We Tried the SlumberPod and Love It
Traveling with an infant or toddler can be stressful, and there can be so many things to consider when planning a trip. As a sleep consultant, the disturbances in my son’s sleep are usually towards the top of my stressor lists.
When planning a trip I seem to always be asking myself these questions:
What will sleeping arrangements look like?
Will there be a separate space for my son to sleep without disturbances?
Will there be a separate space for my husband and I to be while naps are taking place?
Of course, one point we always stress to parents is that if you have a good sleeper going into a time of potential disturbance then you will have a good sleeper coming out, but it may take a few days to adjust. However, if there is a product that easily helps sleep while away from your child's usual environment, why wouldn’t we be excited? ?
Enter the SlumberPod! Mother-daughter duo, Katy Mallory and Lou Childs, put their heads together to create the SlumberPod after a visit to Grandma’s house that left Katy and her newborn extremely sleep deprived. I recently purchased their product and have become an instant fan.
Here are some of my favorite features of the product:
Black-out Fabric: The unique, breathable and light blocking fabric used on the SlumberPod is amazing. When we first received the product, we set it up in the house to help my son get comfortable. He and I went into the tent a few times together and had my husband zip us up. I was shocked by the darkness; I couldn’t even see my hand in front of my face!
Portability: When broken down, the SlumberPod is fairly compact and is stored in the provided drawstring bag with strap for storage and travel. The storage bag is extremely light, and we usually clip it right on to the diaper bag! Set up is also a breeze. The instructions provided are clear and there is a very easy to follow video tutorial on their website.
Monitor Pocket: There is a pouch located on top of the tent to allow for a full view of the playard, or cot, so you can keep a close eye on your child as they sleep peacefully.
Ventilation Panels: While the fabric used on the SlumberPod is 100% breathable, there have been instances the tent can get steamy when in a warmer environment. There are two ventilation panels that can be opened, and there is also a well thought out fan pocket to create optimal airflow without blowing directly on your child. Note: The ventilation panel does allow a little light inside.
Adaptability: The SlumberPod can grow with your child. Not only does the item fit over most playards and mini cribs, it is also compatible with toddler cots and small inflatable mattresses.
Last but certainly not least, this item is 100% safe. To be honest, this was my primary concern. I did my research and made sure that the product went through copious amounts of testing before I finally made my purchase. The SlumberPod team have done their due diligence; this product is not only CPSC compliant and Child Product Certified, it has also gone through air quality testing and passed with no concerns. However, I do only recommend this product for babies that are 12 months or older out of an abundance of caution since the AAP recommends that nothing is over or in the child’s sleep space until age one.
The SlumberPod is now an essential whenever we travel. We even bring it with us to Grandma and Grandpa’s if we know we will be there over nap time to ensure a long and restful sleep.
But wait! This product isn’t just meant for sleeping outside the home, it can also be used when room sharing with either siblings or parents to ensure better sleep at home, too. I have been recommending this product to all my friends and family with little ones. So many have ordered their own SlumberPod and raved about their experience with it as well. And the best part is you can get $20 off using the code MYSWEETSLEEPER$20 at checkout!
For more tips on better sleep in changing environments, check out these articles:
Ten items you need during travel to make sleep easier for your child
How to transition your kids back to a healthy sleep schedule before school starts
Surviving the Holidays Without Skipping Sleep
*Some of the items listed here are our affiliate partners and we may receive commission from the purchase of these products. We are committed to only recommending products that we truly believe in, have tested, and partner with regularly.