My First Ready Bed > Reviews (8)

My daughter recently grew out of her Samsonite Pop Up Bubble Travel Cot (which I have also reviewed) and we decided that, as she had moved from a cot into a 'Big Girl's Bed' in her room, it was time to make the move with our travel sleeping arrangements as well.

We thought about just letting her go in a standard bed, but felt that as she was in a junior bed at home (which is only 90 cm off the ground) it would be a bit much to expect her to cope with potentially falling from such a great height when she is meant to be enjoying her holidays! So we looked around and found surprisingly little available. There are some roll out foam beds, some futon mattress style ones and the rest are just sleeping bags to go on top of standard beds to keep the child all tucked in.

We didn't really like any of these options, so were really pleased when we found the 'My First Ready Bed

' (suitable from 18 months to 5 years old) on the Great Little Trading Co web site. It is an inflatable junior sized bed (125 cm long by 71 cm wide and 30 cm high when inflated) with two bumpers which run down either side to ensure your little sweetie doesn't roll out.

It is super easy to use, just put the plastic lilo style bed inside the cover, pump it up with the pump provided, close the Velcro seals on the cover and you're ready for bed! It takes less than five minutes - fantastic! The pump comes with two settings to inflate and deflate. The inflating, as just mentioned, is great. The deflating takes a while and I found it less hassle to just unplug the stopper and leave it to deflate while we have breakfast! When deflated, it easily folds into a handy carry bag approximately 30 cm in diameter by 50 cm high, that is lightweight and easy to carry. Given it's compact nature, it can also be stored away easily.

It comes in a range of covers (see below for details) but all are brightly coloured making them enticing for young children. We were slightly concerned about the cover as it is advertised as being a poly/cotton mix with an 80/20 ratio. We decided to risk it and were glad we did as when it arrived we found that the part of the bed where the child sleeps is cotton, so they don't get too hot or sweaty. The poly part of it also means that it washes very easily (at 40°) and dried amazingly quickly (outside on the line) which would probably be useful if there were any 'accidents' while staying away.

My daughter has the Noddy version of the bed and absolutely loves it and gets so excited when we tell her that we are off to visit someone as she knows it means it's time for her Big Girl's travel bed! She looks so cute, and comfortable, in it, especially when she is sat up leaning against the inbuilt headboard while listening to her bedtime story!

I would highly recommend this product to parents with toddlers who travel as it is simple to use, easy to store, very practical and good value for money.

You can buy the 'My First Ready Bed' from:

www.mothercare.com for £29.99 in Dora the Explorer or Thomas designs

www.gltc.co.uk for £34.99 in Winnie, Thomas or Noddy designs

www.babysleepshop.com for £34.99 in Thomas or Fifi and the Flower Tots designs

www.bloomingmarvellous for £34.99 in Winnie or Thomas design

www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk for £35.00 in Dora the Explorer, Winnie or Thomas designs