Travelling with a newborn doesn't mean abandoning safe sleep practices. Whether you're visiting grandparents for the weekend, taking a domestic holiday, or heading interstate, having a portable sleep solution ensures your baby has a safe, familiar place to rest wherever you go. This guide covers everything you need to know about using portable bassinets and maintaining good sleep on the move.
Why Portable Sleep Matters
When travelling with a baby, the temptation to improvise sleep arrangements is strong. Maybe the hotel has a cot, maybe you'll use a car capsule, maybe baby can sleep in the bed with you "just this once." But safe sleep guidelines don't take holidays, and the risks associated with unsafe sleep are actually higher in unfamiliar environments where supervision may be different.
A portable bassinet provides:
- A consistent, safe sleep surface meeting Australian standards
- Familiarity for your baby, which can help with settling in new places
- Independence from accommodation-provided equipment (which may be of unknown age or condition)
- A dedicated sleep space so you don't need to bed-share
Choosing a Travel Bassinet
Not all bassinets are equally travel-friendly. When selecting a portable option, consider:
Weight and Size
Travel bassinets range from around 3 kg to 10 kg. Lighter is generally better for travel, but there's often a trade-off between weight and features. Consider how you'll be travelling—if you're driving, a slightly heavier bassinet might be fine; if you're flying with lots of other baby gear, every kilogram counts.
Check the folded dimensions against your luggage and transport method. Some travel bassinets fold flat enough to fit in overhead bins; others are more suited to car boot transport.
Setup and Pack-Down
Practice setting up and packing down the bassinet at home before you travel. You don't want to be reading instructions in a dark hotel room at 10pm. Look for intuitive, tool-free assembly and mechanisms that work smoothly.
Use the travel bassinet for a few naps at home before your trip. This helps baby associate it with sleep and lets you troubleshoot any issues before you're away from home.
Safety Compliance
Just because something folds and travels doesn't mean it meets safety standards. Ensure any portable bassinet you buy complies with AS/NZS 2195. Be especially wary of very cheap imports that may not meet Australian requirements.
Mattress Quality
Travel bassinets often have thinner, more portable mattresses. While they still need to be firm (this is non-negotiable), they may be less comfortable than a home bassinet's mattress. Check that the mattress fits snugly with no gaps, and that it lies flat without any incline.
Types of Portable Sleep Solutions
Dedicated Travel Bassinets
Products like the Chicco LullaGo Anywhere and similar options are designed specifically for travel. They typically feature quick-fold mechanisms, carry bags, and lightweight construction. They're ideal if you travel frequently or need something that packs very small.
Lightweight Standard Bassinets
Some standard bassinets are light enough to travel with, even if not specifically designed for it. If you already have a lighter bassinet at home, check whether it can be disassembled for transport.
Travel Cots (Portacots)
For older babies approaching the weight limit of bassinets, a travel cot (portacot) may be more appropriate. These are larger and heavier but offer a longer useful lifespan. Ensure any travel cot also meets Australian safety standards.
Prams, car capsules, bouncers, and baby nests are NOT safe for unsupervised sleep, even when travelling. Always transfer baby to a proper flat sleep surface for extended sleep periods.
Air Travel Considerations
Airline Bassinet Options
Many airlines offer sky cots or bassinets for long-haul flights for babies under approximately 10 kg and 75 cm. These attach to the bulkhead in front of certain seats. Book early and request a bassinet seat when you book. However, these are for flight use only—you'll still need a sleep solution at your destination.
Checking Your Bassinet
Most portable bassinets can be checked as luggage. Use a protective bag or case to prevent damage. Check your airline's policy—baby equipment often doesn't count toward your baggage allowance.
Security Screening
Travel bassinets will need to go through airport security. Most can go through the x-ray machine. Remove the mattress and any fabric components as directed by security staff.
Road Trips and Car Travel
Safe Sleep in the Car
Car capsules are designed for travel safety, not extended sleep. Babies should be removed from car capsules as soon as practical after arriving at your destination. The semi-upright position can cause breathing difficulties if baby's head falls forward, and the capsule doesn't provide the flat sleeping surface recommended for safe sleep.
Plan your journey with rest stops where you can remove baby from the capsule for feeds and stretching. For overnight travel, stop at accommodation where baby can sleep in a proper bassinet.
Setting Up at Your Destination
When you arrive at your destination, set up the bassinet in the safest location available:
- Away from windows, blind cords, and curtains
- In your room for recommended room sharing
- On a stable, flat surface (not on a bed or soft couch)
- Away from heaters, air conditioners, and direct airflow
Wherever you are, safe sleep principles remain the same: back to sleep, bare sleep surface, firm flat mattress, same room as parents.
Maintaining Sleep Routines While Travelling
One of the biggest challenges of travel with a newborn is maintaining some semblance of routine. While you should expect some disruption, these strategies can help:
Bring Familiar Items
Use the same sheets, sleep bag, and white noise (if used) that baby has at home. Familiar scents and sounds help baby recognise that it's sleep time despite the different location.
Maintain the Bedtime Routine
Even a shortened version of your usual bedtime routine provides cues that signal sleep. Keep the order consistent—perhaps a quick wash, nappy change, feed, and into the bassinet.
Respect Wake Windows
Overtired babies are harder to settle, especially in new environments. Watch for tired cues and offer sleep opportunities even if the setting isn't ideal.
Be Flexible with Timing
Time zone changes or disrupted days may mean bedtime shifts. That's okay for short trips. Focus on maintaining safe sleep practices rather than perfect timing.
Accommodation Considerations
Hotels and Resorts
Many hotels offer cots, but quality and condition vary. Even if you plan to use a hotel cot, having your own travel bassinet as backup is wise. You can't always inspect hotel equipment before arrival.
Airbnb and Rentals
Self-catering accommodations may or may not have baby sleep equipment. Even if listed, it may not meet your standards or current safety requirements. Bringing your own equipment ensures you're not dependent on what's provided.
Staying with Family
Well-meaning grandparents may have old equipment from when your parents were babies. Politely decline in favour of your own safe, current equipment. Safety standards have changed significantly over the decades, and old bassinets or cots may not be safe.
Travel Checklist
Before you leave, ensure you have:
- Travel bassinet (check weight limit and dimensions)
- Fitted sheets (at least 2-3 for changes)
- Sleep bags or swaddles (as used at home)
- Portable white noise machine or app
- Room thermometer (many unfamiliar rooms run hot or cold)
- Portable blackout solutions (travel blackout blinds or garbage bags work)
- Familiar comfort items (though these stay outside the bassinet)
Returning Home
After travel, babies may need a day or two to readjust to their home sleep environment. Jet lag affects babies just as it does adults. Be patient, maintain safe sleep practices, and expect some temporary disruption.
With proper preparation and the right equipment, travel with a newborn is absolutely manageable. Your baby can sleep safely wherever your adventures take you—as long as you bring the safe sleep environment with you.