Travelling with a baby can be both exhilarating and overwhelming at the same time. Finding the right balance between remembering all the essentials, ensuring our little one’s well-being and providing optimal comfort can be a major challenge. One crucial accessory that should not be overlooked is the travel cot mattress, which plays a vital role in creating a soothing sleep environment for our child, no matter where we are. Naturally, it is essential to find a mattress that perfectly meets the comfort needs of our baby.
To help you make an informed choice, we present a comprehensive comparison of three exceptional brands in this area: Pekitas, Alvi and Totsy. These brands have garnered excellent reviews from Amazon users, which makes them stand out from the rest. Discover the similarities and differences between these brands as we delve deeper into their offerings. Don’t miss out on this valuable information to ensure a comfortable and stress-free travel experience for both you and your baby.
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What should a travel cot mattress have?
The comfort and well-being of your little ones is always our priority. That’s why we’re going to summarise the most important features to look for when choosing a travel cot mattress, which directly influence the quality of your child’s sleep:
- Materials and construction: Consider the materials used in the mattress and their quality. Look for hypoallergenic and non-toxic materials that are safe for your child. The construction should be sturdy and durable to withstand frequent use and travel.
- Size and fit: Make sure the mattress fits securely and comfortably in the travel cot. It should be neither too small nor too large, as an ill-fitting mattress can pose safety risks. Check the dimensions of the mattress and compare them with the specifications of your travel cot.
- Comfort and support: Look for a mattress that provides adequate comfort and support for your baby or child. It should have a firm surface to promote safe sleep and avoid suffocation risks. However, it should also offer enough cushioning for your little one to sleep comfortably.
- Breathability and ventilation: Choose a mattress that allows air to circulate effectively. Good breathability and ventilation help regulate temperature and prevent overheating. Look for features such as breathable covers or perforations in the mattress foam.
- Waterproof and easy to clean: Travel can expose the mattress to spills, accidents or dirt. Choosing a mattress with a waterproof or water-resistant cover can make cleaning easier and protect the mattress from stains and odours. Removable and machine washable covers are practical features to consider.
- Portability and weight: Since the mattress is for travel, consider its weight and portability. Look for lightweight options that are easy to carry or pack. Some mattresses also come with travel bags or covers for convenience.
- Safety standards and certifications: Check if the mattress meets relevant safety standards and certifications. For example, mattresses designed for babies must meet safety standards for firmness and flammability.
Pekitas vs Alvi vs Totsy: How do they differ?
We start by looking at the most significant differences between the three travel cot mattresses we have chosen:
Several designs to choose from
All children’s materials and accessories usually have several designs to choose from. In this case, the one with the most different designs is the Totsy mattress, with a total of 11 different designs. The Pekitas mattress is available in three colours, while the Alvi mattress is only available in one plain design.
Degree of firmness
Perhaps the most important difference between the three travel cot mattresses is the degree of firmness. While the Pekitas and Alvi have a low level of firmness, the Totsy mattress has a medium firmness. Nevertheless, we have to admit that the difference is not very big, although it is noticeable that the first two mattresses are a bit softer.
Price
The last big difference between the three travel cot mattresses is the price. It’s worth mentioning that none of them is more than 50 euros, but while the Alvi mattress is the one with the highest price, the Pekitas and Totsy mattresses are in the lower price range.
Pekitas vs Alvi vs Totsy: How are they similar?
Now, we tell you all their similarities:
Travel cover
As they are travel cot mattresses, in all three cases they come with a travel cover so that they can be easily transported, like a suitcase. In addition, both the cover and the mattress are easily machine washable, so you can reuse and clean them without any problem after each trip.
Foldable in 3 layers
All the travel cot mattresses we have reviewed can be folded in three layers, so that they take up the same amount of space when travelling. In fact, the folding system is the same, being accordion fold.
Breathability
Another of the most important qualities that a travel cot mattress should have is breathability. In this case, the Pekitas, Alvi and Totsy mattresses are fully breathable, because they are made of cotton. This way, the baby will not accumulate sweat and will be able to sleep more peacefully.
They have the same dimensions
It is true that these types of accessories usually have standard dimensions, and this is true in all three cases. The dimensions of the travel cot mattresses are 120 x 60 centimetres, and they are the same in all three cases. What changes slightly is the thickness, with the Totsy mattress being slightly thinner, but hardly noticeable.
Pekitas vs Alvi vs Totsy: What is the conclusion?
The choice of a travel cot mattress is of great importance when we think about the first trip with our baby. The search for comfort and convenience is a priority, while at the same time we want the maximum possible safety. For this reason, there are many variables to take into account when choosing this accessory, although there are also many similarities between the different brands, precisely for this reason.
That said, we consider that the most interesting travel cot mattress among the three we have chosen is the one from Pekitas, because it is the best value for money. Considering that there are no substantial differences between any of the three, we prefer to opt for a mattress with a softer degree of firmness, and the Pekitas mattress is excellent value for money.
However, as we’ve said, any of the three are ideal for travelling comfortably with your little one, and making sure they rest well anywhere. In fact, they are perfect both for placing in a cot and for resting directly on the floor. So, think about what your preferences are and, based on them, choose the one that best satisfies them.