Can You Use A Travel Cot As A Permanent Bed?
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For parents who are on the go, a portable sleeping arrangement for the baby is essential. A travel cot is a versatile solution for many families needing a bed that can fold up and goes with them for travel purposes. But some find their travel cot so handy, they come to wonder if it’s okay to use it as a permanent bed for their baby.
You can use a travel cot as a permanent bed at home provided the cot is safe, secure, and in good condition. To ensure it’s safe, always follow safety guidelines, which include having a sturdy, strong frame and base on the cot, as well as a firm mattress.
Once your baby becomes accustomed to their particular bed, it is beneficial to pack it up and take it with you while vacationing, or even just for a day trip. The familiarity of the environment can make for more restful sleep and a happier baby and mom.
Can You Use a Travel Cot as a Permanent Bed?
A travel cot can be used as a permanent bed for your baby to help simplify a nursery. If you travel frequently, using a travel cot as a permanent bed helps maintain familiarity in your baby’s sleep routine.
Contrary to popular belief, getting your home ready to welcome a newborn doesn’t mean you need a lavishly decorated nursery, complete with a full-size crib and matching bedding.
Preparing your nest can be much simpler and scaled-down. For many moms, simplicity and practicality in getting your home ready can help make bringing the baby home more manageable and less stressful.
What Are the Advantages of Using a Travel Cot as a Permanent Bed?
The most enjoyed advantages of using a travel cot as a permanent bed are how versatile and cost effective they are. Travel cots are also very easy to clean and provide a safe and portable sleeping space for your little one.
Portability
One of the most important advantages to using your travel cot as a permanent bed is its mobility and ease of transport. You can solve the dilemma of where to put your baby to sleep when you take a road trip with a travel cot.
Because it is simple to disassemble, fold up and pack into a carry bag, you can transport it wherever you go, making bedtime and naptime a cinch. Travel cots are lightweight, easy to maneuver, and don’t take up too much space, so they are a perfect solution even in a hotel room.
Safety
As parents, safety, security, and comfort are top priorities when bringing a baby home and during the first few months and years of your child’s life. Travel cots provide all of these benefits and more since they are also versatile and mobile.
Sleeping on a too-soft surface can be hazardous for babies. Safety experts suggest that you should use a firm mattress without lining the cot with thick quilts and fluffy padding when using a travel cot.
As long as you meet these requirements, setting up your travel cot at home as a permanent bed for your baby is acceptable.
Familiarity
As your baby gets accustomed to their sleeping arrangements, it is advantageous to maintain that familiar sleep space so that you don’t have to encounter restless nights in a new and strange environment.
Using a travel cot at home and taking it on the road will allow your baby the comfort of sleeping in a bed they are accustomed to, no matter where you are.
Cost Effectiveness
You will find that many travel cots are less expensive than traditional cribs. Also, there is the added expense of accessories and bedding with ordinary cribs, which is not present with the travel cot. Overall, a travel cot is easier on the pocketbook and can help you save money.
Versatility
Many moms find travel cots are ideal for playtime as well as naptime. They can double as a safe play space for your baby wherever you happen to be. Furnished with your child’s favorite toys, the cot is a perfect spot to keep them safe and happy during the day as well.
Easy To Clean
Because a travel cot is often constructed from lightweight fabric, mesh, or quality plastic, it can be easily cleaned and sanitized after use. In addition, knowing your baby has their own space to sleep and play when traveling alleviates the concern about germs and hygiene.
What Are the Disadvantages of Using a Travel Cot as a Permanent Bed?
The biggest disadvantage of using a travel cot as a permanent bed is that it can be easily damaged. If a travel cot is mishandled or not properly maintained, it’s unlikely to serve as a long-term solution. Furthermore, mattresses on travel cots may be thin and need multiple replacements over time.
May Be Less Durable
Because travel cots are not as sturdy and long-lasting as traditional cribs, they are likely not to last as long as a crib will. Since many babies utilize a travel cot from 3 months to 5 years of age, you may find yourself needing to replace the cot occasionally if it becomes worn.
May Be Unsafe When Damaged
Another drawback of cots is that they may become a safety hazard once they sustain enough wear and tear from months of use.
A damaged or unstable cot would require replacement to keep the baby safe and secure.
Mattress May Need Replacement
You may find that the mattresses in many travel cots are thin and possibly uncomfortable for your baby. For this reason, you may need to purchase a new mattress to put into the cot. Replacing the mattress is an additional expense that you won’t encounter with other types of beds.
What Alternatives Are There Instead of Using a Travel Cot?
Instead of using a travel cot, there are alternatives to use including standard cribs, mini-cribs, and co-sleepers. You could also use convertible, portable, or multifunctional cribs. Each offers unique benefits to cater to your specific wants or needs.
Standard Cribs
Some new moms have their hearts set on purchasing a standard crib, which usually has four sides with slats. Though they can be attractive when decorated to match a well-furnished nursery, the main disadvantage of investing in this type of crib is that it is not mobile.
It is more challenging to get things done around the house with the standard crib while keeping an eye on your baby because the crib is not portable.
Mini Cribs
These cribs resemble standard cribs but are smaller and somewhat more portable, and they can be disassembled quickly and taken from room to room. They may be easy to put together and take apart and are ideal for smaller homes.
Co-sleepers
For the parent who wants to have their baby close at hand during the night, co-sleepers may be the way to go. They attach to an adult bed and make it easy to sleep next to your baby.
Using a co-sleeper makes feeding and changing them during the night less difficult.
Convertible/Evolutionary Cribs
These are sometimes referred to as a “crib for life.” You can reassemble convertible cribs into several different types of beds to fit the stages of your child’s life. The advantage of a convertible crib is that it is an investment you only make once that remains with your child for a long time.
Rather than purchasing new furniture as your child grows, you may use this type of bed for many years. However, the drawbacks of buying a convertible bed are that it can be rather expensive and difficult to assemble and disassemble.
Portable Baby Cribs
If you want a crib but desire the mobility of a travel cot, portable baby cribs may be for you. These cribs usually have wheels on the feet, making it easy to move from room to room. A safety brake is a must for portable cribs to keep them stable and prevent them from rolling around.
Multifunctional Cribs
These beds have other pieces of furniture built into them, for example, a changing table or chest of drawers. Using a multifunctional crib can help eliminate the need to purchase expensive furnishings for your baby’s room or your room.
Conclusion
If you are considering a bed for your baby that can be mobile, travel cots may be the best option for a bed for your baby because they are portable, inexpensive, and versatile. Most importantly, your baby will have a stable and familiar sleeping environment, whether at home or on the go.
If you’re ready to find one that’s perfect for you, check out this list of picks for the five best travel cots.