Hi Mamas,
I'm thinking about getting the Kidco PeaPod Plus as a travel bed. I currently have a 3-year-old, and another one on the way. Have any of you used this product? Does it really work for ages 0-6? Is it easy to use (collapse, set up, etc.)? I'm trying to decide whether to get a Pack 'N' Play for my in-laws house, or to just get one of these.
Please let me know what you think.
Thanks!
R.
I bought one when my son was 18 months old and I never used it (sold it on craigslist). My son was way too active to fall asleep in it. It was very easy to set up, take down, etc. but it was so relatively small and confining compared to a crib or pack-n-play that it was impossible for my son to fall asleep in it. It became more of a place to play than to sleep. Personally, I wouldn't recommend it for babies/kids over 1 yr.
I have one and love it! We used it on vacation with our little guy until he turned 4. My SIL used it with my nieces until they turned 6--I think sizewise it is fine. The question is whether they are willing to stay in it. :)
It packs up great and is easy to transport--I have even packed it in my luggage and flown with it many times. I prefer it to the Pack N Play anytime.
We bought this for a trip to Spain when our son was 1 and ended up not using it for that trip. We were able to get a crib or pack 'n play at most hotels or he slept with us. We finally gave it a try when he was about 2-1/2, and it was a huge hit for him. We gave it a try at home before our trip, and he loved that it was like sleeping in a tent. Since he could get himself out, however, it was not helpful for getting him to nap. The last time we used it was just after his 3rd bday, and he was already started to look too big for it, so I can't see how it will work for 6y old. If he's still sleeping in his crib, you may be getting close to transitioning him to a bed (or at least converting the crib to a toddler bed). If that's the case, then maybe he can sleep on a sleeper sofa or an air mattress at your in-laws.
We LOVE our PeaPod Plus. My parents bought one for our son to use at their house when he grew out of his Pack N Play (at about 18 months?). We had a little trouble getting him to stay in there during naptime, but bedtime was never a problem. He's still in there, and about to turn 3. We got another one to use at the other grandparents' house. He's now sleeping in a toddler bed at home, so my parents are considering some portable bedrails for their guest bed, so we'll see if he's ready for that the next time we're at their house.
It's much simpler to set up and take down than a Pack N Play. The only issue, as others have said, is if the child will consent to sleep in it.
