[sticky441]

I'm looking for a portacot to use for my little one (just 3 months). I THINK I want one with the bassinet level so its easy to get her in and out, but is it necessary?

I've come across the Valco Zephyr Portacot which seems pretty good - similar to the baby bjorn one but a fraction of the cost. I'm pretty keen on it too as there doesn't seem to be a weight limit, so the little one can use it for a while. BUT I'm just unsure of how hard it will be to get her in and out. AND if we have another baby later, if I should get one with a bassinet level.

Has anyone tried this or the baby bjorn? In particular with young babies, and how did you go? Would you recommend it, or more suitable when they are say 6 months plus?

Thank you!

[Tilly007]

I used the Baby Bjorn from birth and it was fantastic. Didn't need a bassinet level.

[Mo2k]

Like you I did consider the zephyr as it looked the same to me. I went to a shop which stocked both that and the baby bjorn and the zephyr is definitely inferior. It just didn't seem stable to me at all so I went with baby bjorn.

To me it depends on why you need one. I need to cart mine around regularly by car so love that it folds up so small and is so easy to put up and take down (whihc I have to do a lot as take it with me when visiting family and friends for the day).

With flying you do get to take the cot with you for free I believe so for me it was more the ease of travelling to and from airport and cutting down on baggage. If I needed to use it for weeks at a time though I may have considered a standard portacot with additional mattress as to me they look flatter and are bigger for toddlers.

I am however very pleased with my choice and have used it since baby was about a month or so.

[Tigerdog]

I don't know that it matters how easy it is to get them in and out if you're only using it for short periods of time (which is all you're supposed to use them for). I had my DS1 in one for 6 months and I did find that reaching down over the sides constantly to resettle was very hard on my back. If the baby doesn't transfer easy in and out of the cot when asleep would also make it harder if you had to reach right down low to put them in as the baby may wake while doing this.

This post has been edited by Tigerdog: 21/01/2013, 03:48 PM

[sticky441]

Thanks everyone. Its only to use at my parents every now and then, so not a regular use at all which is why I wasn't really keen on spending the money on a baby bjorn.

If I went with a regular portacot (the ones with the bassinet level), any recommendations?

[Escapin]

We just bought one from the Salvos for $10.... So if it's only going to be used occassionally, I'd consider a second hand one!

[her mum]

We used a Bruin brand one from Toys R Us and it has been brilliant.

It was used for day sleeps every day from when dd was about 5 months til she was 1 as I found it easier to have her near me than up in her room. It's also used for visits to grandparents and has been used on holiday on a few occasions.

It has a bassinette level which I would reccomend, and also has a change mat attachment, however this was a bit fiddly and we rarely bothered other than when on holidays.

It is very sturdy and easy to set up and also locks really well. DD is nearly 2 now and it still looks brand new despite having been used a lot for a portacot. It folds up well, and you can also use the wheels when folded to make it easier to move around.

[Shooz]

We just got a cheapie from target. But it's worth buying a portable cot mattress as the bases can be quite firm. I think we got a 'love n care' folding travel cot mattress from pram warehouse. Makes it much more comfy for bubs. I also don't think you should worry too much about ease of putting baby in and out in a cot you will use occasionally.

[sticky441]

Are the portable cot mattresses safe? I've read things about increasing the risk of SIDS when you add a mattress in there?

[Madnesscraves]

I picked up one from baby bunting for $59. Works well no issues for me.