We are looking at getting a portacot but not sure which one to get. Does anyone have any recommendations? The things we would like it to have are:
Easy to travel with (including overseas, as DP's family are all over in NZ).
Have a nappy change table
Be relatively easy to setup and pack up (as we also stay overnight in a lot of places over the weekend
Maybe an option to also have it as a play pen for when bub is awake but we can't have them crawling around.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!!
We looked at one in Kmart the other day, and when some other parents helped us work out how it folded up, we couldn't figure out how to get it open again. Probably user fault, and as I think I read on the other portacot thread, once you've done it a few times its easy, I just don't want to spend 5-10 minutes trying to pack it up.
I just have an ordinary "standard" type portacot (it was from Aldi) It has a change table part (and bassinette) - but I have never used it. YOu could use as playpen - it is big enough and folds to usual size.
It is easy to set up and put down - the trick seems to be (for ours and a few others I have seen) is that you push the base down LAST - you lock all the sides in place (ie straight) THEN push the bottom down. To pack up - push the button on the base and pull up - then collapse the sides. HTH
We have a Steelcraft 4-in-1. We bought it to use as a bassinette in our room while DD was small, I didnt see the point of buying an actual basinette as they grow out of them to fast, and we use the portacot out and about to death now. DD was in the basinette until 4mths when she went into her room and new cot.
I think maybe the change table can only be used with the basinette level attached, but dont quote me just check that out. And the change table and basinette does not go in the travel bag with the cot and once you set them up they are not easy to pull apart, but again this could be different with other brands.
Its one of the easiest to set up that I have used, and there is some doozies out there that even the most experienced portacotta will have arguments with. Controlfreaks right, you need to leave the base puller raised right up in the air as you click the sides up, same with putting down. Some locks on the sides are more difficult to use then others.
It is heavier than alot of ones though because it is a bigger cot and very solid. You will see the difference in sizes when they are all lined up together, so check out the weight limits for each one as well.
I have a cheap one from Big w, its lasted 5 years since DD1 was born and is still going strong. Its easy to fold up, un fold and carry around. its average weight and it really is tough (it had my DF in it with DD2 a few weeks back.) It doesnt have the change table bit because i found it easier to throw a blanket down and change the girls on that rather then have to lug around another piece of equipment. Mine is the same as the others to put up, sides lock first then you push the base down and it all pulls tight then to fold up i just pull on the tag in the centre of the base, it pops up and then i push the buttons on all 4 sides to collapse them. Super easy and it comes everywhere with us cause we travel alot.
I have 4 yes you read that right 4 none of mine have the bassinet/change area though
but no way would I be travelling too NZ with one, they can be heavy buggers and I imagine they would cost a bit to travel with...thats my thought
anyway I have 2 love/n/care ones both from baby store, the matress is a lot thicker still a lot harder than a cot though, and other 2 are child care brand one is actually a lot smaller than the other 3 but perfect for using at IL's due to limited space etc
if you do want to spend the $ I have heard the phil and ted one is quite light for travellign also packs up way smaller than normal sized ones, it is very low to ground though...
as for set up it just takes a few goes .. and it will seem like 2nd nature its just like a pram hard at first them boom you can do it with eyes closed and most can be set up in under a min if ya know what to do
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and most can be set up in under a min if ya know what to do
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