Twin Arc Travel Cot €115 Highs:This cot weighs just 2.6kg and folds up into a compact little bag, which could be packed easily into your hand luggage.
It is suitable from birth up to three years old and the geodesic tent design makes it stable and strong. It comes with pegs that can be attached securely to the ground, making it suitable for outdoor use (an optional sun shade costs extra) and it has a mosquito mesh.
Lows: The mattress seemed on the thin and hard side to PriceWatch, although babies probably won't be so fussy. While putting it up is simple (once you ignore the excessively complex instructions), slotting the last pole into place did require some strength.
Verdict: Good quality but pricey
Star rating: ****
Samsonite Pop Up Bubble €79
Highs: This won the assembly race by a country mile as we had it up and running in less than 30 seconds. Dismantling it took even less time. It weighs under 3kg and folds up smaller than the Twin Arc cot.
The mattress does take up more space but as a result is surprisingly soft. It is very good value and perfect for trips overseas.
Lows: It won't be so good to keep for regular use in the granny's house, however, and it will only fit babies up to 18 months old. Access is through the side, so smallies will spend their waking hours looking up at the mesh rather than at the stars or their parents.
Verdict: Excellent
Star rating: *****
Mamas & Pappas Vogue Travel Cot €89.99
Highs: This is a very sturdy, very big cot, which can be assembled and dismantled handily enough, without recourse to the instructions. You'll get years out of it and it doubles as a play-pen, which should give it a life outside of sleep time. We also liked the handy storage bag at the base of the coat.
Lows: The mattress was on the hard side, although a ventilated mattress is also available at a cost of around €35 if you plan to use this frequently. While it might be sturdy and big, it does weigh a fair bit and you might struggle through departures if you plan to bring this, as well as a child, on your two-week jaunt somewhere sunny.
Verdict: Good quality but heavy
Star rating: ***
Graco Contour Electra €149.99
Highs: This cot is pricey but comes with all manner of bells and whistles and should last for at least three years. It has a bassinet, which can be attached to the top for newborns. It also vibrates, plays music and has a nightlight and a toybar to entertain your child. We reckoned it was easily good enough to serve as a full-time cot, never mind the travelling.
Lows: And so it should, given the cost. While the toybar is a nice touch, we have to wonder if grey monochrome toys are what a child is really looking to see hanging from their cot? When removed from the box it had a worrying amount of parts and it took the longest to assemble.
Verdict: It will keep everyone busy
Star rating: ***
Amby Baby Hammock €222
Highs: This is absolutely brilliant and is highly recommended. Although it's not strictly speaking a travel cot, this swinging crib is considerably lighter than much of the competition and can be quickly folded up and brought almost anywhere. It's suitable for new-borns and will, the manufacturer promises, last until a child is two. It is easy to rock and also converts handily enough into a bouncy chair/swing. The makers claim it reduces colic and babies also look fierce cute when asleep in them.
Lows: It is dear, but it does remove the need for a pricey Moses basket and an extra travel cot. It may be hard to find in Ireland, although PriceWatch sourced it handily enough from a British-based website - delivery charges are extra.
Verdict: Fantastic, at home or abroad
Star rating: *****
