Aerobed for Kids? Anyone have it?

[brergnat]

I am thinking of purchasing one of these (this specific model by Aerobed, the one for kids/toddlers). I'm looking for "real world" feedback from anyone who might have one and has used it in hotels with kids between ages 3-4.

We'll be traveling with our 3 year old soon for a few hotel stays for the first time since he was a baby in a crib, and he's in a toddler bed now, so I'm not too comfortable putting him in either a rollaway or a standard hotel bed. The places we are going to are NOT Disney, and they don't all have bed rails available.

I think this could work well. Looking for info specifically about durability, ease of packing into a duffel/suitcase for checking for air travel, etc.

 

[GoofItUp]

I would also be interested in hearing from people who have used this. I've looked and looked, but not yet purchased one. I'm particularly interested to know the weight/size and how much trouble they are to lug along with you now that most airlines are charging for luggage.

Just as a side note, on our last trip we took one of the long pool "noodles" cut in half in our suitcase. We put a half on either side of DS (18 mo) underneath the sheets as a barricade, then put pillows at the top and foot of the bed. It worked very well. But, I don't know how it would work with an older child who might roll right over them without stopping.

 

[jrn90]

we have this bed and it is great- it inflates very fast- has a pump that plugs in- deflates just as easy. DS is 4 and we have had it almost 2 years- we have taken it on several trips- just inflated it and set it on the floor- the cover it comes with is very soft- you will need to bring a pillow and a banket. everthing is stored in a bag about the size of a dufflle bag so easy to transport- we have also used this at home when we had friends with a 5 year old stay the night- /i think the weight limit is 60lbs. hope this helps.

 

[Faldred]

Not that specifically, but we bought a child's airbed from One Step Ahead for DS3 (he was DS2 at the time...) and he loves it -- except for his own bed at home (not that I'm even sure there!), he'd probably prefer the airbed to a real bed.

We picked up two more for DS2 and DD2 for the upcoming trip, since they can (and will) climb out of pack-and-play cribs. They haven't used them yet, but I not the style has changed somewhat, although not so much that I'm worried about durability, etc. The biggest change is that the included pump is no longer one with a rechargeable battery (good change, if you only use it inside, since it had to be charged to be used before, not you can just plug and play... if we were camping, on the other hand...)

Not cheap, but very useful. And three of these take up less space than one pack-and-play.

 

[mom2aiden]

My DS (3) loves this bed. We always travel with it if there isn't a big bed available for him. He sleeps really really well on and I think it's good quality. The cover is very soft and I've even curled up with him on it and I don't sink to the floor or anything. I've even fallen asleep on it with him too

It comes with it's own carrying bag which makes it easy to transport. I have not flown with it though, so I can't advise about that.

I highly recommend it.

 

[MyDizneyBoyz]

Have it, love it, recommend it.

Sturdy enough to hold Daddy, too, during "scary" thunderstorms at the hotel.

 

[brergnat]

Thanks for the feedback! I really appreciate it. Sounds (and looks) like it will be perfect for us.

I also appreciate the feedback about the pool noodle in the bed, but our issue is we also have a 4.5 year old with autism who does sleep in a "big bed" (and doesn't need rails), but he will NOT share a bed with anyone, so when we travel, we need a bed for each kid. Most hotels will only allow one rollaway, if they have them at all, and DH and I can't share a double bed (need a queen or king), so we run into all kinds of snags when we try to find a hotel room that will fit us all.

So, we will likely book hotel rooms with a king bed, get a rollaway for DS 4, and then put DS3 on the aerobed. Or, get a room with 2 queen beds, sleep on one with DH, put DS4 on the other, and then put DS3 on the aerobed.

At least Disney deluxes have daybeds...if we were going there, we wouldn't have this problem. Why can't all hotels have daybeds?

 

[PrincessMickey]

We don't have the Aerobed one but I have two twin ones I bought at Target. I hink maybe the brand is Greatland. I think we only paid $30 each. Both my boys love sleeping on them. We are thinking of bringing one for our trip because we're not sure how well they will sleep together. One likes to cuddle in bed and one likes his space. I have never tried taking one on the plane though.

 

[MyDizneyBoyz]

Just a random point of interest when you're using an air mattress of any sort... we even did this with the AeroBed - put a blanket underneath the fitted sheet to add an extra layer of insulation.

For whatever reason, I find air mattresses to be "cold" without it. The boys have never complained so maybe it's just me but it's worth keeping in mind. I think it's because you don't have the insulation of a regular mattress and the air in the Aerobed, which is room temp and thus a bit cooler than your body, sucks the heat out of you. Adding a blanket layer to sleep on top of gives just enough insulation to keep it cozy.

 

[GoofItUp]

Just a random point of interest when you're using an air mattress of any sort... we even did this with the AeroBed - put a blanket underneath the fitted sheet to add an extra layer of insulation.

For whatever reason, I find air mattresses to be "cold" without it. The boys have never complained so maybe it's just me but it's worth keeping in mind. I think it's because you don't have the insulation of a regular mattress and the air in the Aerobed, which is room temp and thus a bit cooler than your body, sucks the heat out of you. Adding a blanket layer to sleep on top of gives just enough insulation to keep it cozy.

Excellent point! My younger DS was in the hospital last month and I took our newly-purchased, full-size aerobed to the hospital for my bed. I found that even with flannel sheets, a blanket underneath the sheets kept me much cozier. I wonder if the special sheet the kids aerobed comes with is a little more insulated. Either way...a blanket from the hotel should suffice if needed, so no need to pack extra stuff.

Does anyone know where the best deal on one of these is? Also, we're leaving in less than 2 weeks...I wonder if I could order on-line and just have it shipped directly to the hotel. That would at least save me hauling it out there.

 

[GoofItUp]

Ok...I'm answering my own question....

I found that amazon.com has them for $54.95 including shipping. I checked Target since I have some gc's I could use, but theirs is $86.99 PLUS shipping! Looks like I'll save the gc's for diapers and go with amazon unless someone can tip me off to something better!

 

[**eeyore**]

We have 2 of these - one for each DD and we love them! Sooo easy to set up, our DDs are totally comfortable sleeping in them and we were able to get them for a great price ($50 each) from Amazon w/ free shipping. I would definately recommend!

 

[mhm]

Another alternative is the Thermarest camping pads and sleeping bags. We easily fit two sets into a duffel bag, and my kids (ages 2 & 6) love "camping" in the hotel room (or guest room at their cousins').

 

[brergnat]

Thanks SO much for the Amazon tip! I was about to get one on ebay for about $15 more....