Fisher-Price has been producing baby products for generations and the Fisher-Price Rainforest Travel Cot was developed not only to comply to the necessary standards but also to meet the company’s own stringent requirements. The aim was to make it one of the strongest and most reliable travel cots available.
Having previously used a more basic and slightly uninspiring model, which cost less than £25, we were delighted to see that Kasper, already a fan of other Fisher-Price Rainforest items, seemed to feel immediately more secure in this brightly coloured, sturdy option that featured all his familiar jungle friends.
Each feature designed to create a ‘jungle paradise’ for your baby also has a practical use aimed at mums and dads. For example, the mobile with six soothing songs, adjustable volume and a gentle light show also has a soft night-light on the mobile arm that we used to check on Kasper without disturbing him. You will need to get 4 x AA batteries for the mobile.
The cot is suitable from birth to a maximum weight of 13.6kg (30lb) or height limit of 86.4cm (34in) tall (whichever comes first).
What we love
Many other travel cots on the market are very plain in design but the Fisher-Price Rainforest Travel Cot really is fun but functional at the same time.
The padded mattress has a fantastic jungle mural printed on it and is made of a wipe-clean material. It also fits very securely onto the bottom of the cot.
The nappy organiser, which attaches to the side, is useful too, although I removed it at night in case Kasper’s little hands managed to get hold of something they shouldn’t.
The two wheels are also a great feature. Since returning from our trip, I’ve used the cot as a playpen because I can easily manoeuvre it around the house so Kasper can watch me while I prepare his food or get on with some chores.
The real test of any good travel cot though has to be how easy it is to put up and fold away. I managed to get the Fisher-Price Rainforest Travel Cot ready on my own within 1 minute! The instructions were simple and straightforward to follow and the joints click into place securely, which left me confident everything was in place as it should be.
Putting the Fisher-Price Rainforest Travel Cot away again was just as easy. I was particularly impressed that the instructions were not only printed in a booklet, but also on the bottom of the cot so they’re always there to refer to when out and about.
What to watch out for
Although I thought the mobile was really cute and fun, it can only be used until your baby begins to push up on hands and knees for safety reasons. This means you probably won’t get much use out of it. A simple improvement would be to make the mobile element detachable, leaving a base unit that can be safely left on for older babies to enjoy listening to the music. This would also mean that the useful nightlight could continue to be used long after your baby’s outgrown the mobile feature.
Disappointing too was the fact that I could not seem to store the mobile with the cot in the carry case. It came together in the box but once it was assembled, it was too big to squeeze back in, which would make it a bit awkward when it comes to packing. Actually removing the mobile arm from the side of the cot was quite tricky, and I required my husband’s brute strength to get it off.
Who is the Fisher-Price Rainforest Travel Cot best for?
Families keen on taking their baby away often and from a very young age.
The Fisher-Price Rainforest Travel Cot is a top-end of the market travel cot packed with practical features and fun elements for your baby. However, it’s only worth paying the premium if you intend to use it often from birth or regularly as a playpen.
