Travel cot or square playpen? We help you decide!

There are lots of moms and dads who consult us privately to ask about items from our ASALVO catalogue. Usually this questions are regarding characteristics of the product, its size, regulations... But we also receive lots of questions about products that are similar, and parents want to know which one to buy and what advantages have each one of them. So this post is about one of the most frequent questions asked, and today we are going to answer it!

At first look, a rectangular travel cot and a square playpen are different products, with different regulations and standards, and designed for different purposes, but in some cases you can use them in a very similar way. This means that they will satisfy the same necessities.

In first place, let's see the features that both of them have in common, and later we will see the differences between them. Knowing the features in common, you will see that both options are functional and practical items for you and your baby, but knowing the differences will help you decide which one of them is better for what you need.

¿What do the ASALVO travel cots and ASALVO square playpens have in common?

                - Strong structures, that your child can use until he reaches 15Kg. Both travel cots and square playpens come in a variety of models and colors, but the base structure is very similar in all of them.

                - A padded base that will make them both very comfortable, and that allows you to put another matress on top without any issues.

                - Regarding safety, both the travel cot and the square playpen meet the strictest European regulation and standards: fabric and materials, wheels with two brakes, rounded and plastified corners (which also match the textile) and double security closure.

                -  Folding and transportation. The folding system in both products is similar, quick and easy, and both of them include a transport bag so that you can store them or transport them with you. They both also have wheels so that you can move the cot or playpen around your house.

                - All Square playpens and most of the Travel cots have a little door that your baby can use to get in and out of them when he grows up. Both the cot and the playpen can be used as a play room. It is very important that your child has his own spaces where he can feel safe and comfortable, spaces that are enjoyable and that he can share with other kids of similar age. The little door (cat flap) is very useful in both products and it gives your child autonomy and independency to get in and out of the cot or playpen whenever he wants. Don't forget that all the toys that your child has inside the cot or playpen must be adapted to his age, physical and mental developmental stage, skills and abilities.

¿What are the differences between an ASALVO travel cot and an ASALVO square playpen?

                - The first difference is the size. Even though they are the same height, 77cm, the size of the travel cot is 60x120cm, whilst the square playpen is 100x100cm. The interior area of the cot is 0.72 m² and the area of the playpen is 1,00 m²

                - ASALVO playpens don't include a "double height" because they are mainly designed to be only a space for play. Some of the travel cots do have a "double height" system.

Knowing the differences and similarities, which one do I choose for my baby?

Buy the ASALVO Square Playpen if...

                - You know that your child will only use it as a play space. The child will have more space for playing and for his toys.

                - You have twins or two kids with very similar ages. There is enough space for both of them inside the playpen.

                - You have a big living room or enough space at home to put the playpen.

Buy the ASALVO Travel Cot if...

                - You know that your child will only use it for sleeping. The standard size (60x120cm) makes all sheets and mattresses fit.

                - You live in a small house. You can use it as a cot at first (it's better with double height if your child is less that 8 months), and if it includes a changing table on top, you will save money and space. Later, when your child is older, you can still use it as a playpen; 2 products in 1.

                - You travel frequently. You can easily use the travel cot at the beach house, in the hotel, at the bungalow... Use it inside for sleeping, and you can use it outside as a playpen: in the garden, at the beach...

We hope that this simple guide has helped you decide on which product to buy. You can even buy both of them if your baby's necessities require them. At ASALVO, we love to solve your doubts and answer all the questions you might have about our products. You and your baby are the most important thing to us!