Sending an automatic baby hammock or a rattan cradle from Vietnam to Canada for grandchildren is very common among Vietnamese families. However, these items are bulky and can be charged a very high volumetric weight if you don’t know how to dismantle them. Rattan cradles can also go mouldy on long journeys, and electric baby hammocks have a motor that customs may hold for inspection if it isn’t declared correctly.
To make sure your gift for the little one reaches its home in Canada intact, here is how to prepare and pack it.
Step 1: Dismantle the parts to save space
Most automatic baby hammocks today have a steel frame that comes apart with push pins or screws.
- Use a screwdriver to remove the whole steel frame, crossbars and stand.
- Put all screws, washers and small locking pins in a separate zip bag and tape it firmly to one of the large frame bars so nothing gets lost.
- Dismantling makes the carton as small as possible. Because airlines charge by volumetric weight (length x width x height / 5000), a smaller box can save you up to half the shipping cost.
Step 2: Remove the electric motor and deal with the power supply
The motor of an automatic baby hammock is a sensitive part when it goes through airport security scanners.
- Remove the motor unit (the speed control gearbox) from the hammock frame.
- Check carefully whether the motor contains AA or backup lithium batteries. If so, you must take them out. Airlines strictly prohibit undeclared batteries installed in devices.
- Wrap the motor in 3 to 4 layers of bubble wrap to protect its internal circuits from hard knocks.
Step 3: Wrap rattan cradles and hammock fabric in PE film against mould
For rattan or bamboo cradles, the biggest risk on the 7–14 day flight from Vietnam to Canada is sudden humidity changes that make wood and rattan go mouldy.
- Make sure the rattan cradle is completely dry before packing. Put it in gentle sun or use a dryer to dry every gap in the weave.
- Wrap the whole cradle in 3–5 layers of PE stretch film (pallet wrap) to seal it off completely from the outside air.
- Put 2 to 3 large silica gel desiccant packs inside before wrapping to absorb any remaining moisture.
- Wash and dry the cradle fabric and mosquito net, fold them neatly and put them in vacuum bags to reduce their volume.
Step 4: Pack everything in a carton with protective padding
Once each part is wrapped, put everything in a sturdy carton.
- Put the heavy steel frame bars at the bottom as a base.
- Place the rattan cradle or hammock fabric in the middle. Put the bubble-wrapped motor in the centre of the box, away from the sides where it could take direct knocks.
- Fill every gap tightly with foam or scrunched-up newspaper. When you shake the box hard, you shouldn’t hear any parts rubbing or moving inside.
- Tape all the seams of the carton.
Step 5: Declare to customs and choose the right shipping service
When shipping an automatic baby hammock, declaring it under the right name is very important to avoid slow inspections. Declare it clearly as: “Rattan/steel baby hammock (no batteries)”.
Depending on the packed size and weight, you can choose from these Soleil Transportation options:
- Dedicated Vietnam–Canada air service: Average transit time of 7–12 business days (14 days at most), with door-to-door delivery. Prices start at just $16/kg, including all import duties and clearance fees at both ends.
- ePacket for small parcels: If you are only sending a replacement motor or baby cradle accessories under 2 kg, ePacket is the cheapest option, from just $8.50 CAD per parcel.
Before shipping, measure the box’s three dimensions (length x width x height) and weight so our staff can give you the most accurate quote. For any questions about packing rattan cradles or customs procedures for children’s products, call +1 888-998-5199 or email info@soleiltransportation.com for fast support.
