Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot review: safe, sturdy and toddler-proof
With its breathable design, zip-off newborn bassinet and one-handed assembly, the Nuna Sena Aire travel cot has been designed with convenience and sleep-boosting technology in mind. But how did it fare when put to the test by busy mum-of-two Bethan and her active toddler?
By Jenny Wonnacott | Last updated Jun 11, 2024
Price on writing: £250 | Buy now from John Lewis | Buy now from Natural Baby Shower | Buy now from Mamas & Papas
Designed for maximum airflow thanks to mesh sides and ventilated mesh mattress
Easy to assemble (tester is 4'11 and found it a lot easier to manouevre than other travel cots)
Plenty of space inside for toddler without being overwhelmingly large
Comfortable
Comes with a travel bag which tester found to be very good
Expensive
Tester didn't find much to make it stand out particularly from other travel cots
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
Read next: Find out how the Nuna Sena Aire measures up against more tried and tested travel cots, including the Bugaboo Stardust, Red Kite Sleeptight and Silver Cross Slumber with more in-depth reviews.
How we tested the Nuna Sena Aire
Mum-of-two Bethan put the Nuna Sena Aire travel cot through its paces over a testing period of four weeks. During this time her 20-month-old daughter used the cot primarily to sleep in. Bethan took extensive notes on the travel cot's safety, sturdiness, practicality, longevity and value for money.
How easy is the Nuna Sena Aire travel cot to assemble?
'I found it relatively easy to put up,' said Bethan. 'It came out of the box easily all in one go.'
I am only 4'11 so I can find travel cots difficult to set up as I dont have the arm span to pop it up. This was a lot easier than previous cots I have used.
Related: Find more bedtime essentials with our guides to the best baby monitors and newborn cribs
How big is the Nuna Sena Aire?
'When folded it feels like the usual travel cot size. It isn't too heavy - probably about the same weight as a folding lightweight pram I'd say.'
Buy now from John LewisIt's a decent size when assembled, but not overwhelmingly big. My daughter is 20 months and had plenty of room inside the cot when lying down all around her, top to bottom and sides.
Related: The best mattress protector, cot bed and white noise machine for peaceful nights
How comfortable is the Nuna Sena Aire?
'My daughter slept very well in the cot. There is a thin mattress which has padding that you put aroudn the sides of the travel cot when folded down. Though thin, it is sufficient for a few night's sleep.'
How sturdy is the travel cot?
'I found it to be very sturdy. My daughter stood up in the cot in the morning asking to be let out and I didn't have any fear of the cot budging or toppling.'
How well does the Nuna Sena Aire work as a playpen?
'I think the cot would work as a playpen for a younger baby.'
Had my daughter been younger I would have considered it a safe space in which to leave her during the day time.
Read next: The best swaddles, cot mattresses and Moses baskets according to parents
How long can you use the Sene Aire?
The Nuna Sena Aire travel cot is designed to be used from birth until the toddler weighs 15kg or is able to climb out.
Buy now from John LewisMy daughter is small for her age, so I think, if she doesn't learn how to climb out of her day-to-day cot, it will be big enough to use until she is at least around 2.5 years old, maybe even three.
Related: Bedtime essentials for the whole family, from the best toddler bed to top bunk beds and your next favourite mattress
How well does the Nuna Sena Aire travel?
'It comes with a very good bag which is big enough to actually fit the cot back into without hassle,' explained Bethan.
It isn't too heavy in my opinion and should fit length ways across the back of most boots so I would consider it transportable by car definitely.
Does the Nuna Sena Aire represent good value for money?
'I think that if you are going to use it frequently, yes.'
Overall verdict
'I think overall, the design and quality of the Nuna Sena Aire travel cot are very good. I felt confident with my daughter in it and in the morning it really wasn't budging with her standing up waiting to be picked up.
'However, it is pretty similar to other travel cots and there isn't anything which really stands out about it.'
Read next: The best night lights, mattress for kids and Moses basket mattresses according to Mumsnetters
About the author
Jenny Wonnacott is a Content Editor for Mumsnet, specialising in writing, editing and optimising pregnancy, baby care and general parenting-related content. As a parent of three primary school-aged children, Jenny is passionate about making Mumsetters' lives easier through rigorous research of all items recommended in reviews, features buyers' guides.
She regularly reviews a wide range of parenting and lifestyle products for Mumsnet, from breast pumps to kettles, board games and cribs. Jenny is also a sci-fi author (writing as J M Briscoe) and experienced journalist.
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All prices correct at time of publication