Cot and baby bed on islands: what to ask

Many island resorts can supply a cot or a baby bed, but supply is often small and it is usually a request, not a guarantee. Ask early, ask in writing, and ask what exactly will be in the room. If the answer is uncertain, plan to bring your own travel cot so your baby has a familiar place to sleep.

A new place and a boat journey are a lot for a small baby, and for you. If you are still choosing a resort, our guide on how to choose an island resort is a good start.

What do the words mean?

A cot is a baby bed with sides, usually for sleeping at night. A travel cot is a lighter folding version made to be carried. A baby bed can also mean a small mattress or a bassinet, so the word alone does not tell you what you will find.

Ask the resort to name the type and describe it. A photo is even better. Do not assume a cot is the same at every resort.

Why does the booking matter?

On a small island, the resort may have only a few cots. They may be given out first-come, first-served, and the booking system may not record your request.

So treat it as unconfirmed until you have it in writing. Our guide on maximum occupancy rules explains how infants are counted, which can affect the room and the price.

What should you ask about the cot itself?

Here is the checklist we suggest.

• the type: cot, travel cot or bassinet
• the size, and the age or weight it is meant for
• the mattress: firm, clean and well fitted
• whether bedding is included
• whether there is a charge, and per night or per stay
• whether it is confirmed on the booking

We cannot judge safety from here. Ask for a photo before you travel and look at it yourself when you arrive. If something does not look right, ask for a replacement before you use it.

Will it fit in the room?

A cot takes floor space. Ask for the room size and where the cot will stand, away from the window, curtains, cords and any heater or fan. Look at the room photos and our guide on reading resort room galleries.

If the room is small, a family room or connecting rooms may be easier. See family room versus connecting rooms.

What if they cannot confirm one?

Plan for it. A travel cot you bring has the advantage that your baby knows it. Check the boat’s luggage limit with the agency, because a folded cot adds weight to a day of carrying bags, a stroller and supplies.

Also think about the other basics: warm water for bottles, a fridge, and the time the sun heats the room. Our guide on hot water and electricity hours covers some of them.

A better fit if…

Asking the resort for a cot may be a better fit if:

• you want to travel light and the resort can confirm one in writing.
• the stay is short, and a familiar bed matters less.

Bringing your own travel cot may be a better fit if:

• your baby is a light sleeper who settles best in a familiar bed.
• the resort cannot confirm one, or cannot describe it.

What should you send the resort?

1. Is a cot available on my dates, and what type is it?
2. Can you send a photo, and tell me its size?
3. Is bedding included, and is there a charge?
4. Is it confirmed on my booking, or a request?
5. Where in the room will it stand?
6. May I bring my own travel cot instead?

Keep every reply. If anything differs on arrival, you have the message to show.