lightweight travel cot with bassinet

Best Travel Cots & Portable Cribs 2024 For Family Travel

Posted on Last updated: December 5, 2023

A guide to the best travel cribs: for camping, hotel stays & more

Table of Contents - Click to jump to a section

Here you will find a breakdown of the different types of travel cots (also known as portable cribs, portacots and bassinets for travel ), with reviews to help you decide which one will suit your family travel needs.

Whether you are camping, overnighting in a hotel or need a lightweight portable crib to pack in your luggage – this guide will help you. Readers of the Flying With A Baby Facebook page have added their experiences of using these travel cribs too.

AD/Affiliate link . This article may contain affiliate links. Please read more in our disclosure policy here. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

What is the best travel cot or travel bassinet?

It really depends on your travel needs. Some are easy to sleep into your hand or hold luggage on an airplane, where others are best suited for the car. There is a quick comparison chart below with details of the weight, size and a lot more comparable information. You will also find more detailed reviews below with pros and cons which will help you decide the best portable crib for you.

If you are in a hurry, these are our top picks:

Our top picks – Best Travel Bassinet Quick Guide.

Best for babies: Brica Munchkin ranks well consistently and is so light and compact only weighing ‎4.43 pounds  – suitable for babies up to 15lbs. 

Best All Rounder Travel Crib : Lotus Travel Crib . This is compact and lasts from 0- 3 years old making it a worthwhile investment if you travel or go camping frequently.

Do I need a travel crib or travel bassinet? Pros and cons

A travel crib or bassinet is handy to have if you are camping, staying with friends, or perhaps staying somewhere which doesn’t provide a travel cot. I know many parents like using their own equipment or something baby is used to and familiar with. We took ours for overnight stays as we knew it was clean too. Anything to guarantee some sleep!

If you need a lightweight travel cot for flying and packing into your case, then the size and weight becomes an important factor to consider too.

The only real con is having to carry the extra baggage around – but it really depends on your individual circumstances when it comes to sleep and your travel schedule/mode of transport.

What age are travel cribs/bassinets suitable for?

The age varies but as a general rule 0-3 years old.

What type of portable crib do I need for a baby?

A portable baby crib needs to be safe, breathable, lightweight and suit your needs. Styles vary from pop-up beds and bassinet styles which rest on the floor, to others similar to playpens, which have legs and more support.

Can I use a travel crib for a toddler?

The smallest ones and lightest travel cribs are also less sturdy, so a more active toddler will likely need a toddler travel bed instead.

Can you take a travel cot as hand luggage?

Some do pack up small enough to fit in your hand luggage. As long as it meets your airlines hand baggage restrictions you can bring it.

BEST TRAVEL COTS – A COMPARISON CHART

Travel cot reviews, best travel cots & portable cribs for family travel.

Munchkin Brica Baby Travel Pod

• Safe, durable, lightweight travel pod for infants                             
• Breathable mesh panels, removable and locking steel frame provide comfort and security     
• Folds flat for storage and weighs less than 3 lbs. for easy transport                                          
• Assembled dimensions: 30” x 21.25” x 11.75”                                 
• Discontinue use once infant begins to push up on hands and knees or has reached 15 lbs.
• Care and cleaning: spot or wipe clean; sheets are machine washable                                       
• Maximum weight: 15 lbs.       
• Weighs: ‎4.43 pounds                

Lotus Travel Crib

Designed to be easy to fly with the compact, light backpack carrying case. Set up is simple in 15 seconds and only weighs 15 lbs packed. Full-height mesh guarantees best, breathable airflow. The soft foam mattress is approved for newborns & infants for overnight sleep (0-3 years old)

The Lotus Travel Cot is in the familiar style of a pack n play or playpen with mesh sides. It's designed to be easy to fly with the compact, light backpack carrying case. Set up is simple in 15 seconds and it only weighs 13 lbs packed. The Lotus Crib comes with the crib, mattress, and bag (with convertible backpack straps)

• WHAT’S INCLUDED - You get a complete travel crib with the compact backpack carrying case. Two Year Warranty and great customer service. Sheets not included. Setup Crib Length: 42”, Width: 32”, Height: 25”. Folded (in Backpack) Length: 24”, Width: 7”, Height: 11”.
• Lightweight
• Easy to setup
• Comes with a backpack carrying case
• Have to bend over
• Harder to take down
• Weight: 11lbs/4.9kg
• Mattress size: 20" by 28".
• Cot size: 42”, Width: 32”, Height: 25”.
• Folded up measurements: Length: 24”, Width: 7”, Height: 11”
• Age suitable for: 0-3 years old

KidCoPeaPod Portable Pop Up Travel Bed with Mesh Windows

The KidCo Peapod also has great features for camping outdoors, including UV protection and anchor straps. A mattress is attached to the bottom of the tent and folds up with it. It is a bit too big for a backpack, but could probably fit in rolling carry on style luggage. It is a very lightweight travel cot.

Flying With A Baby readers add: "We use the KidCo Travel Pod. Packs light and looks like a minute baby camping tent."

• Very lightweight
• Suitable for 6 months and over
• Weight: 2.5lbs/1.1kg
• Mattress size: It is inbuilt.
• Cot size: 46 x 28 x 14 inches
• Folded up measurements: 16.5"L x 16.5"H x 3"D
• Age suitable for: 6 months-3 years old

Phil & Teds Traveller Travel Crib 2021+

4-in-1 solution from newborn right up to toddler years – for use at home or away, indoors or outdoors. Phil & Ted’s Traveller Portacot is a popular choice. Options cary from 3.5 - 5 kg so it’s a little heavier than its predecessor .   However, It’s a compact travel cot considering the space it provides. and offers varying positions. Perfect for small car boots/trunks & suitcases.

What Flying With A Baby readers say, "We use a Phil and Teds travel portacot. It fits easily inside a suitcase (takes up less than a third of our big suitcase). It's durable also. The mattress is one you blow up so it just rolls up when you don't use it. It's pretty comfy. We've used it for all our trips with our first (she was 4 months when we first used it), the longest time she's been on it was for 3 weeks and she slept really well.

Another Flying With A Baby reader adds , "I second the Phil and Teds portacot.  I wore it as a backpack, took it on airplanes all the way to Europe and back and unpack in 3 minutes during stopovers. Bubba slept in there for 6 weeks in wintery European weather and was OK."

Yet another fan add s, " fits in case easily, quick to put up. Only downside is zips are noisy if putting little one in through the side, tended to wake my son up but I just put him in from the top instead. Not great for my back but better than waking him up. Doubles as a play pen too! Love the self inflating mattress.

However this reader thought it was tricky to set up , "We have this one too, but struggle with getting it setup compared to the Lotus crib one. And we almost lost a piece when it rolled under a bed as we were packing it up. Other than that we love it!"

• 4 sleep options
• last til child is 4 years old
• self inflating mattress
• Comes with a  carrying case
• Can be tricky to set up the first couple of times
• Weight: all modes in travel bag: 5kg / 11.5lbs cot mode in travel bag: 3.5kg / 7.5lbs bassinet mode in travel bag: 4kg / 8.5lbs bedside mode in travel bag: 4kg / 9.5lbs
• self inflating mattress included.
• Unfolded dimensions bedside bassinet: 130 x 77 x 63cm / 51” x 30” x 25”cot & bassinet: 113 x 90 x 63cm / 44” x 35” x 25”sleep space: bassinet / bedside co-sleeper70 x 45cm / 28” x 18”; cot 92 x 70cm / 36” x 28”
• Folded dimensions: all modes in travel bag:68 x 22 x 22cm / 27” x 7” x 7”
• Age suitable for: 0-4 year old.

Coopzero Travel Bassinet

Sturdy Travel Bassinet and Safety Certificate::Certified to ASTM F2194-16e1 standard,Lockable frame and durable side walls, with a soft recliner ​for baby. Curved side walls with soft cushions provide a safe and comfortable sleeping space for babies.

BABYBJORN Travel Crib Light - Silver + Fitted Sheet Bundle Pack

The Baby Bjorn Travel Cot Light is lightweight, easy to set up and washable.  It is a similar shape to many pack n plays or small portable playpens with mesh walls so it is easy to keep an eye on your little one. It is simple to set up and fold up in one simple movement.  The breathable mattress cover is machine washable.

Once it is packed it up,  it can not be carried as hand luggage for flights but it does fit into a suitcase and will easily fit into the trunk/boot of a car.

Flying With A Baby readers add; "Love the Baby Bjorn travel crib. Lightweight, portable, sturdy. Ours has traveled all over with us. Feel it's better than the lotus because of the cushion depth. and another reader adds, "We really liked this one as well. Nice and compact for moving around, easy to put up and our little one slept really well in it."

• Easy to setup (done without reading instructions)
• Weight: 13lbs/5.8kg
• Mattress size: 23.5 x 41 x 1.2 in/60 x 105 x 4 cm
• Cot size: 32 x 44 x 24 in/82 x 112 x 64cm.
• Folded up measurements: 19 x 23.5 x 5.5 in/49 x 60 x 14 cm
• Age suitable for: 0-3 years old
• Simple to set up and fold up
• Easy to take with you
• Soft and comfy mattress
• Airy design for good supervision
• Removable and machine washable crib textiles
• Mattress: High-resilient PU foam

AIMSAIMS Travel Bassinet

• DIMENSION: Open size is 31.5"L x 16˝W x 10˝H, suitable for babies 0-5 months (22lbs). This travel bassinet can be used at bedroom, living room, outdoor, etc. even for travelling.
• BREATHABLE MESH AND SOFT MATTRESS: 100% Ployester Mesh keeps good airflow and makes parents observe their own babies better. The soft mattress contains four layer, Peach Skin Velvet, Natural Sponge pads, PP Rigid Plate and Water-resistant Linen, helping the babies have a comfortable sleep.
• FOLDABLE AND PORTABLE DESIGN: This portable bassinet can be easily folded up in 1 second by pulling out the hook on the both side of the cabin. The folding dimensions are only 19.7"L x 18.9"W x 3.9"H, 4lbs, with handle on it and storage bag. It is convenient to carry or store in a suitcase to be taken out.
• WASHABLE AND EASY TO CLEAN: Both the bassinet and mattress are washable with damp cloth or by hand wash.

Toddler Travel Beds

If you are flying with an older toddler, then you may find this post on travel beds for toddlers useful too.

If you have enjoyed this post and found it useful, here are some ways you can say thanks and support Flying With A Baby 

1. Click here to buy me a virtual coffee (thank you so much!)

2. Join our   Family Travel F o rum : TRAVEL WITH KIDS W ORLDWIDE Facebook Group here  which includes lots of ideas & tips for things to do, places to visit around the globe and more with input from members who live or visit these places regularly.

3 . Click here to sign up for the latest family travel tips, guides and competitions. 

3. Share this post with your friends. 

4. Follow Flying With A Baby on the following platforms for exclusive content :

Thank you for your support as always. 

5 Secrets to Flying with a Baby

FREE EMAIL BONUS

Tips to make travel with your child easy and stress-free

Best Travel Cribs

Fact-checking standards, latest update:, what is a travel crib, what to look for in a travel crib, how to pick the best travel crib, how we chose the best travel cribs, why trust us, best travel crib overall, babybjörn travel crib, best travel crib for airplane trips, guava lotus travel crib, best travel crib for car trips, graco pack ‘n play portable playard, best travel crib with easy assembly, 4moms breeze plus, best travel bassinet with mesh canopy, primo cocoon folding travel bassinet, best lightweight infant travel bassinet, munchkin brica, best compact portable crib with bassinet, uppababy remi portable playard, best easy-to-carry travel crib, chicco alfa lite, best adjustable travel crib, nuna sena aire travel crib, best easy-open travel crib, bugaboo stardust.

Daniel Ganjian , M.D., Pediatrician, Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California.  American Academy of Pediatrics, How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained , July 2022. American Academy of Pediatrics, Suitable Sleeping Sites: Safe at Night & Naptime , June 2022. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Safe Sleep – Cribs and Infant Products .

Explore the Best Products for Moms and Babies

Trending on what to expect, best baby deals happening right now, how to get your registry's free welcome gift, ⚠️ you can't see this cool content because you have ad block enabled., 17 of the best baby bottle and breast milk storage solutions you can buy on amazon, best toddler water tables, best stroller fans.

• First Year Products

The best travel cot for babies and toddlers

Venture UK Airpod Baby and Toddler Travel Cot

Graco FoldLite

Bugaboo Stardust 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

Baby Elegance Kangu Foldable Bedside Sleeper

Bizzi Growin POD Travel Crib

BabyDan 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 UK Airpod Baby & Toddler Travel Cot - £109.99   • Best travel cot for compact fold : Graco FoldLite - £73   • Best compact travel cot : Bugaboo Stardust Travel Cot -  £225 • Best budget travel cot : Cuggl Deluxe Superlight Travel Cot - £60 • Best stylish travel cot : Baby Elegance Kangu Foldable Bedside Sleeper - £74.99

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.

The best travel cot 2024

1. venture uk airpod baby and toddler 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 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 review of the Venture UK Airpod Travel Cot .

• The all round mesh sides provide lots of ventilation for your little one while they rest and enable you to see and check on them from all directions
• This is a compact travel cot that's much smaller, lightweight, and less bulky than traditional ones. When folded, it measures just 60x15x50 cm
• The mattress makes this cot super cosy and comfortable for baby
• Unfortunately there's no raised bassinet

2. Graco FoldLite

Best travel cot for compact fold.

www.oliversbabycare.co.uk

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 review of the Graco FoldLite.

• Choose between two different ways to fold – this is greater quick changes at home, and also trips away from home with the extra compact fold version.
• Easy to fold and store away at home – folding this way is fast and extra flat too at just 26cm wide. It pops back up fast too!
• Super lightweight – over 30 percent less overall weight than most full size travel cots at just 6.7kg
• The carry bag is very convenient for travel – the cot itself also has two wheels for easy manoeuvrability
• Assembly not totally straightforward as one tester had trouble when dismantling the product fully
• Requires more effort to fit into the bag once wrapping the mattress around the base

3. Bugaboo Stardust Travel Cot

Best compact travel cot.

www.bugaboo.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. Our mum tester Meg found the cot to be very sturdy and easy to pack and unpack. She says it folds up reasonable small, and likes that the carry handle makes it easier to transport. "Seems comfortable" she adds, "the newborn bassinet is super convenient for little ones and my babe settled immediately in it."

Convenient for carrying around your home too, it comes with a zip-in carrycot insert, an all-around mesh panel for airflow and a lovely firm and comfortable mattress. It's a shame the mattress doesn't include a waterproof cover, so you'll have to buy this separately to protect it. Our parent tester Matt bought this cot mainly for the ease of popping it up and down, but also says he liked that they could raise the height of the mattress when their baby was very little. this provides easier access to lift baby in and out. "There don't seem to be many travel cots that have that design," he says, "we used it as much at home for naps as we did on the road. It's a great bit of kit." The suspended base will also protect your little ones from draughts.

• Includes carrycot insert and mattress
• You can fold the cot with the mattress still inside as long – as you use without the newborn insert
• Great for both experienced and first-time parents
• Easy to assemble – with a simple no-fuss pop-up design you can literally achieve a 1-second unfold
• Compact to fold in just 3 simple steps
• Unfortunately, the mattress doesn't include a waterproof cover

4. Cuggl Deluxe Superlight Travel Cot

Best budget travel cot.

www.argos.co.uk

Shortlisted for Best Travel Product Over £25 in the M&B Awards 2019

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 review of the Cuggl Deluxe Superlight Travel Cot

• The removable changer and bassinet that fits on the top is useful for nappy changing
• This cot has four airy mesh sides providing all-round ventilation and baby viewing from all angels to check up on your little one while they rest or play
• The stylish lightweight aluminium legs make it easy to fold the cot down in seconds
• With wheels you can easily move the cot around your home or a hotel room
• Comes with a handy storage bag that's also useful for travelling
• An affordable and very portable solution for travelling with a baby
• The design of this cot means it's quite low to the ground

5. Baby Bjorn Travel Cot Light

Best lightweight travel cot.

redirect.viglink.com

Shortlisted for Best Travel Product over £25 at the M&B Awards 2015

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 review of the BabyBjörn Light Travel Cot

• With no extra parts this cot is super easy to assemble in just one simple movement – just open the carry bag, lift out the travel cot and pop it up
• The mattress cover and travel cot fabric are easy to remove and are machine washable at 40 degrees
• It's super lightweight at 6 kilos for moving around – but the built-in base helps to keep it standing nice and sturdy in its position.
• Made with sensitive skin in mind
• Reviewers found it harder to dry

6. Joie Excursion Change and Bounce

Best newborn travel cot.

www.very.co.uk

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. Our mum tester 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.,

Our mum tester Nicola was also impressed, and like 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".

• With one quick click you can go from changing unit to snoozing or the bouncing seat, for fast transitions and easy travel
• You can also pop the sound & lights module pop on or off with a quick click
• You get more for your money and greater versatility – the SecureClick snoozing seat doubles as a portable bouncer when used off the cot!
• The simple push button allows you to fold to pack up the cot in a snap – this makes set up and shut down in seconds super quick and convenient for busy mums and dads
• The cot packs away nice and compact in a carry bag that's included – perfect for storing at home in small spaces or travelling with
• The cot has two integrated wheels making moving the cot around a breeze
• All four sizes are lined with see-through mesh allowing plenty of airflow, plus, you can view baby from wherever you are in the room
• With an elevated base the cot is draught resistant
• Enjoy novelty sound, vibration and nightlight settings
• This cot is amazingly good value for money
• With so many features, this cot is quite heavy
• The extra accessories aren't suitable for older babies

7. Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot

Best travel cot mattress.

www.johnlewis.com

Shortlisted for Best Travel Product over £25 at the M&B Awards 2018

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 review of the Nuna Sena Aire

• The cot is easy to set up and hold with one hand for when you have baby in the other
• This is the only cot available that has the unique feature of being able fold the frame with the upper cot still in it, making it super convenient
• The base of this cot is above ground, which makes it draft-proof for your little one
• The cot has skid-proof feet keeping it quiet and still ensuring your baby stays asleep
• The unique zigzag frame allows the cot to pop open quickly and easily without any fuss
• The advanced air design™, with the mesh sides, floor and mattress working in combination, allows air flow from every angle
• The cot is very easy to clean due to the mattress's zip-off design, which is machine washable and dryer safe
• The ventilated triple-layered mattress is designed to pull away both heat and humidity, meaning little one stays comfortable and asleep throughout the night.
• The removable mattress panels allow for deep cleaning to make sure it stay clean and safe for your baby over time.
• Everything you need comes with the cot – you even get organic sheets included
• The padded edges prevent pinched fingers
• Pack your cot up and travel easily with the travel bag included and easy carry handle
• Not as lightweight as other options
• Doesn't fold very neatly or small
• A bit fiddly to detach the bassinet

8. Graco Contour Electra

Best value travel cot.

www.boots.com

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 review of the Graco Contour Electra Travel Cot

• This is a cot that is designed to grow with your child from newborn to toddler
• The removable bassinet is perfect to newborns
• There is an integrated changing station for added convenience, made from wipe-clean fabric.
• The hanging toy bar with toys provides little one with plenty of distraction as you get things done!
• There is a detachable control box to operate a night light, music and the vibration feature to help soothe little one on your travels
• Don't worry about moving from room to room without an extra pair of hands, as the two wheels make the cot easily transportable.
• Pack the cot away out of sight or transport it no hassle with the compact fold
• Some reviewers struggled to assemble it
• Very heavy and quite large for a travel cot
• The neutral cream colour is likely to get dirty quickly
• The changing unit is only suitable up to 12 months
• Mattress is on the thin side

9. Baby Elegance Kangu Foldable Bedside Sleeper

Best bassinet-style travel cot.

We love the innovative way this travel cot converts between two different modes, with a bassinet level for younger babies to cot, and the fact that you can use it in either fixed or rocking mode. This is top pick for newborns, so be aware you won't be able to use it much beyond six months old.

This travel cot is worth considering if you're really short on luggage space, as it's particularly compact once folded and one of the lightest travel cots we found. Our mum tester describes the cot as the best purchase they've made for their baby. She says, "We can't fit a cot in our bedroom and needed something that would last longer than the Moses basket. Our little boy sleeps so well in it and it's so easy to pick it up and carry downstairs. We have travelled with it too and it folds down neatly."

• Easily fold using one hand and use the carry handle to transport the cot around your home, even when carrying baby
• The cot folds into a storage bag, which can also be used to transport it more easily when travelling
• The legs can adjust to fix and lock in a stationery position or allow for a gentle rocking motion to soothe little one to sleep
• the vented mesh sides allow plenty of airflow to aid sleep and let you see baby more easily from afar
• The cot is lightweight for easy transportation
• Easy to clean – you can remove and wash the cover in your washing machine
• The mattress comes with the cot and it's anti-allergy
• Only able to use until 6 months

10. Bizzi Growin POD Travel Crib

Best carrycot travel cot.

This is a really clever invention! it looks like a really spacious changing bag, but then off you pop for your overnight stay, take everything out of the bag, and it changes into a travel crib. Our mum tester Jennifer thinks the design is stylish and that it's extremely easy to use. It doesn't take long to assemble and comes with a padded mattress. Jennifer says, "The travel cot section folds out in a few seconds and the rods are easily inserted to make it very sturdy. This means a new mum (who has little time on her hands) can easily erect this in minutes." She likes that it is easily transported and takes up no more than a bag's room in the car or walking, so it really can be taken anywhere! Jennifer says, "I have only used this at friends/ families homes but definitely would take it on weekends away or on holiday. It means I don't have to buy a big travel cot. It is also lightweight so don't have to worry about carrying something heavy."

Unfortunately, it isn't as long-lasting as the other travel cots on our list, as it's really only suitable until baby is four to six months old or when they start rolling, but it's definitely the smallest travel cot, not to mention the most compact and easy to carry. Our mum tester Esther says it's designed as a travel sleeping pod, for nighttime and daytime naps, and a changing bag. She had no trouble assembling it in a couple of minutes, and says it weights as much as a bag of sugar and would fit in easily amongst other items in a packed car when going away. She says, "We used the pod whilst away for the weekend and found it very useful, as we already had a travel cot packed for our older child and couldn't have fitted a second in the car."

Read our full review of the Bizzi Growin POD Travel Crib

• This crib is easy to assemble
• Includes a mosquito net to keep your baby protected in the summer
• Can be used as a changing bag with handy fold out for changing on the go
• Includes a padded mattress for restful nap times and comfort when changing baby 
• Extremely compact and lightweight for storing or travelling
• Easy to carry with two carry handles and an over-the-shoulder strap
• Only suitable for use up until baby can sit up or roll over by themselves

11. BabyDan 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. And although fairly large, it features wheels and a brake to make it easier to transport around the home. Reviewer Sophie describes it as an excellent travel cot and incredibly easy for one person to put up within minutes. Thankfully, folding it away is just as quick and easy, and it folds down to such a compact size, she says, which is then stored as a carry case and easy to stow away.

The cot also comes with a small toy bag attached, which could be useful for storing nappies or other baby essentials when you're on the move and away from home. Sophie loves that it can be used as a play pen too, and found the storage pouch to be useful. She says, "I initially set the cot up in the sitting room as a play pen/nap time cot. It is a full size cot so does take up some room but it means that the cot will last for several years before the baby outgrows it."

Our mum tester Corinne Hills said that standard cot bedding fit, then she found the mattress to be quite thin and had to pad it out with blankets. Mum tester Roz Walker described the mattress as okay for occasional use.

Read our full review of the BabyDan Travel cot

• Your baby will have plenty of space to stretch out and grow with this "full cot size" travel cot, measuring 60cm x 120cm
• You get great value for money as this cot is versatile and is also designed to be used as a play pen, to keeop little one contained at home or on your travels
• Feel reassured as this cot is sturdy and stable, making it safe and secure for your little one – definitely built to last!
• For your convenience this cot comes with its own lightweight folding mattress included for added comfort while baby sleeps
• We love travel cots that come with travel bags, and this one does, so it'll be easy for you to take it with you on the go or store it safely at home
• it may be a spacious travel cot, but it's also super compact when folded, so you won't have to worry about it fitting in your car boot or under the stairs at home, measuring only 20 x 21 x 77.5 cm
• Mesh sides are a must, allowing baby to see out and you to see in – plus allowing air to flow freely through for a good night's sleep
• The wheels make for easy transportation of the cot around your home, and the cot has sturdy brakes.
• With it being a large cot, it is also heavier than others
• The mattress is quite thin

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 low 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

13. Kinderkraft Cot 4 in 1 SOFI

Best 4 in 1 travel cot.

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 review of Kinderkraft Cot 4 in 1 SOFI

• You get reallygood value for money with this 4-in-1 cot, with a normal cot, a travel cot, a playpen and cradle in one
• The cot can be used with or without the rocking function
• The mattress can be used at two different levels
• You don't need any tools to change between the functions and folding
• The cot will look stylish in your home
• Slightly narrower than standard travel cots
• Bit fiddly to fit the sheets

Travel cots – All you need to know:

Choosing the right travel cot for you and your child.

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. Consider, too, where you'll keep it at home when it's not in use.

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.

Some travel cots are designed to double as playpens , creating somewhere safe for your baby to play when she's awake. This is useful when you're away from home, especially if you're staying somewhere that's less baby-friendly, without any baby-proofing products , than your normal environment. 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.

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.

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:

Amazon {href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/'%20target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}

John Le wis

Mamas & Papas

Supermarkets also hold baby events where you can often pick up travel cots and other accessories for a great price. These include:

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:

• Check that it assembles and folds down correctly

• Make sure it's sturdy

• Make sure the seller provides you with the original instruction booklet

It's also worth purchasing a new mattress for the travel cot

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.

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."

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.

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.

JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.

Collections

• Car Seat Headquarters
• Virtual Car Seat Check
• GREENGUARD Certification
• FR-free Materials
• Register Car Seat
• Register Gear
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Accessibility

Find An Authorized Nuna Dealer

cove™ aire go

Give baby a space of their own no matter where you are. Travel with our COVE™ aire™ go play yard that doubles perfectly as a bedside crib thanks to its slim silhouette, so you can keep them close overnight even in tight spaces. Whether you’re visiting Grandma or vacationing at your favorite resort, COVE™ aire™ go is an ideal travel companion that quickly opens and folds with just one hand.

The evolutionary design starts with a full-size bassinet. As baby gets older, simply unzip the bassinet and remove for the perfect play space. The Advanced air design™ provides 360° ventilation for ultimate airflow from every angle with all mesh sides, floor and mattress. With the ventilated mattress, heat is pulled away from your baby, leaving them feeling refreshed.

Travel smarter. Travel with COVE™ aire™ go, where baby feels right at home.

• Advanced air design™ allows airflow from every angle with all mesh sides, floor and mattress.
• Use COVE™ aire™ go beside your bed overnight, and let the ventilated mesh mattress pull away both heat and humidity from your little one as they snooze.
• Sets up and folds easily with one hand—the bassinet even folds while attached!
• Easily converts from a bassinet to a play yard.
• Slim silhouette offers a space-saving solution for bedside use.
• Greenguard Gold Certified
• Triple layered mesh mattress, fresh thinking mattress design
• A chic look—perfect for home and away.
• Perfect for traveling. Sets up and folds easily.
• Unique zigzag legs pop cot open quickly and easily.
• The bassinet folds with the frame. No need to remove before packing up.
• Unique zip-off bassinet is easy to detach for play yard use.
• Ventilated mattress panels easily remove for deep cleaning.
• Zip-off mattress cover is machine washable and dryer safe.
• Above-ground base keeps baby draft-proof.
• Skid-proof feet keep sleep quiet and still.
• Sturdy, aluminum zigzag frame
• Woven threads blend together to create an easy-to-clean fabric featuring a soft, subtle texture.
• No extras needed—even the GOTS™-certified organic sheet is included.
• Travel bag included. Easy carry handle makes toting it around a breeze.
• GREENGUARD Gold Certified: Products that have achieved GREENGUARD Gold Certification are scientifically proven to meet some of the world's most rigorous third-party chemical emissions standards, and certified to not contribute to indoor air pollution or chemical exposure

Product specifications

• Bassinet: Birth to 15 lb (approx. 5 months of age) 
• Play yard: Birth to 30 lb or 35 in height
• Playard dimensions
• Playard dimensions (folded)

Q: How long can I use my COVE™ aire go?

Transform any room  into baby's room

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
• Share on facebook
• Share on twitter
• Share on pinterest
• Share on whatsapp
• Share on reddit
• Share on tumblr

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 .

Best travel cots at a glance

• Best travel cot for easy assembly: Bugaboo Stardust, £225
• 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, £60
• 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
• Best stylish travel cot: Tutti Bambini CoZee Go 3-in-1 Bassinet, Travel Cot & Playpen, £129
• 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, – 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, £60

– 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

– 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

Sign up to receive our Most Wanted newsletter

By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy . You can unsubscribe at any time.

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 .

Read more...

• Best lightweight buggies under 7kg
• Best baby carriers
• Best compact folding buggies

Christy is MadeForMums’ Head of Consumer Content

How NatPat's wellness patches may help your family

NatPat's range of wellness patches and stickers aim to tackle everything from allergies to lack of focus. We take a closer look at the range.

Advertisement feature with NatPat

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.  

Upgrade to smarter living

Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.

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.

• Carys Lowry-Carter

American Fiction is on Prime Video now in the UK

By Max Freeman-Mills Published 4 May 24

TAG Heuer collaborates with Kith on 80s-inspired Formula 1 watch collection

By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published 4 May 24

The best travel backpacks for everything from weekends away and business trips to backpacking and hiking

By Jamie Carter Last updated 20 December 23

Whether you’re travelling, commuting or in the office, the best power banks keep your smartphone, laptop and everything recharged and ready to use

By Jamie Carter Last updated 15 March 24

T3’s roundup of the best underwater cameras available to buy right now

By Amy Davies Last updated 2 January 24

These are the best travel tripods – compact and lightweight enough to squeeze into a backpack, suitcase or even a pocket

By Jamie Carter Last updated 2 January 24

Easy to use and difficult to break – choose the best camera for kids with our handy guide

By Gavin Stoker Last updated 29 February 24

It's time to grab a pair of the best headphones for travel, for long flights, train journeys, and car rides

By Spencer Hart Last updated 2 January 24

Pack everything, including the kitchen sink, with the best suitcase and luggage at your disposal

By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Last updated 22 March 24

The best carry-on luggage will help you breeze through the airport and make your journey quick and easy

By Lizzie Wilmot Last updated 15 March 24

Useful links

• When is the next Prime Day?
• Best 5G phones
• Best VPN services
• Best laptops
• Best smartphones
• Best mattresses
• Best phone deals
• Best mattress deals
• Best TV deals

The Best Travel Cribs of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

TripSavvy / Jhett Thompson

A safe and comfortable travel crib is an essential accessory for parents who want to travel with their little ones without restriction. Sleepovers with friends and family, local road trips, and even international adventures—the world is your oyster with the right one. Some can be used as a permanent sleeping place for your baby or toddler, while others adapt throughout the first stages of their life from bassinet to cot or playpen. Things to consider include how long you want to use the crib, what you want it for (and, therefore, whether lightness or size is the greater priority), and how much you’re willing to spend. 

To help you find the travel crib best suited to your requirements, we tested 19 of the most popular options in the TripSavvy lab. Each one was scored for ease of setup, portability, quality, durability, ease of cleaning, and overall value—giving us our overall winner, the Maxi-Cosi Swift 3-in-1 Bassinet, Travel Cot, and Playpen. This crib stood out for its attractive, high-quality design and the fact that it works from birth to approximately 3.5 years. Read on to find out which other models earned themselves a spot on our roundup of the best travel cribs currently on the market.

• How We Rated

Other Travel Cribs We Tested

How we tested.

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, maxi-cosi swift play yard.

• Ease of Setup 4.8 /5
• Durability 5 /5
• Portability 4.5 /5
• Quality 5 /5

Beautiful, high-quality design

Incredibly easy to put up and take down

3-in-1 design suits newborns to toddlers

Not the lightest option for air travel

The Maxi-Cosi Swift was a clear winner for us due to its ingenious design that combines three baby essentials—bassinet, cot, and playpen—in one high-quality product. The mattress unzips to fit the newborn bassinet, then zips together again to create an extra thick, comfy mattress for the toddler cot and playpen. This versatility means you can use the travel crib day and night through all stages of your little one’s growth from birth up until approximately 3.5 years—saving you plenty of money in the long run. 

The manufacturer’s description claims that the crib takes one second to fold or unfold; however, our tester timed assembly at three minutes and disassembly at less than two. We did find it incredibly easy to set up, earning the crib a near-perfect score for this element of the testing process. At 15.4 pounds, it isn’t the lightest cot on this list and probably not the most convenient choice for air travel. However, we loved that its full size and sturdy construction meant it could double as your permanent crib. 

We also fell for its beautiful design and high-quality fabric—in fact, our tester called it the most stylish pack n’ play they’d ever seen. We felt it was durable and likely to last a long time, with a convenient carry bag that makes it ideal for taking with you on your next road trip or staying at Grandma’s house.

Dimensions: 41.7 x 33.9 x 29.9 inches | Weight: 15.4 pounds | Maximum Weight Recommendation: 33 pounds

Best Budget

Munchkin travel bassinet.

• Ease of Setup 5 /5
• Durability 4.5 /5
• Quality 4.5 /5

Incredibly lightweight

Folds down flat

Mesh panels for maximum airflow

Relatively short use window

Available online for a fraction of the price of our overall winner, the Munchkin Brica Fold N’ Go Travel Bassinet is the perfect fit for those on a budget. It’s also a very different product, intended for occasional use only during the newborn stage. Brica recommends stopping using the bassinet when your baby reaches three months, 15 pounds, or can push up on their hands and knees—whichever comes first. Nevertheless, we found it almost unbelievably easy to set up, with assembly taking one minute and disassembly taking less than 30 seconds. 

With side walls constructed of breathable fabric and mesh panels for maximum airflow, the bassinet is also incredibly lightweight (less than 3 pounds). Its tubular steel frame is held in place by a four-point Safe-T-Lock system but folds flat for effortless transport. We felt it would be ideal for air travel—although we wished it came with a carry bag to help keep it clean. We thought it was relatively sturdy and easy to spot clean, though the removable mattress pad comes with a water-resistant sheet.

Dimensions: 30 x 21.25 x 11.75 inches | Weight: Under 3 pounds | Maximum Weight Recommendation: 15 pounds

KidCo Peapod Travel Bed

• Durability 4 /5
• Portability 5 /5

Essentially self-assembling

Great age range from 6 months to 3 years

Ultra lightweight

The material could be a little thicker

If you’re looking to spend under $100 on a product that still guarantees good quality and an extended lifetime, we recommend the KidCo PeaPod Travel Bed. It weighs less than 3 pounds and is incredibly lightweight and easy to carry using convenient shoulder straps. Once opened, the tent-like travel bed pops up on its own. We found that, including the time taken to attach the removable sleeping pad, it took less than two minutes to assemble and disassemble, and we felt that it would also be a great fit for outdoor uses such as backyard campouts and the beach. 

The tent crib features a large zippered panel for easy access and walls made of lightweight mesh. These are great for maximum airflow and also double as an insect screen. The material is coated for UV protection, while anchor straps help to secure the tent against breezes (or active occupants!). We felt it would hold up well to the toddler years and be easy to spot-clean when necessary. Choose yours in colors ranging from Midnight to Cranberry or Tangerine.

Dimensions: 46 x 18 x 28 inches | Weight: 2.45 pounds | Maximum Weight Recommendation: 3 years

Best for Playtime

Chicco alfa lite lightweight travel playard.

• Value 4.5 /5

Quick, intuitive setup

Smart safety features

Side panel for easy access

The mattress could be a bit thicker

For a travel crib that doubles as an on-the-go play yard, we love the Chicco Alfa Lite. It assembles in just three minutes with a snap-open motion that locks the legs in place and takes less than a minute to disassemble. We found both steps so intuitive that the instructions were unnecessary. The zip-open side panel was a particular highlight for us, allowing the gentle placement of younger babies and the freedom to come and go for older children. Best of all, the zipper is lockable from the outside to prevent wandering at night. 

The full-size mattress creates ample space for playtime and is made extra secure by buckling underneath the cot to eliminate any risk of suffocation. If you need to move the cot around, we found it easy to do so with side handles that provide a good grip. Both the materials and the structure felt solid, and the crib survived our drop test undamaged. When folded back down into its zippered carry bag, we found it pretty light, too. Finally, the GREENGUARD Gold Certified materials are removable for machine washing.

Dimensions: 43 x 29 x 25 inches | Weight: 13 pounds | Maximum Weight Recommendation: 30 pounds

Best Portability

Zoe the cloud.

• Ease of Setup 4 /5

Packs compactly into a backpack

Wipe-clean, mesh walls

Extra comfortable plush mattress

Disassembly may require some practice

If you’re traveling with a crib, the chances are you’re also traveling with the rest of the paraphernalia a small child needs. The Cloud from Zoebaby keeps your hands free for other gear thanks to its clever backpack-style carry bag and compact design. Although it weighs 15 pounds (more than most others on this list), it felt light to carry and also features wheels for moving it easily once set up. Setup and take-down took us around five minutes, though we thought this time would be much shorter once we were familiar with the crib’s straps and buttons. 

The walls are breathable mesh with water-resistant Luxe fabric accents. The crib floor floats 3 inches off the floor, keeping your little one away from potential drafts—while the mattress was a particular highlight for us, being thicker and plusher than standard mattresses. The crib withstood our durability tests well, and we liked that its shallow depth made it simple to clean. There are six attractive colors to choose from, including practical gray to pastel pink or blue.

Dimensions: 44 x 28 x 26.5 inches | Weight: 15 pounds | Maximum Weight Recommendation: 30 pounds

Best 2-in-1

Baby joy travel crib 2-in-1 playpen.

• Portability 4 /5

Zippered side entry panel

Very stable and secure

All fabrics are removable for washing

Not particularly easy to carry

Those searching for a travel crib that can act as a generously sized play area will appreciate the Baby Joy Travel Crib 2-in-1 Playpen. We timed setup and take down at approximately three minutes each, with most of that time used to attach the mattress’ Velcro straps. The actual cot is incredibly easy to unfold and lock into place. It’s designed for babies from birth to 3 years, with breathable mesh walls offering excellent visibility from across the room. A zippered side door provides easy access for crawling and toddling children. 

We particularly liked how stable this crib is. With aluminum tubes reinforcing each corner, it felt rock solid even when we dropped a 25-pound sandbag into it and threw it around. We found it hard to tip over, even for an adult. Materials are high quality, while the mattress cover and crib fabrics can all be removed and washed as needed. The only downside was that the crib lacked portability. We felt an over-the-shoulder strap would have been more useful than the short carry handles included and that it was too wide for convenient air travel. 

Dimensions: 45.5 x 31 x 27 inches | Weight: 11 pounds | Maximum Weight Recommendation: 33 pounds

Best Compact

Kidco peapod plus.

The age limit is up to 5 years

Folds flat for easy storage and transport

Adjustable sun screens and UV protection

Not particularly structured

For the maximum blend of space and compactness, choose the KidCo PeaPod Plus Travel Bed. As the larger version of the standard PeaPod already mentioned on this list, it’s for children aged 6 months to 5 years, yet still weighs in at just 3.65 pounds. When not used, it folds flat into a compact circle that can be easily slung over the shoulder or carried in hand. We loved that it’s small enough for easy air travel or to realistically keep in the trunk of your car for “just-in-case” situations. 

It took us seconds to pop the tent up and less than two minutes to attach the Micro-Lite sleeping pad (this snaps on underneath the crib floor to avoid any risk of suffocation). Take down time was less than three minutes. Like its smaller sibling, the PeaPod Plus features lightweight mesh walls with a tight-enough weave to protect from insects and UV protection and adjustable sunscreens. Entry is through an extra-large, zippered side panel. The pod comes in Midnight or Camo and would be easy to spot clean.

Dimensions: 52.5 x 34 x 22 inches | Weight: 3.65 pounds | Maximum Weight Recommendation: 5 years

Best Splurge

Uppababy remi portable playard.

Buy Buy Baby

Zip-on bassinet attachment

Stood up to durability tests perfectly

Zippered panel for easy access

The heaviest option on this list

The UPPABaby Remi Portable Playard retails for roughly seven times the price of our budget pick; however, its excellent quality and intuitive design make it a worthwhile investment for frequent travelers or those who plan to use it as a primary sleeping space. It’s intended for babies up to 18 months old and comes with a zip-on bassinet attachment that allows easy bedside access to your newborn. Setting up the crib frame takes a matter of seconds and can be completed with one hand. 

We did find that figuring out the bassinet attachment took us several minutes—however, once learned, this process would be much shorter. The crib also features a zip-open panel for easy access, mesh walls for clear views and optimum ventilation, and a triple-layer mesh mattress for ultimate breathability. We found it very sturdy even when moved around and subjected to our sandbag tests. The quality of the materials is top-notch. It is relatively heavy (20 pounds)—however, a good quality carry bag with handles on the top and bottom makes transportation easy.

Dimensions: 40.5 x 28.5 x 26 inches | Weight: 20 pounds | Maximum Weight Recommendation: 20 pounds

Best Bassinet

Chicco lullago anywhere portable bassinet.

Moving it around the house is easy and simple

Fabrics zip off for machine washing

It takes less than a minute to set up

A relatively short window for use

We love the Chicco LullaGo Anywhere Portable Bassinet for its high-quality design, which stood up well to our durability tests. It features a firm, flat sleep surface with mesh side panels for maximum visibility and ventilation; with metal legs that snap into place and a convenient shade canopy. It took us less than a minute to set it up and the same amount of time to fold it flat and fit it into its low-profile carry bag. At just 12 pounds, it’s wonderfully light—so much so that you can easily move it from one area of the house to another to keep an eye on baby during naptime.

Other thoughtful features include a mesh storage pocket for keeping essentials handy and a waterproof mattress with a fitted sheet. Best of all (during a stage when accidents happen often), all fabrics zip off for easy machine washing. For added peace of mind, the bassinet is GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means it’s been independently tested for low chemical emissions to ensure your little one is breathing the healthiest air possible. It comes in several colors, including Sandstone or Grey Star.

Dimensions: 30 x 28 x 18 inches | Weight: 12 pounds | Maximum Weight Recommendation: 20 pounds

How We Rated the Travel Cribs

• 4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best travel cribs we reviewed. We recommend them without reservation.
• 4.5 to 4.7 stars: These travel cribs are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.
• 4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great travel cribs, but others are better.
• 3.5 to 3.9 stars: These travel cribs are just average.
• 3.4 and below: We don't recommend travel cribs with this rating; you won't find any on our list.

Chicco Dash Instant Setup Playard : This was a solid crib with high-quality materials—however, we found it so difficult to attach the mattress' Velcro straps that we gave up, and it's too bulky and heavy for easy travel. 

Graco My View Travel Crib With Stages : Compact and well-made, we liked that this crib was quick to assemble. It lost points due to its relatively small size, and the bassinet section doesn't fit in the carry bag. 

Baby Jogger City Suite Multi-Level Playard : We loved this crib's look, quality materials, and lightweight construction. We didn't love that it required two people to set it up or that the mattress buckled slightly in play yard mode. 

Pamo Babe Deluxe Portable Nursery Center : This crib initially impressed us by offering a bassinet mode, a travel crib/play yard mode, and a changing table. However, it started to collapse during testing, which made us question its safety. 

4moms Breeze GO Playard : We assembled this crib without instructions and liked its sturdiness and simple mattress design. However, we felt the price was high for relatively few bells and whistles. 

Dream On Me Nest Portable Play Yard With Carry Bag And Shoulder Strap : Although four separate testers tried, we could not successfully assemble this crib, which we found to be frustrating and useless. 

AeroMoov Instant Travel Cot Playard : This crib was easy to set up, although the zipper for the bassinet section broke. It wasn't particularly structurally secure, either, and when folded, it was heavy and awkward to carry. 

Gladly Family Merritt Portable Playard Suite : We loved this crib on most fronts—it's incredibly durable and sturdy, easy to clean, and boasts plenty of smart features. The only downside? It's possibly too heavy to be a true travel crib. 

MiClassic Foldable 2-in-1 Stationary & Rock Bassinet : This bassinet was a win for us; easy to set up, light, easy to clean, and with a nice carry bag. Our only complaints were the jerky rocking function and the product's limited window of use. 

Baby Delight Snuggle Nest Harmony Baby Bed : This baby bed is super lightweight and essentially assembles itself upon being taken out of the box. However, it has a minimal use period—only until the baby starts to roll over. 

First, we timed how long it took to assemble the crib and evaluated how easy the setup process was. Where relevant, we checked how simple it was to adjust it to its different stages (from bassinet to cot, for example). We assessed whether the mattress would fit a standard crib sheet or required a special size; then, we moved the crib across the room while fully assembled to see how easy it was to do so and whether all the parts remained securely in place. We also examined each feature and shook the frame to determine its sturdiness. 

Next, we placed a sandbag in the crib to replicate a baby or toddler (depending on the weight the product was certified for). We checked how the added weight affected the crib’s stability, then dropped the sandbag from 6 inches to simulate a toddler jumping up and down. Finally, we timed how long it took to disassemble the travel cot. Once packed away, we tested how easy it was to carry the crib before dropping it from waist height to test its durability further.

Each product was scored from 1 to 5 for ease of setup, portability, quality, durability, ease of cleaning, and value.

What to Look for in a Travel Crib

Weight and dimensions.

Travel cribs generally come in two styles. "Full-size" cribs that last through to the toddler years often double as a play yard, and smaller bassinets are meant exclusively for newborns. When choosing which one to purchase, consider your needs and whether the extended lifespan of a larger crib might make the trade-off of it being a little less portable worth it. The best option for you depends on your child's needs and how you plan on traveling—cribs for air travel will need to be much lighter than those packed in the car. 

How much you can expect to pay for a travel crib depends on the style and brand you go for. For example, our category winners range in price from just under $50 to nearly seven times that much—but what you get for your money differs considerably, too (one’s a foldable bassinet, the other’s a bassinet, crib, and play yard that could be used permanently). When deciding how much to spend, consider what you can afford and the long-term savings of purchasing a product that can be used throughout your baby’s early life, from newborn to toddler. 

Other Features

Other features to look out for range from the bassinet and changing table attachments to zippered side panels that provide easy access to the crib when you want it to double as a play yard. Any parent knows the value of baby equipment that’s easy to clean, so look for wipe-down surfaces and removable, machine-washable fabrics. Setup shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes, and if it’s possible to do it one-handed, so much the better. Finally, the best cribs fold down for easy over-the-shoulder or backpack-style carrying, keeping your hands free for everything else. 

You should always consult the manufacturer’s guidelines before cleaning your travel crib since best practices differ from one model to the next. However, most can be spot-cleaned with warm water and a soft cloth, while the best feature fabrics can be removed and machine-washed when necessary. Many come with waterproof mattresses that can also be wiped clean. If yours doesn’t, after-market mattress protectors are often available, although you should always consult an expert before adding anything to your baby’s sleeping environment.

Some travel cribs fold flat and are small enough to pack in your suitcase. Others are compact enough to count as carry-on luggage and can be stowed in an overhead compartment. Often, even if your travel crib is substantially bigger, you can take it as checked luggage. Many airlines allow you to take a travel crib as an additional piece of checked luggage for free. However, rules vary, so check specific airline regulations for flying with children before deciding whether to take your crib with you.

Some parents choose to invest in a pack-n’-play-style travel crib as their child’s permanent sleeping place. Otherwise, having a travel crib as a backup is worth it if you travel regularly and don’t want the hassle of always having to check whether your hotel or vacation rental can provide a cot (or if you simply want the peace of mind of knowing the cot’s history and quality). Many parents also purchase one to keep at a place their child regularly sleeps—a grandparent or shared custodian’s house, for example, or even in another room of their own home.

Jessica Macdonald is TripSavvy’s Africa travel expert and a regular contributor to family travel articles. A mom of two who’s always up for the next adventure (from road-tripping around South Africa’s national parks with an 18-month-old to hiking up Scottish mountains with a six-week-old), she has traveled extensively with her kids and personally tested many different brands of travel cribs.

The 9 Best Camping Cots of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 11 Best Hardside Luggage Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 12 Best Carry-On Luggage of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 9 Best Travel Toiletry Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 9 Best Travel Pillows of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 9 Best Beach Chairs of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 7 Best Travel Car Seats of 2024

The 10 Best Shoes for Disney of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 7 Best Travel Toiletry Bottles of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 6 Best Small Coolers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 9 Best Kayak Roof Racks of 2024

The Best Beach Tents of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 8 Best Air Mattresses for Camping of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 10 Best Beach Canopies of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 11 Best Carry-on Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 9 Best Rolling Duffels of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

• About the Blogger
• About the Globetrotters
• Community Groups
• Privacy Policy
• PR & Media Inquiries
• Guest Opportunities
• Giveaways & Offers

• Best Destinations
• Explore My City
• Australia & Oceania
• Middle East
• Pregnancy Travel
• Baby Travel
• Toddler Travel
• Tween & Teen Travel
• Theme Park Travel
• Travel Health
• Travel Photography
• Flying with Kids
• Beach Vacation
• Camping, Hiking & Outdoor Adventures
• Travel Toys
• Baby Travel Gear
• Toddler Travel Gear
• Outdoor Gear
• Airline Reviews
• Accommodation Reviews
• Attraction Reviews
• Book Reviews
• Travel Gifts
• Packing Lists
• Expat Life Blog
• Expat Money Matters
• Global Parenting Interviews
• Expat Entrepreneurs
• Family Life in Abu Dhabi
• Booking Tools

Product Reviews

Best infant travel bassinets & portable cots for 2024.

We all know how important children being well-rested is to a happy family trip.  But how do you ensure a good night’s sleep away from home for your baby or toddler without your normal bedding and familiar surroundings?

Do you rely on your accommodation providing you with a baby travel bed or do you always prefer to take your own?

If it’s a single destination trip, we always check that one is provided at the accommodation to save on luggage space .

However, more commonly we are making multi-stop trips that often involve staying with family and friends who may not have the right baby gear on hand.  We find it so much easier and less strain on everyone if we travel with our own portable baby bed or travel bassinet.

Using our many years of experience traipsing the globe with infants (and learning the very hard way that there’s a huge difference between a pack n play and a proper, portable travel cot!) we have put together our top choices of modern, lightweight travel cots, bassinets and toddler beds that will make your travels easier.

On this page we will talk you through:

• The key features to look for in travel cots and infant travel beds
• Our top picks – best travel bassinets and baby travel beds
• Extra infant sleeping items you will need to pack
• Alternatives to taking a baby travel bed with you

This post is part of our travel product reviews series .  Pop over to check out everything from kids comfort products to the best compact travel strollers .

Key features to look for in travel cots and infant travel beds

Portability – Undoubtedly the most important feature for our savvy family travellers.  We are already carting everything but the kitchen sink with kids let’s not make it any more hard work! Ideally, a cot that can fit inside your existing luggage and weighs under 15lbs.

Ease of assembling – The last thing you want when arriving late at night to your destinations is to be battling instructions and constructing a rocket ship.  Quick clear, easy folding mechanisms are a must.

The material – more specifically, can it be washed! When needs must, can you give is a quick sponge down or do parts easily come off to be washed?

Age range – Are you choosing something for a certain trip or stage of life or something that will last you for many years and children?  Newborn models might be ultra sleek and compact but only last you for a few months.  Larger models might be too much to carry for a baby but see you well into those toddler years.

Indoors or outdoors – Is this purchase for hotel and house stays only, or are you looking for something versatile that you can also take camping or out to the park with you as well? (We have a detailed review of our favourite baby beach tents here ).

Accessories – The key extra feature to check is does your cot comes with is a travel bag? If it is too large to fit in your suitcase and needs to be carried in as an extra item or gate-checked you will want something secure to transport the item in.  (Note many airlines allow a portable travel bassinet as an extra item to your usual weight allowance, but please always check this with your airline.)  Also, check whether a fitted sheet specific to the mattress is included or needs purchasing separately.

Cost – The sleek ultra-compact models don’t come cheap, but if you are a frequent traveller and plan on using for more than one child you can definitely see why the investment is worthwhile.

Our Top Picks – Best Portable Baby Bassinets & Toddler Cots

Let’s look at each of these travel beds and cots in a bit more detail.

Update March 2024 – since we first published this list there have been several new contenders in this market – and some discontinued lines we’ve removed. There are many new “sleep pods” or outdoor tents for baby. As our kids have now outgrown this phase we are just waiting for some friends and family to give us their feedback this summer then we will update our review to include these newer products.

phil&teds Traveller Crib

If you love their strollers you’re going to love the phil&teds portable travel cot too.  Coming in a compact travel bag, it’s a full-size infant cot that will last you from newborn right through to the toddler years but at a fraction of the normal porta cot weight. 

The phil&teds Traveller has breathable mesh sides that can zip down and you can also get a UV cover, ideal if you are using outside as a playpen as well. The mattress is self-inflating but in our opinion, not do with being a little thicker still.

You can read our detailed product review of the Phil & Teds Traveller here

Pros – One of the most versatile models for sleep and play and super light at 6lbs

Cons – It is a little complex to build. Easy once you get the hang of it but needs some practice at home with interconnecting parts, not just one hand unfold.  And those feet really do stick out!

Related Reading: Our Ultimate Guide to Airplane Baby Bassinets

Lotus travel crib.

If you want ease of construction, this is the one you’ve been looking for! This beautiful product by Guava Family is only 11lbs and with side zip doors it doubles as a play cot too.

Pros – Easy of construction, this is one if you want to avoid those late-night battles, and it is rather sleek looking!

Cons – Weighs more than others (though they’ve reduced it from 13lbs to 11lbs. And the price tag.

TODEFULL 2 in 1 Portable Playard

I know we said no more Pack & Plays! But this one is different. New, lean and mean the TODEFULL has some design features seriously worth considering as a long term baby travel cot investment.

It folds down seriously small for a playard to just 36″ x 30″ (91cm x 76cm) and weighs 8lbs (3.63kg). A little bulkier than the two above which we’d also call full-sized travel cots, but the Ounuo can also be used as a bassinet from newborn. The “One button” collapse model is a major win!

Pros – multiuse bassinet and playard – ideal for camping and a safe play area when you’re away from home

Cons – a little bulky but not many

Brica Munchkin Fold n’ Go Travel Bassinet

This is a brilliant portable choice for newborns.  Contains a firm mattress with a fitted sheet with a sturdy outer frame.  Once they are sitting upright though you will need to move on.

Pros – At only 2.4lbs its a super lightweight option that fits inside your suitcase or even your carry-on.

Cons – Only suitable for those first few months so isn’t a longer-term travel solution

Related Reading: Looking for the absolute essentials for your next journey? There’s are our all our baby Must-Have’s 

Kidco peapod.

If you’ve graduated from newborn, here’s our next best recommendation.  In a pop-up cocoon style, this ultralightweight model is super easy to fold out and use so no late-night battles.  The mesh sides provide ventilation and its a great model for indoors or outdoors.  Comes with a gate check bag.

You can read a great detailed review of the KidCo PeaPod in use here

If they have outgrown the standard model, there’s also the Kidco PeaPod Plus which can last up to around 5 years of age.

Pros – Ability to anchor it to the ground. Easy fold mechanism

Cons – Child cannot stand up

Related Reading: Outgrown the plane bassinet?  Here’s how your infant can still get cosy on the plane

Baby delight snuggle nest.

A great option for when you want to co-sleep on the go, or for keeping a smaller infant snug and cosy on a larger bed or cot. With rigid sides and breathable netting but a firm waterproof mattress, it folds up beautifully compact for transportation.

Pros – Really light and easy to include with your luggage

Cons – only for newborn

You can also look into the Baby Delight Snuggle Next Traveler XL , it folds up into a larger backpack style and is suitable for larger infants.

Aila+Aiden Baby Nest

This is the best solution if you would like to place your infant safely on a bed without a full-sized cot.   Good also for tummy time on the floor or using as a play space as well for younger tots.   It is only 3.32lbs but you will need to fit it in with your luggage as no bag.

You can also get it in a larger size as your child grows.

Pros – Light and great for use on any flat surface.  Use at home too when you’re entering that transition phase.

Cons – Despite the lightweight, it’s quite bulky and will take up suitcase space, pricey.

Shrunks Toddler Travel Bed

Once they have outgrown the Dock-A-Tot style of bed, this is the next step up. An inflatable bed it folds down to a small bundle and weighs in at 6.6lbs, ideal for your toddler who might not quite be ready for a big-kid bed but still prefers more freedom than a travel cot. 

The inflatable rails keep them snug and secure (or you can purchase just the inflatable rails separately  -see below).   The outside blown up dimensions are 60″ x 37″or inside dimensions 47″x 24″.

Pros –  Super for use as an extra bed at home, camping, sleepovers and fits most standard cot sheets – our top pick for camping with toddlers

Extra infant sleeping items you will need

Don’t forget bedding to go with your cot! 

Although most the products above might come with a fitted sheet, you will most likely need your own blankets and infant sleep bags.

Infant sleep bags are a superb travel accessory.  If your child is already familiar with sleeping in one, they will find the travel transition much simpler.  Think about the climate where you are travelling as they come in different “tog” ratings. Somewhere warm and summery you will only want a 0.5 tog or ski and snow trip you will want a 2.5 tog or more!

Camping with toddlers? Learn more here about camping sleeping bags for toddlers.

Alternatives to needing a baby travel bed

I won’t deny it, of all the baby gear we’ve lugged around the world, travel bassinets and cots are amongst the most cumbersome items and I am glad to finally see an end to them!   

That said, they have over the years been essential.   We all know what a huge difference it can make to have your kids sleep soundly, particularly in an unfamiliar environment. But do you always need to bring a travel cot?

• If you are relying on your hotel or accommodation to provide the cot ALWAYS CALL TO CHECK AVAILABILITY.  Do they have the bedding as well or will you need to pack some sheets and blankets? Would they pass modern safety standards?
• For very young infants, are you taking a travel systems stroller that includes the flat bassinet? There is no harm in a young infant sleeping in this while you travel (our favourites over the years have been Mountain Buggy and City Select )
• Is there a baby equipment hire company at your destination that could help? Do make sure you read reviews and that they are able to deliver at your specified dates to either you or the property owner.
• Why not get a new cot delivered?  If it’s too cumbersome to take back home with you see if your hosts will then buy it off you or discount your stay for leaving them some handy new equipment – you never know!
• Will you need baby to sleep at the beach? Check out our portable sun tent options for baby .
• If all else fails, can children co-sleep or create a make-shift bed out of existing bedding?

You can check out this guide for the best co-sleeping baby cribs .

Looking for more baby & toddler travel advice?

We have travelled the world extensive with our three children since they were born for the past 10 years – and gathered A LOT of handy tips along the way!

We share them all here with you on the Globetrotters blog so you can become confident world travellers too.

• Our baby packing list 0-12 months can be found here
• Our best baby travel advice can be found here
• Our best toddler travel advice can be found here
• Our best pregnancy travel advice can be found here
• Our coolest new family travel gear can be found here

Found this useful? Bookmark this page or save to Pinterest for later

You can continue the travel conversation in our group discussion on Facebook –  Family Travel Inspiration  and join up to our monthly family travel newsletter here .

Disclosures: This page contains affiliate links.  If you purchase anything after clicking on one of our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.  We have personally tested several, but not all of the items listed.  You can read our full disclosure policy here .

© Our Globetrotters

Like it? Share it!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

US Edition Change

• US election 2024
• US Politics
• UK Politics
• News Videos
• Rugby Union
• Sports Videos
• Photography
• Theatre & Dance
• Culture Videos
• Food & Drink
• Health & Families
• Royal Family
• Electric Vehicles
• Lifestyle Videos
• News & Advice
• Simon Calder
• Inspiration
• City Guides
• Sustainable Travel
• Politics Explained
• News Analysis
• Home & Garden
• Fashion & Beauty
• Travel & Outdoors
• Sports & Fitness
• Sustainable Living
• Climate Videos
• Electric vehicles
• Behind The Headlines
• On The Ground
• Decomplicated
• You Ask The Questions
• Binge Watch
• Travel Smart
• Watch on your TV
• Crosswords & Puzzles
• Most Commented
• Newsletters
• Ask Me Anything
• Virtual Events

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in

The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us?

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.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

Sign up to our free weekly newsletter for insider tips and product reviews from our shopping experts

Sign up for our free indybest email, thanks for signing up to the indybest email.

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.”

Related stories

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

Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.

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

New to The Independent?

Or if you would prefer:

Want an ad-free experience?

Hi {{indy.fullName}}

• My Independent Premium
• Account details
• Help centre

JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.

Free delivery plus 2-year warranty!

• Where to Buy

SKU: 9AW999XXXXX

From birth to approx. 3 years (0-15 kg)

EAN: 9AW999XXXXX

• bvseo_sdk, p_sdk, 3.2.1
• CLOUD, getAggregateRating, 10.34ms
• REVIEWS, PRODUCT
• bvseo-msg: HTTP status code of 404 was returned;

Free Shipping & Return

Free delivery usually within 1 to 2 working days

2-Year Warranty

Playtime begins in seconds

All the features you will love.

COMPACT FOLD FOR HOME

A one-of-a-kind fold.

As flat as it is fast, FoldLite’s innovative Home Fold revolutionises the travel cot game! Collapsing to only 26cm wide, you can swiftly tuck the cot into any nook around your home.

PORTABLE DESIGN

Travel made easy.

Take it one step further, and the cot folds down even tinier for incredible portability. Doubling as a playpen, FoldLite conveniently travels from playdates to Grandma’s and anywhere in between.

UP TO 30% LIGHTER

Light as a feather.

Travelling with kids can feel like a circus. Cut down on the bulk with Graco’s ultra-lightweight travel cot — up to 30% lighter than traditional travel cots.

DURABLE FRAME AND MATERIALS

Ready for adventure.

Durable materials and wipe-clean fabrics keep messes at bay and allow you to create a safe space to play wherever you go. Mesh walls and a soft mattress add extra comforts for your little one.

How to Fold

Is foldlite right for me.

If you’ve got a busy kid on your hands, ensuring they have a safe space to play and nap is critical. The FoldLite pop-up travel cot and playpen provides the versatility you need when you’re at home or on the go.

What truly sets FoldLite apart is its two-option fold. The convenient Home Fold is perfect for when you need to quickly clear space and pops open in seconds when you’re ready to get back to playtime. Meanwhile, its Travel Fold collapses even further for maximum portability when you’re visiting friends and family.

And let’s face it, baby products can get bulky. So FoldLite will be a welcome addition as it weighs up to 30% less than traditional travel cots, helping you and your family travel light.

Ease of Use - Instant and innovative Home Fold for quick ups and downs - Compact Travel Fold for when you’re on-the-go - Sets up in an instant - Weighs only 6.78kg, making it up to 30% lighter than traditional travel cots - Modern frame - 2 wheels for easy manoeuvrability

Child Comfort - Easy-view mesh to see baby from all sides and increase air flow - Soft, wipe-clean mattress - Padded rails to soften any bumps or tumbles

Included Accessories - Carry bag for convenient transport and fuss-free storage

(1) FoldLite travel cot

(1) carry bag

(1) instruction manual

Folded dimensions

L 69.5 x W 21 x H 25.5cm

Home Fold dimensions

L 26 x W 66 x H 66.5cm

How much does FoldLite weigh? Weighing only 6.78kg, this playpen is perfect to bring with you when you’re travelling away from home.

How do I fold FoldLite? The FoldLite travel cot has 2 convenient folds. The one-of-a-kind Home Fold is designed to quickly open or close at home and the Travel Fold is ideal for on-the-go. Please view this video  or reference the manual  for further instruction.

Is a carry bag included with the FoldLite travel cot? Yes, a convenient carry bag is included with your purchase of FoldLite, making it easier to bring your travel cot with you on trips or to store it away at home.

How do you clean FoldLite? Clean the playard with household soap and warm water and make sure to air dry. The carry bag can be machine washed in cold water and air dried.

What is the max weight for the playpen? FoldLite can be used from birth up to 15kg, approximately 3 years of age.

Does FoldLite come with a mattress? FoldLite includes the mattress designed for use with the travel cot. Never add a mattress, pillow, comforter or padding. Only use the mattress pad provided by Graco.

Travel cot suitable from birth to approx. 3 years (0-15kg).

Do not use the travel cot when the child reaches 86cm in height, weighs more than 15kg or is able to climb out.

Check that the bottom centre mechanism and top rails are locked into place before use.

The travel cot can be spot cleaned with a sponge and soapy water. The covering material is not removable. Do not use bleach.

The carry bag can be washed in lukewarm water on delicate cycle and drip dry. Do not use bleach.

From time to time check your travel cot for worn parts, torn material or stitching. Replace or repair parts as needed. If damage is found, contact Graco Customer Service for advice on replacement or repair.

• CLOUD, getReviews, 5.91ms
• bvseo-msg: HTTP status code of 404 was returned; HTTP status code of 404 was returned;

Other Parents Also Buy

Contour® Electra

Contour® Bassinet

We noticed you’re coming from ..

Unfortunately, we don’t ship there.

© 2024 Graco Children's Products. All Rights Reserved.

Graco c/o Allison Baby UK Ltd

Venture Point, Towers Business Park, Rugeley, Staffordshire, WS15 1UZ, United Kingdom

Mum on the Move

The Best Travel Bassinets and Travel Cots in 2023

We share all the options for the best travel bassinets and travel cots , including tips on what to look for and review the best products on the market.

A question for new parents preparing for their first family vacation is where will the baby sleep? A baby travel bassinet or baby travel cot is one of the best travel accessories for when you are traveling with a baby.

But with so many portable baby cribs on the market, which travel cot do you choose?

Here we look at all the essentials to consider when choosing a portable baby bassinet for your family vacation. We have helped you narrow down your choice by reviewing our pick of the best travel cribs on the market .

We take a close look at the features of each baby travel crib and give you any pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision.

But first here is a quick look view and comparison of our pick of the best portable baby beds. Scroll down to read all our full travel bassinet reviews.

Disclaimer: Mum on the Move is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a booking or purchase using one of these links, we may receive a small commission – at absolutely no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

What to look for in a travel bassinet

There are several points to take into consideration when choosing a baby travel bed:

• The size and weight of the actual portable travel crib
• How easy it is to set up and pack away
• Whether it fits your child’s age and size
• How comfortable it is to sleep

Let’s take a closer look at each of these points:

Size and weight

When choosing a portable baby cot, the size and weight of the actual product is obviously important.

This is particularly true if you plan on taking the portable travel cot on an airplane, when your weight allowance is restricted, or if you need to carry it by hand a lot while you are traveling.

Some large travel cots can weigh as much as 10kg or more, which is a big chunk out of your luggage allowance on an airplane, and not very easy for getting on and off trains or in and out of taxis with! If this is how you intend to travel, you will obviously be looking for a lightweight travel cot.

If you are just looking for a cheap travel cot for occasional use and you are planning to put it in the boot of your car for the odd weekend away with family or friends, then the size and weight may be less important to you.

Ease of use

Look for a child travel cot that is easy to put up and put away. You often need to get your travel bassinet ready at the end of a long travel day when everyone is tired. And you are also often rushing to put it away again when everyone is in a hurry to check out of your hotel or get on the road!

Some travel cot playpens have many pieces to slot together in a jigsaw-puzzle kind of way. For ease of use, look for one with minimal pieces that can be popped up, unfolded, inflated or set up easily.

Right now you may be looking for a newborn travel cot or a travel bed for a 6 month old. But also consider whether you may still want to use your travel cot up to 3 years from now.

You need to ensure that your bassinet to go is safe for a baby, but for the best investment, look for an infant travel bed that will last when the baby grows too.

Note that all travel crib manufacturers recommend that you discontinue use of the travel crib once your child has reached the height of 35 inches.

Obviously you will want to find an infant travel cot that is comfortable for your baby to sleep in. Remember also that you will need it to be comfortable for you to reach your baby and easily put the baby into the cot and get the baby out of the cot.

Some cots that have the baby travel cot mattress directly on the floor can be a challenge when putting the baby in and out of the cot. This also applies to when you are replacing cot sheets.

The American Academy of Paediatrics safe sleep guidelines advise that you don’t add any extra padding to a mattress until your child is 1yr old. You can read other safety tips for safe sleeping here .

Our Best Travel Cot Reviews

Without further ado, here are our reviews of the best portable bassinets and travel cots.

Baby Bjorn vs Guava Lotus vs Phil & Ted’s

The first three compact travel cots reviewed here (the Baby Bjorn crib, the Phil & Ted’s travel cot and the Guava Lotus crib) are very similar in style.

They do however have a few crucial differences that will suit different people, so be sure to consider these differences before deciding which is the best baby travel bed for you.

For example, we found the Baby Bjorn cot to be the easiest to assemble and pack away, and it has the most comfortable mattress in our opinion. However, it is the only one that does not fit in the overhead locker and is the largest when folded up. It is also the only one without a zip side to it.

The zip side is useful for getting the baby in and out of bed, and also if you want to comfort/nurse the baby in bed.

The Phil & Ted’s portacot is a super light travel cot at an amazing 7lbs. It is also the smallest when folded up and the only one that can properly fit in a suitcase. However, we found it the most fiddly to set up as it requires a bit more construction than simply popping it up.

Both the Guava Lotus crib and the Phil and Ted’s travel bassinet can be converted from a bassinet into a cot, which can be useful if you have a newborn but prefer the baby to be up high rather than lying on the floor. These bassinet conversion kits are sold separately.

We look at all of these mini travel cots in more detail below.

Baby Bjorn Travel Cot Review 

The Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light has long been a favourite lightweight travel crib with traveling parents.

The main reason for its popularity is that it is super easy to set up – you just pop it up, put in the Baby Bjorn travel cot mattress and it is ready for your baby. We found the mattress to be soft and comfortable.

The Baby Bjorn travel crib dimensions are 44 x 32 x 24 inches, making this compact enough to fit in a small hotel room but big enough to be spacious for a baby. It is suitable up to age 3. As the mattress sits on the floor, there is no upper weight limit to this Baby Bjorn travel cot light.

We did find that putting the Baby Bjorn cot away took a bit of a knack, but once you have done it a few times it is quick and easy. Once folded, this lightweight travel crib folds down to 23.5 x 19 x 5.5 inches.

This is the size of a small suitcase and is not small enough to fit into an overhead locker, so you will need to check this as a piece of luggage. As it weighs just 13lbs though, we found we could add extra heavy items to the carry bag, such as books and toiletries (and even the odd bottle of wine, as the mattress gives a soft cushioning!)

Breathable mesh sides make it airy and allow you to see into the cot without having to peer over the side, and also allow the baby to see out. The fabric is removable and machine washable, as is the waterproof mattress cover.

Note that this Baby Bjorn portacot does not come with a fitted sheet, so this will need to be bought separately. There is a nice and soft organic cotton fitted Baby Bjorn travel crib sheet available here.

• Suitable for ages 0-3 years
• Compact, yet spacious at 44” x 32” x 24”
• Lightweight at just 13lbs
• Mesh sides enable parents to see in and baby to see out
• Easy to set up and pack away
• Includes carry bag, but not suitable for carry-on luggage

Click here to check prices for the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light .

Guava Lotus Travel Crib Review

The Guava Lotus crib has very quickly gained a reputation as the best portable bassinet amongst travelling families.

Much like the Baby Bjorn portable crib, it is easy to set up – just unpack it, fold out the legs then pop it up before putting in the travel crib mattress. It is the same weight as the Baby Bjorn at 13lbs, and has similar dimensions at 45 x 32 x 25 inches. Unlike the Baby Bjorn, the top isn’t tapered, which makes it feel a bit more spacious inside.

The Guava Lotus bassinet is compact enough when folded to store in the overhead locker on the plane and comes with a handy backpack carry bag. It is a full 7 inches smaller when packed up than the Baby Bjorn but not as small as the Phil & Ted’s Traveller portacot.

This infant travel crib is suitable to be used from birth to around 3 years old. However, if you prefer to have a higher crib for a young baby, you can buy the Guava bassinet conversion kit. The travel cot with bassinet bundle is sold separately. 

Note this Guava travel crib does not come with sheets and so these need to be purchased separately. We particularly like these Lotus Crib plush quilted sheets for extra comfort.

• Compact, yet spacious at 45” x 32” x 25”
• Zip side enable you to comfort/nurse child in bed
• Compact when folded, suitable for carry-on luggage on plane
• Includes backpack carry bag
• Bassinet & Crib bundle available (sold separately)

Click here to check prices for the Guava Lotus travel crib .

Phil & Ted’s Travel Cot Review

The Phil & Ted’s Portable Traveller Crib is another popular travel cot with mattress included.

At 46 x 31 x 24.8 inches, the Phil & Teds travel cot is compact enough to fit in a small hotel room but big enough to be spacious for a baby. It is suitable up to age 3. As the mattress sits on the floor, there is no upper weight limit to this portable infant sleeper.

It has breathable mesh sides to allow you to see into the cot and the baby to see out. It also has a zip down side to enable you to crawl in to comfort or nurse the baby. The fabric is removable and machine washable.

Phil & Ted’s claim that this cot takes just seconds to set up. This may be true once you have had a few practice runs, but it is definitely not just a pop up travel cot like the two above. It does require some assembly to click the frame together and feed it through the fabric sides.

Where the Phil and Teds travel crib totally wins though, is on weight and size when folded down. It is an incredible 6 pounds, making it more than half the weight of the Baby Bjorn or Guava Lotus fold up bassinets. As Phil & Ted’s marketing people like to say, it is the bassinet that is “lighter than the baby”!

Once folded it is also the smallest of the bunch, measuring just 26 x 8 x 8 inches. This is smaller than either the Baby Bjorn or the Guava Lotus crib and makes is small enough to fit in the overhead compartment on the plane or squeeze into a large suitcase.

The Phil and Teds portacot comes with one fitted sheet and you can buy extra here . You can also buy a UV mesh top for outdoor use, and a bassinet conversion kit. These are all sold separately.

• Compact, yet spacious at 46” x 31” x 24.8”
• Super lightweight at just 6lbs
• Includes shoulder carry bag

Click here to check prices for the Phil & Ted’s Portable Traveller Crib .

Graco Pack n Play on the GO Review

At 23 pounds and measuring 39.5 x 29 x 29 inches, this is a heavy travel cot compared to all the others in our best baby travel cot reviews. This makes it less suitable for plane travel, but the extra space and sturdiness means that it can easily double as a playyard.

This Graco travel cot comes with full size removable bassinet included. This folds with the cot for easy set up and can be removed once your baby outgrows it. This travel cot with bassinet also has an included toy bar with three soft toys dangling down.

The push-button fold system makes it easy to set up and pack away. While it is not as simple as a pop up travel crib, it is far easier than most pack n play travel cots. The folding feet and wheels also make it more compact than most other pack n play cots and playards.

The mesh sides make this travel cot and playpen airy and allow parents to see in and baby to see out. The wheels make it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a carry bag.

• Large & spacious at 39” x 29” x 29”, can double as a playard
• Removable full size bassinet
• Lightweight for this style of travel cot bed, at 23lbs
• Includes carry bag
• Wheels make it easy to move from room to room
• Available in a choice of fabric patterns

Click here to check prices for the Graco Pack n Play on the Go .

KidCo Peapod Travel Crib Review

This foldable baby bed doubles as a mini tent, making it an ideal baby camping cot. The lightweight mesh cover allows for air to flow through the tent, and also provides UV protection and protection from insects, making it ideal for outdoor use.

This small travel cot is super easy to set up – you just pop it up, with no assembly required. It folds up small and flat (to around 17” in diameter) and comes with a carry bag, making it easy to pack into a suitcase, carry-on luggage or squeeze into a car already full of bags.

At 46 x 28 x 18 inches this camping travel cot is large enough to comfortably sleep children age 1 – 3 years old. It is also super lightweight at less than 2.5 pounds, making it ideal for air travel or even taking with you on a day trip when you want your little one to take an afternoon nap on the go.

The Peapod is available in a choice of colours: Cranberry, Tangerine, Midnight, Sky and Sunshine.

If you are looking of a slightly bigger folding baby cot, check out the Peapod Plus , which is featured in our Best Toddler Travel Beds article. This toddler travel cot has the benefit of being slightly larger (suitable for children up to the age of 5), but with this comes extra weight (but only an extra pound) and folded size (an extra couple of inches). It also costs slightly more.

• Suitable for ages 1-3 years
• Mesh cover provides protection from UV rays and insects
• Lightweight, weighs just 2.5lbs
• Spacious when set up at 46 x 28 x 18 inches
• Folds down to just 17” diameter
• Very easy to set up and pack away
• Great for camping and outdoor use
• Available in a choice of colours

Click here to check prices for the KidCo Peapod .

Brica Travel Bassinet Review

The Brica Fold n Go travel bassinet is a specific newborn travel bed, designed for babies up to the age of 3 months. Once your baby can roll, it is advised that you discontinue using this portable newborn bed.

This super lightweight folding travel cot weighs just 3 pounds and is easy to set up: just fold it open and listen for the 4 clicks to let you know it has all locked into place. To pack it away, press the release buttons and fold.

The Brica bassinet folds flat for easy storage and at just 22 x 17 x 3 inches, it can fit in an overhead locker on the plane or in a suitcase. It also comes with a convenient carry handle.

Another great feature of the Brica fold and go travel bassinet is the solid base, which makes it easy to move a sleeping baby from room to room without it ‘sagging’ in the middle. We also like that it not only includes the mattress and fitted sheet, but you can use standard bassinet sheets rather than having to buy specifically branded ones.

The double locking tubular steel frame of this Brica portable bassinet make it strong and durable, while the four-point Safe-T-Lock system gives you peace of mind that it will remain secure. Mesh panels make it light and airy and easy to see inside.

• Specifically designed for ages 0-3 months
• Small and compact at just 29.5” x 21” x 12.5”
• Super lightweight at just 2.5lbs
• Double locking tubular steel frame makes it strong and sturdy
• Folds flat for easy storage

Click here to check prices for the Brica Fold n Go .

Once your child outgrows their travel bassinet, they will be ready for a travel toddler bed. Read our pick of the best here .

If you are looking for other family travel product recommendations, check out our articles about the best Travel Car Booster Seats , Backpack Diaper Bags and Kids Luggage . Pin it for Later!

The Best Family Hotels in Singapore

Best faa approved car seats for travel in 2023, 1 thought on “the best travel bassinets and travel cots in 2023”.

Wow these look so light and easy to carry for a travelling mom.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.

Free delivery plus 2-year warranty!

Spring Savings! Enjoy markdowns on i-Spin Grow, Crosster & more Shop now 

Time is running out to save up to 30% off! Shop now 

An easy tagalong designed to keep baby playing and napping at home or on the go. Effortless travel in one tidy package.

• bvseo_sdk, p_sdk, 3.2.1
• CLOUD, getAggregateRating, 6.48ms
• REVIEWS, PRODUCT
• bvseo-msg: HTTP status code of 404 was returned;

coming soon

Available exclusively at some one

• Suitable from birth to 15 kg
• Four mesh lined sides allow a view of your snoozing little one from any angle and provide plenty of ventilation as they snore sweetly
• Keeping baby comfortably cosy is a breeze, with a rounded base that elevates them from chilly drafts

CONVENIENCE

• Travel and storage is simple with a cot that tucks away into a tidy, compact package so you can stow and go in a flash
• Simple and stylish design with exposed tubing ensures that baby's space complements your place
• Customise baby's sleeping arrangements in a snap with a bassinet that quickly clips on and off
• An ultra secure frame safeguards naptime and playtime, allowing baby to rest secure and play it safe
• Removable mattress creates a cosy home base for both naptime and playtime
• 2 integrated wheels mean this cot is ready to roll from room to room when baby's done resting
• Storage and transport are no burden thanks to the  included custom carry bag
• Customise baby's sleeping arrangement with the  full-sized bassinet  that comes included with the travel cot

Product Weight: 9.6 kg

Open Size: l 106 x w 70.5 x h 80 cm

Folded Size: l 79 x w 25 x h 21 cm

Usage: birth to 15 kg

Joie in home allura instruction manual

only what you need

Packs all the essentials and none of the fuss, with a full-size removable bassinet and carry bag.

simple storage for pack & play

Travel and storage is simple with a cot that tucks away into a tidy, compact package so you can stow and go in a flash.

smartest side impact

3 layers of foam protection in the headrest plus Guard Surround Safety protection panel

“just spin, buckle, tighten and go!” -@joie_mum123

headline goes here

Smart Ride™ lock-off offers smarter security by locking the spinner seat until it’s time to transition to forward

made for life

Your baby gear should work hard for you every single day. That's why we push our products to the extreme during testing: We want to make sure they're up for any challenge you may face.

formula for safety

We test for more than 150 different toxic substances to make sure your child's gear is safe even down to its basic ingredients.

• CLOUD, getReviews, 11.85ms
• bvseo-msg: HTTP status code of 404 was returned; HTTP status code of 404 was returned;

We noticed you’re coming from .

Unfortunately, we don’t ship there.

• Privacy Notice
• Cookie Notice
• Terms & Conditions

A new frame with modern folds that breaks the travel cot mold Introducing Graco®’s biggest evolution of the travel cot since the launch of our original travel cot over 30 years ago. FoldLite™ LX is a one-of-a-kind design offering two ways to fold and way less weight to carry. With a raised bassinet for newborns this product is great for travelling. Key Features:

• This function-loaded cot, with a modern and lightweight frame, lets you save your energy for your little one and your lengthy to do list. With a raised bassinet for newborns this travel cot is perfect for travelling.
• Pick your adventure with two ways to fold: one designed for quick ups and downs at home and one designed to be extra compact for trips away from home
• The compact travel fold takes one step to collapse and becomes incredibly compact, making it the perfect option for when you’re on the go
• Lightweight at only 6.78kg and up to 30% less overall weight than traditional full-size travel cots, this is finally one item that will actually lighten your load wherever you go.
• Convenient carrybag included
• Easy view mesh
• 2 wheels for easy maneuverability

Maximum basket size reached

Out of stock.

placeholder...

Select your shipping destination

Never be without your favourite Boots products with our international delivery options.

Country specific sites

Boots has products available in other retail outlets in a number of countries, select from the country-specific sites below to find out more:

Save £10 with code REVERSE10

Boots Health Hub

Online access to health and wellness services

Boots Free Online NHS Repeat Prescription Service

Price Advantage

Unlock exclusive offers with your Advantage Card

• Find a store  
• Help  
• Mobile Burger Menu Icon
• Mobile search
• Order history

Log in/register

• worth of Advantage Card points  
• Boots Advantage Card
• Sign up for Boots Advantage Card
• Shop by department
• health & pharmacy

visit health & pharmacy

health offers

• health value packs & bundles

visit health value packs & bundles

• medicines & treatments

visit medicines & treatments

pharmacy medicines

• vitamins & supplements

visit vitamins & supplements

• baby & child health

visit baby & child health

• women's health

visit women's health

• men's health

visit men's health

• lifestyle & wellbeing

visit lifestyle & wellbeing

• sexual pleasure & wellbeing

visit sexual pleasure & wellbeing

• incontinence

visit incontinence

• electrical health & diagnostics

visit electrical health & diagnostics

• mobility & daily living aids

visit mobility & daily living aids

• travel health

visit travel health

new in health

• COVID-19 Information Products & Testing

visit covid-19 information products & testing

reusable & disposable face masks

• beauty & skincare

visit beauty & skincare

Boots beauty store

visit no7

new in beauty & skincare

visit skincare

visit makeup

• premium beauty & skincare

visit premium beauty & skincare

visit hair

• accessories

visit accessories

black-founded & inclusive brands

trending on social

beauty minis

virtual beauty

beauty value packs & bundles

• vegan beauty

visit vegan beauty

• beauty awards

visit beauty awards

visit top 10

beauty boxes

visit fragrance

• fragrance offers

visit fragrance offers

visit perfume

visit aftershave

elixir fragrances

• fragrance gift sets

visit fragrance gift sets

luxury fragrance

fragrance finder

vegan fragrance

new in fragrance

• recommended

visit recommended

celebrity fragrance

5* rated perfumes & aftershaves

• home fragrance

visit home fragrance

fragrance exclusives

• baby & child

visit baby & child

Boots Parenting Club

baby & child offers

baby value packs & bundles

visit travel

• nursery & bedding

visit nursery & bedding

visit clothing

visit feeding

• bathing & changing

visit bathing & changing

• pregnancy & maternity

visit pregnancy & maternity

visit toys

sustainable baby

new in baby & child

baby backpacks

Nursery Advice Service

visit electrical

electrical offers

all electrical

• hair styling tools

visit hair styling tools

• electrical dental

visit electrical dental

• female hair removal tools

visit female hair removal tools

• male grooming tools

visit male grooming tools

• beauty tools

visit beauty tools

• electrical wellbeing

visit electrical wellbeing

• Boots Kitchen Appliances

visit boots kitchen appliances

• audio & visual tech

visit audio & visual tech

• smart watches

visit smart watches

fans heaters & humidifiers

• home appliances & accessories

visit home appliances & accessories

new in electrical

recycle your electricals

• sun & holiday

visit sun & holiday

holiday value packs & bundles

visit suncare

• fake & gradual tan

visit fake & gradual tan

travel toiletries

• travel accessories

visit travel accessories

kids travel

visit festival

visit sunglasses

travel insurance

staycation essentials

• outdoor toys

visit outdoor toys

outdoor living

• love island

visit love island

visit wellness

wellness offers

new in wellness

visit vegan

immunity & protection

visit sleep

everyday stress

• diet & weight management

visit diet & weight management

• sports nutrition

visit sports nutrition

• alternative therapies

visit alternative therapies

• stop smoking aids

visit stop smoking aids

stop vaping aids

digestive health

energy support

• food & drink

visit food & drink

• sustainability at Boots

visit sustainability at boots

beauty supplements

activity trackers

recipe books & accessories

all vegan products

trending in wellness

wellness inspiration

visit toiletries

new in toiletries

toiletries offers

toiletries value packs & bundles

visit dental

• female hair removal

visit female hair removal

• luxury bath & body

visit luxury bath & body

• bathroom essentials

visit bathroom essentials

• men's toiletries

visit men's toiletries

• period products

visit period products

• deodorants & antiperspirants

visit deodorants & antiperspirants

visit men's

new in men's

men's value packs & bundles

• shaving & grooming

visit shaving & grooming

men's skincare & body

• male incontinence

visit male incontinence

men's gift sets

visit opticians

book an eye test

• opticians offers

visit opticians offers

• glasses frames

visit glasses frames

• glasses lenses

visit glasses lenses

• contact lenses

visit contact lenses

• Boots optician sunglasses

visit boots optician sunglasses

hearingcare

visit photo

photo offers

• photo printing

visit photo printing

• albums & frames

visit albums & frames

novelty photo gifts

new in photo

vegan vitamins

vegan protein & supplements

vegan gifts

visit gift

• gifts for her

visit gifts for her

• gifts for him

visit gifts for him

• experience days

visit experience days

luxury gifts

gifts for kids

personalised photo gifts

birthday gifts

visit gift type

• gift by recipient

visit gift by recipient

• gift by occasion

visit gift by occasion

visit new in

new in premium beauty & skincare

new in baby & kids clothes

new in hair

new in footcare

new in luxury bath & body

new in diet & weight management

• Prescriptions

NHS repeat prescriptions

• prescriptions

visit prescriptions

prescription delivery service

nominated pharmacy

text message service

NHS prescriptions

private one-off prescriptions

NHS electronic prescription registration

late night pharmacy

support from your local pharmacist

support with your medication

learn more about Boots Online Prescriptions

prescription FAQs

• NHS services

visit nhs services

NHS Blood Pressure Checking Service

NHS New Medicine Service

NHS Substance Dependency Service

NHS Discharge Medicines Review (Wales)

NHS Discharge Medicines Service (England)

NHS Minor Ailment Scheme

NHS Stop Smoking Service

Practice Plus

Prescription Stock Checker

visit health hub

• A - Z health conditions

visit a - z health conditions

• A - Z health services

visit a - z health services

• sexual health

visit sexual health

• digestive health advice

visit digestive health advice

• skin health advice

visit skin health advice

• living well

visit living well

• travel health advice

visit travel health advice

• childrens health

visit childrens health

• seasonal health

visit seasonal health

• heart health

visit heart health

visit pain

visit footcare

private covid 19 vaccination

pharmacy first

acne online treatment

Chickenpox Vaccination Service

cystitis treatment

depression and anxiety treatment

diabetes in store service

eczema treatment

erectile dysfunction treatment

hair loss online treatment

hayfever treatment

Malaria Prevention Service

menopause & HRT treatment

morning after pill (emergency hormonal contraception)

period delay online treatment

Pneumonia Vaccination Service

sexual health testing kits

Shingles Vaccination Service

stop smoking online treatment

weight loss treatment

• Boots online doctor

visit boots online doctor

• mens health

visit mens health

• womens health

visit womens health

• general health

visit general health

• acne & skin conditions

visit acne & skin conditions

• testing services

visit testing services

appointment booking

Winter Flu Jab Service

Complete Satisfaction Guarantee

Opticians Glasses Cover

opticians FAQs

opticians store locator

opticians terms & conditions

• Boots for business

visit boots for business

Corporate Flu Vaccination Service

Corporate COVID-19 Lateral Flow Testing Service

Corporate Hepatitis A Vaccination Service

Corporate Hepatitis B Vaccination Service

Corporate Pneumonia Vaccination Service

Boots Care Services

Corporate DTP Vaccination Service

corporate travel health

Hospital Outpatient Pharmacies

Corporate Giftcards

• vaccinations & travel

visit vaccinations & travel

Travel Vaccinations

HPV Vaccination Service

• MenB Vaccination Service

visit menb vaccination service

Travel Vaccination Quick Check Tool

England COVID-19 spring booster vaccination service

Northern Ireland Covid Vaccination Service

• macmillan & cancer support

visit macmillan & cancer support

Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisors

Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacist

Virtual Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacist

Support & Charity Fundraising

Health & Beauty

visit health

• allergy & hayfever

visit allergy & hayfever

visit cancer

• cold & flu

visit cold & flu

• coronavirus (COVID-19)

visit coronavirus (covid-19)

visit diabetes

• digestion & gut health

visit digestion & gut health

• eyes & vision

visit eyes & vision

• fertility & conception

visit fertility & conception

• first aid advice

visit first aid advice

visit hair loss

• mental health

visit mental health

• oral health

visit oral health

• pain management

visit pain management

• travel advice

visit travel advice

• healthy lifestyle

visit healthy lifestyle

• life balance

visit life balance

visit nutrition

• stop smoking advice

visit stop smoking advice

visit women

• beauty edits

visit beauty edits

visit fake tan

• hair removal

visit hair removal

visit nails

skincare diagnostic tool

8 of the best spring fragrances that will attract all the compliments

felicity hayward: my life in fragrance

fragrance hints & tips

how to apply perfume: tips to make it last longer

how to buy fragrance

How to do perfume layering – and 10 of the best body lotions to give this Christmas

scent profile: how to choose the right perfume for you and others

the Boots guide to 10 perfect perfumes

the Boots guide to the top 8 men’s aftershaves

we tried Lancôme’s latest fragrance & it’s the perfect gift for Mother’s Day

visit baby

• buyer's guides

visit buyer's guides

visit new parent

visit newborn

• premature baby advice

visit premature baby advice

visit toddler

the Boots guide to the best electric beauty tools

choosing your IPL system

the Boots guide to the best hair dryers

the Boots guide to the best hair stylers

the Boots guide to the best electric toothbrushes

the Boots guide to the best electric shavers

• opticians advice

visit opticians advice

opticians coronavirus advice

caring for your glasses

• children's eyes

visit children's eyes

• eye health & conditions

visit eye health & conditions

• eye test information

visit eye test information

glasses lenses guide

Varifocal Lenses explained

Varilux Varifocal Lenses

• glasses style

visit glasses style

how to be more eco-friendly with your eyewear

Klarna pay in 3

• summer beauty

visit summer beauty

visit sun care

visit gifting

5 perfume discovery sets that will transform the way you shop for fragrances

8 fragrances to transport you to sunnier climates

10 of the best gifts for lunar new year

the best 40th birthday gifts for her

10 of the best self-care gifts to help wellbeing

10 of the best winter fragrances that will turn heads

10 of our best gifts for Diwali

10 great graduation gifts for her that she’s certain to love

12 of the best baby shower gifts

13 thoughtful wedding day gifts for all budgets

14 of the best anniversary gifts you can find at Boots

the Boots guide to the best birthday gifts

Boots guide to the best gifts for dads who have everything

Boots guide to the best graduation gifts

Boots guide to the best perfumes for mums

fall in love with these five Valentine’s Day picks

Gift ideas for a chemo care hamper

gifts for mum: your ultimate gift guide for any occasion

guide to the best housewarming gifts

the best 30th birthday beauty gifts to buy at Boots

the best Eid gift ideas you can get at Boots

the best gift experiences for couples

the best gifts for new parents

the Boots guide to the best engagement gifts

The Boots guide to the best first Mother’s Day gifts

the Boots guide to the best Galentine’s Day gift ideas

best photo gift ideas

the Boots guide to the best home fragrance gift ideas

The Boots guide to the best Valentine’s Day gifts

The Boots going to uni gift guide

Boots Beauty Specialists

recycle at Boots

visit savings

haircare savings

toiletries savings

beauty savings

electrical beauty savings

fragrance savings

No7 savings

baby and child savings

healthcare savings

skincare savings

• value packs & bundles

visit value packs & bundles

all value packs & bundles

• hair value packs and bundles

visit hair value packs and bundles

premium value packs & bundles

electrical value packs & bundles

bigger packs and sizes

£10 Tuesday

great new price

save up to half price

everyday low prices

skincare offers

makeup offers

• seasonal events

visit seasonal events

• back to school

visit back to school

black friday

• mother's day

visit mother's day

• father's day

visit father's day

• valentine's day

visit valentine's day

visit halloween

cyber monday

Children in Need

free contact lens trial

great value glasses

NHS eye care

offers for students

offers for over 60s

• future renew

visit future renew

age-defying day cream

age defying serums

no7 bestsellers

• No7 skincare

visit no7 skincare

visit mens

suncare & fake tan

bath & body

visit gifts

visit advice

no7 clearance

discover no7 skin future renew

• derm solutions

visit derm solutions

• no7 personalised skin analysis

visit no7 personalised skin analysis

• no7 online beauty services

visit no7 online beauty services

protect & perfect

lift & luminate

restore & renew

laboratories

retinol range

hydraluminous range

early defence

anti-ageing serums

anti-ageing skincare

advanced ingredients

No7 moisturisers

cleansers & toners

shop all makeup

Stay Perfect

foundation analysis

No7 Men's Energising

No7 christmas gifts

shop the stellar dreams look

shop the ethereal radiance look

shop the star glazing lip look

shop the all day everyday look

shop the all-out glam look

shop the weekend glow look

our mission

• find your perfect no7 skincare regime

visit find your perfect no7 skincare regime

no7 foundation analysis

find your perfect No7 serum

• discover No7 Advanced Retinol

visit discover no7 advanced retinol

no7 waiting list

discover no7 laboratories

discover no7 line correcting booster serum

discover no7 advanced ingredients capsules

• no7 beauty how to videos

visit no7 beauty how to videos

• no7 x Macmillan

visit no7 x macmillan

• no7 beauty appointments

visit no7 beauty appointments

Suggested keywords

Recommended products

Unable to process your request

Sorry, we're unable to find stores near that location. Please try again or use a different postcode or place name.

7 days of beauty offers has landed! Time is ticking, unlock these unmissable deals with your Advantage Card 

Graco Foldlite lx Travel Cot with Bassinet Midnight

• Use code CLUB15 to save an additional 5 percent when you spend £30 on selected baby and child as a Parenting Club member - online only
• Save 10 percent when you spend £30 on selected baby and child - online only

Please choose a colour or size before adding this product to your favourites.

Pharmacy product

In order to buy non-prescription medicines you must be a registered user of our site as we are obliged to record your transaction history. We also ask that you complete our questionnaire so our pharmacy team can check that this product is suitable for you to buy.

Will you be claiming the VAT back?

Disabled or chronically sick people can claim VAT relief on purchases for personal or domestic use that are applicable to their disability or sickness.

Maximum quantity reached

in your basket

Are you sure you want to remove this product?

Stock coming soon

This product is temporarily unavailable online. Use ‘Find in store’ below to see if it’s in stock near you.

Delivered by supplier

This product will be delivered directly from our supplier. As such delivery times may vary, see below for more details.

Collect 240 points with this purchase

Product details

Suitable for.

From birth to approx. 3 years (max. 15kg) Bassinet from birth to approx. 6 months (max. 9kg)

See user Manual

Hazards and Cautions

Important info.

Dimensions: L: 105cm W: 65cm H: 68cm  Net Weight: 6.78kg Included in box: 1 X FOLDLITE™ LX TRAVEL COT, 1  X BASSINET, 1 X CARRYBAG, 1 X INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Ingredients

Materials: 36.58%(Steel, Aluminium), 19.91%(PP,PA), 43.51(Polyester)

shopping with us

Customer services.

• help & FAQs
• delivery information
• returns & exchange
• product recall

about Boots

• company information
• environmental, social & governance
• modern slavery & human trafficking
• privacy & cookies
• terms & conditions
• accessibility

Our partner sites

• Skip to main content
• Skip to main navigation
• Skip to search

Advertisement

Our writers test and research products independently. When you buy through a link on our site we may earn a commission but this never affects our product choices.

Best travel cots: tried and tested

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 Apr 29, 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.

Our parent tester, Ruth, and her 18-month-old put some of the UK's top-rated travel cots through their paces. 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.

The best travel cots 2024: editor's picks

Joie kubbie Bassinet Travel Cot

Red Kite Travel Cot

Graco FoldLite LX Travel Cot

Joie kubbie™ sleep travel cot.

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 £100 | 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 .

Great for parents who

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

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: £37 | Suitable from: Birth to three years (or able to climb out) | Weight: 8.5 kg

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

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: £80 | Suitable from: Birth to three years (or able to climb out) | Weight: 6.78 kg

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

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: £110 | 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

BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light

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 Commuter Change

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

Bugaboo Stardust

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

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.

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

Travel cots: our pick of the best of the rest

Sturdy but pricey.

We have the Nuna Sena and its amazing, the most hassle-free assembling I've seen having watched BIL trying to get his cheap and cheerful one up! You just push the ring in the middle. It looks great and my kids have both slept great in it when we're away. Also sturdy enough to double as a temporary living room playpen for a while too! Has definitely been one of my highly recommended baby items.

lightningpeach

Nuna Sena Aire

Best travel cot for use as a playpen

Quite a while ago now we bought a BabyDan one from John Lewis which is the same dimensions as a standard cot (not cot bed). Extra handy as we could also use the actual cot mattress in it for extra comfort if we had space in the car, or latterly when we had got rid of the cot but had friends or relatives to stay

DiddlySquatty

BabyDan Travel Cot

Best travel cot for air travel

I've been to many different countries on different planes, trains and automobiles and the Phil & Teds is the only one which works across various check in requirements and ages of children ...100% [would recommend] the P&T one if you actually intend travelling with it, as opposed to staying at Granny's place every now and again.

mynamechangemyrules

Phil & Teds Traveller Travel Crib

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 one?

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.

Notable Places in the Area

Elektrostal Satellite Map

Popular Destinations in Moscow Oblast

Escape to a random place.

Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed.