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10 best travel cots in 2022

Are you planning on travelling with your baby? Travelling as a parent comes with its fair share of challenges, especially when it comes to sleeping. Baby travel cots are perfect for parents who want to carry their little one on a plane, bus, or even train. They’re lightweight and can be folded up and stored away easily once travelling is over.

But what are the best travel cots in 2022? We have listed the best travel cots for you to use and what features each has so that you can choose which one is right for you.

Why do we need travel cots?

As a parent, you pretty much have your hands full, so it doesn’t make sense to drag a crib around and a travel bag. Additionally, airport security tends to frown on cribs. Whether it’s a few days away for a weekend break or a week-long holiday, baby travel cots can offer those precious few moments of rest and relaxation before or after an important journey.

READ MORE : We select the 8 best travel kettles in 2022

All babies are different. In fact, many parents will tell you their child is unique; it is not just something they say but the truth. Each baby has a distinctive personality and particular ways of reacting to stimuli.

These reactions can cause problems during travelling times if not catered for properly. How can we stop this? Baby travel cots have been designed to make carrying your baby easier and safer for you and your baby.

It isn’t just for long trips

With so many travel cots available in the market, it is only fitting to ask who uses baby travel cots and what they are used for. Travel cots are used for the safety of the baby or toddler when sleeping away from home.

The portability makes them ideal to use on holiday, on weekends, or to have on a boat. They are also useful for people with limited space at home or whose home is not suitable for overnight stays.

Here are our top 10 travel cots for smart travellers

Milliard portable toddler bumper bed, chicco lullago travel bed, pack and play, ounuo 2 in 1 portable playard, babybjorn travel crib light.

• Pamo Babe 2 in 1 Bassinet Quick Foldable Travel Crib

SnoozeShade Pack N Play Blackout Travel Crib

Baby delight go with me, tectake travel cot, regalo my cot, guava family lotus travel crib, what to look for when purchasing a travel cot.

Travel cots are available in various sizes, from cots for when your baby is very young to larger sizes suitable for toddlers. When looking for a travel cot, it is really important to know what you are looking for. There are many different types and sizes available on the market, so make sure to compare before you go out and buy one of those quite expensive products!

Make sure you look for these things when purchasing a travel cot:

• Safety (it should have a suspension system)
• Lightweight and easy to carry
• A durable frame (should also be comfortable)
• Foldability (compact and takes up less space)
• Unfolding way and dimensions
• Weight and size

Also, keep in mind that the mattress must be made of high-quality materials and body-safe to avoid chemical burns, allergies or rashes from using the product. This will protect both the baby and the mother’s health.

The top 10 travel cots in 2022

The Milliard Travel Crib is a portable, bassinet-style travel bed that allows you to keep your newborn close as you get some well-deserved rest while travelling. The adjustable carry bag makes storage and transport easy.

Features include: – Portable Crib – Built-in sleeping bag – Machine washable cover – Teething rail for chewing relief – 5 point safety harness – Made from soft plastic crib sheets material.

The Chicco Lullago Travel Bed is the next generation of travel cots and is suitable for home, hotel or car. It draws heavily on traditional travel cot designs but with a modern twist.

Ingeniously designed to be used both as a travel bed and a cot at home, this versatile product has been rigorously crash tested to ensure baby’s safety every step of the way.

UNUO’s 2 in1 Portable Playard is the only portable play-yard providing sleep and safety. The first and only convertible travel cot can be changed from a playpen to a portable bed and used at any time.

The air mattress has a blower, making it easy to inflate and deflate, with the valve having an auto-lock function for quick deflation. The mattress is made of clear PVC material, thus can be washed by water or wet wipes.

The removable cover is made of waterproof material, so you do not have to worry about your baby being wet throughout the day or night.

BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light folds to a small and easy-to-carry size, making it perfect for parents who travel with their babies.

Made from breathable mesh, this travel cot provides the same comfort and safety as a regular crib but with adjustable height so you can always make sure your baby has a clear view of your face.

The cot can be used by children up to six months old at the highest sleeping setting.

Pamo Babe 2 in 1 Bassinet Quick Foldable Travel Crib 

Pamo Babe is the travel bed that makes it easy to take your baby on an adventure.

Compact and lightweight, the travel bed folds into a flat pack for storage and transport. Once unpacked, it simply unfolds into a cot, no tools required.

Its adjustable height legs ensure you can set up in virtually any space, and its waterproof mattress keeps the cot dry through the rain as well as long naps.

SnoozeShade™ is a revolutionary, patented travel crib that helps create the perfect environment for your child, allowing them to sleep soundly and peacefully while you travel.

Made of extra-thick padding and a motion-activated light sensor, SnoozeShade™ enables babies to sleep at the ideal temperature as they are shielded from light and noise. Your baby will sleep longer, and you will have more time to enjoy your limited vacation time.

The Baby Delight Go with Me Bungalow Deluxe Portable Travel Cot is an innovative hard-wearing travel cot that is both lightweight and compact.

Made with a padded mattress, carry handle, and detachable mosquito net, this travel cot is suitable for children up to 15 months old.

Although ideal for babies, it can also be used as a bedside crib or extra bedroom in the house during its life.

The Travel Cot from TecTake is a premium quality product that can be used for every stage of your baby’s life.

It allows you to keep your baby close while getting a good night’s sleep. This travel cot has a double layer of mattress – at the top, there is a little pillow which always contains the child and at the same time ensures safety.

The Regalo My Cot is a lightweight, portable and compact travel cot made from a breathable mesh fabric ideal for babies, toddlers and children aged 12 months or older.

The convenient size allows it to be taken on excursions and trips as a comfortable place to nap, rest or play.

The Lotus Travel Crib from Guava Family is a safe and supportive travel bed that follows you wherever you go.

It features a washable cotton mattress, easy folding, and small folding size so that it can be stored in the car on the way to the cabin or on top of your luggage.

The cot meets industry safety standards for infant travel beds and is safe for children up to 20 lbs (9.07 kg).

Whether it’s a day trip or a week-long vacation, when you are bringing your child along, be sure to check out the best travel cots in 2022.

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The best travel cots to buy in 2024 all tried and tested by parents

Our no-nonsense guide to the best travel cots — rated on the ease of assembly to how much space it'll take up in the boot

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Best travel cots 2023 at-a-glance

The best travel cots - tried and tested, how to choose the best travel cot, are travel cots safe for babies, at what age can babies sleep in travel cots, can babies sleep in a travel cot every night, can i change the travel cot mattress.

The best travel cots should be three things: lightweight, compact and easy to assemble. 

If you're heading away on holiday, staying overnight at a friend's house or visiting family far, far away, the best travel cots offer a safe and secure place for your baby to sleep in comfortably, when you're away from home. 

Unlike the best bedside cots , a travel cot is made to be portable. Therefore, many of today's travel cots are lightweight and very quick to assemble so when you reach your destination, you can construct it in minutes. The best travel cots enable you to do this with just one hand. Let's face it: after all that travelling — be it by train, car or plane — a long journey is bound to take it out of you. So your baby will most probably be tired (and so might you)!

Along with being easy to pop up, these handy sleep solutions will also be easy to disassemble and can be packed down neatly into their own storage bag so you can carry them easily to the car or stow them as luggage. To find out what we believe to be the best travel cots keep scrolling. We've included a range of the top options all tried and tested by parents and their little ones. 

• Best travel cot overall: Joie Kubbie Sleep, £99.99 | Very
• Best travel cot for assembly: BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light, £220 | Amazon
• Best budget travel cot: Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot, £36 | Amazon
• Best travel cot for camping: Little Life Arc 2, £119.99 | LittleLife
• Best travel cot for a plush mattress: Nuna Sena Aire, £249.99 | Very  
• Best travel cot for entertainment:  Graco Contour Electra,  £114.99 | Amazon
• Best travel cot for co-sleeping: Micralite Sleep & Go, £120 | Micralite

1. Joie Kubbie Sleep Travel Cot

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

What we thought: The Joie Kubbie Sleep Travel Cot gets our vote as the best travel cot to buy. 'Not only is it excellent value for money at just under £100,' says our Deputy Editor (and mum of three), Heidi Scrimgeour , 'but we also love that it comes with a newborn insert that zips into place inside the travel cot so that you don't have to bend all the way down to the ground to lift your baby in and out.' 

What our tester thought: ‘Having a tiny baby positioned up higher feels much safer than travel cots that place them on the ground, plus, it’s much easier on mums like me who’ve had a C-section,’ says our mum tester, Charlotte Clarke, who reviewed this travel cot with her 20-month-old daughter, Adelaide.

In co-sleeping mode, the cot sides drop down with a few simple clicks and the cot can be attached to a bed with straps, which are provided. But the innovation doesn’t stop there; the Kubbie Sleep Travel Cot also converts into a playpen with a zippable entrance so that toddlers can roam freely in and out. 

Overall verdict: No matter how you’re using this travel cot, it’s easy to assemble. ‘I like that this has been designed with common sense in mind,’ adds Charlotte. ‘There’s nothing too complicated or hi-tech about it, so it's perfect for sleep-deprived parents.’ Her daughter seemed to agree and slept well in the Joie Kubbie Sleep.

• Read our full Joie Kubbie Sleep Travel Cot review

2. BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light

What we thought: BabyBjörn's take on a travel cot is an easy-to-assemble design with mesh sides and a surprisingly soft and thick mattress. Our tester Hollie was able to put up this travel cot one-handed while holding a baby and without reading any of the instructions - a pretty impressive feat. The is the best travel cot to buy if quick and easy assembly is your number one priority.

What our tester thought: Mum Hollie Bond and her 10-month-old daughter Margot, aged ten months, reviewed this travel cot for Goodto. Margot slept well in the cot and had ‘enough space to move around in her sleep,’ but Hollie doesn't think it will be big enough for her to sleep in up to the age of three, as the brand claims. Hollie also had some reservations about using this travel cot as she found the base very low to the ground. ‘I wouldn't want to have the cot positioned anywhere that might be draughty or cold as I felt that Margot was a little vulnerable being so low to the ground.’ However, the low base does mean that the cot is multi-functional and can be used as a playpen at home or on holiday.

Overall verdict: When the holiday is over, everything can then be folded up and put into the handy bag that’s included. ‘When packed up the bag definitely feels sturdy enough to withstand any rough handling in transit,’ adds Hollie. ‘It'll make my holiday less stressful too because it's so easy to assemble. And I can use it as Margot's playpen to keep her safe if we're near a swimming pool.’

• Read our full BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light review 

3. Red Kite Sleep Tight Travel Cot

What we thought: The Red Kite Sleep Tight Travel Cot is a classic, stylish design with supporting legs that are easy to assemble. Its mesh sides are fully padded to avoid injury but also allow babies to see out easily.

What our tester thought: Mum Darryl Baker put this travel cot to the test with her 10-month-old daughter, Cole. Darryl tells us she couldn’t get over how easy this travel cot was to put together. In the past, she has struggled with travel cots borrowed from friends. ‘Kneeling on them, pushing them, and mostly pleading with them to just PLEASE fold down,' she says. But there were no such dramas with this. ‘The knack for putting up and down a travel cot can be tricky, but it's not an issue with the Red Kite Sleep Tight travel cot,’ she says. In terms of comfort, Darryl's daughter Cole slept well, waking just once and settling easily after a feed.

Overall verdict: Weighing just over 7kg, this is a relatively lightweight option, so it's one of the best travel cots to buy if you're looking for something super portable but also sturdy enough for older babies to sleep in. At just £36 (yes, we've double-checked the price), this is definitely the best travel cot to choose if you're looking for a good quality budget buy.

• Read our full Red Kite Sleep Tight Travel Cot review

4. Little Life Arc 2 Travel Cot

What we thought: The Little Life Arc 2 is not your average travel cot. It’s one of the lightest in our buying guide, coming in at just 2.5kg, so it's hands down the best travel cot to buy if you're keen to take your baby with you on camping adventures. It's probably not right for you if you're not a fan of the great outdoors, however.

What our tester thought: ‘It comes in a neat, portable rucksack which it is easy to pack the cot in and out of,’ says our mum reviewer Charlotte Clarke, who put this to the test with her 19-month-old daughter Adelaide.

The Little Life is more of a tent than a travel cot and has to be put together with poles and a single specially-designed sheet. Once the poles and sheet have been bent into position, you insert a surprisingly thick, waterproof mattress into the cot via Velcro strips. 

‘This wasn’t the easiest cot to assemble but I think you’d get quicker with practice,’ adds Charlotte. Her daughter tested the cot during one of her naps and after initially finding the mesh sides fun to pull and push, she settled down on the mattress and snoozed for a decent period of time.

Overall verdict: This isn’t really a travel cot for a weekend away – its features include a ventilated, anti-insect mesh, ground pegs for outdoor use, and zip-down panels. ‘This would be perfect if you're travelling in a hot country, attending a summer festival, or going on a UK camping trip,’ said our tester. ‘But for indoor use, you need to attach it to a suitable piece of furniture, which we found a bit difficult to find.’ It's good value for such a niche item - but you’ll probably still need a standard travel cot for indoor overnight trips.

• Read our full Little Life Arc 2 Travel Cot review

5. Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot

What we thought: Once you’ve got this travel cot up, you’ll see why it justifies its £200-plus price tag. Firstly, it comes with a newborn insert that sits up high and saves your back from extra bending – especially good if you’ve had a C-section. And when your baby has outgrown this stage, the insert can be removed and the baby sleeps on a luxuriously thick, padded mattress over a cushioned base. There are lots of other noteworthy stand-out features too such as skid-proof feet, an organic cotton sheet to pop over the mattress, and soft, padded edges.

What our tester thought: The Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot has a unique assembly system which our tester Darryl - who reviewed it with her 10-month-old daughter Cole - found a cinch to use. ‘I’ve read up on it and it’s to do with a zig-zag leg design, which means it pretty much just pushes into place and can be folded away with one hand,’ she says. Easy!

Overall verdict: The Aire doubles up as a playpen, which is always handy, but our tester did find it quite bulky - something that you’d need to think about if you plan to regularly move it around. ‘The only downside is how big it is but if space isn’t a problem in the car, then this can’t be faulted,’ she adds. At 10kg, this isn’t a light travel cot but the design is more focused on the baby’s comfort than on portability. As the most expensive travel cot in our lineup, this will appeal to anyone willing to pay extra for the plushest travel cot mattress we've ever seen.

• Read our full Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot review

6. Graco Contour Electra Travel Cot

What we thought: This travel cot isn't especially portable as it's large and robust - but that does allow your baby lots of space to move around, plus it doubles as a playpen. It comes with a newborn insert, a changing mat, a nightlight with music and vibrating features, and a toy bar so there’s lots to keep your little one entertained and to (hopefully) help send them off to sleep.

What our tester thought: ‘Other than it being heavy and a bit bulky to store and travel with, I think the Graco Contour Electra is an excellent travel cot that has some fabulous features,’ says our tester Hollie, who reviewed it with her ten-month-old daughter, Margot. ‘It folds out really easily into a full-size cot.’

Hollie found this a doddle to assemble and says she didn’t even have to read the instructions. ‘I love that two of the legs are on wheels so, although it was big, I could easily move it around the room to put it in the place I wanted without trying to pick it up and carry it.’

Overall verdict: The Graco Contour Electra is a mid-priced travel cot, well suited for trips around the UK rather than holidays abroad as it’s difficult to carry on and off a plane. ‘I wouldn't want to carry this far or have to pick it up off the airport conveyor belt by myself,’ adds Hollie. ‘And people with small cars might want to consider a travel cot that is more compact.’ It's a brilliant choice if you have other children and need somewhere to pop your baby, knowing they'll be safe and occupied while you fix snacks or oversee bathroom visits.

• Read our full Graco Contour Electra Travel Cot review

7. Micralite Sleep & Go Travel Cot

What we thought: This is a multifunctional travel cot that can also be used as a playpen and co-sleeper (the latter when the newborn insert is added). It’s extremely easy to put up (and down) with a couple of clicks and zips. Our tester Amelia, who's expecting her second baby, described this as absolutely game-changing. 

What our tester thought: 'This is a very good-looking travel cot with hardy, dark-coloured fabric that looks stylish and neutral and shouldn’t show wear and tear readily,' says our reviewer, Amelia. ‘It’s easy on the eye, and on the back - even when you’re pregnant - and it's even easy on the pocket since you can use it from the day your baby is born right up until they're three years old. 

Overall verdict: One obvious plus point is that it includes a high-quality, ‘very firm’ and wipe-clean mattress, which, when disassembled, folds neatly inside the bag along with the frame. This travel cot only weighs 7kg but Amelia found it a bit bulky, mainly because it comes with such a good-quality mattress included. In terms of value for money, we recommend spending the extra £25 for the newborn insert as it transforms this product, giving you more functionality and sleeping options. A superb choice if you're used to co-sleeping and want to continue doing so safely while away from home.

• Read our full Micralite Sleep & Go Travel Cot review

When picking the best travel cot for your needs, consider where and how frequently you're likely to use it. If you frequently travel with your baby, the weight and portability of the travel cot are the main priorities. But if you just need it for occasional overnight use, then a comfortable mattress and sturdy construction are more important than the travel cot's dimensions. Alternatively, if you'll be using a travel cot for a newborn, it's well worth choosing one with a newborn insert and an integrated changing station to help make nights away from home a little easier.

Here's what to consider when choosing a travel cot:

• Age - Most travel cots can be used from birth, and many come with an in-built bassinet to make things a little cosier for very small babies. Travel cots can usually be used up till the age of three or until the child is able to climb out - at which point it's no longer safe to use.
• Portability - A travel cot should be easy to carry and compact enough to stow in small places. Some cots are small enough to fit in an aircraft's overhead locker or in a small car boot.
• Weight - While lighter than a traditional cot, travel cots vary in weight. The lightest come in at around 3kg, while the heaviest ones weigh as much as 11kg. These extremes offer different benefits depending on how you’re planning to use your cot. A lighter cot is more practical for travelling, but a heavier model will likely be sturdier and longer-lasting.
• Assembly - Putting a travel cot together and taking it down should take a matter of seconds. If it’s taking longer or isn’t staying up, make sure you re-read the instructions before putting your baby to sleep in it to make sure you’ve done everything correctly.
• Mattress comfort - Don’t be surprised at the thickness of a travel cot mattress – they’re much thinner and less plush than the cot mattress you have at home in order to keep the travel cot light and portable. But just because the mattress is harder, doesn’t mean that your baby won’t have a good night’s sleep. Baby mattresses are meant to be firm and younger babies, in particular, can benefit from sleeping on a harder mattress surface. 'To comply with safety regulations you should avoid switching the mattress to ensure that the size is exact and there are no gaps around the edges,' says Baby Sleep Trainer Vickie Bowles of The Baby Academy.
• Extra features - Many travel cots have additional extras such as an in-built changing station for easy nappy changes and the option to use it as a playpen for daytime use. They might also have soothing musical features or a newborn insert to boost comfort for younger babies. Consider which of these features are worth paying extra for, and which ones you can do without. It's a bonus if you can get the extra functionality you want without paying more!

Yes - all travel cots on sale must adhere to British safety standard BS EN 716. The Lullaby Trust advises that parents use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress that is in good condition. In addition, a baby’s sleeping space should be kept clear, with no loose bedding. As with a normal cot, babies should be placed in the ‘feet-to-foot’ position so they can’t wriggle down under any blankets. 

For young babies under one year old, avoid placing all duvets, soft toys, and pillows inside the cot. When deciding where to put your travel cot, don’t put it near to a radiator, draughty window, or blinds with cords that might pose a strangulation risk. 

If your travel cot comes with wheels, make sure they are locked in place before putting your little one down. 

Travel cots are extremely safe for babies but Vickie Bowles flags that they should not be used for long periods outside of travel / occasional use: ‘It is always good to remember that travel cots do not offer the same amount of support and comfort for your baby and therefore are not designed for regular sleep over an extended period.’

Most travel cots are suitable for babies to sleep in from birth. If you wish to use a travel cot for a newborn, choose one with a newborn insert. This offers younger babies a smaller space to sleep in than the full-sized travel cot and it's elevated off the ground to save parents’ backs as you don’t have to bend down to floor level to reach your child. 

‘If you have a young baby, I highly recommend using a travel cot with a newborn insert which makes life much easier to settle your baby while travelling,’ says Vickie Bowles. 

A sturdy travel cot will suit an active toddler and most can be used up until the age of three but check the manufacturer's instructions for the upper age or weight restrictions.

No, a travel cot is not suitable for your baby to sleep in every night. Designed for use when you're away from home such as on holiday or visiting friends or family overnight, travel cots are much lighter than standard cots so they're not robust enough for permanent use. The mattress supplied with a travel cot is thinner than a standard cot mattress because it's designed to fold compactly for travelling, so it's unlikely to provide sufficient support for a baby to sleep on every night.

No, this is not recommended. Use the mattress supplied with the travel cot at the time of purchase. Replacing the mattress is dangerous because it could make the structure less sturdy and create a safety risk if the mattress does not fit the travel cot frame exactly.

How we tested the best travel cots

Why you can trust GoodtoKnow. Our experienced Consumer Editor & parent reviewers spend hours testing products to help you make the best choice. Find out how we test and review products.

We only include products in our buying guides that we have thoroughly tested and reviewed. We use a robust and consistent testing methodology to review all the products, and we use a pool of parent reviewers to ensure all items are appropriately tested by a child of the relevant age. 

• Read more about how we test and review the products in our buying guides

Heidi Scrimgeour joined GoodTo after a 16-year freelance career as a parenting and lifestyle journalist. She has written features for various publications including The Guardian, Telegraph, Daily Mail, Red, Psychologies and Stylist. She was a parenting columnist for AOL’s Parentdish and baby gear editor of Mother & Baby magazine for six years. Heidi has taken part in various parenting debates on This Morning, The One Show and BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour. She has a degree in English & Media Arts and gained a Masters with Distinction from the University of Westminster.  Find out more

Planning a holiday with your little one? You might also be interested in our buying guide on the  best travel strollers or, if you prefer to leave the buggy at home and travel light, our guide to choosing the best baby carriers is worth a read.

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Charlotte Duck is an award-winning lifestyle and parenting journalist who writes who regularly writes for Tatler, the Evening Standard, Yahoo, and Hello Magazine about everything from royal hairstyles to fixed-rate mortgages. She was previously Kidswear Editor at M&S and worked in-house at Boden but, while she loves writing about beautiful children's clothes, she has three children who refuse to wear them. 

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11 best travel cots for hassle-free holidays and overnight stays

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Babies don’t travel light. But if you’re planning a relaxing trip, whether it’s a UK staycation or something more exotic , you can’t skimp on the travel cot.

While some hotels and Airbnbs promise to provide travel cots for the tiniest members of the family, you’ve no idea how many children have slept on them before your little darlings, or predict what that means for how comfortable and sturdy they are. Taking a baby out of their usual safe, strong cot with a supportive mattress and putting them in a shaky cage with a rock-hard or spiky mattress is a fast way to ensure nobody in the family gets much shut-eye.

Different travel cots have different age and weight limits, so, before buying one, consider how many years of use you want to get from your cot. Size is another key factor when looking at travel cots, as those with a larger surface area can double up as a playpen in the day. Also, if you’re in unfamiliar territory and are travelling with a mini-escape artist, a travel cot with high mesh sides means you can see your child and they can see out, but they’re perfectly safe at all times.

However, size should not come at the expense of portability. Remember, you’re going to have a lot of other things to carry as well as the cot, and every extra kilo counts. Plus, heavier cots tend to be more effort to erect and collapse, and you don’t want to waste precious moments of your holiday in a sweaty mess trying to put up your travel cot.

All products in this round-up meet the European Standards for safety, which should always be your first consideration when buying a travel cot. Christina Rolles from safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust says: “A travel cot should have a rigid frame and base, and a firm, flat mattress, covered in a waterproof material. Travel cot mattresses are often thinner and feel harder than those in a permanent cot, but don’t be tempted to place folded blankets or a quilt under the baby to make them more comfortable, as this could cause injury, suffocation or overheating.”

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How we tested travel cots

With the help of a seven-month-old and a two-year-old, we tested the travel cots for size, comfort and safety. The toddler has a habit of swinging their leg up and escaping their regular cot, so we tried to find ones that kept them contained. We also tested each cot for speed of assembly and disassembly and picked it up when folded, to see if it was something that could be carried around an airport.

The best travel cots for 2024 are:

• Best travel cot overall – Graco foldlite: £80, Amazon.co.uk
• Best budget travel cot – Red Kite sleep tight travel cot: £27, Asda.com
• Best travel cot for entertaining baby – Mamas & Papas joie commuter travel cot change and bounce: £190, Boots.com
• Best lightweight travel cot – BabyBjörn travel cot light: £219.90, Amazon.co.uk
• Best travel cot for breathability – Nuna sena aire: £250, Nunababy.eu.uk

Graco foldlite travel cot

• Best : Travel cot overall
• Dimensions : L 119cm x W 63.5cm x H 68cm
• Weight : 6.78kg
• Age limit : Suitable from birth to 15kg (approximately three years old)
• Lightweight
• Easy to erect and collapse
• Strong base

The foldlite from Graco is up to 30 per cent lighter than most other cots, which we definitely noticed and appreciated – you can easily lift it one-handed. You might even find it lighter than your nappy bag, which is a win if you’re carrying a lot of other luggage for your trip.

Erecting this cot was 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.

Red Kite sleep tight travel cot

• Best : Budget travel cot
• Dimensions : L101cm x W72cm x H71cm
• Weight : 7.1kg
• Age limit : Suitable from birth to 15kg
• Budget-friendly
• Mattress quite stiff

This is the cheapest travel cot we tried but it’s perfectly functional. It’s safety-tested, comes with a carry bag, is easy to assemble and has mesh sides, to give you a clear view of your child as they rest or sleep.

It doesn’t win any prizes for design, as there are no frills – it’s simply a place to sleep. Plus, the mattress is a tad on the stiff side, so you may want to spend some of the money you’ve saved on the cost of the cot on a plumper mattress. However, it’s still a very good choice if you’re only going to use it now and then throughout the year.

Mamas & Papas joie commuter travel cot change and bounce

• Best : For entertaining baby
• Dimensions : L106cm x W70.5cm x H80cm
• Weight : 14.8kg
• Excellent value for money

This is a travel cot, changing table and bouncer in one, so you can create a home from home for your baby when you travel. The bouncer is a decent size, providing a place to relax and play for babies too young to sit up. It even has cuddly toys for little ones to reach and grab.

The starry print, which is exclusive to Mamas & Papas, gives the smallest babies something to look at to help them make sense of the world, and this also helps older kids relax. We suggest counting the stars on the mattress to encourage early numeracy skills in a fun way.

This cot is taller than most others we tried, which is great if you have a mini Houdini. It makes for an excellent play and sleep solution to keep at grandparents’ house and works out at excellent value for money, when you consider it’s three useful items in one.

BabyBjörn travel cot light

• Best : Lightweight cot
• Dimenions : L 112cm x W 82cm x H 64cm
• Weight : 6kg
• Age limit : Suitable from birth to three years
• Easy to set-up
• Kind to sensitive skin

This gets top marks for ease of setup. There’s no need to bend down or fiddle with anything on the floor – all you need to do is shake it out and then secure the sides. There’s a handy YouTube video showing how to put it up in just 25 seconds, and the presenter demonstrates it isn’t even going at top speed.

Weighing just 6kg, including the carry bag, your back will thank you when you’re taking it in and out of cars or planes. Our toddler tester approved of the mattress, which makes for a cosy sleeping place. But what we liked most about this cot is knowing that its fabric is OEKO-TEX-approved, which means all materials coming into contact with your baby’s skin are kind to sensitive skin.

Nuna sena aire

• Best : For breathability
• Dimenions : L107cm x W73.5cm x H74.5cm
• Weight : 12.26kg
• Soft and sturdy

If you’re all sharing a bedroom when you travel, it may get stuffy very quickly, especially if it isn’t an air-conditioned room. We like how the Nuna sena aire addresses this issue with its mesh sides, floor and mattress providing 360 degrees of ventilation, for ultimate airflow. The better a child can breathe, the deeper they sleep, giving everyone a more relaxing trip.

We were really impressed by the feel of the triple-layered mattress, which is designed to pull away heat and humidity, and will come in useful if you’re jetting off to tropical climes.

Its clever zigzag leg design pops open easily into a soft, sturdy dreamland and it’s one of the easiest to collapse – we found we could do it one-handed.

Silver Cross slumber carbon travel cot

• Best : For style
• Dimensions : L 112cm x W 80cm x H 67cm
• Weight : 6.25kg
• Newborn inserts

The first thing to note is this comes with a premium duffle bag carry case, so you’ll look stylish when you arrive at your destination. Open the cot – with ease, as it weighs just 6.25kg – and you’ll notice the material on the top and sides feels very high-quality. The decently padded mattress caused our two-year-old to exclaim, “I like ’dis one!”

We really liked the newborn insert, which raises very young babies to typical bed height, so you don’t have to break your back lifting them in and out of the cot. It also makes it easier to nurse a baby and transfer them back to a cot. If you’re using this as a playpen, you’ll also appreciate that one of the sides unzips, so tots can crawl in and out.

Kinderkraft lovi 3-in-1 baby crib

• Best : For fussy babies
• Dimensions : L 88cm x W 61cm x H 85cm
• Weight : 5kg
• Age limit : Suitable from birth to 9kg
• Rocking motion
• Time-consuming to set-up
• Newborns will outgrow it

While it takes a bit of time to erect this travel cot and rocker, there’s a very good YouTube video to show you the process. You can access it via a QR code on the instruction leaflet included, and it’s very simple to follow along.

The rocking motion is brilliant for little ones that need movement to settle, mimicking the gentle swaying motion of the womb. Babies are at a higher level in this cot, too, so you can pick them up and settle them down without pulling a muscle.

The only slight downside to this cot is that a baby will outgrow it within the year. That said, our youngest tester loved playing with the toy bar and three adorable hanging toys that come with it, so, while their time in it may be short, it will also be very sweet.

Bugaboo stardust travel cot

• Best : Two-in-one cot and playpen
• Dimensions : L 64cm x W 98cm x H 85cm
• Weight : 6.7kg
• Age limit : Suitable from birth to two years old
• Keep its shape well
• Newborn insert
• Mattress is a little fir

Setting up this pop-up travel cot was a total breeze, despite how tall and strudy it is once erected. We were surprised by how much the mattress kept it’s solid shape, with no crease or fold from being flat-packed within the cot and travel bag.

Mums will be grateful for the newborn insert, which raises babies to bed level. The breathable mesh is ideal for all seasons to keep baby’s temperature regulated.

The mattress is nicely padded for playtime but feels a little firm for bedtime. When topped with a matrress protector and Bugaboo’s breathable fitted sheet (£27.95, Bugaboo.com ), we nailed baby’s recquirements for a peaceful snooze. You really do get more bang for your buck with this travel cot, as it doubles up as a playpen and lasts until your little one is two years old.

Halo flex portable bassinet

• Best : Portable bedside crib
• Dimensions : L75cm x W100.3cm x H108.6cm
• Age limit : Suitable from birth to five months

A lightweight and portable bedside crib is hard to come by, so, we were very grateful Halo’s offering ticked a lot of boxes for parents to get that reassuring ‘home away from home’ feeling when on the move.

It can be a daunting experience taking a little one away for the first time, especially when they are used to co-sleeping at home. We were delighted that this bassinet meant babies could feel just as close to their parents as they do at home. The mattress is extra soft when wrapped in Halo’s 100 per cent cotton fitted sheet (£16.64, Halosleep.co.uk ), and the cot is surrounded by breathable lining to suit all temperatures, and enable parents to keep a 360 view of baby.

We have to admit, we did use this more at home than on our travels, as it was so easy to adjust the height of the crib for when you’re sitting on the sofa during the day or when you’re sleeping at night and want to comfort your baby quickly. The side of the crib lowers easily, with no need to stand up or hunch over. This is particularly helpful for mums recovering from C-section delivery as well as for night feeds.

An over-the-shoulder carry bag comes included but it is less sturdy than other holdalls we’ve tested, and one side is partially open, due to its drawstring closing, which didn’t feel as secure. The packing away was a simple enough four-step process.

Fisher-Price on the go travel baby dome

• Best : For on-the-go parents
• Dimensions : L80cm x W76cm x H71cm
• Weight : 2.5kg
• Age limit : Suitable from birth to five months (until babies can sit unaided)

This travel cot combines the perfect solution for on-the-go parents and tired babies. It’s lightweight, easy to set up and allows babies to nap or play wherever they are.

We love that this cot can be used indoors and outdoors, to encourage the whole family to get more vitamin D. The canopy keeps your little one protected from the sun as well as keeping out creepy crawlies.

As it folds up flat, we found it easy to keep it stored in the car for spontaneous day trips and overnight stays with the grandparents. However, it doesn’t come with a carry bag, which would have made it easier to keep clean and compact. Two overhead linking toys are included, to keep your baby entertained and relaxed.

ergoPouch easy sleep portable crib

• Best : For summer use
• Dimensions : L80cm x W49cm x H27cm
• Weight : 2.2kg
• Age limit : Suitable from birth to 9kg (or when baby starts rolling over)
• Ideal for summer
• Short-lived usage

You can’t get any more portable than this lightweight pop-up cot that folds up as a small rucksack and weighs just 2.2kg. The mosquito net is ideal for summer babies, if you want to get some fresh air and let them have a safe daytime nap outdoors.

If you are travelling with a baby less than three months old on a flight, we recommend taking this one for sleeping on-the-go, if you get the luxury of seats with extra leg room. The backpack will fit neatly under your seat or in the overhead lockers.

The only downfall is this bassinet is only suitable until your baby shows signs of rolling over, so it’s quite a hefty price for short-lived use.

Travel cot FAQs

What age is a travel cot for.

This will depend on the cot you buy – bassinets are designed for newborns up to three months old, while larger options are available for children up to five years old.

Can a baby sleep in a travel cot every night?

It’s not recommended to use a travel cot regularly for a long period of time, as they’re not designed to support your baby’s development. Instead, limit their use for short trips away and daytime naps.

What to look for when buying a travel cot

You already have enough to think about while travelling with your baby, so the best cots are hassle-free. They should be easy to assemble, collapse and store, while the addition of wheels and a carry bag should make cots easier to transport from A to B. If you’re shopping for a newborn up to three months old, a bassinet is the way to go – these are raised, to give you a clearer view of your little one during the night, while you can lift them up without the risk of throwing out your back.

Do travel cots need a mattress?

Yes – the cots themselves are thin and hard, so a mattress is essential, though most of our top picks come with a mattress included.

The verdict: Travel cots

The Graco foldlite is excellent value for a lightweight cot that’s easy to erect and collapse, and we felt both our seven-month-old and two-year-old testers were safe in there. It will grow with your child, and provide a secure place to sleep and play for up to three years.

The BabyBjörn travel cot light also deserves praise for ease of setup and for the comfort of its mattress, while the Mamas & Papas joie commuter travel cot solves three of a baby’s needs – sleep, play and hygiene – in one neat package.

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The best travel cots & how to choose one

Before I had a baby, I never realised quite how much variety there would be in every product you ever needed – and it was just the same when I came to work out which were the best travel cots for Minnie.

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After testing out some for work, as well as trying various ones at different hotels (including one with such high sides, I got a bruise bending over to soothe my then three-month-old daughter), I’ve come up with my own pick of the best travel cots, the one I hated and tips on how to choose your own.

Choosing the best travel cot: my favourites

The baby bjorn travel cot light.

My ability to love the most expensive option continues unabated but the Baby Bjorn Travel Cot Light was easily my favourite of the six I tested. It’s over £200 but is one of the few that’s genuinely light enough to take on a plane but still decent quality.

We used ours for years until Minnie finally grew too big for it. The legs do stick out a little, unlike most others which are a standard rectangle, but it’s easy to open, has a comfy mattress, mesh sides so you can see in easily and it was easy to carry.

• Fits all travel cots from BABYBJÖRN
• Soft & comfy for your baby
• Made of soft organic cotton
• Easy to put on
• Machine wash at 60°C

The NSA Sun Essentials Deluxe Travel Centre

The NSA Sun Essentials Deluxe Travel Centre  – my runner-up was less than half that price, although the tent-style design is one you’ll love or hate. It weighs practically nothing (around 1kg) and is spring-loaded so there’s no effort in putting it up. Putting it down is definitely not as simple!

The Nuna Sena  – sleekly stylish with a bassinet attachment, this gave me one of the best night’s sleep of my life when Minnie snoozed on it until 6am for the first time ever (and, alas, still only one of a handful of times in her first nine months).

It was also easy to assemble and cheaper than the Baby Bjorn (although also a bit heavier so would be better if you’re travelling by car than by plane).

Choosing the best travel cot: the bargains

I also tested a more basic Babies’R’Us travel cot and printed Baby Weavers Sleepy (both now out of stock – these  Red Kite and Hauck models are similar) – these are the kind you’ll come across in hotels so quite honestly, I don’t see the point in buying one yourself if you’re staying somewhere which will provide a cot (though take your own sheets).

• Suitable from birth
• Includes slotted mattress
• Fully padded top rails
• Easy and fast to assemble
• Carry bag for out and about trips

If you’re looking for something cheap to transport around, these definitely do the job. They’re heavier but fold up well into a carry case, they do the job and if you’re not sure how much you’ll use them, they do the job well.

Choosing the best travel cot: the one I hated

The graco contour on the go.

The Graco Contour On The Go almost reduced me to tears of frustration [EDIT: now out of stock – unsurprisingly! ]. 

Most cots are (thankfully) very straightforward to assemble and pack away but this model seemed almost completely counter-intuitive to put up, and so needed taking apart repeatedly after the instructions failed to help at all.

The changing mat attachment was worryingly precarious and the bassinet was only suitable for up to three months.

As I thought I was travelling fairly early with our first trip before 4 months, it came as a bit of a surprise to discover Minnie had already outgrown that. And despite all the bells and whistles, none of them actually seemed particularly helpful or useful.

A reminder that more isn’t better. I’d trade a great night’s sleep and something I can assemble one-handed with jetlag for all the mobiles, tunes, interesting lights and non-essential attachments in the world.

How to choose the best travel cots

When all you need is somewhere for your baby to sleep while you’re away from home, it seems like it shouldn’t be that complicated. But once you start looking at travel cots, there’s more to take into account – these are my top 10 tips to consider before you choose yours.

• 1.    Where are you going to use it? A travel cot that’s light and portable enough to take on a plane or train is completely different to one which stays with the grandparents or which goes in the boot of the car.
• 2.    How long are you going to use it for? If you’re travelling from very early on, you might want a bassinet attachment – but if you want it to last for years, think about whether it will be comfortable for a toddler as well.
• 3.    How easy is it to use? Some models can genuinely be opened (and, more rarely, packed away) with one hand. Others will need much more effort – fine, perhaps, if you’re only doing it twice a year, less so if you’re going to be doing it on a regular basis.
• 4.    How easy is it to carry? This comes back to point 1 but there are travel cots out there that weigh over 10kg – I struggled to get one up the stairs to the nursery so along with being above the infant baggage allowance, I doubt I could have got it through an airport at all. Many come with bags, but does it have shoulder straps? Is it compact or bulky to manoeuvre?
• 5.    What extras does it come with – and do you really want them? Toy bars, nightlights, lullabies and changing mat attachments might all sound great, but only if you’ll use them. You might decide you don’t want toys distracting a baby when they sleep or realise that a changing mat attachment is no good once they’re over about 5kg…
• 6.    How comfortable is it? Some of the budget travel cots come with very thin mattresses, and while you could buy an extra cushioning one, it starts to defeat the point of a light-weight fold-up option.
• 7.    How practical is it? Can you put a newborn or young baby into it comfortably, or will you be bent double trying to pick them up? Will an ordinary fitted sheet work or will you have to buy an oddly-shaped branded one ( Baby Bjorn , I’m thinking of you)? Do the legs stick out so you’ll fall over them in the dark? Do you have to pack a screwdriver every time you travel?
• 8.    What is it made of? This is likely to get bashed around in transport, so if the is material good quality, it’s likely to survive better. And consider that some mesh in the sides makes it easier to see in (and out) and provides ventilation.
• 9.    Any bonus features? Will it double as a playpen, for example – which usually means a larger, sturdier model to cope with inquisitive crawling babies. The NSA Sun Essentials Deluxe Travel Centre , even has UV protection so you can use it as a sun tent on the beach.
• 10.    What’s your budget? Travel cots can cost from around £30 new for the basic models, but these are no-frills, heavier options. At the other end of the scale, some of the big names cost over £200 for fairly simple options but with the advantage of being lighter or a nicer design.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission

Image courtesy of Depositphotos

Award-winning family travel blogger and mum to the mini traveller, aka Minnie. Together we've visited Europe, America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia, tried a cruise and a road trip, and survived countless long-haul trips. London (UK) based. Serious beach habit.

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13 of the best travel cots 2024 for babies and toddlers

Our pick of the best cot and bassinet options to provide your baby or toddler with a portable sleeping space for travel, put to the test by parents

• Christy McGhee
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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.

We’ve analysed the travel cot market and rigorously tested a range of different models to find the best ones for your family. Whether you're looking for something safe for a newborn, or a roomy cot for an older toddler, you'll find it here. Some travel cots can also be used as playpens for a baby, although, if you're looking specifically for a playpen check out our best playpens for babies and toddlers . For cosy bedding inspiration, take a look at our list – tried and tested by real parents and their kids. If you're travelling somewhere hot with your little ones, take a look at our selection of the best pram fans . Looking for a great deal? We've found the best Prime Day baby deals and Prime Day toy deals for you.

Book a family summer getaway and save up to £500 with TUI

Best travel cots at a glance.

• Best travel cot for easy assembly: Bugaboo Stardust, £225 £199
• Best lightweight travel cot for a good mattress: Venture Airpod Travel Cot, £119.99
• Best multi-use travel cot: Silver Cross Slumber 3-in-1 Travel Cot, £195
• Best travel cot for added extras: Graco Contour Electra, £100
• Best budget buy travel cot: Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot, £37
• Best travel cot for versatile features: Hauck Sleep'n Play Centre Travel Cot, £79.95
• Best travel cot for occasional use: Cuggl Deluxe Superlight Travel Cot, £65
• Best travel cot for newborns: Joie Kubbie Sleep, £99.99
• Best budget travel cot for co-sleeping: Red Kite Dreamer Bedside Travel Crib, £65
• Best travel cot for versatile newborn co-sleeping: Chicco Next2Me PopUp, £199
• Best travel cot for no upper weight limit: BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light, £219.90 £198
• Best stylish travel cot: Tutti Bambini CoZee Go 3-in-1 Bassinet, Travel Cot & Playpen, £169 £119
• Best lightweight newborn travel crib: ErgoPouch Easy Sleep Portable Crib, £99.95
• Jump to best travel cots and cribs in 2024
• Jump to why do I need a travel cot?
• Jump to what to look for when buying a travel cot
• Jump to how, when and where will you use your travel cot?
• Jump to how much does a travel cot cost

Here are the best travel cots for 2024

1. bugaboo stardust, £225 £199, – best for easy assembly.

Suitable from: birth (with newborn insert) to 2 years/15kg | Travel cot weight: 6.7kg | Unfolded dimensions: L64cm x W98cm x H85cm| Folded dimensions: L 65cm x W14cm x H85cm | Newborn bassinet: Yes

• Quickest to assemble
• 2 mattress height positions
• Lightweight

More like this

• Quite large when folded

Forget tricky folds, the pop-up style mechanism of the Bugaboo Stardust takes just seconds: simply pull the cot open from flat by pulling both sides. It’s perfect for a hassle-free bedtime when you’re not in the comfort of your own home.

It conveniently folds back down in the same amount of time, too, although it is worth noting this model folds down to a large flat shape, like a suitcase, making better suited to sliding into a car boot or under a bed than taking on public transport.

Along with the ease of assembly, the built-in mattress is what you pay for with this model: it's not only comfortable but can be adjusted to two height positions (with the newborn insert) making it easier to lift out newborns and babies not yet sitting up unaided. This is particularly handy if you’re prone to back problems or have just had a C-section. The mattress can be folded down inside the cot, meaning no extra assembly is required.

Although one of the priciest travel cots on our list, the Stardust can still deliver great value if you’re using your travel cot regularly with your baby. MFM home tester Rovenna, who tried it with her 4-month-old, said, "The fact it has both a raised zip in baby bassinet or a deep bed for toddlers – as well as a comfortable and generously filled built in mattress – is fantastic. It’s compact and lightweight, meaning it can be easily moved from room to room and transported in its handy carry bag.”

Available from: Bugaboo , Boots and John Lewis

2. Venture Airpod Travel Cot, £119.99

– best for lightweight with good mattress.

Suitable from: birth to 3 years | Travel cot weight: 6kg | Unfolded dimensions: L85cm x W55cm x H66cm| Folded dimensions: 60cm x 15cm x 50cm | Newborn bassinet: No | Awards: Gold – Travel Cot, MadeForMums Awards 2024

• Easy to build and collapse
• Mesh design
• Good mattress
• No newborn bassinet
• Can’t be used as playpen

This travel cot is very lightweight, comfortable and easy to carry. It's available in a number of colours and features mesh panels on all sides. The mesh means that you can get a great view of your baby or toddler, while also ensuring good air circulation at night time.

Travel cot mattresses are often the feature that parents are least satisfied with, as they are often thin and flimsy. However, the Airpod travel cot has a better quality, more luxurious mattress than you might expect. Although the Cuggl Deluxe is very similar and quite a bit cheaper in price, we found that the mattress in this travel cot was of much higher quality.

Although this cot doesn't have an all-in-one pop-up assembly, it's still easy to put up and down, so much so that some of our home tester parents didn’t need the instructions. “It was very easy to remove from the carry case and put the cot together.” said MFM home tester Sarah. “It was also easy to take apart and put back into the travel case. No fiddling or spare parts. The easiest baby item I have actually put together.”

The Airpod Travel Cot is suitable from birth, but it doesn't come with a bassinet, something that you might prefer for a newborn. Offering a good amount of room, the travel cot can also be used as a play pen, and offers a comfy night's sleep for babies and toddlers.

Available from: Amazon and Venture

3. Silver Cross Slumber 3-in-1, £195

– best multi-function travel cot.

Suitable from: birth (with newborn insert) to approx. 3 years (up to 15kg) | Travel cot weight: 7.65kg | Unfolded dimensions: 112 x 80 x 67cm| Newborn bassinet: Included

• 3-in-1 functionality
• Will grow with your child
• Sustainable fabric
• Large when assembled, expensive

If you're looking for a multi-use travel cot that will grow with your child from birth, then the Silver Cross Slumber is a stylish design that offers 3-in-1 functionality in one portable package. Made of breathable mesh with a padded mattress included, the Slumber has three distinct uses as a bedside co-sleeper, travel cot and playpen.

Zip in the newborn insert to create a bedside crib suitable from birth until approximately 6 months old. The newborn insert sits at the top of the cot, meaning your baby will be at the height of your bed - although these is no option to drop the side in this mode as with some bedside cribs.

As your baby grows, you can use the Slumber as lightweight travel cot, using the same mattress. A waterproof carry case is included to allow for easy portability on the go. You can also use the Slumber as a secure play pen, and there's a zip-open door your toddler can crawl in and out when they are older.

At 7.65kg it’s a lightweight design that can be transported easily and stored away when not in use. The Slumber also has an easy-fold function meaning it can pop up and fold down quickly. For eco-conscious parents, Slumber features quilted material crafted using a yarn made from recycled plastic bottles that would have otherwise been sent to landfill. It looks good too, with an attractive, minimalistic design. This is a useful product that will grow with your child and a stylish option from a trusted brand.

The Silver Cross Slumber is available in two different colourways, carbon and stone.

Available from: Boots

4. Graco Contour Electra, £100

– best for added extras.

Suitable from: birth to 15kg | Travel cot weight: 10kg | Unfolded dimensions: H:91cm W:73cm D:104cm| Folded dimensions: H:85cm D:23cm | Newborn bassinet: Yes

• Lots of accessories included
• Good newborn bassinet

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

Read our full MadeForMums Graco Contour Electra review

Available from: Smyths and Graco

5. Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot, £37

– best budget buy.

Suitable from: birth to 15kg | Travel cot weight: 8.7kg | Unfolded dimensions: L99cm x W59.5cm x H80.5cm| Folded dimensions: L27cm x W25cm x H80.5cm| Newborn bassinet: No | MFM Review Star Rating: 4.2 stars

• Easy to assemble
• Thin mattress
• Not very lightweight

The cheapest cot on our list, the Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot is a great choice if you're looking for an affordable but sturdy option. The mattress, as you'd expect, is quite thin, so if you do look to buy an alternative one, take note of the dimensions and ensure anything you buy is the correct size. It must be a snug fit with no gaps around the edges.

Where this travel cot does excel is the ease of assembly. “Once you have pulled up the handle in the bottom and un-assembled the cot, it is very easy to fold shut and put into the carry-bag,” stated our MFM reviewer Jessica, who called it “hassle-free and very quick.” Travel cots of this type usually have an order in which each section has to be assembled (or taken down), so pay close attention to the instructions.

This cot's purse-friendly price point doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality – you’ll find plenty of useful design features like a full padded top rail and mesh sides to provide visibility and air flow. Our MFM reviewer and parent testers also found it felt robust once built. One parent tester said, “It feels secure, with the side bars locking in place, and is sturdy enough to accommodate a lively toddler.”

Read our full MadeForMums review of the Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot

Available from: Amazon and Halfords

6. Hauck Sleep'n Play Centre Travel Cot, £79.95

– best for versatile features.

Suitable from: birth to 15kg | Travel cot weight: 8.5kg | Unfolded dimensions: L125cm x W68.5cm x H82cm| Folded dimensions: L22cm x W21cm x H76.5cm | Newborn bassinet: Yes | Awards: Bronze – Travel Cot, MadeForMums Awards 2024

• Good value with lots of features
• Changing table included
• Can wheel along when folded
• Easy to assemble and transport
• Thin, uneven mattress

The Hauck Sleep'n Play Centre Travel Cot has all the bells and whistles for under £100. This includes an integrated changing table, high and low sleeping positions (reducing back strain), a utility pocket, a zip-down side panel for a fun playpen adventure (crawl in – crawl out) and a fun design with pops of colour. For ease of moving about, it also has two wheels when folded up that means you can pull it along like a suitcase – genius!

Our home testers found the cot to be well made and sturdy, and they particularly liked the wipeable fabrics. With a little practice, parents found it easy to set up and fold down as long as they performed the steps in the right order. "The cot feels sturdy when set up and the fabric is wipeable which makes life easy when on the go," says Shannon, who tested it with their 2-month-old baby Rae (pictured).

Testers would have liked the mattress to be a bit thicker, however, and didn't score it quite so highly for comfort (Hauck do sell a thicker mattress separately). One parent said they found the included mattress did not lie completely flat, but that “the unevenness was not to the extent that we had concerns about baby”. They also felt the changing table’s safety strap could be longer for older babies.

"It's good travel cot for the price with lots of features," said Jennifer, who tested the cot with her 3 month old Brianna. "It's large so will last while our child grows, and the ability to use from newborn up is obviously very helpful. The included change station an added bonus for when baby is small and I think the quality of the frame and materials is good."

Bargain hunters will be happy to hear that despite the £79.95 RRP, we’ve seen online deals for less than £60 - which would make this even better value.

Available from: Boots and Online4Baby

7. Cuggl Deluxe Superlight Travel Cot, £65

– best for occasional use.

Suitable from: birth to 15kg | Travel cot weight: 6kg | Unfolded dimensions: L85 cm x W56cm x H86m| Folded dimensions: L50cm x W61cm x H15cm| Newborn bassinet: No

• Folds up small
• Small footprint
• Low weight limit

Coming in at only 6kg, this is one of the lightest travel cots on our list, and also one of the most affordable. If you're looking for an all-rounder for occasional use during the first couple of years of your child's life, it's a good value option that performs well. We found it can be constructed in minutes and folds up to a suitcase size, although it's sadly not quite small enough to take as hand luggage on a plane.

The built-in mattress is 2.5cm deep, putting it on a par with most travel cot mattresses but perhaps not up there with the likes of the Bugaboo Stardust. Overall, the cot is smaller in size than some other options we tested, but that means it folds up smaller too. However, for taller children a larger option like the Joie Kubbie or BabyBjorn might last you longer.

Available from: Argos

8. Joie Kubbie Sleep Travel Cot, £99.99

– best for newborns.

Suitable from: Birth to 15kg | Travel cot weight: 8.79kg | Unfolded dimensions: L99cm x W59.5cm x H80.5cm| Folded dimensions: L 27 cm x W 25 cm x H 80.5cm | Newborn bassinet: Yes

• Simple drop-side feature
• Grows with baby
• Can be tricky to put up and down

For parents who want a travel cot from birth – perhaps to keep at a family member or caregiver's house – the Joie Kubbie Sleep combines the functionality of a travel cot with that of a bedside crib, with a drop-down side operated by a button that allows easier access to a newborn while in bassinet mode. It does sit quite high up so the exact functionality will differ depending on the type of bed you have, but in those early days when mum is healing it could be a lifesaver.

"One of the great features of the Joie Kubbie Sleep travel cot is that it can be used beside the bed once its straps are attached to the bed, and its side is dropped," said MFM reviewer Dominic, who tested this with his newborn daughter. He was also impressed with the durability, saying, "I’m really impressed with the quality of the build, despite the ‘sticky’ mechanics. Once assembled, it feels sturdy enough to last a number of years, which will be helpful for when our daughter can start using it as a playpen."

Once your baby is old enough, you simply put up the side, drop the mattress down to the base of the cot, and it becomes a generously-sized travel cot and playpen that'll last until the child weighs 15kg. The pull-and-click functionality takes a few minutes to master, and like others of this style there's an order you need to memorise in order to get it to go up and down smoothly, but Joie has a great instructional video to help .

Read our full MadeForMums Joie Kubbie travel cot review

Available from: Very and Argos

9. Red Kite Dreamer Bedside Travel Crib, £65

– best budget travel cot for co-sleeping.

Suitable from: birth (with bassinet) to 15kg | Travel cot weight: 7.6kg | Unfolded dimensions: L99cm x W57cm x H76cm| Folded dimensions: L27cm x W71cm x H26m| Newborn bassinet: Yes

• Permanent drop-side option
• Flimsy newborn insert

Like the Joie Kubbie sleep, the Red Kite Dreamer offers the perfect travel option for families with newborns that use a bedside crib at home, as it has the same drop-side functionality built into a more portable travel cot. However, unlike the Joie Kubbie Sleep, which has a button-operated drop-side, this one is fastened with buckles, making it more suited to those who want to keep the cot fastened to their bed with the side dropped permanently down, for a safe way to cosleep with a newborn.

Once the baby is older, it becomes a travel cot that's almost a metre in length, offering lots of space for a growing toddler. Our testers were divided on the mattress' comfort levels. While our reviewer found it to be too firm for their 9 month old, other testers really rated it. "As travel cots go this is one of the comfiest mattresses I’ve seen. It feels nice and padded and had a solid firm base underneath to secure into the cot," said home tester Bridget, who tested this with her 4 month old.

Our testers did find the bassinet insert for newborns a little flimsy, but fine given that's only used for the first few months before moving to the full travel cot. It's also lightweight to carry and one of the smaller folds on this list.

Read our full MadeForMums Red Kite Dreamer beside travel cot review

Available from: Argos and Red Kite

10. Chicco Next2Me PopUp, £199

— best travel cot for versatile newborn co-sleeping.

Suitable from: birth to 6 months | Travel cot weight: 10.5kg | Unfolded dimensions: L97cm x W80cm x H82cm | Folded dimensions: L97cm x W84cm x H23m | Newborn bassinet: No | Awards: Silver – Travel Cot, MadeForMums Awards 2023

• 6 height positions
• Quick and easy fold
• Shorter life span than other options
• Can be difficult to transport

The PopUp is the latest offering from the Chicco Next2Me range and is a great option for parents who will be travelling with their young baby a lot in the first 6 months. The Red Kite Dreamer and Joie Kubbie Sleep also offer co-sleeping but, unlike these, the PopUp has a range of features that make it a really great choice for newborns.

We love that the crib has 6 adjustable heights to better help it align the barrier of the crib to the parents' mattress — this is particularly useful if you're travelling and staying in different places. Also, thanks to its foldable feet, it is suitable for use with beds with storage compartments. It also comes with straps that allow the crib to conveniently attach to different beds. It can be used as a standalone or bedside crib and transforms easily between both. It also has 2 wheels that make it easy to move from room to room around the house.

There is an ergonomically designed mattress included and the crib itself has mesh panelling on all 4 sides, providing great visibility and air ventilation as your baby sleeps.

MFM reviewer Helen who tested the Chicco Next2Me Pop Up with her 1-month-old son Alessio said, "The Pop Up works very well as a crib for the early months of a baby’s life, especially for people who will be travelling a lot, because it is so easy to put up and down. It would certainly be a practical buy if you are going to be driving to stay away from home several times in the first 6 months of your baby’s life."

The crib has an impressively quick and easy 3-second fold that Helen thought was one of the standout features of the travel cot: "The ease of putting the cot up and down with the 3-second fold, and without the need to dissemble anything, is the main selling point and for good reason. It easily folds up into one piece and is easy to insert into the travel bag included." However, at 10.5kg, the PopUp is the heaviest option on our list and is quite bulky when folded. Whilst compact and able to fit under some beds while not in use, it does have a large footprint and therefore takes up quite a lot of car boot space and may not fit into the boot of smaller cars.

Read our full MadeForMums Chicco Next2Me Pop Up travel cot review

Available from: John Lewis , Amazon and Boots

11. BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light, £219.90 £198

– best for no upper weight limit.

Suitable from: 0-3 years | Travel cot weight: 6kg (including travel bag) | Unfolded dimensions: L112cm x W64cm x 82cm | Folded dimensions: L49cm x W60cm x H14cm | Newborn bassinet: No

• No upper weight limit
• Easy to set up
• Premium feel
• Extra thick mattress
• One of the most expensive options

This lightweight, easy-to-use travel cot impressed our parent tester for a number of reasons – as you'd expect for one of the most expensive options on our list.

The brand known for stylish baby products won't disappoint parents on the go, with a sleek silhouette, premium-feeling fabrics and excellent functionality. It's impressively easy to set up and fold down – a true highlight compared to trickier styles such as the Joie Kubbie Sleep. Simply pull out each leg, click it into place on the top frame, then place the mattress inside and secure with poppers.

MFM Head of Consumer Content and mum of 3 Christy commented: "It's so easy to set up, which is really useful if you forget how between holidays, or are asking a grandparent to help. I had no worries about sleepily packing it up at the airport hotel before we took an early flight."

The mattress is extra thick, an essential luxury as the base rests on the floor. This design means there's no weight limit, a real plus point for parents with heavier-than-average toddler.

Christy, who tested the cot with her tall 2 year old, says: "I loved the fact that the BabyBjorn has no weight limit. With a heavy toddler who is not ready for a bed, it's perfect. He slept very well, even though we tested it on a hard tiled floor."

The cleverly designed shape, with the sides inclining towards the top, also makes it harder for little ones to climb out of, and the mesh walls give great visibility from any angle.

The cot folds up into a flat rectangle shape, stored in a carry bag. Christy adds: "We took it as hold luggage out our TUI flight, and could even have fitted it inside our large family suitcase to avoid dropping it off at the 'oversized luggage' desk."

Available from: John Lewis and BabyBjörn

12. Tutti Bambini CoZee Go 3-in-1 Bassinet, Travel Cot & Playpen, £129

— best stylish travel cot.

Suitable from: Birth (with bassinet) to 3 years | Travel cot weight: 6.5kg | Unfolded dimensions: L133cm x W98cm x H65cm | Folded dimensions: L72cm x W62cm x H14cm | Newborn bassinet: Yes | Awards: Bronze – Travel Cot, MadeForMums Awards 2023

• Multi-functional
• Quick to put together
• Mattress included
• Quite large

Suitable from birth and adapting to a toddler travel cot and playpen, this Scandi-style cot impressed our testers with its appealing, stylish design and ease of use.

It's a breeze to initially put together and then fold away and, at 6.5kg, it is one of the more lightweight options on our list. It's suitable from birth with the included newborn bassinet and foldable mattress. As your baby gets older, the mattress can be unfolded to be used as a floor-level travel cot. Then you can zip open the mesh window and you've turned it into a playpen.

The mesh fabric all around the cot provides great visibility and airflow and, available separately, is the Day & Night Shade which can help your baby switch off and sleep in bright or unfamiliar places. We also love that there is a carry case included for storage or travelling. It's not the most compact travel cot when it's assembled and is still quite large when it's folded — it's wide and square, which may be awkward to transport in smaller car boots. Our testers also found that fitting everything in the carry case and zipping it back up again could be difficult.

Parent tester Cali, who tested the CoZee Go with her 13-month-old son Teddy, really loved the style and quality of the travel cot: "There are cheaper travel cot and playpen options out there but they don't look as stylish or high quality. I absolutely love the minimalist look, it's stylish and neutral. All of the materials feel extremely good quality — this is definitely one of the comfier travel cots that we've used."

Cali also praised its different elements, "The CoZee Go makes a great playpen, the zip opening was especially good for giving my son the freedom to come and go as he pleases. As a travel cot, its a really good size so should last well into toddlerhood."

Parent tester Claire, who tested this with her 3-month-old son Zach also praised the design of the cot, "It is a high-end, stylish travel cot that’s built to last and worth its price tag. It also packs up compactly for ease of transport and has a very comfortable mattress that I think little ones will sleep well in."

Available from: Kiddies Kingdom , Natural Baby Shower and Tutti Bambini

13. ErgoPouch Easy Sleep Portable Crib, £69.97

Best for: lightweight newborn travel crib.

Suitable from: birth to showing signs of rolling | Travel cot weight: 2.2kg | Unfolded dimensions: L80cm x W49cm x H27cm | Folded dimensions (in backpack): L50cm x W49cm x H8cm | Newborn bassinet: Yes | Awards: Silver – Travel Cot, MadeForMums Awards 2024

• Very light and compact
• Mosquito net included
• Multifunctional

Considerably smaller – by design – than the more traditional travel cots on our list, this lightweight folding crib weighs in at a very portable 2.2kg. It is suitable for overnight sleep with newborns, so ideal for babies who are sleeping in a moses basket or crib at home and not quite ready to spend their holiday in a larger cot. Our testers found the breathable mesh sides make it easy to keep an eye on your baby, and the easy fold and included storage backpack make this a great shout for travel in the early days. The high sides and sturdy steel frame also make it a safe resting place for tummy time and play.

You’ll be hard pressed to find a lighter travel cot, but the downside of it being such as super-lightweight crib is that it has a relatively short usage span for sleep. ErgoPouch say the product is designed as a safe sleep area for a newborn infant, but do advise you discontinue use once your baby shows signs of rolling, or has reached 9kg (whichever comes first).

Holly, who tested it with her 7 week old, Charlotte, says, “My honest initial thoughts were that it was flimsy – however as soon as I assembled the product I realised it was exceptionally well produced - the materials are wonderfully lightweight which allows it to be carried in the accompanying backpack with ease. Similarly, I was worried that the mattress would be overly thin but in reality it is not much thinner than the mattress we currently have in the moses basket and is soft and comfortable. Great value for money!”

We also like the fact the mattress is breathable, and the cotton cover can be removed for washing. For lazy days by the pool or in your garden, it even comes with a mosquito net for extra protection for your baby. Folded down and popped in the travel case, it can also fit in overhead lockers on the airplane, or inside a suitcase.

Available from: Ergopouch and Natural Baby Shower

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Why do I need a travel cot?

One of the main benefits of travel cots are their portability. Regular cots are often made of wood and to disassemble and put in a car or suitcase would be quite a task! With a travel cot disassembly is usually a matter of a few minutes (or even seconds) and some of the travel cots on our list fold small enough to fit in a suitcase or overhead locker alongside the stroller.

Travel cots are an on-the-go sleeping option that means you won’t have to rely on sleeping arrangements at your destination. For frequent travellers they can be as familiar to little ones as their regular bed; helping to aid sleep in a different environment.

What to look for when buying a travel cot

Portability — Travel cots have lighter-weight components and are designed to be easily carried and stored. But they're still cots, so none of them are going to fold into a truly tiny package. They fold into different shapes so look for the folded style that suits your needs. Some of the travel cots on our list fold into a long 3D rectangular shape more suited to public transport, others fold flat to fit well in a car boot.

Weight — Travel cots vary significantly in weight - we found some that are under 7kg and others that weigh in at a hefty 10.5kg. There's even a super-light travel crib, albeit with a shorter usage period. Think about how often you’re going to use it, and if you’ll be lifting it up and down stairs or in and out of a car. If you want frequent use, a very lightweight travel cot may suit you best. Of course, a heavier cot is likely to feel more sturdy and offer more functionality.

Ease of assembly/disassembly — Once you have the knack, putting a travel cot up and down should be a very quick process - a matter of minutes, if not seconds. Do read the instructions though, many have a knack and have parts that need to be put together in a very specific order. If you only plan on using it occasionally, a cot with a very easy, or intuitive fold, might suit you better than an 'easy once you've practised a few times' option.

Age suitability — Age suitability really varies for travel cots. Most can be used from birth – we’ve specified the manufacturer’s instructions – but the travel cots that have a built-in bassinet offer a cosier, elevated sleep environment for newborns. This will also make bending down to lift them out easier if they need frequent settling through the night. Several of the cots even have drop-down sides to allow them to be used as a bedside crib. Some cots can only be used for a few months while others are suitable up to around 3.5 years.

Mattress — Travel cot mattresses tend to be thinner and harder than normal cot mattresses. This is partly to enable a compact fold and easy storage, and is why travel cots are usually not recommended for permanent overnight sleep. But remember, a firm mattress is important for safe sleep for your baby, and doesn’t mean your child won’t be comfortable. Most manufacturers will state that you shouldn't add an extra mattress to a travel cot.

Extra functions — Some travel cots can serve as a handy playpen once babies can sit up. Some also have a changing station, which could be useful if you’re frequently travelling with a baby.

How, when and where will you use your travel cot?

Do you plan to use the travel cot frequently during the year, or do you need it for a particular holiday? The frequency and location of where you’ll use it will help when considering weight, functionality and budget. For example, if the travel cot will be used for overnight stays at relatives or friends every month, you won’t need to worry too much about weight and the ease of assembly – especially if it can remain constructed.

For holidays in hot climates, a breathable mattress and all-around mesh panel are factors to consider. These help with air circulation and will provide a more comfortable environment for your child to sleep. Some travel cots include or offer the option of an insect net and sun protection.

For travel involving flights, it’s worth investigating your airline’s baggage allowances. A light, compact-folding model with easy assembly could be your best solution.

How much does a travel cot cost?

Our list covers travel cot prices ranging from £35 up to more than £200 - so quite a wide scope. For items at all price points, we expect a safe, comfortable and stable sleeping environment.

When looking at budget options, our reviewers found that they certainly did the trick and functioned well as a travel cot but were quite basic with limited added extras. For example, you shouldn’t expect a changing station included on a lower priced travel cot.

When considering more high-end travel cots we still expect good value (not overpriced), premium components and extra thought on a design that will make traveling with kids a breeze. Of course, the more often you travel, the easier it is to get your money’s worth out of a more expensive travel cot.

The mid-range options on our list – priced under £100 include many great benefits and may tick quite a few boxes but without some of the lush extras of more expensive models.

How did we choose our 13 of the Best?

When testing travel cots, we considered size and weight limits, mattress quality, effectiveness, ease of build/fold, ease of transportation, any extra features or additions, and value the money.

Our 10 of the Best lists are compiled by qualified and experienced parenting journalists. They rely on a number of sources, including our independent reviews, testing undertaken during the MadeForMums Awards, and feedback from our home testing panel and Top Testers Club. Each year thousands of products are put through their paces by hundreds of parents across the country on behalf of MadeForMums, to ensure we’re bringing you honest and true reviews and recommendations.

Our list is not an ordered ranking from 1-10, instead it is a carefully selected group of tried-and-tested products, each ofwhich we believe is  best for  a different situation or requirement. We don’t just tell you what is best, we help you discover what is best for  your family .

Read more...

• Best lightweight buggies under 7kg
• Best baby carriers
• Best compact folding buggies

Christy is MadeForMums’ Head of Consumer Content

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Best travel cots 2024: real parents' verdict on the best cots to pop up and down wherever you are

Whether used at home, at the grandparents' or as a playpen, a travel cot can be a familiar place for your baby to sleep, wherever they are. After rigorous research and testing, we reveal the best travel cots to buy in 2024.

By Poppy O'Neill | Last updated Jul 18, 2024

While you may have dedicated a lot of time to finding the best crib , moses basket or cot bed for your child, we tend to give less thought to which travel cot to buy. But getting the best sleep possible is just as important while you're away from home, so we've put some of the best travel cots on the market through their paces.

While they're mainly used for overnight stays at a grandparent's house, or longer holidays, travel cots can also be used instead of a traditional crib or playpen for both babies and toddlers. They are portable, easy to carry, fit in your car boot and should be fairly lightweight too. Pack your travel cot along with a baby monitor and your little one's best baby blanket and you're good to go.

The best travel cots 2024: editor's picks

Best travel cot for air travel BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light

Best travel cot budget buy Red Kite Sleep Tight

Best large travel cot BabyDan Extra Large Travel Cot

We put several of our best travel cot picks through their paces with real parent-testers and their babies and toddlers. We also turned to the Mumsnet forums - home of the UK's largest network of parents - to seek out authentic recommendations and honest reviews of the travel cots they'd used with their own children. Referring to expert review sites for extra information, we collated all the information to bring you our top picks, of the best travel cots 2024.

Bugaboo Stardust Travel Cot, £225

Great quality mattress

Takes just one second to unfold and three seconds to fold

Can be folded with the mattress left in

Carrycot insert for newborns

On the expensive side

Only suitable up to 2 years

Price on writing: £225 | Suitable from: Birth to two years | Weight: 6.7kg

Tried and tested by Mumsnet: Read our in-depth Bugaboo Stardust travel cot review

For those considering a travel cot to use from birth, the Bugaboo Stardust is a great option. It comes with a carrycot insert which means the cot can be used as a bedside crib - perfect for co-sleeping away from home.

It has a height-adjustable mattress and an incredibly easy fold up and down. When folded up, the travel cot is nice and slim, making for easy storage. The mattress is great quality and thicker than the others on our list. At just over £200, it's on the premium end of the spectrum, and the manufacturer recommends only using it up to 2 years, so it doesn't have quite the longevity of most other travel cots, which generally can be used until the age of three.

Great for parents who

Want to co-sleep safely away from home

Are expecting to use the cot frequently for sleeping

Related: The best breast pumps, as recommended by Mumsnetters

BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light, £198

Durable construction

Very comfy mattress

Mattress and fabric is removable and machine-washable

Mattress is fairly close to the floor – one side can be unzipped for easy access though

It’s one of the more expensive cots around

Price on writing: £220 | Suitable from: Birth to three years | Weight: 6kg (including carry bag)

Tried and tested by Mumsnet: Read our full BabyBjorn Light review

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

Need a small portable crib that can be taken on short or long trips

Want to invest in a travel bed that can stand heavy use

Related: The best teddy bears and soft toys for kids of all ages

Joie Kubbie Sleep Travel Cot, £50

Lift and lower side panel means baby can be picked up and placed down without hassle

Compact frame that packs down into a travel bag

Mesh panels on all four sides

Padded top rail

Too small to be used as a playpen

Material isn't machine-washable

Price on writing: From £94 | Suitable from: Birth to three years (15kg) | Weight: 8.79kg

Tried and tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Joie kubbie™ Sleep review

The Joie kubbie™ Sleep is a real steal and a brilliant choice for new parents who want something that covers all bases - that's why we've named it our best travel cot overall for 2024. Versatile in style and cocoon-like in the way it nurtures and grows with newborns, the kubbie™ Sleep also comes with a bassinet that can easily be attached and detached.

A unique feature of the kubbie™ Sleep that our tester was impressed by is that when your baby is in the bassinet, you can tuck the cot close to your bed and adjust the height of the crib so that it acts like a co-sleeper. It's a lovely feature if you're travelling with a tiny baby, it provides extra peace of mind and easy access for changing and breastfeeding .

Have a newborn

Like the idea of a co-sleeper and want to keep their baby close during the night

Want a cot that can last up to three years old

Read next: The best changing bags Mumsnetters swear by

Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot, £35

Lightweight and folds down compactly into a travel bag

Quick to assemble and fold away

Easy to clean

Mesh sides make it easy to see baby

The mattress is thinner than some other baby travel cot mattresses on the market, such as the Joie kubbie™ Sleep

Doesn't have wheels

Price on writing: £35 | Suitable from: Birth to three years (or able to climb out) | Weight: 8.5 kg | Dimensions when assembled: 76 x 103 x 73cm

Tried and tested by Mumsnet : Read our full Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot review .

Robust and simple in design, the Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot is a basic, practical travel cot that you'll be glad to have for the odd night away from home with your little one. With breathable mesh on four sides, a carry bag and padding over the poles and edges, it's got everything you need for a safe night's sleep - or a handy play pen.

Mumsnetters say the mattress could be thicker and better quality, which is often the case with cheaper travel cots. If you're looking for a separate mattress, this one from Mother Nurture fits the Red Kite perfectly and folds up for extra practicality while on-the-go.

Need a bed for short trips or as a secondary for the grandparents' house

Are on a tight budget

Read next: The best cabin bags to buy for your next family holiday

BabyDan Extra Large Travel Cot, £85

Extra large (120 x 60 cm) so you can use your cot mattress for extra comfort

Travel bag included

Has a handy storage pocket

No stand-out features such as newborn insert

Quite a basic design

Price on writing: £83 | Suitable from: Not specified | Weight: 8 kg | Size when assembled: 60 x 120 x 80cm

Looking for a travel cot under £100 big enough to last at least as long as your little one's cot ? Look no further.

The BabyDan Travel Cot may not feature all the bells and whistles of the likes of Bugaboo or Babybjorn, but at the same size as most standard cots, it's large enough to keep going until your toddler is ready to make the switch into a bigger toddler bed .

Similar in design to the Red Kite, you get a little more space for your money here as well as little extra touches such as the handy side pocket in which you can store nappies , blankets or toys during your travels. Sure, its larger size may be an issue if you're short on space, but being able to fit a standard cot mattress is also a big bonus - as most travel cot mattresses are known for being quite thin.

Silver Cross Slumber travel cot, £195

Has a 3-in-1 design so works as a newborn co-sleeper, a playpen and travel cot up to three years

Sloped sides mean toddlers less likely to climb out

Has a zip-up door

Can be a bit tricky to put up for the first time

Sloped legs can take some getting used to - you may trip on them at first!

Price on writing: £190 | Suitable from: Birth to three years (or able to climb out) | Weight: 6.25 kg | Size when folded up : L88 x W34 x H17cm | Size when assembled: L112 x W80 x H67cm

Tried and tested by Mumsnet : Read our full Silver Cross Slumber travel cot review

If you're looking for a travel cot you can use right from birth up until your toddler is three, the Silver Cross Slumber offers a sleek, simple solution from a trusted brand.

The sloped sides mean toddlers are less likely to be able to climb out but still have plenty of space to play, and there's also a little zip-up door in the side which makes it feel more fun (and less like a 'baby cage'!)

While our tester found it slightly tricky to assemble the first time around, this was a minor niggle as she pointed out that she's likely to get so much use out of the Slumber travel cot, putting it up and down will soon become second nature.

Our tester was also particularly impressed with how lightweight the Slumber was to carry, despite its robust sturdiness when assembled.

Want a travel cot and playpen combination

Have a larger space to put the travel cot in

Are looking for a travel cot which will last them years

Read next: Discover the best pregnancy pillows and pregnancy tests according to Mumsnetters

Graco FoldLite LX Travel Cot, £175

Lightweight and easy to fold up and down

Collapses to just 26 cm wide

Comes with a removable infant bassinet

2 wheels for easy manoeuvring

The mattress could be thicker

Price on writing: £85 | Suitable from: Birth to three years (or able to climb out) | Weight: 6.78 kg

Tried and tested by Mumsnet: Read our in-depth Graco FoldLite LX Travel Cot review

With two ways to fold, the Graco FoldLite LX is a brilliant cot for frequent use. The quick fold is designed for speed, while 'Home Fold' is ultra-thin at just 26cm wide - perfect for storing away at home.

We love the two-wheel design that makes the cot easy to drag around, and it's not bad to look at either. The base is one of the lowest to the ground on our list, making it a good option for using as a playpen. It also comes with a removable infant bassinet for smaller babies.

Graco are well-loved by Mumsnetters thanks to their good-quality, affordable baby gear, and this travel cot is no exception.

Want a cot that can be put up and down frequently without too much hassle

Have limited space for storage

Read next: The best nursing chairs to buy, as recommended by mums

LittleLife Arc 2, £108

Insect-proof mesh for hot weather and the outdoors

Has a front panel with a safety toggle that can be zipped open or closed, making it a great option to use as an outdoor playpen

Colour-coded poles make assembly simple

Lightweight option

Thin mattress

Sunshade must be bought separately

Price on writing: £110 | Suitable from: Birth to three years (15kg), but we'd recommend it for toddlers | Weight: 2.5kg

Tried and tested by Mumsnet: Read our full LittleLife Arc 2 review

The LittleLife Arc 2 is extremely lightweight (practically featherweight, really, at just 2.5kg), is designed just like a tent and can be folded down compactly to fit into a backpack, which comes with it. This makes it perfect for use on public transport, holidays and camping.

It works just as well outdoors as it does indoors and is great for those grab-and-go moments. Our tester really liked its tent-like design - close to the floor means there's no risk of kids falling out and the cosier sleeping space makes it ideal for younger babies. She was also impressed by the mosquito net - perfect for travel wherever you're headed.

Use public transport when travelling

Want something that could double up as a playpen

Read next: The best baby carriers, tried and tested

Joie Commuter Change, £100

Two wheels make this cot easy to move around

Easy to fold and unfold

Bassinet and changing unit don’t fit into carry bag

Side of the cot can’t be pulled down like the new Joie kubbie™ Sleep

Price on writing: £100 | Suitable from: Birth to 15kg | Weight: 12.3kg

Tried and tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Joie Commuter Change review

Winner of the Mumsnet Best Travel Cot 2018 award, the Joie Commuter Change didn’t quite make our top five this year, but it’s still a great product and definitely worth considering.

Our tester loved all the added extras that come with the Commuter Change. Not only is there a full-size bassinet, which will save your back when reaching down to your child, but the cot also comes with a changing table which handily clips onto the top.

Read next: The best cot mattresses for a safe night's sleep

Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot, £250

Easy to assemble

Plenty of space for toddlers inside

Comfortable

Designed for maximum airflow (ideal for summer holidays!)

Not a lot of outstanding features

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

Tried and tested by Mumsnet : Read our full Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot review

Although it's one of the more premium travel cots on our list, our parent-tester was particularly impressed with the sturdiness of the Nuna Sena Aire travel cot, saying she had no worries about it moving when put through its paces by her toddler daughter.

The Nuna features breathable mesh sides and a ventilated mesh mattress, which is particularly useful if you're travelling to sunnier climes - and it's very simple to put up, even if you're on the petite side. If you need a reliable, premium travel cot for frequent use, the Nuna is a solid option on a cost-per-use basis, but if you're looking for something to use once or twice a year, there isn't anything particularly remarkable which makes this one stand out above its cheaper peers.

What age is a travel cot for?

This type of cot is usually used from the newborn stage up until toddlerhood – or until the little wriggler can climb out by themselves.

Do I actually need a travel cot?

The short answer is: no, not necessarily, but that depends entirely on your lifestyle.

Portable beds can be expensive and can take up unnecessary space in an otherwise baby-filled home, so if you think you'll only get use out of one for two weeks of the year, then you could probably do without.

If you already have a co-sleeper, Moses basket or carrycot that you use with a travel system , you might be able to use that when you're away from home with a smaller baby.

If, however, you tend to travel often or think your little one will have regular sleepovers with the grandparents, then a travel cot is a great solution.

It'll not only be easier to cart around, but it'll offer a familiar and comforting environment for your child no matter where they rest their head.

Are travel cots safe?

Safety is crucial when buying a travel bed for your little one so, while all products should have some sort of testing certification, be sure to check the safety features out yourself.

If you plan to buy in-store, ask to see it being assembled

Check how sturdy it is – could it withstand being knocked into?

Look for safety locks on wheels if there are any – can they also be tucked away when not in use?

Choking hazards are also something to look out for so make sure that small parts, like zips, are well covered

Check for sharp corners and padded rails

Assess whether your child would be able to climb out easily – check that the side panels are high enough

Safe sleeping and travel cot mattresses

The Lullaby Trust says that all cots need to comply with British Standards Institution (BSI) safety standards regardless of how old they are. If there is no safety standard number visible then you shouldn't buy it.

When it comes to safe sleeping, they also insist that the bed's original mattress needs to be firm, entirely flat and waterproof with no soft or cushioned areas, particularly around the baby's head. Babies should be placed on their backs with their feet at the foot of the cot.

Soft mattresses are known to increase the risk of SIDS as they make it harder for babies to lose body heat, which can cause them to become too hot.

Sleep positioners and pillows must not be used and there should also be no loose or bulky bedding inside the crib as this can cause a baby to overheat.

Even if the mattress feels thin, don't be tempted to place folded blankets underneath your child. Go for a baby sleeping bag or a well-fitted swaddle instead.

The Lullaby Trust also advise that portable cribs aren’t placed against radiators and remain out of reach of blind cords.

How much does a travel cot cost?

Prices range from £20 to over £200, and your budget will probably depend entirely on how much you think you'll use it.

As with anything, the most expensive option won't necessarily be best suited to you and your child. Some cheaper models may do just the trick and will last well into the toddler years too.

Can I buy one secondhand?

Yes, you can, but make sure you always follow the manufacturer's instructions before using.

Make sure it isn’t damaged or broken, that the frame is intact and that there aren’t any sharp edges that could cause injury. If possible, ask to assemble and fold it down before you buy to check it works as it should.

Secondhand travel cots can go from anywhere between £10 and £80.

Other things to consider when buying a travel cot

1. portability.

Check the size and weight. Can it be folded down compactly? Is it likely to fit into the boot of your car?

If you tend to travel by public transport, you'll want a bed that's lightweight and easy to carry. For planes, some small cots may even be able to fit into an overhead locker.

2. Assembly and storage

By nature, travel beds are usually easy to put up and fold down. Pop-ups are, of course, the easiest, but check to see if your chosen product is quick to assemble, fold and pack away.

When it comes to storage, the amount of space you have at home will influence your decision.

Some models have mattresses that fold with the frame before they go into a bag, and most will fit into the back of a cupboard or under a bed when stored away.

3. How to clean

Babies create mess – and a lot of it too. Look for a removable mattress that comes with a fitted sheet, which you will be able to stick in the washing machine.

Some cots have removable side panels, but if they don’t then you can always wipe them clean with warm water.

4. Extra features

Many larger models double up as a playpen which is great for keeping your child safe at all times no matter where they are. Some even come with changing tables, mobiles and bassinets for newborns.

You’ll find that the added extras will usually need to be carried separately once the frame is folded down. Brands that offer attachments like these include Joie (the Joie Commuter Change won Mumsnet Best Travel Cot 2018), BabyBjorn and Graco.

Some, like the Arc 2, also come with added extras like built-in mosquito nets for camping.

What's the best travel cot to buy?

The Joie kubbie Sleep is the best travel cot to buy in 2024. Mumsnetters love that it doubles as a co-sleeper, making it a versatile, useful and great value buy. The compact design makes it easy to transport and set up, while the bedside feature allows for easy access to your baby during the night. Overall, the Joie Baby Kubbie Sleep Bedside Travel Cot is a great choice for parents looking for a safe and comfortable sleep solution for their little one.

How we tested and why you should trust us

For continuity, we try to get one tester to test all the products in a single category. This reduces any potential variables during the testing process and ensures that our results are based on like-for-like comparisons. After approximately 24 hours of research, our tester, Ruth, produced a shortlist of 14 cots to put to the test. The list included the most highly recommended cots by Mumsnet users and other review sites, plus a wide range of designs and price tags, from nifty pop-ups to more studier models akin to traditional cribs.

Each product was tested in rooms with both carpet and laminate flooring, then scored on six key areas:

Safety and stability

Comfort and day-to-day use, cleanliness, value for money.

Five products were then awarded a Mumsnet Best badge – these are the products that we feel offer the absolute best value for most parents. We also gave honourable mentions to four others.

Ruth scored each product based on each criteria below, with the highest scoring coming out on top as the overall winner. Honourable mentions were then given to nine other top-performing beds.

We looked at a number of factors including:

Durability and materials – how well was each product made and finished?

Safety features – did the product have padded rails, lockable wheels, mesh ventilation, firm bedding, a locking system etc? And could a baby's fingers become trapped? Ruth studied everything from the frame to the mattress

Choking hazards – were there any parts that could come loose?

Sturdiness – she walked into it, knocked it against furniture and dropped it when assembled and packed away. Could each cot withstand the weight of both an adult and child if accidentally fallen into?

Safety standards – she also looked for the appropriate safety labels

Height of side panels – could a child climb out easily?

Assembly and folding

How straightforward was it to assemble and fold?

Were written or visual instructions clear and precise? Could the instructions also be accessed online and were there video tutorials to guide you through?

Each cot was assembled and taken down 20 times – this was also timed to see how long it would take

We also wanted to see which products might cause difficulty for people with mobility issues and which were the easiest to assemble and take down

Ruth also considered how easy it would be to access spare parts and whether each cot came with a warranty

Ruth looked at how much space the cot took up in a room – did it slot in easily, and was it more suited to indoors or outdoors?

Could it be moved around easily, particularly through doorways, from one room to another, and up and down the stairs? Did it have to be folded in order to do so?

How easy was it to place the child inside? Could the side panels be lowered?

When inside, was the little one comfy? Did they like it and was there enough room to sleep and to play?

Was it heavy to carry and did it fit comfortably in the boot of an average-sized family car? Could it be taken on public transport easily?

Ruth analysed looks, including colours, fabrics and overall design

Did the bed fit in with the décor? Was the design attractive and user-friendly?

Were there different colours to choose from?

The likes of mud, sand, peanut butter, milk and orange juice were smeared and spilled onto the interior and exterior to see how easy stains were to remove

Ruth also checked for removable bedding that could easily be thrown into the washing machine

We tested products with a variety of price tags and compared the more expensive models to those that were cheaper

If pricey, was it worth the price tag?

And were there any extras included to make the investment more justified?

How real-life comparative testing makes Mumsnet Reviews unique

We commissioned Ruth Lumley to write about and test a variety of toddler and baby travel cots. Ruth is a journalist who has used a number of baby beds with her three young children – from the newborn stage right through to toddlerhood and while holidaying abroad and visiting relatives in the UK.

During the research process, she looked at the types of products available, scoured the Mumsnet forums for recommendations and spoke to baby sleep experts from The Lullaby Trust , an organisation that provides advice on safer sleep for babies.Ruth tried out each bed with her youngest child, who was 18 months old at the time of testing. She tested each for at least three nights, both at home and at the grandparents' house, which meant that all the models were subject to the same environmental factors and held a child of the same age and weight.

About the author

Poppy O'Neill is a Content Editor at Mumsnet and a mother of two. She's been researching and reviewing baby and child products for 2 years, with a particular focus on baby essentials, toys and books for toddlers and outdoor play equipment. From potties to paddling pools and bunk beds to bedtime stories, she loves to deep-dive into research and find the best products out there.

Poppy is also an award-winning, best-selling children's and parenting author of books such as Don't Worry, Be Happy , The Extraordinary Book That Makes You Feel Happy  and Mother Power . She specialises in children's mental health and her books are used by therapists, teachers and SENCOs across the UK. She won a The Week Junior Book Award in 2023, her books have been translated into several languages and she's been featured in The Guardian, The Sunday Times and The Sun.

After earning a BA in Creative Writing from the University of Leeds and a PGCert in Fashion and Lifestyle Journalism from University of the Arts London, she worked in fashion for most of her 20s. When her children were young, she undertook an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Chichester and re-trained as an author and freelance writer.

Micralite Sleep&Go Travel Cot review

Is this lightweight and foldable cot the answer to your travel needs? Find out in T3's Micralite Sleep&Go Travel Cot review

The Micralite Sleep&Go Travel Cot is no doubt a quality product. It's versatile, easy to use, and durable enough to withstand everything travel can throw at it. I love how easy the folding mechanism is, how thick the mattress feels, and the ability to use it as a playpen. If you're looking for a highly-functional travel cot that will withstand many years of family trips – the Micralite Sleep&Go Travel Cot is an excellent choice.

Thick mattress

Simple fold mechanism

Durable fabric

Drab colour scheme

Not machine washable

Carry bag is on the large side

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

The Sleep&Go Travel Cot is a well-designed piece of kit that hopes to make travelling with little ones a breeze. It sets itself apart from rivals by being adaptable: it's a travel cot one minute, playpen the next, and can even transform into a newborn co-sleeper. Perhaps best of all, it's able to transform between these functions in seconds thanks to its innovative all-in-one frame.

The Sleep&Go Travel Cot is created by Micralite, a sister brand of Silver Cross, that prides itself on putting functionality at its core. The brand's products are designed to go anywhere, with light and compact designs making them easy to use.

As an avid traveller, I couldn't wait to review Micralite's Sleep&Go Travel Cot, which folds up in seconds and comes with its own carry case.

With an RRP of £150, it sits firmly in the upper-mid-range price category, with durable materials and a solid build, but does it deserve a place in T3's best travel cot guide? Read on to find out…

Micralite Sleep&Go Travel Cot review: Setup

The Micralite Sleep&Go Travel Cot is, minus removing a few plastic bags, ready to use straight out of the box. Even as a relative newbie I was able to set the cot up in a matter of seconds.

This is mainly down to the all-in-one frame, which you simply remove from the zip-up travel bag, unfold lengthways, and then bring out the legs until you hear a satisfying click. 

There is no screwing involved and no tent poles to connect – everything is already attached to the frame. I found that really useful, as it means you can't lose anything. Also, the last thing you want to be doing after a long day of travelling is read an instruction manual and figure out if you should be using a B1 bolt or B2. Thankfully the Sleep&Go is as idiot-proof as they come.

Things get a little more fiddly when it comes to the newborn insert, as this requires you to line up a zip and attach the mattress with four toggles. Even then, it doesn't take long, and you can have the whole thing put together in as little as two minutes.

The instructions are a series of images that are easy to follow, though, in practice, I doubt you'll need them.

Micralite Sleep&Go Travel Cot review: Design

As I stated at the beginning of this review, Micralite's designs are functional and durable – that can clearly be seen with the Sleep&Go Travel Cot.

The carry bag is very no-nonsense. It's made from a thick, black fabric that won't damage or mark. It's not the most luxe material out there, but it is clearly very durable.

The bag is big enough that getting everything back into it (the frame, newborn insert, and mattress) isn't a problem.

When folded the Sleep&Go measures 88 x 34 x 17cm, so it's not the most compact model on the market. Essentially you're trading absolute compactness for ease of use.

At 6.25kg, this travel cot isn't too heavy, although it's not the lightest model out there either. I found the large handles on the bag make it easy to carry, although I would appreciate some padding on the handles if I was carrying it for a long time.

Obviously, we've already touched on the main part of the design in the previous section – the quick and easy all-in-one folding frame.

Once unfolded the travel cot measures 112cm x 80cm x 67cm, which is a decent size and larger than many of its premium rivals. It's certified for overnight sleeping, so you can rest safe in the knowledge that your baby is safe.

The mattress is surprisingly thick at 3cm, although it does feel on the firm side.

It's covered in wipe-clean polyester, as is the frame around the top of the cot. This fabric feels thick and durable. It's worth noting, however, that the fabrics can't be machine washed, so you'll have to stick to spot cleaning.

I really like that one of the sides unzips. This turns it into useful storage if you're using the newborn insert or a playpen if you've got a toddler.

My main complaint about the design is that the Sleep&Go is only available in this graphite/black colourway. While this is practical, it would have been nice to see some brighter colour options here.

Micralite Sleep&Go Travel Cot review: Use

Okay, so if you've got this far then you know the Sleep&Go Travel Cot is easy to assemble, but what is it like to actually use?

I found the newborn insert the perfect height and size, making it easy to put a little one in (and lift them out again). It feels sturdy and features mesh panels so you can see your baby from the side if the cot is next to your bed.

As a travel cot, it's perfect.

I wouldn't really recommend it as a full-time co-sleeper though, as it doesn't feature a fold-down panel and the angled shape means it won't fit right up against a bed.

When it comes to folding the Sleep&Go down again, it's a little more tricky than putting it up, with some small buttons on each corner that collapse the legs. It takes a little bit of getting used to, but once you've done it a few times you'll be able to have the cot folded and in the bag within five minutes – which is very useful if you're rushing to the airport for your return flight.

Micralite Sleep&Go Travel Cot review: Verdict

The Micralite Sleep&Go Travel Cot is no doubt a quality product. It's versatile, easy to use, and durable enough to withstand everything travel can throw at it. I love how easy the folding mechanism is, and how thick the mattress feels. I also think the ability to use it as a playpen (or extra storage) is incredibly useful. I do wish it was available in brighter colours, and that it was a little easier to clean, but if you're looking for a highly-functional travel cot that will withstand many years of family trips – the Micralite Sleep&Go Travel Cot is an excellent choice.

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As the Style and Travel Editor at T3, Spencer covers everything from clothes to cars and watches to hotels. Everything that's cool, stylish, and interesting, basically. He's been a part of T3 for over seven years, and in that time covered every industry event known to man, from CES and MWC to the Geneva Motorshow and Baselworld. When he's driving up and down the country in search of the greatest driving roads, he can be found messing around on an electric scooter, playing with luxury watches, or testing the latest fragrances.

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The best camping cots for a good night's sleep outdoors

Whether you're car camping or backpacking, or just want to avoid sleeping bags, these cots will help you sleep soundly above the ground.

Most campers opt for a sleeping pad or air mattress, but if you’re a frequent car camper or value a good night’s rest while camping, it may be time to upgrade your sleep setup with a camping cot. As a lifelong camper, I’m happy roughing it on a sleeping pad while backpacking. But one of the benefits of car camping is the luxury of using a camping cot. By elevating you off the ground, camping cots keep you comfortable on uneven and rocky terrain. Many camping cots even offer features like air mattresses, cup holders, and reclining backs, making them a versatile sleep option for tents, vans, and even at home.  

The best camping cots are durable, easy to carry and set up, and, most of all, comfortable. Our pick for the best camping cot is the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3 . A slightly curved frame supports your body, while the ample cushioning is almost as comfortable as any bed at home.  

Our picks for the best camping cot

The best camping cots.

Read on for our top picks on the best camping cots, from budget-friendly options to cots for couples and kids, bunk bed styles and more.  

Best overall: REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3

Buy it now at REI

Why we like it: With its superior comfort and array of features (more than many other camping cots), REI Co-op’s Kingdom Cot 3 is our top pick for best camping cot overall. This cot comes assembled ; you just have to unfold it. Six support legs swivel and adjust individually , letting you create a flat sleeping platform on rough or uneven surfaces.

There are multiple setup options , plus you can adjust the angle of the back, making this camping cot great for both lounging around and sleeping. The slight curvature of the frame and the quilted top help provide a comfortable night’s rest, while the cushioning means you don’t have to lug a sleeping pad with you. Reviewers—including myself—claim it’s the most comfortable cot they’ve tried.  

Keep in mind: The Kingdom Cot 3 is heavy and bulky , due to the cushioning. Some reviews mention that the frame bolts tear the mattress with repeated use.  

Product details: Dimensions folded: 33 x 32 x 8.5 inches | Dimensions unfolded: 82 x 31.5 x 14 inches | Weight: 20 pounds | Weight capacity: 300 pounds

Best budget camping cot: Coleman Converta Folding Cot

Buy it now at Coleman

Why we like it: Coleman has long been a household staple when it comes to camping gear, and the Converta Cot is a folding camping cot that lives up to the brand’s solid reputation. With four back and two foot positions, this versatile cot works for camping or everyday household use , from sleeping to sunbathing and reading. At under half the price of the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, it’s our choice for the best budget camping cot.

The steel frame and fabric platform weigh only 16 pounds and pack down smaller than most camping cots, making it a great choice for trips where you have to carry your gear across a long distance.

Keep in mind: Third-party reviews mention that the legs fold easily, yet can collapse when getting on and off. It’s also noisy when you move around.

Product details: Dimensions folded: 26.5 x 14.7 x 12.8 inches | Dimensions unfolded: 76.3 x 25.2 x 12.8 inches | Weight: 16.3 pounds | Weight capacity: 225 pounds

Best double camping cot: KingCamp Luxury Double Folding Camping Cot

Buy it now on Amazon

Why we like it: The KingCamp Luxury Double Folding Camping Cot offers a king-sized sleeping area for couples, giving you plenty of room to stretch out with your partner. This camping cot is designed for durability , offering a steel tubular frame and nine-leg structure to support up to 550 pounds , according to the company. A 1200-denier bed surface helps resist tears and cradle weight, with elastic bands at each corner that secure an air mattress . Despite the size, it folds and unfolds easily for setup and breakdown.  

Keep in mind: A metal support bar across the middle makes a thicker mattress necessary for a comfortable night’s sleep.

Product details: Dimensions folded: 45.3 x 11.8 x 11.8 inches | Dimensions unfolded: 84.6 x 55 x 18.9 inches | Weight: 35.3 pounds | Weight capacity: 550 pounds

Best cot for car camping: REI Co-op Trailgate Vehicle 25-inch Sleeping Platform

Why we like it: Our top choice for car campers is the removable REI Co-op Trailgate. It can convert your vehicle into a comfortable camp spot for the night, with an adjustable frame that lets you position the legs in the footwells behind the front seat and on top of folded back seats. We love that it also has corner straps that keep the recycled and surprisingly comfortable foam mattress in place.

The Trailgate comes in two widths. I’ve used the 25-inch version for solo nights or when I want to maximize gear space in my vehicle. The 40-inch version is good for couples or people with pets . You can also leave the Trailgate halfway deployed during the day, giving you access to the back seats and cargo area.

Keep in mind: The system doesn’t work seamlessly with every vehicle . Make sure you test the Trailgate in your vehicle before heading on the road.

Product details (25-inch model): Dimensions folded: 31.5 x 19 x 13 inches | Dimensions unfolded: 72 x 25 x 10.7 inches | Weight: 31 pounds | Weight capacity: 250 pounds

Best bunk bed camping cot: Disc-O-Bed Large Bunk Cots

Why we like it: Bunk bed cots are a great option if you’re short on space in your tent or van. We think the Disc-O-Bed is the best bunk bed camping cot because it includes two versatile cots that can be bunked together, turned into a bench, or kept separate. Organizers hang from the bottom edge of each camping cot, providing ample storage for small items.  

The steel frame and 600D polyester fabric feel quite sturdy. The Disc-O-Bed bunk bed camping cots have the most generous weight limit of the cots we’ve reviewed: each sleeping cot can handle 500 pounds, according to the manufacturer. Disc-O-Bed also offers large, extra large, and kids’ bunk cots.

Keep in mind: These bunk bed camping cots are very heavy . They’re also the most expensive option on this list.  

Product details: Dimensions folded: 32.5 x 15 x 5 inches | Dimensions unfolded: 79 x 36 x 28 inches | Weight: 60 pounds | Weight capacity: 500 pounds per cot

Best camping cot for couples: Coleman Airbed Queen Cot

Why we like it: The Coleman Airbed Queen Cot features a sturdy cot frame and a queen-size air mattress with room for two, making it a great option for couples. A sewn-in cover helps keep the mattress in place throughout the night, while a coil system beneath adds comfort. We appreciate that this camping cot comes with a battery-powered pump , which makes it easy to set up. Bonus: it comes with two side tables with cup holders that flip out, for campers who like to sleep with a glass of water nearby.  

Keep in mind: Third-party reviews mention the mattress is noisy and the battery-powered pump is weak .  

Product details: Dimensions folded: 39.4 x 11.3 x 9.9 inches | Dimensions unfolded: 78 x 59 x 22 inches | Weight: 42.6 pounds | Weight capacity: 600 pounds

Best camping cot for kids: Regalo My Cot Portable Toddler Bed

Why we like it: The Regalo Toddler Bed is easy to set up and includes a fitted sheet , so it’s ready to go as soon as you unfold it. The manufacturer notes that the steel frame holds up to 75 pounds , making this camping cot a great choice for smaller children. It packs down small and, at just over six pounds, is by far the lightest camping cot in this guide. It’s also convenient to have at home or to travel with if you’re staying in hotels and vacation rentals.

Keep in mind: This kids’ sleeping cot doesn’t come with a carrying case .  

Product details: Dimensions folded: 24 x 9 x 8 inches | Dimensions unfolded: 48 x 24.5 x 9 inches | Weight: 6.3 pounds | Weight capacity: 75 pounds

Best multiuse camping cot: Boztiy Outdoor Sleeping Cot

Buy it now at Home Depot

Why we like it: With four reclining positions , a removable mattress , an adjustable pillow , and a side pocket , the Boztiy Outdoor Sleeping Cot is our pick for the best multiuse camping cot. Use it as a chaise lounge or as a guest bed when you run out of couch space. The tri-fold design helps hold up to 600 pounds, but the camping cot weighs 18, making it easy to pack away and move around. The cotton-filled mattress is comfortable and breathable, according to the company, while the removable pillow can be adjusted to different heights.  

Keep in mind: The mattress is relatively thin , so some sleepers may not find it as comfortable.

Product details: Dimensions folded: 41.3 x 9.8 inches | Dimensions unfolded: 75 x 28 x 15.7 inches | Weight: 18 pounds | Weight capacity: 600 pounds

How we chose the best cots for camping

We considered several factors when creating this guide to the best cots for camping, specifically:

• Third-party reviews: We weighed third-party reviews from sources other than company websites for unbiased opinions.
• Brand reputation: We chose sturdy sleeping cots from trusted brands, with a reputation for quality gear.
• Features: We looked for camping cots with additional features like camping cot mattresses, drink holders, side tables, and lounge modes.

Tips for buying a camping cot

Ease of setup.

The last thing you want to do when you get to camp is fiddle with your camping cot. Ideally, you should be able to take the camping cot out of its sack and simply unfold it. Sleeping cots with extra features like bunk beds or blow-up mattresses may require additional steps to set up. It’s a good idea to practice setting up your camping cot before going camping.  

Camping cots are generally more comfortable than sleeping on the ground. However, there’s a balance between comfort and packability. Sleeping cots with larger surface areas and more cushioning are comfortable but are generally heavy. Smaller camp cots with no padding are lighter and more packable but may require a sleeping pad.

Weight and packability

Cots for camping are designed with car camping in mind, where weight is not a big issue. Because of this, camping cots tend to be heavier and bulkier than air mattresses and sleeping pads. Materials like steel and canvas are heavier than aluminum and nylon, while cushioning adds bulk and weight. Make sure your cot is light enough to carry with ease to your tent site.

Sleeping dimensions

Before committing to a camping cot, make sure you’ll fit comfortably on it and that it will fit inside your tent. Most cots are around two feet wide and fit people up to six feet tall. If you require a bigger camping cot, look for a brand that offers extra-large or double versions. There are also children’s cots and cots designed for two people.

Cushioning  

Most cots for camping don’t have cushioning and only have flexible fabric stretched over the frame. If you’d like extra padding, look for a cot like the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3. You can also bring a sleeping pad or mattress to lay on top of your camping cot.  

Frequently asked questions

What do you put under a tent cot.

If you’re sleeping in a tent with a floor, you don’t need anything under your tent cot. If you put the cot on bare ground, you may want a cloth underneath.  

Are camping cots worth it?

Camping cots make sleeping on rocky, uneven ground more comfortable. They also have storage room underneath them, increasing the living space in your tent. Camping cots can double as extra beds at home.

What’s the difference between a cot and a camp cot?

Camping cots are foldable and lighter than cots, making them more portable. They are a great option for camping trips or travel.

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• PRODUCT ROUNDUP
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Flights to moscow - travel insights & trends, get data-powered insights and trends for flights to moscow to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more., how many airports are there in moscow, there are 4 airports in moscow: moscow sheremetyevo airport (svo), moscow vnukovo airport (vko), moscow domodedovo airport (dme) and moscow zhukovsky airport (zia). the busiest airport is moscow sheremetyevo airport (svo), with 51% of all flights arriving there., how long is the flight to moscow, the duration of your flight to moscow depends on your departure and arrival airports. obviously any flights that include a layover will also be longer. the most popular routes to moscow on kayak are from san francisco , which takes 19h 20m, los angeles , which takes 20h 30m, new york , which takes 22h 15m, and miami , which takes 23h 25m., when to book flights to moscow, faqs - booking moscow flights, what are the stopover options for the us to moscow flights.

The stopover options for the US flights to Moscow depend on your airline, departure city, and arrival airport. If you're flying with Turkish Airlines from New York, expect layovers in Istanbul, Bodrum, and Antalya. United Airlines, British Airways, EI AI, Azerbaijan Airlines, Austrian Airlines, SWISS, and Emirates offer flights from New York to DME with common layovers in Tel Aviv-Yafo, London, Baku, Vienna, Zurich, and Amsterdam respectively. Flights from Los Angeles have common layovers in New York, Frankfurt, Dubai, Stockholm, Amsterdam, and Vienna.

Which US airports offer flights from the US to Moscow?

If you’re looking to fly to Moscow from the US, you will be happy to know that several US airports offer these flights. You can get flights from the US to Moscow from Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), Newark (EWR), New York (JFK), Philadelphia (PHL), Chicago (ORD), and Atlanta (ATL) among others.

Does Sheremetyevo International Airport offer accessible services?

Yes. SVO is an accessible airport with management that strives to ensure that all passengers traveling through the airport get full access to its programs and services. The airport’s terminals are well configured to provide easy access for passengers with reduced mobility. SVO also offers accessible restrooms throughout its terminals. Disabled travelers are welcome to use Saturn Lounge in Terminal D or Sirius Lounge for passengers flying from Terminals D, E, and F.

How can I access the lounges at Moscow Vnukovo International Airport?

Art Lounge is near Gate 23 on the Second Floor of Terminal A. The lounge admits passengers on in-transit or international flights only and remains open for 24 hours. You can access the lounge through a pass or membership programs. Fountain Lounge is in the food court area on the Second Floor of Terminal A and admits passengers on membership programs. You can access Top Lounge through membership programs. The lounge is near Gate 21 on the Third Floor of Terminal A. Prokofiev Premier and Tchaikovsky Lounge admit travelers through membership programs. Prokofiev is near Gate 13 in Terminal A while the latter is on the International Airside of the same terminal.

What shopping options are available at the Moscow airports?

Travelers looking to shop while in Moscow need not go any further than the airports, as both airports have a wide range of options from fashion to jewelry and souvenirs. Popular shops in Sheremetyevo International Airport include Red Machine, Yarmarka, and Swarovski. For Domodedovo International Airport, Natura Siberica, Consul, and Frey Wille are all great stores to take a peek at.

What restaurant options are there at the Moscow airports?

Just as the shopping options were extensive at both airports, the dining is the same. For Sheremetyevo International Airport, consider paying a visit to Kolbasny Tsekh and Mama Russia. If you are flying into Domodedovo International Airport, Uzbechka and Edim Letim are sure to satisfy.

What facilities are available for children and families at Moscow’s airports?

In Sheremetyevo International Airport, travelers will be happy to note that there is a children’s play area in Terminal D. There are also mother-and-child rooms that feature play areas, showers, and couches for young children and their mothers. As for Domodedovo International Airport, there are two children’s play areas located at the International and Domestic Terminals.

How do I get from Domodedovo International Airport to downtown Moscow?

Fortunately for travelers, Domodedovo International Airport is very well-connected to downtown Moscow. If you are just in town for a visit, likely the cheapest and most convenient way to get into town is the Aeroexpress. Aside from the Aeroexpress, however, there are also bus, shuttle and taxi options available.

Which Moscow airport is closest to central Moscow?

There are 4 major airports in Moscow. The nearest airport from Moscow city center is Moscow Vnukovo (17 miles), followed by Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport (18 miles), Moscow Zhukovsky (25 miles), and Moscow Domodedovo Airport (25 miles).

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights to Moscow?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights to Moscow.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket to Moscow?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Moscow is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights to Moscow?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Moscow with an airline and back with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight to Moscow?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Moscow up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Which airline offers the most flights to Moscow?

Of the 18 airlines that fly to Moscow, Aeroflot offers the most flights, with around 2,192 per week, followed by Pobeda with 452 flights per week.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Moscow

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Moscow flight deals.
• Moscow Vnukovo International Airport (VKO) consists of two terminals, Terminal A and Terminal D. The former is the main terminal that serves most international and domestic flights. Terminal D mostly serves flights arriving from North Caucasus. The terminals are a short walk from each other as they are adjacent and are connected by walkways.
• Passengers arriving at Moscow Domodedovo International Airport (MDE) can utilize the airport’s shower facilities to freshen up before leaving the airport. Showers are available in the Left Wing of the International Arrivals Area.
• Passengers looking to explore MDE luggage-free are welcome to leave their luggage at the airport’s storage lockers. You can find the lockers Landslide of the International Arrivals Area and on the Ground Floor of the Domestic Arrivals.
• Gadget-totting travelers can charge their devices at MDE. The airport offers stand-alone charging stations in every waiting lounge. You can also rent battery chargers from the Left Luggage room.
• Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) is completely smoke-free in the terminals. However, the airport offers designated smoking pavilions to accommodate smoking passengers. The smoking pavilions are outside at the terminals’ entrances.
• For flights to Moscow, travelers have four different airports to choose from: Domodedovo International Airport (DME), Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO), Vnukovo International Airport (VKO), and Zhukovsky International Airport (ZIA). However, most travelers will be flying into either Domodedovo International Airport or Sheremetyevo International Airport, as they are by far the most popular of the four airports.
• Getting from Sheremetyevo International Airport to downtown Moscow is simple, thanks to the Aeroexpress, which connects directly to both Belorussky Railway Terminal and Okruzhnaya station. From either station, you can head to a number of locations across Moscow in no time.
• Looking to head straight to the hotel after your flight to Moscow? If you are landing at Sheremetyevo International Airport, the Novotel Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport Hotel is within walking distance of the airport’s terminals. For Domodedovo International Airport, on the other hand, there is the Domodedovo AirHotel, which is located just half a mile away from the airport and offers free transfers to and from the airport.
• If you need to get between Domodedovo International Airport and Sheremetyevo International Airport, your best bet is to take a combination of the Aeroexpress and the Moscow Metro. There is even a special “Between Airports” ticket available for purchase at the Aeroexpress ticket office.
• Got a few hours to spare at Sheremetyevo International Airport? Why not stop off at the Aero-beauty hair salon for a cut, trim, or maybe even a dye? Another option is to spend some time at the History Museum of Sheremetyevo, which has several unique exhibitions on the history of the airport.

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Military families overseas may get relief in dog travel rule fixes

In response to outcries from military families and others, government officials have revised the new rules for importing dogs from overseas to the United States , according to an announcement Monday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The rules will still take effect Aug. 1 during the busy military moving season, and the impact of the changes is unclear. It remains to be seen whether overseas airlines will reverse their decisions to stop allowing overseas families to travel back to the U.S. with their dogs either in the cabin or as excess baggage on the plane.

The CDC rules prompted eight airlines to previously announce they will no longer fly the dogs with their owners, leaving many military families scrambling to find alternative transportation — with a number of departures scheduled in early August.

“CDC values the feedback received from various countries, industry partners, and the public,” officials stated Monday. “CDC simplified the process for meeting requirements for dogs arriving from rabies-free or low-risk countries.”

In easing some of the requirements, the CDC announced Monday that through April 30, 2025, it won’t require veterinary documents for dogs that have spent the previous six months in rabies-free or low-risk countries. The only form needed is the CDC Dog Import Form, which is completed online by the traveler or importer. This makes it easier for owners of dogs coming from low-risk countries.

There are two versions of the CDC Dog Import Form: one for dogs coming from no-to-low risk countries for dog rabies , and the other for dogs coming from high-risk countries for dog rabies . The list of high-risk countries is here . Dogs coming from those countries have more requirements, such as documentation and testing.

Military families overseas scrambling as U.S. dog travel rules change

Some airlines are no longer allowing dogs to be shipped on the same flight with their owners back to the states due to new u.s. cdc rules..

The CDC requirements are aimed at preventing the introduction of dog rabies into the United States. While dog rabies was eliminated in the United States in 2007, there are over 100 countries where dog rabies isn’t controlled, according to the CDC.

Liz Hensel, a Marine Corps wife and CEO of Leave No Paws Behind USA, said she is hopeful the update will be helpful to military families. “It’s clear our voices are being heard,” said Hensel, who has been advocating for change in the rules to help military families.

However, she said, “There has to be communication between CDC and the airlines. The faster we can clarify, the better for our military families on standby for that Aug. 1 deadline.”

The CDC said it will also have a waiver process for airlines . Starting Aug. 1, airlines must create an air waybill document for each dog transported to the U.S. If they can’t create that air waybill, they can request a waiver. Unless the airlines create the air waybills or have a waiver, they can’t transport dogs as hand-carried or excess baggage to the U.S. If they are granted a provisional waiver for 90 days, they can transport dogs as hand-carried or excess baggage to the U.S. with an air waybill. They can also submit an application to apply for a longer-term waiver to last nine months.

Airlines continue to be able to transport dogs if the dog is traveling separately as manifest cargo — on its own ticket, and as in the past, creating an air waybill for the dog. But for dogs traveling as excess baggage or in the cabin with their owner, none of the airlines are currently equipped for the process of receiving dogs traveling as excess baggage or in the cabin with their own air waybill, according to Angela Passman, owner and president of World Pet Travel.

“The passenger terminal, where pets arrive as excess baggage or [to travel] in the cabin, is not connected to the cargo facilities, so they are unable to clear a pet coming into the passenger terminal,” Passman said. “They are simply not set up for this, and this is a requirement insisted upon by the CDC for bringing a pet into the continental U.S.”

If the CDC rules aren’t followed, the dog won’t be allowed to enter the U.S.

“If denied entry, your dog will be sent back to the last country of departure at your expense. Country of departure is where the last trip originated — not where the dog was born or where it lives,” officials state on the CDC’s website.

If families can’t travel with their dogs, they may be left with no alternative other than to use a pet shipper to navigate the complex requirements. While the cost for a dog to travel with the family has been around $400, it will now be more than $2,000, Hensel said, noting that the cost to ship a dog from overseas through a pet shipper could be anywhere from $2,500 to over $4,000, depending on the dog, location and other factors.

Lawmakers also urged the CDC to delay implementing the blanket requirements, as the rules affect low-risk dogs personally owned by various types of individuals.

Karen has covered military families, quality of life and consumer issues for Military Times for more than 30 years, and is co-author of a chapter on media coverage of military families in the book "A Battle Plan for Supporting Military Families." She previously worked for newspapers in Guam, Norfolk, Jacksonville, Fla., and Athens, Ga.

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Here are the munitions Navy jets used for first time against Houthis

Fighter jets flying off the aircraft carrier dwight d. eisenhower used a variety of munitions for the first time ever in combat, according to the navy..

B-1 bomber crash report blasts crew mistakes, culture of ‘complacency’

“many failures leading to this mishap were not a one-time occurrence or an aberration," the report into a january b-1 bomber crash concluded..

Naval aviator becomes first American woman to secure air-to-air kill

The incident was one of more than 20 where strike fighter squadron 32 deployed air-to-air missiles against iran-backed houthi one-way attack drones..

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Journey to Moscow

   Welcome to Moscow - the capital of Russia, its political, scientific, historical, architectural and business centre, from which power and might of the Russian state developed.

How to get to Moscow

The most common way to get to Moscow is by plane, with some tourists arriving in the capital by train.  Find out how to get to the Russian capital !

Find the main ways to travel to the Russian capital on this guide:

Getting to Moscow by plane

Getting to Moscow by plane is the most comfortable, quickest and cheapest way . Moscow has several international airports that connect the city with almost every corner of the world, and with some budget airlines operating flights there from London, you can often find an economical option. If you're flying from elsewhere in the UK, you'll probably have to make a stop in another European city on the way. From the USA, direct flights can be found from New York from around 500 US Dollars.

To get the best price on the flight to Moscow, it is best to book as far in advance as possible.

Check out our cheap flights search engine here!

Once you have booked your flight, the next step is finding how to get to Moscow city centre from the airport.

How to get to the centre of Moscow from each airport?

Domodedovo international airport (dme), sheremetyevo international airport (svo), vnukovo international airport (vko), getting to moscow by train.

A popular way to travel around Russia is by train , especially by the famous Trans-Siberian or Trans-Mongolian Railways. Moscow has a number of important train stations including  Leningradsky , with trains to Saint Petersburg; Kazansky , for trains to Central Asia; and Yaroslavsky , from where trains depart for Siberia, Mongolia and China.

If you're travelling from St Petersburg , you can reach Moscow by train in about 9 hours, but if you're short on time, it's best to take one of the fast trains which connect the two cities in less than 4 hours for around ₽ 3,500 ( US$ 41.10).

You can check prices , timetables and book tickets through the Russian Railways website.