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Broken travel cot or am I being stupid??!!

• Thread starter lulu1981
• Start date Oct 26, 2012

Well-Known Member

• Oct 26, 2012

This is doing my head in, ladies please help!! We've just got a travel cot from kiddicare (their own) its 1 where u put the sides up & click into place & then push the base down. However....1 of the sides wont lock!! Im pretty sure its something that we're doing wrong as its never been used before, so don't think its broken, anyone else had this???!!! HELP!!X  

I know you have probably already checked but the instructions should be on the mattress how to do it exactly. I didnt know that most travel cots have the instructions on the mattress until my friend told me after I had cut the sides open on mine with a knife after wrestling with it for an hour! I was convinced one of the catches were broken so I cut it open and then threw it out my garden in temper. My mate came around the next day saw it in the garden and asked if I had followed the instructions on the mattress as all cots are different and I was like ooooohh shit! Id never even used it! x  

Mammy of one miracle

• Oct 27, 2012

With mine all 4 sides have to be locked before the base is pushed down.  

justplainTIFF

Proud mommy.

Amber100 said: With mine all 4 sides have to be locked before the base is pushed down. Click to expand...

ElmoBumpToBe

Mine is a mothercare one and i eventually realised after many tantrums that it wont go up unless i click the shorter sides into place first then the 2 longer sides all one at a time then push base down. If i triedto click a longer side into place first then there would always be a side left that didnt work x  

Mine is red kite and I have to click the longer sides up and then the shorter ones, sometimes I have to persist and really flick them up untill they click into place and then push the bottom down! I hope you work it out that must be really frustrating, have you looked on you tube? Kiddicare have tutorials for there products on there xx  

You need to Make sure the base is pulled up really high into the centre before clicking the sides into place. It should have a loop on the base pull this really high towards thr cieling and the thing should br all floppy. Hope this helps my mum couldn't get it up one night so had to come home and show her and then I couldnt! After about an Hour we finally got it.  

Yep same advice as everyone else...base needs to be pulled up high, then click all sides into place then push down mattress. Or at least that is how most travel cots work!  

Mammy and Oliver

As pp's have said, make sure all sides are locked in before pushing the base down. I fought with mine for hours and the instructions were extremely unclear before I went online and googled putting up a travel cot!  

Thanks girls, ill give it a try this morn....fingers crossed!!!x  

If you think that's bad - try putting it back DOWN. 2 hours...  

Well thanks for all ur suggestions, but I think its faulty, no matter what I do the 1 side wont play ball, the other 3 sides go up no probs at all, what a pain in the arse!!!x  

• Sep 16, 2016

Hey, if anyone is still having problems with their bed (I'm sure some do), there is a video explaining how it works. See "How to fold a portable travel bed - problems with assemble and disassemble" on youtube. Video ID on youtube: suIrWs25Kaw  

• Feb 13, 2021

I just signed up in frustration. Needed this thing setup quickly as bubs was needing a sleep. I have a dimples portacot. Followed the stupid instructions but sides would never lock. So i broke all the sides...i feel sooo much better now. Who writes these stupid instructions and why design such a convoluted locking system. I wonder if engineer who designed it was ever sleep deprived and wanted their child to sleep so desperately.....ohhh feel so much better now.. thank you for letting me release my steam....  

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• mothercare Manuals
• Baby & Toddler Furniture
• basic travel cot

User Manuals: mothercare basic travel cot Portable

mothercare basic travel cot User Manual (16 pages)

Table of contents.

• Parts Check List 2
• Carry Bag 2
• Preparation for Use 3
• After Use 4
• Remove the Mattress 4
• Safety Warnings 6
• Care for Your Product 6

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How to put up a travel cot + and help collapse a stuck travel cot in SECONDS

HELP! The travel cot side is stuck! Help! The travel cot won’t stay up! Ahhhhhhh the travel cot won’t collapse! I think it’s broken!

Sound familiar? Are you currently stuck with one of these problems, or any travel cot issue? Well, this is a post is for you! I’ve done a quick video to show you how to put your travel cot up, down, and unstick the sides… basically answering all those pesky problems that make them so irritating…

After 5 years of travel cots and using many different ones, either cots we’ve owned or in cottages or caravans on holiday, I can confirm this how many difference branded travel cots work – all the same . So if your travel cot is a Mothercare, Babystyle, Joie, Red Kite, ….. or some other brand most of these work the same way and get stuck in the same way… this is how to get your travel cot up, make the sides stay up, get it down, and make those sides click and unclip.

How to put up a travel cot

• Click the sides together – pull them up so they are ridged, both halves of the side should clunk in straight. Do opposite sides together, if you can. It should form a rectangle.
• Push the middle down (in the base) – make sure the legs can move out as you do this (lifting a side in the corner can help).

How to take down a travel cot

It’s basically the opposite of putting it up!

• Pull the middle up from the base (use the loop). It will probably fall over as you do this so hold a side!
• Unclip the sides – squeeze the catch in the middle of each side so the sides are floppy and swing! Do opposite sides together so you know it’s even!

Let me know if this helps, and if you prefer to read the instructions I’ve popped a guide at the bottom of this post.

Have you had the same travel cot struggles as us? Let me know in the comments, and if this helped too!

Our struggle was real and that’s why I’ve been meaning to write this for years: we have battled with the travel cot so many times when H was little, before we really got to grips with it. Basically, putting up a travel cot is easy when you remember the knack but putting one up and down is something none of us do often. Many a time, we’d arrive late desperate to get the cot up for a sleepy baby/toddler and there would be me saying “YOU DO IT!” to the husband when I just couldn’t get the side to stay up.

You might remember I started this blog to be helpful for instance blogging about how we fix the Perfect Prep temperature warning light in a heatwave, or how to keep a toddler’s hat on… well this is one I’ve had on my list for years. How to put up a travel cot and take it down, including how to make the side click, and how to get it back down when it just won’t collapse.

I hope this helps if you’re stuck with your travel cot, a side not going up or down, or just the whole cot stuck up. Let me know in the comments below if it helped, and share with your friends if you like it!

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• TRAVEL >
• Travel Cots >
• Classic Travel Cot

Mothercare Classic Travel Cot

4.23 /5 11 reviews --> -->

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Description

• Value for money

« Good travel cot »

Good value for money.

Mattress is very thin

« Suitable travel cot »

Easy to put up/ take down

Very thin mattress

« Perfect Travel cot »

Great compact sizing, beautiful design.

Thin mattress.

« Nice little travel cot »

very thin mattress, confusing to out up

« Value for money »

Easily assembled

Mattress thin

« brilliant »

easy to fold up and put down again

quite heavy for a travel item

« Affordable and does the job »

Looks nice, folds up, easy to carry

Not always easy to assemble, thin mattress

« Good quality »

Baby slept very well

« travel without worries »

folds small

bit difficult to unfold alone

« Travel cot »

Easy to fold, nice design

Have to get extra mattress for more comfort.

Keeps my little boy safe and in one place so I know he’s okay

Not very comfortable

Write a review

The Mothercare classic travel cot with 4 mesh sides is a comfortable and safe place for your baby to rest and play. It is compact, quick and easy to assemble and features 2 wheels for additional mobility. Includes carry bag and removable mattress.

Suitable for babies from birth to 15kg/33lbs.

Weight: 8.5kg – dimensions folded: L79.5 x W24 x H19cm / assembled: L100 x W73 x H79cm

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

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

By Jenny Wonnacott | Last updated Sep 4, 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 it's not recommended to use a travel cot in place of a permanent cot or crib for your little one, they're ideal for overnight stays at a grandparent's house, or longer holidays as well as use as a playpen for both babies and toddlers. They are portable, easy to carry (often coming with their own storage bags), 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.

Best travel cots at a glance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best lightweight travel cot: LittleLife Arc 2 | £110

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

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

How we chose the best travel cots

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

Bugaboo Stardust Travel Cot

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

Reviewed by Mumsnet editor Rebecca Roberts: Read our in-depth Bugaboo Stardust travel cot review

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

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

Great for parents who

Want to co-sleep safely away from home

Are expecting to use the cot frequently for sleeping

Related: The best breast pumps, as recommended by Mumsnetters

BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light

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)

Reviewed by Mumsnet editor Laura Westerman: Read our full BabyBjorn Light review

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

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

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

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

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

Joie Kubbie Sleep Travel Cot

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

Compact frame that packs down into a travel bag

Mesh panels on all four sides

Padded top rail

Too small to be used as a playpen

Material isn't machine-washable

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

Reviewed by Mumsnet: Read our full Joie kubbie™ Sleep review

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

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

Have a newborn

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

Want a cot that can last up to three years old

Read next: The best changing bags Mumsnetters swear by

Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot

Lightweight and folds down compactly into a travel bag

Quick to assemble and fold away

Easy to clean

Mesh sides make it easy to see baby

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

Doesn't have wheels

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

Reviewed by Mumsnet editor Jenny Wonnacott : Read our full Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot review .

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

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

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

Are on a tight budget

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

BabyDan Extra Large Travel Cot

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

Travel bag included

Has a handy storage pocket

No stand-out features such as newborn insert

Quite a basic design

Price on writing: £85 | Suitable from: Not specified | Weight: 8 kg | Size when assembled: 60 x 120 x 80cm

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

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

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

Silver Cross Slumber travel cot

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

Sloped sides mean toddlers less likely to climb out

Has a zip-up door

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

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

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

Reviewed by Mumsnet editor Jenny Wonnacott : Read our full Silver Cross Slumber travel cot review

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

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

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

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

Want a travel cot and playpen combination

Have a larger space to put the travel cot in

Are looking for a travel cot which will last them years

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

Graco FoldLite LX Travel Cot

Lightweight and easy to fold up and down

Collapses to just 26 cm wide

Comes with a removable infant bassinet

2 wheels for easy manoeuvring

The mattress could be thicker

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have limited space for storage

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

LittleLife Arc 2

Insect-proof mesh for hot weather and the outdoors

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

Colour-coded poles make assembly simple

Lightweight option

Thin mattress

Sunshade must be bought separately

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

Reviewed by Mumsnet: Read our full LittleLife Arc 2 review

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

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

Use public transport when travelling

Want something that could double up as a playpen

Read next: The best baby carriers, tried and tested

Joie Commuter Change, £100

Two wheels make this cot easy to move around

Easy to fold and unfold

Bassinet and changing unit don’t fit into carry bag

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

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

Reviewed by Mumsnet: Read our full Joie Commuter Change review

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

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

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

Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot, £250

Easy to assemble

Plenty of space for toddlers inside

Comfortable

Designed for maximum airflow (ideal for summer holidays!)

Not a lot of outstanding features

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

Reviewed by Mumsnet editor Jenny Wonnacott : Read our full Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot review

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

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

Related: The best swaddles , Moses baskets and blackout blinds for peaceful nights

What age is a travel cot for?

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

Do I actually need a travel cot?

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

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

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

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

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

Are travel cots safe?

Safety is crucial when considering one of the best travel cots 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.

If you're finding that your baby really doesn't sleep well in their travel cot, check out our guide to the best travel cot mattresses according to Mumsnet parents.

How much does a travel cot cost?

Prices range from £35 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 a travel cot 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?

All the travel cots on our list are someone's favourite - there isn't really a one-size-fits-all approach, as with many parenting items. For ease of popping up and down, the Bugaboo Stardust is a great option. If you're looking to spend a little less on a great all-rounder, we like the Joie kubbie Sleep travel cot . For a reliable, no-frills budget buy, you can't go far wrong with the £35 Red Kite Sleeptight .

How we tested and why you should trust us

All our travel cots reviewed on page were put through their paces by real parents using them with babies and toddlers over testing periods ranging from weeks to years. Our shortlist was initially created using the recommendations of Mumsnet parents - the UK's largest network of online parents - and then whittled down using the following testing criteria:

Safety and stability

Comfort and day-to-day use.

Ease of cleaning

Value for money

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?

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

Sturdiness – our reviewers tested each cot by walking into them, knocking against furniture and dropping when assembled and packed away. Could each cot withstand the weight of both an adult and child if accidentally fallen into?

Safety standards – all appropriate safety labels and instructions were examined

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 several times

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

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

Each tester 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?

Each tester 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?

Cleanliness

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

Our testers 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

At Mumsnet, we believe parents should be able to access impartial and honest advice about products and services they may purchase.

We consult real parents as well as experts so we can offer the benefit of honest experience and we don’t take payment for our reviews from companies.

Our team of writers is made up of experienced consumer and parenting journalists who between them have a wealth of experience and knowledge at their fingertips.

About the author

Jenny Wonnacott has been working as a Content Editor for Mumsnet since 2022 with a particular focus on pregnancy, child and baby care product guides, articles and reviews. As a mum of three, Jenny has extensive hands-on experience in all of the Mumsnet content she writes about. She is passionate about sourcing, testing and thoroughly researching the products which make every stage of parenting easier, from the best pregnancy pillow to the most reassuring baby monitor as well as top kids' toys , games and tech .

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travel cots

Lightweight and perfectly portable, travel cots are easy to pack and just as easy to pop up once you reach your destination. We've got plenty of great quality designs from leading baby brands, providing your bundle of joy with a safe and secure place to sleep. Mesh construction ensures optimum airflow while some of our options even double up as a handy playpen too! Perfect if you're heading off on holiday or visiting family or friends.

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Mothercare Bedside Cot review

• Claire Dunwell

In a nutshell

An affordable cot that oozes versatility, and keeps your baby close

What we tested

• Drop-down side mechanism that stores neatly underneath
• Not the most sturdy of cots

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The Mothercare Bedside Cot is a traditional-looking cot with a twist, and while it might not be the most sturdy of cots, it's both affordable and versatile and the answer to every bleary-eyed mums prayers.

Thanks to its drop-down side, the Mothercare Bedside Cot lets you and your baby sleep together side by side without the worries of co-sleeping. With its 8-position mattress base, you'd be hard pushed to find a bed this cot won’t fit snugly up against, keeping your baby within arms reach during those exhausting early months.

Conforming to 135 EN 716 safety standards, this cot also features protective teething rails, giving you peace of mind if your baby decides to take a bite.

What we love

Its versatility is fantastic and my son Sam slept soundly when I moved him from his Moses basket into this cot.

Having Sam so close without the hassle of a cot side made breastfeeding easier, as I could easily slide him back onto his own mattress after a feed. If Sam was unsettled in the night, I could reach over to soothe him without even having to get out of bed!

With four lockable castors, the Mothercare Bedside Cot is easy to manoeuvre. When the time came for Sam to move into his own room, we wheeled the cot right in, still fully assembled. The drop side is stowed neatly underneath and once it's out of the way, you could easily forget it's there.

This cot certainly came into it's own when Sam was ill and needed the added reassurance of his mum being close by. I simply wheeled the cot back into our bedroom and dropped down the side.

The Mothercare Bedside Cot is relatively easy to assemble, but be sure to have an extra pair of hands around when it comes to adjusting the mattress height.

What to watch out for

It's difficult to pick holes in this cot, but make sure it sits flush up against your bed. Every bed is different so it's something to think about before placing an order. It might influence the type continental cot mattress you choose, too. There are four mattresses to choose from to suit every budget.

Sliding the side back up and locking it into place once it's stowed underneath can also be fiddly. It's clunky, too, so try to avoid doing this once your baby is sound asleep or else you’ll risk waking them up.

The small, plastic wheels have come under fire from some mums who feel they're out of keeping with the attractive beech finish but this is a small complaint for a cot that delivers on all of its promises.

Who is the Mothercare Bedside Cot best for?

Breastfeeding mums and those wanting to snatch every moment of sleep.

MadeForMums verdict

The Mothercare Bedside Cot gets top marks for versatility and although it might not be one of the most stylish cots on the market, its drop down side is perfect for mums wanting their baby close by. The 8-position mattress base also helps ensure it will fit against most beds. The wheels – while not liked by all mums for their looks - make transferring the cot between rooms a breeze.

Product Specifications