A cot is important for a baby as it feels safe and secure there and is able to sleep well. If you are a person who travels a lot then you should opt for a travel cot because the baby needs a place to sleep which is familiar and safe. Given below are a few points that will assist you in selecting the best travel cot for your baby.
The first point of consideration should be whether you really need a travel cot. If you are a person who travels very rarely then you do not need a travel cot, you can use the cots that are provided at hotels. However, if you are a frequent traveler, then you should buy a travel cot, as it can be used not only for sleeping but as also as a playpen and the baby can play inside it. Another reason to take a travel cot along with you is due to the fact that you will be sure that the cot is neat and clean, whereas you cannot be certain of the cleanliness when you hire a travel cot at a hotel or inn.
There are different types of travel cots but they can be broadly classified as lightweight cots and heavy cots. Lightweight cots are cots that weigh around 2 kilograms and can be easily carried. They are very compact and can be easily folded and placed. They will not take a lot of space too. However, you need to handle them with care as they are very lightweight. The heavy cots are very strong and durable and weigh as much as 10 kilograms. They are tougher to assemble than the light weight ones but they are very strong and the baby will enjoy playing inside it. You can choose from either of the two, if you travel by car then you can choose the heavy option, but if you are going to use other means of transport or if you go camping then the light weight option would suit you best.
Before buying a travel cot, insist that the store employee demonstrate the assembling of it. Some travel cots can be assembled in a few minutes, whereas some can take time and can be difficult to assemble. You need to check this and then decide on the one that you need. Also remember that all cots are not the same size, buy a travel cot that is a little bigger because the baby will grow fast. If you buy a small cot, then you would need to buy another travel cot soon because the baby would have grown.
Once you have decided and bought a travel cot, ensure that the baby sleeps in the travel cot for a few days before traveling so that the baby gets accustomed to the cot and becomes familiar with it. Once the baby is familiar with the cot, you will be able to make the baby sleep in the travel cot easily when you travel and you will not have any problems.