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Best travel cot 2023: lightweight cots for travel

Attempting travel with a baby? The best travel cot will make sure you’re suitably armed, and they’re suitably snuggly

The best travel cot? Be honest, it’s something you didn’t even know existed until you became a parent and had to take a trip. Do you have to travel with a bed for your baby? Well, yes, you do, they're just as essential as the best car seats and best suitcases , and luckily there are so many incredible new designs that hitting the road with your littlest is that little bit easier.

We give you the travel cot, the portable crib, and the basket bed … here are all the latest and the best products on the market which allow you to travel light even though you’re now packing an extra person.

How to buy the best travel cot

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

First off, you might be surprised to find out that travel cots aren’t just for travel. If you’re stuck for space at home, regularly splitting time between two places, want a safe place to keep them corralled while you pop off for a second (see above), or like to have a spare for friends’ babies when they pop round for a coffee (the friend, that is, not the baby), a travel cot is a sensible solution.

But when it does come to travel, having your own portable cot means that you needn’t worry about whether that Airbnb has all the necessaries or that hotel webpage is up to date, and it also gives baby a familiar place to sleep, eliminating one more reason for them to get lairy while you’re on the road.

And it’s what you’ll be using it for that’ll mostly dictate the type of travel crib you want. 

Compact foldable cots or bassinets are best for chucking in a suitcase or luggage locker on the plane, while trips by car simply call for something that can fit in the boot. The more lightweight they are, the more you might question the fact that they’re deemed suitably sturdy for a human child, but between rigorous manufacturer testing and great reviews across the board, you can rest assured each of our picks will keep them safe as houses, even if you’re a long way away from yours. 

You might be wondering if travel cots are safe to sleep in? The answer is yes, as long as you buy the right one and your child doesn't sleep in it all the time. Read our guide linked above for more information on travel cot safety.

Finally, for maximum mileage when it comes to the initial spend, look for a model that comes with an included mattress, adjustable levels for rapidly growing babes, and more.

The best travel cots you can buy today:

1. Micralite Sleep&Go Travel Cot

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Sleep&Go Travel Cot is a well-designed piece of kit that hopes to make travelling with little ones a breeze. It sets itself apart from rivals by being adaptable: it's a travel cot one minute, playpen the next, and can even transform into a newborn co-sleeper. Perhaps best of all, it's able to transform between these functions in seconds thanks to its innovative all-in-one frame.

It lets itself down slightly with the lack of colour options, and the fact that it's not the smallest when folded.

With an RRP of £150, it sits firmly in the upper-mid-range price category, but it's durable materials, solid build, and innovative features mean it more than earns its place at the top of our list.

• Micralite Sleep&Go Travel Cot review

2. BabyBjorn Travel Cot Light

Praise be to Björn Jakobson, granddaddy of all things baby-related — his brainchild BabyBjorn still leads the pack when it comes to travel cots, with this one getting our second spot for its practical, paediatrician-approved design. The foldable travel cot packs down into a neat carry case with padded shoulder straps and a waist belt for easy transportation, and we love how compact it is, not to mention easy to set up, which is a real bonus when there’s unpacking to be done. 

The mattress has been designed in conjunction with paediatric specialists to provide the best support possible, but the only problem is that it’s at floor level, so if you have shorter arms, bear in mind it might take some effort, or the help of a taller family member.  

3. Nuna SENA Aire

The thing about parenthood is that you always have your hands full, and when it comes to travelling with kids, that goes double. So welcome the SENA Aire, a thoughtfully designed travel cot from premium baby gear brand Nuna that can be set-up not only quickly, but with one hand. Its zigzag legs pop-up instantly, and come with padded edges so you cannot trap you finger in a hinge while you’re seeing it up. 

However, the SENA Aire’s main USP is what its name suggests; an advanced air design delivers maximum airflow that will give its inhabitant deeper sleeps. That’s the theory. Elsewhere, the SENA Aire gives the travelling parents everything they need, including a mattress, sheets, an insect net and even cotton sheets. Best of all, it’s all machine washable, and goes neatly into a travel bag.

4. Inovi Cocoon Folding Moses

Here’s one for youngsters taking their first flights. Suitable for the under six months crowd, this simple crib won’t be with you for long, but it’s sure to impress any parent thinking of taking a flight to show-off their new addition. A simple and nice-looking crib that could easily be used at home, the Cocoon is compact and lightweight enough for travel, even complying with international aviation standards (IATA) so it can be taken on a plane as hand luggage, and stowed in overhead locker compartments (minus junior, we hope). 

It also includes a mesh canopy that protects baby from the outside world – including insects, pets and curious passers-by – while being itself constructed atom transparent, breathable mesh panels. The Cocoon is also easy to set-up, with four locking joints on its fold-out base for maximum stability.

5. Phil & Teds Traveller Travel Cot

Like the BabyBjorn travel cot, this Phil & Teds option is suitable for use from birth to three years, making it a good option if you’re after a longer-term solution. The big difference between the two is that this little number is more suited to long-haul travel, with a weight of just 3.2 kilograms and an ultra-compact design that’s formulated to fit in a suitcase, luggage locker, or even the storage space of your buggy. 

Reviewers found it was a bit awkward to set up, but that it was light, sturdy and comfy enough to make up for it, so we reckon it sounds just fine if you’re setting up camp for a while.  

6. SpaceCot Travel Cot

If the combination of quick setup and sturdiness is the holy grail of travel cots, then call us Indiana Jones, because we seem to have found it in the SpaceCot Travel Cot. The makers say it opens and closes in just three seconds — a big boast, but reviewers vouch for its veracity. 

They found it super easy to set up, and loved the included detachable crib levels and mattress that let it work as a cot up to six months, and a playpen up to 30 months. If you frequently find yourself with your hands too full for faffing around, all signs point to this easy-up cot being a good buy.  

7. LittleLife Arc 2

OK, it’s a tent. Get over it. Kids love camping! Seriously though, the tent-style Arc 2 has a lot going for it, especially if you travel a lot because (and this is a stroke of genius) the Arc 2 packs-up into a small lightweight backpack. A pop-up tent weighing a mere 2.5kg, it uses colour-coded, lightweight aluminium poles and comes with a Velcro-attached foam mattress and washable cotton cover. 

Although it can be used indoors perfectly well, as its design suggests, the Arc 2 can also be used outdoors, and be secured with tent pegs. It works as a bed, a playpen, and just as a place to keep a child out of the sun. If you’re an outdoorsy kind of a family, the Arc 2 is a no-brainer.

8. Pop Up Bassinet Koo-Di

Designed for use in the house or out in the garden, at the beach or for trips somewhere rather sunnier, the Koo-Di Sun and Sleep Travel Bassinet looks to be a versatile option for keeping the smallest member of your group happy, cool, and out of the sun. 

The mesh sides are intended for ventilation and peace of mind, allowing you to check on them as they (hopefully) snooze, while the integrated zip-up mosquito net keeps nibbles at bay, and the blackout blind claims to block 93 percent of all harmful rays. That’s all pretty high tech for a travel cot, making it our best bet for travel abroad and hot summer days at home.  

9. Chicco Lullago Zip Crib

This expandable travel crib gives the option for different depths as they grow, giving it more lasting power than some of our smaller picks, and making it, according to happy reviewers, a great transitional cot. Users loved that it was sturdy and easy to put together, but found it a bit heavy to carry — although, while the travel bag is a bit more cumbersome than its BabyBjorn equivalent, some might appreciate that it looks more like your average minimal tote bag rather than a baby-specific behemoth. 

Overall, it’s agreed that the quality is top-notch and the setup simple, but if you have to travel a long way, you might be better placed going for something like Phil & Ted’s travel cot.  

10. Joie Excursion Change & Rock Travel Cot0

Trying to get them off to sleep isn’t the only thing that can prove tricky on the road - there’s also the small matter of changing to attend to. Luckily, some clever clogs at Joie has made a travel cot that doubles up as a changing table. Actually, make that triples up, because it also packs in a soothing rocker with soft toys. And it has wheels! 

With a draught-resistant base and mesh lining for a comfortable sleep, a rocker/bassinet for soothing and naps, and a changing table for you-know-what, reviewers agree this is a great portable option for when you want to streamline your stuff. Just be aware that it’s very large and very heavy, so it’s not the best for small cars and certainly won’t fit in a suitcase, but gosh darn is it versatile.  

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As the Style and Travel Editor at T3, Spencer covers everything from clothes to cars and watches to hotels. Everything that's cool, stylish, and interesting, basically. He's been a part of T3 for over seven years, and in that time covered every industry event known to man, from CES and MWC to the Geneva Motorshow and Baselworld. When he's driving up and down the country in search of the greatest driving roads, he can be found messing around on an electric scooter, playing with luxury watches, or testing the latest fragrances.

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10 best travel cots in 2022

Are you planning on travelling with your baby? Travelling as a parent comes with its fair share of challenges, especially when it comes to sleeping. Baby travel cots are perfect for parents who want to carry their little one on a plane, bus, or even train. They’re lightweight and can be folded up and stored away easily once travelling is over.

But what are the best travel cots in 2022? We have listed the best travel cots for you to use and what features each has so that you can choose which one is right for you.

Why do we need travel cots?

As a parent, you pretty much have your hands full, so it doesn’t make sense to drag a crib around and a travel bag. Additionally, airport security tends to frown on cribs. Whether it’s a few days away for a weekend break or a week-long holiday, baby travel cots can offer those precious few moments of rest and relaxation before or after an important journey.

READ MORE : We select the 8 best travel kettles in 2022

All babies are different. In fact, many parents will tell you their child is unique; it is not just something they say but the truth. Each baby has a distinctive personality and particular ways of reacting to stimuli.

These reactions can cause problems during travelling times if not catered for properly. How can we stop this? Baby travel cots have been designed to make carrying your baby easier and safer for you and your baby.

It isn’t just for long trips

With so many travel cots available in the market, it is only fitting to ask who uses baby travel cots and what they are used for. Travel cots are used for the safety of the baby or toddler when sleeping away from home.

The portability makes them ideal to use on holiday, on weekends, or to have on a boat. They are also useful for people with limited space at home or whose home is not suitable for overnight stays.

Here are our top 10 travel cots for smart travellers

Milliard portable toddler bumper bed, chicco lullago travel bed, pack and play, ounuo 2 in 1 portable playard, babybjorn travel crib light.

• Pamo Babe 2 in 1 Bassinet Quick Foldable Travel Crib

SnoozeShade Pack N Play Blackout Travel Crib

Baby delight go with me, tectake travel cot, regalo my cot, guava family lotus travel crib, what to look for when purchasing a travel cot.

Travel cots are available in various sizes, from cots for when your baby is very young to larger sizes suitable for toddlers. When looking for a travel cot, it is really important to know what you are looking for. There are many different types and sizes available on the market, so make sure to compare before you go out and buy one of those quite expensive products!

Make sure you look for these things when purchasing a travel cot:

• Safety (it should have a suspension system)
• Lightweight and easy to carry
• A durable frame (should also be comfortable)
• Foldability (compact and takes up less space)
• Unfolding way and dimensions
• Weight and size

Also, keep in mind that the mattress must be made of high-quality materials and body-safe to avoid chemical burns, allergies or rashes from using the product. This will protect both the baby and the mother’s health.

The top 10 travel cots in 2022

The Milliard Travel Crib is a portable, bassinet-style travel bed that allows you to keep your newborn close as you get some well-deserved rest while travelling. The adjustable carry bag makes storage and transport easy.

Features include: – Portable Crib – Built-in sleeping bag – Machine washable cover – Teething rail for chewing relief – 5 point safety harness – Made from soft plastic crib sheets material.

The Chicco Lullago Travel Bed is the next generation of travel cots and is suitable for home, hotel or car. It draws heavily on traditional travel cot designs but with a modern twist.

Ingeniously designed to be used both as a travel bed and a cot at home, this versatile product has been rigorously crash tested to ensure baby’s safety every step of the way.

UNUO’s 2 in1 Portable Playard is the only portable play-yard providing sleep and safety. The first and only convertible travel cot can be changed from a playpen to a portable bed and used at any time.

The air mattress has a blower, making it easy to inflate and deflate, with the valve having an auto-lock function for quick deflation. The mattress is made of clear PVC material, thus can be washed by water or wet wipes.

The removable cover is made of waterproof material, so you do not have to worry about your baby being wet throughout the day or night.

BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light folds to a small and easy-to-carry size, making it perfect for parents who travel with their babies.

Made from breathable mesh, this travel cot provides the same comfort and safety as a regular crib but with adjustable height so you can always make sure your baby has a clear view of your face.

The cot can be used by children up to six months old at the highest sleeping setting.

Pamo Babe 2 in 1 Bassinet Quick Foldable Travel Crib 

Pamo Babe is the travel bed that makes it easy to take your baby on an adventure.

Compact and lightweight, the travel bed folds into a flat pack for storage and transport. Once unpacked, it simply unfolds into a cot, no tools required.

Its adjustable height legs ensure you can set up in virtually any space, and its waterproof mattress keeps the cot dry through the rain as well as long naps.

SnoozeShade™ is a revolutionary, patented travel crib that helps create the perfect environment for your child, allowing them to sleep soundly and peacefully while you travel.

Made of extra-thick padding and a motion-activated light sensor, SnoozeShade™ enables babies to sleep at the ideal temperature as they are shielded from light and noise. Your baby will sleep longer, and you will have more time to enjoy your limited vacation time.

The Baby Delight Go with Me Bungalow Deluxe Portable Travel Cot is an innovative hard-wearing travel cot that is both lightweight and compact.

Made with a padded mattress, carry handle, and detachable mosquito net, this travel cot is suitable for children up to 15 months old.

Although ideal for babies, it can also be used as a bedside crib or extra bedroom in the house during its life.

The Travel Cot from TecTake is a premium quality product that can be used for every stage of your baby’s life.

It allows you to keep your baby close while getting a good night’s sleep. This travel cot has a double layer of mattress – at the top, there is a little pillow which always contains the child and at the same time ensures safety.

The Regalo My Cot is a lightweight, portable and compact travel cot made from a breathable mesh fabric ideal for babies, toddlers and children aged 12 months or older.

The convenient size allows it to be taken on excursions and trips as a comfortable place to nap, rest or play.

The Lotus Travel Crib from Guava Family is a safe and supportive travel bed that follows you wherever you go.

It features a washable cotton mattress, easy folding, and small folding size so that it can be stored in the car on the way to the cabin or on top of your luggage.

The cot meets industry safety standards for infant travel beds and is safe for children up to 20 lbs (9.07 kg).

Whether it’s a day trip or a week-long vacation, when you are bringing your child along, be sure to check out the best travel cots in 2022.

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• First Year Products

The best travel cot for babies and toddlers for comfort on the go

Venture Airpod Travel Cot

Graco FoldLite

Joie Kubbie Travel Cot

Cuggl Deluxe Superlight Travel Cot

Baby Bjorn Travel Cot Light

Joie Excursion Change and Bounce

Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot

Graco Contour Electra

Ergo Pouch Easy Sleep Portable crib

Tutti Bambino CoZee Go

Silver Cross slumber travel cot

Red Kite Black Sleep Tight Travel Cot

Kinderkraft Cot 4 in 1 SOFI

When you're thinking of essentials for your little one, you probably already have a cosy cot picked out, but what about a travel cot if you love travelling? In addition to packing your baby's travel system and gathering all the necessities before heading off on holiday with your family, a travel cot will help your little one to sleep as soundly as possible, even when you're away from home.

You probably did a lot of research on the best cot and bedside crib for your baby but may not have considered investing in a travel cot yet. Put simply, a travel cot is a portable, lightweight option designed to fold away compactly. Its collapsible sides and storage bag are some of the features that make it the perfect solution for trips away. Like a travel stroller , it's another one of those holiday essentials that you'll want to invest in when travelling with children under 5 years old.

You most likely won't need a travel cot for the first few months, especially if you already have a Moses basket , a portable crib or a carrycot suitable for overnight sleeping. If you don't go away very often, then you might be better off borrowing a cot from a friend, as it can be an expensive purchase if you're only going to be using it once a year.

The best travel cots at a glance:

• Best travel cot overall : Venture Airpod Travel Cot - Buy now on Amazon UK   • Best travel cot for compact fold : Graco FoldLite - Buy now on Argos   • Best compact travel cot : Joie Kubbie travel cot - Buy now from John Lewis • Best budget travel cot : Cuggl Deluxe Superlight Travel Cot - Buy now on Amazon UK

A lot of hotels and holiday cottages may provide travel cots and other baby equipment, so check with them before you travel. If you are away from home often, then a travel cot is a good purchase, as it will last well past the newborn months and will prove extremely useful at other times, too. For example, for your baby's daytime naps when you're visiting friends or staying over with grandparents overnight. We've enlisted the help of expert mum testers to put the best travel cots through their paces, taking into account the weight, size, price, assembly, age suitability and stability. Our annual  Mother&Baby Awards  also help us bring you the best advice about current products on the market. Plus we spoke to Emily McInnes, a paediatric nurse and certified holistic sleep coach, from Sound Asleep Coaching to ensure you get the best advice surrounding travel cots.

How we tested and chose these travel cots

Every year, our panel of real mums tests and reviews parenting products such as travel cots for the annual Mother&Baby Awards.

Our list of the best car seats for travel cots comes recommended by like-minded parents – who have experienced these car seats personally.

The Mother&Baby Awards parent testers are provided with some guidelines while testing, so that they take into consideration four key areas: usability, design, quality and value for money. We ask them to score each of these out of 10, as well as give their overall impression of the product.

Find out more about how we test and what considerations we take into account in our testing process.

A number of the travel cots in our list are also previous  Mother&Baby Awards  shortlisters and winners.

The best travel cot 2024

1. Venture Airpod Travel Cot

Best travel cot overall.

Silver winner for Best Travel Product Over £30 in the M&B Awards 2023 Designed to provide little ones with a place to rest and play no matter where you are, the Airpod is assembled in just three easy steps with no tools required meaning it's ready to go in less than a minute. The Airpod weighs just 6kg and can be folded into a bag no larger than a big shopping bag. Despite how lightweight it is, testers agree that the cot was good quality and felt sturdy and secure. One mum tester says, "I was impressed with the materials used and quality feel of the cot once it was up. Felt steady and secure when lifting child in and out of the bed. Child was able to nap well, good ventilation through the sides."

Another of our mum testers likes how lightweight and how small the travel cot folds. She describes it as, "super portable and barely took space in the car boot. This meant we were able to pack all our other luggage without worrying about space." She also liked that it wasn't too heavy, which made it easy to lug around upstairs when they are staying in hotels without lifts.

All of our testers agreed that a bassinet option would have been great with this travel cot, especially parents of younger babies. One of our testers whose baby is five months says, "it simply wasn't useful overnight with his wake-ups having to bend. I could barely reach him and resorted to giving up using it and ended up having to co sleep in our bed. This defeats the point of a travel cot." We think that for parents of young babies aged 6 months and under, this travel cot probably isn't what you're looking for. But for everyone else, this is a great portable travel option, and our testers were able to get the cot set up easily and quickly with the simple instructions.

Read our full Venture UK Airpod Travel Cot review .

• Mesh sides provide ventilation and make it easy to check little one
• Lightweight and compact, less bulky than others
• A comfortable mattress for baby
• Unfortunately, there's no raised bassinet
• Lightweight aluminium frame – Just 6kg
• Compact design when folded
• Strong storage bag 
• All round mesh sides
• High-quality, thick mattress
• Suitable from birth to 36 months
• Proudly Designed here in the UK, tested to all British and European Safety Standards BS EN 716-1:2017, all fabrics treated with Fire retardant.

2. Graco FoldLite

Best travel cot for compact fold.

Bronze winner for Best Travel Product Over £30 in the M&B Awards 2023

Suitable from birth to approximately three years old, the FoldLite was hailed by parents for its lightweight frame, but it has also won a prestigious Mother&Baby Awards 2023 Bronze award. The cot collapses to just 26cm wide. Our Mum tester Sarah says, "when folded down for travel it's small and neat and doesn't take up too much valuable boot space when you're already contending with buggies and suitcases." Testers loved the Home Fold feature to help fold away quickly and clear space within seconds. The cot unfolds and just clicks together, only two of the sides need to click together due to the way it is folded which makes putting the cot up and down much easier and quicker.

One of our mum testers Archana didn't get along with the cot as well when it came to dismantling it fully though. She says, "Folding into the slide away is easy - and really handy for day to day use - that’s what I liked most about it - however folding away fully and putting in the bag is quite clunky and a chore."

The FoldLite has a mesh lining and two wheels for easy manoeuvrability, making it a useful portable cot for travelling with. It's easy to pop up, says Sarah whose grandparents popped it up without any instructions. She enjoys using it around the house and says, "The Foldlite travel cot has been most useful to us for quick and easy use around the house with a mobile baby. It genuinely is two clicks to put up or down and the house fold setting means I can quickly pop it out from next to the sofa if I need to iron or nip to the toilet and pop it back in a few seconds so it's not taking over the room." She also thinks it would be invaluable for holiday cottages that may not be very well baby-proofed.

The cot also comes with a mattress included. Our mum tester Georgia says, "The only issue I had with it was once wrapping the mattress around the base you do have to pull it quite tightly to then fit it in the bag." Overall our testers love the convenience of having a pop-up cot to hand at home. One thing to be aware of though, as our mum tester Joanna pointed out, is that It has quite a large high sides so it can be difficult to reach within, especially if you have a bad back.

Read our full Graco FoldLite review .

• Two ways to fold, including an extra compact fold when space is limited
• A light weight cot makes it really portable
• The carry bag is very convenient for travel
• Assembly not totally straightforward as one tester had trouble when dismantling the product fully
• Tricky to fit in the travel bag with the mattress
• Two ways to fold for home and easy travel
• Carry bag included
• Fast pop-up assembly
• Super lightweight
• The cot has two wheels for easy manoeuvrability
• Mattress included

3. Joie Kubbie Travel Cot

Best compact travel cot.

www.johnlewis.com

If you're looking for a travel cot that's a doddle to set up and folds away in seconds, this is it – no more grappling with unwieldy parts when you arrive at your destination with a tired baby. We love the clever design, which gives a seamless experience on the go. One reviewer, said, "lovely travel cot good size but not too big should last a while as you can move the mattress to the bottom, but can be used for storage first." While another added, "it was easy to assemble and perfect for what we need, compact style so will be really useful for travelling which is what we wanted! Love that it has the raised option for a more "next to me" style."

It is a sturdy and compact travel cot, ideal for travel, however, some parents thought it was smaller than expected. We love the carry cot to make it easier on your back and reviewers agreed. One mum said, "initially bought it as an alternative to the next to me crib and travelling. It has worked great for both, we love that we could lower the side to easily watch the baby from bed during the night. It's easy to put up and take down, and packing it up for travelling." She added, "as the baby gets a bit bigger we also use the crib as a playpen when travelling." However, while it is compact, reviewers did find it heavy with one reviewer commenting, "it's a little bit heavy to carry for a small person." Another reviewer was disappointed there were no handles on the case to make carrying it easier. That said, it is easy to move from room to room with one reviewer saying, "the wheels and breaks made it easy to move from room to room."

• Includes carrycot insert and mattress
• Wheels and brakes to make it portable
• Compact for travel and easy to assemble
• Heavy despite being compact
• Easy to assemble
• Includes carry cot and mattress
• Suitable from birth
• Wheels to make moving it easier

4. Cuggl Deluxe Superlight Travel Cot

Best budget travel cot.

This deluxe super lightweight travel cot has a bassinet attachment that clicks easily onto the top, making it perfect for changing nappies. It also has wheels, so it's easy to move around. The best part is that it sets up and folds away in seconds, making it a great travel cot that won't break the bank. Our mum tester Tori likes that it folds up thin to fit in their car boot along with a double pram and a few bags. She says, "I would definitely recommend this product to other mums, it's so easy to put up and down and transport on its handy bag"

Mum tester Sarah agrees, and would also recommend it for anyone looking for an inexpensive no-nonsense travel cot. She says it was lightweight enough for her to carry around, and compact enough to pack in their car along with everything else. She says, "Once I'd done the initial set up of the cot, it was easy to put together and to take apart too." Our mum testers also say the instructions are really easy to follow and everything is easy to wipe down to keep clean while travelling. One thing to be aware of is that the design of this cot is quite low to the ground, which may be something to keep in mind if you have back problems when lifting baby in and out.

Read our full Cuggl Deluxe Superlight Travel Cot review.

• Can be used for nappy changing with the removable changer and bassinet
• Four airy mesh sides provide all-round ventilation and baby viewing
• Lightweight aluminium legs make it easy to fold the cot down in seconds
• The wheels mean you can easily move the cot from room to room
• The design of this cot means it's quite low to the ground
• Removable changer and bassinet
• Very lightweight - at just 6kg
• 4 mesh sides
• Compact size after folded
• Thick padded mattress included – size L104, W60cm
• Stylish lightweight aluminium legs
• Carrying bag included
• Suitable from birth to 3 years
• 1-year guarantee

5. Baby Bjorn Travel Cot Light

Best lightweight travel cot.

This travel cot is a real doddle to assemble – just slip it out of its travel bag, and it practically unfolds automatically, so there's no grappling with poles or fiddling with extra accessories. It's also easy to fold away and is really light and portable, making it perfect for taking with you when you visit relatives, or just moving with baby around your home. Our mum tester Nicola did find the cot to be less attractive than others in terms of design appeal, but said her little one slept well in it and seemed very comfortable. She liked that it also comes with a nice carry bag, which she says makes it easy to transport.

The built-in base helps to keep it standing nice and sturdy in its position, but this is a very lightweight cot. Mum Nicola found it to be less robust than others, saying "Amelia can push it around by herself." However, she also says it's the easiest travel cot to carry as it's amazingly light." We love that the fabric can be removed and popped in the washing machine – a real bonus if you have a baby with reflux. The materials of this travel cot meet the requirements of OEKO-TEX Standard 100, Class 1 for baby products, which essentially means kind to your baby's sensitive skin. One thing to keep in mind is that it may be harder to dry, which is quite important if you're away and need to wash and dry it.

Read our full BabyBjörn Light Travel Cot review .

• Can be assembled in one simple movement
• The mattress cover and cot fabric are easy to remove and are machine washable
• It's lightweight but a built-in base means it is sturdy
• Reviewers found it hard to dry
• Machine washable at 40°C
• Made from organic cotton
• Fitted sheet included

6. Joie Excursion Change and Bounce

This versatile travel cot comes with lots of extra accessories, so it's great value for money. You basically get three-in-one, with a a full-size bassinet, which snaps easily on and off as required, as well as a changing unit and portable bouncing seat. What makes this travel cot even more unique is that there are also lots of sound and light features, including a soothing sound vibration, plus five classical lullabies and nature sounds. The two integrated wheels make it easy to move from room to room, and there's also a nightlight with three brightness settings to guide you In the dark.

Despite all the extras, it still folds compactly and comes with its own travel storage bag. One reviewer, Kathryn, did find it quite difficult to assemble though. "I had to enlist my husband's help," she says, adding that it's sturdy and almost as big as a normal cot. However, she points out that the integrated wheels do make it easier to move. She says the extra accessories that come with the cot would be great for a newborn, but her Olly was a bit too old for them. He did, however, like the sounds, and she says the light was great for night changes without fully waking him. Overall, Kathryn recommends this cot as a real investment that will grow with your baby.,

Another reviewer, Nicola, was also impressed, and liked that the mesh sides enabled her to check on her little one without getting out of bed. Her daughter also enjoyed being able to see them when she woke up. Nicola says the mattress seems very comfortable for her little one, and she found the colours and pattern of the travel cot to be really appealing. She agreed that the extra accessories aren't really suitable past 12 months though, and also found the cot to be quite heavy. She says, "I would struggle to move it from room to room without help".

• Fast transitions from changing unit, to cot to bouncing seat
• Includes sounds and lights to entertain or soothe your baby
• Quick assembly and folding with a simple push button
• Folds away compactly in a carry bag for convenient storage
• The elevated base helps combat draughts
• With so many features, this cot is quite heavy
• The extra accessories aren't suitable for older babies
• 3-in-1 portable changer and snoozing seat that can be used on or off the cot
• Full-size bassinet that clips quickly snaps on and off included for naptime options
• One quick click – changing unit, snoozing, or bouncing seat
• One quick click – turn the sound & lights module pop on or off
• SecureClick snoozing seat that doubles as a portable bouncer when used off the cot!
• Set up and fold down in seconds
• Packs away in the included carry bag
• Compact folded package for simple storage in even the smallest spaces
• Includes a full-size removable bassinet
• Ultra secure frame with modern exposed tubing
• 2 integrated wheels
• Mesh lined for ventilation on all four sides with an elevated, draught resistant base
• SecureClick changing unit

7. Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot

Best newborn travel cot.

This stylish, contemporary travel cot takes seconds to put together and is reasonably quick and easy to fold, even with a baby in your arms, making it ideal for travel. We love the bassinet accessory, which makes this brilliant for use from birth, and so does our mum tester Kirsty who says, "The bassinet makes it easy to lift Rikku in and out." She did find it a bit fiddly to detach though.

Doubling up as a play space, this travel cot has padded edges to prevent pinched fingers, and it also comes with an organic cotton sheet included and its own bag to store and transport it in. Kirsty especially liked that the sheet stayed in place with the velcro. The cot has a sturdy aluminium frame and a triple-layered ventilated mattress for superior comfort. Mum tester Nicola thought it was very stylish and said her daughter slept well in it. She loved the "lovely, thick mattress" and extra machine-washable sheet, saying she found it was simple to assemble.

When it comes to set-up our mum tester Kirsty found it reasonably straightforward. However, she says it doesn't fold very neatly, and she found it fiddly to pack away. While the cot is certainly very sturdy, Kirsty says this makes it feel more heavy and take up a lot of space in their small car boot. Mum tester Nicola really liked the sturdiness of the travel cot too, but agrees that the only disadvantage is that it's quite heavy. She says, "I think I would struggle to get this from one place to another by myself."

Read our full Nuna Sena Aire review.

• The cot is easy to set up and hold with one hand
• Cot folds with the upper cot still attached
• The advanced air design™ with mesh sides, allows air flow from every angle
• The cot is very easy to clean because it is machine washable and dryer safe
• The ventilated triple-layered mattress is comfortable for baby
• Doesn't fold very neatly or small
• A bit fiddly to detach the bassinet
• One-handed set up and fold
• Upper cot folds with the frame
• Draft-proof with above-ground base
• Skid-proof feet
• Unique zigzag frame
• Advanced air design™
• Mattress's zip-off design is machine washer and dryer safe
• Ventilated triple-layered mattress with removable panels
• Organic sheet is included
• Padded edges
• Travel bag included with easy carry handle

8. Graco Contour Electra

Best value travel cot.

The Graco Contour is a good-value travel cot with lots of extra features. Our mum testers love that it's quick and easy to assemble, and compact enough to fit into smaller spaces without taking up too much room. However, our mum tester Kathryn described it as one of the heaviest travel cots they tested. This meant that it was nice and roomy, and a good size for their baby, but Kathryn says it was almost the same size as their normal cot! Despite this, she agrees it's easy to assemble and put away in the carry bag included, plus, the wheels made it easier to move around, and she did like the neutral colour. Mum tester Nicola, on the other hand, points out that while the cream colour does look lovely, she imagines it could get dirty very quickly.

Loaded with extras such as a newborn bassinet, handy changing mat and toy bar, this is definitely a cot that represents great value for money, although Nicola points out that the changing unit, while it's a great idea, is only suitable for use up to 12 months. It also has a nightlight and musical feature, as well as the option to set the mattress to vibrate to help soothe your baby. The four mesh sides are a great feature too, allowing you to keep an eye on your little one, while also being useful for ventilation, but Kathryn found that she did have to bend low to reach her baby. Nicola also felt that the mattress was on the thin side, which meant that her little one didn't sleep as well as hoped.

Read our full Graco Contour Electra Travel Cot review.

• This is a cot that is designed to grow with your child from newborn to toddler
• There is an integrated changing station for added convenience
• The hanging toy bar provides entertainment for little one
• Includes a night light, music and vibration feature to soothe little one
• Some reviewers struggled to assemble it
• Very heavy and quite large for a travel cot
• Removable changing table
• Raised bassinet for newborns
• Removable toy bar with toys 
• Nightlight, music and timer 
• Removable vibration unit
• Sturdy base mattress
• Graco® signature easy-fold
• 2 wheels for easy manoeuvrability 

9. Ergo Pouch Easy Sleep Portable crib

Best back pack travel cot.

For ultimate convenience, this travel crib doubles as a back pack. Suitable from birth until 8 weeks, or when babies start to roll, this makes travelling with a little one really easy. We love the net to protect your baby from mosquitoes too. One reviewer said, " We used this for our son’s first camping trip. He is currently 3 months old and this travel cot was perfect. He actually had the best sleeps he’s had so far ! So easy to pop up and take down. Super slim so can be stored away neatly."

Another reviewer commented, "we love this bassinet! We’ve been using it since we brought our daughter home from the hospital. It’s perfect for safe naps during the day for our little girl. We can easily bring it with us to the park, friends houses etc. In my opinion it’s a better, safer (and cheaper) than a lot of other loungers." However, some reviewers mentioned that it is hard to keep clean.

• Easy to transport as a back pack
• Includes a mosquito net to protect little one
• Convenient for naps on the go, or outdoors
• Only able to use until 8 weeks
• Can be used as a back pack
• Includes mattress
• Extremely lightweight
• Includes mosquito net
• Ideal for outdoor naps on the go

10. Tutti Bambino CoZee Go

Best travel cot with a playpen.

Ideal for use on the go and at home, this 3-in-1 playpen is perfect for sleeping and playing. It can be used as a bassinet, a playpen and a travel cot. We also love that it is extremely lightweight so ideal for travel, plus it can be assembled in seconds. One reviewer said, "it's light enough so I can travel with it on a train, but wish it was a bit lighter. Design isn't as ugly as others. Overall really happy with it."

Reviewers like the zip design which makes it easier to put baby inside the cot if they fall asleep outside of it. One reviewer commented, "the standout feature for me is the zip side. So much easier to put baby down if she falls asleep outside of the cot, and to pick her up too."

It is convenient to use at home, and away with one reviewer saying, "I have been using this crib for my 12 week old when staying with grandparents and it’s brilliant. It’s easy and quick to put up and down and stores flat for putting in the car. Most importantly my baby is really cosy and comfy using the newborn bassinet part for naps and night time sleep. I wish I had just bought this instead of the next to me crib for our house as I don’t keep the side down anyway." However, some reviewers were frustrated by the velcro at the sides, commenting, the "only downside is that you can’t out a cot sheet around the mattress due to Velcro strips that secure it and it doesn’t fold down compactly."

• This crib is easy to assemble in seconds
• Can be used as a playpen or cot
• Extremely compact and lightweight for storing or travelling
• Difficult to fit a sheet on the mattress
• Easy to assemble crib 
• Suitable for use as a playpen, crib and travel cot
• Zip side for convenience

11. Silver Cross slumber travel cot

Best long-lasting travel cot.

This travel cot represents good value for money, especially because it can be used from birth up to approximately three years of age. It's also very sturdy, which means it doubles up as a playpen for smaller babies.Reviewer Will said, "surprisingly sturdy. This travel cot folds away really nicely, it doesn't take a lot of time to set up either which is a bonus. Really grateful for the design on this one, from the zip at the side to the easy fold away touch points."

We love that the fabric is made with recycled plastic bottles making it more sustainable but still stylish. It is also extremely practical with an integrated newborn insert, ideal for having little one close to you. One reviewer said, "as soon as we assembled this cot we loved it. Sturdy, easy to put up and incredibly stylish and lightweight. The newborn insert is perfectly snug for little ones and it can be gently rocked which is a bonus. Took it abroad on a family holiday and it was easy to travel with, only 7kg."

Another reviewer was impressed by how comfortable it is, commenting, "Mattress feels thicker than usual travel cots. My little one slept really well on it and it was perfect for him to play in whilst we unpacked." However, while it is easy to travel with, there are no wheels for easily moving it from room to room when assembled.

• There is plenty of space for baby to stretch out and grow
• Includes newborn insert
• Mesh sides allow great air flow and you can see baby
• Comfortable, thick mattress
• Tricky to move once assembled.
• Full cot size (60cm x 120cm)
• Versatile – can be used as a playpen
• Travel bag included
• Newborn insert included

12. Red Kite Black Sleep Tight Travel Cot

Best simple travel cot.

The Sleeptight Travel Cot is an award-winning sleep solution from Red Kite. Stored in a carry bag, the Sleeptight Travel Cot is lightweight and compact folding. It is the perfect choice for holidays, visiting friends and family or for your own home. Mum Kat is really impressed with it after using several times and says, "it's good quality and not too bulky when folded so fits easily into my small car boot along with all the other baby paraphernalia needed for a night away!"

It's really easy to put up and take down and Kat says "it was so helpful that the instructions are printed onto the underside of the mattress - what a great idea!" She points out that you must put it up/take it down in the right order or you will struggle to get it folded correctly. The mattress doesn't come with a waterproof sheet so Kat used her own with a cot sheet on top of the mattress. She says, "for the price paid, it's exceptionally good value. 10/10!"

• The cot has a central locking base for extra safety
• It's easy to fold and store in the storage bag
• The see-through mesh sides allow airflow and let you see baby easily
• The instructions are printed on the underside of the mattress, so you won't lose them.
• Mattress is very thin
• No waterproof sheet included for the mattress
• Fully safety tested
• Includes carry bag
• Padded top rails
• Padded mattress secured with straps
• Central locking base
• Large mesh panels

13. Kinderkraft Cot 4 in 1 SOFI

Best 4 in 1 travel cot.

Rrp: £ 139.99

A practical travel cot which also doubles as a playpen, cradle and everyday cot, the SOFI is a great purchase. It is suitable for babies and toddlers from birth to 15kg and it's lightweight and easy to fold. Plus, it includes a storage bag which makes it easy to carry when travelling. The SOFI has mesh sides to ensure you can see your little one and for good airflow. It also comes with a mattress and cover, and the frame can be used as a rocking frame too.

The cot is slightly narrower than some travel cots, but one reviewer says that this was exactly what they needed to fit it into their spare room for their new grandson when he stayed with them. They said that they love that it's on two levels too, so it's suitable for a newborn as well as a toddler, although they weren't sure their grandson will fit past the age of two years.

The fact that this cot is so easy to fold and comes in a cover, means it can be stored under another bed quite nicely. As this reviewer points out, while you use the top level, things can also be stored underneath. They say the only slight problem is the fitting of sheets, "It is fiddly", they say, "and you need to lift the mattress to be able to fit the sheet and tuck it in. But it is doable, so very happy with purchase."

Read our full Kinderkraft SOFI review.

• The cot doubles as a playpen too
• The cot can be used with or without the rocking function
• The mattress can be used at two different levels
• Attractive design for your home
• Slightly narrower than standard travel cots
• Bit fiddly to fit the sheets
• 4-in-1 – cot, travel cot, playpen and cradle.
• Rocking function
• Easy to store
• Mattress can be set at two different heights
• Lightweight
• Simple to fold

Travel cots – All you need to know:

Choosing the right travel cot for you and your child.

While we know that travel cots are primarily used for sleeping while away from home, there are other uses for them which makes choosing one an important decision to ensure it is suitable for everything you need. Some things to consider include:

How long do you plan to use it for: Different travel cots have different age ranges and some might be suitable from newborn up until 6 months or even just 3 months, while others will last much longer, up until 3 years, and you may not need another travel cot. However, the larger the travel cot then the heavier it might be, and it also might not be as compact. Typically a travel cot should last from newborn until 18 months, but there will be some suitable beyond this.

Do you need it for more than sleep: Travel cots are brilliant for visiting family or friends or when on holiday to help little one sleep comfortably. However, they are also useful for doubling up as playpens , or even changing units. If you are visiting a house, or staying somewhere which hasn't got any baby proofing products then your travel cot can double up as a playpen. This type of travel cot has added value as you can get more use out of it than a standard travel cot but check the manufacturer's guidelines before you buy to ensure it's safe to use as a playpen. Also, some travel cots have changing mat attachments which can clip on the top and make changing nappies when away much easier because you will have a portable changing table .

How much room does it take up when folded: Think about where and when you'll use a travel cot. If you are throwing it in the car boot when you're going to Granny's, check how bulky it is when folded and make sure it fits along with your pushchair and still leaves enough room for your luggage. If you're buying for your holiday and you'll be travelling to your destination by plane, boat or other public transport, choose one that folds very compactly to make it easier to pack, and ensure it has a travel bag too. Once your holiday is over don't forget you'll need to store it at home, so consider how easy it is to store when it's not in use.

Rapid set up: Unpacking your travel cot after a long journey with a tired baby can be stressful, so choose something quick and easy to set up. Some travel cots can be assembled and folded with one hand, which is a lifesaver if you're holding your baby.

Portability: Think about whether or not you will need to carry the travel cot, either through an airport, or to a friend's house. It might be that you will want to move it from room to room too. Check the travel cot has a travel bag which will make it easy to carry, especially if it has as shoulder strap or strong carrying handles. Also consider if it has wheels which will make moving the travel cot from room to room much simpler.

Features to consider before purchasing a travel cot

Here are some travel cot features to look out for when deciding on which travel cot is best for you and your baby.

Travel cots come with a mattress supplied, but some are comfier than others. Check how thick it is and whether it provides enough support for a good night's sleep. If not, thicker travel cot mattresses can be purchased separately – but that's an extra expense and something else to pack!

Fold mechanism

As well as checking how simple it is to assemble the travel cot, make sure you can fold it away again easily. Could you do it in a hurry if you're dashing to the airport? If you have older children, make sure inquisitive little fingers can't access the mechanism for folding the travel cot when it's in use.

Most travel cots have mesh sides to encourage airflow and enable you to see your baby easily when they're sleeping. Check the quality of the fabric and how easy it is to wipe clean.

If you want to move the cot elsewhere in the house for daytime naps or playpen use, choose one with wheels for easy manoeuvrability.

Standard cot bedding may not fit your travel cot, so check what size bedding is required and factor in any extra expense. Make sure the bedding fits the mattress securely with no loose fabric.

Choose a travel cot with side panels that zip open and closed if you'd like to be able to reach your baby without bending low over the side of the cot. If it doubles as a playpen, a 'window' to crawl through can add to the fun.

If you plan to travel with your baby to a climate where mosquitoes might bother them, choose a travel cot with an insect net, and check it fits the travel cot securely.

What age are travel cots advised for?

Travel cots come in a variety of sizes and styles, and they all have different upper age and/or weight limits. Consider how old your child will be when using the travel cot, and choose one suitable for their age. Most of the travel cots in our list above can be used from birth until your baby weighs 15kg, which is approximately three years old. Keep in mind that once your baby makes the transition from sleeping in a cot to a bed, they'll probably prefer a bed to a travel cot when away from home overnight.

Can I travel on a plane with a travel cot?

Yes! Although all airlines will have their own rules on luggage allowances, but if you are flying with a baby then typically parents of infants are allowed to take at least two items - e.g. travel cot, buggy or car seat - at no extra cost.

If you're buying a travel cot to take on holiday and are travelling by plane, boat or train, choose one that folds as compactly as possible to make it easier to transport. If you're driving, make sure it fits in your car boot and still leaves enough room for the rest of your luggage.

Think about where you'll keep the travel cot when it's not in use, too. If space is not an issue, you could look into the larger options available.

All travel cots are designed to be light enough to carry, but some are heavier than others, and there's generally a pay-off between how light it is and how durable it is, and also how big it is.

If you'll be carrying it a lot on your journey, such as through an airport, then weight may take priority, but if you've got a cruising toddler, and throwing the cot in a big boot is about the extent of your lugging it around, then a sturdier, perhaps heavier, cot would be better.

How to assemble a travel cot

Wrestling with an unwieldy travel cot and a tired baby after a long journey is stress you really don't need in your life, so choose one that doesn't require an engineering degree to set up. While how to put up a travel cot differs depending on the brand, some can be assembled and folded away within seconds, even with one hand – and that's a really helpful feature if you're going to be assembling it with your baby or other children in tow.

Where can I buy a travel cot?

Whether you need one pronto or want to spend your time researching the perfect travel cot, there are plenty of places where you can pick one. We'd recommend these trusted retailers that offer great products and plenty of reviews so you can make sure you're buying the right one for your little one:

Mamas & Papas

Can I buy a travel cot second-hand?

If you're looking to buy a second-hand travel cot, there are a few things to check before you make your purchase to ensure comfort and safety for your little one.

•Firstly, all travel cots should comply with British Standards Institution (BSI) safety standard BS EN 716:1 2008. Make sure you can see this number on your travel cot. If you can't, then it is best not to buy it.

• Check that it assembles and folds down correctly. Perhaps even ask the seller for a demo to check that it is easy to fold and unfold. Overtime the lock mechanism can wear and become tricky.

• Make sure it's sturdy and inspect the frame, which will likely be metal, for any sharp edges.

• Make sure the seller provides you with the original instruction booklet, but also check the base of the cot because some brands print the instructions there.

•It's also worth purchasing a new mattress for the travel cot. However, if the second hand cot does come with a mattress then check it over and ensure it is waterproof.

How to clean your travel cot

If your travel cot has been tucked away in the loft for a few years and it smells a bit musty, or your child has turned it into a bit of a mess, a good tip for cleaning is to use warm soapy water and a sponge.

Make sure to leave it out in the fresh air and sunlight to dry. Another tip when purchasing a travel cot is to choose dark colours which will get less stained than a light grey or beige, especially with all that travelling, a dark colour will hide scuff marks and general wear.

Travel cot safety

There are a number of safety aspects to check on your travel cot for your peace of mind. Emily McInnes, a paediatric nurse and holistic sleep coach from Sound Asleep Coaching, advises that you "ensure that the travel cot has a firm flat surface/ mattress, there are no loose objects attached the cot and no sharp edges and always ensure that the child is dressed appropriately according to the temperature of the bedroom. Be mindful of this when you are in a warmer environment when away on holiday. If your child is in a sleep suit, ensure that the tog of sleeping bag is the correct tog for the temperature of the room."

Some other safety features to consider include:

Stability: Be sure to use the mattress that comes with the cot, as changing it could affect the stability of the cot and could make it easier to tip.

Escaping: Swapping for a thicker mattress could give your tot more height and make it easier for them to escape.

Corners: Be wary of how smooth corners are - make sure there is no chance of your baby's clothes getting caught on them to avoid any chance of strangulation.

Flexible sides: Pop-up-style tents may be easy to erect and dismantle; however, the flexible sides mean that if you were to stumble onto the cot, there would be no ridged sides to stop your fall.

Zips: Make sure you check all zips are secure, as any loose zips that become unattached could potentially become choking hazards.

Wheels: The wheels must be able to securely lock into place or have two wheels and two legs for sturdiness.

Test it out: Make sure you try it out before you travel to check all of the above safety aspects.

Safe sleeping in a travel cot

The general consensus is that you need to be following the same sleeping guidance for your baby in a travel cot as you would at home.

Here's what The Lullaby Trust have to say:

"The same 'safer sleep' rules apply to a travel cot, which should have a rigid frame and base, and a firm, flat mattress, covered in a waterproof material. Travel cot mattresses are often thinner and feel harder than those in a permanent cot, but don't be tempted to place folded blankets or a quilt under the baby to make them 'more comfortable'. If you are very tight for space, you may have to consider re-arranging the furniture in the room to ensure that the travel cot isn't against a radiator, in direct sunlight, and is out of reach of blind cords and hazards."

Emily McInnes also advises that it is wise to get your child familiar with the travel cot before using it when away. She suggests, "you may like to introduce your child to the travel cot in your home environment before your holiday, so that it is not completely new when you go away. Try and incorporate some of the sleep associations that you use in your home environment such as a comforter or particular blanket. This will make your child feel more at home when they are in their travel cot in a new environment and you can use white noise for babies under 6 months and pink noise for babies over 6 months when away, to help block out any new break-through noises which could impact their sleep."

About the expert

Emily McInnes is a a Paediatric Nurse and Certified Holistic Sleep Coach and she has over ten years experience in healthcare settings. She is interested in and has experience of sleep biology, sleep cycles, circadian rhythm and attachment styles and she applies her evidence based practice to real life situations.

E mily Gilbert is the Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby and has written for the website and previously the magazine for six years. Specialising in product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases in the parenting industry.

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Best travel cots 2024: real parents' verdict on the best cots to pop up and down wherever you are

Whether used at home, at the grandparents' or as a playpen, a travel cot can be a familiar place for your baby to sleep, wherever they are. After rigorous research and testing, we reveal the best travel cots to buy in 2024.

By Poppy O'Neill | Last updated Aug 12, 2024

While you may have dedicated a lot of time to finding the best crib , moses basket or cot bed for your child, we tend to give less thought to which travel cot to buy. But getting the best sleep possible is just as important while you're away from home, so we've put some of the best travel cots on the market through their paces.

While they're mainly used for overnight stays at a grandparent's house, or longer holidays, travel cots can also be used instead of a traditional crib or playpen for both babies and toddlers. They are portable, easy to carry, fit in your car boot and should be fairly lightweight too. Pack your travel cot along with a baby monitor and your little one's best baby blanket and you're good to go.

How we chose the best travel cots

We put several of our best travel cot picks through their paces with real parent-testers and their babies and toddlers. We also turned to the Mumsnet forums - home of the UK's largest network of parents - to seek out authentic recommendations and honest reviews of the travel cots they'd used with their own children. Referring to expert review sites for extra information, we collated all the information to bring you our top picks, of the best travel cots 2024.

Best travel cots at a glance

Best travel cot for quick assembly: Bugaboo Stardust Travel Cot | £225

Best travel cot for air travel: BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light | £220

Best travel cot for newborns: Joie Kubbie Sleep Travel Cot | £100

Best budget travel cot: Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot | £35

Best larger travel cot: BabyDan Extra Large Travel Cot | £85

Best travel cot to use as a playpen: Silver Cross Slumber Travel Cot | £195

Best easy-fold travel cot: Graco FoldLite LX Travel Cot | £85

Be st lightweight travel cot: LittleLife Arc 2 | £106

Best travel cot with a changing table: Joie Commuter Change | £100

Best travel cot for toddlers: Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot | £250

Bugaboo Stardust Travel Cot, £225

Great quality mattress

Takes just one second to unfold and three seconds to fold

Can be folded with the mattress left in

Carrycot insert for newborns

On the expensive side

Only suitable up to 2 years

Price on writing: £225 | Suitable from: Birth to two years | Weight: 6.7kg

Tried and tested by Mumsnet: Read our in-depth Bugaboo Stardust travel cot review

For those considering a travel cot to use from birth, the Bugaboo Stardust is a great option. It comes with a carrycot insert which means the cot can be used as a bedside crib - perfect for co-sleeping away from home.

It has a height-adjustable mattress and an incredibly easy fold up and down. When folded up, the travel cot is nice and slim, making for easy storage. The mattress is great quality and thicker than the others on our list. At just over £200, it's on the premium end of the spectrum, and the manufacturer recommends only using it up to 2 years, so it doesn't have quite the longevity of most other travel cots, which generally can be used until the age of three.

Great for parents who

Want to co-sleep safely away from home

Are expecting to use the cot frequently for sleeping

Related: The best breast pumps, as recommended by Mumsnetters

BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light, £220

Durable construction

Very comfy mattress

Mattress and fabric is removable and machine-washable

Mattress is fairly close to the floor – one side can be unzipped for easy access though

It’s one of the more expensive cots around

Price on writing: £220 | Suitable from: Birth to three years | Weight: 6kg (including carry bag)

Tried and tested by Mumsnet: Read our full BabyBjorn Light review

If you have a little extra to spend, then the luxury and comfort of BabyBjörn's Light will make sleepovers fuss-free no matter where you go. Our tester found it sturdy, simple to set-up and really easy to transport. The mattress is considerably more comfy than those you'll find in cheaper travel cots, and all the fabric parts are removable and machine washable.

The main drawback is the price tag, but if you have the means, then this cot won't let you down.

Need a small portable crib that can be taken on short or long trips

Want to invest in a travel bed that can stand heavy use

Related: The best teddy bears and soft toys for kids of all ages

Joie Kubbie Sleep Travel Cot, £100

Lift and lower side panel means baby can be picked up and placed down without hassle

Compact frame that packs down into a travel bag

Mesh panels on all four sides

Padded top rail

Too small to be used as a playpen

Material isn't machine-washable

Price on writing: From £94 | Suitable from: Birth to three years (15kg) | Weight: 8.79kg

Tried and tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Joie kubbie™ Sleep review

The Joie kubbie™ Sleep is a real steal and a brilliant choice for new parents who want something that covers all bases - that's why we've named it our best travel cot overall for 2024. Versatile in style and cocoon-like in the way it nurtures and grows with newborns, the kubbie™ Sleep also comes with a bassinet that can easily be attached and detached.

A unique feature of the kubbie™ Sleep that our tester was impressed by is that when your baby is in the bassinet, you can tuck the cot close to your bed and adjust the height of the crib so that it acts like a co-sleeper. It's a lovely feature if you're travelling with a tiny baby, it provides extra peace of mind and easy access for changing and breastfeeding .

Have a newborn

Like the idea of a co-sleeper and want to keep their baby close during the night

Want a cot that can last up to three years old

Read next: The best changing bags Mumsnetters swear by

Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot, £35

Lightweight and folds down compactly into a travel bag

Quick to assemble and fold away

Easy to clean

Mesh sides make it easy to see baby

The mattress is thinner than some other baby travel cot mattresses on the market, such as the Joie kubbie™ Sleep

Doesn't have wheels

Price on writing: £35 | Suitable from: Birth to three years (or able to climb out) | Weight: 8.5 kg | Dimensions when assembled: 76 x 103 x 73cm

Tried and tested by Mumsnet : Read our full Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot review .

Robust and simple in design, the Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot is a basic, practical travel cot that you'll be glad to have for the odd night away from home with your little one. With breathable mesh on four sides, a carry bag and padding over the poles and edges, it's got everything you need for a safe night's sleep - or a handy play pen.

Mumsnetters say the mattress could be thicker and better quality, which is often the case with cheaper travel cots. If you're looking for a separate mattress, this one from Mother Nurture fits the Red Kite perfectly and folds up for extra practicality while on-the-go.

Need a bed for short trips or as a secondary for the grandparents' house

Are on a tight budget

Read next: The best cabin bags to buy for your next family holiday

BabyDan Extra Large Travel Cot, £85

Extra large (120 x 60 cm) so you can use your cot mattress for extra comfort

Travel bag included

Has a handy storage pocket

No stand-out features such as newborn insert

Quite a basic design

Price on writing: £83 | Suitable from: Not specified | Weight: 8 kg | Size when assembled: 60 x 120 x 80cm

Looking for a travel cot under £100 big enough to last at least as long as your little one's cot ? Look no further.

The BabyDan Travel Cot may not feature all the bells and whistles of the likes of Bugaboo or Babybjorn, but at the same size as most standard cots, it's large enough to keep going until your toddler is ready to make the switch into a bigger toddler bed .

Similar in design to the Red Kite, you get a little more space for your money here as well as little extra touches such as the handy side pocket in which you can store nappies , blankets or toys during your travels. Sure, its larger size may be an issue if you're short on space, but being able to fit a standard cot mattress is also a big bonus - as most travel cot mattresses are known for being quite thin.

Silver Cross Slumber travel cot, £195

Has a 3-in-1 design so works as a newborn co-sleeper, a playpen and travel cot up to three years

Sloped sides mean toddlers less likely to climb out

Has a zip-up door

Can be a bit tricky to put up for the first time

Sloped legs can take some getting used to - you may trip on them at first!

Price on writing: £190 | Suitable from: Birth to three years (or able to climb out) | Weight: 6.25 kg | Size when folded up : L88 x W34 x H17cm | Size when assembled: L112 x W80 x H67cm

Tried and tested by Mumsnet : Read our full Silver Cross Slumber travel cot review

If you're looking for a travel cot you can use right from birth up until your toddler is three, the Silver Cross Slumber offers a sleek, simple solution from a trusted brand.

The sloped sides mean toddlers are less likely to be able to climb out but still have plenty of space to play, and there's also a little zip-up door in the side which makes it feel more fun (and less like a 'baby cage'!)

While our tester found it slightly tricky to assemble the first time around, this was a minor niggle as she pointed out that she's likely to get so much use out of the Slumber travel cot, putting it up and down will soon become second nature.

Our tester was also particularly impressed with how lightweight the Slumber was to carry, despite its robust sturdiness when assembled.

Want a travel cot and playpen combination

Have a larger space to put the travel cot in

Are looking for a travel cot which will last them years

Read next: Discover the best pregnancy pillows and pregnancy tests according to Mumsnetters

Graco FoldLite LX Travel Cot, £85

Lightweight and easy to fold up and down

Collapses to just 26 cm wide

Comes with a removable infant bassinet

2 wheels for easy manoeuvring

The mattress could be thicker

Price on writing: £85 | Suitable from: Birth to three years (or able to climb out) | Weight: 6.78 kg

Tried and tested by Mumsnet: Read our in-depth Graco FoldLite LX Travel Cot review

With two ways to fold, the Graco FoldLite LX is a brilliant cot for frequent use. The quick fold is designed for speed, while 'Home Fold' is ultra-thin at just 26cm wide - perfect for storing away at home.

We love the two-wheel design that makes the cot easy to drag around, and it's not bad to look at either. The base is one of the lowest to the ground on our list, making it a good option for using as a playpen. It also comes with a removable infant bassinet for smaller babies.

Graco are well-loved by Mumsnetters thanks to their good-quality, affordable baby gear, and this travel cot is no exception.

Want a cot that can be put up and down frequently without too much hassle

Have limited space for storage

Read next: The best nursing chairs to buy, as recommended by mums

LittleLife Arc 2, £106

Insect-proof mesh for hot weather and the outdoors

Has a front panel with a safety toggle that can be zipped open or closed, making it a great option to use as an outdoor playpen

Colour-coded poles make assembly simple

Lightweight option

Thin mattress

Sunshade must be bought separately

Price on writing: £106 | Suitable from: Birth to three years (15kg), but we'd recommend it for toddlers | Weight: 2.5kg

Tried and tested by Mumsnet: Read our full LittleLife Arc 2 review

The LittleLife Arc 2 is extremely lightweight (practically featherweight, really, at just 2.5kg), is designed just like a tent and can be folded down compactly to fit into a backpack, which comes with it. This makes it perfect for use on public transport, holidays and camping.

It works just as well outdoors as it does indoors and is great for those grab-and-go moments. Our tester really liked its tent-like design - close to the floor means there's no risk of kids falling out and the cosier sleeping space makes it ideal for younger babies. She was also impressed by the mosquito net - perfect for travel wherever you're headed.

Use public transport when travelling

Want something that could double up as a playpen

Read next: The best baby carriers, tried and tested

Joie Commuter Change, £100

Two wheels make this cot easy to move around

Easy to fold and unfold

Bassinet and changing unit don’t fit into carry bag

Side of the cot can’t be pulled down like the new Joie kubbie™ Sleep

Price on writing: £100 | Suitable from: Birth to 15kg | Weight: 12.3kg

Tried and tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Joie Commuter Change review

Winner of the Mumsnet Best Travel Cot 2018 award, the Joie Commuter Change didn’t quite make our top five this year, but it’s still a great product and definitely worth considering.

Our tester loved all the added extras that come with the Commuter Change. Not only is there a full-size bassinet, which will save your back when reaching down to your child, but the cot also comes with a changing table which handily clips onto the top.

Read next: The best cot mattresses for a safe night's sleep

Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot, £250

Easy to assemble

Plenty of space for toddlers inside

Comfortable

Designed for maximum airflow (ideal for summer holidays!)

Not a lot of outstanding features

Price on writing: £250 | Suitable from: Birth to 15kg | Size when assembled: L103cm x W76cm x H73cm | Size when folded: L30cm x W24cm x H86cm | Weight : 12kg

Tried and tested by Mumsnet : Read our full Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot review

Although it's one of the more premium travel cots on our list, our parent-tester was particularly impressed with the sturdiness of the Nuna Sena Aire travel cot, saying she had no worries about it moving when put through its paces by her toddler daughter.

The Nuna features breathable mesh sides and a ventilated mesh mattress, which is particularly useful if you're travelling to sunnier climes - and it's very simple to put up, even if you're on the petite side. If you need a reliable, premium travel cot for frequent use, the Nuna is a solid option on a cost-per-use basis, but if you're looking for something to use once or twice a year, there isn't anything particularly remarkable which makes this one stand out above its cheaper peers.

What age is a travel cot for?

This type of cot is usually used from the newborn stage up until toddlerhood – or until the little wriggler can climb out by themselves.

Do I actually need a travel cot?

The short answer is: no, not necessarily, but that depends entirely on your lifestyle.

Portable beds can be expensive and can take up unnecessary space in an otherwise baby-filled home, so if you think you'll only get use out of one for two weeks of the year, then you could probably do without.

If you already have a co-sleeper, Moses basket or carrycot that you use with a travel system , you might be able to use that when you're away from home with a smaller baby.

If, however, you tend to travel often or think your little one will have regular sleepovers with the grandparents, then a travel cot is a great solution.

It'll not only be easier to cart around, but it'll offer a familiar and comforting environment for your child no matter where they rest their head.

Are travel cots safe?

Safety is crucial when buying a travel bed for your little one so, while all products should have some sort of testing certification, be sure to check the safety features out yourself.

If you plan to buy in-store, ask to see it being assembled

Check how sturdy it is – could it withstand being knocked into?

Look for safety locks on wheels if there are any – can they also be tucked away when not in use?

Choking hazards are also something to look out for so make sure that small parts, like zips, are well covered

Check for sharp corners and padded rails

Assess whether your child would be able to climb out easily – check that the side panels are high enough

Safe sleeping and travel cot mattresses

The Lullaby Trust says that all cots need to comply with British Standards Institution (BSI) safety standards regardless of how old they are. If there is no safety standard number visible then you shouldn't buy it.

When it comes to safe sleeping, they also insist that the bed's original mattress needs to be firm, entirely flat and waterproof with no soft or cushioned areas, particularly around the baby's head. Babies should be placed on their backs with their feet at the foot of the cot.

Soft mattresses are known to increase the risk of SIDS as they make it harder for babies to lose body heat, which can cause them to become too hot.

Sleep positioners and pillows must not be used and there should also be no loose or bulky bedding inside the crib as this can cause a baby to overheat.

Even if the mattress feels thin, don't be tempted to place folded blankets underneath your child. Go for a baby sleeping bag or a well-fitted swaddle instead.

The Lullaby Trust also advise that portable cribs aren’t placed against radiators and remain out of reach of blind cords.

How much does a travel cot cost?

Prices range from £20 to over £200, and your budget will probably depend entirely on how much you think you'll use it.

As with anything, the most expensive option won't necessarily be best suited to you and your child. Some cheaper models may do just the trick and will last well into the toddler years too.

Can I buy one secondhand?

Yes, you can, but make sure you always follow the manufacturer's instructions before using.

Make sure it isn’t damaged or broken, that the frame is intact and that there aren’t any sharp edges that could cause injury. If possible, ask to assemble and fold it down before you buy to check it works as it should.

Secondhand travel cots can go from anywhere between £10 and £80.

Other things to consider when buying a travel cot

1. portability.

Check the size and weight. Can it be folded down compactly? Is it likely to fit into the boot of your car?

If you tend to travel by public transport, you'll want a bed that's lightweight and easy to carry. For planes, some small cots may even be able to fit into an overhead locker.

2. Assembly and storage

By nature, travel beds are usually easy to put up and fold down. Pop-ups are, of course, the easiest, but check to see if your chosen product is quick to assemble, fold and pack away.

When it comes to storage, the amount of space you have at home will influence your decision.

Some models have mattresses that fold with the frame before they go into a bag, and most will fit into the back of a cupboard or under a bed when stored away.

3. How to clean

Babies create mess – and a lot of it too. Look for a removable mattress that comes with a fitted sheet, which you will be able to stick in the washing machine.

Some cots have removable side panels, but if they don’t then you can always wipe them clean with warm water.

4. Extra features

Many larger models double up as a playpen which is great for keeping your child safe at all times no matter where they are. Some even come with changing tables, mobiles and bassinets for newborns.

You’ll find that the added extras will usually need to be carried separately once the frame is folded down. Brands that offer attachments like these include Joie (the Joie Commuter Change won Mumsnet Best Travel Cot 2018), BabyBjorn and Graco.

Some, like the Arc 2, also come with added extras like built-in mosquito nets for camping.

What's the best travel cot to buy?

The Joie kubbie Sleep is the best travel cot to buy in 2024. Mumsnetters love that it doubles as a co-sleeper, making it a versatile, useful and great value buy. The compact design makes it easy to transport and set up, while the bedside feature allows for easy access to your baby during the night. Overall, the Joie Baby Kubbie Sleep Bedside Travel Cot is a great choice for parents looking for a safe and comfortable sleep solution for their little one.

How we tested and why you should trust us

For continuity, we try to get one tester to test all the products in a single category. This reduces any potential variables during the testing process and ensures that our results are based on like-for-like comparisons. After approximately 24 hours of research, our tester, Ruth, produced a shortlist of 14 cots to put to the test. The list included the most highly recommended cots by Mumsnet users and other review sites, plus a wide range of designs and price tags, from nifty pop-ups to more studier models akin to traditional cribs.

Each product was tested in rooms with both carpet and laminate flooring, then scored on six key areas:

Safety and stability

Comfort and day-to-day use, cleanliness, value for money.

Five products were then awarded a Mumsnet Best badge – these are the products that we feel offer the absolute best value for most parents. We also gave honourable mentions to four others.

Ruth scored each product based on each criteria below, with the highest scoring coming out on top as the overall winner. Honourable mentions were then given to nine other top-performing beds.

We looked at a number of factors including:

Durability and materials – how well was each product made and finished?

Safety features – did the product have padded rails, lockable wheels, mesh ventilation, firm bedding, a locking system etc? And could a baby's fingers become trapped? Ruth studied everything from the frame to the mattress

Choking hazards – were there any parts that could come loose?

Sturdiness – she walked into it, knocked it against furniture and dropped it when assembled and packed away. Could each cot withstand the weight of both an adult and child if accidentally fallen into?

Safety standards – she also looked for the appropriate safety labels

Height of side panels – could a child climb out easily?

Assembly and folding

How straightforward was it to assemble and fold?

Were written or visual instructions clear and precise? Could the instructions also be accessed online and were there video tutorials to guide you through?

Each cot was assembled and taken down 20 times – this was also timed to see how long it would take

We also wanted to see which products might cause difficulty for people with mobility issues and which were the easiest to assemble and take down

Ruth also considered how easy it would be to access spare parts and whether each cot came with a warranty

Ruth looked at how much space the cot took up in a room – did it slot in easily, and was it more suited to indoors or outdoors?

Could it be moved around easily, particularly through doorways, from one room to another, and up and down the stairs? Did it have to be folded in order to do so?

How easy was it to place the child inside? Could the side panels be lowered?

When inside, was the little one comfy? Did they like it and was there enough room to sleep and to play?

Was it heavy to carry and did it fit comfortably in the boot of an average-sized family car? Could it be taken on public transport easily?

Ruth analysed looks, including colours, fabrics and overall design

Did the bed fit in with the décor? Was the design attractive and user-friendly?

Were there different colours to choose from?

The likes of mud, sand, peanut butter, milk and orange juice were smeared and spilled onto the interior and exterior to see how easy stains were to remove

Ruth also checked for removable bedding that could easily be thrown into the washing machine

We tested products with a variety of price tags and compared the more expensive models to those that were cheaper

If pricey, was it worth the price tag?

And were there any extras included to make the investment more justified?

How real-life comparative testing makes Mumsnet Reviews unique

We commissioned Ruth Lumley to write about and test a variety of toddler and baby travel cots. Ruth is a journalist who has used a number of baby beds with her three young children – from the newborn stage right through to toddlerhood and while holidaying abroad and visiting relatives in the UK.

During the research process, she looked at the types of products available, scoured the Mumsnet forums for recommendations and spoke to baby sleep experts from The Lullaby Trust , an organisation that provides advice on safer sleep for babies.Ruth tried out each bed with her youngest child, who was 18 months old at the time of testing. She tested each for at least three nights, both at home and at the grandparents' house, which meant that all the models were subject to the same environmental factors and held a child of the same age and weight.

About the author

Poppy O'Neill is a Content Editor at Mumsnet and a mother of two. She's been researching and reviewing baby and child products for 2 years, with a particular focus on baby essentials, toys and books for toddlers and outdoor play equipment. From potties to paddling pools and bunk beds to bedtime stories, she loves to deep-dive into research and find the best products out there.

Poppy is also an award-winning, best-selling children's and parenting author of books such as Don't Worry, Be Happy , The Extraordinary Book That Makes You Feel Happy  and Mother Power . She specialises in children's mental health and her books are used by therapists, teachers and SENCOs across the UK. She won a The Week Junior Book Award in 2023, her books have been translated into several languages and she's been featured in The Guardian, The Sunday Times and The Sun.

After earning a BA in Creative Writing from the University of Leeds and a PGCert in Fashion and Lifestyle Journalism from University of the Arts London, she worked in fashion for most of her 20s. When her children were young, she undertook an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Chichester and re-trained as an author and freelance writer.

The best travel cots to buy in 2024 all tried and tested by parents

Our no-nonsense guide to the best travel cots — rated on the ease of assembly to how much space it'll take up in the boot

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Best travel cots 2023 at-a-glance

The best travel cots - tried and tested, how to choose the best travel cot, are travel cots safe for babies, at what age can babies sleep in travel cots, can babies sleep in a travel cot every night, can i change the travel cot mattress.

The best travel cots should be three things: lightweight, compact and easy to assemble. 

If you're heading away on holiday, staying overnight at a friend's house or visiting family far, far away, the best travel cots offer a safe and secure place for your baby to sleep in comfortably, when you're away from home. 

Unlike the best bedside cots , a travel cot is made to be portable. Therefore, many of today's travel cots are lightweight and very quick to assemble so when you reach your destination, you can construct it in minutes. The best travel cots enable you to do this with just one hand. Let's face it: after all that travelling — be it by train, car or plane — a long journey is bound to take it out of you. So your baby will most probably be tired (and so might you)!

Along with being easy to pop up, these handy sleep solutions will also be easy to disassemble and can be packed down neatly into their own storage bag so you can carry them easily to the car or stow them as luggage. To find out what we believe to be the best travel cots keep scrolling. We've included a range of the top options all tried and tested by parents and their little ones. 

• Best travel cot overall: Joie Kubbie Sleep, £99.99 | Very
• Best travel cot for assembly: BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light, £220 | Amazon
• Best budget travel cot: Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot, £36 | Amazon
• Best travel cot for camping: Little Life Arc 2, £119.99 | LittleLife
• Best travel cot for a plush mattress: Nuna Sena Aire, £249.99 | Very  
• Best travel cot for entertainment:  Graco Contour Electra,  £114.99 | Amazon
• Best travel cot for co-sleeping: Micralite Sleep & Go, £120 | Micralite

1. Joie Kubbie Sleep Travel Cot

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

What we thought: The Joie Kubbie Sleep Travel Cot gets our vote as the best travel cot to buy. 'Not only is it excellent value for money at just under £100,' says our Deputy Editor (and mum of three), Heidi Scrimgeour , 'but we also love that it comes with a newborn insert that zips into place inside the travel cot so that you don't have to bend all the way down to the ground to lift your baby in and out.' 

What our tester thought: ‘Having a tiny baby positioned up higher feels much safer than travel cots that place them on the ground, plus, it’s much easier on mums like me who’ve had a C-section,’ says our mum tester, Charlotte Clarke, who reviewed this travel cot with her 20-month-old daughter, Adelaide.

In co-sleeping mode, the cot sides drop down with a few simple clicks and the cot can be attached to a bed with straps, which are provided. But the innovation doesn’t stop there; the Kubbie Sleep Travel Cot also converts into a playpen with a zippable entrance so that toddlers can roam freely in and out. 

Overall verdict: No matter how you’re using this travel cot, it’s easy to assemble. ‘I like that this has been designed with common sense in mind,’ adds Charlotte. ‘There’s nothing too complicated or hi-tech about it, so it's perfect for sleep-deprived parents.’ Her daughter seemed to agree and slept well in the Joie Kubbie Sleep.

• Read our full Joie Kubbie Sleep Travel Cot review

2. BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light

What we thought: BabyBjörn's take on a travel cot is an easy-to-assemble design with mesh sides and a surprisingly soft and thick mattress. Our tester Hollie was able to put up this travel cot one-handed while holding a baby and without reading any of the instructions - a pretty impressive feat. The is the best travel cot to buy if quick and easy assembly is your number one priority.

What our tester thought: Mum Hollie Bond and her 10-month-old daughter Margot, aged ten months, reviewed this travel cot for Goodto. Margot slept well in the cot and had ‘enough space to move around in her sleep,’ but Hollie doesn't think it will be big enough for her to sleep in up to the age of three, as the brand claims. Hollie also had some reservations about using this travel cot as she found the base very low to the ground. ‘I wouldn't want to have the cot positioned anywhere that might be draughty or cold as I felt that Margot was a little vulnerable being so low to the ground.’ However, the low base does mean that the cot is multi-functional and can be used as a playpen at home or on holiday.

Overall verdict: When the holiday is over, everything can then be folded up and put into the handy bag that’s included. ‘When packed up the bag definitely feels sturdy enough to withstand any rough handling in transit,’ adds Hollie. ‘It'll make my holiday less stressful too because it's so easy to assemble. And I can use it as Margot's playpen to keep her safe if we're near a swimming pool.’

• Read our full BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light review 

3. Red Kite Sleep Tight Travel Cot

What we thought: The Red Kite Sleep Tight Travel Cot is a classic, stylish design with supporting legs that are easy to assemble. Its mesh sides are fully padded to avoid injury but also allow babies to see out easily.

What our tester thought: Mum Darryl Baker put this travel cot to the test with her 10-month-old daughter, Cole. Darryl tells us she couldn’t get over how easy this travel cot was to put together. In the past, she has struggled with travel cots borrowed from friends. ‘Kneeling on them, pushing them, and mostly pleading with them to just PLEASE fold down,' she says. But there were no such dramas with this. ‘The knack for putting up and down a travel cot can be tricky, but it's not an issue with the Red Kite Sleep Tight travel cot,’ she says. In terms of comfort, Darryl's daughter Cole slept well, waking just once and settling easily after a feed.

Overall verdict: Weighing just over 7kg, this is a relatively lightweight option, so it's one of the best travel cots to buy if you're looking for something super portable but also sturdy enough for older babies to sleep in. At just £36 (yes, we've double-checked the price), this is definitely the best travel cot to choose if you're looking for a good quality budget buy.

• Read our full Red Kite Sleep Tight Travel Cot review

4. Little Life Arc 2 Travel Cot

What we thought: The Little Life Arc 2 is not your average travel cot. It’s one of the lightest in our buying guide, coming in at just 2.5kg, so it's hands down the best travel cot to buy if you're keen to take your baby with you on camping adventures. It's probably not right for you if you're not a fan of the great outdoors, however.

What our tester thought: ‘It comes in a neat, portable rucksack which it is easy to pack the cot in and out of,’ says our mum reviewer Charlotte Clarke, who put this to the test with her 19-month-old daughter Adelaide.

The Little Life is more of a tent than a travel cot and has to be put together with poles and a single specially-designed sheet. Once the poles and sheet have been bent into position, you insert a surprisingly thick, waterproof mattress into the cot via Velcro strips. 

‘This wasn’t the easiest cot to assemble but I think you’d get quicker with practice,’ adds Charlotte. Her daughter tested the cot during one of her naps and after initially finding the mesh sides fun to pull and push, she settled down on the mattress and snoozed for a decent period of time.

Overall verdict: This isn’t really a travel cot for a weekend away – its features include a ventilated, anti-insect mesh, ground pegs for outdoor use, and zip-down panels. ‘This would be perfect if you're travelling in a hot country, attending a summer festival, or going on a UK camping trip,’ said our tester. ‘But for indoor use, you need to attach it to a suitable piece of furniture, which we found a bit difficult to find.’ It's good value for such a niche item - but you’ll probably still need a standard travel cot for indoor overnight trips.

• Read our full Little Life Arc 2 Travel Cot review

5. Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot

What we thought: Once you’ve got this travel cot up, you’ll see why it justifies its £200-plus price tag. Firstly, it comes with a newborn insert that sits up high and saves your back from extra bending – especially good if you’ve had a C-section. And when your baby has outgrown this stage, the insert can be removed and the baby sleeps on a luxuriously thick, padded mattress over a cushioned base. There are lots of other noteworthy stand-out features too such as skid-proof feet, an organic cotton sheet to pop over the mattress, and soft, padded edges.

What our tester thought: The Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot has a unique assembly system which our tester Darryl - who reviewed it with her 10-month-old daughter Cole - found a cinch to use. ‘I’ve read up on it and it’s to do with a zig-zag leg design, which means it pretty much just pushes into place and can be folded away with one hand,’ she says. Easy!

Overall verdict: The Aire doubles up as a playpen, which is always handy, but our tester did find it quite bulky - something that you’d need to think about if you plan to regularly move it around. ‘The only downside is how big it is but if space isn’t a problem in the car, then this can’t be faulted,’ she adds. At 10kg, this isn’t a light travel cot but the design is more focused on the baby’s comfort than on portability. As the most expensive travel cot in our lineup, this will appeal to anyone willing to pay extra for the plushest travel cot mattress we've ever seen.

• Read our full Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot review

6. Graco Contour Electra Travel Cot

What we thought: This travel cot isn't especially portable as it's large and robust - but that does allow your baby lots of space to move around, plus it doubles as a playpen. It comes with a newborn insert, a changing mat, a nightlight with music and vibrating features, and a toy bar so there’s lots to keep your little one entertained and to (hopefully) help send them off to sleep.

What our tester thought: ‘Other than it being heavy and a bit bulky to store and travel with, I think the Graco Contour Electra is an excellent travel cot that has some fabulous features,’ says our tester Hollie, who reviewed it with her ten-month-old daughter, Margot. ‘It folds out really easily into a full-size cot.’

Hollie found this a doddle to assemble and says she didn’t even have to read the instructions. ‘I love that two of the legs are on wheels so, although it was big, I could easily move it around the room to put it in the place I wanted without trying to pick it up and carry it.’

Overall verdict: The Graco Contour Electra is a mid-priced travel cot, well suited for trips around the UK rather than holidays abroad as it’s difficult to carry on and off a plane. ‘I wouldn't want to carry this far or have to pick it up off the airport conveyor belt by myself,’ adds Hollie. ‘And people with small cars might want to consider a travel cot that is more compact.’ It's a brilliant choice if you have other children and need somewhere to pop your baby, knowing they'll be safe and occupied while you fix snacks or oversee bathroom visits.

• Read our full Graco Contour Electra Travel Cot review

7. Micralite Sleep & Go Travel Cot

What we thought: This is a multifunctional travel cot that can also be used as a playpen and co-sleeper (the latter when the newborn insert is added). It’s extremely easy to put up (and down) with a couple of clicks and zips. Our tester Amelia, who's expecting her second baby, described this as absolutely game-changing. 

What our tester thought: 'This is a very good-looking travel cot with hardy, dark-coloured fabric that looks stylish and neutral and shouldn’t show wear and tear readily,' says our reviewer, Amelia. ‘It’s easy on the eye, and on the back - even when you’re pregnant - and it's even easy on the pocket since you can use it from the day your baby is born right up until they're three years old. 

Overall verdict: One obvious plus point is that it includes a high-quality, ‘very firm’ and wipe-clean mattress, which, when disassembled, folds neatly inside the bag along with the frame. This travel cot only weighs 7kg but Amelia found it a bit bulky, mainly because it comes with such a good-quality mattress included. In terms of value for money, we recommend spending the extra £25 for the newborn insert as it transforms this product, giving you more functionality and sleeping options. A superb choice if you're used to co-sleeping and want to continue doing so safely while away from home.

• Read our full Micralite Sleep & Go Travel Cot review

When picking the best travel cot for your needs, consider where and how frequently you're likely to use it. If you frequently travel with your baby, the weight and portability of the travel cot are the main priorities. But if you just need it for occasional overnight use, then a comfortable mattress and sturdy construction are more important than the travel cot's dimensions. Alternatively, if you'll be using a travel cot for a newborn, it's well worth choosing one with a newborn insert and an integrated changing station to help make nights away from home a little easier.

Here's what to consider when choosing a travel cot:

• Age - Most travel cots can be used from birth, and many come with an in-built bassinet to make things a little cosier for very small babies. Travel cots can usually be used up till the age of three or until the child is able to climb out - at which point it's no longer safe to use.
• Portability - A travel cot should be easy to carry and compact enough to stow in small places. Some cots are small enough to fit in an aircraft's overhead locker or in a small car boot.
• Weight - While lighter than a traditional cot, travel cots vary in weight. The lightest come in at around 3kg, while the heaviest ones weigh as much as 11kg. These extremes offer different benefits depending on how you’re planning to use your cot. A lighter cot is more practical for travelling, but a heavier model will likely be sturdier and longer-lasting.
• Assembly - Putting a travel cot together and taking it down should take a matter of seconds. If it’s taking longer or isn’t staying up, make sure you re-read the instructions before putting your baby to sleep in it to make sure you’ve done everything correctly.
• Mattress comfort - Don’t be surprised at the thickness of a travel cot mattress – they’re much thinner and less plush than the cot mattress you have at home in order to keep the travel cot light and portable. But just because the mattress is harder, doesn’t mean that your baby won’t have a good night’s sleep. Baby mattresses are meant to be firm and younger babies, in particular, can benefit from sleeping on a harder mattress surface. 'To comply with safety regulations you should avoid switching the mattress to ensure that the size is exact and there are no gaps around the edges,' says Baby Sleep Trainer Vickie Bowles of The Baby Academy.
• Extra features - Many travel cots have additional extras such as an in-built changing station for easy nappy changes and the option to use it as a playpen for daytime use. They might also have soothing musical features or a newborn insert to boost comfort for younger babies. Consider which of these features are worth paying extra for, and which ones you can do without. It's a bonus if you can get the extra functionality you want without paying more!

Yes - all travel cots on sale must adhere to British safety standard BS EN 716. The Lullaby Trust advises that parents use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress that is in good condition. In addition, a baby’s sleeping space should be kept clear, with no loose bedding. As with a normal cot, babies should be placed in the ‘feet-to-foot’ position so they can’t wriggle down under any blankets. 

For young babies under one year old, avoid placing all duvets, soft toys, and pillows inside the cot. When deciding where to put your travel cot, don’t put it near to a radiator, draughty window, or blinds with cords that might pose a strangulation risk. 

If your travel cot comes with wheels, make sure they are locked in place before putting your little one down. 

Travel cots are extremely safe for babies but Vickie Bowles flags that they should not be used for long periods outside of travel / occasional use: ‘It is always good to remember that travel cots do not offer the same amount of support and comfort for your baby and therefore are not designed for regular sleep over an extended period.’

Most travel cots are suitable for babies to sleep in from birth. If you wish to use a travel cot for a newborn, choose one with a newborn insert. This offers younger babies a smaller space to sleep in than the full-sized travel cot and it's elevated off the ground to save parents’ backs as you don’t have to bend down to floor level to reach your child. 

‘If you have a young baby, I highly recommend using a travel cot with a newborn insert which makes life much easier to settle your baby while travelling,’ says Vickie Bowles. 

A sturdy travel cot will suit an active toddler and most can be used up until the age of three but check the manufacturer's instructions for the upper age or weight restrictions.

No, a travel cot is not suitable for your baby to sleep in every night. Designed for use when you're away from home such as on holiday or visiting friends or family overnight, travel cots are much lighter than standard cots so they're not robust enough for permanent use. The mattress supplied with a travel cot is thinner than a standard cot mattress because it's designed to fold compactly for travelling, so it's unlikely to provide sufficient support for a baby to sleep on every night.

No, this is not recommended. Use the mattress supplied with the travel cot at the time of purchase. Replacing the mattress is dangerous because it could make the structure less sturdy and create a safety risk if the mattress does not fit the travel cot frame exactly.

How we tested the best travel cots

Why you can trust GoodtoKnow. Our experienced Consumer Editor & parent reviewers spend hours testing products to help you make the best choice. Find out how we test and review products.

We only include products in our buying guides that we have thoroughly tested and reviewed. We use a robust and consistent testing methodology to review all the products, and we use a pool of parent reviewers to ensure all items are appropriately tested by a child of the relevant age. 

• Read more about how we test and review the products in our buying guides

Heidi Scrimgeour joined GoodTo after a 16-year freelance career as a parenting and lifestyle journalist. She has written features for various publications including The Guardian, Telegraph, Daily Mail, Red, Psychologies and Stylist. She was a parenting columnist for AOL’s Parentdish and baby gear editor of Mother & Baby magazine for six years. Heidi has taken part in various parenting debates on This Morning, The One Show and BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour. She has a degree in English & Media Arts and gained a Masters with Distinction from the University of Westminster.  Find out more

Planning a holiday with your little one? You might also be interested in our buying guide on the  best travel strollers or, if you prefer to leave the buggy at home and travel light, our guide to choosing the best baby carriers is worth a read.

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Charlotte Duck is an award-winning lifestyle and parenting journalist who writes who regularly writes for Tatler, the Evening Standard, Yahoo, and Hello Magazine about everything from royal hairstyles to fixed-rate mortgages. She was previously Kidswear Editor at M&S and worked in-house at Boden but, while she loves writing about beautiful children's clothes, she has three children who refuse to wear them. 

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11 best travel cots for hassle-free holidays and overnight stays

Help little ones (and yourself) get some shut-eye with these best-rated snug and secure travel cots, article bookmarked.

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Babies don’t travel light. But if you’re planning a relaxing trip, whether it’s a UK staycation or something more exotic , you can’t skimp on the travel cot.

While some hotels and Airbnbs promise to provide travel cots for the tiniest members of the family, you’ve no idea how many children have slept on them before your little darlings, or predict what that means for how comfortable and sturdy they are. Taking a baby out of their usual safe, strong cot with a supportive mattress and putting them in a shaky cage with a rock-hard or spiky mattress is a fast way to ensure nobody in the family gets much shut-eye.

Different travel cots have different age and weight limits, so, before buying one, consider how many years of use you want to get from your cot. Size is another key factor when looking at travel cots, as those with a larger surface area can double up as a playpen in the day. Also, if you’re in unfamiliar territory and are travelling with a mini-escape artist, a travel cot with high mesh sides means you can see your child and they can see out, but they’re perfectly safe at all times.

However, size should not come at the expense of portability. Remember, you’re going to have a lot of other things to carry as well as the cot, and every extra kilo counts. Plus, heavier cots tend to be more effort to erect and collapse, and you don’t want to waste precious moments of your holiday in a sweaty mess trying to put up your travel cot.

All products in this round-up meet the European Standards for safety, which should always be your first consideration when buying a travel cot. Christina Rolles from safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust says: “A travel cot should have a rigid frame and base, and a firm, flat mattress, covered in a waterproof material. Travel cot mattresses are often thinner and feel harder than those in a permanent cot, but don’t be tempted to place folded blankets or a quilt under the baby to make them more comfortable, as this could cause injury, suffocation or overheating.”

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How we tested travel cots

With the help of a seven-month-old and a two-year-old, we tested the travel cots for size, comfort and safety. The toddler has a habit of swinging their leg up and escaping their regular cot, so we tried to find ones that kept them contained. We also tested each cot for speed of assembly and disassembly and picked it up when folded, to see if it was something that could be carried around an airport.

The best travel cots for 2024 are:

• Best travel cot overall – Graco foldlite: £80, Amazon.co.uk
• Best budget travel cot – Red Kite sleep tight travel cot: £27, Asda.com
• Best travel cot for entertaining baby – Mamas & Papas joie commuter travel cot change and bounce: £190, Boots.com
• Best lightweight travel cot – BabyBjörn travel cot light: £219.90, Amazon.co.uk
• Best travel cot for breathability – Nuna sena aire: £250, Nunababy.eu.uk

Graco foldlite travel cot

• Best : Travel cot overall
• Dimensions : L 119cm x W 63.5cm x H 68cm
• Weight : 6.78kg
• Age limit : Suitable from birth to 15kg (approximately three years old)
• Lightweight
• Easy to erect and collapse
• Strong base

The foldlite from Graco is up to 30 per cent lighter than most other cots, which we definitely noticed and appreciated – you can easily lift it one-handed. You might even find it lighter than your nappy bag, which is a win if you’re carrying a lot of other luggage for your trip.

Erecting this cot was a joy – taking less than 30 seconds. All you need to do is unwrap the mattress, push up the sides, put the mattress in the bottom and it’s ready to go. Collapsing it is just as simple – it folds up super thin, too. We also liked the sturdy material and strong base. It’s a great price at £80 and it’s made to last.

Red Kite sleep tight travel cot

• Best : Budget travel cot
• Dimensions : L101cm x W72cm x H71cm
• Weight : 7.1kg
• Age limit : Suitable from birth to 15kg
• Budget-friendly
• Mattress quite stiff

This is the cheapest travel cot we tried but it’s perfectly functional. It’s safety-tested, comes with a carry bag, is easy to assemble and has mesh sides, to give you a clear view of your child as they rest or sleep.

It doesn’t win any prizes for design, as there are no frills – it’s simply a place to sleep. Plus, the mattress is a tad on the stiff side, so you may want to spend some of the money you’ve saved on the cost of the cot on a plumper mattress. However, it’s still a very good choice if you’re only going to use it now and then throughout the year.

Mamas & Papas joie commuter travel cot change and bounce

• Best : For entertaining baby
• Dimensions : L106cm x W70.5cm x H80cm
• Weight : 14.8kg
• Excellent value for money

This is a travel cot, changing table and bouncer in one, so you can create a home from home for your baby when you travel. The bouncer is a decent size, providing a place to relax and play for babies too young to sit up. It even has cuddly toys for little ones to reach and grab.

The starry print, which is exclusive to Mamas & Papas, gives the smallest babies something to look at to help them make sense of the world, and this also helps older kids relax. We suggest counting the stars on the mattress to encourage early numeracy skills in a fun way.

This cot is taller than most others we tried, which is great if you have a mini Houdini. It makes for an excellent play and sleep solution to keep at grandparents’ house and works out at excellent value for money, when you consider it’s three useful items in one.

BabyBjörn travel cot light

• Best : Lightweight cot
• Dimenions : L 112cm x W 82cm x H 64cm
• Weight : 6kg
• Age limit : Suitable from birth to three years
• Easy to set-up
• Kind to sensitive skin

This gets top marks for ease of setup. There’s no need to bend down or fiddle with anything on the floor – all you need to do is shake it out and then secure the sides. There’s a handy YouTube video showing how to put it up in just 25 seconds, and the presenter demonstrates it isn’t even going at top speed.

Weighing just 6kg, including the carry bag, your back will thank you when you’re taking it in and out of cars or planes. Our toddler tester approved of the mattress, which makes for a cosy sleeping place. But what we liked most about this cot is knowing that its fabric is OEKO-TEX-approved, which means all materials coming into contact with your baby’s skin are kind to sensitive skin.

Nuna sena aire

• Best : For breathability
• Dimenions : L107cm x W73.5cm x H74.5cm
• Weight : 12.26kg
• Soft and sturdy

If you’re all sharing a bedroom when you travel, it may get stuffy very quickly, especially if it isn’t an air-conditioned room. We like how the Nuna sena aire addresses this issue with its mesh sides, floor and mattress providing 360 degrees of ventilation, for ultimate airflow. The better a child can breathe, the deeper they sleep, giving everyone a more relaxing trip.

We were really impressed by the feel of the triple-layered mattress, which is designed to pull away heat and humidity, and will come in useful if you’re jetting off to tropical climes.

Its clever zigzag leg design pops open easily into a soft, sturdy dreamland and it’s one of the easiest to collapse – we found we could do it one-handed.

Silver Cross slumber carbon travel cot

• Best : For style
• Dimensions : L 112cm x W 80cm x H 67cm
• Weight : 6.25kg
• Newborn inserts

The first thing to note is this comes with a premium duffle bag carry case, so you’ll look stylish when you arrive at your destination. Open the cot – with ease, as it weighs just 6.25kg – and you’ll notice the material on the top and sides feels very high-quality. The decently padded mattress caused our two-year-old to exclaim, “I like ’dis one!”

We really liked the newborn insert, which raises very young babies to typical bed height, so you don’t have to break your back lifting them in and out of the cot. It also makes it easier to nurse a baby and transfer them back to a cot. If you’re using this as a playpen, you’ll also appreciate that one of the sides unzips, so tots can crawl in and out.

Kinderkraft lovi 3-in-1 baby crib

• Best : For fussy babies
• Dimensions : L 88cm x W 61cm x H 85cm
• Weight : 5kg
• Age limit : Suitable from birth to 9kg
• Rocking motion
• Time-consuming to set-up
• Newborns will outgrow it

While it takes a bit of time to erect this travel cot and rocker, there’s a very good YouTube video to show you the process. You can access it via a QR code on the instruction leaflet included, and it’s very simple to follow along.

The rocking motion is brilliant for little ones that need movement to settle, mimicking the gentle swaying motion of the womb. Babies are at a higher level in this cot, too, so you can pick them up and settle them down without pulling a muscle.

The only slight downside to this cot is that a baby will outgrow it within the year. That said, our youngest tester loved playing with the toy bar and three adorable hanging toys that come with it, so, while their time in it may be short, it will also be very sweet.

Bugaboo stardust travel cot

• Best : Two-in-one cot and playpen
• Dimensions : L 64cm x W 98cm x H 85cm
• Weight : 6.7kg
• Age limit : Suitable from birth to two years old
• Keep its shape well
• Newborn insert
• Mattress is a little fir

Setting up this pop-up travel cot was a total breeze, despite how tall and strudy it is once erected. We were surprised by how much the mattress kept it’s solid shape, with no crease or fold from being flat-packed within the cot and travel bag.

Mums will be grateful for the newborn insert, which raises babies to bed level. The breathable mesh is ideal for all seasons to keep baby’s temperature regulated.

The mattress is nicely padded for playtime but feels a little firm for bedtime. When topped with a matrress protector and Bugaboo’s breathable fitted sheet (£27.95, Bugaboo.com ), we nailed baby’s recquirements for a peaceful snooze. You really do get more bang for your buck with this travel cot, as it doubles up as a playpen and lasts until your little one is two years old.

Halo flex portable bassinet

• Best : Portable bedside crib
• Dimensions : L75cm x W100.3cm x H108.6cm
• Age limit : Suitable from birth to five months

A lightweight and portable bedside crib is hard to come by, so, we were very grateful Halo’s offering ticked a lot of boxes for parents to get that reassuring ‘home away from home’ feeling when on the move.

It can be a daunting experience taking a little one away for the first time, especially when they are used to co-sleeping at home. We were delighted that this bassinet meant babies could feel just as close to their parents as they do at home. The mattress is extra soft when wrapped in Halo’s 100 per cent cotton fitted sheet (£16.64, Halosleep.co.uk ), and the cot is surrounded by breathable lining to suit all temperatures, and enable parents to keep a 360 view of baby.

We have to admit, we did use this more at home than on our travels, as it was so easy to adjust the height of the crib for when you’re sitting on the sofa during the day or when you’re sleeping at night and want to comfort your baby quickly. The side of the crib lowers easily, with no need to stand up or hunch over. This is particularly helpful for mums recovering from C-section delivery as well as for night feeds.

An over-the-shoulder carry bag comes included but it is less sturdy than other holdalls we’ve tested, and one side is partially open, due to its drawstring closing, which didn’t feel as secure. The packing away was a simple enough four-step process.

Fisher-Price on the go travel baby dome

• Best : For on-the-go parents
• Dimensions : L80cm x W76cm x H71cm
• Weight : 2.5kg
• Age limit : Suitable from birth to five months (until babies can sit unaided)

This travel cot combines the perfect solution for on-the-go parents and tired babies. It’s lightweight, easy to set up and allows babies to nap or play wherever they are.

We love that this cot can be used indoors and outdoors, to encourage the whole family to get more vitamin D. The canopy keeps your little one protected from the sun as well as keeping out creepy crawlies.

As it folds up flat, we found it easy to keep it stored in the car for spontaneous day trips and overnight stays with the grandparents. However, it doesn’t come with a carry bag, which would have made it easier to keep clean and compact. Two overhead linking toys are included, to keep your baby entertained and relaxed.

ergoPouch easy sleep portable crib

• Best : For summer use
• Dimensions : L80cm x W49cm x H27cm
• Weight : 2.2kg
• Age limit : Suitable from birth to 9kg (or when baby starts rolling over)
• Ideal for summer
• Short-lived usage

You can’t get any more portable than this lightweight pop-up cot that folds up as a small rucksack and weighs just 2.2kg. The mosquito net is ideal for summer babies, if you want to get some fresh air and let them have a safe daytime nap outdoors.

If you are travelling with a baby less than three months old on a flight, we recommend taking this one for sleeping on-the-go, if you get the luxury of seats with extra leg room. The backpack will fit neatly under your seat or in the overhead lockers.

The only downfall is this bassinet is only suitable until your baby shows signs of rolling over, so it’s quite a hefty price for short-lived use.

Travel cot FAQs

What age is a travel cot for.

This will depend on the cot you buy – bassinets are designed for newborns up to three months old, while larger options are available for children up to five years old.

Can a baby sleep in a travel cot every night?

It’s not recommended to use a travel cot regularly for a long period of time, as they’re not designed to support your baby’s development. Instead, limit their use for short trips away and daytime naps.

What to look for when buying a travel cot

You already have enough to think about while travelling with your baby, so the best cots are hassle-free. They should be easy to assemble, collapse and store, while the addition of wheels and a carry bag should make cots easier to transport from A to B. If you’re shopping for a newborn up to three months old, a bassinet is the way to go – these are raised, to give you a clearer view of your little one during the night, while you can lift them up without the risk of throwing out your back.

Do travel cots need a mattress?

Yes – the cots themselves are thin and hard, so a mattress is essential, though most of our top picks come with a mattress included.

The verdict: Travel cots

The Graco foldlite is excellent value for a lightweight cot that’s easy to erect and collapse, and we felt both our seven-month-old and two-year-old testers were safe in there. It will grow with your child, and provide a secure place to sleep and play for up to three years.

The BabyBjörn travel cot light also deserves praise for ease of setup and for the comfort of its mattress, while the Mamas & Papas joie commuter travel cot solves three of a baby’s needs – sleep, play and hygiene – in one neat package.

Provide extra comfort by investing in the best cot mattresses

Voucher Codes

traveller ™ 4-in-1 travel crib bassinet buy now!

traveller ™ (2021+) travel crib

Availability:

Available now, order today

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A world’s first in the sleep world; traveller™ ain’t just a one trick pony, ‘cos it offers a completely new & unique 4-in-1 solution from newborn right up to toddler years – for use at home or away, indoors or outdoors; for sleep or play, every day!

This amazing 4-in-1 portacot can be used as a standalone newborn bassinet, a sleeping bed for toddler, as a cool playpen during the day; & now has the ability for you to have your newborn nestled right next to you safely – snug-to-bed, up close & personal!

Ridiculously light and globally certified, our portacot traveller™ can come & go as you please, future proofing all the sleeping arrangements for your kiddo for so many years – talk about next level when it comes to value for money! Perfectly suited to parents, grandparents and caregivers.

So whatcha waiting for? adapt&survive® with traveller™!

Product Code: TR_V5

There are many 3-in-1, 2-in-1,1-in-1 travel cot options out there... 😳 but none that offers it all in the one bundle! & ya wanna know why? 'Cos it's blimin hard to do, & even harder to get it globally certified! But here at phil&teds®, we're always up for a challenge and we're gonna give you 4 modes to help adapt&survive® all ages&stages! Plus, you can use it ANYWHERE & ANYTIME, INDOOR & OUTDOOR, DAY & NIGHT. Escape the nursery jail & enjoy a beach day, a camping trip or a simple snooze in the garden, with total peace of mind, knowing legs feature small holes to peg it to the ground – smart thinking!

up close & personal with ya new bub With the included bassinet fabric and safety straps, you can adapt traveller™ into a safe snug-to-bed option! With state-of-the-art rotating legs mounted on hinged corners for the bassinet to fit securely right next to ya bed, this allows you to have ya bub within reach, & visible at all times. In line with the latest safety requirements; sleeping in close proximity strengthens the emotional bond between you & bub, while making those nighttime feeds quick & easy, so everyone can get back to sleep faster.

keepin' ya new bub close - day & night Using the same bassinet fabric (but without the straps!), traveller™ is a fantastic independent cot for your newborn as well! & 'cos traveller™ is soooooooo uber light & portable, you can move it around your house to keep ya bub close while you go about your day. The mattress has the recommended firmness to reduce the risk of SUDI/SIDS & will support your bubba with comfort as they grow, while the lightweight mesh fabric is perfect for all climates allowing for ventilation & airflow.

sleep time made easy As your toddler becomes more independent, nap time can become a lil tricky – particularly when you’re travelling! By using the travel cot fabric set, the floor level bed, mesh sides and contained space, will make your kiddo feel like every night is camp night! & cos it’s so incredibly light, portable and easy to assemble, you can take it on holiday with you, offering a familiar & safe space to get the rest they need, wherever they are. Whether in the garden, in the living room, or in your home office, our travel cot traveller™ takes care of ya kiddo, everywhere! Give it a go!

playtime, anytime When ya kiddo needs a contained place to play, somewhere to store their toys, OR you just wanna satisfy your tot’s desire to build forts 😎. our portable traveller™ is ready to entertain! With its unique zip side, your kiddo can go in&out as they please and let their imagination run wild! traveller™ is a playmate for years to come, and who knows? Your child might get exhausted playing & fall asleep on the spot #winwin. The zippered side panel gives parents easier access, so if you have back problems & as your child gets heavier, this feature will make a huge difference in the long run, IYKYK!

traveller™ is by far the LIGHTEST all-in-1 travel cot! The bassinet modes are just 4kg / 8.5lbs & if you only need the toddler bed, then it’s just 3.5kg / 7.5lbs – heck, that makes traveller™ as light as the baby!!! Designed by outdoor enthusiasts, around a camping tent idea – it's gotta assemble & pack down easily, and fit in the narrowest spaces, to make traveller the ultimate travel companion! The self-inflatable mattress requires no pumps (or your lungs!), is thermally insulated so the cold ground never wakes your kiddo up, & it sits at floor level, meaning there's no weight limit – oh helloooooo longevity!

Setting up your traveller™ travel crib is easy! Find all the details you need here for how to set up and use!

adapt your traveller™ travel crib with these must-have accessories

Customer Reviews

As a parent who travels constantly with their children, we are moving from place to place and value their healthy sleep. Using the Phil & Ted Traveller, we have found the versatility through all the ages of our baby has been absolutely great. From a newborn next to us in a hotel room, to a toddler with an ear infection where I could unzip the side and lay with her, the options make it parent/baby friendly. I also do love how light it is, easily fits in a suitcase or stroller bag, and so simple to set up.

Hi Anna, it's great to hear the 4-in-1 feature of the phil&teds traveller has helped you through all stages from newborn to toddler. We think event with all the added features it's still pretty neat and compact and perfect for travel. PTx

Terrible assembly instructions, mattress cover had hole in stitching, only used it the first night so will reserve judgement on it overall for a bit yet

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13 of the best travel cots 2024 for babies and toddlers

Our pick of the best cot and bassinet options to provide your baby or toddler with a portable sleeping space for travel, put to the test by parents

• Christy McGhee
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Travel cots are portable, safe places for babies and toddlers to sleep when away from home. They’re lightweight, have collapsible sides and fold into a portable format with a carry handle, making them great for holidays, breaks and overnight stays.

We’ve analysed the travel cot market and rigorously tested a range of different models to find the best ones for your family. Whether you're looking for something safe for a newborn, or a roomy cot for an older toddler, you'll find it here. Some travel cots can also be used as playpens for a baby, although, if you're looking specifically for a playpen check out our best playpens for babies and toddlers . For cosy bedding inspiration, take a look at our list – tried and tested by real parents and their kids. If you're travelling somewhere hot with your little ones, take a look at our selection of the best pram fans . Looking for a great deal? We've found the best Prime Day baby deals and Prime Day toy deals for you.

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Best travel cots at a glance.

• Best travel cot for easy assembly: Bugaboo Stardust, £225 £199
• Best lightweight travel cot for a good mattress: Venture Airpod Travel Cot, £119.99
• Best multi-use travel cot: Silver Cross Slumber 3-in-1 Travel Cot, £195
• Best travel cot for added extras: Graco Contour Electra, £100
• Best budget buy travel cot: Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot, £37
• Best travel cot for versatile features: Hauck Sleep'n Play Centre Travel Cot, £79.95
• Best travel cot for occasional use: Cuggl Deluxe Superlight Travel Cot, £65
• Best travel cot for newborns: Joie Kubbie Sleep, £99.99
• Best budget travel cot for co-sleeping: Red Kite Dreamer Bedside Travel Crib, £65
• Best travel cot for versatile newborn co-sleeping: Chicco Next2Me PopUp, £199
• Best travel cot for no upper weight limit: BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light, £219.90 £198
• Best stylish travel cot: Tutti Bambini CoZee Go 3-in-1 Bassinet, Travel Cot & Playpen, £169 £119
• Best lightweight newborn travel crib: ErgoPouch Easy Sleep Portable Crib, £99.95
• Jump to best travel cots and cribs in 2024
• Jump to why do I need a travel cot?
• Jump to what to look for when buying a travel cot
• Jump to how, when and where will you use your travel cot?
• Jump to how much does a travel cot cost

Here are the best travel cots for 2024

1. bugaboo stardust, £225 £199, – best for easy assembly.

Suitable from: birth (with newborn insert) to 2 years/15kg | Travel cot weight: 6.7kg | Unfolded dimensions: L64cm x W98cm x H85cm| Folded dimensions: L 65cm x W14cm x H85cm | Newborn bassinet: Yes

• Quickest to assemble
• 2 mattress height positions
• Lightweight

More like this

• Quite large when folded

Forget tricky folds, the pop-up style mechanism of the Bugaboo Stardust takes just seconds: simply pull the cot open from flat by pulling both sides. It’s perfect for a hassle-free bedtime when you’re not in the comfort of your own home.

It conveniently folds back down in the same amount of time, too, although it is worth noting this model folds down to a large flat shape, like a suitcase, making better suited to sliding into a car boot or under a bed than taking on public transport.

Along with the ease of assembly, the built-in mattress is what you pay for with this model: it's not only comfortable but can be adjusted to two height positions (with the newborn insert) making it easier to lift out newborns and babies not yet sitting up unaided. This is particularly handy if you’re prone to back problems or have just had a C-section. The mattress can be folded down inside the cot, meaning no extra assembly is required.

Although one of the priciest travel cots on our list, the Stardust can still deliver great value if you’re using your travel cot regularly with your baby. MFM home tester Rovenna, who tried it with her 4-month-old, said, "The fact it has both a raised zip in baby bassinet or a deep bed for toddlers – as well as a comfortable and generously filled built in mattress – is fantastic. It’s compact and lightweight, meaning it can be easily moved from room to room and transported in its handy carry bag.”

Available from: Bugaboo , Boots and John Lewis

2. Venture Airpod Travel Cot, £119.99

– best for lightweight with good mattress.

Suitable from: birth to 3 years | Travel cot weight: 6kg | Unfolded dimensions: L85cm x W55cm x H66cm| Folded dimensions: 60cm x 15cm x 50cm | Newborn bassinet: No | Awards: Gold – Travel Cot, MadeForMums Awards 2024

• Easy to build and collapse
• Mesh design
• Good mattress
• No newborn bassinet
• Can’t be used as playpen

This travel cot is very lightweight, comfortable and easy to carry. It's available in a number of colours and features mesh panels on all sides. The mesh means that you can get a great view of your baby or toddler, while also ensuring good air circulation at night time.

Travel cot mattresses are often the feature that parents are least satisfied with, as they are often thin and flimsy. However, the Airpod travel cot has a better quality, more luxurious mattress than you might expect. Although the Cuggl Deluxe is very similar and quite a bit cheaper in price, we found that the mattress in this travel cot was of much higher quality.

Although this cot doesn't have an all-in-one pop-up assembly, it's still easy to put up and down, so much so that some of our home tester parents didn’t need the instructions. “It was very easy to remove from the carry case and put the cot together.” said MFM home tester Sarah. “It was also easy to take apart and put back into the travel case. No fiddling or spare parts. The easiest baby item I have actually put together.”

The Airpod Travel Cot is suitable from birth, but it doesn't come with a bassinet, something that you might prefer for a newborn. Offering a good amount of room, the travel cot can also be used as a play pen, and offers a comfy night's sleep for babies and toddlers.

Available from: Amazon and Venture

3. Silver Cross Slumber 3-in-1, £195

– best multi-function travel cot.

Suitable from: birth (with newborn insert) to approx. 3 years (up to 15kg) | Travel cot weight: 7.65kg | Unfolded dimensions: 112 x 80 x 67cm| Newborn bassinet: Included

• 3-in-1 functionality
• Will grow with your child
• Sustainable fabric
• Large when assembled, expensive

If you're looking for a multi-use travel cot that will grow with your child from birth, then the Silver Cross Slumber is a stylish design that offers 3-in-1 functionality in one portable package. Made of breathable mesh with a padded mattress included, the Slumber has three distinct uses as a bedside co-sleeper, travel cot and playpen.

Zip in the newborn insert to create a bedside crib suitable from birth until approximately 6 months old. The newborn insert sits at the top of the cot, meaning your baby will be at the height of your bed - although these is no option to drop the side in this mode as with some bedside cribs.

As your baby grows, you can use the Slumber as lightweight travel cot, using the same mattress. A waterproof carry case is included to allow for easy portability on the go. You can also use the Slumber as a secure play pen, and there's a zip-open door your toddler can crawl in and out when they are older.

At 7.65kg it’s a lightweight design that can be transported easily and stored away when not in use. The Slumber also has an easy-fold function meaning it can pop up and fold down quickly. For eco-conscious parents, Slumber features quilted material crafted using a yarn made from recycled plastic bottles that would have otherwise been sent to landfill. It looks good too, with an attractive, minimalistic design. This is a useful product that will grow with your child and a stylish option from a trusted brand.

The Silver Cross Slumber is available in two different colourways, carbon and stone.

Available from: Boots

4. Graco Contour Electra, £100

– best for added extras.

Suitable from: birth to 15kg | Travel cot weight: 10kg | Unfolded dimensions: H:91cm W:73cm D:104cm| Folded dimensions: H:85cm D:23cm | Newborn bassinet: Yes

• Lots of accessories included
• Good newborn bassinet

If you're looking for a travel cot that will do double or even triple duty, this could be the product for you. The Graco Contour Electra comes bursting with added extras, including practical additions like a cot-top changing unit, and fun ones like the mobile and battery-operated unit that plays tunes and vibrates the cot.

MFM home tester Jessica said, "The Graco Electra travel cot has proven to be a lovely cot for my 5 month old son. It folds up to an easily transportable, small travel bag and has lovely extras such as the hanging toy bar and night light which are well thought out."

There's a newborn bassinet that fastens in to keep tiny babies close, and the whole unit is on wheels so it can be moved easily. It's definitely not the lightest product on our list, but remove any accessories you're not using (such as the changer or bassinet) and this significantly reduces the weight to make it easier to move or carry.

Read our full MadeForMums Graco Contour Electra review

Available from: Smyths and Graco

5. Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot, £37

– best budget buy.

Suitable from: birth to 15kg | Travel cot weight: 8.7kg | Unfolded dimensions: L99cm x W59.5cm x H80.5cm| Folded dimensions: L27cm x W25cm x H80.5cm| Newborn bassinet: No | MFM Review Star Rating: 4.2 stars

• Easy to assemble
• Thin mattress
• Not very lightweight

The cheapest cot on our list, the Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot is a great choice if you're looking for an affordable but sturdy option. The mattress, as you'd expect, is quite thin, so if you do look to buy an alternative one, take note of the dimensions and ensure anything you buy is the correct size. It must be a snug fit with no gaps around the edges.

Where this travel cot does excel is the ease of assembly. “Once you have pulled up the handle in the bottom and un-assembled the cot, it is very easy to fold shut and put into the carry-bag,” stated our MFM reviewer Jessica, who called it “hassle-free and very quick.” Travel cots of this type usually have an order in which each section has to be assembled (or taken down), so pay close attention to the instructions.

This cot's purse-friendly price point doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality – you’ll find plenty of useful design features like a full padded top rail and mesh sides to provide visibility and air flow. Our MFM reviewer and parent testers also found it felt robust once built. One parent tester said, “It feels secure, with the side bars locking in place, and is sturdy enough to accommodate a lively toddler.”

Read our full MadeForMums review of the Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot

Available from: Amazon and Halfords

6. Hauck Sleep'n Play Centre Travel Cot, £79.95

– best for versatile features.

Suitable from: birth to 15kg | Travel cot weight: 8.5kg | Unfolded dimensions: L125cm x W68.5cm x H82cm| Folded dimensions: L22cm x W21cm x H76.5cm | Newborn bassinet: Yes | Awards: Bronze – Travel Cot, MadeForMums Awards 2024

• Good value with lots of features
• Changing table included
• Can wheel along when folded
• Easy to assemble and transport
• Thin, uneven mattress

The Hauck Sleep'n Play Centre Travel Cot has all the bells and whistles for under £100. This includes an integrated changing table, high and low sleeping positions (reducing back strain), a utility pocket, a zip-down side panel for a fun playpen adventure (crawl in – crawl out) and a fun design with pops of colour. For ease of moving about, it also has two wheels when folded up that means you can pull it along like a suitcase – genius!

Our home testers found the cot to be well made and sturdy, and they particularly liked the wipeable fabrics. With a little practice, parents found it easy to set up and fold down as long as they performed the steps in the right order. "The cot feels sturdy when set up and the fabric is wipeable which makes life easy when on the go," says Shannon, who tested it with their 2-month-old baby Rae (pictured).

Testers would have liked the mattress to be a bit thicker, however, and didn't score it quite so highly for comfort (Hauck do sell a thicker mattress separately). One parent said they found the included mattress did not lie completely flat, but that “the unevenness was not to the extent that we had concerns about baby”. They also felt the changing table’s safety strap could be longer for older babies.

"It's good travel cot for the price with lots of features," said Jennifer, who tested the cot with her 3 month old Brianna. "It's large so will last while our child grows, and the ability to use from newborn up is obviously very helpful. The included change station an added bonus for when baby is small and I think the quality of the frame and materials is good."

Bargain hunters will be happy to hear that despite the £79.95 RRP, we’ve seen online deals for less than £60 - which would make this even better value.

Available from: Boots and Online4Baby

7. Cuggl Deluxe Superlight Travel Cot, £65

– best for occasional use.

Suitable from: birth to 15kg | Travel cot weight: 6kg | Unfolded dimensions: L85 cm x W56cm x H86m| Folded dimensions: L50cm x W61cm x H15cm| Newborn bassinet: No

• Folds up small
• Small footprint
• Low weight limit

Coming in at only 6kg, this is one of the lightest travel cots on our list, and also one of the most affordable. If you're looking for an all-rounder for occasional use during the first couple of years of your child's life, it's a good value option that performs well. We found it can be constructed in minutes and folds up to a suitcase size, although it's sadly not quite small enough to take as hand luggage on a plane.

The built-in mattress is 2.5cm deep, putting it on a par with most travel cot mattresses but perhaps not up there with the likes of the Bugaboo Stardust. Overall, the cot is smaller in size than some other options we tested, but that means it folds up smaller too. However, for taller children a larger option like the Joie Kubbie or BabyBjorn might last you longer.

Available from: Argos

8. Joie Kubbie Sleep Travel Cot, £99.99

– best for newborns.

Suitable from: Birth to 15kg | Travel cot weight: 8.79kg | Unfolded dimensions: L99cm x W59.5cm x H80.5cm| Folded dimensions: L 27 cm x W 25 cm x H 80.5cm | Newborn bassinet: Yes

• Simple drop-side feature
• Grows with baby
• Can be tricky to put up and down

For parents who want a travel cot from birth – perhaps to keep at a family member or caregiver's house – the Joie Kubbie Sleep combines the functionality of a travel cot with that of a bedside crib, with a drop-down side operated by a button that allows easier access to a newborn while in bassinet mode. It does sit quite high up so the exact functionality will differ depending on the type of bed you have, but in those early days when mum is healing it could be a lifesaver.

"One of the great features of the Joie Kubbie Sleep travel cot is that it can be used beside the bed once its straps are attached to the bed, and its side is dropped," said MFM reviewer Dominic, who tested this with his newborn daughter. He was also impressed with the durability, saying, "I’m really impressed with the quality of the build, despite the ‘sticky’ mechanics. Once assembled, it feels sturdy enough to last a number of years, which will be helpful for when our daughter can start using it as a playpen."

Once your baby is old enough, you simply put up the side, drop the mattress down to the base of the cot, and it becomes a generously-sized travel cot and playpen that'll last until the child weighs 15kg. The pull-and-click functionality takes a few minutes to master, and like others of this style there's an order you need to memorise in order to get it to go up and down smoothly, but Joie has a great instructional video to help .

Read our full MadeForMums Joie Kubbie travel cot review

Available from: Very and Argos

9. Red Kite Dreamer Bedside Travel Crib, £65

– best budget travel cot for co-sleeping.

Suitable from: birth (with bassinet) to 15kg | Travel cot weight: 7.6kg | Unfolded dimensions: L99cm x W57cm x H76cm| Folded dimensions: L27cm x W71cm x H26m| Newborn bassinet: Yes

• Permanent drop-side option
• Flimsy newborn insert

Like the Joie Kubbie sleep, the Red Kite Dreamer offers the perfect travel option for families with newborns that use a bedside crib at home, as it has the same drop-side functionality built into a more portable travel cot. However, unlike the Joie Kubbie Sleep, which has a button-operated drop-side, this one is fastened with buckles, making it more suited to those who want to keep the cot fastened to their bed with the side dropped permanently down, for a safe way to cosleep with a newborn.

Once the baby is older, it becomes a travel cot that's almost a metre in length, offering lots of space for a growing toddler. Our testers were divided on the mattress' comfort levels. While our reviewer found it to be too firm for their 9 month old, other testers really rated it. "As travel cots go this is one of the comfiest mattresses I’ve seen. It feels nice and padded and had a solid firm base underneath to secure into the cot," said home tester Bridget, who tested this with her 4 month old.

Our testers did find the bassinet insert for newborns a little flimsy, but fine given that's only used for the first few months before moving to the full travel cot. It's also lightweight to carry and one of the smaller folds on this list.

Read our full MadeForMums Red Kite Dreamer beside travel cot review

Available from: Argos and Red Kite

10. Chicco Next2Me PopUp, £199

— best travel cot for versatile newborn co-sleeping.

Suitable from: birth to 6 months | Travel cot weight: 10.5kg | Unfolded dimensions: L97cm x W80cm x H82cm | Folded dimensions: L97cm x W84cm x H23m | Newborn bassinet: No | Awards: Silver – Travel Cot, MadeForMums Awards 2023

• 6 height positions
• Quick and easy fold
• Shorter life span than other options
• Can be difficult to transport

The PopUp is the latest offering from the Chicco Next2Me range and is a great option for parents who will be travelling with their young baby a lot in the first 6 months. The Red Kite Dreamer and Joie Kubbie Sleep also offer co-sleeping but, unlike these, the PopUp has a range of features that make it a really great choice for newborns.

We love that the crib has 6 adjustable heights to better help it align the barrier of the crib to the parents' mattress — this is particularly useful if you're travelling and staying in different places. Also, thanks to its foldable feet, it is suitable for use with beds with storage compartments. It also comes with straps that allow the crib to conveniently attach to different beds. It can be used as a standalone or bedside crib and transforms easily between both. It also has 2 wheels that make it easy to move from room to room around the house.

There is an ergonomically designed mattress included and the crib itself has mesh panelling on all 4 sides, providing great visibility and air ventilation as your baby sleeps.

MFM reviewer Helen who tested the Chicco Next2Me Pop Up with her 1-month-old son Alessio said, "The Pop Up works very well as a crib for the early months of a baby’s life, especially for people who will be travelling a lot, because it is so easy to put up and down. It would certainly be a practical buy if you are going to be driving to stay away from home several times in the first 6 months of your baby’s life."

The crib has an impressively quick and easy 3-second fold that Helen thought was one of the standout features of the travel cot: "The ease of putting the cot up and down with the 3-second fold, and without the need to dissemble anything, is the main selling point and for good reason. It easily folds up into one piece and is easy to insert into the travel bag included." However, at 10.5kg, the PopUp is the heaviest option on our list and is quite bulky when folded. Whilst compact and able to fit under some beds while not in use, it does have a large footprint and therefore takes up quite a lot of car boot space and may not fit into the boot of smaller cars.

Read our full MadeForMums Chicco Next2Me Pop Up travel cot review

Available from: John Lewis , Amazon and Boots

11. BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light, £219.90 £198

– best for no upper weight limit.

Suitable from: 0-3 years | Travel cot weight: 6kg (including travel bag) | Unfolded dimensions: L112cm x W64cm x 82cm | Folded dimensions: L49cm x W60cm x H14cm | Newborn bassinet: No

• No upper weight limit
• Easy to set up
• Premium feel
• Extra thick mattress
• One of the most expensive options

This lightweight, easy-to-use travel cot impressed our parent tester for a number of reasons – as you'd expect for one of the most expensive options on our list.

The brand known for stylish baby products won't disappoint parents on the go, with a sleek silhouette, premium-feeling fabrics and excellent functionality. It's impressively easy to set up and fold down – a true highlight compared to trickier styles such as the Joie Kubbie Sleep. Simply pull out each leg, click it into place on the top frame, then place the mattress inside and secure with poppers.

MFM Head of Consumer Content and mum of 3 Christy commented: "It's so easy to set up, which is really useful if you forget how between holidays, or are asking a grandparent to help. I had no worries about sleepily packing it up at the airport hotel before we took an early flight."

The mattress is extra thick, an essential luxury as the base rests on the floor. This design means there's no weight limit, a real plus point for parents with heavier-than-average toddler.

Christy, who tested the cot with her tall 2 year old, says: "I loved the fact that the BabyBjorn has no weight limit. With a heavy toddler who is not ready for a bed, it's perfect. He slept very well, even though we tested it on a hard tiled floor."

The cleverly designed shape, with the sides inclining towards the top, also makes it harder for little ones to climb out of, and the mesh walls give great visibility from any angle.

The cot folds up into a flat rectangle shape, stored in a carry bag. Christy adds: "We took it as hold luggage out our TUI flight, and could even have fitted it inside our large family suitcase to avoid dropping it off at the 'oversized luggage' desk."

Available from: John Lewis and BabyBjörn

12. Tutti Bambini CoZee Go 3-in-1 Bassinet, Travel Cot & Playpen, £129

— best stylish travel cot.

Suitable from: Birth (with bassinet) to 3 years | Travel cot weight: 6.5kg | Unfolded dimensions: L133cm x W98cm x H65cm | Folded dimensions: L72cm x W62cm x H14cm | Newborn bassinet: Yes | Awards: Bronze – Travel Cot, MadeForMums Awards 2023

• Multi-functional
• Quick to put together
• Mattress included
• Quite large

Suitable from birth and adapting to a toddler travel cot and playpen, this Scandi-style cot impressed our testers with its appealing, stylish design and ease of use.

It's a breeze to initially put together and then fold away and, at 6.5kg, it is one of the more lightweight options on our list. It's suitable from birth with the included newborn bassinet and foldable mattress. As your baby gets older, the mattress can be unfolded to be used as a floor-level travel cot. Then you can zip open the mesh window and you've turned it into a playpen.

The mesh fabric all around the cot provides great visibility and airflow and, available separately, is the Day & Night Shade which can help your baby switch off and sleep in bright or unfamiliar places. We also love that there is a carry case included for storage or travelling. It's not the most compact travel cot when it's assembled and is still quite large when it's folded — it's wide and square, which may be awkward to transport in smaller car boots. Our testers also found that fitting everything in the carry case and zipping it back up again could be difficult.

Parent tester Cali, who tested the CoZee Go with her 13-month-old son Teddy, really loved the style and quality of the travel cot: "There are cheaper travel cot and playpen options out there but they don't look as stylish or high quality. I absolutely love the minimalist look, it's stylish and neutral. All of the materials feel extremely good quality — this is definitely one of the comfier travel cots that we've used."

Cali also praised its different elements, "The CoZee Go makes a great playpen, the zip opening was especially good for giving my son the freedom to come and go as he pleases. As a travel cot, its a really good size so should last well into toddlerhood."

Parent tester Claire, who tested this with her 3-month-old son Zach also praised the design of the cot, "It is a high-end, stylish travel cot that’s built to last and worth its price tag. It also packs up compactly for ease of transport and has a very comfortable mattress that I think little ones will sleep well in."

Available from: Kiddies Kingdom , Natural Baby Shower and Tutti Bambini

13. ErgoPouch Easy Sleep Portable Crib, £69.97

Best for: lightweight newborn travel crib.

Suitable from: birth to showing signs of rolling | Travel cot weight: 2.2kg | Unfolded dimensions: L80cm x W49cm x H27cm | Folded dimensions (in backpack): L50cm x W49cm x H8cm | Newborn bassinet: Yes | Awards: Silver – Travel Cot, MadeForMums Awards 2024

• Very light and compact
• Mosquito net included
• Multifunctional

Considerably smaller – by design – than the more traditional travel cots on our list, this lightweight folding crib weighs in at a very portable 2.2kg. It is suitable for overnight sleep with newborns, so ideal for babies who are sleeping in a moses basket or crib at home and not quite ready to spend their holiday in a larger cot. Our testers found the breathable mesh sides make it easy to keep an eye on your baby, and the easy fold and included storage backpack make this a great shout for travel in the early days. The high sides and sturdy steel frame also make it a safe resting place for tummy time and play.

You’ll be hard pressed to find a lighter travel cot, but the downside of it being such as super-lightweight crib is that it has a relatively short usage span for sleep. ErgoPouch say the product is designed as a safe sleep area for a newborn infant, but do advise you discontinue use once your baby shows signs of rolling, or has reached 9kg (whichever comes first).

Holly, who tested it with her 7 week old, Charlotte, says, “My honest initial thoughts were that it was flimsy – however as soon as I assembled the product I realised it was exceptionally well produced - the materials are wonderfully lightweight which allows it to be carried in the accompanying backpack with ease. Similarly, I was worried that the mattress would be overly thin but in reality it is not much thinner than the mattress we currently have in the moses basket and is soft and comfortable. Great value for money!”

We also like the fact the mattress is breathable, and the cotton cover can be removed for washing. For lazy days by the pool or in your garden, it even comes with a mosquito net for extra protection for your baby. Folded down and popped in the travel case, it can also fit in overhead lockers on the airplane, or inside a suitcase.

Available from: Ergopouch and Natural Baby Shower

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Why do I need a travel cot?

One of the main benefits of travel cots are their portability. Regular cots are often made of wood and to disassemble and put in a car or suitcase would be quite a task! With a travel cot disassembly is usually a matter of a few minutes (or even seconds) and some of the travel cots on our list fold small enough to fit in a suitcase or overhead locker alongside the stroller.

Travel cots are an on-the-go sleeping option that means you won’t have to rely on sleeping arrangements at your destination. For frequent travellers they can be as familiar to little ones as their regular bed; helping to aid sleep in a different environment.

What to look for when buying a travel cot

Portability — Travel cots have lighter-weight components and are designed to be easily carried and stored. But they're still cots, so none of them are going to fold into a truly tiny package. They fold into different shapes so look for the folded style that suits your needs. Some of the travel cots on our list fold into a long 3D rectangular shape more suited to public transport, others fold flat to fit well in a car boot.

Weight — Travel cots vary significantly in weight - we found some that are under 7kg and others that weigh in at a hefty 10.5kg. There's even a super-light travel crib, albeit with a shorter usage period. Think about how often you’re going to use it, and if you’ll be lifting it up and down stairs or in and out of a car. If you want frequent use, a very lightweight travel cot may suit you best. Of course, a heavier cot is likely to feel more sturdy and offer more functionality.

Ease of assembly/disassembly — Once you have the knack, putting a travel cot up and down should be a very quick process - a matter of minutes, if not seconds. Do read the instructions though, many have a knack and have parts that need to be put together in a very specific order. If you only plan on using it occasionally, a cot with a very easy, or intuitive fold, might suit you better than an 'easy once you've practised a few times' option.

Age suitability — Age suitability really varies for travel cots. Most can be used from birth – we’ve specified the manufacturer’s instructions – but the travel cots that have a built-in bassinet offer a cosier, elevated sleep environment for newborns. This will also make bending down to lift them out easier if they need frequent settling through the night. Several of the cots even have drop-down sides to allow them to be used as a bedside crib. Some cots can only be used for a few months while others are suitable up to around 3.5 years.

Mattress — Travel cot mattresses tend to be thinner and harder than normal cot mattresses. This is partly to enable a compact fold and easy storage, and is why travel cots are usually not recommended for permanent overnight sleep. But remember, a firm mattress is important for safe sleep for your baby, and doesn’t mean your child won’t be comfortable. Most manufacturers will state that you shouldn't add an extra mattress to a travel cot.

Extra functions — Some travel cots can serve as a handy playpen once babies can sit up. Some also have a changing station, which could be useful if you’re frequently travelling with a baby.

How, when and where will you use your travel cot?

Do you plan to use the travel cot frequently during the year, or do you need it for a particular holiday? The frequency and location of where you’ll use it will help when considering weight, functionality and budget. For example, if the travel cot will be used for overnight stays at relatives or friends every month, you won’t need to worry too much about weight and the ease of assembly – especially if it can remain constructed.

For holidays in hot climates, a breathable mattress and all-around mesh panel are factors to consider. These help with air circulation and will provide a more comfortable environment for your child to sleep. Some travel cots include or offer the option of an insect net and sun protection.

For travel involving flights, it’s worth investigating your airline’s baggage allowances. A light, compact-folding model with easy assembly could be your best solution.

How much does a travel cot cost?

Our list covers travel cot prices ranging from £35 up to more than £200 - so quite a wide scope. For items at all price points, we expect a safe, comfortable and stable sleeping environment.

When looking at budget options, our reviewers found that they certainly did the trick and functioned well as a travel cot but were quite basic with limited added extras. For example, you shouldn’t expect a changing station included on a lower priced travel cot.

When considering more high-end travel cots we still expect good value (not overpriced), premium components and extra thought on a design that will make traveling with kids a breeze. Of course, the more often you travel, the easier it is to get your money’s worth out of a more expensive travel cot.

The mid-range options on our list – priced under £100 include many great benefits and may tick quite a few boxes but without some of the lush extras of more expensive models.

How did we choose our 13 of the Best?

When testing travel cots, we considered size and weight limits, mattress quality, effectiveness, ease of build/fold, ease of transportation, any extra features or additions, and value the money.

Our 10 of the Best lists are compiled by qualified and experienced parenting journalists. They rely on a number of sources, including our independent reviews, testing undertaken during the MadeForMums Awards, and feedback from our home testing panel and Top Testers Club. Each year thousands of products are put through their paces by hundreds of parents across the country on behalf of MadeForMums, to ensure we’re bringing you honest and true reviews and recommendations.

Our list is not an ordered ranking from 1-10, instead it is a carefully selected group of tried-and-tested products, each ofwhich we believe is  best for  a different situation or requirement. We don’t just tell you what is best, we help you discover what is best for  your family .

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The 9 Best Camping Cots of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The best camping cots have trouble-free setups and are noticeably comfortable to sleep on.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Other Gear You May Need
• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Ben Anderson

If you’re ready to upgrade your sleeping arrangements while spending time outdoors, consider getting a camping cot to (literally) elevate your sleep. A camping cot is the closest portable thing to a typical bed, so it’s a must-have for campers who don’t feel like roughing it on the ground.

Our team of outdoor enthusiasts tried 21 camping cots to find out which ones are the most comfortable, durable, and easiest to put together for your next camping trip. Our favorite camping cots are exceptionally easy to put together and comfortable to sleep on so you wake up feeling refreshed. We've gathered here our top picks for campers looking to splurge on an ultralightweight option and a double cot for pairs. We even found a cot that is so comfortable, it could easily replace the air mattress you use for house guests. 

Best Overall

Mission mountain a4 camping cot.

Its compact size and low weight makes this a perfect option for backpackers and drive-up campers alike.

The material may feel a bit taut at first, but stretches out as you sleep.

This lightweight cot is incredibly easy to set up and break down, which is perfect after a long day of adventuring. Our favorite part of setting up the cot is the EZ lock leg design: you don't have to stretch springs like other cots — you just press on the handle until the leg locks in place. The instructions are easy to follow, but we didn't even need to use them since the design is so user-friendly.

Since the whole cot weighs just 4.4 pounds, it's also a great option for backpackers, day trippers, and every other style of camper. It fits in most day packs and is light enough that you can carry it for a full day of hiking. At 75 inches long, it's comfortable for even tall campers, but still fits well inside most tents. The cot's main fabric also felt durable and breathable, which is great for warmer weather. It even has a side pocket where you can easily store a cell phone and a flashlight for easy access .

The Details: 75 x 27.5 x 7.8 inches unfolded | 18 x 5 inches folded | 4.4 pounds | 330 pound weight limit

Travel + Leisure / Ben Anderson

Best Overall, Runner-up

Osage river standard folding camping cot.

The cot is a breeze to set up and is long enough to comfortably fit campers over six feet tall.

It’s a little too big to carry long distances.

From setup to breakdown, the Osage River Standard Folding Camping Cot was a favorite, earning the highest scores in every one of our testing categories over our six-month testing period. We discovered that the cot can easily be assembled by stretching out the canvas fabric over the metal frame that folds out, and it simply folds back down when the time comes. It's super convenient and easy to get in and out of its storage bag and it takes less than a minute to set up and fold up. The cot fits perfectly in its carrying bag and is easy to transport to and from the car. Although it might be a little big to carry far distances, it’s extremely portable for car campgrounds or to use around the house.

We used the cot during a camping trip and were impressed that the size is convenient for both placing in a tent and getting a comfortable night’s sleep. One six-foot tall camper said it was plenty long enough for them to fit comfortably on it. The build and materials of the cot feel exceptionally sturdy and durable, so we’re confident it will last for years to come. And if you weren’t already sold, the affordable price of this cot makes it a no-brainer. 

The Details: 75 x 28 x 18.5 inches unfolded | 40 x 8 x 5 inches folded | 12.45 pounds | 300 pound weight limit

Most Durable

Rei co-op campwell folding cot.

The stretchy, thick materials mold comfortably to your body and are sure to last.

The folded cot weighs just under 20 pounds.

The REI Co-op Campwell Folding Cot is made with high-quality, durable materials that take little effort to set up. Simply expand it from the middle of the cot and the legs fold out automatically. Then secure the legs by tightening the straps. The cot has a wide foot at the base of each leg that swivels to adjust to any uneven ground even when it's inside your tent. We also love that the cot folds up and fits into a carrying pack with a strap to sling it over your shoulder for easy transport (although the cot does weigh just under 20 pounds, so is best for those driving to their campsite).

While it does take up a significant amount of room in your tent , it's high enough off the ground that you can store gear underneath the cot. The cot also does not come with cushioning, but is still quite comfortable to sleep on as the material has a bit of stretch that adjusts to your body. With a plush sleeping bag on top, your camp set up will take on a homey feel.

The Details: 76 x 25 x 18 inches unfolded | 8 x 37 inches folded | 17 pounds | 300 pound weight limit

Travel + Leisure / Kristin Cleveland

Best for Car Camping

Byer of maine easy cot.

The setup instructions are straightforward and it took just seconds to put the cot together. 

The heavy weight makes it impractical for some trips.

Setting up a tent can be no small feat, so for additional ease while car camping , the Byer of Maine Easy Cot is your best option. Out of all the cots we tested, this one had the easiest setup by far, and it only took a matter of seconds to have the bed ready to go. The instructions are easy to follow and they’re printed on the side of the bag to make the setup that much more trouble-free. Keep in mind that the cot itself weighs 21 pounds, which is on the heavier side, so we think it’s best suited for campers who don’t have to carry the cot far (or at all for car camping). This cot was set up in a matter of seconds, making it one of the easiest cots we've ever used. It's definitely bulkier than some backpacking cots, but it didn't take up a ton of room in the back of a car and was easy to stack with other similar-sized gear.

The Details: 78 x 18 x 31 inches unfolded | 21 pounds | 330 pound weight limit

Travel + Leisure / Kate Donovan

Best Splurge

Helinox camp cot.

The cot is extremely lightweight at just 2.13 pounds, and the comfort it provides is unmatched. 

It takes some extra strength to unfold the cot the first few times.

If you have some wiggle room in your camping cot budget, the Helinox Lite Cot is worth the splurge thanks to its ultra-light weight and comfortable design. Helinox is known for its lightweight outdoor gear, and we found that they deliver on expectations with this 2-pound cot. Although the width is on the smaller side at 23.5 inches, we loved that two cots could easily fit in a smaller tent if needed. The cot doesn't weigh much more than backpacking pads and definitely weighs less than some more plush air mattresses . The long thin design of it when it's in its carrying case is ideal for sliding long-ways into a backpacking backpack. The only downside is that it takes some extra strength to unfold the cot the first few times, but after a while, it gets less strenuous to put together. 

The Details: 73 x 23.5 x 5 inches unfolded | 21 x 5 inches folded | 2.13 pounds | 265 pound weight limit

Travel + Leisure / Hang Pham

Best Lightweight

Fe active folding camping cot.

It’s noticeably lightweight, and the carrying bag makes it even easier to transport. 

There's a learning curve for setting it up and breaking it down.

We think the lightweight FE Active Folding Camping Cot is ideal for hikers, backpackers, or campers looking for a cot with superior portability. It only weighs 4.6 pounds, and we particularly liked the carrying bag it came with for additional portability. The bag is the perfect fit to carry all of the items for the cot. It is hard to break down the cot, but the portability portion is prime for a hike. The tautness of the canvas makes it slightly tricky to attach it to the base, but after the first few times of putting it together, we found that it gets easier. And even though the canvas is tight around the base, we found the cot very comfortable to sleep on with the perfect balance of stiffness and cushioning. It feels sturdy and didn’t wobble when we sat or slept on it, and we felt confident in its durability.

The Details: 74.5 x 27.5 x 6.5 inches unfolded | 18.8 x 5.9 x 5.1 inches folded | 4.6 pounds | 250 pound weight limit

Best Multi-use

Mountain summit gear horizon cot.

The cot is so comfortable and easy to set up that house guests could sleep on it.

It feels heavy to carry around in the bag.

Whether you’re going on a camping trip or looking to add an extra place to sleep in your guest room, the versatile Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot is a solid choice. We found the setup to be simple and quick as it only took a few minutes to get the four-piece set put together. The size of the cot is perfect for a good nights' sleep since it’s not too big or too small. The material is taut and the legs give great stability, even when on uneven ground. There was no sinking when sleeping on the cot for hours. The cot weighs 18 pounds, which was noticeably hefty when we carried it in the bag, so we think it would be best for campsites that are close to the car or to set up in your home. The comfort matched with the simple setup makes this cot the best option for a multi-purpose cot that’s long-lasting. 

The Details: 75 x 27.55 x 14.5 inches unfolded | 18 pounds | 300 pound weight limit

Best Double

Kamp-rite double kwik-cot.

The setup is incredibly intuitive and simple. 

It's too large for small tents, so make sure you're checking your tent capacity before camping with this cot.

For pairs that like to go camping together, the Kamp-rite Double Kwik-cot is a must-have. The two-in-one style cot is impressively easy to put together and take apart thanks to its intuitive design. Because the cot is the size of two put together, you’ll need quite a bit of space to set it up, and since it weighs 33 pounds, you might need two people to carry it. Although it’s a little heavy, it was still portable enough to transport between the car and the tent, but you might not want to go much further with it. We used the cot to camp in a four-person tent and found that the cot was a little too tight to fit comfortably, so we recommend only opting for this cot if you plan to use a six-person tent or larger. Sleep was comfortable and sturdy throughout use thanks to the plastic reinforcements. The materials feel high-quality enough to last even through many camping trips over the years.

The Details: 85 x 55 x 19 inches unfolded | 42 x 11 x 11 inches folded | 33 pounds | 500 pound weight limit

Best for Tall Campers

L.l.bean easy cot.

The frame and canvas material feel exceptionally sturdy and durable, and its the longest cot on this list.

Keep in mind that it's on the larger side if you need to carry it far.

L.L.Bean’s Easy Cot was super easy to set up, requiring the same low effort as unfolding a camping chair or table. When the cot is unfolded, we think there’s plenty of room for one person thanks to the generous 79-inch length. This was one of the biggest camping cots we tested, so even when it’s folded up, it takes up a little more space than we wish, but it still fits nicely in storage closets in an apartment. The canvas material is especially taut and the frame is sturdy, and we got a good night of sleep while laying on it with just a blanket. Although the heftier size and price aren't great for every camper, we still think it’s an excellent option if you have extra storage space for it. 

The Details: 79 x 30 x 17 inches unfolded | 40 x 6 x 7 inches folded | 21 pounds | 330 pound weight limit

Other Camping Cots We Liked

While we tested a variety of great camping cots, there were some designs that didn't feel as high-quality and durable as others, but could still be good choices depending on your needs.

Coleman Pack-away Camping Cot : It was easy to put together, and the size is ideal for a four-person tent, but it wasn’t as comfortable as we hoped it would be. 

Coleman Trailhead II Cot : We found this cot to be very comfortable to sleep on, but it does require two people to set it up and it’s on the heavier side. 

Luno Air Mattress 2.0 : We love that the air mattress comes custom-fit to your car, but we’re worried that it could possibly tear or get a hole over time. The price tag also felt a bit steep for an air mattress.  

Coleman Airbed Cot : Although it takes a bit of time to assemble, the cot is easy to put together and it was extremely comfortable to sleep on. Still, because it comes with a cot and an air mattress, we found it to be a bit cumbersome to carry and transport.

Travel + Leisure / John Somerall

Our expert outdoor gear testers tried 21 different camping cots from popular brands like Coleman, L.L.Bean, and Helinox. Whether we used the camping cots to sleep in a tent, a car, or at home, we evaluated the product based on portability, ease of use, comfort, size, and durability. 

To test portability, we were tasked with carrying the cot in its case and placing it in a car or rooftop carrier to get a feel for the weight. Our favorite cots for portability were noticeably lightweight and their carrying bags made them even easier to carry the cot around. Next, we took the cots out of the bags and set them up to see how easy (or difficult) it was to put together and break down the camping cots. Since cots can require some extra elbow grease, we paid close attention to the time it took to unfold the cots and how much effort was needed to spread the canvas over the frame. Once the cots were unfolded, we judged the size of the cot, with our top performers being those that are the perfect size for someone to sleep on while not taking up too much space in a tent or room.

Then, we spent at least one 30-minute nap and a full night on each cot to gauge the comfort of the canvas and the sturdiness of the frame. The best cots for our comfort category provided us with enough support and cushioning for a restful night of sleep. The cots that felt the most durable didn’t wobble when we moved around and the canvas felt tough and durable when we spread it over the base of the cot. After completing the tests, we uncovered the price of each cot to judge the fairness of the cost compared to its performance. 

Travel + Leisure / Jennifer May

Other Camping Gear You May Need

To ensure you have a fun and restful night out under the stars, be sure to pack the proper gear. From sleeping bags to camping stoves, we've selected the best camping gear for all users — you just need to add the s'mores.

Spark 30F Sleeping Bag : This sleeping bag (that comes in both regular and long sizing) is versatile enough to be used for three-season camping. It also weighs less than three pounds, so it's a great option for light packers who don't want to sacrifice on comfort.

Nemo Dagger Osmo 2 Person Tent : Whether you're a solo camper or heading out with your best friend, this tent is a high-quality and lightweight option that can withstand even heavy downpours. It comfortably fits two adults and their hiking packs and has doors on both sides for ventilation and convenience.

Solo Stove Lite Gear Kit : This compact and portable camping kitchen comes with everything you need for making coffee, heating dinner, or taking a little time to warm up. The full kit takes up the same amount of space as a large water bottle, so backpackers and weekend campers alike are sure to love this mini, yet powerful, setup.

Tips for Buying a Camping Cot

Consider the size of your space.

It’s important to double-check the dimensions of your cot and the space that it will go in whether that's a tent, car, or room in a home. We found that while one cot might fit in a two- or four-person tent, it might be difficult or impossible to fit another in the same space.

Simple setups and breakdowns are essential

The best cots we tested were notable for being trouble-free to set up since no one wants to wrestle with a camping cot during a weekend enjoying the outdoors . While some cots might have a slight learning curve at first, it’s ideal to have one that can be unfolded and folded up in a matter of minutes to make camping easier. 

Think about the distance the cot will travel

Some cots can be cumbersome to carry far distances due to the weight, so if you like to hike into the campsites or backpack, be sure to pick a cot that doesn’t weigh a lot. If you’re planning on transporting the cot a few feet from the car to a campsite, the weight and size may not be a crucial factor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, a good camping cot should be comfortable enough to sleep on with just a sleeping bag or a blanket — though you may want to add a camping pillow . However, if you want to upgrade your sleeping arrangements, another layer of cushioning like a foam pad or Therm-a-rest can add a little extra comfort . 

While it ultimately depends on your sleeping preferences, a camping cot might be more comfortable to sleep on, especially if you prefer a stiffer bed. An air mattress or a hammock is easier to store, but you run the risk of an air mattress deflating or getting a hole, which can happen when you’re camping or using the mattress often. Plus, you can always add more cushioning to a camping cot, but you can’t make an air mattress tauter. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is a commerce writer at Travel + Leisure , where she writes and reviews travel products. She spent every summer camping in Oregon with her family growing up and has a keen eye for camping gear, especially for getting a good night of sleep. Anna worked with travel editors to determine the results for the best camping cots based on a series of tests completed by our expert outdoor gear testers.

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