Graco Contour Electra Travel Cot

Graco Travel Cot Review

Baby travel cots can be very generic in appearance. The Graco Contour Electra is one of the few which stands out from the crowd, with its attractive design and many additional features. Here we look at what makes it so unique and why it deserves serious consideration if you are not restricted by a tight budget.

Technical details

The Graco Contour Electra is a compact travel cot which can also be used as a playpen.

What accessories are included?

One of the unique selling points of the Graco Contour Electra travel cot is that it comes with an excellent range of accessories as standard. So while this travel cot retails at a higher price than many competitors' products, you can be getting better value for money.

Raised bassinet Many parents do not like to put their tiny newborn into a big cot, instead preferring smaller and more cosy sleeping areas such as moses baskets and bassinets. The bassinet which comes with the Contour Electra makes a snug bed for your baby and is suitable up until the age of 3 months (or around 6.5 kg).

Foldable changing table the clip on changing table will save parent's backs at changing time due to its elevated height, and can be used up until the baby is 12 months old (approximately 11kg).

Toy bar A toy bar is a great way to keep your baby content and entertained whilst enjoying some quiet time in their cot.

Music, lights and vibrations A simple to use control box will produce calming lullabies and sounds, create a reassuring nightlight or soothe your baby to sleep with the vibrating mattress function. The control box has a timer function and is easily detached.

Is the Graco Contour Electra easy to assemble?

This travel cot uses an umbrella folding mechanism. Once you know how it works and have practised a few times it is very straight forward, but you may find yourself referring to the instructions the first couple of times you put it up or down.

Is it practical for travelling?

A lot of people just use travel cots as an occasional bed (for instance for grandchildren staying over), a convenient place for baby to nap, a playpen or even as a transition bed between a moses basket and full sized cot bed. But since travel cots are, of course, supposed to be suited to travel this has to be taken into account when reviewing the product.

The Graco Contour Electra performs adequately in this area. Most travel cots are actually quite cumbersome to travel with, being rather heavy, and at 10.3kg the Contour Electra is no exception. But it is more compact than many other models so can be stowed in most car boots, and the wheels are handy for both moving the product around the home and transporting it. The carry bag has a hole in that allows the wheels to protrude.

What are the benefits to my child?

Parents need to consider their own needs and how practical a travel cot is when making their purchase, but they will also want to know that the product they are buying is good for their baby or toddler too. The Graco Contour Electra is an excellent choice when it comes to baby's comfort. The bassinet is extremely comfortable and the gentle vibrations of the mattress can help soothe a fussy, over tired baby and lull them to sleep. The mattress, in common with those provided with all travel cots, is adequate rather than great. If the travel cot is going to be getting a lot of use then most parents will buy an additional mattress for increased comfort.

As a play pen the Contour Electra works well because all four sides are mesh, which allows the child to see out and be reassured by seeing their carer close by.

How much does the product cost?

At over £100, the recommended retail price is higher than other baby travel cots because of the extra features. However, buying the Graco Contour Electra negates the need for additional purchases such as a moses basket or changing table, which can actual save you money overall and makes the product an economical buy. Amazon currently have the best deal.

What do customers say?

This is some of the feedback customers have given about the Graco Contour Electra travel cot (comments taken from Amazon).

"This product is all you need for your little one. A bassinet, a cot, a playpen, a changing table and it's all portable too. It's easy to fold and unfold and packs up neatly in its bag. The side tray is perfect for holding nappies and everything you need for quick and easy nappy duty. Music station is perfect to help soothe your baby when he's having trouble falling asleep."

"When the product arrived we actually amazed by the quality and the functionalities of this bassinet. This is one of the best purchases we have made for our baby."

"We use this next to our bed for our newborn son. It is nice to have something versatile to use as a bassinet for a newborn and then use when they're older to play in. Was really easy to put together and nice to have the music and lights on it to check on the baby without turning on the main lights and waking up my husband."