7 Steps to Getting the Right Toddler Travel Bed for Your Child
Do you like to travel with your child – but you are concerned with their comfort and safety when it comes to bed time when you are away from home? Maybe it is a simple overnight trip to the grandparent’s home. They have the old second-hand crib – but how safe is it? Or how about at a hotel – how safe and reliable is the crib that they quickly setup for your son or daughter? Maybe now is the time to consider a toddler travel bed for your child.
Safety and comfort is number 1 at all times when it comes to your child – and even more so when travelling with you son or daughter. Have you ever had that one night when your child cries all night – and you just know it is a result of them sleeping in an uncomfortable bed? How about getting to a hotel room and you see the crib they have set up for your son or daughter – and there is absolutely no way that you will be placing them in there to sleep – not clean – not safe – and so on. You may be ready for a toddler travel bed. There are many good quality beds to choose from – but how do you decide on the one that is the best option for your family. Read our 7 tips to help clarify your decision.
1. Look for a bed that is light to carry. When on the go with your child there is always lots of gear to take along. A lightweight travel bed helps to make it easier when on the go. Stay away from the heavy monsters – get a bed that weighs less than three kg. (that’s under six pounds).
2. Compact in size. Whether you are off on a 2 week trip to Europe or just an overnight to grandma’s all of your gear has to be compact to fit into your trunk, or to check in on a plane. Make sure that the travel bed you select can be easily packed away (in its own travel pack). The bed when collapsed should be smaller than 60 x 20 x 20 (centimeters) or in inches 24 x 8 x 8.
3. No hassle set up and put away process. Speed and simplicity are the keys when setting up or putting away your toddler travel bed. You arrive at your destination – your child is tired – you don’t want to struggle to get the bed set up. You want a bed that one person can handle on their own for set up and for putting it away in its travel pack. The bed you get for your child should be easily set up in less than one minute or so, and it should be put away in a similar amount of time.
4. Simple and quick access to your toddler. If your child needs you in the middle of the night you want to be able to easily reach into the bed to pick them up or to pat their back. The bed you decide on should have a way for you to quickly get to your child – usually with a side panel that can be lowered by a quick zip of a zipper.
5. Mesh panels for good air flow. When travelling the room your child may be sleeping in may be stuffy. Choosing a bed with mesh panels on the side will maximize the amount of air circulating past your child helping to keep your son or daughter comfortable during their sleep-time.
6. Comfortable and light mattress – you want your toddler to be comfortable and you also want to have a lightweight bed. Make sure that the portable bed that you purchase has a comfortable foam mattress.
7. Guarantees and returns. A toddler travel bed is an investment in your child’s comfort, safety, and happiness. You want to make your purchase with confidence. Look for a bed that has a lifetime warranty. And make sure that it can be returned to the retailer with no hassles if it just isn’t right for your family.
A toddler travel bed is an excellent piece of baby gear for families with babies under the age of 3 years old. Keeping these 7 tips in mind when you purchase a toddler travel bed will ensure that the one you decide on will be a good fit for your family.