Travel Cots: Choosing The Best Option For Your Baby

A travel cot is a portable, safe, and lightweight sleeping space for babies and toddlers. They are easy to assemble and disassemble, and can be folded into a compact format with a carry handle, making them perfect for holidays, breaks, and overnight stays. When choosing a travel cot, factors to consider include portability, weight, ease of assembly and disassembly, age suitability, mattress quality, and extra functions. Some popular options for travel cots include the Bugaboo Stardust, Silver Cross Slumber 3-in-1, Graco Contour Electra, and BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light.

Safety considerations

When choosing a travel cot, safety is paramount. Here are some safety considerations to keep in mind:

• Age and weight limits: Always check the product specifications for recommended age and weight limits. Travel cots have specific weight capacities, and exceeding them can compromise the cot's structural integrity.
• Safe sleep guidelines: Adhere to safe sleep practices, such as placing your baby on their back on a firm and flat mattress. Avoid adding soft bedding, pillows, or stuffed animals, as they may pose suffocation hazards.
• Assembly and disassembly: Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when setting up and folding down the travel cot. Improper assembly can lead to instability, creating a safety risk for your baby. Ensure the mattress fits snugly and is securely attached according to the instructions.
• Inspect for wear and tear: Before each use, inspect the travel cot for any signs of wear and tear. Ensure that all components, such as locks, hinges, and rails, are functioning correctly. Check for any holes or tears in the mesh or fabric.
• Location and surroundings: Place the travel cot away from potential hazards such as curtains, blinds, cords, or anything else a curious child might reach. Be mindful of the cot's positioning to avoid drafts or direct sunlight.
• Lower the mattress: As your baby grows and becomes more mobile, lower the mattress to the lowest setting to prevent them from climbing over the railings.
• Avoid extra items: Travel cots often come with add-ons like mobiles, bassinets, and changing tables. While these features can be convenient, only use them if they meet safety standards and are safe for unsupervised sleep.
• Secure the cot: If the travel cot has wheels, ensure they are locked before putting your baby to sleep. This prevents accidental movement.
• Supervision: Always keep an eye on your little one while they're in the travel cot. It's tempting to think of it as a safe space, but constant supervision is crucial.
• Check for recalls: Periodically check for any recalls or safety updates related to your specific travel cot model. Staying informed about potential issues helps ensure your baby's well-being.
• Firm mattress: Choose a travel cot with a firm mattress that fits snugly within the frame. A firm mattress reduces the risk of suffocation and provides a safe sleeping surface for your baby.
• Mesh sides: Opt for travel cots with mesh sides to promote healthy airflow and prevent overheating. Mesh sides also allow for better visibility, making it easier to monitor your baby.
• Sturdy construction: Look for travel cots with sturdy construction and durable materials. Avoid flimsy or unstable cots that might collapse or tip over.
• Safety standards: Ensure that the travel cot meets current safety standards and regulations. In the US, federal safety standards for portable cribs were updated in 2022. Check the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website for information on safety standards and recalls.

Cost

The cost of a travel cot varies depending on its features, quality, and brand. Here is a breakdown of the prices of some popular travel cots on the market:

• The Bugaboo Stardust travel cot typically costs around £225, but it can be found on sale for £202.50. It is known for its easy assembly, with a pop-up style mechanism that takes just seconds to set up.
• The Silver Cross Slumber 3-in-1 travel cot usually retails for £195 and offers three functions: a bedside co-sleeper, a lightweight travel cot, and a secure playpen.
• The Graco Contour Electra is a feature-rich option that includes a cot-top changing unit, a mobile, and a unit that plays tunes and vibrates the cot. It typically costs £99.
• For a more affordable option, the Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot offers good quality at a lower price point, usually costing around £35. It is easy to assemble and provides a robust and secure sleeping space for babies and toddlers.
• The Cuggl Deluxe Superlight Travel Cot is another budget-friendly choice, typically priced at £109.99. It weighs only 6kg, making it one of the lightest travel cots on the market.
• The Joie Kubbie Sleep Travel Cot is a versatile option that combines the functionality of a travel cot and a bedside crib. It usually costs £99.99.
• The Red Kite Dreamer Bedside Travel Crib is a budget-friendly choice for co-sleeping, typically priced at £60. It has a permanent drop-side feature, making it convenient for newborns.
• The Chicco Next2Me PopUp is perfect for travelling with newborns, as it can be used as a standalone or bedside crib. It typically costs £199.
• The BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light is one of the most expensive options, usually priced at £219.90. It stands out for its ease of use, lightweight design, and no upper weight limit.
• The Tutti Bambini CoZee Go 3-in-1 is a stylish and versatile travel cot that can be used as a bassinet, travel cot, and playpen. It usually costs £169.
• For a lightweight option, the ErgoPouch Easy Sleep Portable Crib weighs only 2.2kg and is suitable for newborns. It typically costs £99.95.
• The Venture Airpod Travel Cot offers a good balance between weight and mattress quality, with a comfortable mattress and mesh panels for ventilation. It usually costs £119.99.
• The Hauck Sleep'n Play Centre Travel Cot is a feature-rich and affordable option, often found for less than its RRP of £79.95. It includes an integrated changing table, high and low sleeping positions, a utility pocket, and a zip-down side panel for playtime.

Compatibility with other products

When it comes to compatibility with other products, there are a few things to consider when choosing a travel cot. Firstly, if you plan to use a Slumber Pod, a popular product used by many parents for sleep while travelling, it is worth noting that not all travel cots will fit inside. The Baby Bjorn Travel Crib, for example, does not have a side zipper, which can make it more difficult to access your baby when using a Slumber Pod. However, the Guava Lotus, Chicco Alfa Lite, Joie Kubbie Sleep, and BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light are all good options that feature a side zipper and will fit inside a Slumber Pod.

Another product to consider is the ErgoPouch Easy Sleep Portable Crib, which comes with a mosquito net, making it a great choice for travel in hot climates or areas with high mosquito populations. This crib is also very lightweight and compact, making it easy to transport and store. The BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light is another good option in this regard, as it is known for its sleek silhouette and premium-feeling fabrics, making it a stylish and easy-to-carry choice.

If you are looking for a travel cot that can serve multiple functions, the Silver Cross Slumber 3-in-1 is a great option. It can be used as a bedside co-sleeper, travel cot, and playpen, and even comes with a waterproof carry case for easy portability. The Hauck Sleep'n Play Centre Travel Cot is another versatile option, featuring an integrated changing table, high and low sleeping positions, a utility pocket, and a zip-down side panel that can be used as a playpen.

Lastly, if you are looking for a travel cot that is easy to assemble and disassemble, the Bugaboo Stardust is a great choice. It features a pop-up style mechanism that allows you to simply pull the cot open from flat, making it perfect for hassle-free bedtimes when you are away from home. The BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light is also easy to set up and fold down, making it a good choice if you need a cot that can be assembled quickly, such as at the airport before a flight.

Ease of use

The Bugaboo Stardust travel cot is highly recommended for its ease of assembly. It has a pop-up style mechanism that takes just seconds to set up: simply pull the cot open from flat by pulling both sides. The built-in mattress can be adjusted to two height positions, making it easier to lift newborns and babies who are not yet sitting up unaided. The mattress can also be folded down inside the cot, eliminating the need for extra assembly.

The BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light is also easy to set up and fold down, with a simple process of pulling out each leg, clicking it into place on the top frame, and securing the mattress with poppers. It is so easy to set up that you won't have to worry about sleepily packing it up before an early flight. It is also impressively lightweight, with a sleek silhouette and premium-feeling fabrics.

The Guava Lotus Travel Crib is easy to set up, but slightly more challenging to fold and fit into its bag. It has a unique backpack bag with straps that leave your hands free, making it a good choice for plane travel. However, the bag is a bit small, and you may need to refold the crib to fit it inside.

The Chicco Next2Me PopUp is easy to put up and down with a 3-second fold, but it is quite heavy and bulky when folded, so it may not fit in the boot of a small car.

The Graco Pack 'n Play On the Go is average for ease of setup and folding, with a travel bag that is large enough to prevent frustration. It is a good choice for families on a tight budget, as it can serve as a bassinet, travel crib, or play yard. However, it is heavier and larger than most competitors.

The Baby Joy Travel Crib 2-in-1 Playpen is easy to set up and feels sturdy when open, with a quick setup time of around one minute. It is a good choice for parents who need a travel crib occasionally or are unsure how often they will use it.

The Phil and Teds Traveller requires complete assembly each time you set it up and has a lengthy setup time of over 8 minutes. It is very small and lightweight, making it easy to carry over long distances.

The Joie Kubbie Sleep has a drop-down side operated by a button, allowing easier access to a newborn. However, it can be tricky to put up and down and has a sticky mechanism.

The Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot is easy to assemble and hassle-free, but you need to pay close attention to the instructions as there is a specific order in which each section needs to be assembled.

The Hauck Sleep'n Play Centre Travel Cot is easy to assemble and transport, with two wheels that allow you to pull it along like a suitcase when folded up. However, it is not very lightweight.

The Silver Cross Slumber 3-in-1 is easy to pop up and fold down, and at 7.65kg, it is lightweight and can be transported and stored away easily.

The ErgoPouch Easy Sleep Portable Crib is very lightweight at only 2.2kg, and it is easy to assemble and disassemble, with an easy fold and included storage backpack.

The Venture Airpod Travel Cot is very easy to remove from the carry case and put together, and it is also easy to take apart and put back into the travel case, with no fiddly or spare parts.

Quality of materials

The quality of materials used in a travel cot is an important consideration when choosing the best option for your needs. While all travel cots on the market meet mandatory safety standards, there can be significant differences in the materials used, affecting the cot's durability, comfort, and style. Here are some key points to consider regarding the quality of materials:

• Durability and Longevity: Look for travel cots with sturdy construction and robust materials that can withstand frequent use and travel. The frame should be stable, and the fabric should be durable enough to handle the wear and tear of travel.
• Breathable and Safe Materials: Opt for cots with breathable materials, such as mesh sides, to promote air circulation and reduce the risk of suffocation. Ensure that the materials are free from harmful chemicals and flame retardants, which can pose health risks for your little one.
• Mattress Quality: The mattress should be firm, flat, and fit snugly within the cot. Avoid soft bedding and extra padding, as these can compromise safety. Some cots offer thicker, more luxurious mattresses, while others provide basic, thinner mattresses.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Travel cots come in various styles and designs. If you prioritise style, look for options with appealing aesthetics and high-quality finishes. Some cots feature Scandi-style or minimalist designs, while others have a more traditional look.
• Ease of Cleaning: Choose materials that are easy to clean and maintain, especially if you plan to use the cot frequently. Look for wipeable fabrics and machine-washable components to simplify the cleaning process.
• Portability: Consider the materials' weight and packability. Lighter-weight materials and compact designs will make transportation and storage more manageable.
• Price Point: The quality of materials often reflects the price. Higher-quality cots with premium materials tend to be more expensive. However, some budget-friendly options still offer decent quality, so finding a balance between quality and price is essential.

Frequently asked questions