KidCo PeaPod Plus Portable Travel Bed - Camouflage Review

First let me say that I am not the type to buy lots of gear for kids. I have four kids, including one set of twins, and we try to keep all the stuff to a minimum.

In December we were travelling to a remote area of Chile with all four kids and needed a travel bed for our 1 year old twins that was easy to carry in our luggage. The Peapod beds were WITHOUT QUESTION a major lifesaver. Key advantages:
1) Very light, easy to pack, easy to set up and take down. I've seen complaints about not being able to fold it... it's really not that hard. Just think of having to create four rings that eventually slide one-on-top of the other. The online directions are helpful.
2) Kids were perfectly happy sleeping inside. I got them used to the idea by putting the tents in their cribs during naps for the week before our trip.
3) They could not get out and did not tip the tent over as other parents complained about. An older child with better dexterity could definitely open zipper from inside, but ours couldn't figure it out.
4) Self-inflating mattress plus pad was perfect. I would recommend a bassinet sheet to hold it all in place as the pad doesn't stay put very well.
5) We used the peapods to take the babies to dinner parties and put them to sleep at other people's houses. They were asleep in minutes and perfectly happy in their sleepaway pods.
6) We also used the Peapods as playpens in the airports. I didn't want the babies crawling around on the ground so we set up one tent and put lots of toys inside. They played for an hour in there, completely delighted. Other travelers thought we had a dog in there or something... but the babies loved it.

One downside:
I would not use the Peapod in a hot climate as the inside temperature is a few degrees hotter than outside due to body heat. We were in a cool climate so that didn't matter... but it would be very stuffy in there if the ambient temp were above the 70s. The mesh that is used on the product is meant to keep out bugs... but because the mesh weave is so tight, it does not let in air. This is a big bummer because when we used it in warmer weather, I did worry alot about how stuffy it was getting in there. I ended up pointing a fan right at the tents to make sure they were getting good air flow.

Click Here to see more reviews about: KidCo PeaPod Plus Portable Travel Bed - Camouflage

Product Description:
Whether you have an infant or "big boy" the PeaPod Plus is the perfect travel bed. For short trips across town when naptime nears, or long cross country vacations, the PeaPod Plus becomes your child?s own portable bedroom. And it's so lightweight even your child can carry it. The self-inflatable air mattress helps protect from cold, hard surfaces (inside or out) and provides a comfortable place to sleep or play. Great for outdoors because of its UV protection and adjustable wind screens. A large front zipper panel allows parents quick access to infants or easy in/out for older boys. The slick, easy to fold design makes it ideal for storage and use at a moment's notice. Includes a one-piece sleeping pad and anchor straps.
Features:

Lightweight for easy travel
Self-inflatable mattress
UV protection and adjustable wind screens
Large front zipper panel for easy access
Easy-to-fold design
Includes one-piece sleeping pad and anchor straps
Open Dimensions: 52.5"L x 34"W x 25"H
Storage Bag Dimensions: 19"L x 6.5"W x 19"H

Buy cheap KidCo PeaPod Plus Portable Travel Bed - Camouflage now Get 18% OFF

Coleman Road Trip Beach Shade Review

We ordered this cabana because we wanted something to protect our 1 year old from the sun at the beach, with more coverage than an umbrella.We've used this once at the beach so far, and it seems to do the job pretty well.It's pretty easy to set up, though not as easy as the pop-up versions -- but those usually cost significantly more.It's very lightweight, too.My husband, my baby, and I fit comfortably under the shade in sitting positions, and could stretch out with our legs sticking out, too, with minimal sun exposure.

Some criticisms: 1) I think they should include two more stakes for the "door" so you can secure it in the down position.2) It would be better if there were some smaller "windows" higher up, other than the rear window/door.The way it is now, you only get air flow by opening the rear window/door, and in certain conditions, this would significantly reduce your shade area in the cabana.3) When at the beach, it's a little tough to fold up the fabric properly without trapping sand in it.Beaches are usually fairly breezy, and if you try to fold it from being flattened on the ground (as is the proper way), the flapping fabric and blowing sand is quite annoying.

In short, if you don't want to spend twice as much money for the pop-up, spring type, then this should suit you just fine.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Coleman Road Trip Beach Shade

Product Description:
The Coleman 9192-160 Road Trip Beach Shade Shelter provides needed relief from a light rain or the sun during picnics, backyard events, or when camping. The powder-coated steel frame combines with a heavy-duty polyester canopy for a shade that works for almost any occasion. The Coleman Road Trip shelter is easy to set up with lightweight, shock-corded poles and can achieve stake-free stability with sandbags.
The shade floor converts to a privacy wall when needed, and a rear window in this Beach Shade shelter allows for even more circulation. With a center height of 57 inches, this shade shelter has plenty of room to give you that occasional relief from the elements or protect you from a long day in the sun.
Manufacturer Warranty
Three-year warranty


Buy cheap Coleman Road Trip Beach Shade now