how to raise nuna travel cot

Nuna Sena Aire Review: Not Sponsored, Personally Tested

Comprehensive Nuna Sena Aire review covering setup, portability, washability, safety and my personal experience testing it at home

What is the Nuna Sena Aire?

The Nuna Sena Aire is one of the most popular pack and plays from Nuna Baby, a Dutch company known for extremely high quality baby gear, and for being a leader in producing non-toxic baby products.

Nuna Baby has two pack and plays in their product lineup: The Sena Aire and the Cove Aire Go (they also make an alternative version of the Sena Aire that is exclusive to Pottery Barn Kids [the PBK version has different color options], as well as selling the Sena Aire with a changer attachment ).

The Sena Aire is Nuna Baby’s largest pack and play. It’s incredibly easy to fold and unfold, and is incredibly unique in terms of how breathable it is, with mesh sides, a mesh floor, and a ventilated and breathable pack and play mattress.

Table of Contents

• Easy to fold and unfold
• One of the most breathable pack and plays on the market
• 360-degree visibility
• Excellent choice for hot climates or weather
• Greenguard Gold Certified
• Lightweight compared to traditional pack and plays
• Mattress off the floor for added comfort
• Firm but comfortable mattress
• Mattress cover is machine washable
• Travel bag isn't zipper secured, and fabric is thin
• Unclear if fabrics are Oeko-Tex Certified
• No zip-down side panel
• Less suitable for airline travel and longer trips

Nuna Sena Aire: Testing and Review

I bought my own Nuna Sena Aire for the purpose of writing this review. I bought it myself, with no freebies or discounts from Nuna. Below you’ll find my unsponsored, unbiased thoughts based on this personal experience.

Portability and Ease of Carrying

First, I considered how portable the Sena Aire is. While it’s pretty good for moving around the house and I can see how it would work on a road trip, I probably wouldn’t check this in on an airline for a trip abroad (for that, I’d get a Guava Lotus or BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light ).

It comes with a “one hand travel bag” included in the box.

Dimensions of the travel bag are 34″ long by 14.5″ wide by 10″ high. I got those measurements by measuring my actual Sena Aire in its included carry bag – not from official dimensions from the manufacturer (which may differ).

Overall, the travel bag included with the Sena Aire is adequate, but not amazing.

First of all, the fabric it’s made of is fairly lightweight, similar to the 4Moms play yard carry bag (which got ripped to shreds when checked on a short flight to LA).

Secondly, I don’t like that it doesn’t zip up – the top is a drawstring cinch closure, which feels less secure for traveling, especially when compared to something like the Bugaboo Stardust , BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light , or Guava Lotus , which all have substantial carry bags with strong zip closures.

Finally, the way the play yard sits in the bag makes for some uneven and awkward weight distribution, with one end of the unit tipping up or down when carrying it, making it a bit awkward to carry for longer periods, like on a trip.

As a short person (I’m 5 foot), I’d say this is fairly mediocre to carry. It’s not as bad for shorter people as the Bugaboo Stardust (which dragged on the floor for me, but would be great for a taller parent or user), but it’s not as convenient to carry as the BabyBjorn , the Guava Lotus , or even the 4Moms pack and play (the Breeze Plus and Breeze Go ).

It’s also worth considering the weight, especially if you plan on using this as a travel crib.

The Nuna Sena Aire weighs 20.8 pounds, without the bassinet. Compare that to other popular travel cribs and lightweight pack and plays, and the Nuna Sena Aire is a fair bit heavier than some of the lightest weight pack and plays on the market, such as the Guava or the BabyBjorn. However, it’s comparable to the 4moms Breeze Go.

• Phil & Teds Traveller : 7.5 pounds
• BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light : 13 pounds
• Guava Lotus Everywhere Crib : 15 pounds
• Bugaboo Stardust : 17.2 pounds
• Nuna Sena Aire : 20.8 pounds
• 4Moms Breeze Go : 23 pounds
• 4Moms Breeze Plus : 28.5 pounds (with bassinet and changer)

Nuna Sena Aire Setup

Theoretically, the Nuna Sena Aire folds easily with one hand. In my experience, however, it’s a bit of clunky to actually do this with one hand, likely due to the skid proof feet on the bottom of the play yard.

To open using two hands, you pull on the narrow edges at either end of the play yard to pull them open.

Then, using one hand, push down on the central pillar (called a “hub”).

With the bassinet attached, you also need to slip your hand through the slit on the bottom of the bassinet to the main play yard floor, and make sure the hub is fully pushed down.

To test how easy it is to set up the Nuna Sena Aire , I timed myself setting it up from start to finish. This included taking it out of the travel bag, setting it up, and placing the mattress correctly.

It took me 1 minute and 34 seconds to setup my Nuna Sena Aire. That includes 19 seconds to get it out of the storage bag, and another 25 seconds to get it unfolded and ready to use. This was on my first try!

Comparing this to other pack and plays and travel cribs I’ve tested, the Nuna Sena Aire performs quite well in terms of speed of set up.

• Bugaboo Stardust : 32 seconds
• BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light : 1 minute and 16 seconds
• Nuna Sena Aire : 1 minute and 34 seconds
• Guava Lotus Everywhere Crib : 1 minute and 40 seconds
• 4Moms Breeze : 3 minutes and 4 seconds

The setup is quite easy, but I love that it also folds easily with one hand. When you’re ready to put it away, you simply grab the central hub and pull up to collapse the whole thing.

It takes me about 10 seconds to collapse mine.

Getting it back into the travel bag requires a bit more time and a little bit of wrestling. When I timed myself as a test, it took me 1 minute and 6 seconds to get the frame and mattress back into the carry bag.

Advanced air design™

The Nuna Sena Aire comes with something that Nuna calls advanced air design™, which more or less means it’s got excellent ventilation.

This includes ventilated mesh sides and base of the play yard and bassinet, as well as the ventilated mattress panels.

That’s right: the sides, floor and mattress are all made of mesh to ensure maximum air flow around your baby. This is great in any climate, but particularly desirable in climates with high heat and humidity.

Unlike many travel cribs, the mattress part of the play yard sits off the ground. This is likely slightly more comfortable for your kiddo, keeps them away from drafts along the floor, and is an additional feature to improve ventilation.

The Nuna Sena Aire is the only pack and play or travel crib I’m aware of that offers true, 360 degree ventilation via the mesh sides and base, as well as a mesh mattress.

Ventilated Mesh Mattress

The Sena Aire mattress has ventilated panels and a mesh mattress cover are two of the most unique features of this pack and play.

First of all, they make the mattress more breathable than most pack and play mattresses.

Whereas a number of companies have innovated to make more breathable crib mattresses (see: Organic Dream , Newton , and Naturepedic ), there aren’t a lot of companies working on breathable pack and play mattresses. In that regard, Nuna is setting the bar for other companies, and I expect we’ll see more breathable playard mattresses in the future.

The removable panel design also means the mattress is washable. By removing the ventilated panels (they come out completely), you can then throw the fabric part of the mattress (which consists of polyester mesh plus a thin layer of polyurethane foam , as far as I can tell) in the washing machine.

This is super handy and quite unique – since most pack and play mattresses have some sort of cardboard or particle board in them, they can’t be washed in the same way. The removable ventilated panels in the Nuna Aire are a true innovation.

Washability: How to Wash Nuna Sena Aire

In terms of washability, the Sena Aire has a leg up on traditional pack and plays (which are typically spot clean only ), but isn’t as washable as leading travel cribs (which typically have fabric units that detach from the frame to be machine washed).

The Sena’s fabric sides and floor don’t detach from the frame to wash, and the mesh fabric is spot clean only.

However, the mattress cover is washer safe. This is another great innovation from Nuna, as most pack and plays lack washer safe mattress covers (leaving you to either by a third-party mattress cover, which the manufacturers don’t recommend, or be left spot cleaning the mattress after every spit up or diaper leak ).

While the Nuna website mentions the mattress cover is wash and dryer safe, when I actually look at the care label on my Nuna Sena Aire mattress, it suggests its washer safe, but should be drip dried (hang to dry).

I recommend following the care label on your actual pack and play.

Greenguard Gold Certified with Non Toxic Materials

One of the things I love about Nuna as a brand is how committed the company is to creating safe, non toxic products for kids.

As of 2023, they’ve completely eliminated the use of fire retardants in their car seats: a massive achievement and a win for parents who want to reduce their kids’ exposure to harmful chemicals.

Likewise, the Sena Aire is completely fire retardant free, which offers a lot of peace of mind for parents who want to avoid these chemicals. It also doesn’t contain any PFAS chemicals, which are used by some companies to achieve for water resistance.

Additionally, this play yard is free from PVC (which are a source of phthalates ) and is Greenguard Gold certified (meaning it’s not a major source of VOCs ) and JPMA certified.

So what is the Sena Aire made of? According to Nuna Baby, the SENA Aire is made up of polyester (the outer material; aka the mesh sides and floor); polyester batting; and polyurethane foam.

Of these materials, I don’t love the use of polyurethane foam, but it’s pretty tough to get around it. Of all the pack and plays on the market, there’s only two that I’m aware of that are PU foam free: the Phil & Teds Traveller and the fairly new-to-market Uppababy Remi pack and play.

Nuna Sena Aire Safety

• Skid proof feet to keep the playard in place and minimize shifting or movement.
• It has a sturdy aluminum frame. When I test how stable it is by pushing the frame from side to side or back and forth, it holds steady against my pushes. I would classify it as extremely stable, and in side by side comparisons, it’s one of the best pack and plays I’ve tested in this regard.
• A GOTS Certified Organic Sheet is included in the box. If you want extras, they also sell their organic cotton sheet separately, so you can have one on the pack and play, and a spare in the cupboard or laundry.
• Previous versions of the Nuna Sena Aire used Oeko-Tex certified fabrics, but it’s unclear if the latest model still has Oeko-Tex certification.

Nuna Sena Aire Bassinet Review

The Nuna Sena Aire comes with bassinet, and you can use it in bassinet mode or play yard mode (without the bassinet).

One great feature about this bassinet is the fact that it folds with the frame. This is similar to the Bugaboo Stardust , that folds with the bassinet and the mattress. It’s quite unique, as most play yards require you to remove the bassinet attachment before folding and storing.

The bassinet uses a snap and clip system to attach to the main play yard frame. There are 4 snaps (one snap on each of the 4 sides of the top railing), and 4 clips (one on each corner of the top railing.

Overall the bassinet position is actually quite low, especially when compared to some other options, such as the 4Moms Breeze Plus . If a higher bassinet position is important to you, you might want to consider the Nuna Cove Go , or the 4moms Breeze Plus.

Nuna Sena Aire Playard Changer

The Nuna Sena Aire has an optional changer attachment that is only compatible with the Sena Aire (it won’t work with the Sena or the Cove Go ). I haven’t personally tried the changer, so can’t comment on how well it works vs similar competing products, such as the 4moms Breeze Plus.

Nuna Sena Aire Vs. Sena, Sena Mini, and Cove

If you’re shopping for a play yard and you’re set on Nuna, you’re probably wondering the difference between Nuna Sena and Aire, the Nuna Sena and Sena Aire vs Nuna Cove , and the Nuna Sena Mini vs Full Size.

Nuna Cove vs Sena and Sena Aire

Both the Nuna Sena Aire and the Cove have been around for a few years. The following information is current as of 2023, and applies to the Nuna Cove Aire Go , not the previous version which was called simply the Cove.

So what are the key differences between Nuna’s Sena Aire vs the Cove Aire Go? ?

• Weight: The Nuna Sena Aire is lighter than the Cove Go. The Sena Aire weighs 20.8 pounds without the bassinet vs Nuna Cove Go, which weighs 22 pounds without bassinet.
• Size: The Nuna Sena Aire is larger than the Cove Go, and the Cove Go is considerably narrower (5.5″ narrower). The Sena Aire measures 41.3″ long x 30″ wide x 29″ tall when assembled, vs the Nuna Cove Go which measures 40″ long x 24.5″ wide x 30″ tall. The Cove Go’s narrower footprint makes it a great choice for small spaces or as a bedside sleeper. The Cove Go is 1″ taller, meaning it may be slightly more awkward for shorter parents or caregivers to use.
• Bassinet Position: The Cove Go’s bassinet sits about 1″ to 2″ higher than on the Sena Aire. I emailed Nuna Baby, and they said the Cove Aire Go’s bassinet sits about 15″ off the floor, and the Sena Aire’s bassinet sits about 14″ off the floor (although, when I measure my Sena Aire, it’s more like 13″ according to my measurements).
• Weight Limit: Both the Nuna Sena Aire and Cove Go are suitable from birth to 15 pounds (bassinet) or 30 pounds / 35 inches in height, or until they start trying to climb out (play yard). There are no differences in terms of weight limit or when to stop using it with your child.
• Changer Attachment: The Nuna Sena Aire has an optional changer attachment that is suitable from birth to 24 pounds, or until baby can push up on their hands and knees. The Cove Go isn’t compatible with Nuna’s changer attachment.
• Napper: Previous versions of the Cove came with a napper; the Cove Go does not have a napper anymore. The Sena Aire also doesn’t have a napper. Safe sleep guidelines recommend not using a napper for your baby. If they fall asleep in an inclined position, transfer them to a sleep approved flat and firm sleep surface as soon as possible and leave them to sleep there!

Nuna Sena vs Aire

Nuna used to offer both the Sena and the Sena Aire. However, in the United States the company no longer lists the Sena in their product lineup, and only sells the Sena Aire (both the Sena and the Sena Aire are still available in Canada at the time of writing).

Nuna Sena Mini vs Full Size

Nuna used to offer a mini version of the Sena, the Nuna Sena Mini. However, the company discontinued the Sena Mini in 2002.

The old mini was smaller and lighter than the Sena or Sena Aire: 34.5″ long x 24″ wide x 26.4″ high, and weighing 17.6 pounds, vs the Sena Aire which measures 41.3″ long x 30″ wide x 29″ high, and weighs 20.8 pounds.

The new Nuna Cove Go is a suitable replacement for the Nuna Sena Mini, with a similar narrow profile (the Cove Go is 24.5″ wide, vs the Mini which was 24″ wide).

If you’re looking for a narrow pack and play specifically, the Bugaboo Stardust is another great option, measuring 25 inches wide.

Is the Nuna Sena Aire Worth It?

Based on my experience, I think the Nuna Sena Aire is one of the best all round pack and plays on the market, and certainly one of the best I’ve personally tested.

The breathability is second to none, making it a great choice for summer babies or anywhere with a hot and/or humid climate, or with occasional heat waves. It’s also a nice to have to put parents minds to ease when their little ones are sleeping, as it may help prevent babies from getting hot while asleep.

I also appreciate that the mattress is so washable – this gives it a huge leg-up on the 4Moms Breeze, in my opinion.

As a downside, I don’t think I’d choose the Sena Aire as a true travel crib. Road trip to grandma’s house? Sure. But I wouldn’t want to lug it through an airport or check it into the airline as baggage.

Based on my personal experience, the Sena Aire is best suited to using at home, as an everyday play yard, and is convenient to pack into the car when you need something on the go.

About The Author

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Don’t miss our regular updates, new content, and free offers!

Pregnancy & delivery Babies & toddlers Home & living Holidays & celebrations

Privacy Overview

• Travel Products

Nuna Sena Mini Travel Cot review

As its name suggests, this is the smaller version of Nuna’s Sena Travel Cot.

The Nuna Sena Mini is one of the easiest travel cots on the market. It pops up in an instant and can be folded away with just one hand, in one movement! It’s a simple product but so effective, and easy to store and transport – it’s compact when folded and not too heavy to carry. The cot is easy to clean and includes a comfortable mattress, skid-proof feet and padded edges. It can also be used during the day as a playpen for small babies. For its simplicity, convenience and versatility, the Nuna Sena is great value for money.

It’s suitable for children up to around 18 months, so it’s ideal for younger babies who are already accustomed to a crib or Moses basket. It’s useful if space is limited. Thanks to the ‘zig-zag’ frame design, it’s really simple to set up and pack away – even with one hand.

It has a mattress pad that fits over a cushioned base, which is raised off the floor. This is a stylish option, but it is on the heavy side, due to it having an aluminium frame. However, one of the benefits of this is that it does feel reassuringly sturdy.

Related: Best crib

Tested by mum Alexandra Linton for the M&B Awards 2017:

Would you recommend this to other mums?

I highly recommend this travel cot. It is very easy to put up and down, no fiddly clips or sides that have to come together. Just pull it apart and fix the floor panel on to the velcro and it's ready to go. If I can do it anyone can! It's a great size as well for my 3 month old not too big so she doesn't feel lost in it. The design is really stylish not in your face with garish bright colours. The material used is high quality, it is a really sturdy cot.

How did this product make your life easier?

The ease at which I can put it up and down is such an advantage . The small size is perfect as the rooms in some hotels can be limited as well as transporting it in the car. Also as the floor of the cot is raised it's easy to get my baby out of it without bending over and hurting my back getting her out. The mesh provides a dark screen so it minimises the light in the morning.

What changes would you make to this product?

I would like it to be lighter, to carry it upstairs is a tiring experience. It's very bulky when it's down to carry. If they could make it more cosy for young babies by providing a insert that would help. It's hard to say as the way it folds to open and close it is the best feature but it's also made from thick plastic which makes it heavy so I don't really know how they could make it lighter.

Tested by mum Kayleigh Miller for the M&B Awards 2017:

I would recommend this travel cot to everyone. It's a good size for travel and for setting up in your living room as a second cot. The build quality is great and no matter how many times I've put up and down (a lot!) it still assembles with ease. Not only this but my baby sleeps like a dream in there due to the thick quality foldable mattress.

I've been able to have my baby sleep in my living room during the day and travel to others' houses with ease as she loves sleeping in this cot. With the raised level my back has been saved and the mesh sides means my baby and I can see each other whilst I'm grabbing some all-important time to do housework.

Would you choose this product to win?

The size of this travel cot means it can easily fit in any room and works well as a cot for full-time use. Not only does it assemble easy but the stand-out reason for me loving this cot is the quality of the mattress, my baby sleeps well on this meaning can be used easily during the day for quality sleep.

The one thing I would change abiut this cot is the price. Although I do believe it is worth every penny, it's not a price I could justify spending on a cot that is mini in size and she would grow out of. This price point would have ruled me out of buying it which I truly believe is a shame as it really is a great product

Tested by mum Elizabeth Tate for the M&B Awards 2017:

I would recommend the Nuna Sena Mini because the size is just right for fitting in to the boot of your car or across the back seat. It feels very well made, durable, and safe for baby to sleep in. The mattress is also soft and my baby seemed to not notice a difference to his own cot (he slept the same as if he was in his own cot).

It means we can have an overnight stay or two somewhere with the knowledge our baby is safe and secure in the travel cot. We even found the travel cot helpful for when visiting friends or family in the evening. We can set up the travel cot in their home, so our baby can continue with his bed time routine that we have established.

Although I found this product to be quite pricey at approx £120, I do feel it is value for money. My reasons being it is lightweight so I found it easy to carry up and down stairs and take outside to the car. Its compact size means it is easily fitted in to our car and doesn't take up much space when stored away when not in use. I found the handy bag/cover useful too for storage.

I found the second stage of the set up difficult and my husband had to help me. I found I didn't have the strength to open up the cot to its maximum size by pressing in the middle. The floor was carpeted so I'm not sure if that's the reason why I struggled. Perhaps something like a set of wheels on the bottom of the legs could be helpful to make it easier to fully open the travel cot when it's on carpet. Obviously the wheels would need to have a lock to ensure the cot stays stationary.

Tested by mum Lisa Leyland for the M&B Awards 2017:

The SENA Mini is contemporary, compact, lightweight and comes with carry bag and handle so makes for easy transportation. It is very stable and has dual use for baby and toddler; the raised cosy sleeping space allows parents to check on baby with ease, it gives baby more room than a moses basket, but still nice and cosy to allow baby to sleep without there being too big. The mattress is padded, so negates the requirement for an additional mattress.

I think that this travel cot is the best one I have seen, it's easily erected and dismantled in one movement unlike other brands. The outer is durable fabric & easily cleaned. Converts easily from a small cosy baby cot to a toddler bed, the thick padded mattress is soft enhancing baby’s sleep. The mesh offers ventilation and parents peace of mind. It is easily stored when both flat & erect, takes up much less room than a normal others, with still a good internal space for the age range.

It opens one handed, has a padded mattress and 2 sleeping positions which seem to aide a better night's sleep for baby. It is compact for transportation, negates the requirement to take a moses basket when baby is small as we used to do. It grows with baby and comes with a 2 year guarantee. Its easily cleaned and very easy to store away. When its erect it isn’t bulky and doesn’t take up a lot of space like other brands.

The only one thing which I think could be improved is when it is time to put the cot back into the bag, it is a two handed, push, pull, jiggling job to do. I think that if 2 Velcro straps were placed on the rear of the mattress which then wrapped around the whole cot when putting into the bag would enable an easier slip into the bag. Other brands do this and it seems to work.

Tested by mum Vicki Mulraney for the M&B Awards 2017:

I would definitely recommend the Nuna SENA mini to fellow mums. This travel cot is very easy to assemble and dismantle, which is one of its most positive attributes. In addition, I think the higher level for younger babies is a really beneficial feature. Finally, as travel cots go, the Nuna SENA mini Is aesthetically pleasing.

We keep the Nuna SENA mini at Granny's house which enables us to put the baby to sleep there, ensuring she's safe and comfortable. It comes with a comfortable mattress layer and the baby sleeps very well in it. It can also be easily packed away if we are going away anywhere and require to take a bed for the baby.

Quite simply, this product is far superior to others that I have used based on how easy it is to assemble and dismantle. In addition, the quality, comfortable mattress that comes with it as standard, makes it stand out from the crowd. Finally, the Nuna SENA mini is large enough to accommodate a baby/ young toddler without taking up too much room.

The only negative thing about the Nuna SENA mini is that it is quite heavy and a little cumbersome. This however is a worthwhile trade off because of all the really positive features, primarily the ease of use and the quality of the product. This would definitely not stop me from purchasing this again.

Corinne Hills, 37, from Sheffield, is mum to Arthur, 14 months, Wilfred, three, Tobias, five, and Tom, 15, said:

‘This feels safe and robust, and was the easiest to assemble. The fabric quality is lovely and the mattress is thick, but it’s a heavy cot and cumbersome when folded.’

Roz Walker, 32, from Glasgow, is mum to Aaron, seven months, said:

‘I like that standard cot bedding fits this cot’s mattress, which feels thick and luxurious. But this cot is noticeably small and my seven-month-old son almost fills it already.’

Naomi Johnson, 32, from Peterborough, is mum to Logan, 10 weeks, and Elizabeth, 11, said:

‘This is stylish, sturdy and easy to use. I love that you can leave the bassinet layer in place during storage. It’s ideal for my newborn, who settles better in small spaces.’

Weighs: 8.9kg

Available from: nuna.eu

See More Travel Products

Product Information

Nuna Sena Mini Travel Cot

• Skip to main content
• Skip to footer
• John Lewis Brands
• Customer services
• Our services
• Track order
• My John Lewis
• Partnership Credit Card

Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot

Colour: charcoal.

• Charcoal selected

Product code: 31503059

Put up. Put down. Transform any room into baby's room in seconds with the Sena Aire from Nuna. Whether it's a family get-together or baby's first holiday by the sea, SENA series is your indispensable travel companion.

Its clever zigzag leg design pops open easily into a soft, sturdy dreamland, and then refolds with just one hand for a quick getaway the next morning. Its revolutionary design is also evolutionary: growing beyond newborn through toddlerhood, and even doubling as a playspace. PLus, this cot comes complete with the mattress and even organic cotton sheets so you have everything you need right from the start.

Key Features:

• Sets up and folds easily with one hand
• The only cot whose upper cot folds with the frame
• Above-ground base keeps baby draft-proof
• Skid-proof feet keep sleep quiet and still
• Unique zigzag frame pops cot open quickly and easily
• Mesh sides, floor and mattress combine to create the advanced air design™, allowing air flow from every angle
• Mattress's zip-off design is machine washer and dryer safe
• Ventilated mattress pulls away both heat and humidity
• Ventilated mattress panels easily remove for deep cleaning
• No extras needed—even the organic sheet is included
• Chic look—perfect for home and away
• Travel bag included with easy carry handle

Suitable from birth to approximately 3 years (15kg).

Return small or medium items by post or to John Lewis & Partners and Waitrose & Partners shops.

Large items (delivered by two people, such as appliances and furniture) can be returned using our Home Collection service .

You can also return a Click & Collect order to where you collected it.

Questions? Get in Touch with our experts!

Questions? Our expert staff is ready to help you. Get in Touch

• Masimo Stork
• Travel Systems
• Lightweight
• Convertible
• Bassinets & Stands
• Parent Organizers
• Travel Bags
• Snack Trays
• Weather Shields
• Infant Car Seats
• Convertible Seats
• All-in-One Car Seats
• Booster Seats
• Car Seat Bases
• Car Seat Adapters
• Home & Play
• Cribs & Bassinets
• Nursery Storage
• High Chairs
• Bouncers & Swings
• Playards & Travel Cribs
• Bikes, Trikes, & Scooters
• Crib Mattresses & Bedding
• Gliders and Rockers
• Lorena Canals
• Milton & Goose
• Pacifiers & Teethers
• Changing Pads
• Sound Machines & Lights
• Diaper Bags
• Stroller Guide
• Single-to-Double Stroller Guide
• Travel Stroller Guide
• Infant Car Seats Guide
• Convertible Car Seat Guide
• Jogging Stroller Guide
• High Chair Guide
• View All Guides
• Shop Strollers
• Shop Single-Double Strollers
• Shop Travel Strollers
• Shop Infant Car Seats
• Shop Convertible Car Seats
• Shop Jogging Strollers
• Shop High Chairs
• View All Products
• All Comparisons
• Nuna Comparisons
• UPPAbaby Comparisons
• Compatibility by Stroller
• Compatibility by Car Seat
• Check out the Blog
• Car Seat Installations
• Personal Shopping Experience
• Visit Us In Scottsdale

How do I travel with Nuna?

Yes, you can travel with Nuna gear - Nuna makes specialized travel bags that fit any Nuna stroller or car seat, and Nuna's travel bags also offer protection over your gear during air travel.

It is recommended to use a tailored travel bag when traveling with your Nuna stroller or car seat, to provide the best protection while en route to your destination. Nuna's travel and transport bags are durable, adjustable, and portable to keep your hands free from home to the airport and back.

Nuna offers three styles of travel bags at this time: the largest option is the Universal Wheeled Transport Bag , which fits the widest range of Nuna products and has premium details like a telescoping luggage-style carry handle, two wheels, multiple handles for lifting, and extra pockets for toys and essentials. The Universal Wheeled Transport Bag fits the following Nuna products:

• PIPA series + base
• MIXX series frame and seat*
• MIXX series frame and bassinet/carry cot
• TAVO series*
• IVVI series frame and seat*
• IVVI series frame and bassinet/carry cot
• DEMI grow frame and seat*
• PEPP series
• TRIV frame and seat*

*NOT including infant car seat

Nuna also makes two more specialized travel bags that are smaller in size if you don't need the extra spacious Universal bag:

• Nuna PIPA Series Travel Bag
• Nuna TRVL Transport Bag

How do I travel with a Nuna PIPA Infant Car Seat?

If you are traveling with just your Nuna PIPA infant car seat and base, or want a travel bag for both your car seat and your Nuna stroller (since the Universal bag can't fit both a stroller and a car seat), the PIPA Series Travel Bag is a great choice as it's designed to secure the car seat and base in a smaller design that can be worn as a backpack. The Nuna PIPA Series Travel Bag fits the following Nuna infant car seats and one base:

• PIPA Lite R
• PIPA Lite LX
• PIPA Lite RX

How do I travel with a Nuna TRVL Stroller ?

Protect your Nuna TRVL stroller on your every adventure using the Nuna TRVL Transport Bag . 

Lightweight yet durable styling enable the bag to be worn as a backpack or using handles at the top or side for easy transportation. The TRVL transport bag includes the Nuna Boarding Pass, which offers parents peace of mind with an extended one-year warranty covers travel with your Nuna TRVL stroller

Shop the Nuna collection below!

Earn 10% back in points on every purchase, then redeem them for a discount!

Talk to an expert via live chat or e-mail to find the gear that's right for you.

Find answers to questions about shipping, returns, compatibility, and more!

Join our e-mail list for promotions, product releases, and more!

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

• Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

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.

GoodtoKnow Newsletter

Parenting advice, hot topics, best buys and family finance tips delivered straight to your inbox.

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. 

• Heidi Scrimgeour Deputy Editor

Looking at the origin and meaning of 'all eyes on Rafah' - how to explain the slogan to children and teens who might've seen it trending online.

By Lucy Wigley Published 30 May 24

Normal People season 2 rumours are flying around, and we have our own Marianne and Connell moments to share - because everyone remembers their first heartbreak.

We've curated our picks of the best educational Tonies that encourage independent learning and help your child learn about the world

By Sarah Handley Published 30 May 24

This curated pick of tractor toys is perfect for toddlers, more so if these farm vehicles are their latest obsession

By Sarah Handley Published 29 May 24

Read our Casdon Dyson cordless vacuum toy review to see how it faired in our test, and whether it's worth buying

By Sarah Handley Published 27 May 24

Here are the latest Tonies that we've got on our radar, including some absolute classics

By Sarah Handley Published 22 May 24

We tested the red Toniebox starter set, with the help of a four-year-old, to see if it's worth buying - here's how we got on

By Sarah Handley Published 16 May 24

If you're looking for musical toys for your baby or toddler, we've found some amazing options, including a Fisher-Price classic

By Sarah Handley Published 13 May 24

A kids' sun lounger is the perfect accessory for a sunny weekend in the garden

By Heidi Scrimgeour Published 10 May 24

Strawberry-themed homewares from The Range are going viral - here's everything we're buying

By Heidi Scrimgeour Published 9 May 24

Useful links

• Early signs of pregnancy
• Unusual baby names
• Fantastic facts for kids
• Kids party games
• Lemon drizzle cake
• Chocolate cake
• Basic cupcake
• Low calorie meals
• Best perfumes of all time
• Why am I so tired?
• How to stop drinking alcohol
• Contact Future's experts
• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Cookies policy

GoodtoKnow is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site . © Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.

sena™ series organic cotton sheet

Free shipping for orders over €60 Delivery usually within 2-5 business days

• Made with GOTS™ certified organic cotton and dye
• Machine washable
• Elastic band provides a perfect fit

Product specifications

We noticed you’re coming from ..

Unfortunately, we don’t ship there.