4 month old and hotel cot

[Mushroo]

We’re going on our first family holiday soon and the hotel provides a cot.

However, my understanding is that babies shouldn’t use secondhand mattresses.

Do people generally use the hotel cots? I don’t own a travel cot so would need to buy one and it would use a large part of our luggage allowance.

The hotel is a 5 star resort aimed at families (IKOS).

Should I take my own travel cot?

We’ve travelled abroad 3 times with our 5 month old. I co-sleep when the bed is big enough. When it’s not, she sleeps in her flat pram with a clean sheet. Much easier to take a spare sheet or 2 than a travel cot. I just make share she doesn’t go out in the day on the same sheet as she sleeps on.

She sleeps fantastically either way!

All the best advice is on the Lullaby Trust website https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice/safer-sleep-basics/clear-cot/
I have personally used hotel/accommodation/family or friends provided travel cots when away with babies and followed safe sleep guidance.
Not sure what type of pram you’re taking, but if with a bassinet then that could be used for baby to sleep in when away.

I’ve used a hotel cot for my son and I didn’t have any issues. It might not be ideal to use a second hand mattress but if it’s only for a holiday I don’t see the issue really. Just continue to follow safe sleep guidance as much as possible and don’t have any toys, loose sheets etc in the cot.

I'm at a ikos hotel atm and the travel cot we're using (provided by the hotel) is in very good condition so I wouldn't worry about it.

@GetUpStandUp4 thats reassuring thank you!

I just can’t decide if I’m being a bit precious first born, or if it’s genuine issue and most people take their own travel cots.

Such a minefield!

I took a travel cot mattress with us and used it on top of the one provided so it was more comfortable. It either went in the suitcase or in the bag with the car seat.

You don’t need to take your own travel cot in a five star hotel. My children always used the Hotel travel cot and it really isn’t an issue. They don’t give you stained mattresses from a smoking room.

everyone at ikos is so friendly and accommodating. if you had any issues with one, they'd provide another in a heartbeat. wouldn't suprise me if they sent someone to buy a new one for you either!

The advice against second hand is, I think, to avoid second hand smoke, and in case it’s so old it’s no longer firm and flat. Neither are likely to be an issue in a hotel room.

Thank you! I feel much better.

We’ve bought a portable bassinet for use around the pool so have that as a back up, but sounds like the hotel cot will be fine

Honestly … I bought my own after a friend posted pictures on Facebook of her dogs enjoying the airbnb travel cot. I’ve heard of other people doing this too. Like others have said though 5 star hotel it’s probably going to be fine.

It’s probably very unlikely we will get a travel cot that someone has used for a pet bed but still. We stayed in a cottage a few weeks ago and I really regret not taking our travel cot as the one there was old and in really poor condition.

Fair point re unregulated airbnbs. However, 5* hotel definitely won’t be like that!