Make sleeping away from home a pleasant experience for your little ones with one of the best travel cots!
We all know that travelling and sleeping can be quite stressful for our littlest ones, especially when it comes to toddlers and babies. Thatβs where travel cots come in.
Travel cots are portable, compact and safe places for your small children to sleep in when youβre away from home. Travel cots are lightweight, foldable and when folded into a compact shape, quite portable, as well. This is what makes travel cots ideal for vacations, holidays as well as overnight stays away from home.
Because we simply adore the little ones, weβve decided to do a little bit of research and find the best travel cot your money can buy. On that note, here are our picks!
Our top picks
For our top picks, we've chosen 10 excellent baby travel cots, each one excelling at a certain thing. We've gone out of our way to consult with several parents to get some additional information and first-hand experiences, so we're quite sure your kid would enjoy any of the travel cot mattresses.
If you're looking for a travel cot that can easily double as a regular cot then you've just found the right one. Tutti Bambini does it all. Itβs remarkably comfortable, highly adjustable, incredibly easy to open and fold, comes with a free padded mattress and an own carry bag and will suit your child easy until they turn three. It weighs only 10 kg, so on top of all that weβve already mentioned β itβs very portable as well.
For a travel cot, it is lightweight as it weighs only 10 kg.
High quality materials
High quality materials were used for making this one.
Conveninet bag
Super-convenient carry-bag.
Disadvantages
Lack of insects net
The cot does not come with a insects net.
BEST VALUE: Hauck Sleep n Play Centre
If you're looking for the best bang for your buck β this is the cot for you!
BEST VALUE
If youβre looking for a travel crib that does a lot of things well, but at an affordable price range then Sleep n Play Centre from Hauck Sleep is the right one for you. This travel cot is a full package. It comes with a newborn bassinet, a changing top, an equipment bag, a folding mattress and a transport bag and you can get a fitted sheet separately if you wish to do so.
The zip design helps you convert it to a place for fun and play.
Disadvantages
Lack of insects net
There is no insects net.
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT: Kinderkraft Baby Crib 3 in 1
A lightweight, multifunctional travel cot!
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT
Kinderkraft Baby Portable Crib 3 in 1, as you can tell from the name, is a multi-purpose travel cot. First of all, this one weighs only 5 kg so you can pretty much carry it by hand anywhere you want. The cot is easy to both fold and unfold and it serves both as a cot or a cradle. Additionally, because it comes with a detachable canopy, this one can also be used outside without any worries whatsoever. And oh, it comes with three suspended toys, so that's a bonus.
BEST FOR NEWBORNS: Fisher-Price On-The-Go Baby Dome
The only better napping place for your newborn are your arms!
BEST FOR NEWBORNS
This travel cot is ideal for newborns. Itβs lightweight, itβs built with special care from quality materials, itβs spacious enough for your child to sleep and play in, it comes with an overhead canopy thatβs both sun shield and insect net and itβs probably the easiest travel cot to fold and unfold weβve ever seen. One could argue that an infant travel cot should have more accessories, but then again, does it really need any?
Just remove the pad from inside and wash it in a washing machine.
Disadvantages
Carry bag not available
The carry bag does not come with this one
Graco Compact Travel Cot
It doesnβt get much more compact than this!
BEST COMPACT
If youβre looking for a travel cot that you can easily fold and fit into a small space then you've found the right one. This travel cot is as compact as they get when they're folded β especially if you consider the fact that your kid can use this one pretty much until they're old enough to sleep in their own bed.
Stand out from the crowd with this really stylish travel cot.
BEST STYLISH
Appearance is certainly not the most important feature of a travel cot but it is functionality. Best case is when the appearance is combined with functionality as in the case of MICRALITE Sleep & Go Travel Cot and then we get a winner in the stylish category. It is suitable from birth to approximately 3 years so you will be able to use it for a long time. You can start using it as soon as the baby is born, thanks to the newborn insert, and then when the baby grows up, remove that part and you will get a toddler cot. It is very easy to assemble.
Easy assembling & transformation to moses/cot bed.
Disadvantages
One colour only
Available in one colour only.
BEST FOR ACCESSORIES: Graco Contour Electra Travel Cot
If you need a travel cot that has a lot of different accessories, go with Graco Contour Electra Travel Cot.
BEST FOR ACCESSORIES
It has a variety of accessories that make the trip easier and simpler, both for you and your baby. Let's just mention some of the accessories. It has a raised bassinet for newborns, and also a removable changing table which will make it easier for you to change the baby when it is most sensitive and when you have to be very careful. Changing tables can also be used for toddlers. Removable toy bar with toys will capture the attention of your baby and then instead of crying and being upset, you will not have any problems. There is also a nightlight, music and timer, as well as a removable vibration unit to completely comfort your baby.
Vibration unit, changing pad, removable toy bar a lot more.
Modern & stylish
This model has a stylish & contemporary design.
Disadvantages
Hard to assemble
The process of assembling could be easier.
EASIEST TO ASSEMBLE: Venture Airpod Travel Cot
Venture Airpod Travel Cot will be ready for use within minutes.
EASIEST TO ASSEMBLE:
In general, assembling a travel cot should not be complicated, but that is not always the case. As we have already mentioned, there are some travel cots that have many accessories and are therefore rather complicated to assemble. This travel cot is very easy to assemble, and it is also lightweight, which further facilitates the whole process. The frame is made of aluminum which is a lightweight material, yet durable. Mesh sides provide your child with safety and air circulation at the same time. It is designed in the UK, tested to all British and European safety standards, including fire regulations.
If you don't need a classic travel cot, this can be a great choice for you and your child.
BEST ALL IN ONE
As you can immediately see, and conclude by the name, Bloomsbury Mill Nap Mat is a completely different product from the travel cots we've talked about so far. This is an all-in-one nap met that includes pillow, mat and blanket, and is ideal for both travel and nursery, nap time and sleepovers. It is made of a very soft cotton blend, which will not irritate the sensitive skin of the child, and it is also very easy to maintain. It is machine washable and dries very quickly. Bloomsbury Mill Nap Mat is OEKO-TEX certified, which is a guarantee that your child will not be exposed to any harmful chemicals and similar toxins.
Easy maintenance, due to being washing machine friendly.
Eco-friendly & ethical
The product is ethically produced and it does not contain harmful substances.
Cotton blend
Made of cotton-poly combination.
Disadvantages
Not a classic design
This is not for those looking for a classic design.
MOST BREATHABLE: Red Kite Black Sleep Tight Travel Cot
As breathable as it gets!
MOST BREATHABLE
Red Kite's Sleeptight Travel Cot is an award-winning sleep solution that's perfect for travelling with your little one. It's lightweight and compact, making it easy to take with you on holidays or visits to friends and family. And it comes with a padded mattress for extra comfort.Β With its plethora of features, Sleeptight Travel Cot from Red Kite offers optimum safety for your child. The see-through mesh side panels allow you to regularly check on your child, and the unit's central locking base adds extra protection. When not in use, it's simple to fold up and store due to its compact size. So whether you're at home or on the move,Β Sleeptight Travel Cot from Red Kite will guarantee that your infant gets a good night's rest.
Before you dive in and explore your options when it comes to travel cots, it canβt hurt to know a little bit about them. Like any other product, travel cots, as well, have a lot of identifying and key features that you need to be aware of before you buy the travel cot.
For instance, when it comes to travel cots, there are a lot of important features to consider, like portability and compactness, for instance, so before you decide on a travel cot, allow us to expand on some of the most important features.
Portability
Arguably the most important feature of a travel cot is portability.
If it weren't for that, you could just carry a regular baby cot with you when you travel, but as you know, that's not quite possible.
Pretty much any travel cot is portable enough and should fit in a car boot. However, which one will you choose will greatly depend on how and where youβre travelling. For instance, if you're using public transport to travel, you need a portable travel cot that's easily carried on hand.
On the other hand, if you're travelling by car, you have nothing to worry about. In that case, even a traditional travel cot will do.
Easy assembling & storage
You want the travel cot to be easy to assemble and fold back up. Luckily, most travel cots are designed that way, so you should have any problems folding them or assembling them. Naturally, you might struggle a bit in the beginning, but after a few set-ups, you should become quick.
Ease of storage is another thing you should think about considering youβll need to keep it somewhere while youβre not using it, but also, if the travel cot is easy to store, itβs easy to travel with.
Age suitability
Generally, a travel cot isnβt suitable for infants younger than 3 months. Younger babies are still very vulnerable and shouldnβt be sleeping in travel cots. Overnight sleeping should be reserved for a bassinet. On that note, a baby thatβs older than 3 months is perfectly suitable to sleep and play in a travel cot.
Now, not all travel cots are suitable for children the same age. Some are more suited to infants, some are better used when the kids are older. Youβll be able to tell which is which simply by looking at it, but pretty much every product will state the age suitability, so keep an eye out for that, as well.
Finally, it's a general rule of thumb that kids over the age of three are mature enough to sleep in regular beds, instead of travel cots, and also, babies and toddlers under the age of three should sleep in a travel cot regularly.
Mattress
A mattress within a travel cot is a must, especially if youβre using it for your infant.
In most cases, a quality travel cot will come with a mattress thatβs fitting for that particular model, however, itβs possible that you wonβt get a mattress when you purchase a travel cot. Be that as it may, the important thing when it comes to mattresses for travel cots is that they must be firm. Travel cot mattresses tend to be thinner, but firmer. Under no circumstances should you use a soft mattress for your baby.
Normal cot mattresses will be firm and will ensure the safety of your child, so pay special attention to them.
Also, make sure the mattress fits perfectly in the cot and leave no gap larger than an inch between the cotβs sides and the mattress's edges.
Bassinet
Another thing thatβs useful, especially for infants, is having a bassinet as an accessory to your travel cot. In some instances, the travel cot could be a bassinet, if itβs specially designed for infants.
In most cases, a quality travel cot will come with several accessories, including the bassinet. That way, you can use the travel cot when the babyβs still very young, as well as in the following years.
Bassinets are the safest way for a baby under 6 months to sleep in, so, if your babyβs that young, you should aim to find the travel cot that comes with a bassinet.
Fabric
The frame of a travel cot is usually either metal or plastic. However, the rest of the body is usually made out of breathable, woven fabric or mesh. The fabric that's used for travel cot's side panels is more than just a fashion statement. It's very important for the side panel to be see-through, so you can easily keep an eye on your baby. Also, the mesh fiber allows for better airflow so that your baby can breathe unobstructed when sleeping or playing inside a travel cot. In most cases, the mesh sides are made from hypoallergenic polyester.
Insect net
The final travel cot feature you should be focusing on when finding the best travel cot for your little one is the canopy or the insect net.
The insect net or an overhead canopy is very important if youβre using the travel cot outdoors. Itβs not uncommon for people to go camping or even to the beach and have their babies with them. In those instances, itβs important that the baby is safe from annoying insects like mosquitos.
Also, a canopy can also double as a sun guard so thatβs another thing to look out for when buying a travel cot.
Tips for buying and using a travel cot
When it comes to tips for buying and using the travel cots, there are a few with can share with you.
First of all, make sure that the cot youβre buying comes with a travel case. Youβre going to be transporting the travel cot quite a lot and it should be in the protective covering or a case, both for easier transport and protection.
Secondly, pay attention to the accessories. It's not uncommon to find a travel cot that can double as a playpen. Also, travel cots often come with changing mats, toys, toy storage pockets and so on. These could rack up the price, so consider which ones you need and which ones you don't before you buy them.
Finally, some travel cots come with wheels, which makes them ideal if you need to quickly move the cot from one room to another. Once again, think about whether you need wheels or not, but these are an accessory that canβt seem to hurt.
Look for a travel case
Look for the accessories you need
Wheels are always a welcome addition.
The advantages of owning best travel cot
Now that youβve seen our picks, we thought weβd name a few of the advantages of owning the best travel cot.
First up, travel cots aren't just for travelling β you can use a travel cot as a playpen when youβre at home and you want your baby to play in a safe environment.
When using an outdoors model with a protective, inspect-repelling canopy, you can be certain that your baby will be insect-bite free, so, these really come in handy if youβre someone that enjoys spending time outdoors.
Finally, a travel cot makes your travelling arrangements so much easier. Regardless of where youβre staying and how are the conditions β your baby will have a comfortable, safe place to sleep.
They could double as playpens
Theyβre great for outdoor activities such as camping
A safe place to sleep when away from home.
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FAQs about your new travel cots
Finally, letβs answer some of the questions moms and dads all around the world are most frequently asking when it comes to new travel cots.
Is a travel cot safe for everyday use?
Yes, it is safe for short sleep periods. However, travel cots are not designed for toddlers to sleep several hours consistently. For a longer period of sleep, you'll need a more robust and comfier cot for everyday use.
Can a 3 month old sleep in a travel cot?
Yes, the travel cot can provide enough sleep for a 3 months-old baby. Still, your baby needs a comy cot bed for everyday sleep.
Do travel cots need sheets?
It is highly advised to have a few sheets in spare for your travel cot
How long should a baby sleep in a travel cot?
Your baby can sleep in a travel cot as much as needed.
What age can a baby sleep in a travel cot?
Any baby or a toddler thatβs over 3 months old can sleep in a travel cot, given that it can fit in it. Kids usually outgrow a travel cot by the time they turn 3.
What bedding should I use for a travel cot?
You should use a firm, flat and waterproof mattress that can fit in a travel cot.
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