Transferring a sleeping baby into a travel cot tips!

[A0792]

Hello mums! This is my first post so please be kind.

My son is 9 months old. I can put him in his cot awake for naps, but for bedtime and overnight, I need to transfer him when he’s asleep.

My issue is with travel cots. The bassinet section usually is for babies who are max 9kg (he is around 9.5kg) so I wouldn’t be able to use it. The problem is that I can’t transfer him without waking him if I don’t use that section, as the cot is basically on the ground and the sides are too high.

I’m wondering if anyone else has had this problem or has any solutions?

Thank you!

Buy the littlelife tent travel cot which unzips at the side. Vastly easier than every other travel for around and lighter to carry too.

@A0792 its not perfect but trying putting them down on their side- they tend to wake up less than if you put them flat.
it is definitely worth working on putting down awake for nights as that does make it easier but that in itself is easier said than done.

If they've just fallen asleep, wait as long as possible before moving them. The longer they've been asleep the less likely they are to wake up. I used to wait 20 mins

Things to try-
-put them down bum first,
-try keeping holding eg a hand on their chest for a while to resettle after putting them down before stepping away,
-develop some sleep associations with certain music, white noise, red night lights etc so if they stir they have that going on to lull them back off again,
-let them fall asleep on you next to and in same alignment to where they'll be sleeping in the cot and put eg a mobile on ceiling above so it all looks familiar if they open their eyes briefly on transfer.
Good luck!

I’ve had exactly the same issue on a recent trip with my then 9 month old who I also transfer to bed asleep.

What worked best for me is once the baby is asleep walk up to the cot and swing your leg into the cot. So if baby is lying with his head on your right arm or shoulder, swing your left leg into the cot and then it’s a lot easier to bend down into the cot and lower the baby down gently without it being too awkward.

The travel cots we had on holiday were directly on the floor, and not raised in anyway, so this might not work so well if there is a slight raise.

Yes, my DH looked at my like I was crazy when he saw my approach, but I’m 5”3 and it’s hard when you’re short!

@parietal I was complaining to DH about why they don’t make travel cots with zip sides! What a game changer.

Thank you so much!! Such a great idea

Thank you!! It’s more the issue that I can’t put him all the way down, sideways or not as I can’t reach over the side of the cot. I think I must have very little flexibility!

I was wondering about this! Can I ask which cot you have?

Sorry we were staying in a combination of hotels and with friends so just used what was to hand.

Although at one of our friends we used a cot like this one: https://www.robertdyas.co.uk/tutti-bambini-cozee-go-oakcharcoal

However this must be a new version because this one has a side zip access (which the one we used didn’t)

Instead of holding baby in your arms, keep his weight on your hands/wrists. It means you have less to shift as you lower him, so there's less disruption for him. And move very slowly.

Obviously this isn't as good for your joints, but as I assume this is for holidays and not the norm then it will be fine for a few days. Not fun, but worth it for an easier transfer.