[amazon_image id="B002IVTPIW" link="true" target="_blank" size="medium" ]The Shrunks Sleepover Kid’s Twin Travel Bed[/amazon_image]

Travelling with a baby can be tough, and after a long journey the little one will want to sleep off the stress on a warm and comfortable travel cot mattress. Nobody wants to deal with a long night of fussing and crying after the stresses of travel.

The number one priority is cot safety – safe and natural materials, correct sizing, and sturdy construction are “must haves”. But after these requirements are fulfilled travelling parents and babies have other needs as well, namely convenience, comfort, and effectiveness.

Large families have to take efforts to travel as light as possible. That means you’re likely to take only one mattress – and it has to last the entire duration of the stay. Imagine if something gets spilled on your new investment (think bodily fluids or sticky juice) the very first day of your child’s visit to grandma’s house. What a nightmare! Be sure to pack plenty of spare waterproof coverings so that messes can be dealt with quickly and immediately, even in the middle of the night.

What good is a travel mattress if the baby cannot fall asleep after a long, difficult car ride? The first night at a new location can be a tough one, and a comfortable baby is more likely to get a good night’s rest. Make sure that your travel cot mattress is hypoallergenic or protected by a polyethylene cover – the change of location can bring out new allergies besides just the potential allergens in the mattress itself.

Mattresses that will be used outdoors need special consideration. Not only will the mattress need to be made of season-appropriate and easily breathable material, but extra accessories like mosquito nets will most likely be required.

Go ahead – don’t be afraid to splurge on that five-star travel cot mattress for your adventurous tot. Would you rather spend a few extra dollars, or sacrifice that sweet valuable sleep?