If I was looking for a cheap, easy and hassle-free travel cot for occasional use, I would definitely recommend this to friends, but I would also recommend they buy another mattress, as the one included isn’t very comfortable. Despite this, as one of the cheapest travel cots on the market, The Red Kite is excellent value for money.
I am a mum of two. I have an 11-month-old son, Barnaby, and a 2.5 year old daughter, Alannah. I tested out the product during a family trip to Devon.
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What were your first impressions of the Red Kite Sleeptight travel cot?
I really like the sleek black bag it arrives in. It's lightweight and easy to carry. I also like the fact that the cot is black, which means it won't look dirty along the top edges after sticky little fingers and mouths have been touching it. The Red Kite travel cot is very light and compact.
What was it like to assemble, and how long did it take?
Once you know what you're doing, it's incredibly easy to assemble. In fact, it's so simple there wasn't even an instruction booklet, although there are a few instructions written on the inside of the cot. You simply pull up the shorter side-bars first and click into place. It’s essential you do this before you push the bottom down, otherwise they won’t snap together, which can be quite frustrating. It was equally easy to collapse, although you need to pull the bottom up first.
How many parts does it have?
There are only two parts; the actual cot and removable mattress.
What is the mattress like?
Unfortunately, the mattress is flimsy and too hard - there is very little padding. You will definitely need to buy an additional mattress to make it more comfortable. However, this seems to apply to all makes of this style of travel cot, and is not just specific to this one. I suppose that’s what makes it so portable and easy to pack into a compact bag.
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Does it feel comfortable for your little one?
It feels very sturdy and robust, my son loved playing with his toys in it. The padded edges around the top are great too.
What do you think of the mesh side panels?
The white mesh side-panels are great, and very easy to see through when your baby is asleep. The holes are small enough so little fingers can't poke through.
You can buy the Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot at Kiddicare, Amazon, Asda or eBay.
How portable is the Red Kite Sleeptight travel cot?
It packs up very neatly, and fits perfectly into a lightweight carry-bag, great for overnight stays and trips away.
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What is the weight of the travel cot?
It feels very light – weighing 8.5kg
Would you use it from newborn?
Yes, it's suitable to use for a newborn, although for me personally, I feel it's a bit too big for a very young baby.
How long do you think it will last?
I think it will last until your child is around 3 years old - it says a maximum of 15kg. The cot feels quite sturdy, but I think a boisterous toddler would possibly knock it over if they were jumping up and down and rocking against the side, or if they were big enough to roll over the sides.
How easy is it to clean?
The dark colour makes it very easy to conceal any general dirtiness or wear and tear. However, if needed, the fabric cover can be sponge cleaned with a mild detergent. The fabric is not removable.
How easy is it to fold and get into the carry bag?
Once you have pulled up the handle in the bottom and un-assembled the cot, it is very easy to fold shut and put into the carry-bag. Hassle-free and very quick.
MFM's verdict
In conclusion, I think this is a good, robust travel cot. It fits compactly into any car boot, which is ideal when travelling anywhere with a baby and all the extra things you need to pack. It may be a lot cheaper than some travel cots on the market, but it’s not poor quality. Saying that, I think it would be better with a deeper, more comfortable mattress included, and I'd have been happy to pay a little bit extra for that. It was time-consuming having to go to the shop to purchase an additional mattress to use, and as anyone with kids knows, time is precious!
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