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Original poster

Would you use a holiday let property's own travel cot?

27 replies

GruffaIo · 15/04/2018 13:30

We are in the process of kitting out a holiday let in the UK. I'm also pregnant with my first DC, so don't feel especially knowledgeable about babies!

One of the management companies we talked to suggested buying a travel cot for the property. But I was worried that as the mattress would be used by different babies (even with a waterproof cover), there would be an increased SIDS risk - www.lullabytrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/fact-sheet-mattresses-bedding-and-cots.pdf (see advice on second page about second hand mattresses).

So I thought we wouldn't provide a travel cot. Am I worrying too much about SIDS? Or would people expect a travel cot, so should I buy one anyway? We've bought Ikea's well-reviewed hard plastic high chair (for hygiene purposes - different babies) and, if there are other baby / toddler 'must haves', let me know and we can get them too; I just don't want to provide anything that I'd feel uncomfortable using myself (such as a mattress used by other babies). Thanks for your thoughts!

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

CottonSock · 15/04/2018 13:32

Just get one. They are not expensive. I always line the bottom with towels or blankets. They are not a proper mattress

mummyandmeguru · 15/04/2018 13:33

Hi Gruffalo

We've often used travel cots provided by holiday lets or hotels. It's never occurred to me not to, which is not to minimise the validity of the point you make, which is a good one just not one I've considered.

I'd be inclined to provide one but it's up to the renter whether they wish to use it or not. We have a holiday let and provide a couple for use if desired.

Happy letting!

CottonSock · 15/04/2018 13:34

A stair gate is very useful. A few bits of plastic cutlery, cups etc. A small step. A potty is an extra bonus (and cheap). Changing mat maybe. Don't need to spend much to increase parent appeal. A cheap baby monitor also very helpful. Mine is a £20 Tomy one

Original poster

GruffaIo · 15/04/2018 13:41

Thanks for the replies! Sounds like I should just get one then, and worry a bit less. I have got some plastic cutlery, cups, etc. But the other suggestions are also really helpful - all things I'd probably think of if I'd had to try to cope on holiday with a baby!

OP posts:

EllenJanethickerknickers · 15/04/2018 13:44

All good suggestions, especially plastic beakers! The risk of SIDS is much higher for very small babies. My DSs used travel cots up until they were 2!

moreismore · 15/04/2018 13:46

Yes I’ve used travel cots in rentals and we used to have a holiday let and provided one there. I’d consider a high chair too-one of the Ikea antelop ones ideal as cheap and easy to clean

MorelloKisses · 15/04/2018 13:49

I know a step has been mentioned but also a child loo seat. Ikea again.

FleurDelacoeur · 15/04/2018 13:52

I've always used travel cots provided by holiday lets - it's brilliant not to have to bring your own. I'd usually just take a sheet to put round the mattress and never had any problem.

In fact, once our youngest had outgrown their travel cot, we gave it to a friend who was kitting out a holiday house so it has probably been slept in by dozens of babies.

danTDM · 15/04/2018 13:59

We provide two! Always used by renters.
Also same highchair as you, few books DD outgrew and lego/things like that.

TheCumbrian · 15/04/2018 13:59

I think I saw mentioned somewhere on another thread very recently that the concerns about different mattresses and SIDS have been reviewed/withdrawn recently and that advice has changed to say that they just need to be in good condition and dry with tight fitting sheets.

Anyway, we have a travel cot in our holiday let. We've no idea who actually uses it and who brings their own set up aside from a few people that ask for it to be set up prior to them arriving (e.g if it's going to be late evening when they get there). It doesn't have a mattress so I assume people are putting their own blankets/towels etc in it if they want to make it a bit more comfortable.

I would say most of the likely travel cot users we have are babies and toddlers who are older than six months. We do get a few parents with younger babies but I suspect they make their own sleeping arrangements anyway, either co-sleeping or in a pram/bassinet type thing.

Other than that the only baby related thing we provide is a high chair.

danTDM · 15/04/2018 13:59

Oh, and a cheap pushchair. 20euros.

gamerchick · 15/04/2018 14:01

I always lined the bottom to pad it out anyway. Those mattresses are thin. They’re handy to have;

MrsLemonadeBrain · 15/04/2018 14:04

Cheapo buggy from your local gumtree/car boot/Facebook sellingpage or marketplace?
Doesn’t have to cost any more than 15 quid.
Good luck with your venture and you pregnancy x

DairyisClosed · 15/04/2018 14:04

We've done this. Travel cot mattresses are nothing like normal mattresses. We always took moses basket for babies under six months anyway because they slept better that way but for toddlers we would expect a travel cot to be provided.

Original poster

GruffaIo · 15/04/2018 14:43

I can see I've got lots to buy! I'm not sure a cheap buggy would cope with the local paths, so I'll have to think about what might be possible.

Thanks so much for all the suggestions - obviously, I should have asked here before, rather than trying to guess.

OP posts:

SoyDora · 15/04/2018 14:47

Yes we would (and have). When I went away with my newborn we took the Moses basket. When they were older I was happy to use a travel cot provided.

viques · 15/04/2018 14:51

OP what about a cold water sterilising kit for bottles? A pain to pack and bring your own, much easier to just bring the bottles and sterilising stuff.

Buglife · 15/04/2018 14:55

I would never expect to find a buggy in a holiday let as I’d bring my own, I would definitely want to have a travel cot with sheets and blanket that can fit, and a high chair, children’s plates, cups and cutlery. A step and child loo seat would be fab but not a deal breaker. The lullaby trust now specify that a waterproof surface is most important to avoid moisture in the mattress and travel cost have them so I wouldn’t worry about using one.

I’d be very happy to find a stairgate if I had a toddler. DS is fine on stairs now but it would have worried me a year ago. Maybe even two for bedroom at night and the bottom of the stairs.

Don’t feel you have to kit it out beyond the things that are very bulky to travel with, we don’t tend to drive long distances by car as we’d rather get the train, and have stayed in cities in Europe where we wouldn’t rent a car so just bits you wouldn’t be able to carry with luggage would be fine for me. I wouldn’t be bothered if there were no toys etc as you’d have to get quite a spread for different age ranges which is a bit much for you! Just maybe as a PP said chuck some in when your baby outgrows them if you want.

elefunk · 15/04/2018 16:04

Previous place of work, many guests regularly requested a travel cot.

VileyRose · 16/04/2018 10:37

I always use the one provided

Justanotherzombie · 16/04/2018 10:40

I’ve no problem using the one provided. Not too delighted if it looks a bit grubby, same as if anything in a rental looks grubby that we need to use. But baby wipes are your friend.

People are scared of everything these days. I don’t know how we function.

CapnHaddock · 16/04/2018 10:42

I don't know whereabouts you are but we stayed in a holiday cottage once that had a 3 wheeler buggy with pneumatic wheels that you could use on the beach. It was absolutely brilliant as our buggy was hopeless.

That sort of information (about rough paths) is a really useful thing to send out in advance holiday information. I've just had a brilliant email from the people we're renting from over half term which details what I don't need to bring (washing up liquid, dishwasher tabs, swimming towels etc) which is supremely useful.

Caterina99 · 18/04/2018 05:50

Yes I’ve used a travel cot in a holiday let. I take my own sheet and pad it out with a blanket if the mattress is too hard (like they all are). A high chair would be brilliant too.

I wouldn’t expect a buggy. I’d definitely bring my own. Some plastic bowls etc would be great. Ikea ones are really cheap and good. A step stool is handy for my toddler. Some random toys and books if you’re feeling generous but not essential.

Nightlights that plug into sockets? Was really pleased to find one of them on our recent trip as I forgot to pack one and they’re handy with little kids, and in fact anyone in a strange location

welshcake82 · 18/04/2018 06:24

Hi,
It is brilliant to have a travel cot when staying away. I don't think parents of very tiny babies would use them and its for the parents themselves to decide on mattress/sids issues. And as pps have said, travel cot mattresses aren't really like other mattresses, they're just a thin, hard layer.

Other things which would be useful IMO, highchair (definitely), stair gates and also socket covers. These are super cheap and really handy when you have an investigative toddler!

gussiefox · 18/04/2018 06:54

Might be worth you having a look at laymyhat.com - lots of great advice on there and also some links to FB groups which advertise child friendly property. Good luck!

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