Travel with Children - how to pack a travel cot (pack'n'play)

Despite us now having three kids, it's the first time we've had to take a cot with us on a plane.

So, the question is, how should I go about packing it up?

It's a GRACO travel cot that comes with a cover, although this is designed to let the wheels/feet poke out one end.

I'm thinking I just buy some heavy duty polythene bags and tape it into that. Any better ideas?

Thanks

Tony

This is for gate-checking the P&P, right? You might want to look into a padded bag.

Is there any way you can avoid bringing it? I travel a lot with three kids and so far, we haven't ever had to drag ours' along. We've managed between borrowing, using the hotels or even just throwing a mattress on the floor. Give it a thought because it is a real pain to take along because of the bulk.

Someone gave a recommendation for a Bjorn product. They make lousey baby carriers but other Bjorn products are quite good.

http://www.babybjorn.co.uk/products/sleep/travel-cot-light-/babybjorn-travel-cot-light/

There is a video on the subject of travel with babies that is helpful. The link is on the right under the picture of the stroller on this page:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FFS9VM/ref=s9_simh_gw_p75_d3_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1V3WT54HN8SHNW71Y03G&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846
But the Pack N' Play should not be taken on the plane - it should be in the possession of the person where the baby is staying since it cannot be used on the plane and is not appropriate as luggage. It should not get through security as it is not needed to get to the plane and should not be gate checked. Why not send it ahead as freight or simply order one on-line and have it delivered to the destination. There are some very cheap ones that can do the job and you won't have to carry it - throw it away at the end of the trip if there is no one to give it to.

I am a huge fan of the PeaPod Plus (http://www.kidco.com/main.taf?p=4,5). My kids LOVE it. But if you need something more cribish, you might want to check out the GoCrib (http://www.guavafamily.com/).

Good luck!

I am a huge fan of the PeaPod Plus (http://www.kidco.com/main.taf?p=4,5). My kids LOVE it. But if you need something more cribish, you might want to check out the GoCrib (http://www.guavafamily.com/).

Good luck!

i agree with this poster

Have you thought of buying one and having it shipped to you at your destination? You can get one for $65 on Amazon, shipped free using Amazon Mom. When you return home you could just leave it behind, maybe the hotel can use it, maybe not, but by then it's not your problem.

We did this and bought this one;

http://www.amazon.com/Graco-Pack-Playard-Bassinet-Lively/dp/B002TUTP28/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1303756880&sr=1-1

If this is Graco playpen then it folds quite nicely and should fit in the overhead quite easily. If you feel that the cover it comes with is not enough I would just use one or two trash bags and some tape.
If you prefer, hardware stores sell heavy duty large polyethylene bags - we used those to wrap and gate check a large stroller.