Travel cots are an absolute must for anyone travelling. Taking an old fashioned cot on journeys is virtually impossible and will give you back pain, and the aches and pains of a struggling with cramped space.
Travel cots are designed to be much more comfortable than their standard counterparts. The specific benefits include stability, compact storage, lightweight, easy to set up, water resistance, airflow foam base for comfort, breathable fabric top cover. All these features make them top products that you should consider purchasing to enjoy your next vacation or journey.
It is important to find out what is the best travel cot before buying one. Our review includes an overview of the products available in the UK, and what makes these baby travel cots different from others and what to look out for. There are also important features such as product size, weight, comfort levels and many more.
Even though the market has plenty of options to choose from, it can be hard to find the best travel cot that fits your needs and desires. With all the different designs and colours available, finding one that is affordable and comfortable takes some time as there are so many different features you can choose from as well as accommodating your specific needs. That’s why we’ve come up with a list of what we think are among the best. There are many others out there, but these are the top-rated that we’d recommend you take a look at:
- Red Kite Sleep Tight – Editor’s Pick
- Hauck Travel Cot Set Sleep N Play – Best Versatile
- BABYBJÖRN – Premium Option
- Graco Compact – Best Compact
- Chicco Next2Me – Best Bedside
How We Compared Travel Cots
In our comprehensive comparison of travel cots, we focused on three key aspects: safety, comfort, and ease of use. We evaluated each cot based on its adherence to British safety standards, breathability, and stability to ensure a safe sleeping environment for the baby. Comfort was assessed by examining the quality of the mattresses provided, as well as the option to add an extra mattress for increased support.
Ease of assembly and disassembly played a significant role in our comparison. We studied the setup process of each travel cot, taking note of any innovative features that made assembly quick and hassle-free. Similarly, we assessed how easy it was to fold the cot and pack it into a travel bag, ensuring that each product was truly portable.
Although we considered design and aesthetics, our primary focus was on the functionality and safety of the travel cots. By thoroughly analysing each cot’s features and performance, we aimed to provide a well-rounded overview, helping parents make an informed decision when selecting the perfect travel cot for their little one.
The Top Picks Compared
| Travel Cot Model | Weight | Dimensions (Folded) | Age Range | Mattress Included | Additional Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Kite Sleep Tight | 8.2 kg | 76 x 20 x 20 cm | 0-24m | ✓ | Easy assembly, carry bag |
| Hauck Travel Cot Set Sleep N Play | 9.4 kg | 76 x 23 x 23 cm | 0-24m | ✓ | Removable changing top, carry bag |
| BABYBJÖRN | 6 kg | 49 x 60 x 14 cm | 0-3y | ✓ | Easy assembly, lightweight |
| Graco Compact | 9.1 kg | 25.4 x 25.4 x 91.4 cm | 0-24m | ✓ | Compact design, carry bag |
| Chicco Next2Me | 9 kg | 92 x 68 x 15 cm | 0-6m | ✓ | Adjustable height, attachable to bed |
Travel Cot Reviews
Red Kite Sleep Tight Travel Cot
The Red Kite Black Sleep Tight Travel Cot is one of the best travel cots that you can purchase for your child. It offers great value, is lightweight, easy to assemble and comes complete with its own padded mattress and carry bag. It is very sturdy, but it still remains easy to fold away for when you are not using it so that it can be kept out of sight in a cupboard or car boot.
The mattress is the perfect size for your baby’s bed so they are comfortable on it while sleeping. It is made out of foam and absorbs any excess moisture.
It is also very compact. So, you don’t need to worry that it will take up a lot of room in your hotel room or if you are staying with relatives. It doesn’t protrude too far and can fit into any reasonably sized car boot or other luggage compartment so you can take it with you on holiday, camping trips, or when visiting friends and family.
This small travel cot has been designed to be very safe and has been certified by independent experts. It has been approved as a BSI (British Standard Institute) Safety Approved product which means that it has been tested and proved safe for your little one to use. The bars are strong and sturdy, but they have been coated with a soft finish to prevent your little one from getting hurt if they were to bump themselves on them.
You will also like that this travel cot can be used on all floor surfaces without needing extra padding or protection. It is incredibly lightweight so you don’t have to worry about carrying it around with you.
This travel cot is very hard wearing and can be used for your child until they are old enough to sleep in a bed with you. It will grow with your baby, so you can use it for as long as possible without purchasing another one.
Hauck Travel Cot Set Sleep N Play Center
The Hauck Travel Cot Set Sleep N Play Center offers something good, great design and durability, and comfort. It is among the best travel cots for babies as it comes with the largest amount of features, including a bassinet, changing table, equipment bag, folding mattress, and carry bag.
The thick mattress on this one has been designed to be very durable and comfortable for your baby’s soft skin. It comes with a waterproof mattress cover that is designed to allow you to remove any mess that your baby may have made while sleeping. It also features mesh panels to keep the play pen ventilated.
Another feature that makes this travel crib very popular is that it has a great folding mechanism. This allows for easy storage and transportation when you need to take the bed with you. The mattress offers a soft cloth to lie on and offers comfort to your baby. It also comes with a high walls design to prevent any accidental falls or accidents, which is great for families who want something good but on a budget.
BABYBJÖRN Travel Cot
The BABYBJÖRN Travel Cot is suitable from birth, providing comfort and safety for your baby wherever you are. It is lightweight and easy to store, making it the perfect item for any travel bag or hand luggage, even when using public transport.
The travel cot is extremely easy to assemble and disassemble, making it perfect for holidays and short trips. For those trips that last longer than a weekend, the BABYBJÖRN is designed to be used as a bed for your baby. Use it as a full-sized crib, allowing you to use all of the space in your room. It can be used as a bed for your baby for many months, but the company recommends to stop using it when your baby leanrs to climb out and over the mesh panels.
Featuring an ergonomic design to give your baby a comfortable and healthy sleeping environment, the travel cot is lined with a thick layer of 100% cotton cover that is permeated with hypoallergenic polyester fibres, making the padded mattress soft and breathable. It also helps to protect your baby against dust mites.
The cot itself comes in three different colours; white, silver and black. There are cheaper models out there, but you can rest assured that the BABYBJÖRN really is one of the best travel cots for toddlers.
Graco Compact Travel Cot
High quality, safety tested and with adjustable height levels to suit your baby’s needs, the Graco Compact Travel Cot is a great choice for travelling. The cot converts to a playpen easily, so you can set it up once you get to your destination.
The newborn travel cot has a weight capacity of around 15 kg, making it suitable for children from birth up to three years of age. It is made of sturdy steel construction with an all-in-one folding mechanism and carry bag that makes it easy to transport and store.
The Graco cot also features an inbuilt mattress, removable bedding with a concealed zip, safety belt, breathable mesh sides, and a large zipped entrance panel. The mattress is firm with an anti-dust mite cover that can be removed when necessary with the added benefits of it being machine washable.
With three height settings it can support younger babies from birth up to 3 years old. Featuring a patented SureSafe design, the Graco Compact Travel Cot provides protection to your baby’s head while they are sleeping.
With an easy-carry handle, it can also be used on trips outside of the home.
Chicco Next2Me Bedside Baby Crib
Chicco Next2Me Bedside Baby Crib is one of the best selling baby and toddler products in the UK and Europe. It is possibly the most compact travel cot on the market, but at the same time, it is very sturdy and well built.
You can carry this bedside crib with ease because of the mobility system provided by the handle between the mattress and main frame. Thanks to the travel cot’s innovative design, the Chicco Next2Me Bedside Baby Crib is very easy to assemble and take down. It comes with everything you need to put it up, just follow the included instructions, and you’ll be able to set up this crib in no time. Additionally, the folding travel cot has wheels at its base, which make it easy to roll around and manoeuvre if you want to move it from one place to another.
The mattress has a waterproof cover for extra protection against dust and liquids, which makes this product super durable. It is made of high-grade foam, and the fabric is very soft and comfy for your baby. The mattress is removable, which makes it easy to clean or change when your child grows older.
If you’re looking for a compact crib that is easy to set up and folds up very small, this bedside cot will satisfy your needs. Its small size makes it very convenient for home use, but also makes it perfect for travelling. The Chicco Next2Me Bedside Baby Crib can be used at home or while you are on the go.
A Guide To Choosing The Best Travel Cot
What Is a Travel Cot?
A travel cot is a form of bed that is designed for use when travelling or being away from home for an extended period of time. Over the last few years, they have been developed as an alternative to a standard cot that would be fixed in your room, but with the convenience of being portable. They are very lightweight and portable and can be easily taken up and down stairs, in and out of your car or even in your hotel room. It is recommended that you buy the best travel cot to ensure that you get maximum comfort while on the go.
A travel cot is designed for young babies and toddlers but can be used from newborn age suitability too, especially when used with the bassinet, which makes a great alternative to a Moses basket.
They are usually made from a durable material such as steel and have open mesh sides. Most come with a mattress and carry bag to help them pack up into a small travel space. Many of them will have extra features such as changing unit (or table), adjustable height base, changing mat, bassinet, wheels, insect net, and sometimes even cotton sheets.
How Do Travel Cots Work?
A folding travel cot is a perfect item to have for travelling. It helps you save space and money by making your baby gear smaller. This is a great item for those that love to camp or stay at home with family and friends.
The way they work is by using a base and collapsible frame that has been designed for this specific purpose. These frames are usually made from a durable material such as metal, and the bases come with a sturdy foundation for added safety. Most of the travel cot mattresses that are included will have a varying thickness of foam, depending on the brand and quality. For example, thicker foam will be heavier (and more expensive) due to the amount of material used. However, thinner foam is lighter weight but it can also be less durable. Unlike cot bed mattresses, these are much smaller and the dimensions will not match a standard cot.
Depending on which design you choose, the base can be flat or with legs. The flat base is easy to set up and even easier to take down quite quickly if you need to move it somewhere else for storage. The advantage with portable cots is that they are simple yet effective for home use, camping or any kind of activity that you want to enjoy over an extended period of time. Using a travel cot can provide comfort and peace of mind for any family while they are away from home.
Benefits Of Travel Cots
There are many benefits to using a travel cot. Some of the top benefits include: extra comfort, good back support, cool night’s sleep, lightweight, convenient transportation when travelling, can be easily folded down and is easy to store away when not in use.
Versatility
Buying a travel cot is a great way to ensure that your child will have a comfortable night’s sleep while travelling or away from home. Many people take advantage of these products, and they are used for many different reasons other than travelling, such as camping and other outdoor activities, including gardening and using as a play pen during barbecues and the like. Many use them as a form of bed when bringing their pets to their homes or during the summer months. The material and the comfort of travelling cots has increased dramatically over the years.
Not age dependant
Some come with a detachable travel cot bassinet which is especially for younger babies. Families can use these for children who cannot yet roll or crawl. This form of bed will give them an extra level of comfort while helping them to learn how to roll over. Many travel cribs can be used anywhere, including camping, Airbnb or hotels that have no room for a bed frame. This form of bed is available in a variety of designs, so you can find one that fits your needs and needs very well.
Easy storage
Families like travelling cots because they are not only easy to store away when not in use, but they are also lightweight and easy to carry (by the handle at the top). They can be stored away in a car or a closet until you need them.
Easy assembly and disassembly
Some travel cribs come with an easy assembly feature; this makes it very easy to set up and then take it down again when not in use. They come with a carry bag which allows you to store them away when not in use, and many of them can be stacked on top of each other for storage. This form of bed is also great for travel accessories such as a safe and comfortable place for your baby to sleep while you travel. Many people love using these cots because they allow them to do things that would be impossible without them.
What To Look For When Choosing
A travel cot is an essential item for families who love to travel or need a portable sleeping solution for their little ones. With so many options available, it can be challenging to find the perfect travel cot for your needs. In this buying guide, we’ll discuss the key factors to consider when choosing the best travel cot.
Age Suitability and Weight Limit
When selecting a travel cot, ensure it’s suitable for your child’s age and weight. Some travel cots are designed specifically for newborns and come with bassinet attachments or built-in bassinets, while others are suitable for older babies and toddlers. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for age suitability and weight limits.
Ease of Assembly and Disassembly
A travel cot should be easy to set up and take down, especially when you’re on the go. Look for models with quick and simple assembly processes that don’t require any tools. Also, consider how compact the cot is when folded, as this will affect its portability and storage.
Size and Weight
The size and weight of a travel cot are important factors to consider, particularly if you’ll be transporting it frequently or have limited storage space. Lightweight travel cots are easier to carry and fit into car boots or overhead lockers on planes. However, lighter models may sacrifice some features or stability. Find a balance between weight and functionality that suits your needs.
Mattress Comfort
Travel cot mattresses can vary in comfort levels. Some may be thin and firm, while others are thicker and softer. Depending on your child’s preferences and sleeping habits, you may want to purchase an additional or replacement mattress for added comfort. Ensure the mattress fits the cot securely and adheres to safety guidelines.
Safety Standards and Regulations
Make sure the travel cot you choose meets British safety standards and has been tested for compliance with safety regulations. Look for travel cots with sturdy frames, secure locking mechanisms, and breathable mesh walls to prevent suffocation risks.
Additional Features
Some travel cots come with extra features that can enhance their functionality and convenience. These may include built-in changing stations, storage pockets, toy bars, or adjustable height settings. While these additional features can be helpful, they might add weight or complexity to the cot, so consider your priorities and preferences.
Design and Aesthetics
Although functionality and safety are the top priorities, the design and aesthetics of a travel cot may also be important to you. Look for a travel cot with a stylish design that complements your personal taste and home decor.
Budget and Value for Money
Travel cots are available at various price points, from budget-friendly options to premium models. Consider your budget and the features you value most when making your decision. Keep in mind that the cheapest option may not always be the best value, and investing in a higher-quality travel cot can provide better durability and comfort in the long run.
Customer Reviews and Recommendations
Before making a purchase, read customer reviews to learn about the experiences of other parents who have used the travel cot. This can provide valuable insight into the product’s ease of use, durability, and any potential issues. Personal recommendations from friends or family members can also be helpful in making an informed decision.
Travel Cot FAQ’s
How do I choose the right travel cot for my baby?
To choose the right travel cot for your baby, consider factors such as age suitability, weight limit, size when folded, ease of assembly, and additional features. Also, check customer reviews and ensure the travel cot meets British safety standards.
Do travel cots need a mattress?
Yes, every travel cot will come with a mattress. Some come with an inbuilt changing table, while others might come with a separate mattress that will fit underneath the cot.
Are travel cot mattresses comfortable enough for my baby?
Travel cot mattresses vary in comfort levels. Some are more padded and comfortable than others. You can always purchase an additional or replacement mattress to provide extra comfort for your baby. Make sure the mattress fits the cot properly and adheres to safety guidelines.
Can I use a travel cot for a newborn?
Some travel cots come with built-in bassinets or bassinet attachments, which are suitable for newborns. These bassinets provide a safe and elevated sleeping area for infants. Check the age suitability and weight limit of the travel cot to ensure it is appropriate for your newborn.
How do I clean a travel cot?
Most travel cots are made from easy-to-clean materials, such as polyester and mesh. Wipe down the frame and fabric with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Some travel cots have removable and machine-washable fabrics. Always check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to avoid damaging the product.
How much should I spend on a travel cot?
Travel cots are available in a range of prices, from budget-friendly to premium options. Consider your needs, preferences, and budget when choosing a travel cot. Cheaper options may lack some features, while more expensive models typically offer additional features and better build quality.
Can I use a travel cot as a playpen?
Yes, many travel cots can be used as playpens for your baby or toddler. Look for travel cots with breathable mesh walls, which allow for good visibility and air circulation. Some models also include toy bars or storage pockets for added convenience.
Can a newborn sleep in a travel cot?
Typically, a newborn travel cot will come with a bassinet placed inside the actual travel cot like an additional layer. As the baby gets bigger and older, they will outgrow the bassinet and start to use the travel cot without the additional bassinet.
What age do travel cots go up to?
According to most manufacturer specifications, most travel cots will fit babies up to around 10-15kg. Some may be made for children up to 3 years, but most children become too big for a travel cot by that age. Generally speaking, if your child can climb out of the travel cot, it’s time to stop using it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, after considering various factors, we have selected the Red Kite Sleep Tight as the best travel cot.
The Red Kite Sleep Tight travel cot offers an excellent balance of comfort, functionality, and value for money. It is suitable for newborns and toddlers, making it a versatile choice for growing families. With its easy-to-assemble design, lightweight construction, and compact folding, it ensures stress-free travelling and storage.
The comfortable mattress and breathable mesh walls ensure your child’s safety and comfort, while the stylish design complements any home decor. Furthermore, the Red Kite Sleep Tight travel cot has received positive customer reviews and recommendations, making it a reliable and trusted choice for parents.
Investing in the Red Kite Sleep Tight travel cot will provide your little one with a safe and comfortable sleeping environment, making your travels more enjoyable and relaxing for the entire family.
Kevin Bridgford is a passionate sleep researcher and writer for SleepInfo.co.uk. He combines his academic background and personal interest to provide readers with evidence-based, practical advice on sleep health. In his free time, Kevin enjoys hiking and exploring the outdoors.