A cot is one of the most expensive items you’ll purchase for your baby’s nursery, and many parents look for ways to save money when doing this. Travel cots can be tempting as they’re generally much cheaper than traditional cots, but is it safe to use a travel cot permanently?
We’re going to look into this in detail today. We’re also going to dive into the benefits and drawbacks of travel cots, explore their proper use, and look at some alternatives to standard cots.
Key Points
- A travel cot is a lightweight, portable sleeping bed for babies.
- It is not recommended to use portable cots permanently unless it is the safest option available for your baby.
- It is not safe for babies to sleep in travel cots for long periods of time, and parents must ensure all safety measures are met, including a good mattress whenever using a travel cot.
- Travel cots do not offer the same number of safety features or durability as normal cots.
- There are some great, long-term alternatives to traditional cots.
Content in this article:
- Can A Baby Sleep In A Travel Cot Instead Of A Cot Permanently?
- What Is A Travel Cot?
- Is It Safe For a Baby To Sleep In A Travel Cot For A Long Period Of Time?
- What Makes Travel Cots An Attractive Option To Parents?
- Why Aren’t Travel Cots Safe For Permanent Use?
- How Often Can I Use A Travel Cot?
- What Are Some Other Alternatives To A Standard Cot?
Can A Baby Sleep In A Travel Cot Instead Of A Cot Permanently?
Travel cots are only designed for short-term use and should not be used on a permanent basis. This is because they are made from lightweight materials and do not have the durability or the safety features offered by a normal cot, making them unsafe for long-term use.
It’s also important to note that travel cots have a size and weight limit, which is another reason why they aren’t suitable for permanent use. Most are designed to accommodate younger children around the age of three months, while others are able to provide a temporary sleeping solution for children up to the age of three years old.
So, when it comes to using a travel cot temporarily, make sure it is suitable for your child’s weight and height. Remember, again, that the keyword here is temporary – a travel cot should never be used as a permanent replacement for a normal cot.
What Is A Travel Cot?
Put simply, a travel cot is a portable cot designed for temporary use when travelling, offering your child a comfortable place to sleep when you’re on vacation, visiting family, or away from home for any other reason.
Some travel cots are multifunctional and can be used as a playpen, changing mat, or time-out zone. They’re much smaller than normal cots as well, and most are able to fold down flat and can be stored in a carry bag.
However, travel cots are not designed to be a permanent replacement for traditional cots and should not be used for prolonged periods of time. This is because they are made from lightweight materials, do not feature a proper mattress, or have sides that are as safe as those on a normal cot.
Is It Safe For a Baby To Sleep In A Travel Cot For A Long Period Of Time?
It generally isn’t safe for a baby to sleep in a travel cot for a long period of time. One reason for this is that they aren’t made from the same durable, sturdy materials as normal cots, meaning they are more likely to develop wear and tear over a shorter period of time.
Similarly, the lightweight materials used to make travel cots mean that they have a much lower weight limit than normal cots. This can result in potential injury to your baby should the travel cot fail and collapse around them.
Another reason why a travel cot should not be used for a long period of time is because the mattress it comes with will not be suitable to support your baby’s body and joints as they grow. Some mattresses may also be ill-fitting, meaning that gaps can be created at the sides, which can pose a suffocation risk should a baby roll into them.
The sides on a travel cot also aren’t as sturdy as those on a normal cot, meaning there is an increased chance of it tipping if a baby or toddler attempts to climb out. This can result in some serious injuries.
As with all baby gear, there are certain safety features that are required to meet the Australian standard. You can view these here, along with travel cot models that have been recalled.
What Makes Travel Cots An Attractive Option To Parents?
Some parents find that travel cots are indispensable in their arsenal of baby gear when they are away from home. Here are a few reasons why:
Travel Friendly
Travel cots are much more travel-friendly than normal cots and are specifically designed for temporary use when you’re away from home. They are lightweight and portable, meaning that they can be easily moved around when needed, and as they fold flat, they can be neatly stored away when they aren’t in use. This makes them a great choice for parents who love going on vacation with their families and want to ensure their baby has a comfortable place to sleep.
Multifunctional
Many parents also love the multifunctionality that travel cots have to offer, making life away from home much easier. Features such as a convertible changing table and storage compartments mean you have to take less stuff with you, saving you space while you travel and when you reach your destination.
Safe, Temporary Solution
Travel cots are designed to be a safe, temporary solution for your baby to sleep comfortably when you’re away from home. Many have breathable mesh sides that ensure air is able to circulate around your baby while they sleep, while others have locking mechanisms that prevent accidental collapse. These things, along with other model-specific safety features, help give you peace of mind that your baby will sleep safely whether you’re camping or staying with family.
Easy To Assemble
One of the best things about travel cots is how easy they are to assemble and disassemble as needed, making them an excellent choice for parents who need a safe place for their baby to sleep when away from home. Many also come with handy storage bags that make it easier than ever to pack them away neatly when they aren’t in use.
It is very important to remember that while travel cots come with all of these benefits, they are only suitable for short-term, temporary use and should never be used as a replacement for a normal cot.
Why Aren’t Travel Cots Safe For Permanent Use?
There are a few reasons why you shouldn’t use a travel cot as a permanent alternative to a normal cot. These include:
Size And Weight Limits
Travel cots have a much smaller size and weight limit than standard cots, which poses a risk of collapsing as your child grows. This smaller size and weight limit also means that your child is likely to outgrow the cot much faster than a normal cot, so not only are travel cots less safe, they won’t last you as long.
Basic Mattress
A travel cot comes with a very basic mattress, and while it will be comfortable enough for short-term use, it won’t be able to support your baby’s head, growing muscles, bones, and joints while they sleep. Some may not fit snugly into the frame either, resulting in a risk of gaps forming at the sides. Should a baby roll into these gaps during their sleep, there’s an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) through suffocation.
Less Durability
As they are designed specifically for use with travel, the materials used to construct travel cots are lightweight and not as sturdy as those used in standard cots. In turn, this means that they won’t be able to offer as much durability or security for your child over time and will be much more susceptible to easy wear and tear.
Fewer Safety Features
A standard cot will have high rails, adjustable mattress heights, lockable sides, and various other features that ensure your child is as safe as possible while they are inside it. Travel cots don’t have as many safety features, and while they are able to provide a safe space for your child to sleep temporarily, the features they do have are basic and are not suitable for permanent use.
How Often Can I Use A Travel Cot?
You should only use a travel cot when you need to, and it should not be used as a permanent alternative to a proper cot. Occasional use when you’re away from home is absolutely fine, as this is what a travel cot is designed to provide you with. Likewise, if you’ve purchased a new cot to replace an old or broken one and need a temporary solution, a travel cot will be suitable.
Remember, however, that travel cots have size and weight limits that are much smaller than normal cots. So, whether you’re going on vacation or you need a temporary at-home solution, make sure you check the travel cot’s dimensions and ensure they are suitable for your child.
It’s also important that you check your travel cot for damage before you use it, especially if you’ve had it for a while and it has been well-used. The sides should be free of any rips or fraying, the frame should feel sturdy, and the locking mechanisms should still be working properly.
Make sure you check the mattress for signs of damage and to make sure it still feels comfortable, too. You’ll need to replace it directly with the manufacturer if it isn’t, or in some cases, replace the entire travel cot altogether.
What Are Some Other Alternatives To A Standard Cot?
There are some alternatives that can offer long-term use and guarantee your child’s safety if you’re looking for something a little different from a standard cot. These include:
- Cot Bed: A cot bed is essentially a convertible cot that has removable side and end panels and is safe to use from birth until your child reaches the age of five years old. Cot beds are an excellent long-term alternative to standard cots as they allow you to invest in just one piece of furniture for your child’s room, rather than having to move from a bassinet to a cot and then to a bed.
- Extendable Bed: Extendable beds are much like cot beds, but they can be adjusted in length as your child grows. Rails and panels can also be removed on an extendable bed, and depending on how much your child weighs, it may last them up until the age of five years old.
- Co-Sleeper: A co-sleeper is a great alternative to a cot for younger babies, and many are also convertible. This offers the safety of panels on three sides, leaving one side open to your mattress while you’re co-sleeping, and when your baby is old enough to sleep in their own room, you can convert it into a cot.
Again, it’s important to note here that travel cots are not a suitable long-term alternative to a traditional cot as they simply don’t have the necessary features or are durable enough to offer continuous, safe use.
Final Thoughts
While travel cots are ideal for temporary use when travelling, they should never be used as a permanent replacement for traditional cots. This is because they do not have the safety features needed for long-term use, nor are they made from materials that are durable enough to support your baby as they grow. A travel cot will do the trick if you’re in a pinch and need somewhere for your baby to sleep safely as a temporary measure, but you must invest in a normal coat or suitable cot alternative as soon as possible.