Mother Nurture Premium Foam Foldable Travel Cot Mattress, White, 95 x 65 x 2.5cm

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In the lab, we first tried to assemble the travel beds—with one hand, if possible. After that, we noted whether we needed to use both hands or had to get another adult to help. We also timed just how long the setup took for each bed. We then tested how well the toddler travel beds hold a toddler's weight using a 25-to-30-pound sandbag. Next, we looked at how hard it would be to clean messes on the beds, examining hard-to-reach areas and taking note of the material and what it felt like to wipe it. We tested whether we could use a standard crib sheet as well, and then we tried to disassemble the beds one-handed. After breaking them down, we considered how long it took us and how difficult it was to place the beds inside their carry bags, if bags were included. Finally, we lifted the carrying bags to assess the beds’ portability. For some parents, portable toddler travel beds are must-haves to provide young children with a safe and comfortable place to sleep while on vacation. "Simpler is always better, especially when thinking of traveling with toddlers,” says Anjuli Gans, MD, a pediatrician at Karabots Pediatric Care Center, West Philadelphia. “So, when it comes to a toddler travel bed, you don't need all the bells and whistles. There are a lot of fancy ones out there on the market, but your baby really just needs a safe and comfortable place to sleep." Some parents complain of travel cot mattresses being firmer and thinner than your typical cot bed mattress. If this is the case, don't double up mattresses as it won't be safe. A good cot bed can last from six months up to six years. For everything you need to know, consult our guide: Best cot bed brands and expert buying advice . A second-hand travel cot can be a good option, especially because you’re only likely to use one occasionally. But before you buy, keep in mind our top tips on buying second-hand:

If you're buying a new mattress to fit a travel cot, it needs to be the correct size and fit snugly. It's vital to make sure there are no gaps around the edge of the mattress, as spaces could present a risk of suffocation for your child. We commissioned Ruth Lumley to write about and test a variety of toddler and baby travel cots. Ruth is a journalist who has used a number of baby beds with her three young children – from the newborn stage right through to toddlerhood and while holidaying abroad and visiting relatives in the UK. With how cost-friendly and convenient foldable beds are, the more obvious question is why should you not buy one, but here are a few convincing reasons anyway. Overall Portability Some don't fold flat, and sometimes don’t come with a travel bag. These might not fold down small enough to fit into a car boot, which can make them less suitable for travel, although they're fine as an extra cot for guests. Some beds offer a built-in-pillow option for added comfort, which can eliminate the need to provide your own for yourself or guests. For non-pillow snobs, this may be a convenient feature to consider.

How much does a travel cot cost?

The Lullaby Trust also advise that portable cribs aren’t placed against radiators and remain out of reach of blind cords. How much does a travel cot cost? Size and weight Cot weights vary a lot. You’ll probably appreciate a lighter one if you plan to travel by public transport or plane, rather than by car. But lighter ones are also likely to be smaller. Were written or visual instructions clear and precise? Could the instructions also be accessed online and were there video tutorials to guide you through?

It's worth considering a baby travel cot if you’ll be making more than a few overnight trips to places that might be cot-free. If your baby is likely to stay somewhere overnight on a regular basis, such as their grandparents’ home, it could be worth buying a standard cot to keep at their house. To find the best toddler travel beds, we tested 20 toddler travel beds in the Verywell Testing Lab and in our own homes. We also spoke with Anjuli Gans, MD, a pediatrician at Karabots Pediatric Care Center, West Philadelphia, and Lynelle Schneeberg, PsyD, a pediatric sleep psychologist and author.The recommended sleep durations, according to the National Sleep Foundation✓ for nine different age groups are as follows: Age

When inside, was the little one comfy? Did they like it and was there enough room to sleep and to play? Many larger models double up as a playpen which is great for keeping your child safe at all times no matter where they are. Some even come with changing tables, mobiles and bassinets for newborns. Choking hazards are also something to look out for so make sure that small parts, like zips, are well covered Most travel cots have a plastic or metal frame, woven fabric and mesh sides, and a hard segmented bottom with a lightly padded folding mattress. Generally, the cheaper models will be fairly basic – you won’t get much more than a cot frame, a simple mattress and a carry bag to store it in. When the mattress is solely for the use of children, smaller sizes provide plenty of space and make for easy storage. However, when your bed may be used to accommodate a variety of adults, sometimes the extra money for the next size up may be worth the many nights of good sleep the increased legroom may provide. SizeIf, however, you tend to travel often or think your little one will have regular sleepovers with the grandparents, then a travel cot is a great solution.

Some travel cot mattresses might seem thin or hard, but using a different one can alter how well your travel cot holds up and could make it easier to tip over. Don’t make escape too easy Hydrate with fluids - air in aeroplane cabins can be dry - staying hydrated will make everyone feel better. The same safe-sleep rules apply to travel cots as to regular cot beds. Advice from charity The Lullaby Trust states that the cot you use needs to have a firm, flat mattress covered in waterproof material.If you're thinking of buying a second-hand travel cot, see our guide on t ravel cot safety for tips on what to watch out for. Poppy is also an award-winning, best-selling children's and parenting author of books such as Don't Worry, Be Happy, The Extraordinary Book That Makes You Feel Happy and Mother Power. She specialises in children's mental health and her books are used by therapists, teachers and SENCOs across the UK. She won a The Week Junior Book Award in 2023, her books have been translated into several languages and she's been featured in The Guardian, The Sunday Times and The Sun. Each product was tested in rooms with both carpet and laminate flooring, then scored on six key areas: Infant sleep is related to our social-emotional development✓, cognition and physical growth, and even our immune system✓. Insufficient sleep in infants has been associated✓ with attention, behaviour, and learning problems and linked to obesity, hypertension, and diabetes later in childhood. While you may have dedicated a lot of time to finding the best crib, moses basket or cot bed for your child, we tend to give less thought to which travel cot to buy. But getting the best sleep possible is just as important while you're away from home, so we've put some of the best travel cots on the market through their paces.