Portable cots

Hasn’t the range of portable cots increasing over the years?

There are many portable cots on the market ranging from under $100 to many hundreds of dollars.

Portable cots are designed for short term use and not as the baby’s main sleeping arrangement and only for baby’s up to 15 kg.

There is an Australian Standard that applies to portable cots – AS/NZS 2195.

This means that all folding cots are now covered by a set standard such as the folding mechanism is secure, ensuring no gaps that could trap a child’s head, the mattress is safe and that the cot has adequate warnings about safe use.

When you are choosing a travel cot or port-a-cot or portable cot (whatever you call it) it comes down to how much you travel, the space you have and the transport you’re using when deciding which the best cot is.

There are some important factors to take into consideration.

There are a multitude of various port-a-cots on the market from tent like ones which fold into a small bag to ones that rock the baby, to 3 in 1 varieties which can be used as a change table, bassinet and cot etc.

Choosing a portable cot comes down to your individual purpose and amount of times you will use it as to which one is the best for you and your baby’s needs.

When travelling there is so much to take. The pram, clothes, nappy bag and all the necessities can make for a very cumbersome trip.

• The comfort factor- look at the padding it provides and the support it offers.
• The room for growth- how long can you use it and/or what ages will it easily cater for?
• How often are you going to use it? Will you get your value for money?
• Do they have wheels for easy transport?
• The weight.
• Are there any storage compartments?
• Does it cater specifically for newborns with a bassinet section? Is this something that you need?
• Do you need any extras? Some have rocking motions, etc. Is this a need of yours?
• The bulkiness of it and the size.

• If you are buying a second hand cot then these features may not have been standard for it to adhere to before so it is always best to check that they do meet standards. Also ensure that it is in good condition and preferably comes from a smoke free home.
• The cot should have two locking mechanisms to prevent accidental collapse and closure. They should clearly mark the locked position.
• There should be nothing sticking out or any sharp edges and nothing that can trap any part of the baby’s body.
• If the cot has fasteners like Velcro for example, for the base to be secured to the cot, then you need to check that they are long enough.
• If the cot has any type of wheels then they need to also then have some sort of braking system.
• Make sure that the base doesn’t sag when weight is put on it.
• That it is an approved portable cot that complies with the standard.
• Follow the manufacturers recommendations such as the weight limit, etc .
• They must have permanent warnings and safety information that is easy to see when setting up the portable cot.
• When no mattress is fitted the vertical distance from the top of the base to the top of the edge of the lowest side or end of the cot must be a minimum of 550 mm and when a mattress is fitted 500 mm.
• If the portable cot has a upper level, which is designed as a bassinet or change table, then the distance from the top of the base to the top of the edge of the lowest side or end of the cot with or without a mattress fitted should be a minimum of 250 mm.
• The same safe sleeping guidelines apply with a portable cot as with a standard cot such as not adding in pillows, toys, sleep on back, etc.
• Keep portable cots clear of curtains and blind cords, heaters, windows, etc.

• How easy it is to assemble and fold up, that it is not too heavy and preferably it would have a carry bag. Some models are heavier in their bases and therefore are a bit more difficult to lift.
• The mesh sides should provide good ventilation and allow you to easily see the baby.
• If there is any additional storage and where it is placed— out of reach of the baby?
• What are (if any) the extras, such as does it come with a mosquito net? Does it come with a fitted sheet? Does it come with a bassinet part for a newborn? Does it come with a change table part as well? Some even come with their own baby mobile, a built in rocking system and so on.