Comfortable, safe, portable: The ideal travel cot when on the go
23 May 2019
Hauck Dream’n Play © Hauck
The ideal travel cot for minis has to be stable, comfortable and easy to set up and dismantle. A comfortable mattress with sufficient space and washable covers is high on the wish list. Parents also pay special attention to a secure frame and good ventilation, ideally through a breathable, tear-proof mesh on the sides. If the bed has side openings for crawling through, it should only be possible to open them from the outside. Padded corners and inner walls is also an important safety requirement. Baby travel cots should also meet Safety standard DIN EN 716 and ideally Öko-Tex Standard 100 , Class 1 as well. The Öko-Test and TÜV seals of approval as well as the GS mark (“Tested Safety”) are also important purchase criteria for quality-conscious parents.
Multifunctional classic: from second bed to changing table
Travel cots are usually designed for babies and toddlers under the age of three or a maximum weight of 15 kg. If the travel cot is to be used mainly as a second bed for overnight stays at the grandparents or an older, heavier child, parents usually opt for a classic travel bed. This especially stable, robust and durable type of travel bed can also be used by younger siblings and passed on from generation to generation. The disadvantage, however, is that since the average weight of these models is 10 to 11 kg, they are usually relatively heavy, bulky and not so easy to assemble. A favourite alternative are folding beds, which can be quickly folded and stored away
Chicco Zip&Go © Chicco
Multifunctional models such as Hauck Dream’n Play are very popular. They can be used as playpens and offer unlimited playing possibilities for the little ones. Some also have an integrated changing table such as the BabyGO Sleeper Deluxe or can be used as a crib like the Zip&Go from Chicco .
Lightweight and compact – portable travel cots are on trend
Even with small children, parents want unlimited mobility. This is why particularly lightweight compact travel cots are in such demand. The BabyBjörn Travel Crib EasyGo with foldable mattress and carrying bag for example weighs only 6 kg, which can be easily transported on the train or plane as well as set up and put away by one person with no problem. Pop-up beds like the one from Peuter Luxe von Deryan are even more travel friendly and practically assemble themselves within seconds. The travel cot in tent format is suitable for use outdoors and weighs only 3.5 kg. It has a self-inflating air mattress with comfort sleeping mat and mosquito nets and can also be brought along for treks in the wilderness.
Deryan Peuter Luxe © Deryan
Conclusion: The range of baby travel cots is enormous and there is the right solution for every need. The most important requirements that manufacturers and retailers have to meet are comfort, safety and suitability for travel. Parents also value good personalised advice. An important tip that retailers should give their customers is to have the child get used to the travel cot before going on holiday to make the transition to an unfamiliar bed easier. When traveling, familiar bed covers, preferably not freshly washed, a favourite teddy bear and a snuggly blanket are essential.
What experience do you have with travel cots? What do your customers expect? Which models would you recommend? Share your experiences with us!
We look forward to hearing from you.