Travel Cot Buying Guide: Choosing The Best One

Travel cots are portable, safe places for babies and toddlers to sleep when away from home. They are lightweight, have collapsible sides, and fold into a portable format with a carry handle, making them great for holidays, breaks, and overnight stays. When buying a travel cot, it is important to consider portability, weight, ease of assembly/disassembly, age suitability, mattress quality, and extra functions. This article will provide an overview of different travel cots available in the market and discuss the key features and benefits of each product.

Travel cots for newborns

Travel cots are portable, safe places for babies and toddlers to sleep when away from home. They are lightweight, have collapsible sides, and fold into a portable format with a carry handle, making them great for holidays, breaks, and overnight stays. Here are some of the best travel cots for newborns:

Graco FoldLite

The Graco FoldLite is a lightweight cot that is easy to erect and collapse. It is suitable from birth to 15kg (approximately three years old). It is easy to assemble and collapse, with the process taking less than 30 seconds. It is also very lightweight, weighing only 6.78 kg. The Graco FoldLite is a great option for newborns as it has a removable infant bassinet. It also has two wheels for easy manoeuvring. However, the mattress could be thicker.

Joie Kubbie Sleep Travel Cot

The Joie Kubbie Sleep Travel Cot is a versatile travel cot that can also be used as a playpen. It has a lift and lower side panel, which makes it easy to pick up and place the baby without hassle. It has mesh panels on all four sides and comes with a carry bag. However, it is quite compact and may be too small to be used as a playpen. The material is also not machine washable.

Cuggl Deluxe Superlight Travel Cot

The Cuggl Deluxe Superlight Travel Cot is a lightweight and compact travel cot that is easy to assemble and fold away. It has a removable changer and bassinet, as well as four airy mesh sides for ventilation and baby viewing. It also has wheels for easy manoeuvring. However, the design of this cot is quite low to the ground, which may be a problem for those with back problems.

BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light

The BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light is a lightweight and easy-to-assemble travel cot. It has mesh sides and a thick, soft mattress. It is suitable from birth to three years and comes with a carry bag. The fabric is removable and machine washable. However, it may be difficult to dry.

Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot

The Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot is a stylish and contemporary travel cot that is easy to set up and fold. It has a bassinet accessory, which makes it suitable for newborns. It also has padded edges to prevent pinched fingers and comes with an organic cotton sheet. However, it doesn't fold very neatly and can be fiddly to pack away. It is also quite heavy and takes up a lot of space.

Silver Cross Slumber Travel Cot

The Silver Cross Slumber Travel Cot is a good-value travel cot that can be used from birth up to approximately three years of age. It has an integrated newborn insert and can also be used as a playpen. It is made with recycled plastic bottles and is very lightweight. However, it doesn't have wheels, which makes it difficult to move from room to room when assembled.

Travel cots for toddlers

When buying a travel cot for your toddler, it's important to consider your child's sleep style and needs, how easy the cot is to set up and pack away, and how safe and durable it is. Here are some of the best travel cots for toddlers currently on the market:

Milliard Toddler Nap Mat Tri-Folding Mattress

This folding mattress is a great option if you're looking for something cosy and thick. It comes with a removable bamboo cover that can be machine-washed, and the mattress itself can be spot-cleaned. It's easy to pack away and stack, but it doesn't deflate so it takes up more storage space than an airbed. You can buy a dedicated carry case separately.

Regalo My Cot Portable Toddler Bed

This portable toddler bed comes with a fitted sheet and has received positive reviews on Amazon and Walmart. It's available in royal blue and can be delivered the next day.

Baby Delight Go with Me Bungalow Deluxe Portable Cot

This portable travel cot has received positive reviews on Amazon and Walmart and comes with a sun canopy. It's available in grey and teal.

JetKids by Stokke CloudSleeper Inflatable Kids Bed

This inflatable bed is small enough to fit inside your luggage and features side bumpers to prevent your child from rolling onto the floor. It also has an air mesh cover to keep your child cool at night. It's available from Amazon and Bloomingdales.

KidCo PeaPod Plus Travel Tent

This lightweight and easily transportable tent pops up when removed from its travel bag. It has two layers: a see-through screen window and a blackout material layer to make it dark inside. It's available from Amazon and Camping World.

Guava Lotus Travel Crib

This well-designed, portable pack-and-play is easy to assemble and break down, and comes with a hands-free, backpack-style carrying case. It has a sturdy base and a side zipper for easy access. The bundle option comes with a mosquito net, an SPF 55 shade cover, and two fitted sheets. It's available from Amazon and Guava Family.

Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed

This bed has a secure double plug that's resistant to curious little fingers and comes with a patch kit to seal off any punctures. It has bumpers on all four sides and a handle for easy moving. It's available from Amazon and Hiccapop.

EnerPlex Kids Inflatable Travel Bed

This bed comes with a high-speed pump and a car adaptor, making it a great option for car travel. It's easy to set up and pack away, and it can be wiped down and the crib sheet can be washed. It's available from Amazon and Walmart.

Travel cots for ease of assembly

When it comes to travel cots, ease of assembly is a key consideration. After all, no one wants to struggle with a complicated setup when they're tired or in a hurry. Here are some travel cots that are known for their convenience and simplicity when it comes to assembly:

Bugaboo Stardust

The Bugaboo Stardust stands out for its quick and easy assembly. With a pop-up style mechanism, you simply pull the cot open from flat by pulling both sides, and it's ready in just seconds. It's also easy to fold back down and comes with a carry bag for convenient transport. The built-in mattress is another plus, offering two height positions to accommodate newborns and growing babies. It's priced at £225, but keep an eye out for discounts, as it's often available for less.

Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot

The Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot is a great affordable option, usually priced at £35. While the mattress is quite thin, the cot itself is easy to assemble and disassemble. It has a simple fold-up design and comes with a carry bag for easy transport. It also features a full padded top rail and mesh sides for visibility and airflow.

BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light

If you're willing to invest in a high-quality travel crib, the BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light is an excellent choice. It's easy to set up and fold down, and it comes with a carry bag for convenient transport. The crib sets up and breaks down in seconds and features mesh sides for containment and visibility. The thick mattress ensures a comfortable sleep for your little one. It's on the heavier side at 11 pounds, but it's still easy to carry and manoeuvre.

Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib and Playard

The Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib and Playard is a lightweight option at 11 pounds, and it comes with a backpack storage case for easy transport. It features mesh sides for breathability and has side-zippered doors for easy access. This crib is designed to be convenient and comfortable for both parents and children.

Delta Children EZ Fold Ultra Compact Travel Bedside Bassinet

If you're looking for a travel crib specifically for babies, the Delta EZ Fold Ultra Compact Bassinet is a great choice. It has a detachable mesh canopy to protect your little one from bugs and insects, and it's easy to fold and pack for travel. This bassinet is suitable for babies up to 15 pounds.

When choosing a travel cot, consider your budget, the weight of the cot, and any additional features that are important to you, such as mesh sides or a carry bag. With these options in mind, you'll be able to select a travel cot that assembles with ease and provides a comfortable space for your child to sleep or play while on the go.

Travel cots for added extras

If you're looking for a travel cot that will do double or even triple duty, the Graco Contour Electra comes bursting with added extras. These include practical additions like a cot-top changing unit, and fun ones like a mobile and a 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.

The Graco FoldLite travel cot is another great option. It's up to 30 per cent lighter than most other cots and can easily be lifted one-handed. Erecting this cot is 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.

If you have a little extra to spend, then the luxury and comfort of the BabyBjörn 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.

Travel cots for value for money

When it comes to travel cots, value for money is key. Here are some of the best options for travel cots that won't break the bank:

Cuggl Deluxe Superlight Travel Cot

The Cuggl Deluxe Superlight Travel Cot is a great option if you're looking for something lightweight and easy to transport. Weighing in at only 6kg, this travel cot is a breeze to carry and won't weigh you down on your travels. It also comes with a bassinet attachment, making it perfect for nappy changes. The best part? It sets up and folds away in seconds, making it a convenient choice that won't break the bank.

Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot

The Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot is a sturdy and affordable option, retailing for only £35. While the mattress is quite thin, the cot itself is easy to assemble and disassemble, making it hassle-free for those quick trips. It also features a full padded top rail and mesh sides, providing visibility and airflow for your little one.

Graco Contour Electra

The Graco Contour Electra is a fantastic choice if you're looking for something with added extras. This travel cot comes with a cot-top changing unit, a mobile, and a battery-operated unit that plays tunes and vibrates the cot. It also has a newborn bassinet and wheels for easy manoeuvrability. While it is on the heavier side, you can remove any accessories to reduce the weight and make it more portable.

BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light

The BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light is a lightweight and easy-to-use option, perfect for those on the go. It practically unfolds automatically, and folding it away is a breeze, making it ideal for travel. The built-in base keeps it sturdy, and the fabric is machine washable, which is a plus for any messes or reflux issues. The fabric is also kind to your baby's sensitive skin, meeting the requirements of OEKO-TEX Standard 100.

Tutti Bambini CoZee Go 3-in-1 Travel Cot

The Tutti Bambini CoZee Go 3-in-1 Travel Cot is a stylish and lightweight option, weighing only 6.5kg. It's easy to assemble and fold away, and it comes with a carry case for easy transport. The mesh fabric provides great visibility and airflow, and the Day & Night Shade accessory can help your baby sleep in bright or unfamiliar places. However, it is quite wide and square, which may make it awkward to transport in smaller cars.

Frequently asked questions