mother's choice lightweight travel cot review

• Camping FAQ

The Best Ultralight Backpacking Cots: The 7 Lightest Ultralight Backpacking Cots Compared

• January 20, 2022

There was a time when you wouldn’t even think about backpacking with a cot. They were bulky, awkward and way too heavy to carry. Nowadays companies are adjusting to the changing times and making lightweight cots that fold into a neat convenient package. Thankfully, the days of 14+ lb camping cots are behind us and there are ultralight cots dropping close to the 2.5lb range. So what’s the lightest and best ultralight cot on the market?

Therm-a-rest’s UltraLite Cot is one of the best ultralight cots money can buy. It only ways 2lbs 9oz, folds into a compact convenient package, and it’s available in a regular and large size. It’s about half the weight of most of the other lightweight backpacking cots on the market.

There’s only one other ultralight backpacking cot that’s comparable and that’s the Helinox Lite Cot . It’s more expensive, 4 oz heavier, and has a larger packed footprint than Therm-a-Rest, but it has a few special feature that make it stand out. The extra weight and higher price tag make sense when you look at the opening/closing mechanism. There’s an internal bungee cord that you pull that automatically extends/contracts the legs. So you don’t have to worry about keeping track of poles and take the time to put everything together.

Big Agnes Goose Nest Inflatable Cot falls into a completely different category because it’s not like every other cot on the market. It’s almost like a super duty inflatable sleeping pad that lifts you 6.5″ up off the ground. So it’s way more comfortable and like sleeping on an air mattress. It slightly heavier at 3lb 1 oz, but that’s a little bit misleading since you can use it without a sleeping pad in the summer. The only problem is there’s no stated R-Value, but I would guess it’s slight over 1 so you would need to pair it with a traditional inflatable sleeping pad in colder weather.

With that being said, there are quite a few options in the 3-4 pound range that can save you a lot of money. While it’s hard to consider a 4lb backpacking cot “ultralight” they’re definitely worth considering if you don’t mind carrying an extra 1-2 lbs. You can save about a $100 by going with a lightweight 4lb cot if you’re not overly concerned about buying the lightest backpacking cot on the market.

Table Of Contents

Ultralight Vs Lightweight/Regular Camping Cots

Backpacking cots seem to fall into 3 distinct weight ranges with a few random cots filling in the gaps. There’s no set weight range to differentiate an ultralight cot from a lightweight cot, but you can use the relative weight of each category as a guide. Here’s how I view the weights in the three different categories of ultralight, lightweight, and regular weight cots.

• Ultralight Cots (2-3 lbs): At this point there are only 3 cots that I would consider for the ultralight category. The Therm-a-Rest Ultralite Cot , Helinox Lite Cot , and Big Agnes Goose Nest Inflatable Cot . They all fold down into a compact package and weight 2-3lbs. Big Agnes Goosenest Cot is a little bit heavier and inflatable so it’s not like a traditional cot, but it does raise you up off the ground. I decided to include it in this category, because it’s a comparable weight in nice weather when you don’t need a sleeping pad.
• Lightweight Cots (4-6 lbs): The lightweight cot category is fairly broad and filled with choices. This is where you find most of the lightweight affordable cots in the $100 price range. These cots fold down into a compact package and are designed for backpackers. They add a few more pounds to your pack than ultralight models, but most people don’t mind carrying an extra 1-2lbs to drop the price in half.
• Regular Camping Cots (budget cots): Most of the budget camping cots fall into the 8-20lb range and they’re far too heavy/bulky for backpackers to carry. Regular cots like the Coleman Trailhead Cot (20lb 14oz) are cheap and sturdy, but you would never want to try to load them in your pack. These are mostly used by people that stay in campgrounds and camp within walking distance of their car.

What’s The Best Ultralight Cot?

As I mentioned above, Therm-a-Rest’s Ultralight Cot is by far the best ultralight cot money can buy. It’s only 2lb 9oz, can hold 325lbs and it folds down smaller than every other cot on the market. There’s just no other model that comes close to meeting those specs.

I understand that most people don’t want to spend $200 on an ultralight cot. So I decided to add a few lightweight budget models to the mix as well to give you a few more options to choose from.

1) Therm-A-Rest Ultralite Cot

Packed Dimensions: 16×4 inches

Open Cot Dimensions: Regular Size 24″ x 72″ Large Size 26″ x 77″

Trail Weight: Regular Size 2lb 9oz Large Size 3lb

Weight Capacity: 325 lbs

Price: On Amazon

Therm-A-Rest set the bar high with their ultralight cot. It’s the lightest ultralight cot on the market at 2lb 9oz, with the Helinox Lite Cot (2lbs 13oz) coming up from behind at a close 2nd.

This is by far the most backpacking friendly cot on the market. It’s both the lightest (2lb 9oz) and most compact cot money can buy, but the price tag reflects that. Look at how neatly the cot folds up in the picture above. It can fit right in the bottom of your pack or you can strap it to the outside like a foam sleeping pad.

I’m a fairly large guy at 6ft tall and a stocky 200lbs so I really like that there’s a larger version available. The regular cot is 24″x72″ and the large size is 26″x77″. The Big Agnes GooseNest Inflatable Cot is the only other option for taller people.

The Helinox Lite Cot comes close at 2lb 13oz, but you’ll have to pay $50 more for a design that’s 4oz heavier and takes up more room in your pack. I do like the the helinox cot’s opening/closing mechanism better, but that comes with a higher price tag and heavier overall design. I don’t know about you, but I’m willing to take the 2-3 minutes it takes to set up my cot to save $50.

Just make sure you keep track of all the support poles and legs. You can buy replacement poles/legs, but they’ll set you back $25. That’s an expensive mistake that I don’t want to make. I Recommend counting all your poles and legs every time you pack up.

This has been my go-to ultralight cot for years, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. I pair it with my NeoAir Xlite Inflatable Sleeping Pad (12oz) and a lightweight Space Cowboy 45 degree sleeping bag . This keeps my summer sleep system at under 5lbs and I add a lightweight sleeping bag liner in the spring/fall.

If you’re on a tight budget or a bigger guy, you should definitely check out the Therm-A-Rest Mesh Cot that I talk about below. It’s about 1lb heavier, but it’s cheaper and uses a similar design. The Xlarge version is 30″ wide by 77″ long so it’s one of the only options for taller/wider guys.

2) Helinox Lite Cot

Packed Dimensions: 21″x5″

Open Cot Dimensions: 23.5″ x 73″

Trail Weight: 2lb 13oz

Weight Capacity: 265 lbs

Price: On REI.com

I really had a hard time choosing between the Therm-a-Rest and Helinox Lite Cot. This cots design wins hands down, but the increased weight, price tag, and limited options for length pushed Therm-A-Rest over the top. Plus I’m definitely biased because I’m too tall to fit in a 73″ long cot comfortably.

The Helinox Lite Cot has 4 major selling points. It’s lightweight, easy to open/close, has an insulated cover (sold separately), and it packs down into a single collapsible unit. This is definitely the cot I would choose if it was cheaper and came in a longer model.

This cot is one of the lightest cots on the market at 2lb 13oz which is only 4oz heavier than Therm-a-Rest, but there’s a very good reason behind the added weight. It has an easy open/closing mechanism so you don’t have to mess around with legs.

Pull the bungee cord and the cot opens up on its own in seconds. Release the cord and it collapses into a compact 21″x5″ package. It doesn’t have removable legs that you have to put away and there’s no risk of losing anything.

Helinox also sells a Cot Warmer Insulation Layer to protect against drafts when you’re not using the cot with a sleeping pad. It’s good enough to keep you warm in 55+ ° F weather, but I would get a real high R-Value sleeping pad on cold nights.

From a design standpoint, the Helinox Lite Cot wins hands down, but it comes with a high price tag. If you want the convenience of the easy opening/closing system and have extra money to spend, you should definitely check it out.

3) Big Agnes GooseNest Inflatable Cot

Packed Dimenstions: 29″ x 7″

Open Cot Dimensions: 26″ x 78″

Trail Weight: 3lb 1oz

Weight Capacity: 300 lbs

The Big Agnes Goosenest Cot uses an innovative design unlike every other cot on the market. It’s basically an overstuffed inflatable sleeping pad or air mattress that lifts you 6.5″ off the ground. The Goosenest cot is slightly heavier 3lb 1oz than most of the other ultralight backpacking cots, but the weight difference is negligible in warm weather since you don’t have to use a sleeping pad.

You can’t even compare the comfort of a traditional cot to the Goosenest. It’s like sleeping on a mini air mattress that packs down to the size of a foam sleeping pad. You’re up off the cold ground and there’s no draft blowing below you. Plus it’s 78″ long so it’s a little bit bigger than every other cot.

You should always use a sleeping pad with a traditional cot since it cuts down the cold draft from underneath. Therm-a-Rest’s NeoAir Uberlite Regular Size Sleeping pad (11oz) is the lightest sleeping pad that will fit on the Therm-a-Rests ultralight cot. So add 11oz to their ultralight cot and the Goosenest ends up 3oz lighter than the lightest traditional cot on the market.

That looks great on paper, but there is a minor problem with the Goosenest Cot. They don’t openly state an R-Value which means it’s problem a little bit higher than R-1. This isn’t a big deal in warm weather since you don’t have to deal with an underdraft, but you will want to use an additional sleeping pad when nighttime temperatures dip below 50 ° F.

While the Big Agnes Goosenest Cot doesn’t look like a traditional cot, it’s definitely worth considering. I almost decided to leave it off this list, but changed my mind. I couldn’t ignore the fact that it functions like a cot and is easily one of the lightest most compact designs on the market.

4) Helinox Cot One Insulated Lightweight Cot (built in sleeping pad)

Packed Dimensions: 25″x7.5″

Trail Weight: 6lb 9oz

Weight Capacity: 320 lbs

Let’s start off by saying the Helinox Cot One Insulated Cot is ridiculously expensive and falls into a hybrid ultralight/lightweight category at 6.6lbs. Before you quit reading, let me explain what makes the Helinox Cot One Special.

The weight would usually be a dealbreaker for most ultralight enthusiast, but it has a built in self inflating sleeping pad with an R-Value of 5. So it can be used all year round down to -30 ° F weather. At 6.6lbs the cot is somewhat heavy, but all the extra weight is in the self-inflating sleeping pad. The convenience of not needing to carry a sleeping pad more than makes up for the increase in weight. You’re trading extra room in your pack for a 2-3lb difference in trail weight.

I was lucky enough to test this cot out on a recent backpacking trip and I was impressed. It’s ridiculously easy to setup. You don’t have to mess around with legs and support poles. Just pull the internal bungee cord and the legs setup automatically. Open up the self-inflating sleeping pad valve and you’re cots ready to go in 30 seconds. When you’re ready to pack it up you just release the cord and it folds down into a compact 25″x7.5″ package.

It’s hard to justify the high price tag, but you have to remember how much you would pay for a high R-Value sleeping pad. That knocks $100-$200 dollars off the price tag which makes it comparable to other ultralight models. From there you’re paying for the convenience of the easy opening/closing system and not having to deal with all those legs/poles.

5) KingCamp Ultralight Cot (Lightweight Budget Pick)

Packed Dimensions: 14″ x 5.1″ Cot Bag and

Open Cot Dimensions: 25″x75″

Trail Weight: 4lb 14oz

The KingCamp Ultralight Cot is really punching above its weight class. This cot tiptoes the line between ultralight and lightweight models. It’s a little bit heavier than the ultralight models higher up on this list at 4lb 14oz, but the low price more than makes up for the 1.5lb difference in weight.

Once you factor in the longer length and wide body it starts to look even better. Most of the other models in this price range are more than double the weight and pack down into a huge bag. I don’t know how they managed to pack this oversized cot into a 14″ x 5.1″ bag, but it packs down smaller than all of the other ultralight cots on this list.

The legs can be tricky to figure out at first which leads to people breaking the legs. It’s hard to describe, but you can only pull the lever mechanism open when the legs are angled towards the frame. So people end up trying to install the legs when they’re fixed at 90 ° and end up breaking the locking mechanism. Once you figure out how they work it’s a surprisingly sturdy design.

6) Therm-a-Rest Mesh Cot (Best Ultralight Cot For Large People)

Packed Dimensions: 18″x6″

Open Cot Dimensions: Regular 24″ x 72″ Large 26″ x 77″ X-Large 30″ x 77″

Trail Weight: Regular 3lbs 9oz Large 3lb 15oz X-Large 4lb 7oz

Weight Capacity: Regular 325 lbs Large/XL 350 lbs

The Therm-a-Rest Mesh Cot falls into a strange price and weight range. It’s slightly heavier than their ultralight model and about $50 cheaper. Honestly I’m kind of doing it an injustice by placing it so far down this list, because it’s a great alternative to their Ultralite Cot.

There are just so many great features higher up on this list and you can’t ignore the slight increase in weight when you’re comparing ultralight models. It should have probably gone up above the Kingcamp Ultralight Cot, but it’s close to double the price. So it’s hard to justify the slight decrease in weight when you compare the price.

With that being said this by far the best cot for bigger guys. The X-Large model is by far the biggest ultralight cot at 30″ wide and 77″ long. I hang off the edges of most cots and I have room to spare in the XL Model and it fits inside the same 18″x6″ carrying bag as the regular size.

Setup is easy and shouldn’t take more the 5 minutes. Plus there’s shock corded poles with preassembled feet to make setup and break down a snap. This makes cleanup easy since you only have to keep track of 6 pieces instead of 28 with the ultralight model.

7) RedCamp Ultralight Cot (Budget Option)

Packed Dimensions: 21″ x 7″

Open Cot Dimensions: 26″ x 76″

Trail Weight: 6.6 lbs In Tall Mode 4.8 lbs Short Mode

Weight Capacity: 330 lbs

There are two major reasons why the RedCamp Ultralight Cot made this list. The price is ridiculously cheap for an ultralight cot and it has removable legs so it can be used in a 15″ tall mode or 7.5″ low mode. It’s one of the only ultralight cots with longer legs so you don’t have to squat down to get into bed.

Unfortunately, those long legs add a lot of weight to the bed making it weigh in at 6.6 lbs with the legs installed. That’s not a huge deal since you can leave the extensions at home which drops the trail weight down to 4.8lbs. The cots also bigger than most of the other models on this list at 26″ x 76″ which adds a little bit of weight as well.

Most people have never heard of the Redcamp brand since you can’t find their gear in any retail stores. The only place I’ve seen Redcamp gear is Amazon and Walmart’s website. Don’t worry about the unfamiliar brand name! I’ve bought lots of Redcamp products over the years and they’ve all been well made and reliable.

I would compare Redcamp to Coleman camping gear. It’s not the best stuff in the world, but everything’s affordable, durable and well designed. It’s hard to beat the versatility of this cot at such a low price.

Related Posts

What’s The Toughest Backpack Material?

• December 11, 2022

When looking for a backpack, the first thing you need to consider is the material it’s made from. With so many materials available on the…  Read More » What’s The Toughest Backpack Material?

What Are D Rings Used For On Backpacks?

• May 26, 2022

Does your backpack have small rings shaped like the “Capital Letter D”? D Loops are commonly found on outdoor camping, climbing, and hiking packs, but…  Read More » What Are D Rings Used For On Backpacks?

Does Merino Wool Shrink After Washing?

Merino wool is often considered one of the most comfortable fabrics. It’s warm, soft, moisture-wicking, breathes well, and has antimicrobial properties. However, some people are…  Read More » Does Merino Wool Shrink After Washing?

Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy

• 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: tried and tested by real parents

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

By Poppy O'Neill | Last updated May 29, 2024

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

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

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.

The best travel cots 2024: editor's picks

Joie kubbie Bassinet Travel Cot

Red Kite Travel Cot

Bugaboo Stardust Travel Cot

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

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

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

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

Great for parents who

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

Great quality mattress

Takes just one second to unfold and three seconds to fold

Can be folded with the mattress left in

Carrycot insert for newborns

On the expensive side

Only suitable up to 2 years

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

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

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

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

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

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: £37 | Suitable from: Birth to three years (or able to climb out) | Weight: 8.5 kg

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

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

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

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

Are on a tight budget

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Want a travel cot and playpen combination

Have a larger space to put the travel cot in

Are looking for a travel cot which will last them years

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

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

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

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

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

Use public transport when travelling

Want something that could double up as a playpen

Read next: The best baby carriers, tried and tested

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)

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

If you have a little extra to spend, then the luxury and comfort of BabyBjörn's Light will make sleepovers fuss-free no matter where you go. Our tester found it sturdy, simple to set-up and really easy to transport. The mattress is considerably more comfy than those you'll find in cheaper travel cots, and all the fabric parts are removable and machine washable.

The main drawback is the price tag, but if you have the means, then this cot won't let you down.

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

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

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

Joie Commuter Change

Two wheels make this cot easy to move around

Easy to fold and unfold

Bassinet and changing unit don’t fit into carry bag

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travel cots: our pick of the best of the rest

Sturdy but pricey.

We have the Nuna Sena and its amazing, the most hassle-free assembling I've seen having watched BIL trying to get his cheap and cheerful one up! You just push the ring in the middle. It looks great and my kids have both slept great in it when we're away. Also sturdy enough to double as a temporary living room playpen for a while too! Has definitely been one of my highly recommended baby items.

lightningpeach

Nuna Sena Aire

Best travel cot for use as a playpen

Quite a while ago now we bought a BabyDan one from John Lewis which is the same dimensions as a standard cot (not cot bed). Extra handy as we could also use the actual cot mattress in it for extra comfort if we had space in the car, or latterly when we had got rid of the cot but had friends or relatives to stay

DiddlySquatty

BabyDan Travel Cot

Best travel cot for air travel

I've been to many different countries on different planes, trains and automobiles and the Phil & Teds is the only one which works across various check in requirements and ages of children ...100% [would recommend] the P&T one if you actually intend travelling with it, as opposed to staying at Granny's place every now and again.

mynamechangemyrules

Phil & Teds Traveller Travel Crib

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 one?

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

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

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

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

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

Are travel cots safe?

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

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

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

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

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

Check for sharp corners and padded rails

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

Safe sleeping and travel cot mattresses

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

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

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

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

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

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

How much does a travel cot cost?

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

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

Can I buy one secondhand?

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

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

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

Other things to consider when buying a travel cot

1. portability.

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

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

2. Assembly and storage

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

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

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

3. How to clean

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

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

4. Extra features

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

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

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

What's the best travel cot to buy?

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

How we tested and why you should trust us

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

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

Safety and stability

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

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

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

We looked at a number of factors including:

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

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

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

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

Safety standards – she also looked for the appropriate safety labels

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

Assembly and folding

How straightforward was it to assemble and fold?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ruth analysed looks, including colours, fabrics and overall design

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

Were there different colours to choose from?

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

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

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

If pricey, was it worth the price tag?

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

How real-life comparative testing makes Mumsnet Reviews unique

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

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

About the author

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

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

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

9 Best Camping Cots of 2024: Sleep Solutions for Camping & Backpacking

Lightweight, comfy, and highly-packable, these cots make getting a good night's rest under the stars easy, without the noise and feel of an air pad

Graham Hiemstra

Image courtesy Helinox

Field Mag may receive a minor commission from purchases made via affiliate links.

Your primary option for outdoor sleeping is no longer a squeaky, uncomfortable air mattress that might deflate during the night, thanks to the modern camping cot . A far cry from the military surplus wood-and-canvas behemoths you may remember from summer camp, these innovative and lightweight air pad alternatives are engineered to help weary outdoor enthusiasts get a good night's sleep at the campsite, in the backcountry, even at home.

But don't be deceived; not all camping cots are created equal. A quick Google search for lightweight cots for camping or the best backpacking cot will deliver a host of impossibly cheap Amazon-only options, and though I haven't personally tested them all, we'd warn against trusting these knockoff designs even if they appear to be best sellers. As they say—if it seems too good to be true, it probably is (and many reviewers will confirm).

That said, I have spent plenty of nights testing a range of camping cots from the top, most reputable brands. And the following 9 camping bed options are ones we can vouch for—each with a unique, proven system of suspension designed to elevate sleepers above uneven ground, offer better back support, and allow more airflow underneath the body for more a comfortable night's sleep outdoors.

Pair one with a down quilt and maybe even a lightweight side table and a set of camping chairs to rethink your entire camping experience altogether. And when it’s the off-season for outdoor camping, these packable cots can turn your living room into a sleeping area with a quick-deploying guest bed. Sure beats a leaky airbed.

Things to Consider When Buying a Camping Cot

This is your number one consideration when purchasing a camping cot. Just like sleeping pads, cots come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and with other factors that impact comfort, too. If you move around in the night, consider a cot with a larger sleeping surface that will allow you to do so. Also, consider tension—if you've slept on a saggy hotel cot and felt its effects for days afterward, then you already know how important a factor this is.

Whether you're setting up camp right next to the car or hiking/biking/boating to your site, you'll be schlepping all your gear from garage to vehicle to tent and back, which makes a sleeping cot's weight an important factor to consider. More weight doesn't always equal comfort either—there are excellent lightweight camping cots out there.

Ease of Setup & Packability

If a cot is so difficult to setup and dismantle that it leads to frustration, chances are you won't use it as often. Good cots are easy to set up and take down, just like a hammock. Similarly, a cot's packability will affect not only the camp setup experience but also how and where you store it. Packability works in tandem with weight, too; you're more likely to bring a cot on more camping trips if it packs down small and is lightweight, thereby taking up less space in your car or bag and in the garage or closet back at home, too.

Accessories

Cots can be fairly basic, but some brands make a range of accessories to make them even more versatile than they already are. Helinox, for example, has a full range of cot accessories that includes leg extensions, headrests, and insulated covers for camping in a variety of places and conditions.

Field Mag's Top Picks:

Best overall design: helinox cot one convertible.

• Best Budget Cot: Coleman Pack-Away Camping Cot

Best Ultralight Cot for Backpacking: Therm-a-Rest UltraLite Cot

• Best for Tall Campers: Helinox Cot One Convertible Long

Easiest Setup: ALPS Mountaineering Escalade Cot

Best sleeping surface: helinox cot max convertible, best upgrade for home & camp: snow peak high tension cot.

• Most Maximalist: REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3
• Best Classic Cot Design: Eureka Camp Cot

Honorable Mention: Disc-o-Bed is a clever, stackable, modular bunkbed design for home use and glamping outfits. Goofy name aside, by many accounts, it's a decent option for more semi-permanent camping situations.

The Best Camping Cots of 2024

Helinox hit the bullseye in designing the Cot One, which expertly balances all the features that make a good camping cot—we could've awarded it the most portable cot, just as well. A unique lever locking leg attachment system makes for easy setup and take-down and also provides enough tension to create the perfect sag-free sleeping surface. As-is, the Cot One elevates campers six inches off the ground, but cot leg extensions can be purchased to elevate your sleeping surface to 18” off the ground (a height better for accessibility as it’s easier to get onto and off). All this, and the thing still weighs in at just 4 lbs 14 oz and packs down into the included carrying bag to fit in a backpack. (For a similar yet lighter cot, check out the 2 lb 12 oz Helinox Lite Cot ).

Packed Dimensions: 21.5 x 6 inches Minimum Trail Weight: 5 lbs 2 oz Weight Capacity: 320 lbs Pros: Very easy setup, portable, sturdy and lightweight Cons: You get what you pay for

Price: $350 (+$99 for Leg Extensions)

Best All Around Deal: Coleman Pack-Away Camping Cot

A favorite of many reviewers and by all accounts a reliable and convenient outdoor sleeping solution, the adjustable Coleman Pack-Away Camping Cot is constructed with a durable steel frame that can support 300 pounds and people up to 6'6". The folding design isn't exactly compact, nor is it lightweight at 20 pounds, but neither metric really matter if you're camping near your car, in the backyard, or using the cot for house guests. What does matter is comfort and ease of use—and the Pack-Away provides both a solid night sleep and is easy to setup and take down. Plus the removable nightstand table with drink holder is pretty clever.

Packed Dimensions: 21.5 x 6 inches Minimum Trail Weight: 5 lbs 2 oz Weight Capacity: 320 lbs Pros: Easy to unfold, sturdy construction Cons: Lots of hinges for pinching hands

It doesn’t get much more OG than Seattle-based Therm-a-Rest. For decades the Cascade Designs brand has been outfitting record-breaking expeditions and car campers alike with the absolute highest quality sleep solutions beginning with their inflatable mattress pads. The UltraLite Cot is the latest and likely the lightest and smallest packing cot available. Available in Regular or Large sizes, it breaks down easily, can be set up without tools, and features reflective materials to help retain body heat.

At its lightest packable weight without the storage bag, the cot becomes backpacking friendly at around 2 lbs 10 oz (and that’s without leaving support poles at home, which would further lighten the load). While the standard packable weight lands around 3 lbs, this puppy has been our go-to for car camping for years, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. Space-wise, it hardly takes up more room than two one-liter water bottles put together. (For backpacking, the 12 oz NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad is hard to beat.)

Packed Dimensions: 16 x 4 inches Minimum Trail Weight: 2 lbs 10 oz Weight Capacity: 325 lbs Pros: Very lightweight, comfortable Cons: Setup takes quite a bit of effort

Price: $240 $132

Best Cot for Tall Campers: Helinox Cot One Convertible Long

Sleeping bags come in longer sizes for tall campers, so why not cots? Helinox took everything that makes the Cot One Convertible the perfect camping cot—like pressure-locking legs, a lightweight aluminum frame, and a high-tension sleeping surface—and put an extended platform on top that adds 7.5 inches for a full length of 82.5 inches. The extension means this cot is slightly heavier and packs down a little larger into its included carrying case, but it's still as light and packable as you'll get for a cot of comparable size. Plus, all Helinox products carry a 5-year warranty.

Packed Dimensions: 23 x 6 inches Minimum Trail Weight: 6 lbs 4 oz Weight Capacity: 320 lbs Pros: Lightweight even with long length, portable & durable Cons: Elevated pricetag

Price: $400

ALPS Mountaineering is one of those sleeper brands that doesn't have as much flash but commands high respect among outdoorists for making gear that simply works. The oversized Escalade fits into that category, providing a large, sturdy sleeping surface that sets up in a snap, no assembly required—just take it out of the carrying bag and unfold. Once deployed, an oversized aluminum and steel frame elevates campers well above the hard cold ground. This sleeping cot also includes a side pocket for extra organization inside your tent.

Packed Dimensions: 48 x 9 x 5 inches Minimum Trail Weight: 24 lbs Weight Capacity: 325 Pros: Hanging pocket for essentials, easy-use design Cons: Large when packed

Price: $170

To get a positively huge sleeping surface without sacrificing other features like weight, packability, and comfort, you can't beat the Cot Max Convertible by Helinox. Like the Cot One, the Max has a super-supportive, lightweight aluminum frame and legs that lock into place to create a comfy, high-tension sleeping surface. And like the Cot One Long, the Max has an extended, 82.5-inch bed to accommodate tall sleepers. But this model adds even more extending this cot's width out to 29.5 inches, nearly 10 inches more than some of the top sleeping pads for camping. Again, that XL sleeping surface comes with marginal increases in weight and packed size, but big gains in comfort.

Packed Dimensions: 22.5 x 7 inches Minimum Trail Weight: 6 lbs 8 oz Weight Capacity: 320 lbs Pros: Lightweight and packable, XL sleeping surface Cons: Premium price

Price: $480

This deluxe, minimalist cot from Japanese outdoor retailer Snow Peak hits all the right beats style-wise, and in terms of practicality; who says camp furniture has to look like camp furniture anyways? With durable but comfortable polyester 600D for the fabric and a collapsible stainless steel frame, the aluminum legs use innovative design to create tension where weight is placed heaviest on the fabric, ensuring maximum support and zero sagging. Best for camping at-home or glamping situations.

Packed Dimensions: 49 x 11 x 7.8 inches Minimum Trail Weight: 13.2 lbs Weight Capacity: 14 lbs 14 oz Pros: Aesthetic design, comfortable, includes storage bag Cons: Expensive, still large when packed down

Price: $460

Best Maximalist Foldable Cot: REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3

This REI brand folding camping cot goes above and beyond in including features like a padded, water-resistant polyester fabric sleeping surface and a back that raises and lowers like a poolside lounge chair, making it a cozy option for campers who want or need extra comfort features for a good night's rest. Basically a folding bed, this option has extra-wide feet too, which helps with stability on a range of surfaces. The downside to all this is that it weighs 20 pounds and folds rather than packs down, so we'd reserve this cot for car camping and sleepovers only.

Packed Dimensions: 33 x 32 x 8.5 inches Minimum Trail Weight: 20 lbs Weight Capacity: 300 lbs Pros: Comfort first, large sleeping area, very adjustable Cons: Heavy, overbuilt, more components to fail in time

Price: $199

Best Classic Camping Cot: Eureka Camp Cot

Trusted by everyone from alpinists to families, Eureka has been helping people discover the outdoors since the 1800s. While best known for their camping tents, their wide range of other camping gear is equally reliable. Their camp cot is great for weekend getaways and overnight camping, setting up without hassle in just a minute. The heavy-duty fabric includes a faux leather headrest for increased comfort, and the strengthened steel frame supports up to 300 pounds. There are cheaper camping cots out there—the Coleman Trailhead II cot is roughly $50—but they're heavy, bulky, and can even damage your tent.

Packed Dimensions: 37.5 x 5.5 x 5 inches Minimum Trail Weight: 14.8 lbs Weight Capacity: 300 lbs Pros: Compact, included carrying bag Cons: Feet may damage tent floor

Price: $150

Camping Cot FAQs:

Are cots good for camping.

Yes. Now if you’re wondering, what is the point of a camping cot? The answer is three-fold: A quality camping cot provides superior support over an air mattress (or the hard ground), elevates you off the ground to provide better insulation and keep creepy crawlies at bay, and supports your body after a long day in the outdoors in a familiar manner that allows for a better night sleep. In the summer, air circulation under the cot also helps cool you during the night.

Does a camp cot need a mattress?

Generally, no. A quality camping cot, like those listed above, are all designed to provide support and comfort all night long. That said, if you’re particularly sensitive or just like a plush sleeping situation, pairing a camp cot with a thin Z Lite foam pad or even memory foam mattress (if maximalist car camping) will go a long way. If not using a sleeping bag, I suggest using a thin top sheet as body barrier between you and the cot—especially useful for warm weather camping.

Do you need a sleeping bag for a camping cot?

This is up to you—personally, I like to use a quality camping quilt or outdoor blanket instead of a sleeping bag. The beauty of camping cot is that it’s more similar to your bed at home, so sleeping in a restrictive mummy bag doesn’t make sense. When car camping, I like to lay on a top sheet on top of the cot, and use a thin wool blanket or camp quilt, and a generously sized pillow. It’s the best sleep you’ll ever have outdoors. Trust me.

Read our guide to camping chairs to complete your base camp setup.

Published 06-06-2019

Updated 07-17-2023

Because fireside relaxation is an integral part of outdoor life, and you (and your fire pit) deserve the best chairs to enjoy it

Turn any log, rock, or patch of Earth into your camp chair with this Cordura-faced seating pad made in Pennsylvania

The premier camp furniture brand teams up with streetwear sub-brand Carhartt WIP for a collection of camp gear done in signature style

These comfort-driven, oversized outdoor seating options are a big step up from the typical camping chair—and nearly as portable

A lightweight, portable bench that boasts maximum strength and minimum weight from the celebrated South Korean camp furniture creator

Seattle's OG outdoor outfitter lends a touch of rugged style to the acclaimed South Korean camp furniture purveyor

Gallery Mode

13 of the best travel cots 2024 for babies and toddlers

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

• Christy McGhee
• Share on facebook
• Share on twitter
• Share on pinterest
• Share on whatsapp
• Share on reddit
• Share on tumblr

Travel cots are portable, safe places for babies and toddlers to sleep when away from home. They’re lightweight, have collapsible sides and fold into a portable format with a carry handle, making them great for holidays, breaks and overnight stays.

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

Best travel cots at a glance

• Best travel cot for easy assembly: Bugaboo Stardust, £225
• Best lightweight travel cot for a good mattress: Venture Airpod Travel Cot, £119.99
• Best multi-use travel cot: Silver Cross Slumber 3-in-1 Travel Cot, £195
• Best travel cot for added extras: Graco Contour Electra, £100
• Best budget buy travel cot: Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot, £37
• Best travel cot for versatile features: Hauck Sleep'n Play Centre Travel Cot, £79.95
• Best travel cot for occasional use: Cuggl Deluxe Superlight Travel Cot, £60
• Best travel cot for newborns: Joie Kubbie Sleep, £99.99
• Best budget travel cot for co-sleeping: Red Kite Dreamer Bedside Travel Crib, £65
• Best travel cot for versatile newborn co-sleeping: Chicco Next2Me PopUp, £199
• Best travel cot for no upper weight limit: BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light, £219.90
• Best stylish travel cot: Tutti Bambini CoZee Go 3-in-1 Bassinet, Travel Cot & Playpen, £129
• Best lightweight newborn travel crib: ErgoPouch Easy Sleep Portable Crib, £99.95
• Jump to best travel cots and cribs in 2024
• Jump to why do I need a travel cot?
• Jump to what to look for when buying a travel cot
• Jump to how, when and where will you use your travel cot?
• Jump to how much does a travel cot cost

Here are the best travel cots for 2024

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

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

• Quickest to assemble
• 2 mattress height positions
• Lightweight

More like this

• Quite large when folded

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

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

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

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

Available from: Bugaboo , Boots and John Lewis

2. Venture Airpod Travel Cot, £119.99

– best for lightweight with good mattress.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Available from: Amazon and Venture

3. Silver Cross Slumber 3-in-1, £195

– best multi-function travel cot.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Available from: Boots

4. Graco Contour Electra, £100

– best for added extras.

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

• Lots of accessories included
• Good newborn bassinet

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

MFM home tester Jessica said, "The Graco Electra travel cot has proven to be a lovely cot for my 5 month old son. It folds up to an easily transportable, small travel bag and has lovely extras such as the hanging toy bar and night light which are well thought out."

There's a newborn bassinet that fastens in to keep tiny babies close, and the whole unit is on wheels so it can be moved easily. It's definitely not the lightest product on our list, but remove any accessories you're not using (such as the changer or bassinet) and this significantly reduces the weight to make it easier to move or carry.

Read our full MadeForMums Graco Contour Electra review

Available from: Smyths and Graco

5. Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot, £37

– best budget buy.

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

• Easy to assemble
• Thin mattress
• Not very lightweight

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

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

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

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

Available from: Amazon and Halfords

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

– best for versatile features.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Available from: Boots and Online4Baby

7. Cuggl Deluxe Superlight Travel Cot, £60

– best for occasional use.

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

• Folds up small
• Small footprint
• Low weight limit

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

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

Available from: Argos

8. Joie Kubbie Sleep Travel Cot, £99.99

– best for newborns.

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

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

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

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

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

Read our full MadeForMums Joie Kubbie travel cot review

Available from: Very and Argos

9. Red Kite Dreamer Bedside Travel Crib, £65

– best budget travel cot for co-sleeping.

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

• Permanent drop-side option
• Flimsy newborn insert

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

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

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

Read our full MadeForMums Red Kite Dreamer beside travel cot review

Available from: Argos and Red Kite

10. Chicco Next2Me PopUp, £199

— best travel cot for versatile newborn co-sleeping.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read our full MadeForMums Chicco Next2Me Pop Up travel cot review

Available from: John Lewis , Amazon and Boots

11. BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light, £219.90

– best for no upper weight limit.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Available from: John Lewis and BabyBjörn

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

— best stylish travel cot.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

13. ErgoPouch Easy Sleep Portable Crib, £69.97

Best for: lightweight newborn travel crib.

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

• Very light and compact
• Mosquito net included
• Multifunctional

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

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

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

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

Available from: Ergopouch and Natural Baby Shower

Sign up to receive our Most Wanted newsletter

By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy . You can unsubscribe at any time.

Why do I need a travel cot?

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

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

What to look for when buying a travel cot

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How much does a travel cot cost?

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

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

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

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

How did we choose our 13 of the Best?

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

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

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

Read more...

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

Christy is MadeForMums’ Head of Consumer Content

How NatPat's wellness patches may help your family

NatPat's range of wellness patches and stickers aim to tackle everything from allergies to lack of focus. We take a closer look at the range.

Advertisement feature with NatPat

Best travel cot 2023: lightweight cots for travel

Attempting travel with a baby? The best travel cot will make sure you’re suitably armed, and they’re suitably snuggly

The best travel cot? Be honest, it’s something you didn’t even know existed until you became a parent and had to take a trip. Do you have to travel with a bed for your baby? Well, yes, you do, they're just as essential as the best car seats and best suitcases , and luckily there are so many incredible new designs that hitting the road with your littlest is that little bit easier.

We give you the travel cot, the portable crib, and the basket bed … here are all the latest and the best products on the market which allow you to travel light even though you’re now packing an extra person.

How to buy the best travel cot

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

First off, you might be surprised to find out that travel cots aren’t just for travel. If you’re stuck for space at home, regularly splitting time between two places, want a safe place to keep them corralled while you pop off for a second (see above), or like to have a spare for friends’ babies when they pop round for a coffee (the friend, that is, not the baby), a travel cot is a sensible solution.

But when it does come to travel, having your own portable cot means that you needn’t worry about whether that Airbnb has all the necessaries or that hotel webpage is up to date, and it also gives baby a familiar place to sleep, eliminating one more reason for them to get lairy while you’re on the road.

And it’s what you’ll be using it for that’ll mostly dictate the type of travel crib you want. 

Compact foldable cots or bassinets are best for chucking in a suitcase or luggage locker on the plane, while trips by car simply call for something that can fit in the boot. The more lightweight they are, the more you might question the fact that they’re deemed suitably sturdy for a human child, but between rigorous manufacturer testing and great reviews across the board, you can rest assured each of our picks will keep them safe as houses, even if you’re a long way away from yours. 

You might be wondering if travel cots are safe to sleep in? The answer is yes, as long as you buy the right one and your child doesn't sleep in it all the time. Read our guide linked above for more information on travel cot safety.

Finally, for maximum mileage when it comes to the initial spend, look for a model that comes with an included mattress, adjustable levels for rapidly growing babes, and more.

The best travel cots you can buy today:

1. Micralite Sleep&Go Travel Cot

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

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

It lets itself down slightly with the lack of colour options, and the fact that it's not the smallest when folded.

With an RRP of £150, it sits firmly in the upper-mid-range price category, but it's durable materials, solid build, and innovative features mean it more than earns its place at the top of our list.

• Micralite Sleep&Go Travel Cot review

2. BabyBjorn Travel Cot Light

Praise be to Björn Jakobson, granddaddy of all things baby-related — his brainchild BabyBjorn still leads the pack when it comes to travel cots, with this one getting our second spot for its practical, paediatrician-approved design. The foldable travel cot packs down into a neat carry case with padded shoulder straps and a waist belt for easy transportation, and we love how compact it is, not to mention easy to set up, which is a real bonus when there’s unpacking to be done. 

The mattress has been designed in conjunction with paediatric specialists to provide the best support possible, but the only problem is that it’s at floor level, so if you have shorter arms, bear in mind it might take some effort, or the help of a taller family member.  

3. Nuna SENA Aire

The thing about parenthood is that you always have your hands full, and when it comes to travelling with kids, that goes double. So welcome the SENA Aire, a thoughtfully designed travel cot from premium baby gear brand Nuna that can be set-up not only quickly, but with one hand. Its zigzag legs pop-up instantly, and come with padded edges so you cannot trap you finger in a hinge while you’re seeing it up. 

However, the SENA Aire’s main USP is what its name suggests; an advanced air design delivers maximum airflow that will give its inhabitant deeper sleeps. That’s the theory. Elsewhere, the SENA Aire gives the travelling parents everything they need, including a mattress, sheets, an insect net and even cotton sheets. Best of all, it’s all machine washable, and goes neatly into a travel bag.

4. Inovi Cocoon Folding Moses

Here’s one for youngsters taking their first flights. Suitable for the under six months crowd, this simple crib won’t be with you for long, but it’s sure to impress any parent thinking of taking a flight to show-off their new addition. A simple and nice-looking crib that could easily be used at home, the Cocoon is compact and lightweight enough for travel, even complying with international aviation standards (IATA) so it can be taken on a plane as hand luggage, and stowed in overhead locker compartments (minus junior, we hope). 

It also includes a mesh canopy that protects baby from the outside world – including insects, pets and curious passers-by – while being itself constructed atom transparent, breathable mesh panels. The Cocoon is also easy to set-up, with four locking joints on its fold-out base for maximum stability.

5. Phil & Teds Traveller Travel Cot

Like the BabyBjorn travel cot, this Phil & Teds option is suitable for use from birth to three years, making it a good option if you’re after a longer-term solution. The big difference between the two is that this little number is more suited to long-haul travel, with a weight of just 3.2 kilograms and an ultra-compact design that’s formulated to fit in a suitcase, luggage locker, or even the storage space of your buggy. 

Reviewers found it was a bit awkward to set up, but that it was light, sturdy and comfy enough to make up for it, so we reckon it sounds just fine if you’re setting up camp for a while.  

6. SpaceCot Travel Cot

If the combination of quick setup and sturdiness is the holy grail of travel cots, then call us Indiana Jones, because we seem to have found it in the SpaceCot Travel Cot. The makers say it opens and closes in just three seconds — a big boast, but reviewers vouch for its veracity. 

They found it super easy to set up, and loved the included detachable crib levels and mattress that let it work as a cot up to six months, and a playpen up to 30 months. If you frequently find yourself with your hands too full for faffing around, all signs point to this easy-up cot being a good buy.  

7. LittleLife Arc 2

OK, it’s a tent. Get over it. Kids love camping! Seriously though, the tent-style Arc 2 has a lot going for it, especially if you travel a lot because (and this is a stroke of genius) the Arc 2 packs-up into a small lightweight backpack. A pop-up tent weighing a mere 2.5kg, it uses colour-coded, lightweight aluminium poles and comes with a Velcro-attached foam mattress and washable cotton cover. 

Although it can be used indoors perfectly well, as its design suggests, the Arc 2 can also be used outdoors, and be secured with tent pegs. It works as a bed, a playpen, and just as a place to keep a child out of the sun. If you’re an outdoorsy kind of a family, the Arc 2 is a no-brainer.

8. Pop Up Bassinet Koo-Di

Designed for use in the house or out in the garden, at the beach or for trips somewhere rather sunnier, the Koo-Di Sun and Sleep Travel Bassinet looks to be a versatile option for keeping the smallest member of your group happy, cool, and out of the sun. 

The mesh sides are intended for ventilation and peace of mind, allowing you to check on them as they (hopefully) snooze, while the integrated zip-up mosquito net keeps nibbles at bay, and the blackout blind claims to block 93 percent of all harmful rays. That’s all pretty high tech for a travel cot, making it our best bet for travel abroad and hot summer days at home.  

9. Chicco Lullago Zip Crib

This expandable travel crib gives the option for different depths as they grow, giving it more lasting power than some of our smaller picks, and making it, according to happy reviewers, a great transitional cot. Users loved that it was sturdy and easy to put together, but found it a bit heavy to carry — although, while the travel bag is a bit more cumbersome than its BabyBjorn equivalent, some might appreciate that it looks more like your average minimal tote bag rather than a baby-specific behemoth. 

Overall, it’s agreed that the quality is top-notch and the setup simple, but if you have to travel a long way, you might be better placed going for something like Phil & Ted’s travel cot.  

10. Joie Excursion Change & Rock Travel Cot0

Trying to get them off to sleep isn’t the only thing that can prove tricky on the road - there’s also the small matter of changing to attend to. Luckily, some clever clogs at Joie has made a travel cot that doubles up as a changing table. Actually, make that triples up, because it also packs in a soothing rocker with soft toys. And it has wheels! 

With a draught-resistant base and mesh lining for a comfortable sleep, a rocker/bassinet for soothing and naps, and a changing table for you-know-what, reviewers agree this is a great portable option for when you want to streamline your stuff. Just be aware that it’s very large and very heavy, so it’s not the best for small cars and certainly won’t fit in a suitcase, but gosh darn is it versatile.  

Upgrade to smarter living

Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.

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

• Carys Lowry-Carter

The T3 Awards 2024 reveal the best-of-best TVs from OLED to gaming, 8K to affordable – it's all here

By Mike Lowe Published 5 June 24

Do your bit for the environment with these subscription boxes

By Lizzie Wilmot Published 5 June 24

The best travel backpacks for everything from weekends away and business trips to backpacking and hiking

By Jamie Carter Last updated 20 December 23

Whether you’re travelling, commuting or in the office, the best power banks keep your smartphone, laptop and everything recharged and ready to use

By Jamie Carter Last updated 15 March 24

T3’s roundup of the best underwater cameras available to buy right now

By Amy Davies Last updated 2 January 24

These are the best travel tripods – compact and lightweight enough to squeeze into a backpack, suitcase or even a pocket

By Jamie Carter Last updated 2 January 24

The best electric scooter can make getting around more fun

By Matt Kollat Last updated 29 May 24

Easy to use and difficult to break – choose the best camera for kids with our handy guide

By Gavin Stoker Last updated 29 February 24

It's time to grab a pair of the best headphones for travel, for long flights, train journeys, and car rides

By Spencer Hart Last updated 2 January 24

Pack everything, including the kitchen sink, with the best suitcase and luggage at your disposal

By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Last updated 22 March 24

Useful links

• When is the next Prime Day?
• Best 5G phones
• Best VPN services
• Best laptops
• Best smartphones
• Best mattresses
• Best phone deals
• Best mattress deals
• Best TV deals
• Discount codes

Subscribe to be the first to get new family travel inspiration Sign up today!

MUMMYTRAVELS

Can you really keep travelling with a child in tow?

Subscribe to be the first to get new family travel inspiration

The best travel cots & how to choose one

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

affiliate links *

Asked by Mother & Baby magazine to test out six different options, as well as trying various ones at different hotels (including one with such high sides, I got a bruise bending over to soothe my then three-month-old daughter), I’ve come up with my own pick of the best travel cots, the one I hated and tips on how to choose your own.

Choosing the best travel cot: my favourites

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

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

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

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

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

Choosing the best travel cot: the bargains

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

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

Choosing the best travel cot: the one I hated

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

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

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

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

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

How to choose the best travel cots

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

1.    Where are you going to use it? A travel cot that’s light and portable enough to take on a plane or train is completely different to one which stays with the grandparents or which goes in the boot of the car.

2.    How long are you going to use it for? If you’re travelling from very early on, you might want a bassinet attachment – but if you want it to last for years, think about whether it will be comfortable for a toddler as well.

3.    How easy is it to use? Some models can genuinely be opened (and, more rarely, packed away) with one hand. Others will need much more effort – fine, perhaps, if you’re only doing it twice a year, less so if you’re going to be doing it on a regular basis.

4.    How easy is it to carry? This comes back to point 1 but there are travel cots out there that weigh over 10kg – I struggled to get one up the stairs to the nursery so along with being above the infant baggage allowance, I doubt I could have got it through an airport at all.

Many come with bags, but does it have shoulder straps? Is it compact or bulky to manoeuvre?

5.    What extras does it come with – and do you really want them? Toy bars, nightlights, lullabies and changing mat attachments might all sound great, but only if you’ll use them.

You might decide you don’t want toys distracting a baby when they sleep or realise that a changing mat attachment is no good once they’re over about 5kg…

6.    How comfortable is it? Some of the budget travel cots come with very thin mattresses, and while you could buy an extra cushioning one, it starts to defeat the point of a light-weight fold-up option.

7.    How practical is it? Can you put a newborn or young baby into it comfortably, or will you be bent double trying to pick them up?

Will an ordinary fitted sheet work or will you have to buy an oddly-shaped branded one ( Baby Bjorn , I’m thinking of you)? Do the legs stick out so you’ll fall over them in the dark? Do you have to pack a screwdriver every time you travel?

8.    What is it made of? This is likely to get bashed around in transport, so if the is material good quality, it’s likely to survive better. And consider that some mesh in the sides makes it easier to see in (and out) and provides ventilation.

9.    Any bonus features? Will it double as a playpen, for example – which usually means a larger, sturdier model to cope with inquisitive crawling babies. The NSA Sun Essentials Deluxe Travel Centre , even has UV protection so you can use it as a sun tent on the beach.

10.    What’s your budget? Travel cots can cost from around £20 new for the basic models, but these are no-frills, heavier options. At the other end of the scale, some of the big names cost around £200 for fairly simple options but with the advantage of being lighter or a nicer design.

Disclosure: this post contains some affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a few pennies.

Image courtesy of Depositphotos

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

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

• Travel Products
• Activity + Adventure
• Camping + Hiking

The 9 Best Camping Cots of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The best camping cots have trouble-free setups and are noticeably comfortable to sleep on.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Other Gear You May Need
• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Ben Anderson

If you’re ready to upgrade your sleeping arrangements while spending time outdoors, consider getting a camping cot to (literally) elevate your sleep. A camping cot is the closest portable thing to a typical bed, so it’s a must-have for campers who don’t feel like roughing it on the ground.

Our team of outdoor enthusiasts tried 21 camping cots to find out which ones are the most comfortable, durable, and easiest to put together for your next camping trip. Our favorite camping cots are exceptionally easy to put together and comfortable to sleep on so you wake up feeling refreshed. We've gathered here our top picks for campers looking to splurge on an ultralightweight option and a double cot for pairs. We even found a cot that is so comfortable, it could easily replace the air mattress you use for house guests. 

Best Overall

Mission mountain a4 camping cot.

Mission Mountain

Its compact size and low weight makes this a perfect option for backpackers and drive-up campers alike.

The material may feel a bit taut at first, but stretches out as you sleep.

This lightweight cot is incredibly easy to set up and break down, which is perfect after a long day of adventuring. Our favorite part of setting up the cot is the EZ lock leg design: you don't have to stretch springs like other cots — you just press on the handle until the leg locks in place. The instructions are easy to follow, but we didn't even need to use them since the design is so user-friendly.

Since the whole cot weighs just 4.4 pounds, it's also a great option for backpackers, day trippers, and every other style of camper. It fits in most day packs and is light enough that you can carry it for a full day of hiking. At 75 inches long, it's comfortable for even tall campers, but still fits well inside most tents. The cot's main fabric also felt durable and breathable, which is great for warmer weather. It even has a side pocket where you can easily store a cell phone and a flashlight for easy access .

The Details: 75 x 27.5 x 7.8 inches unfolded | 18 x 5 inches folded | 4.4 pounds | 330 pound weight limit

Travel + Leisure / Ben Anderson

Best Overall, Runner-up

Osage river standard folding camping cot.

The cot is a breeze to set up and is long enough to comfortably fit campers over six feet tall.

It’s a little too big to carry long distances.

From setup to breakdown, the Osage River Standard Folding Camping Cot was a favorite, earning the highest scores in every one of our testing categories over our six-month testing period. We discovered that the cot can easily be assembled by stretching out the canvas fabric over the metal frame that folds out, and it simply folds back down when the time comes. It's super convenient and easy to get in and out of its storage bag and it takes less than a minute to set up and fold up. The cot fits perfectly in its carrying bag and is easy to transport to and from the car. Although it might be a little big to carry far distances, it’s extremely portable for car campgrounds or to use around the house.

We used the cot during a camping trip and were impressed that the size is convenient for both placing in a tent and getting a comfortable night’s sleep. One six-foot tall camper said it was plenty long enough for them to fit comfortably on it. The build and materials of the cot feel exceptionally sturdy and durable, so we’re confident it will last for years to come. And if you weren’t already sold, the affordable price of this cot makes it a no-brainer. 

The Details: 75 x 28 x 18.5 inches unfolded | 40 x 8 x 5 inches folded | 12.45 pounds | 300 pound weight limit

Most Durable

Rei co-op campwell folding cot.

The stretchy, thick materials mold comfortably to your body and are sure to last.

The folded cot weighs just under 20 pounds.

The REI Co-op Campwell Folding Cot is made with high-quality, durable materials that take little effort to set up. Simply expand it from the middle of the cot and the legs fold out automatically. Then secure the legs by tightening the straps. The cot has a wide foot at the base of each leg that swivels to adjust to any uneven ground even when it's inside your tent. We also love that the cot folds up and fits into a carrying pack with a strap to sling it over your shoulder for easy transport (although the cot does weigh just under 20 pounds, so is best for those driving to their campsite).

While it does take up a significant amount of room in your tent , it's high enough off the ground that you can store gear underneath the cot. The cot also does not come with cushioning, but is still quite comfortable to sleep on as the material has a bit of stretch that adjusts to your body. With a plush sleeping bag on top, your camp set up will take on a homey feel.

The Details: 76 x 25 x 18 inches unfolded | 8 x 37 inches folded | 17 pounds | 300 pound weight limit

Travel + Leisure / Kristin Cleveland

Best for Car Camping

Byer of maine easy cot.

The setup instructions are straightforward and it took just seconds to put the cot together. 

The heavy weight makes it impractical for some trips.

Setting up a tent can be no small feat, so for additional ease while car camping , the Byer of Maine Easy Cot is your best option. Out of all the cots we tested, this one had the easiest setup by far, and it only took a matter of seconds to have the bed ready to go. The instructions are easy to follow and they’re printed on the side of the bag to make the setup that much more trouble-free. Keep in mind that the cot itself weighs 21 pounds, which is on the heavier side, so we think it’s best suited for campers who don’t have to carry the cot far (or at all for car camping). This cot was set up in a matter of seconds, making it one of the easiest cots we've ever used. It's definitely bulkier than some backpacking cots, but it didn't take up a ton of room in the back of a car and was easy to stack with other similar-sized gear.

The Details: 78 x 18 x 31 inches unfolded | 21 pounds | 330 pound weight limit

Travel + Leisure / Kate Donovan

Best Splurge

Helinox camp cot.

The cot is extremely lightweight at just 2.13 pounds, and the comfort it provides is unmatched. 

It takes some extra strength to unfold the cot the first few times.

If you have some wiggle room in your camping cot budget, the Helinox Lite Cot is worth the splurge thanks to its ultra-light weight and comfortable design. Helinox is known for its lightweight outdoor gear, and we found that they deliver on expectations with this 2-pound cot. Although the width is on the smaller side at 23.5 inches, we loved that two cots could easily fit in a smaller tent if needed. The cot doesn't weigh much more than backpacking pads and definitely weighs less than some more plush air mattresses . The long thin design of it when it's in its carrying case is ideal for sliding long-ways into a backpacking backpack. The only downside is that it takes some extra strength to unfold the cot the first few times, but after a while, it gets less strenuous to put together. 

The Details: 73 x 23.5 x 5 inches unfolded | 21 x 5 inches folded | 2.13 pounds | 265 pound weight limit

Travel + Leisure / Hang Pham

Best Lightweight

Fe active folding camping cot.

It’s noticeably lightweight, and the carrying bag makes it even easier to transport. 

There's a learning curve for setting it up and breaking it down.

We think the lightweight FE Active Folding Camping Cot is ideal for hikers, backpackers, or campers looking for a cot with superior portability. It only weighs 4.6 pounds, and we particularly liked the carrying bag it came with for additional portability. The bag is the perfect fit to carry all of the items for the cot. It is hard to break down the cot, but the portability portion is prime for a hike. The tautness of the canvas makes it slightly tricky to attach it to the base, but after the first few times of putting it together, we found that it gets easier. And even though the canvas is tight around the base, we found the cot very comfortable to sleep on with the perfect balance of stiffness and cushioning. It feels sturdy and didn’t wobble when we sat or slept on it, and we felt confident in its durability.

The Details: 74.5 x 27.5 x 6.5 inches unfolded | 18.8 x 5.9 x 5.1 inches folded | 4.6 pounds | 250 pound weight limit

Best Multi-use

Mountain summit gear horizon cot.

The cot is so comfortable and easy to set up that house guests could sleep on it.

It feels heavy to carry around in the bag.

Whether you’re going on a camping trip or looking to add an extra place to sleep in your guest room, the versatile Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot is a solid choice. We found the setup to be simple and quick as it only took a few minutes to get the four-piece set put together. The size of the cot is perfect for a good nights' sleep since it’s not too big or too small. The material is taut and the legs give great stability, even when on uneven ground. There was no sinking when sleeping on the cot for hours. The cot weighs 18 pounds, which was noticeably hefty when we carried it in the bag, so we think it would be best for campsites that are close to the car or to set up in your home. The comfort matched with the simple setup makes this cot the best option for a multi-purpose cot that’s long-lasting. 

The Details: 75 x 27.55 x 14.5 inches unfolded | 18 pounds | 300 pound weight limit

Best Double

Kamp-rite double kwik-cot.

The setup is incredibly intuitive and simple. 

It's too large for small tents, so make sure you're checking your tent capacity before camping with this cot.

For pairs that like to go camping together, the Kamp-rite Double Kwik-cot is a must-have. The two-in-one style cot is impressively easy to put together and take apart thanks to its intuitive design. Because the cot is the size of two put together, you’ll need quite a bit of space to set it up, and since it weighs 33 pounds, you might need two people to carry it. Although it’s a little heavy, it was still portable enough to transport between the car and the tent, but you might not want to go much further with it. We used the cot to camp in a four-person tent and found that the cot was a little too tight to fit comfortably, so we recommend only opting for this cot if you plan to use a six-person tent or larger. Sleep was comfortable and sturdy throughout use thanks to the plastic reinforcements. The materials feel high-quality enough to last even through many camping trips over the years.

The Details: 85 x 55 x 19 inches unfolded | 42 x 11 x 11 inches folded | 33 pounds | 500 pound weight limit

Best for Tall Campers

L.l.bean easy cot.

The frame and canvas material feel exceptionally sturdy and durable, and its the longest cot on this list.

Keep in mind that it's on the larger side if you need to carry it far.

L.L.Bean’s Easy Cot was super easy to set up, requiring the same low effort as unfolding a camping chair or table. When the cot is unfolded, we think there’s plenty of room for one person thanks to the generous 79-inch length. This was one of the biggest camping cots we tested, so even when it’s folded up, it takes up a little more space than we wish, but it still fits nicely in storage closets in an apartment. The canvas material is especially taut and the frame is sturdy, and we got a good night of sleep while laying on it with just a blanket. Although the heftier size and price aren't great for every camper, we still think it’s an excellent option if you have extra storage space for it. 

The Details: 79 x 30 x 17 inches unfolded | 40 x 6 x 7 inches folded | 21 pounds | 330 pound weight limit

Other Camping Cots We Liked

While we tested a variety of great camping cots, there were some designs that didn't feel as high-quality and durable as others, but could still be good choices depending on your needs.

Coleman Pack-away Camping Cot : It was easy to put together, and the size is ideal for a four-person tent, but it wasn’t as comfortable as we hoped it would be. 

Coleman Trailhead II Cot : We found this cot to be very comfortable to sleep on, but it does require two people to set it up and it’s on the heavier side. 

Luno Air Mattress 2.0 : We love that the air mattress comes custom-fit to your car, but we’re worried that it could possibly tear or get a hole over time. The price tag also felt a bit steep for an air mattress.  

Coleman Airbed Cot : Although it takes a bit of time to assemble, the cot is easy to put together and it was extremely comfortable to sleep on. Still, because it comes with a cot and an air mattress, we found it to be a bit cumbersome to carry and transport.

Travel + Leisure / John Somerall

Our expert outdoor gear testers tried 21 different camping cots from popular brands like Coleman, L.L.Bean, and Helinox. Whether we used the camping cots to sleep in a tent, a car, or at home, we evaluated the product based on portability, ease of use, comfort, size, and durability. 

To test portability, we were tasked with carrying the cot in its case and placing it in a car or rooftop carrier to get a feel for the weight. Our favorite cots for portability were noticeably lightweight and their carrying bags made them even easier to carry the cot around. Next, we took the cots out of the bags and set them up to see how easy (or difficult) it was to put together and break down the camping cots. Since cots can require some extra elbow grease, we paid close attention to the time it took to unfold the cots and how much effort was needed to spread the canvas over the frame. Once the cots were unfolded, we judged the size of the cot, with our top performers being those that are the perfect size for someone to sleep on while not taking up too much space in a tent or room.

Then, we spent at least one 30-minute nap and a full night on each cot to gauge the comfort of the canvas and the sturdiness of the frame. The best cots for our comfort category provided us with enough support and cushioning for a restful night of sleep. The cots that felt the most durable didn’t wobble when we moved around and the canvas felt tough and durable when we spread it over the base of the cot. After completing the tests, we uncovered the price of each cot to judge the fairness of the cost compared to its performance. 

Travel + Leisure / Jennifer May

Other Camping Gear You May Need

To ensure you have a fun and restful night out under the stars, be sure to pack the proper gear. From sleeping bags to camping stoves, we've selected the best camping gear for all users — you just need to add the s'mores.

Spark 30F Sleeping Bag : This sleeping bag (that comes in both regular and long sizing) is versatile enough to be used for three-season camping. It also weighs less than three pounds, so it's a great option for light packers who don't want to sacrifice on comfort.

Nemo Dagger Osmo 2 Person Tent : Whether you're a solo camper or heading out with your best friend, this tent is a high-quality and lightweight option that can withstand even heavy downpours. It comfortably fits two adults and their hiking packs and has doors on both sides for ventilation and convenience.

Solo Stove Lite Gear Kit : This compact and portable camping kitchen comes with everything you need for making coffee, heating dinner, or taking a little time to warm up. The full kit takes up the same amount of space as a large water bottle, so backpackers and weekend campers alike are sure to love this mini, yet powerful, setup.

Tips for Buying a Camping Cot

Consider the size of your space.

It’s important to double-check the dimensions of your cot and the space that it will go in whether that's a tent, car, or room in a home. We found that while one cot might fit in a two- or four-person tent, it might be difficult or impossible to fit another in the same space.

Simple setups and breakdowns are essential

The best cots we tested were notable for being trouble-free to set up since no one wants to wrestle with a camping cot during a weekend enjoying the outdoors . While some cots might have a slight learning curve at first, it’s ideal to have one that can be unfolded and folded up in a matter of minutes to make camping easier. 

Think about the distance the cot will travel

Some cots can be cumbersome to carry far distances due to the weight, so if you like to hike into the campsites or backpack, be sure to pick a cot that doesn’t weigh a lot. If you’re planning on transporting the cot a few feet from the car to a campsite, the weight and size may not be a crucial factor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, a good camping cot should be comfortable enough to sleep on with just a sleeping bag or a blanket. However, if you want to upgrade your sleeping arrangements, another layer of cushioning like a foam pad or Therm-a-rest can add a little extra comfort . 

While it ultimately depends on your sleeping preferences, a camping cot might be more comfortable to sleep on, especially if you prefer a stiffer bed. Air mattresses are easier to store, but you run the risk of it deflating or getting a hole, which can happen when you’re camping or using the mattress often. Plus, you can always add more cushioning to a camping cot, but you can’t make an air mattress tauter. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is a commerce writer at Travel + Leisure , where she writes and reviews travel products. She spent every summer camping in Oregon with her family growing up and has a keen eye for camping gear, especially for getting a good night of sleep. Anna worked with travel editors to determine the results for the best camping cots based on a series of tests completed by our expert outdoor gear testers.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Related Articles

Buyer beware: Choice just released a VERY long list of “shonky” portable cots

Consumer watchdog Choice has just unveiled their 2018 Shonky Awards, sharing the products and services Australians should be most wary of – and portable cots are some of the worst offenders.

Fail, fail, fail!

Choice says pretty much all of the portacots sold by (seemingly reputable) Australian and international companies put babies at risk.

“Since 2011 we’ve tested 60 portacots,” Choice say on their website, “and shockingly the vast majority have failed to meet minimum safety requirements.”

While you might assume manufacturers and retailers must ensure products for vulnerable babies conform to safety standards, Choice says this is not the case. 

It’s only once a child is injured – or worse – that steps can be taken to remove a dangerous product from sale.

“There’s currently no explicit market-wide requirement under the Australian Consumer Law for manufacturers or retailers to proactively ensure that the products they sell are safe,” Choice explained. “This means that businesses can sell potentially dangerous products and aren’t required to take any action until after their products cause serious injuries.”

MORE Safety

Mum warns kids under six should NOT use trampolines at all (and doctors agree)

Doctor’s warning after preschooler swallows 30 tiny lethal magnets

Heartbroken mum warns of the dangers of balloons after her baby’s death

Experts’ urgent warning to parents about “toppling hazards”

“My son could have drowned”: The important bath safety reminder you need today

Keep our kids safe: 10 tips for water awareness around the home all year round

Catastrophic fail: New testing sees child dummy ejected from ‘safe’ car seat

10 important food safety reminders for parents of toddlers and babies

  Read more on child safety:

• Mum’s controversial toddler trolley hack sparks intense debate
• Mum’s upsetting public change table warning
• Grieving mum’s must-read car seat warning: “I want you to be really careful”

Choose wisely

A whopping 10 out of 12  portable cots tested by Choice in May 2018 did not meet mandatory Australian safety standards, posing suffocation and injury risks to babies. All twelve  failed the stricter voluntary standard.

This is no trivial matter because Australia’s  National Coronial Information System has linked eight child deaths to portable cot safety issues between 2000 and 2009.

Choice hopes that by highlighting this very big problem that manufacturers and retailers will comply with all the recommended safety standards – and prevent further injuries and fatalities.

“Unfortunately, models from many brands that failed our key safety tests are still on the market at the time of publication,” Choice said yesterday. “The following brands receive a particularly dubious Shonky for putting infant safety in second place.”

• Baby Solutions (Kmart)
• Love N Care
• Phil & Teds

Choice has published lots more details about the safety issues with specific portacots here  – and responses from the companies in question.

Be vigilant and do your research

Susan Teerds is the CEO of Kidsafe Queensland and says that it’s important for parents to be vigilant when buying any product aimed at children and babies.

“My advice to parents and carers is to always fully research infant products before you purchase,” Susan told Choice . 

“Look at the Product Safety website and check for recalls and bans and what standards products meet. And, in fact, if there is any standard at all for that type of product! They might get a surprise to see how many products are not covered by a voluntary or mandatory standard.”

Which portacot is best?

Choice has shared a bunch of portacot reviews on their site, but almost every cot had problems and posed a safety threat.

“W e’ve found that all the currently available portable cots we’ve tested have multiple safety failures, which means we can’t recommend any of them,” Choice spokesperson Grace wrote  in August of this year.

“If you head to our portable cot reviews you can see there are two portable cots which score over 60 percent. Both these cots are worth considering, although they can’t be recommended as they do still carry safety risks. Both these cots pose no hazard to the child when used without the bassinet attachment.”

Red Nose has shared some safe sleeping tips for families who choose to use portable cots here .

MORE LIKE THIS ARTICLE

7 common vagina issues little girls might have and what you can do

No more tears: How to wash your toddler's hair without the meltdown

Get more babyology straight to your inbox.

FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $99

BOOK YOUR FREE BABY EXPO TICKETS

BECOME AN EXPO EXHIBITOR

CREATE YOUR BABY GIFT REGISTRY

SIGN UP & GET $10 OFF

• Create Registry
• Search Registry
• Book FREE tickets
• Exhibit with Us
• Privacy Policy
• Terms and Conditions
• Best Seller
• Single Prams + Strollers
• Double Prams + Strollers
• Travel Systems
• Travel Prams + Strollers
• Pram Bassinets + Carrycots
• Caddy + Organisers
• Clips + Hooks
• Liners + Blankets
• Trays + Attachments
• Footmuffs + Cocoons
• Transport Bags
• Hoods + Umbrella
• Stroller Boards
• Head + Body Supports
• POPULAR BRANDS

• Accessories + Bases
• Inserts + Pouches
• Travel Beds + Portacot
• Car Accessories

• Cots + Bassinets
• Dressers + Changing Tables
• Moses Baskets
• Baby Nests + Pods
• Chairs + Tables
• Boxes + Storage
• Sleeping Bags
• Swaddles + Baby Wraps
• Cot + Bassinet Sheets
• Pillowcases
• Pillows + Positioners
• Art, Clocks + Wall Accessories
• Playmats + Rugs
• Decorative Cushions
• Lighting + Lamps

• Booster Seats
• High Chairs
• Bottles + Teats
• Warmers + Sterilisers
• Insulated Bags
• Breast Pumps
• Milk Storage
• Breast Pump Accessories
• Nursing Covers
• Nursing Pads
• Cups + Straws
• Plates + Bowls
• Lunch Boxes + Bags
• Feeding Pillows
• Bibs + Burp Cloths
• Food + Nutrition

• Disposable Nappies
• Cloth Nappies
• Swim Nappies
• Training Pants
• Wipes + Cases
• Changing Mats + Covers
• Shampoo + Conditioners
• Body Washes + Soap
• Lotions, Creams, + Oils
• Step Stools
• Face Washers
• Bath Tubs + Support

• Bodysuits + Singlets
• Rompers + Playsuits
• Pyjamas + Sleepsuit
• Co-Ordinated Sets
• Pyjamas + Nightwear
• Hair Accessories
• Mittens + Gloves
• Bags + Wallets
• Booties, Socks + Shoes

• Activity Centres + Walkers
• Bouncers + Rockers + Loungers
• Stroller + Cot Toys
• Rattle Toys
• Dolls + Accessories
• Pretend Play
• Interactive Toys
• Educational Toys
• Arts + Crafts
• Blocks + Stackers
• Protective Gears

• Baby Monitors
• Health + First Aid
• Thermometers
• Humidifiers + Vapourisers
• Baby Gates + Bed Rails
• Childproofing

• Leggings + Bottoms
• Underwear + Bras
• Bags + Accessories
• Shoes + Socks
• Bath + Body
• Health + Nutrition
• Sanitary Pads
• Maternity Belts
• Maternity Pillows
• Accessories

• Gift Boxes + Gift Sets
• Journals + Keepsakes

• Baby Hub Blog
• Cold Coffee, Hot Mess
• One Fine Baby The Podcast

The Best 6 Portacots + Travel Cots In Australia In 2024

How do I find the best portacot?

When it comes to looking for a portacot, there are a many things to keep in mind. One of the most overriding concerns is whether or not your baby will continue their sleep routine in a portacot that they're not used to. What you want is something that mimics the bed they're used to sleeping on at home. So that means premium comfort in a bed that's transportable. No easy feat, right? Well, maybe it's not so hard to find as we thought. 

What should you be looking for in a portacot?

1. comfort:.

When you're looking for a portacot for your baby, the thing many people look for is comfort, above all else. A stiff, hard mattress may mean that your baby doesn't sleep as well as they would in their own bed at home, and that's enough to turn most parents off - sleep is key! Look for a portacot designed with extra cushioning so your baby doesn't feel as though he or she are sleeping on the floor.

2. Multi-level function:

In terms of bang for your buck, a portacot that caters to newborns all the way through to toddlers is certainly valuable. This means that you can put newborns on the higher sleep setting until they can sit upright, at which point it's integral to lower the base of the portacot so the child is unable to climb out.

3. Sturdiness:

A flimsy portacot is not ideal for any family, especially as a child grows older, you don't want to risk the chance that will be able to push the cot over from standing in the inside. Likewise, you want to ensure that children are unable to push down the sides of the travel cot or climb out.

4. Easy set-up:

When travelling with your family, you certainly don't want to spend time setting up a difficult portacot while trying to wrangle kids. Many travel cots are now able to be popped up within a matter of minutes - even seconds - and are as sturdy as they come.

The Best Portacots And Travel Cots in Australia In 2024:

1. babybjorn travel cot, rrp: $499.00.

Real Review : Erin R, productreview.com.au

"We do lots of travelling, after reading the reviews for this travel cot, I bit the bullet and got it. It's light, compact and most importantly it's comfortable. I've used it with 2 kids now and both have slept incredibly in it compared to others."

The best features:

The Babybjorn Travel features an extended mesh lining for maximum breathability, perfect for those hot sunny climates. This portacot provides a safe sleeping area for your baby with a comfortable mattress.

When you buy a travel crib from BABYBJÖRN, you can rest assured that the quality is high, the construction is stable, and all materials that come in contact with your child’s skin are kind to sensitive skin and safe to taste.

Travel Crib Light is ideal if you’re looking for a safe, simple and lightweight travel crib! You set the crib up in one movement, and the comfy mattress makes it a cosy sleeping place – at home or wherever your family goes.

2. Kmart 3-in-1 Portacot, $89.00

Real Review : Artika P, kmart.com.au

"I'm so happy I bought this for my baby. Very easy to assemble. Great to take with you if going away for a couple of nights. Takes limited space in the vehicle."

The Kmart 3-in-1 Portacot is an essential cot for travel. Simply let up this portacot anywhere and let your little one relax whilst still keeping an eye on them.

- Supplied with padded mattress for comfort, bassinet, change table and carry bag

- Mesh sides for ventilation and observation

- Compact fold for easy storage and transport

3. Phil And Teds Traveller Travel Cot V4, Rrp: $409.99

Real Review : Matt Fish Choice.com.au

"We have travelled extensively with this and selected it on being compact and lightweight, which it has excelled in. We have travelled for a total of 4 months in our daughter's first two years and when you have to carry it everywhere and set up the cot every 3 - 5 days, you want light and fast. funky features were not desired by us and the ability to open up the sides etc have never been used. The cot is quick and easy to setup for me, less so my wife, largely as I'm the one doing it most. Can highly recommend it"

Phil and Teds Traveller is the only full size travel cot that’s lighter than the baby! The travel cot has mesh walls and is direct to the floor. Super compact, traveller™ unpacks to become a comfy and breathable portacot for home and away, sleep & play, every day!

traveller™ is a breeze to assemble and is super adaptable for indoors and outdoors, with its unique zipped side which you can open as a fun playpen or close up for sleep.

Fully breathable mesh sides & global safety certification means you can rest easy while your kids snooze. Your bub can rest easy too on the thermally insulated & self-inflating mattress, which is covered with an included fitted sheet made from OEKO-TEX® certified fabric, free from health-hazardous substances for peace of mind.

Plus, you can assemble in under two minutes!

Shop These Travel Cots And Earn $$ At One Fine Baby!

You read that right! For every purchase you make on the One Fine Baby Shop you  earn $ rewards  to spend on your next purchase. It’s really that easy. As soon as you purchase you’re signed up and earning $! Find out more about  One Fine Baby Rewards here.

Choose from thousands of products from hundreds of brands. We have your best baby products all under one roof!

4. babystudio 3 in 1 Portacot Grey, $199.00

What makes the babystudio 3 in 1 Portacot Grey different?

The babystudio 3 in 1 Portacot has been designed for parents on the go. This is perfect for varied sleep and play times with a soft mattress for additional comfort while sleeping or playing.

Why try the babystudio 3 in 1 Portacot Grey?

The babystudio 3 in 1 travel cot is lightweight, portable and easy to assemble and pull down. The see through mesh allows for easy viability when your baby is inside.

Safe for sleeping and playing!

5. Babyhood Travel Bassinet, Rrp: $159.00

The Babyhood Travel Bassinet is the perfect luxury bassinet for compact spaces or parents on the go.

It offers you the convenience of a safe sleeping pod for your baby, with all the comforts of a luxury sleep space – for compact spaces or parents on the go.

The bassinet can be used throughout your home and is especially convenient for compact spaces, like beside your bed for those first few newborn months. It has a unique breathable aero mesh mattress which is safer for your baby and the luxury woven textiles come off for washing, making it a more hygienic option. The cocoon shaped bassinet has greater breathable zones with mesh sides and a safer zip-off mesh mosquito net, which can be removed when used indoors.

It is lightweight and the easy fold system ensures you can fold it down quickly, to fit into its heavy duty carry bag and transport it easily including as carry on luggage on most airlines as the folded dimension are within the allowed cabin size as per IATA regulation (we recommend you check with your local airline prior to flying as airline cabin space do vary).

Suitable from newborn

Safer, with a breathable aero mesh mattress cover

Washable breath eze mattress

Luxurious woven textiles that can be removed for washing

Safe zip off mesh mosquito net

Compact easy fold and assemble

Ultra light aluminium frame for extra stability

Suitable for travel

Conforms with IATA cabin baggage requirements so suitable for carry on luggage

Includes heavy duty carry bag easy transportation

6. Aeromoov Portacot, RRP: $399

Real Review : Jessica C Verified buyer

"Insanely easy to set up and fold away. It is worth the money for the quality, functionality and ease of use. Very happy with this portacot"

We love this portacot as it pops up in seconds, has a high quality comfortable mattress and is great for babies and toddlers. The great thing about the Aeromoov Instant Travel Cot is that it has two levels. One for newborns and one for toddlers. The range comes in two different colours; a 'Sand' and 'Rock'. It also has accessories such as a mosquito net, fitted sheet and sun shade. This portacot is perfect for indoors and outdoors, whether for playtime or sleep time. With it's strong, sturdy frame, toddlers cant push it over or climb out. 

The portacot is easy to take with you wherever you go and meets the strictest safety standards. You can set up and pack up the AeroMoov instant travel cot in seconds!

The AeroMoov Instant travel cot weighs less than 5 kg! No more lugging around a heavy travel cot, even the big brother or sister can easily carry the travel cot.

• Set up and dismantle in just 5 seconds
• Lightweight, weighs under 5kg
• Intermediate level for babies up to 2 months
• Use it everywhere, both inside and outside
• High quality mattress
• Available in 3 different colours
• High-quality, total package for the best sleep and play on the go!
• The high-quality PU foam mattress is 3 cm thick and offers optimum back support.

Check out the Aeromoov  Travel Cot Bundles!

Available in 'Rock' and 'Sand', this  bundle gets you the incredible Aeromoov Instant Travel Cot,  as well as over $120 worth of accessories, including the Fitted Sheet, Mosquito Net and Sunshade for $449.00!

Travel Cot in Bundle Rock

Travel Cot in Bundle Sand

Still confused that’s completely fine..

Buying a travel cot or portacot is a big commitment, so you probably want to do your research.

Want to see the best baby products in Australia up close? Come to our next  Sydney baby expo  or  Melbourne baby expo  by visiting our  Sydney baby expo page here  or our  Melbourne baby expo page here.

Disclaimer:

The One Fine Baby team are first and foremost mums - between us we have 14 children, and decades of experience in all things bump, baby and beyond. We regularly bring together our tried, researched and recommended products in a review style format such as this post. The articles include some paid inclusions which goes to helping us keep our audiences informed on the top products happening right here, right now in the parenting space. Please be sure that no product will ever be included in our articles, paid or otherwise, if it doesn’t deserve to be there.

Login Register

• Travel Products

Phil & Teds Traveller Travel Cot review

This cot bed offers an unusual combination of robust, long lasting and truly portable. Three real mums tested this travel cot in the April 2015 issue of M&B magazine.

A really light and compact option, the sides of this travel cot can be completely zipped away.

This allows easier access than standard travel cots, but also transforms the cot into a fun daytime play space. With gently sloping mesh sides, which let you see your baby easily, this is suitable from birth to three years.

The cot base, onto which an inflatable mattress fits, is slightly raised off the ground. The carry bag fits into very small spaces, including the overhead locker on a plane journey, making this a good choice for frequent fliers.

Corinne Hills, 37, from Sheffield, is mum to Arthur, 14 months, Wilfred, three, Tobias, five, and Tom, 15, said: ‘Perfect if you need something light and small enough to pop in a large suitcase. But I found this cot complicated and time-consuming to assemble.’

Roz Walker, 32, from Glasgow, is mum to Aaron, seven months, said: ‘The inflatable mattress is excellent, but securing it to the base is quite fiddly. This is so lightweight and really compact, but it took us a while to set up.’

Naomi Johnson, 32, from Peterborough, is mum to Logan, 10 weeks, and Elizabeth, 11, said: ‘I love that the sides can be removed. It’s great for playtime and for co-sleeping families. It’s also easy to use, lightweight and compact, but I’d prefer a thicker mattress.

Product Information

Phil & Teds Traveller Travel Cot

Weighs: 3.2kg

• Join CHOICE

Portable cots

Practical advice on how to keep you child sleeping soundly when you're on the move.

Portacots, also known as travel cots, portable cots and folding cots, are super handy when you're on the go. As a parent with a million other things to think about, you'll want to make sure your portacot is easy to set up, pack away and store and, most importantly, is safe for your child. It's just one less thing to worry about.

Review and compare

Buying guides

Support and advice

Cots and bassinets

Peace of mind for you, peaceful sleep for your baby.

Change tables, high chairs and playpens

How to find sturdy, durable and safe equipment for your kid.

Prams and strollers

Whether it's three wheels or four, we've got everything you need to know to get your kids mobile.

Yakor Hotel

View prices for your travel dates

• Excellent 1
• Very Good 2
• All languages ( 6 )
• Russian ( 6 )
• English ( 0 )

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

Yakor Hotel - Reviews & Photos

Yantar-Siti

View prices for your travel dates

• Excellent 0
• Very Good 0
• English ( 0 )

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.