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21 best lightweight, portable and cost-effective travel cots for babies and toddlers
The best portable cribs to keep babies and toddlers safe and cosy away from home
New to the world of parenting? Once your bumper online order of cots, baby changing bags, buggies, pram organisers, nursing bras and the kitchen sink has arrived, surely it must be time to relax? Sorry mamas, there is one more key item you need to add to your arsenal of baby gear and that's a travel cot.
If you’ve already splashed out on a fancy crib and a Moses basket you might be wondering why you need yet another bed for your little one. But a travel cot is an essential piece of kit and, trust us, when you're away from home and wrestling with a tired baby at bedtime, you will come to treasure it.
Here is everything you need to know about hitting the road with your tot in tow, including the benefits of a portable crib and the best travel cots on the market right now...
Best travel cots to buy in 2024
In a hurry? Here's our pick of the best travel cots at a glance. Keep scrolling for the full list.
What is a travel cot?
A travel cot is essentially a portable crib to use when you’re staying anywhere that isn't your home. Most models are designed with speedy assembly in mind, so you can chuck it in the car boot for a weekend at granny’s house or even take it on a plane. Traditional travel cots also come with high mesh walls, so you can keep an eye on your sleeping tot and they won't get too hot.
While lugging an extra bed around might sound like a faff, if you’re staying in a hotel, visiting friends or camping with a baby in tow and chaos reigns, once you've popped up your travel cot you will breathe a sigh of relief. Babies love routine, especially when it comes to bedtime. The safe confines of a portable crib will provide a comfortable and familiar place to put your tired infant wherever you might be in the world, so everyone can get a better night's kip.
‘There’s no guarantee that your destination will have a safe sleeping space for your baby,’ says Paediatrician and child development expert Dr Harvey Karp. ‘While a plush, pillow-loaded hotel bed may sound like a dream for Mum and Dad, it’s not a safe spot for your little one to rest their head. By bringing your own cot, you can rest easier knowing that your bub will have a safe place to sleep.’
Travel cot shopping guide
Not sure where to start? Jumaimah Hussain from Kiddies Kingdom has outlined the following key features to look out for when buying a travel cot.
- Ease of use: check the size and how the cot folds to make sure it is compact and easy to assemble, as well as quick and easy to fold away. It should also be a suitable size for your home and car.
- Age suitability: travel cots differ with upper age and weight limits, so make sure you take this into account depending on your child and how long you are planning to use the travel cot.
- Type of travel cot: there are typically two main types: the traditional travel cot that consists of a fabric cot on a frame that collapses for transportation, or a pop-up cot which tends to be lighter and allows for a quick set up.
- Easy to transport: some travel cots can be heavy, so look for one that suits your needs. Some cots also come with a carry-bag or wheels which can make it easier to transport.
- Mattress: travel cot mattresses tend to be thinner and harder than normal cot mattresses to allow for compact fold and easy storage. Make sure that the mattress is firm, flat and is covered in waterproof material. You can also buy a new mattress separately, but make sure it is the correct size for the cot and that you have space to carry it.
- Bassinet attachment: if you have a newborn, you’ll benefit massively from this feature which fits across the top of the travel cot, providing a crib for your newborn to sleep in.
- Washable covers: it is inevitable that the cot will need washing from time to time, if the cover is easily cleaned and removable this is great.
- Mesh window: a good travel cot should have at least one mesh window so that you can always see the baby.
21 best travel cots to buy
Pros
- Padded bumper rails
- Aesthetically pleasing design
Cons
- Clean with dry cloth only
At under £60, this blush travel cot from on-trend baby brand My Babiie is a great budget-friendly neutral option. It’s easy to assemble and doubles up as a playpen making it the ideal travel companion.
This stylish travel cot also comes with a handy carry bag and padded bumper rails, plus it’s suitable for babies from birth up to a weight of 15kg.
Key details
| Dimensions | 120 x 60 x 77 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 7.9kg |
Pros
- Luxe design
- Lightweight and easy to assemble
Cons
- Higher price point
Who knew a travel cot could look and feel this luxe? Part of a limited edition collab between Tinie Tempah and heritage brand Silver Cross, it doubles up as a co-sleeper and playpen and can be used from birth to aged three.
Made from brushed titanium, organic bamboo and breathable mesh, you can feel the quality in every part of the sleek, ergonomic design, with tactile ribbed cushioning and leatherette accents.
Despite its sturdy feel, it’s lightweight and quick to assemble with an easy pop and shake mechanism, and zips away neatly into a weatherproof carry case.
Key details
| Dimensions | 67 x 80 x 112 cm |
|---|---|
| Folded size | 17 x 34 x 88 cm |
| Weight | 6.1kg. |
Pros
- Compact folded size
- One hand operating panel
Cons
- Not as aesthetically pleasing as other options
The Joie baby travel crib is popular thanks to its super-compact size once folded. It also has a clever sliding side panel that can be operated with one hand allowing you easy access to your little one the minute you hear those middle of the night cries.
It’s been designed by UK brand Joie to have a tilt that keeps your baby at an optimum angle for avoiding acid reflux. Mesh windows offer good ventilation, whilst the cushioned mattress will give your bubba the comfy snooze they (and you!) deserve.
Key details
| Dimensions | 90.3 x 68.5 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 9.5kg. |
Pros
- Thick mattress
- Chic design
Cons
- Heavier than some of the others on the market
If you expect your travel cot to get plenty of use, then might we suggest this Maxi Cosi one that comes in a graphite colour? It's perfect for disguising marks.
This bedside crib and travel cot also looks super chic, and is lightweight with a thick mattress for your little one to rest on after a day of exploring their new destination.
Key details
| Dimensions | 87 x 65 x 90 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 9.7kg. |
Pros
- Two convenient adjustable levels
- Comfy foam mattress
Cons
- Clean with dry cloth only
One of the most aesthetically pleasing travel cots on the market, this two-in-one crib comes with a bassinet option for newborns that can then be lowered for growing tots.
It's easy to assemble in just one click, the lining is machine washable and the wood-effect legs give it extra style points. At 6kg it's light enough to carry about and our panel of mum testers gave the mattress a thumbs up too.
Key details
| Dimensions | 690 x 670 x 115 cm. |
|---|---|
| Folded size | 570 x 540 x 150 cm. |
| Weight | 6kg. |
Pros
- Comfy mattress
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not as aesthetically pleasing as some other options
If you're a frequent flyer with cash to spare, this brilliant travel cot from premium Swedish brand BabyBjörn is one of the best portable beds for bubbas that we've tried.
Yes, it's at the pricier end of the spectrum, but it assembles in seconds, is incredibly light to carry and the accompanying mattress is just the right thickness to keep your tot cosy all night long.
Best of all we love that it collapses down into a briefcase shape, making it much easier to carry on planes and trains compared to traditional bulkier travel cots.
Key details
| Dimensions | 82 x 112 x 64 cm |
|---|---|
| Folded size | 49 x 60 x 14 cm |
| Weight | 6kg (including carry bag) |
Pros
- Takes seconds to put up and down
- Bassinet included
Cons
- Only available in one colourway
Another great travel cot from Maxi-Cosi, this one also doubles up as a play pen, or a great place to pop your wriggly toddler when you need a pee/cuppa tea.
It boasts the famous one-second fold, which basically means you can dismantle it in a flash. And at only 7kg in weight, it's also surprisingly light and easy to transport, making it perfect for weekends away, holidays and visiting the family.
Key details
| Dimensions | 106 x 87 x 76 cm |
|---|---|
| Folded size | 25 x 25 x 83 cm |
| Weight | 7kg |
Pros
- Assembles in seconds
- Extra flat at only 26cm wide
Cons
- Only available in one colourway
If space is at a premium and you need a travel cot that tucks easily away, this dinky crib from Graco is a great shout. It comes with a double fold design, so it can be carried around easily or made even smaller for storage at home.
Better yet it comes with a handy bag and wheels for easy transportation. And if keeping the cost down is a concern, it's also one of the cheaper travel cots on our list.
Key details
| Dimensions | 119 x 63 x 68 cm |
|---|---|
| Folded size | 26 x 66 x 66 cm |
| Weight | 6.78kg. |
Pros
- Good quality mattress
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Three steps to assemble
When it comes to shopping for travel cots, thin mattresses are often the biggest bone of contention for parents, as there's not much we won't do for a good night's kip!
You'll be pleased to hear that this nifty little travel cot has a considerably better quality mattress than you would expect for the price, boosting everyone's chances of sleep wherever you happen to be. It's also really easy to assemble and super light. Sold.
Key details
| Dimensions | 85 x 55 x 66 cm |
|---|---|
| Folded size | 60 x 15 x 50 cm |
| Weight | 6kg |
Pros
- Spacious design
- Wheels for easy moving
Cons
- Not as aesthetically pleasing as other options
Looking for a spacious and well-ventilated crib that doubles up as a playpen for the toddler years? This roomy travel cot comes with two wheels so you can easily move it about the house, plus the push-button fold makes it really simple to pack down when you're ready to hit the road.
Key details
| Dimensions | 100 x 73 x 90 cm |
|---|---|
| Folded size | 24 x 22 x 87 cm |
| Weight | 10kg. |
Joie Commuter Travel Cot - Change & Bounce
Pros
- Comes with a removable bassinet
- Comes with vibrating bouncer
Cons
- Bulkier design
Weighing in at 12.3kg this travel cot sits at the bulkier end of the portable crib spectrum, so it's better suited to family holidays with access to a car boot than public transport.
But once you have arrived at your villa/hotel and erected your temporary baby nest, the removable bassinet and vibrating bouncer complete with toy bar will make relaxing on holiday a breeze.
Our panel of mum testers were impressed with how simple it was to assemble, plus integrated wheels made it easy to keep baby close by at nap times.
Key details
| Dimensions | 106 x 70.5 x 80 cm |
|---|---|
| Folded size | 79 x w 25 x 21 cm |
| Weight | 12.3kg. |
Pros
- Ultra lightweight
- Tent design for naps
Cons
- Not a traditional cot design
Looking for the perfect baby bed for your summer hols? Your search is over! This clever and remarkably light travel cot works like a pop-up tent, with an integrated roof to keep baby safe from the sun's harmful rays during daytime naps and hungry mosquitos at night.
It's really quick to assemble and the handy rucksack is light enough to carry from your hotel to the beach, leaving your hands free to hold your baby/picnic lunch. Plus once your little one has dropped their daytime naps it will still make a great playhouse or sun shade.
Key details
| Dimensions | 33 x 85 x 72 cm |
|---|---|
| Folded size | 42 x 31 x 20 cm |
| Weight | 2.5kg. |
ReadyBed Junior ReadyBed Air Bed and Sleeping Bag
So, what's the protocol for that tricky in-between stage when your toddler is too big for a travel cot but not quite ready for a real bed? This fun inflatable option from ReadyBed is just the ticket for bedtime on the move. It comes with a built in cover that works like a sleeping bag but also stops wriggly tots from rolling out. It's also light enough for air and train travel, or you can pop it in the car boot for a weekend at granny's and summer camping trips too.
Dimensions: 62 x 150 x 20 cm
Weight: 1.4 kg
Pros
- Ultra lightweight
- Easy to pop up
Cons
- Better for babies who can’t sit up
Weighing just 1.2kg, this dinky travel bed is one of the lightest portable cribs on the market and ideal for parents on the move.
In the absence of high walls it's best for babies who can't yet sit up, but if you need a foldable bed to put your little one down for a nap almost anywhere, this is a great lightweight option.
Key details
| Dimensions | 75 x 41 cm |
|---|---|
| Folded size | 41 x 26 cm |
| Weight | 1.2kg. |
Pros
- Includes a portable carry case
- Includes a bassinet
Cons
- Three steps to fold
Best known for premium prams, Bugaboo's travel cot offering has the same quality we've come to expect from the brand. (If you're not familiar, we love the Bugaboo Bee pushchair!)
Featuring a bassinet for little ones up to 9kg and a portable carry case, this travel cot is sleek, stylish and incredibly easy to assemble.
Key details
| Dimensions | 64 x 98 x 85 cm |
|---|---|
| Folded size | 65 x 14 x 85 cm |
| Weight | 7.7kg. |
Stokke CloudSleeper Inflatable Kids’ Bed
Pros
- Inflates in 60 seconds
- Compact size and weight
Cons
- Not a traditional cot design
It's not often we get overexcited about a blow-up mattress for kids here at WH, but this clever travel bed from Norwegian baby brand Stokke has raised the bar.
It inflates easily in 60 seconds using an integrated pump, the cosy mesh cover means it just doesn't feel like a normal camping mattress, and when fully inflated it is genuinely comfortable. We also like the full-length side bumpers for keeping wriggly kids in place.
What's more, the double-layered zipper packing cube means it folds up small enough to pop into your hand luggage while you're travelling. Our only complaint is that they don't make this brilliant bed in adult sizes too!
Key details
| Dimensions | 38 x 28 x 10 cm |
|---|---|
| Folded size | 150 x 75 cm |
| Weight | 1.4kg. |
At 14.95kg this travel cot from Dutch baby brand Nuna is at the heavier end of the portable scale. But our panel of mum testers were impressed with the handy centralised pulley system that can be assembled in seconds with no tools required, plus it’s raised off the ground to increase airflow and keep your baby cool throughout the night. It also folds up small enough to store away easily in a cupboard and most importantly, the padded mattress was cosy enough to get the little one's vote.
Pop this cute super-cute SnüzCloud Sleep Aid in your shopping trolley too and boost everyone's chances of a good night's kip.
Dimensions: 74 x 107 x 73 cm
Folded size: 85 x 36 x 34 cm
Weight: 14.95kg
We bought this to take our three month old baby camping last summer and we've used it religiously ever since. At 9kg it's slightly bulky, but if you're flinging it in the back of the car for a weekend away it does the trick. Admittedly the sleeping base is a bit hard so we have since added this cot mattress, but if you're looking for a sturdy and cost-effective portable crib, I can't recommend this enough.
Dimensions: 74 x 100 x 74cm
Folded size: 75 x 21 x 21cm
Weight: 9kg
This all-in-one day bed with a built-in mat, pillow and blanket is great for sleepovers, camping trips or just to cosy up at home. At 1.1kg it's light enough to throw into your handbag, while the soft animal print fabric make it comfy enough to convince your tired tot they need a daytime nap. My toddler gave it the thumbs up for watching cartoons on the living room floor too.
Dimensions: 50 x 135cm
Folded size: 47 x 23 x 21cm
Weight: 1.1kg
This isn't a traditional travel cot, but frequent flyers will love this dinky inflatable day bed for use on aeroplanes. Designed to keep your baby in a cosy natural sleeping position on your lap, it's small enough to pop into your hand luggage and comes with a zip-up cover to keep wriggly tots secure.
We can't promise it will make your little one sleep for an entire long haul flight, but anything that minimises disruption (and side-eye from fellow grumpy passengers) gets our vote.
Dimensions: 75 x 45 x 6 cm
Weight: 500g
Rhalou is a senior digital editor specialising in health and wellness with over fifteen years’ online and print publishing experience.
Rhalou has worked for various health platforms including Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Runner’s World, Netdoctor, Women’s Running, Men’s Running, The Running Bug and Women’s Fitness.
Covering everything from sexual health to fitness, parenting, marathon running and self-care, Rhalou loves creating fun and accessible lifestyle content and feels strongly about demystifying complex medical jargon and empowering people to better understand their health.
Previously, Rhalou was a freelance social media specialist for several major sporting events and race listings including The London Marathon, Breca Swimrun, Findarace, The Westminster Mile and Prudential Ride 100. She has also been a reporter on a local newspaper in remote Scotland, penning breaking news stories about killer otters, cats stuck up trees and the Scottish hill racing scene.
Over the years, Rhalou has been lucky enough to run 15 marathons and even a few ultra-marathons. She is still a passionate runner, but these days she can mostly be found at her local parkrun or chasing after her young son.
Jessica is a freelance shopping writer specialising in fashion, beauty, and interiors. Jessica was previously a shopping writer at BuzzFeed and has also had work published on Huffington Post, More!, and Reveal. Her most recent role was as a senior e-commerce writer for Women's Health UK covering everything baby and parenting. Jessica is also a fashion content creator under the name Lifebyjess_x.Jessica has an eye for trending products and scouring the internet for great deals, covering everything from practical home buys to the latest fashion finds. She loves checking out TikTok and Instagram for the latest must-haves, as well as cutting through the noise to share the best new launches and sale finds.When not working, Jessica is passionate about finding the best places for a Sunday roast and cuddling her rather spoilt miniature dachshund, Waffle!
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