better. Instead, they also act as a hazard and your baby could get caught on one or they could also cover your baby’s face. Pillows are not required when your baby is young as they need a flat, firm surface to sleep on. This helps them develop properly and doesn’t cause any injury to their spinal cord or neck.

If you decide to start using blankets as your baby gets slightly older, you should position them right at the end of the cot – so their feet touch the bottom. This will mean that they cannot wriggle down and get under the blanket. However, it may be safer for your baby if you dress them in a slightly warmer outfit instead – making sure they can still stay cool though!

Once your baby is positioned correctly and you are confident that there is nothing that could potentially cause any harm in their cot, you need to look around the cot too. Hanging mobiles are great to get your little one to sleep, but only whilst you are monitoring them. A lot of mobiles are clipped onto your baby’s cot and hang over them whilst they are in there. You should avoid leaving this up during the entire night as it could potentially fall off during the night and land on your baby. This could cause injuries for your little one which is something you really want to avoid. As well as this, when your child gets older and learns to pull themselves up on the cot, they can them grab this hanging mobile and pull it down on themselves. 

This also applies to other furniture that is close to your baby’s cot. If there are any items or furniture that would be easy to pull over or any items that have been left on surfaces they can reach, you should remove these. You want to be able to sleep without worrying about your little one so removing all possible risks is a great way to do so. 

What age can baby have comforter in cot?

It’s very common that babies like to have something they can carry around with them to make them feel safe. This can be a blanket, toy or just a random item that they feel connected to. However, when is it safe to give your baby their comforter in their cot? We’ve spoken lots about keeping your baby’s cot clear whilst they are sleeping to reduce the risk of SIDS. However, once your baby is a certain age, this becomes much safer. 

If your baby doesn’t have a comforter yet or you’re thinking about putting it into their cot, there are a couple of things you can do to make it much more special for them. A good way to make it a firm favourite is to keep it near you for a prolonged amount of time so that it smells of you. This could be when you are sleeping or just carrying it around with you for a little while. You can also choose something that’s brightly coloured so that they are attracted to it and it’s easy to find when they’ve lost it!

If your baby already has a comforter and you’re thinking about putting it in their cot, you should wait until they are at least a year old. By this stage, the risk of SIDS is much lower. It’s important that you don’t rush and put the comforter in your baby’s cot whilst they are still very young as this could lead to devastating consequences. It doesn’t mean to say your baby will definitely be harmed, but it’s a risk not worth taking. 

One last point is to check and see if the comforter your baby has become attached to is suited for their age range. If there are bits that come off of it or sections that have different materials, it may be worth holding off putting it into the cot. In this case, you should monitor your baby around their comforter or try and introduce them to something that is safer for their age.

Can you use a travel cot long term?

We spoke about travel cots briefly earlier in the blog. 50% of parents own a travel cot – mainly because of their convenience if you need to go elsewhere for a night or if your baby is staying with friends or family. They are a great way to make sure your baby will have a good night’s sleep when you are away from home. They provide your baby with a safe space to sleep and are sized well so that you can still have them in your room if they are young. 

However, lots of parents think that because they are safe for your baby when you go on holiday, that they can be used for longer periods of time. Unfortunately, this is not the case and can cause problems for your baby if you continue to use them when you don’t need to. 

Travel cots are designed for short term use, which means they don’t offer the same support as a normal cot. They usually come with mattresses that you shouldn’t change as they help stabilise the cot when your baby is in it. The mattresses normally aren’t as firm as your normal one and can tend to be harder and thinner. You should avoid trying to add padding to the original mattress as this heightens the risk of overheating or your baby getting under this during the night.

Overall, they are designed for short term use and should be avoided after this. Your baby is best supported in their normal cot and this should be used as their primary sleeping space. If you would like to use something for yor baby to nap when not in their room, Moses baskets can be handy and are easy to move aorund as you'd like.

How to put up a travel cot

Whilst you can buy a variety of different brands of travel cot, they are usually all very much the same when it comes to putting them up and taking them down. However, if you haven’t used one before, you may need a little bit of help to make sure it is safe for you little one. 

They are designed to be quick and simple and done by anyone. This means that if your little one is staying at Grandmas on the weekend – even she should be able to do this! It might just take a little bit of practice, try putting it up and taking it down a couple of times before you actually need to use it. We’ve got some easy steps on how you set up your travel cot and what you do when it’s time to put it away…

Putting it up

• Travel cots normally come in a fold design. Unfold the cot and click all of the sides together. You should hear when they have clicked in properly – it may be easier to do opposite sides together so that it ends up forming a rectangle.
• Push the base of the travel cot down and adjust the legs so that they are pulled out fully and the cot is stabilised.

Taking it down

• Pull the middle (base) up. There’s usually a loop attached that will help you to pull. It may fall over here so make sure there isn’t anything you could harm around you.
• Unclip all of the sides so that it begins folding back away. You can do opposite sides together again to ensure it’s all even.

And that’s it! It’s really simple but we do advise that you test yours out before you go and use it for a weekend away. It’s not just being able to put it up that’s important. It’s also making sure that it is as stable as you’d like it to be and that nothing on it is broken.

Do you need a mattress for a travel cot?

Most mattresses for travel cots are known to be hard and quite thin. Some travel cots will advise you not to change the mattress and it stabilises the cot. When it’s removed, it could cause the cot to tip over or wobble. However, just because you cannot replace it, it doesn’t mean that you cannot put a mattress on top of the one already in there. This means your travel cot will stay stable and your baby will be able to sleep comfortably. 

If you choose not to place another mattress on top, this also isn’t a problem. Travel cots are designed to be used for short periods of time so will not have any effect on your baby if it’s only for a few nights. 

One thing you should not do is take the travel cot mattress out and replace it with another. This can throw off the balance of the travel cot and make it dangerous for your baby.

What bedding do you need for a cot?

There’s a lot of dos and don’ts for a cot, and bedding is no exception. There are lots of opinions and different sources of information that tell you to do different things. But really, it comes down to you at the end of it all to sit down and think about what you think is best for your baby. We don’t all do the same things when it comes to looking after a child so don’t feel like you shouldn’t do something if the right safety precautions are being taken.

We’re going to speak about the different things you’ll need for your cot to protect it and well as keep your baby comfortable whilst they sleep. 

Waterproof mattress protector

There’s no doubt that your baby will have accidents through the night. Although they may be wearing a nappy, that doesn’t mean the cot is fully protected! To be on the safe side, a waterproof mattress protector will mean that any liquid will be stopped from getting and soaking into the mattress. It’s not essential but is a great way on keeping your mattress clean.

There are two types of sheet, bottom and top. You may find that fitted sheets are better as they don’t come off as easy. Bottom sheets go over the mattress and tuck underneath the bottom. This is primarily to protect the mattress and make it a little more comfortable to sleep on. Top sheets go over your baby – up to around their chest – and then are tucked in underneath the mattress again. Some parents choose to not use top sheets as it is a concern that the sheet could potentially cover the baby’s face. We recommend that you keep you cot empty until your child is around a year old.

Sleeping bag

If you don’t want to use a sheet or blanket on your baby during the night, a sleeping bag is a great alternative – especially when it’s colder. The sleeping bag zips up around your baby but sits against their feet so they cannot wriggle down into it. You can buy different types of sleeping bags that are more suited to different weathers. These are very popular but normally are more expensive.

What else do you need to know?

We’ve answered some of the most commonly asked questions around cots to give you a better understanding on them. We hope that this blog has helped you and given you some useful information. Keeping your baby safe is the most important thing so it’s essential that you acknowledge all safety precautions before purchasing a certain type of cot or doing something new. Now you know all about cots, why not take a look at some of our other guides?

The Definitive Guide to Moses Baskets, Stands and Mattresses

The Ultimate Guide to Baby Prams

Everything you need to know about newborn baby car seats

Bedtime Routine Importance Establishing a consistent nighttime routine.

Napping schedules timing and duration of baby naps., transitioning to crib moving baby from bassinet to crib., bedtime soothing techniques calming strategies for easier bedtime., when do toddlers stop napping, top 10 best moses basket mattresses, recent posts, safe sleep practices ensuring baby's safety during sleep., sleep training techniques methods to help babies learn to sleep through the night., understanding sleep cycles how infant sleep cycles work., sleep regression solutions handling changes in sleep patterns as baby grows., night feeding management balancing nighttime feedings with sleep., room sharing strategies sharing a room with baby effectively., featured posts, when do you feel baby move baby movements in pregnancy., when do babies smile, can babies get covid-19, when do babies start teething, how to sterilise baby bottles, how often should you bathe a baby, here to help.

Baby Adventuring

How to travel with babies and toddlers

Essential kit: pop-up tent travel cot

I’m not looking forward to the day the baby girl outgrows her pop-up tent travel cot . We bought it for a trip to Goa when she was four-months-old, and have used it every time we’ve gone away since then, at hotels , B&Bs , in our campervan , at festivals , when staying with friends and relatives, and for nearly a month when working in Edinburgh in summer 2017.

The benefits of a pop-up tent travel cot

It’s handy for a lot of reasons, primarily that it functions almost like a separate space within the room because it’s entirely enclosed once it’s zipped up. It’s not soundproof, and it doesn’t entirely block out the light, but it’s better than an open cot in both respects. (If it’s not dark enough in the room, we might drape a breathable blanket over the top). The zip itself is important too: zipping the tent closed works as a sleep cue – for our baby at least (except when it doesn’t, of course). And once it’s closed, it’s a barrier to mosquitos and other insects.

Given how different sleeping in the tent is from sleeping in a cot, you’ll want to do a few practice runs before you go away. It took the baby girl two naps in the tent in our living room at home to get used to it when she was three months old.

Daytime uses for a pop-up tent travel cot

Depending on your destination and type of trip, you might find the tent useful in the daytime too; and for more than just napping. We put the baby girl in it all the time in Goa so she could roll around with her teething rings and toys in a relatively clean environment. We must have looked ridiculous carting it to and from our room all the time, but the staff took it in their stride. We thought we’d have the tent on the beach a lot, as it provides UV protection, but ultimately it was too hot to do that, so we stayed in the beachside restaurant most of the time and took turns going for dips in the sea.

We’ve used it camping too, as a way of safely stowing away the baby girl for the moments when two sets of hands are required to set up or strike camp. Further perks are that it packs down very small and is very light. It’s so small and so light in fact that you can take the tent as carry-on on a plane or pack it into your luggage. Cunningly concealing the tent like this, you can pass off another small bag as a travel cot, thereby making the most of your infant baggage allowance of (usually) travel cot, pushchair and car seat.

The downsides of the pop-up tent travel cot

A major downside of the tent is that it doesn’t provide complete shade, so you can’t rely on it in sunny places – you’ll still need sunscreen and a sun hat. It gets pretty warm in there too – in Goa we used a little battery-operated fan and covered the baby girl with damp muslins to keep her cool.

It’s very easy to pop up and pack away, but the fact that you have to be either on the floor or in a very deep bend to get your child in and out means that it won’t be ideal for all parents/carers. We use the more conventional BabyBjörn Travel Cot Easy Go when we take the baby girl to stay at her grandparents’ house.

Are travel cots safe for babies to sleep in? Here’s everything you need to know

All the information you need about the safe sleeping requirements of travel cots and mattresses for babies and toddlers

Whether you’re going away on holiday or in need of a nap space at granny’s house, the flexibility a travel cot can provide is incredibly useful, but are portable beds as safe for babies to sleep in? We’ve looked into the safe sleeping requirements for little ones’ on-the-go and detail everything you need to ensure your little one has a safe night’s sleep when you’re away from home.

• Best travel cot : lightweight cots for babies and toddlers

Are travel cots safe to sleep in?

Like all cots and cotbeds sold in the UK, travel cots must meet the European Safety Standards, so whether your cot is built for home or away, the same safety rules apply. To be extra sure of a cot's safety, check that it meets British safety standard BS EN 716.

UK experts on safe sleeping, The Lullaby Trust, advise parents to use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress in a good condition. Baby’s space must be kept plain and simple, with no loose bedding and they should be placed in the ‘feet to foot’ position (where baby’s feet are placed at the foot of the cot) so they can’t wriggle down under any blankets. If your baby is under one year of age, duvets, pillows and cushions must not be added to their cot. 

If these rules are met, then essentially, you have a safe sleep set-up for your tot. However, there are a few extra precautions to be aware of when considering a travel cot.

What to look for in a safe travel cot

Unlike regular cots, travel cots do not come in a standardised size, so review the space you have available for your travel cot and ensure it is not too close to radiators, a/c units, blind cords or anything that could pose a strangulation threat.

Many travel cots feature wheels for easy maneuverability, but they must lock effectively or have a combination of legs and wheels to stop accidental rolling.

If space is an issue, you may be considering a pop-up, tent-style travel cot. These are really easy to assemble, create a cute little sleeping pod for your baby and are ideal for activities such as camping. However it’s worth noting that The Lullaby Trust recommends parents always use a cot with rigid sides as there is a danger of tripping and falling on top of flexible cots, so be extra cautious when moving around, especially at night.

Get the T3 newsletter!

All the best features, news, tips and great deals to help you live a better life through technology

What ages are travel cots recommended for?

The age ranges of travel cots really vary so always look at what the manufacturer suggests and if there is a weight limit. Most travel cots range from around three-months to three years, but some come with bassinets designed for newborns and others can support a child up to five years old.

Can I use a different mattress with my travel cot?

Travel cots often come with a much thinner, harder mattress and although it may be tempting to pad it with a folded duvet or pillows, thick, loose fabrics pose a risk of suffocation and strangulation. Either stick with the original mattress or look for a specific travel cot mattress that is a true fit for your cot (check dimensions as sizes vary) for a bit of extra comfort. 

Be aware that adding a mattress can also affect the stability of the bed, so ensure the mattress top is at least 50cm below the top rail of the cot to avoid toppling.

Can I use a travel cot every day?

Although travel cots are safe for babies and toddlers to sleep in for short stints, they are not designed for regular sleep over a long period of time. You need a more robust, permanent cot for normal everyday use in addition to an occasional-use travel cot.

Is it safe to use a second-hand travel cot?

To ensure all safety precautions are met The Lullaby Trust recommend buying new cots where possible, however a second-hand travel cot can be a good cost effective option, especially if you only plan on using it occasionally.

Before purchasing or borrowing a second-hand cot, always examine it first. Look for any holes in the mesh, missing corner guards, broken wheels and always put it up and down again to check that the frame locks properly into place. Keep an eye out for broken zips that can be a potential choking hazard and inspect the mattress thoroughly for tears and whether it is a correct fit for the frame. If possible ask for the original instructions, or find them online and make sure that you are confident it can be assembled correctly.

• Best car seats : keep your baby or toddler safe with these infant seats
• Best hiking baby carriers : for active parents on the move

Ably assisted by her 10-month and three-year old sons, Clemmie is a lifestyle writer specialising in parenting, wellbeing and travel.

A 1990s classic system returns

By Rik Henderson Published 24 April 24

Lead actor announced for Neuromancer

Useful links

• When is the next Prime Day?
• Best 5G phones
• Best VPN services
• Best laptops
• Best smartphones
• Best mattresses
• Best phone deals
• Best mattress deals
• Best TV deals
• Discount codes

• OBaby Manuals
• Baby & Toddler Furniture
• Instruction manual

OBaby Travel Cot Instruction Manual

• page of 4 Go / 4

Advertisement

Quick Links

Related manuals for obaby travel cot.

Summary of Contents for OBaby Travel Cot

• Page 1 Travel Cot Instruction Manual IMPORTANT PLEASE READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THIS PRODUCT KEEP FOR FUTURE REFERENCE...
• Page 2 Thank you for choosing Obaby. To ensure that your travel cot is used in accordance with these instructions, please read them fully. This travel cot conforms to BS EN 716 and is guaranteed for 6 months from the date of purchase against manufacturing defects. If you have any problems please contact Obaby - [email protected] or 0845 078 0290...
• Page 3 Unfasten the velcro tabs and remove the outer mattress then spread the feet apart (fig.2). Using the pull tab in the centre of the base, lift the base of the travel cot until the sides are slack (fig.9). Grasp the top bars, one at a time and lift up until they lock into place (fig.3), repeat for all 4 sides.
• Page 4 0845 078 0290...

Rename the bookmark

Delete bookmark, delete from my manuals, upload manual.