nuna sena travel cot review

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 aire review

Transform any room into baby's room in seconds with this clever baby cot . Whether it's a family get-together or baby's first holiday, SENA ™ aire is your indispensable travel cot 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. Its revolutionary design is also evolutionary: growing beyond newborn through toddlerhood, and even doubling as a playspace. The air permeability of the Nuna SENA aire travel cot and its fitted sheet are 4 x more permeable than standard mattresses, providing ultimate rest and relaxation for baby and you.

Buy the Nuna SENA aire

• Easy to set up and fold away
• Comes with travel bag
• Grows with baby
• Two person job to get back in the travel bag
• Advanced air design allows airflow from every angle with all mesh sides, floor and mattress
• Ventilated mesh mattress pulls away both heat and humidity
• Sets up and folds easily with one hand.
• Easily converts from an upper cot to a lower cot— for when baby is able to roll over.
• Triple layered mesh mattress, fresh thinking mattress design
• Red Dot Product Design Winner 2021

Testing the Nuna SENA aire

Our parent tester Rosie tried out the Nuna SENA aire with her newborn, here's how she got on.

Fold mechanism – very easy to use, just open up and push down the centre. There’s a bit of back and forth when doing this as one person but it’s still really easy to put up, you just have to go from side to side to get it to open up properly. Then to fold it really does take one hand! Just remove the mattress and pull the tab in the centre, it concertinas all up together. It's still a little fiddly to get in the travel bag after this, but with two people it’s much easier. It fits in the car well too so you could take it on trips away easily.

Fabric – Feels lovely quality, nice amount of padding, lovely grey colour with black mesh around the sides. Nuna products are always so sleek and stylish in my opinion and the SENA aire is no exception, it looks great. The zip for the newborn insert is very well hidden and neatly tucked away beneath the grey padded edge. The mesh allows for airflow and it’s reassuring to still be able to see baby, the newborn insert is at a good height for next-to-be sleeping when away from home. The mesh fabric provides great peace of mind knowing baby is less likely to overheat and also promoting safer sleep with a reduced risk of the baby suffocating if their face ends up against the sides of cot.

Mattress – The mattress seems more substantial than other travel cots, while still being easy to transport. I like how it wraps around the frame when folded and all fits into the travel bag. It also feels like lovely material.

Usability – Good amount of space for baby/toddler, feels like it will last them a long time. Once up the cot looks very sturdy. The cot can be used for newborns as it has a removable insert with zip panels, which can then be taken out once your little one figures out how to roll over, plus it doubles up as a playpen too. I really like the fact that you can use it in bassinet mode for a smaller baby.

Wheels – The SENA aire doesn’t have any wheels but it’s not particularly heavy to carry and is so easy to fold you could simply pop it up and down if you needed it out of the way for a while, or to move it to a different location. It has a compact fold so you could easily fit it on a luggage trolley in the airport too and the fact that it comes with a travel bag already makes it a lot easier to transport here there and everywhere!

Bedding – Organic cotton sheets for the mattress are included, plus the travel cot is a standard size so is easy to purchase.

Final thoughts

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this travel cot, it's spacious and comfortable and is so easy to fold away and transport. I think it's great that it will grow with baby, and for use I will get out of it, I think the price is very fair. You can get cheaper travel cots but if it's going to get a lot of use and be folded and unfolded again and again you need something that is going to last well. This feels quality and like it will last a long time. I would give this 5 stars, but have knocked off a half just for needing a second person to get it back into the travel bag, otherwise it is perfect.

What comes with the SENA aire?

The SENA aire travel cot comes with a bassinet attachment, mattress sheet, and carry bag. The SENA aire does not come with the changer but that can be purchased separately from Nuna .

Can I add a mattress to my SENA aire?

Never place any additional mattress, pillow, comforter, or padding in the SENA aire travel cots. Please only use the mattress/pad provided by Nuna. Using a thicker or a different sized mattress/pad may allow a child’s head to get between the mattress/pad and side of the travel cot.

I misplaced my travel bag, can I order an extra?

Nuna do offer replacement carry bags for the SENA aire travel cots, contact them to find out how to order one.

Nuna Sena Aire Review

Like all things Nuna, the Sena Aire is gorgeous… but its usability is limited and it's more expensive than other, better travel cribs. As one of the smaller travel cribs out there, the Sena Aire gets outgrown quickly. It's also heavy and bulky when folded, making it suboptimal for travel. On the plus side, it comes with a bassinet and organic fitted sheet, and it is easy to assemble.

Things We Love

• Looks Great: Like all things Nuna, the Sena Aire looks great. We like it best in Night and Suited, but it looks nice in all of the available color options.
• Easy to Assemble and Disassemble… Except on Carpet: Push down to expand the Sena Aire. Pull up to collapse it. It’s that easy. However, on certain surfaces, like chunky rugs or carpets, too much friction between the Sena Aire’s legs and the carpet can make this theoretically simple opening and closing mechanism quite difficult.
• Organic Fitted Sheet Included: The GOTS organic fitted sheet is included with the price of the Nuna Sena Aire.
• Integrated Bassinet: The Sena Aire has a wonderful bassinet for newborns and small infants. It’s on the bigger side for bassinets, the same size as the crib itself, and will work well for pre-mobile babies.

Things We Don't Love As Much

• Very Heavy: Weighing in at 22 pounds, the Sena Aire is nine pounds heavier than the Guava Family Lotus and the BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light, which makes a difference if you’re planning to carry this longer distances for travel.
• Bulky When Folded: The Sena Aire folds to a bulky 31.5 by 13 by 11 inch package. It is one of the larger folded cribs out there, and similar in folded size to the 4Moms Breeze.
• Too Small: Measuring 41.3 by 29.5 by 30.7 inches, the Sena Aire is one of the smaller travel cribs of the bunch and will be outgrown the most quickly.
• So/So Mattress: The Sena Aire isn’t known for its super comfortable mattress, but it gets the job done reasonably well.
• Add On Change Table: A nice-looking change table is sold separately and can be added to the Sena Aire for $59.95. (This add on makes the Nuna Sena Aire $60 more expensive than the comparable 4Moms Breeze Plus.)
• Nuna Sena Aire – $299.95
• Nuna Sena Aire Change Table – $59.95

Note: Nuna also sells the Sena Aire Mini, an even smaller version of the already too small Sena Aire, for $199.95. It weighs 18 pounds, measures 34.6 by 24.8 inches by 26.4 inches, and features an integrated bassinet, an included organic fitted sheet, and simple setup and breakdown. Although it looks good, there are other things on the market that are significantly more practical for the job (while also looking good too).

GO BACK TO ALSO MOM'S OVERVIEW OF THE BEST TRAVEL CRIBS.

You may also like, babybjorn travel crib light review, guava family lotus travel crib review, phil & teds traveller portacot review, 4moms breeze plus playard review.

• 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.

Living / 31 May, 2021 / Ellie Thompson

Nuna SENA aire: The Breathable Travel Cot That Reduces Indoor Air Pollution

It’s Child Safety Week (Monday 31 st  May to Sunday 6 th June, 2021) so we’re throwing a spotlight on popular parenting giant, Nuna, and the work they’ve done within their product range to help reduce indoor air pollution. From rockers to car seats, Nuna offers fourteen products with GREENGUARD GOLD certification, including the Nuna SENA aire, their must-have travel cot with advanced air design. A new travel cot on the market, we were keen to take a closer look.

Introducing Nuna SENA aire

The Nuna SENA aire is a sophisticated travel cot suitable from birth up to 15kg. With a sturdy aluminium frame, zigzag legs and skid-proof feet, the SENA aire is a chic and functional travel cot you can trust.

One-hand fold

Its one-hand easy fold makes the SENA aire a dream when it comes to quickly converting any space to your baby’s room. The travel cot can be opened in a couple of seconds, and assembled in just a few more. Too easy.

The SENA aire has an upper cot perfect for new babies, and the best bit? It can be folded in place with the frame, and slides effortless back into its smart travel bag, which is a huge win.

How To Create A Non-Toxic Nursery

How To Create A Natural Nursery For Your Baby

Best travel cot for your baby

When travelling with your baby, you want to be sure that any kit you’re using away from home is going to care just as much for your child as the carefully chosen things you’ve left at home. The SENA aire offers advanced air design™ that provides your baby with 360° of ventilation, so they can sleep safely and soundly.

Ventilated travel cot mattress

The SENA aire’s ventilated mesh mattress works to reduce heat and humidity to offer optimum airflow for super-fresh golden slumbers. In fact, research proves that this mattress provides four times the amount of airflow in comparison to a standard mattress.

Steven Smith, Brand Manager says, “At Nuna, we are continually striving to reduce our carbon footprint, lower our chemical emissions and create a healthier environment for children. We are proud that so many of our products are GREENGUARD GOLD certified and we are constantly considering new and innovative ways to keep up with our changing environment.”

Easy to clean

The triple layer mesh mattress is protected by a zip-off design and together with its organic sheet, can be machine washed and tumble dried for complete ease.

The Nuna SENA aire weighs 10kg and is available in two stylish colours, Charcoal and Frost.

RRP: £180. STOCKIST DETAILS:  www.nunababy.com

Breathing in clean air is essential for your baby’s health, as their immune, neurological, and respiratory systems are constantly developing. It’s so important to research suitable non-toxic , healthy products for your child.

Our Guide To The Best Sustainable Products For Mamas & Babas

Shop 100% Sustainable And Ethical Maternity Fashion For Your Spring Wardrobe

In The Spotlight

AC25-1 Baby Movement Monitor with Video & Sound, Angelcare

Angelcare’s new AC25-1 Baby Movement Monitor with Video & Sound is setting a new standard for baby monitoring with its medically certified infant movement monitoring technology. The wireless high-technology, contact-free sensor pad monitors every movement, only alarming if no movements have been detected for 20 seconds. It has a range of up to 150 meters, a nightlight, lullaby mode, two-way-talk-back, a room temperature display and a large 4.3” LCD screen. Developed to support parents and create a safe sleep environment for babies, it’s received UK Medical Certification, approved by The MHRA.

Latest posts

Living / 4 September, 2024

15 Kids’ Coats For The New Season

Parenting / 3 September, 2024

Keeping It Cool, The Breathable Baby Products You Need To Know

Trending / 3 September, 2024

Top 10 Toy Predictions For Christmas 2024

Nursery & Home / 2 September, 2024

12 Organic Household Products For Your Shopping List

Parenting / 2 September, 2024

How To Cope With Back To School Bugs

• Skip to main content
• Skip to main navigation
• Skip to search

Advertisement

Our writers test and research products independently. When you buy through a link on our site we may earn a commission but this never affects our product choices.

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 Jenny Wonnacott | Last updated Aug 27, 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 it's not recommended to use a travel cot in place of a permanent cot or crib for your little one, they're ideal for overnight stays at a grandparent's house, or longer holidays as well as use as a playpen for both babies and toddlers. They are portable, easy to carry (often coming with their own storage bags), 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.

Best travel cots at a glance

Best travel cot for quick assembly: Bugaboo Stardust Travel Cot | £225

Best travel cot for air travel: BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light | £220

Best travel cot budget buy: Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot | £35

Best travel cot for newborns: Joie Kubbie Sleep Travel Cot | £100

Best larger travel cot: BabyDan Extra Large Travel Cot | £85

Best travel cot to use as a playpen: Silver Cross Slumber Travel Cot | £195

Best easy-fold travel cot: Graco FoldLite LX Travel Cot | £85

Best lightweight travel cot: LittleLife Arc 2 | £110

Best travel cot with a changing table: Joie Commuter Change | £100

Best travel cot for toddlers: Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot | £250

How we chose the best travel cots

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

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

Reviewed by Mumsnet editor Rebecca Roberts: 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

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)

Reviewed by Mumsnet editor Laura Westerman: 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

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

Reviewed 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

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

Reviewed by Mumsnet editor Jenny Wonnacott : 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

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: £85 | 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

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

Reviewed by Mumsnet editor Jenny Wonnacott : 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

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

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: £106 | Suitable from: Birth to three years (15kg), but we'd recommend it for toddlers | Weight: 2.5kg

Reviewed 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

Reviewed 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

Reviewed by Mumsnet editor Jenny Wonnacott : 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.

Related: The best swaddles , Moses baskets and blackout blinds for peaceful nights

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 considering one of the best travel cots 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.

If you're finding that your baby really doesn't sleep well in their travel cot, check out our guide to the best travel cot mattresses according to Mumsnet parents.

How much does a travel cot cost?

Prices range from £35 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 a travel cot 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?

All the travel cots on our list are someone's favourite - there isn't really a one-size-fits-all approach, as with many parenting items. For ease of popping up and down, the Bugaboo Stardust is a great option. If you're looking to spend a little less on a great all-rounder, we like the Joie kubbie Sleep travel cot . For a reliable, no-frills budget buy, you can't go far wrong with the £35 Red Kite Sleeptight .

How we tested and why you should trust us

All our travel cots reviewed on page were put through their paces by real parents using them with babies and toddlers over testing periods ranging from weeks to years. Our shortlist was initially created using the recommendations of Mumsnet parents - the UK's largest network of online parents - and then whittled down using the following testing criteria:

Safety and stability

Comfort and day-to-day use.

Ease of cleaning

Value for money

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?

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

Sturdiness – our reviewers tested each cot by walking into them, knocking against furniture and dropping when assembled and packed away. Could each cot withstand the weight of both an adult and child if accidentally fallen into?

Safety standards – all appropriate safety labels and instructions were examined

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 several times

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

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

Each tester 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?

Each tester 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?

Cleanliness

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

Our testers 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

At Mumsnet, we believe parents should be able to access impartial and honest advice about products and services they may purchase.

We consult real parents as well as experts so we can offer the benefit of honest experience and we don’t take payment for our reviews from companies.

Our team of writers is made up of experienced consumer and parenting journalists who between them have a wealth of experience and knowledge at their fingertips.

About the author

Jenny Wonnacott has been working as a Content Editor for Mumsnet since 2022 with a particular focus on pregnancy, child and baby care product guides, articles and reviews. As a mum of three, Jenny has extensive hands-on experience in all of the Mumsnet content she writes about. She is passionate about sourcing, testing and thoroughly researching the products which make every stage of parenting easier, from the best pregnancy pillow to the most reassuring baby monitor as well as top kids' toys , games and tech .

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

Before you post that adorable back to school photo online for your friends and family to see, a parenting expert wants you to think carefully about how much the picture reveals.

By Lucy Wigley Published 2 September 24

Research shows a whopping 77% of parents find school mornings stressful - and some are taking drastic measures to avoid them

By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published 2 September 24

Kids can finally listening to their favourite Harry Potter stories, ready by Stephen Fry, on their Yoto audio players

By Sarah Handley Published 2 September 24

These are our expert-picked top Christmas toys for 2024, based on our in-house tests

By Sarah Handley Published 28 August 24

I tested the Little Live Pets Really Real Puppy toy set and now my four-year-old nephew is obsessed with it

By Sarah Handley Published 22 August 24

The only university essentials list you'll need from a mum who's learned firsthand that less is more.

By Heidi Scrimgeour Published 19 August 24

You can pre-order these Fortnite sets, inspired by the LEGO Fortnite video game, now

By Adam England Published 8 August 24

I tested the De'longhi coffee machine toy from Casdon with a four year old - here's our verdict on whether it's worth the £25 price tag

By Sarah Handley Published 26 July 24

We review the Pati-School Party Creations Starter Kit to see if it's worth your money

By Sarah Handley Published 21 July 24

These vintage Lego sets could be worth serious cash - here's what to do if you have one at home

By Sarah Handley Published 18 July 24

Useful links

• How to reduce screen time
• Unusual baby names
• Fantastic facts for kids
• Kids party games
• Lemon drizzle cake
• Chocolate cake
• Basic cupcake
• Low calorie meals
• Parenting burnout
• Explaining the mental load
• Can mums really have it all?
• Disconnected from partner
• 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.

Nuna Sena Mini Travel Cot Navy TC06005 › Customer reviews

Customer reviews.

Nuna Sena Mini Travel Cot Navy TC06005

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

From the united states.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

Questions? Get fast answers from reviewers

• Amazon Newsletter
• About Amazon
• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• Press Center
• Investor Relations
• Amazon Devices
• Amazon Science
• Sell on Amazon
• Sell apps on Amazon
• Supply to Amazon
• Protect & Build Your Brand
• Become an Affiliate
• Become a Delivery Driver
• Start a Package Delivery Business
• Advertise Your Products
• Self-Publish with Us
• Become an Amazon Hub Partner
• › See More Ways to Make Money
• Amazon Visa
• Amazon Store Card
• Amazon Secured Card
• Amazon Business Card
• Shop with Points
• Credit Card Marketplace
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Your Account
• Your Orders
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Amazon Prime
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices
• Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
• Registry & Gift List
• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
• Your Ads Privacy Choices

Jennifer Sumko x Antonio Melani - SHOP NOW

EARN POINTS EVERY TIME YOU USE YOUR DILLARD’S CREDIT CARD - LEARN MORE

Clinique - Free Gift with Clinique purchase of $37 or more.* - SHOP NOW

How to Style It

Nuna sena™ aire travel cot.

• USAGE: Playard: birth to 30 lbs, height 35 inches
• Changer: birth to 24 lbs (approximately 0-12 months)
• Put up. Put down. Transform any room into baby’s room—in seconds. Whether it’s a family get-together or baby’s first holiday by the sea, SENA aire is your indispensable travel companion
• revolutionary design: growing beyond newborn through toddlerhood, and even doubling as a play space.
• 360 ventilation
• Mesh sides, floor and mattress combine to create an advanced air design
• sets up and folds with one hand
• Ventilated mattress panels
• mattress zips off and has removable panels
• A chic look that seamlessly integrates both at home and away
• Unique zigzag frame pops cot open quickly and easily
• Above-ground base keeps baby draft-proof
• Skid-proof feet help keep baby's sleep quiet and still
• Travel bag included with easy carry handle
• GOTS™ certified organic sheet included
• Eight leg design provides double the durability and stability
• Sturdy, aluminum frame is easy to transport
• SIZE: Playard  41.3" L x 30" W x 29" H in Playard folded 11" L x 13" W x 31.5" H
• WEIGHT: 22 lbs. (weight does not include bassinet) (bassinet approx. 1 lbs.)
• removable panels provide machine washer and dryer safe cleaning

Open a Dillard's Credit Card account and Earn a 10% off Welcome Shopping Pass*

with your first statement when you make $100 in purchases with your Dillard's Credit Card at Dillard's on the day you're approved (max. $100 discount).

Ratings & Reviews