best buys
First published on Tuesday 13 February 2018 12:01 GMTLast modified on Friday 30 September 2022, 14:02 BST
Sally J Hall
Netmums contributor
This page contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small amount of money if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. All our articles and reviews are written independently by the Netmums editorial team.
Planning a holiday or a night away with the family? To be sure of a good night's sleep, you'll want to make sure you've got the right travel cot for your baby or toddler. But with prices ranging from around £40 to over £200, how do you know which cot to pick?
There are two main types of travel cot to choose from. One has a plastic or metal frame with mesh sides and a separate mattress that is jointed so you can fold it up. This type usually folds into a large oblong shape that fits into a storage bag.
The other style is a pop-up travel cot. These usually have flexible frames and spring into position when you remove them from their carry bag. They're more suited if you're travelling abroad.
You can also buy pop-up travel bassinets for newborns, which are a similar size to a Moses basket.
1. BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light
Best for: easy opening and closing
* Compact travel cot suitable from birth to 3 years
* Comes with a practical bag for storage and transportation
* Fabric can be machined-washed for ease
BabyBjörn is renowned for quality design, and its lightweight and easy-to-assemble travel cot is no exception. It folds out in a single movement, and packs down into a bag that’s designed to fit into a plane's overhead locker.
Weighing 6.8kg, it's a great model for frequent travellers. It comes in silver or black and all materials that are next to your baby are organic OEKO-TEX fabrics.
2. Bugaboo Stardust
Best for: quick opening
*Can be used from birth to 2 years
*Easy to open and close, unfolds in just seconds
*Comes with a travel bag
This clever travel cot is easy to use and pops up in just a second or two. The mattress has several layers to offer comfort and all sides of the cot are mesh, so it's not only well ventilated but it's also really easy to see your little one. When your child is very young, you can add a zip-in bassinet which allows your baby to sleep at a higher level (this will save your back!) It's a fairly small travel cot which means it's not ideal for older toddlers, but it does mean it's very light and portable. When folded, it slips into a travel case that's just 14cm wide.
3. Nuna SENA Aire
Best for: a long-lasting cot
*Can be used from birth to 15kg
*The bassinet is easy to attach
*All mesh sides for great ventilation
Nuna is a great name in baby equipment and this 10kg travel cot is great. If you have a newborn, it can be used as a crib with the bassinet. Simply remove this for older children and they can sleep in the cot. It opens easily and to fold and comes with its own travel case. The mattress is comfortable and made from a special three-layer mesh that helps avoid overheating. It comes with an organic sheet too.
4. Micralite Sleep and Go
Best for: opening side for kids to crawl in
*Can be used from birth to 3 years
*A great place for baby to sleep and play
*Bassinet for small babies
This is a very useful travel cot as it has several great features. For very small babies, there's a basinet that zips-in and provides a smaller, higher sleeping space for your baby. Remove that to create a larger sleeping space for older babies and toddler (the same mattress is used for both.) The end panel also unzips, so your little one can crawl in and out by themselves.
5.Hauck Dream’n' Play
Best for: great budget option
* Easy-to-fold travel cot
* Comes with a folding mattress and travel bag
*See-through mesh sides so you can see in and baby can see out
If travel is only an occasional thing, you might want to choose a less expensive model like this Hauck cot. It has a good sized sleeping space that will still fit 3 year olds and a comfy mattress. It folds up when not in use and has its own travel case.
6. Red Kite Sleeptight
Best for: a no-frills option for occasional use
* Budget-friendly model
* Easy to assemble and weighs just over 7kg
* Measures 20 x 20 x 76 cm
This super-compact travel cot has a price-tag that's ideal if you're on a budget. It has padded soft rails, see-through mesh sides and collapses down into a handy travel bag for easy transportation.
The mattress can be folded for storage and attaches to the cot with sturdy Velcro straps. Also included is a travel bag with straps.
7. Phil & Teds Traveller
Best for: going to festivals and camping
* Weighs an unbelievably tiny 2.8kg
* OEKO-TEX certified fabrics so gentle on delicate skin
* Compact size when open or folded
The Phil & Teds Traveller cot is very light at under 3kg. With a self-inflating mattress for comfort, it's the ideal cot for taking abroad with minimal faff. Its ultra-compact size means it can be carried on as hand luggage on most airlines, although always check before you travel. It's easy to see your baby thanks to the mesh sides and this allows good air flow too. One side can unzip to allow your child to play inside or out of the cot and the top rails are padded for safety.
8. Graco Contour Electra
Best for: extra gear
*Great for sleep and play
*Lots of accessories
*Can be used from birth
This travel cot has lots of great add-ons for a great price. It starts with the main travel cot, which can be used for sleep by children up to 3 years. On top of this, you can add a bassinet section for small babies (both use the same mattress), plus there is a clip-on changing table and toy bar too. It's ideal to have as a second bed at the grandparents' house, or if you travel quite a bit with your baby. A control panel offers vibration, sounds and a nightlight and it folds up into a case with handy wheels to transport it.
9. Joie Commuter Travel Cot
Best for: a complete sleep solution for babies and toddlers
*Weighs 14.8 kg
*Can be used from birth to 3 years
*Plenty of accessories
A great all-round travel cot that has lots of extras. The mesh sides allow ventilation and visibility and the main sleeping space is a generous size. The clip-on changing unit for easy nappy changes and the cradle seat, which can be used for newborn naps, has a 5-point harness for safety. There is also a full-sized bassinet for sleeping from birth to around 4 months. The toy bar is great to keep baby entertained and fabrics can all be wiped clean. It has a travel case with wheels for when it's packed away.
Maxi-Cosi Iris
Best for: compact and space-saving
*Weighs 5.96kg
*Can be used from birth to 3 years
*All fabric is machine washable
This is a compact travel cot that will save on space, both when your child is sleeping in it and when it's packed away. There are two adjustable mattress base positions - use the higher one for newborns up to around 4 months and then drop it down for a bed for toddlers up to 3. It packs away compactly and is very light, so it's easy to carry around. The fabrics are all machine washable, so you can keep it looking good for longer and it has a nice thick mattress.
How much does a travel cot cost?
Travel cots start from around £40, and increase in price up to about £250. The designs don’t tend to differ enormously, but more expensive cots typically have extra features and easier operating mechanisms.
What are the different types?
There are two main types of travel cot.
The most common sort has a plastic or metal frame with mesh sides that opens a bit like an umbrella, with a separate mattress that is jointed so you can fold it up.
This type usually folds into a large oblong shape that fits into a storage bag.
The other type is a pop-up cot; these usually have flexible frames and spring into position when you remove them from their carry bag.
You can also buy pop-up travel bassinets, which are a similar size to a Moses basket.
Standard travel cots are generally quite spacious so will last your child into toddlerhood.
However, they can be rather heavy, and because the mattress base isn’t height-adjustable, it can be difficult to lift your baby in and out – although some more expensive models have an additional bassinet that clips onto the top of the frame.
The other drawback of this type of cot is that the mattress is generally made out of board with light padding on top, so may not be very comfortable for your baby to sleep on.
Conventional travel cots often have castors, which make them easier to move around.
Some also have additional features such as storage pockets, a changing table that fits on top of the cot, or an attached cot mobile.
Pop-up travel cots are generally more expensive, but they can be easier to set up, although getting them back into the storage bag can be a challenge!
They often have a softer and more padded mattress, and some double up as a sun protection tent for the beach or garden – this type often has tent pegs so you can secure it to the ground, which is handy for camping.
Pop-up bassinets are only likely to be suitable for the first six months or so because of their size.
Whichever type of travel cot you choose, it’s a good idea to test the operating mechanism before you buy.
Some can be folded and unfolded with one hand, whereas others can be tricky to set up. It’s also important to check out the weight of the cot.
This can vary from as little as 2kg to 15kg, so consider how far you’ll need to carry it – if you’re driving on holiday, a heavy cot may not be a problem, but you might regret your decision if you have to carry it through a crowded airport.
Similarly, take note of the size, especially when it’s folded: some are designed to fit in an aeroplane overhead locker, while others might take up most of your car boot space.
Need to know
If you want your travel cot to multi-task as a playpen, look for one with mesh on all four sides, rather than with solid ends, so your child has a better view.
Remember though, it won’t be as roomy as a purpose-built model.
Read on:
- The best travel cots for under £100
- The best space-saving buys for your nursery
- The best buys for travelling with kids
FAQs
What age can babies sleep in travel cots? ›
A: Little ones can use Joie travel cots from birth until 15kg (approximately 3 years) or until they are able to climb out. Most accessories, such as changers, bassinets, and napping seats, are usable up to 9kg or until the child can sit, kneel, or pull themselves up unaided (approximately 6 months).
Is it worth buying a travel cot? ›They're designed to be convenient on trips – they're lighter, handier, and are much easier to fold and unfold. The same cannot be said about playpens. So, if you're looking for a mobile piece of furniture for trips, a travel cot is a much better option.
Can a 2 year old use a travel cot? ›Some of the most compact cots are light to carry and easy to store but for this reason will only last from around 3 months to 18 months. Others are bigger and you can use them from 3 months or 6 months up to 3 years or even 5 years of age, as with the Bushbaby Nestegg Pop-up Travel Cot.
Is travel cot good for babies? ›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.
How do I choose a travel cot? ›There are some key questions to consider when buying a travel cot. Obviously, it needs to be appropriate for the age and size of your child, but you'll also want to take note of how portable it is, how quickly it can be assembled – and how much you want to spend.
Should you put a mattress in a travel cot? ›You don't need a mattress for a travel cot, as most come with a sleeping surface sized to keep the pen stable. The sleeping surface for babies under a year old should be firm to prevent any risk of suffocation or choking. However, extra padding might be needed for older babies and toddlers.
Can you use a travel cot as a permanent bed? ›Travel cots are perfect for your baby to nap in or sleep in for a few nights on a trip away. In general though, they are not as safe and suitable for your baby to sleep in long-term because they are not as sturdy as a regular cot and the mattresses tend to be thinner.
What age is 15kg baby? ›Current booster cushions, approved for children weighing 15kg and over (around 4 years), can remain on sale and you can continue using them. This is a change to regulations affecting the approval for sale of new products rather than a change to the law on using child seats.
Can a travel cot be used as a playpen? ›We use a travel cot for our youngest child when visiting grandparents and friends and use another as a safe travel playpen for his older brother on holidays. As a parenting writer, I've had the opportunity to try out many different types.
Where does a 2 year old sleep on holiday? ›Can my 2-year-old sleep in a travel cot? Certain travel cots are appropriate for 2-year-olds, but young 2-year-olds who haven't yet transitioned to a toddler bed may be more comfortable and safer in a more crib-like pack-and-play or a travel bed with safety rails.
What size is a standard travel cot? ›
Fully Breathable Standard Travel Cot Mattress (95 x 65 x 10 cm)
Can you use a travel crib as regular crib? ›Some parents also prefer using their travel cots as the regular baby cribs. This is more common for parents who travel often. The advantage is that even when you are on a vacation or away from home, your baby can sleep more easily since they are already used to sleeping in their travel cribs.
How old is a 9kg baby? ›| Baby's age | Weight | Height |
|---|---|---|
| Month 4 | 5.5kg - 8kg | 59cm - 66cm |
| Month 5 | 6kg - 9kg | 61cm - 70cm |
| Month 6 | 6.5kg - 9.5kg | 63cm - 71cm |
| Month 7 | 7kg - 10kg | 64cm - 72cm |
Basic and the most important equipment that parents should expect from the hotel visiting with a little child is a baby cot. Usually hotels indicate in their offer whether they are able to provide a crib to the room or not. This service is in most cases free of charge but it's worth to make sure.
How much does a 2 year old weigh? ›Your 2-year-old child's growth
At 2 years old, your toddler is growing, growing, grown — to a length that just might predict her future height. Most 2-year-old girls weigh 19½ to 32½ pounds and measure 31½ to 36½ inches tall. Boys typically weigh 21 to 33½ pounds and measure 32 to 37 inches tall.
If you are an avid traveler or often visit your parents' place where you need a specific spot for the baby to sleep undisturbed, you should invest in a travel crib. However, if you travel for vacations once in a while and already have a spare toddler bed at your parents' place, you don't really need to purchase one.
How much does a travel cot weight? ›Weighing just 7kg it's really easy to transport, but the lightweight mattress is still comfy enough to convince your little one to nap wherever you might be. At 14.95kg this travel cot from Dutch baby brand Nuna is at the heavier end of the portable scale.
What size mattress does a red kite travel cot need? ›Travel Cot Mattress Extra Thick Quilted fits Graco Red Kite Breathable & Non-Allergenic (95 x 65 x 7.5 cm)
How do I make my travel cot more comfortable? ›- Choose a Travel Cot With a Firm and Flat Mattress. ...
- Keep the Cot Clean and Clear. ...
- Provide Your Baby With Sensory Comfort. ...
- Try White Noise To Drown Out Distractions. ...
- Use a Sleeping Bag or Blanket To Ensure Their Safety.
Choose a mattress that feels firm rather than soft, your baby needs support while they are sleeping. It should be no thinner than 8cm.
What size mattress do I need for travel cot? ›
travel cot mattress to fit Mamas and Papas Sleep Travel Cot - mattress size 105 x 71 cm. Various types available.
Can baby sleep in travel cot instead of cot? ›Is it safe for a baby to sleep in a portacot long term, instead of a standard cot? Portable/folding cots are not recommended for permanent sleeping. The mandatory standards, developed by Product Safety, has the following information. Folding cots are designed for temporary use.
Can you use a portable cot all the time? ›Can you use a portacot all the time? No. While a portable cot is handy when you're travelling or away from home, a standard cot is a much better bet for every day. They're more durable than portable cots and can accommodate larger babies, so you'll get more use out of them.
Can a baby sleep in a Moses basket at night? ›For the first 6 months the safest place for your baby to sleep is in a cot, crib or moses basket in your room beside your bed and in the same room as you, for all sleeps. You'll also be close by if they need a feed or cuddle.
How old is a 13kg baby? ›| Group | Child's weight | Age of child |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Birth up to 10kg/22lb | Birth up to 6 to 9 months |
| 0+ | Birth up to 13kg/29lb | Birth up to 12 to 15 months |
| 0+ & 1 | Birth up to 18kg/40lb | Birth up to 4 years |
| 1 | 9-18kg / 20-40lb | 9 months to 4 years |
Average Baby Weight at One Year
By one year, the average weight of a baby girl is approximately 19 pounds 10 ounces (8.9 kg), with boys weighing about 21 pounds 3 ounces (9.6 kg).
Check the weight limit
Putting a child that is too heavy in the pushchair may make it very unstable. If your pushchair was designed for only one child, it is best not to use it to carry more than one.
However, can they be used interchangeably? Definitely not - the main difference between these accessories is their size and purpose. The travel cot is to be used by the child to sleep, and the playpen for play.
What is a bassinet in a travel cot? ›Bassinet. This fits across the top of the travel cot, providing a crib for your newborn to sleep in. This will suit your baby until she is about three months old, or around 6kg (13lb) in weight. A bassinet is higher up in the cot, making it easier to keep an eye on your baby.
Can a toddler sleep in a travel cot? ›Although travel cots are safe for babies and toddlers to sleep in for short stints, they are not designed for regular sleep over a long period of time. You need a more robust, permanent cot for normal everyday use in addition to an occasional-use travel cot.
Can a 2 year old and newborn share a room? ›
After six months, there's no problem with your baby and your toddler sharing a room, provided that they both sleep well. In fact, being together at night-time may enhance your children's relationship and even increase their sense of comfort and security while they're both young.
Can I put a thicker mattress in a travel cot? ›When using a travel cot it can be tempting to add extra padding as the mattress may feel firmer than usual. However, we recommend against this as the best way to reduce the risk of SIDS is to put your baby to sleep on a firm, flat and waterproof mattress.
Are cots and cot beds the same size? ›Cots and cot beds do vary in size, with cots being the smaller of the two. Cots measure approximately 65cm x 125cm, requiring a 60cm x 120cm mattress, while the average cot bed measures 75cm x 145cm and requires a 70cm x 140cm mattress.
What should babies sleep in while traveling? ›Either bring your own travel crib or request a crib from the hotel. This will give your baby a safe space for sleeping. A SlumberPod is one of the best products to create a dark sleeping space for your baby.
What should baby sleep in while traveling? ›An infant can safely sleep in either a bassinet, travel crib, pack n play, or a hotel crib, just to mention a few.
Where do babies sleep while Travelling? ›When traveling, babies should sleep alone in a crib, portable crib, bassinet or pack and play.
How much should a 3 month old drink? ›3-month-olds will generally drink 4 to 6 ounces of formula around every four hours. That adds up to 24 to 36 ounces of formula in around six feedings total in a 24-hour period.
How much should a 4 month old drink? ›At 4 months, your baby may drink about 4–6 ounces (120-180 milliliters) at each feeding, depending on how often they eat. By 6 months, your baby may drink 6–8 ounces (180–230 milliliters) about 4–5 times a day.
How do I make my baby chubby? ›Offer full-fat dairy products: Add grated cheese to soups or sprinkle it over rice and pasta to add the calories you're looking for. Look for full-fat yogurts but skip the ones laden with sugar. Choose your fruits: Offer your baby bananas, pears, and avocados instead of apples and oranges.
What is a hotel cot? ›cot Add to list Share. A cot is a small, portable bed. You might sleep on a cot when you go camping. Some hotels offer cots for extra guests who stay in your room, and campers and soldiers on the move often use cots for sleeping.
What age is a child Travelodge? ›
- 1 adult and 1 child (under 16). - 2 adults and 1 baby in a cot (cots are available at some hotels, dependent on availability) dependent on space available in the room.
Do Premier Inns have cots? ›Our Premier Inn hotels are perfect for comfy, affordable and fun family breaks, whatever the occasion. In our family rooms, you can enjoy a super-comfy kingsize* bed for the grown-ups, and two pull-out or sofa beds for the kids. Plus, if you're travelling with a baby, we'll get you a travel cot too!
How much should a 2 year old talk? ›Between the ages of 2 and 3, most children: Speak in two- and three-word phrases or sentences. Use at least 200 words and as many as 1,000 words.
What should my 2 year old know? ›By the age of 2, your toddler is talking, walking, climbing, jumping, running and bustling with energy. Your child now has a growing vocabulary and acquires new words on a regular basis. She/he can sort shapes and colours and may even show an interest in potty training.
What should a 2 year old know academically? ›- Point to things or pictures when they are named.
- Know the names of parents, siblings, body parts, and objects.
- Say a sentence with two to four words.
- Follow simple Instructions.
- Repeat words overheard in a conversation.
Can you use a portacot all the time? No. While a portable cot is handy when you're travelling or away from home, a standard cot is a much better bet for every day. They're more durable than portable cots and can accommodate larger babies, so you'll get more use out of them.
Can I use a travel crib as regular crib? ›Some parents also prefer using their travel cots as the regular baby cribs. This is more common for parents who travel often. The advantage is that even when you are on a vacation or away from home, your baby can sleep more easily since they are already used to sleeping in their travel cribs.
How long are babies in Moses baskets for? ›Moses baskets are designed for use from birth up to 3-4 months, or until your little one is able to sit or pull themselves up unaided. Therefore, it is advised that you only use your Moses basket while your baby is a newborn.
Can I use a travel cot for daytime naps? ›For example, for your baby's daytime naps when you're visiting friends for the day. Many mums use sturdier, floor-level travel cots as playpens, too, or as a safe place to pop their toddler for a minute, especially when baby number two comes along and you suddenly find yourself running out of hands.
Can you put an extra mattress in a travel cot? ›When using a travel cot it can be tempting to add extra padding as the mattress may feel firmer than usual. However, we recommend against this as the best way to reduce the risk of SIDS is to put your baby to sleep on a firm, flat and waterproof mattress.
Can you buy a mattress for a porta cot? ›
Only use the firm, thin, well-fitting mattress that is supplied with the portable cot. Never add a second mattress or additional padding under or over the mattress, which has been specifically designed for the portacot, as baby may become trapped face down in gaps between the mattress and the sides.
Can babies sleep in portable cot? ›Portable/folding cots are not recommended for permanent sleeping. The mandatory standards, developed by Product Safety, has the following information. Folding cots are designed for temporary use.
What should babies sleep in while traveling? ›Either bring your own travel crib or request a crib from the hotel. This will give your baby a safe space for sleeping. A SlumberPod is one of the best products to create a dark sleeping space for your baby.
What should baby sleep in while traveling? ›An infant can safely sleep in either a bassinet, travel crib, pack n play, or a hotel crib, just to mention a few.
What is the difference between a travel crib and a pack and play? ›The main differences between a travel crib vs pack n play are their portability and price. A pack n play can be portable but is still heavier to carry and move around than a travel crib. A travel crib is lighter but it can be more expensive than a regular pack n play.
Where should I put my baby during the day? ›Where should my baby sleep during the daytime? Actually, the same rules apply during the daytime as they do at night. Ideally, for the first six months, your baby will sleep in their Moses basket or cot in the same room as you even for their daytime naps (Lullaby Trust, 2018).
Should newborns nap in the dark? ›A dark, quiet environment can help encourage your baby to sleep. Put your baby to bed drowsy, but awake. Before your baby gets overtired or cranky, you might try singing soft lullabies or swaddling or massaging him or her. Eventually, your baby will learn that these activities mean it's time to rest.
What is better palm or wicker Moses basket? ›Traditional Moses baskets are made in different materials, namely palm or wicker. Both are sturdy and lightweight options. The palm leaf baskets tend to be much more affordable however, if you plan to use the basket for siblings then wicker will last longer.
How do I make my travel cot more comfortable? ›- Choose a Travel Cot With a Firm and Flat Mattress. ...
- Keep the Cot Clean and Clear. ...
- Provide Your Baby With Sensory Comfort. ...
- Try White Noise To Drown Out Distractions. ...
- Use a Sleeping Bag or Blanket To Ensure Their Safety.
- Safe Places for Baby to Sleep. When a crib is not available, there are other ways to give your baby a safe place to sleep. ...
- Pack n' Play. A pack n' play is a good alternative to a crib. ...
- Box. ...
- Dresser Drawer. ...
- Inflatable Mattress or Waterbeds. ...
- Car Seat or Bouncy Seat. ...
- Sofas, Couches, or Chairs. ...
- More Tips.
Where do you put a newborn when awake? ›
Just as adults can benefit from some downtime, infants need a balance of stimulation and quiet time to process their environment. If your baby is awake and content, it's perfectly OK to let them hang out in their crib or in another safe spot while you get some well-deserved time for yourself.