Baby Bjorn Travel Cot / Crib Review

When Maddy was born almost 7 years ago, we bought a “Porta Cot” to use for holidays and to make nap time easier when visiting friends and family. I finally got rid of it last year – never ONCE did I set it up or pack it up. It was way too hard – too heavy, too complicated, and I was paranoid about getting my fingers caught in one of the thousand little latch bits.

That old porta cot is a world away from the most amazing Travel Cot that I have ever seen. The Baby Bjorn Travel Cot will Blow. Your. Mind.

The Travel Cot weighs just 5kg! That means no breaking backs heaving it in and out of the car. In fact, Maddy (6) and Fred (4) can easily move it from room to room or into the car. It takes up hardly any space, so it’s great to be able to take it with you “just in case”.

But by far the most unique and gob-smacking feature is how quickly you can set it up. Seriously AH-Mazing. Have you ever been on a road trip? You know when you’ve been driving all day, the sun is setting, the kids are tired and cranky, you finally find a motel to stay in, and just about crash through the door carrying all the luggage? Well how would you feel if I told you that you could get your baby or toddler into their own bed in less than 30 seconds? No kidding – this is pure genius!

I wondered how I could best show you this fabulousness in photos, but then Maddy offered to shoot a video, and who am I to knock back her creative initiative. Have a look at this!

Have you ever seen anything like it???

Another thing that I love is that the fabric which surrounds baby is soft on sensitive skin, but it also shields from any drafts or chills. The middle section made of mesh is perfect to be able to keep an eye on Lucy without disturbing her.

One of the key safety features of the cot is the rigid board backing of the mattress which prevents it from being tipped over. But the mattress itself is really well padded. Lucy loves just lying there looking up – she goes into a state of zen meditation! In fact, she is so happy in there, I have started popping her in the cot if I have to run to the bathroom, or bring in the washing. I love knowing that she is safe, and isn’t playing with anything she shouldn’t or putting nasty stuff in her mouth.

The legs are secured in place so there are no concerns with the poles slipping out of place.

It’s a fantastic size and is suitable for newborns up until around 3 years old.

Measurements
Mattress: 24 x 41 x 4 in/60 cm x 105 cm x 4 cm.
Inside, bottom: 32 x 44 x 24 in/82 cm x 112 cm x 60 cm.
Folded: 19 x 24 x 6 in/60 cm x 49 cm x 14 cm.

If you are using it regularly, you can even fold it up with a sheet on the mattress so it is ready to go. You can purchase a fitted organic cotton sheet separately (RRP$39.95) but I have found that standard cot sheets can do the trick just as well. The mattress simply wraps around the folded frame, and packs back easily into the storage bag.

Oh and I just have to tell you about one of my favourite parts. You know how easy it is to lose the instructions? And just when you really really need them, they are no-where to be found??? The clever people at Baby Bjorn put a special little sleeve INSIDE the bottom of the bag, so you will NEVER lose them. How’s that for thinking!

So if you are heading off for a long week-end or the school holidays – the Baby Bjorn Travel Cot is one of my MUST HAVE baby products. And given that this investment will last you for around three years, it’s essential that you purchase a travel cot that is easy to use, and comfortable for your baby.

The Travel Cot retails for $395.