best travel bed for 3 year old

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The 9 Best Toddler Travel Beds, Tested by Our Editors and Their Mini Explorers

With the right travel bed, your tot will sleep (almost) anywhere

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Verywell Family / Nick Kova

Traveling with toddlers isn't easy, but you can still have a wonderful time exploring new places with your family—you just need to be prepared. Toddler travel beds provide consistency and protected sleep space, resulting in a well-rested child and a smoother trip for everyone. 

For some parents, portable toddler travel beds are must-haves to provide young children with a secure place to sleep while on vacation. “Simpler is always better, especially when thinking of traveling with toddlers . So, when it comes to a toddler travel bed, you don't need all the bells and whistles,” says Anjuli Gans, MD, a pediatrician at the Karabots Pediatric Care Center in West Philadelphia. “There are a lot of fancy ones out there on the market, but your baby really just needs a safe and comfortable place to sleep ." 

We spent hours testing these products (20 total) in the lab and our homes by assembling and disassembling them—sometimes with one hand—and timing the whole process. We also studied the beds' features, how well they hold a toddler's weight, and how easy they are to clean. Our list shows the best toddler travel beds we’ve tested, which we’ll continue to update as we test new models.

• Our Testing Process And Experts
• Factors To Consider

Your Questions, Answered

Best overall, jetkids by stokke cloudsleeper.

• Assembly 5 /5
• Portability 5 /5
• Ease of Use 5 /5

Why We Like It

If you plan to hit the road with your little one and need a toddler travel bed that is comfortable and easy to travel with, then the JetKids by Stokke CloudSleeper Kids Inflatable Bed is our top pick for you. Designed for children ages 3 and up, this travel bed features side bumpers to keep your child from rolling onto the floor. There's also an air mesh cover to keep your child cool at night. 

We loved this inflatable bed's unique design, which is very easy to fill up and took us only five minutes to put together and inflate, which is great when traveling with little kids. And since it's light and comes with a small bag with handles, so it's easy to move around. The mattress also has a removable and washable cover that can be spot-cleaned and dries quickly, so your little one can get back to bed. 

When you’re done with it, deflate the mattress, pack it back into its packing cube, and you're good to go!

But Take Note

Setup is incredibly easy, thanks to an integrated pump that lets you inflate the mattress in minutes by using your hands or feet. It’s meant to lie on the floor, so there’s no additional assembly required. Although we noticed it can sound a bit noisy when a child moves on it. Otherwise, we didn't experience any additional issues.

The Details

• Material: Nylon
• Weight: 4.1 pounds
• Size: 59.1 x 29.5 x 6.7 inches inflated; 15 x 11 x 4 inches in travel bag
• Recommended Age/Weight Limit: Ages 3 years and up; up to 68 pounds

Verywell Family / Vicky Wasik

Best Inflatable

Eltow inflatable toddler bed.

 Amazon

• Assembly 4.5 /5
• Value 4.5 /5
• Ease of Use 4.5 /5

The Eltow Inflatable Toddler Bed is portable and easy to set up, and it comes at a lower price than our top pick, the Stokke. Unlike other inflatables, the Eltow toddler travel bed consists of an outer section with bumpers on two sides and a mattress that fits snugly inside the outer shell. It's not sitting directly on the floor but is at floor level.

We love that it took us just five minutes to set up and is lightweight and portable . It comes with a high-speed pump, two patches in case of punctures, and a travel bag for storage. And thanks to a vinyl layer that protects against punctures, it's well-equipped to withstand wear and tear. Plus, it comes with a bag, so it's super portable. Unfortunately, it doesn't come with a sheet, so you'll have to pack one in your luggage. 

One flaw is that the mattress has a plastic smell that sticks around for a few hours once the mattress is removed from its packaging. (It should go away if you allow the product to air out for a day or two before use.) Assembly is straightforward, but removing the pump nozzle without losing air can be difficult when done alone, so we recommend getting a partner to help you out.

• Material: Vinyl
• Weight: 10.21 pounds
• Size: 63 x 40 x 12 inches inflated
• Recommended Age/Weight Limit: Up to 310 pounds

Best With Pump

Hiccapop inflatable toddler travel bed.

• Ease of Setup 5 /5
• Ease of Cleaning 4.5 /5

The Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed is ideal for parents who want their toddler close to the ground with bumpers on all sides of the bed. A removable mattress rests in a higher outer shell that ensures your little one cannot roll off. It's designed for kids making that transition between cribs and big-kid beds, and it's easy to deflate and pack into its carrying bag before moving to your next destination.

Setup is relatively quick once you get the hang of detaching the electric pump, and it's easy to move around with the handles. Another plus: It comes with a patch kit. The handles are not as easy to clean as the rest of the bed, but we do appreciate that the removable mattress comes in three different colors for kids who definitely have their design preferences. 

The mattress has a faint chemical smell at first, but it's not as eye-watering as some of the other inflatables we tested. It's also very durable due to its thick vinyl material .

• Weight: 8 pounds
• Size: 62 x 39 x 12 inches inflated

Verywell Family / Tamara Staples

Best for Camping

Enerplex kids inflatable travel bed.

This puncture-proof toddler travel bed can be used during trips or at home as a transitional bed for toddlers who are still in that in-between stage. A 120-volt electric pump (and three universal nozzles) is a game changer and makes inflating the bed a breeze. We love how quickly and easily this bed can be put together: It took us five minutes to blow up both parts of the bed and attach a fitted sheet. Best of all, we didn’t even need to glance at the instructions while doing so.

In case you worry about your toddler rolling off the mattress, the EnerPlex Kids Inflatable Travel Bed has bumpers along three sides. The removable coil-beam mattress rests snugly inside the outer shell and fits a standard crib sheet. 

Even though the bed is bulky, it comes with a large carry bag that you can wear as a backpack, freeing your hands for luggage or a kid. We also like that the electric pump comes with an adapter for your car, making it ideal for camping. It can be wiped down and the crib sheet can be tossed in the laundry for cleanup. One downfall: It has a chemical smell.

• Material: Not listed
• Weight: 11.88 pounds
• Size: 66 x 44 x 13 inches inflated
• Recommended Age/Weight Limit: 36 months and up; up to 150 pounds

Best Pop-Up Crib

Babybjörn travel crib light.

• Durability 5 /5
• Portability 4.2 /5
• Design 5 /5

The BabyBjorn Travel Crib is a great option for parents who prefer more of a crib design than an inflatable mattress. Toddlers who need more than bumpers to keep them safe in bed can benefit from this travel crib’s high mesh walls and a mattress that sits low to the floor—which means it's difficult to climb in and out of, let alone roll off of. You won’t need to worry about messes or nighttime accidents because the fabric can be wiped down quickly, and the exterior fabric can be removed from the frame and washed.

The BabyBjorn is a dream to assemble: Setup takes two minutes, and you can put a standard crib sheet on the bed without a struggle, even after attaching the mattress to the four corner safety latches. The mattress is comfortable and a standard crib size . It is also a good pick if you need a travel bed that isn't hard on your back. It is very light, it comes with a carrying case, and it fits into a car trunk. However, the mattress does lie low to the ground, so picking up your child may be tough on your back if they are lying down.

The main reason this crib isn't our top pick is that it's much more expensive than most of the other products on this list, but it's a worthwhile investment if you have the room in your budget.

• Material: Polyester
• Weight: 13 pounds
• Size: Mattress 23.5 x 41 x 1.2 inches; assembled crib 32 x 44 x 24 inches; 19 x 23.5 x 5.5 inches in bag
• Recommended Age/Weight Limit: 0-3 years, or until your toddler can climb out of this travel crib

Verywell Family / Jessica Juliao

Best Budget

Hugbino inflatable toddler bed.

• Assembly 4 /5
• Ease of Use 4 /5

The Hugbino provides a lot of the same features as other inflatable mattresses on this list, but at a lower price. The removable mattress is coated in soft velvet flocking to keep your little one comfortable while they snooze, and bumpers along all four sides of the outer shell keep them in bed. It's also a cinch to clean. We appreciate that the mattress can be spot-cleaned, and a sheet can go over the mattress for extra protection.

This inexpensive bed does come with an electric pump, but the setup is not as easy as with other travel beds we tested. We had to use two sets of hands to get the nozzle on before it started to deflate. However, it is light and easy to store and comes with a carrying bag .

• Material : Polyvinyl chloride
• Weight: 6.63 pounds
• Size: 63.6 x 42.5 inches inflated
• Recommended Age/Weight Limit : Not listed

Best Crib to Fly With

Guava family lotus travel crib.

• Ease of Setup 4.5 /5
• Portability 4 /5
• Value 3.8 /5
• Ease of Cleaning 4 /5

This crib can’t make traveling on a plane with a toddler less challenging, but it can simplify your life when you get to your destination. In terms of ease of use, this travel bed only took us five minutes to set up and didn't require too much prep work to understand how to put it together. The setup process isn't as straightforward as other travel beds we tested, but it's not difficult.

An access door makes it easier to get to your little one without leaning over the side. You can use the entrance to lay them on the padded, waterproof mattress inside the mesh enclosure or let them go in and out of the crib when they are awake. The mattress is easy enough to wipe, but the fabric around the top of the crib is so absorbent that it's tough to give it a good cleaning. You can also unzip the bed cover and throw it into the washer for a deep clean. This convenience does come at a higher price than a lot of competitors, however.

We like the travel crib's packaging, which comes with shoulder and backpack straps that make it easy to carry around in an airport. It is a tad heavy, however.

• Material: Polyvinyl chloride
• Weight: 13 pounds, 15 pounds with bag
• Size: Mattress 41.5 x 23.5 x 1.4 inches; crib 45.5 x 31.5 x 25.5 inches; 24 x 12 x 8 in backpack
• Recommended Age/Weight Limit: 0-3 years, or until child can climb out

Verywell Family / Leticia Almeida

Best for Naps

Milliard toddler nap mat.

The Milliard Toddler Nap Mat Tri Folding Mattress can be used for napping anywhere. Simply unfold it at the hotel, a relative's house, or a camping tent, and your little one is good to get their sleep on. It doesn't come with a carrying case, which may make it a pain to carry. But if your toddler spills a drink or has an accident on this mattress, the good news is that it's effortless to clean: It has a removable bamboo cover that can be machine-washed and a foam mattress that can be spot-cleaned. Plus, it's got a cozy, thick mattress that's comfortable for naptime.

This folding mattress doesn't require any assembly—just take it right out of the box. However, after unboxing, it takes 48 hours to reach the highest comfort level.

• Material: Foam mattress, bamboo cover
• Weight: 8.74 pounds
• Size: 58 x 24 x 3 inches unfolded; 24 x 19 x 9 folded

Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe Air Mattress

• Comfort 5 /5
• Effectiveness 3 /5

The Intex Dura-Beam Standard Series Pillow Rest Raised Airbed is a good pick for families who want a larger travel bed without bumpers that’s a little higher off the floor (16.5 inches) than the toddler beds on this list. A built-in pump makes for easy assembly, since you just turn the panel to either inflate or deflate, and you’re done! When it needs a cleaning, just wipe down as needed.

The mattress comes with a duffel bag for storage and travel, but it's not the most compact, and the bag isn't as comfortable as others we tested. On the plus side, the bed has a built-in pillow rest , so you won’t have to pack an extra pillow for your kid when you travel.

• Weight: 10.16 pounds
• Size: 75 x 39 x 16.5 inches inflated
• Recommended Age/Weight Limit: Up to 300 pounds

Our Testing Process and Experts

To find the best toddler travel beds, we tested 20 beds in the Parents Testing Lab and in our own homes. We first tried to assemble the travel beds—with one hand, if possible. After that, we noted whether we needed to use both hands or had to get another adult to help. We also timed just how long the setup took for each bed. We then tested how well the toddler travel beds hold a toddler's weight using a 25-to-30-pound sandbag.

Next, we looked at how hard it would be to clean messes on the beds, examining hard-to-reach areas and taking note of the material and what it felt like to wipe it. We tested whether we could use a standard crib sheet as well, and then we tried to disassemble the beds one-handed. After breaking them down, we considered how long it took us and how difficult it was to place the beds inside their carry bags, if bags were included. Finally, we lifted the carrying bags to assess the beds’ portability. 

In addition to lab and real-world testing, we spoke with medical experts to gather their input on how to choose a toddler travel bed. We spoke to the following experts:

• Anjuli Gans , MD, a pediatrician at Karabots Pediatric Care Center, West Philadelphia
• Lynelle Schneeberg , PsyD, a pediatric sleep psychologist and author

Factors to Consider in a Toddler Travel Bed

• Comfort: As you’ve probably realized when getting a kid to sleep at home, comfort is key. Comfort for some toddlers may mean a favorite blanket, while others require a crib. Parents should consider various must-haves to make traveling easier and smoother when trekking across the country—or a few hours away—with your little one.
• Safety: Dr. Gans recommends researching products on the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) website to determine their safety and ensure that they haven't been recalled. When purchasing a crib or bassinet, parents of babies should also practice the same safe sleeping rules they implement at home. "Every toddler travel bed has age and weight requirements, so I would definitely check those first and make sure it matches up (with your toddler's age and weight)," she explains. Then, stick to simple beds without all the added features. "The less they have, the better.” Once you've narrowed down your selection to simple beds, make sure there are no bumpers or parts that can potentially trap your baby, and check corner points and sharp corners. "Corner points are sometimes a place where kids can get clothing caught or get injured, so make sure it doesn't have sharp corners," explains Dr. Gans. "And remember that pillows and blankets are still recommended for toddlers age 2 and over."
• Ease of Use: If you need a toddler travel bed that is easy to carry, quick to assemble, and doesn't require much work, then ease of use and portability must be considered when selecting a toddler travel bed. Some toddler travel beds can be assembled using one hand and only take minutes to assemble. That is very helpful if you arrive at a destination with a sleeping or cranky tot . You may want to look for bags that allow hands-free carrying. Another consideration is whether the bed is easy to put in those bags so you don’t find yourself fighting to pack it back in when it’s time to go home. If you are in a situation where you don't have a toddler travel bed, don't worry. "If you are staying somewhere, and they allow you to request a crib, you can pull out the mattress and just lay it on the floor," Dr. Gans adds. "If it's in a safe place for your toddler, then it is perfectly fine. Make sure it is somewhere they can have adult supervision at all times and within eye view, because you may not be able to safetyproof rooms the way you can at home."

How can I keep my toddler in bed while traveling?

A pack-and-play or travel bed with inflatable bumpers (which are not recommended for babies, of course!) can help keep a toddler from rolling onto the floor. You can also bring along some of their favorite items from home to help them want to stay in bed in a strange new place.

"The best thing to do when traveling is to bring along items from the child's home bedroom," recommends Dr. Schneeberg. "Parents can bring along the child's favorite pillow, 'bedtime buddy' (security object), and favorite books, for example. If the child is used to a certain night light or a sound machine , these can be brought along as well."

Can my 2-year-old sleep in a travel cot?

Certain travel cots are appropriate for 2-year-olds, but young 2-year-olds who haven't yet transitioned to a toddler bed may be more comfortable and safer in more crib-like pack-and-plays or travel beds with safety rails.

Can I put my 3-year-old in a toddler cot?

Unless a manufacturer suggests otherwise (usually based on a child's weight or height), most toddler travel cots are appropriate for 3-year-olds who have already transitioned from a crib to a bed.

How much is a toddler travel bed?

A high-quality travel toddler bed will generally cost between $60 and $100, although some can be cheaper, and certain models can cost upwards of $200. Pricier travel beds often come with more accessories and features, although not every family will need extra bells and whistles.

Ambrosia V. Brody is a California-based editor, journalist, and mother of three. She has worked as a professional journalist for more than 16 years. You can find her at the library, Starbucks, or the park with her kids when she isn't writing.

By Ambrosia V. Brody Ambrosia Viramontes Brody has worked as a professional journalist for more than 16 years.She is a California-based editor, journalist, and mother to three.

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The 7 Best Toddler Travel Beds of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We tested 20 toddler travel beds to find the most safe, secure, and comfortable options.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

You may also need.

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Brian Kopinski

Traveling with kids is an incredible experience, but also a challenging one — especially regarding their sleep routine. Having the right sleep setup can make the whole experience more enjoyable, and for many parents, this means investing in a dedicated travel bed for your toddler. The ideal one should be easy to set up and break down, comfortable to sleep on, and above all, safe. We tested 20 toddler beds in a range of styles for their ease of use, portability, ease of cleaning, and overall value over the course of six months. Our top picks to suit any type of travel are here.

As you’re perusing our picks, remember: the actual sleep surface is just one component of better sleep while traveling. Keeping [a] routine is important too, says Dr. Elizabeth Murray, a pediatrician at Golisano Children’s Hospital at the University of Rochester Medical Center. “Trying to incorporate a regular bedtime routine can be helpful as maybe the exact sleep surface/surroundings will be different, the routine will be familiar,” says Dr. Murray.

Keep in mind that the picks below are for toddlers and up (at least 1-3 years old). “All infants (up to one year) need to be in their own safe sleep space,” says Dr. Murray. “For travel purposes, this will be some type of crib/travel crib. Nothing inflatable.” Remember to consider the age and developmental needs of your individual child when selecting a travel bed, and to make sure any product you use adheres to the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s safety standards .

Best Overall

Jetkids by stokke cloudsleeper.

This bed’s built-in pump is unique and user-friendly, with no potentially dangerous loose parts.

The product is pared down by design for safety and portability, which means it doesn’t boast any luxury features for the higher price tag.

The JetKids by Stokke CloudSleeper earned our top slot for its unique design and ease of use. While many travel toddler beds come with an external air pump, this one features a hidden pump built into the mattress that’s operated by hand or foot — ideal if you’re traveling somewhere without easy access to power outlets. Setup took a little longer during our testing than the one minute boasted by the brand, but we still had it inflated and ready to go in less than five minutes. The one-piece mattress has a removable and machine-washable cover and a water-repellent bottom, and we felt like the whole mattress would hold up well to spot-cleaning.

Stokke is known for its kid-friendly travel products; the brand’s ride-on suitcase and in-flight bed is the best we’ve seen. While the CloudSleeper isn’t designed to be used during air travel, it is small and light enough to fit inside your carry-on. This model is pricier than many options we tested, but its high-quality design and easy setup make it our top choice.

The Details: 59.1 x 29.5 x 6.7 inches (open) | 15 x 11 x 4 inches (packed) | 3.1 pounds | Nylon mattress with polyester cover | Ages 3 years and up; up to 149.9 pounds

Best Inflatable

Eltow inflatable toddler bed.

The mattress and bed frame inflate and deflate quickly and easily.

The bed gives off a strong plastic smell when it’s first unpacked.

Inflatable mattresses can be a headache to set up without a high-functioning pump, especially when you have a tired and cranky toddler waiting in the wings. The Eltow Inflatable Toddler Bed comes with an effective pump, and had one of the easiest setups of all the models we tested. The mattress and the inflatable “bed frame” were both ready to go in less than five minutes, although we did note that a setup partner was helpful to keep the mattress from losing air after the pump nozzle was removed.

This model’s mattress and “frame” with bumpered sides are two separate pieces, which makes it easy to tuck a crib sheet around the mattress. The removable mattress piece also means it’s easy to access all corners of the vinyl frame to wipe it down after messes or before storing. We did notice a strong plastic odor when the bed was unpacked, so we recommend airing it out before using it for the first time.

The Details: 63 x 40 x 12 inches (open) | 10 pounds | Vinyl, velvet | Up to 310 pounds

Most Durable

Hiccapop inflatable toddler travel bed.

The bed’s double plug and included patch kit make it extra resistant to leaks.

The secure double plug can also make it tricky to inflate.

One major disadvantage to inflatable mattresses? They have a tendency to puncture or lose air overnight. At best that leaves your toddler uncomfortable on a hard floor; at worst, it can be a safety risk if the mattress’s sides trap your child. This Hiccapop model impressed us with its durability and thoughtful features meant to prevent leaks. The bed has a secure double plug, which is very resistant to curious little fingers and unlikely to spring open on its own during the night. (Important to note: the secure plug also makes the bed trickier to set up than some.) It also comes with its own patch kit, so any punctures that do occur can be quickly sealed off.

This bed’s inflatable “frame” is thoughtfully designed, with bumpers on all four sides and a handle for moving it from room to room while inflated. The vinyl material is easily wipeable, and the plastic odor on first use is milder than many models we tested. Overall, this bed is a durable option and a great value.

The Details: 62 x 39 x 12 inches (open) | 8 pounds | Polyvinyl chloride | Up to 310 pounds

Best for Car Travel

Enerplex kids inflatable travel bed.

The high-speed pump with a car adaptor makes this bed a versatile choice for car travel.

When packed, this bed is heavier and bulkier than most models.

The EnerPlex Kids Inflatable Travel Bed is our pick for car travel, when size and weight are less of a consideration but comfort is still key. Although this bed is bulkier and heavier than most when packed, it’s incredibly easy to set up, and easy to fold back up and pack into its included carry bag. The high-speed pump is a game-changer — we didn’t need the included directions for setup, and the bed inflated quickly. The pump also comes with a car adaptor, making it a great option for camping.

Like many inflatable mattresses, this bed has a plastic odor and needs to be off-gassed before use. The two-piece bed wipes down easily and the mattress is durable: the bed didn’t shift or deflate during our sandbag test. Because this mattress is on the heavy side when deflated, it’s best for older toddlers who are less likely to be pinned down if it unexpectedly loses air.

The Details: 66 x 44 x 13 inches | 12.3 pounds | Polyvinyl chloride | Ages 3 years and up; up to 150 pounds

Best Pop-up Crib

Babybjörn travel crib light.

We love this stylish travel crib for its easy setup and durability.

The price point may not be affordable for all families.

If you’re traveling with an infant or a younger toddler, or if keeping your child contained in a new space is your top priority, a travel crib is your best bet. We love the BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light for its easy setup and durability. It took us less than two minutes to set up, and once set up, the bed is extremely secure and stable. The crib legs lock into place, and the mattress attaches to four corner straps to keep it from shifting.

Unlike some portable cribs, this one is very easy to clean. The exterior fabric and the mattress cover can be removed from the frame and machine-washed, and the rest of the bed is easily wipeable. Although this travel bed option isn’t as compact as an inflatable mattress, we found it surprisingly light. When packed into its included carrying case, it fits easily in a standard car trunk. This crib is significantly pricier than other similar options, but its durability means it can be used for multiple kids and handed down.

The Details: 32 x 44 x 24 inches (open) | 19 x 23.5 x 5.5 inches (packed) | 13 pounds | Polyester, polyether foam, painted steel | Ages 0–3

Best Lightweight

Hugbino inflatable toddler bed.

This mattress is extremely portable and light when packed.

Setup requires two people to keep the mattress from losing air before it’s sealed off.

Inflatable mattresses can feel bulky and unwieldy when deflated and packed, but at just over six pounds, this Hugbino portable mattress is lightweight and extremely portable. The mattress comes with its own pump, and is easy to assemble in less than five minutes. We did find that inflating the mattress was easiest with two people — otherwise it was a challenge to close the nozzle plug before air started escaping. Like many toddler beds, this one has bumpered sides to keep little ones from rolling off during the night; these bumpers are slightly lower than some models, so if you have an incredibly active sleeper, you may want to consider bolstering the sides with additional pillows or stuffed animals for security.

We also found it just as easy to store as it is to set up: the mattress packs easily into its included carry bag. This bed’s small footprint when packed and light weight make it a great option for stashing at a frequent travel destination like grandma’s house.

The Details: 63.6 x 42.5 inches (open) | 6.6 pounds | Vinyl, faux suede | Up to 100 pounds

Best Folding Mat

Milliard toddler nap mat.

This memory foam mat is an extremely comfortable naptime option.

The case for this mat has to be purchased separately.

For a quick naptime solution, or for travel destinations where durability is key (like camping), a foldable mat is a great choice. This memory foam mat from Milliard is a light and comfortable option for toddler sleep. The mat comes with a removable bamboo cover that can be machine-washed, and the mat itself can be spot-cleaned as needed. It folds up easily and stacks nicely, but since it doesn’t deflate, it’s not as compact as an air mattress and does take up storage space. Milliard sells carrying cases for this mattress, but they need to be purchased separately.

Because this mat is memory foam, it needs 48 hours with all zippers open to reach its highest comfort level before using it for the first time. The process is worth the wait, however, as we found this to be one of the more comfortable options for naptime we’ve seen.

The Details: 58 x 24 x 3 inches (open) | 24 x 19 x 9 inches (packed) | 8.9 pounds | Polyvinyl chloride, CertiPur certified foam | Ages 3–6

Other Toddler Travel Beds We Liked

These toddler travel beds did not make our final list yet still stood out from the pack. They all had positive attributes, but a few things held them back.

Intex Dura-Beam Standard Series Pillow Rest Raised Airbed : This bed is durable and comfortable, and the price is hard to beat. But because it’s built like a standard twin bed — it’s on the large side, with no bumper or sides — it’s better suited for older kids versus toddlers.

Guava Baby Lotus Travel Crib : We loved the Guava’s attractive and easy-to-use carry bag. However, it is heavy when packed, and we were torn on the usefulness of the zippered opening in the side, which makes the bed less secure for mobile toddlers. Ultimately we preferred the setup and breakdown on the similarly priced BabyBjorn model.

The team spent a day in our New York City lab, putting 20 toddler beds to the test to determine ease of use, portability, ease of cleaning, and overall value.

To get a sense of how easy these products would be to use with a cranky toddler on hand, we practiced setting up each bed one-handed, watching a timer closely — then did the whole thing in reverse and broke each bed down. We weighted the beds down with sandbags, evaluated their durability, and kid testers laid down on them. We considered the hidden nooks and crannies on each bed that might become filled with crumbs or worse, and evaluated how easy it was to get each one spic and span again. Our testing went on for six months to ensure each bed stood the test of time when used by actual children, too.

Traveling with a toddler takes more than a bed. These products will help you and your little one make the most of your upcoming adventure.

Joolz AER+ Baby Stroller : This travel stroller folds up into a compact package that's easy to carry and great for storing at home, on flights, or in cars. Although it breaks down to a small size, it contains plenty of padding to keep your kid comfy.

Stokke JetKids BedBox : Kids can ride on this sleek suitcase through the airport, then turn it into a footrest or bed on the plane. You can also pick from six colorways and customize the ride with stickers.

Bugaboo Changing Backpack : This sleek bag is incredibly comfortable to carry, even when it's packed full. It comes with a laptop pocket and a changing mat, with plenty of pockets to keep your things organized.

Tips for Buying a Toddler Travel Bed

Consider your toddler’s sleep needs.

The most important consideration when choosing a toddler travel bed is your individual child’s sleep style and needs. If your child is an active sleeper and tends to roll off of surfaces, you’ll want to choose a bed that has higher bumpers to keep them on the mattress. And if your toddler is a wanderer, you may want a fully contained space like a travel crib to keep them safe. If you can, try to approximate your child’s home sleeping environment as closely as possible. If they’re still in a crib at home, purchase a crib for travel ; if they’re using a convertible toddler bed with a railing and high headboard, look for a travel bed with a similar cozy feel.

Balance comfort with packability and safety

A plush, soft sleeping surface might seem like a recipe for better sleep , but when it comes to traveling with a toddler, simpler is usually better. A thinner inflatable mattress, for example, will not only pack down smaller, but will be safer if it malfunctions and deflates on your child overnight. “Remember, many of the inflatable mattresses are made from thick or stiff material that a toddler might not be able to push off of themself,” Dr. Murray notes. “The thinner or more standard mattress size inflatable mattresses are better for those 1–3 years of age.” And most packable cribs have thin mattresses for a reason: a firm sleeping surface is safest for younger kids. “You want to choose something that is sturdy but has the normal safety features of a relatively firm mattress and stable sides,” says Dr. Murray.

Match size, weight, and age recommendations to your child

Most travel toddler beds have clear recommendations for age range and maximum height and/or weight for use. Pay close attention to these guidelines and match them to your child, but use your own judgment as well to ensure you’re choosing the safest option. Although most inflatable mattresses are designed for ages 3 and up, some will claim to be suitable for any age. If your toddler is on the younger side or moves around a lot while sleeping, you’ll want to avoid mattresses altogether — even those that claim to be safe for littler ones — and opt for a portable crib-style bed.

Factor in your final destination

Another crucial consideration when you’re purchasing a toddler travel bed is what type of environment you’re traveling to. “Are you staying in a hotel room, which is usually pretty sparse but might have loose or stray electrical cords? Or are you staying at grandparents' where there may be stairs that aren't protected by a baby gate or other low hazards since the house might no longer be child-proof?” Dr. Murray notes. Travel locations with more potential hazards might require portable cribs or mattresses that better contain your toddler, whereas a fully childproofed friend’s or grandparent’s house might offer more flexibility for your toddler to roam and explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where you lay your child down to sleep while traveling will heavily depend on the age and needs of your child, your family’s preferences, and your travel circumstances. Some families choose to bring a dedicated bed for their toddler when they travel, while others prefer to co-sleep or use available extra beds at your destination (i.e., pullout sofas or cots). Also consider the sleep environment that works best for your child: do they need a dark, quiet room, or are they more comfortable within earshot of hustle and bustle in the house? Whatever sleep setup you choose for your toddler, make sure they’re in a safe, supervised location and adhere to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ guidelines for safe sleep.

Toddlerhood spans a whole range of developmental stages — technically a toddler is anywhere from 1 to 3 years old. There’s no hard and firm age when a child becomes ready for a toddler bed, but you should consider where they fall on the spectrum of toddlerhood. “Those who are still close to 1 year old will need an environment that is more crib-like,” Dr. Murray notes. “A 3-year-old will have more escape skills and perhaps more interest in wandering, but can likely be safe in a hotel bed or pull-out couch.” Always consult the age limits noted on any toddler bed to make sure the manufacturer recommends it for your child’s age.

You may not be in the habit of wiping down your full-size air mattress after every set of overnight guests, but trust us, you’ll want to clean your toddler travel bed frequently. Luckily, most products have accounted for this, and include either removable covers, wipeable surfaces, or both. Check the manufacturer’s instructions before purchasing to make sure the bed’s washability suits your needs, and follow instructions closely when cleaning to ensure the bed lasts.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Mandy Harris is a contributing writer at Travel + Leisure , and has vetted hundreds of parenting products over the last decade. For this story, she analyzed in-house testing insights, manufacturer details, and her own experience as a frequent toddler wrangler to determine the best toddler beds for every type of travel.

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10 Highest Rated Toddler Travel Beds 2024 reviews and ratings

Last Updated on January 10, 2024

Written by Melanie Kassel

Written by Melanie Kassel, Performance Editor

Our testing process.

Here at Sleep Advisor, our Sleep Certified experts use a refined mattress and product testing process to give you unbiased product suggestions… Read our full product review process .

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Looking for a handy travel bed for your toddler? We considered everything and made a selection of the ten best-rated picks to choose from.

Traveling with kids can be stressful, but figuring out where your little one will sleep shouldn’t be. It can be a struggle to create a safe sleeping space for your child while away from home.

Having a cozy space to lay their head can make all the difference in getting them the zzz’s they need so you can all enjoy your trip.

There are many options to consider when it comes to choosing a travel bed for your child. Keep reading for all the details you need to know so you can find the top rated toddler travel bed for your family.

10 Top Toddler Travel Bed Reviews

Hiccapop – ideal quality.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Inflatable bed with bumpers
• Plush removable mattress
• Electric pump included
• Travel bag included

CLICK TO SEE PRICE

The Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed has unmatched quality and durability, designed with the modern family in mind. With inlay-enforced™ vinyl that is 40% thicker than similar models, the Hiccapop was created to resist punctures and leaks.

The velvety-smooth mattress is removable and fits all standard crib sheets (although it is comfortable enough that a blanket on top may be all you need). The extra-large, built-in bumpers are 2″ taller and longer than most others and offer extra peace of mind for parents.

The Hiccapop comes with a powerful electric pump and was designed to inflate in just 30 seconds for a fast and easy set-up.

The quick-release valve is meant to make deflating simple, so you can be packed and ready to go in no time. The extra-large storage bag should allow you to take this airbed virtually anywhere.

Safety is a big concern for many families. This model exceeds all federal standards for child safety, according to the manufacturer. The vinyl is BPA, lead, and phthalate-free, and is made with no harsh chemicals.

With a 310 lb weight capacity that is greater than most others, this inflatable choice may last you longer so you can keep using it as your toddler grows.

Butterfly Craze – Best Alternative

• Pillow bed / Nap mat
• Plush and comfortable
• Machine washable fabric
• Easy to store away

For an easy solution for travel, school, or nights when scary monsters send your little ones running for safety, this Butterfly Craze Kids Floor Pillow Cover may come in handy. Simply use extra pillows you already have in your house for stuffing into the 5 zipper compartments, and your comfy bed will be ready to use!

The Butterfly Crave comes in many fun and kid-friendly prints and makes a great nap-mat for school, sleepovers, or visits to Grandma’s house. This bed comes in two convenient sizes, making it suitable for children, teens, or even adults.

The smaller lounger fits 5 standard pillows and measures 26″ W X 75″ L. The larger lounger fits 5 king-sized pillows and measures 32″ W X 75″ L.

If you are looking for an alternative to bean bag chairs or floor pillows, this may make a great spot for lounging. Pillow forts and other fun activities could take on a whole new dimension with this foldable and portable design.

This product makes a great solution for schools, daycares, or slumber parties! The soft, plush fabric is machine washable for easy care. This cover can be packed into just about any suitcase, so you can travel with it anywhere and just add pillows at your destination!

Eltow Inflatable Toddler Air Mattress – Best Safety

• Inflatable bed with protective bumpers
• Puncture-resistant layer
• Leak-proof valve
• Pump and travel bag included
• BPA and Phthalate-free

Your toddler will be ready to hit the road with this inflatable air mattress from Eltow that should give them a restful night’s sleep while also keeping them safe and sound.

This bed’s design, which features protective bumpers on the side, should help relieve any concerns you may have about your little one rolling off the mattress during the night. Plus, the health-conscious construction includes a BPA & Phthalate-free product, further assuring the safety and well-being of your child.

What stands out?

• For families who plan to use this bed outdoors, you’ll be pleased to know that this bed comes with a leak-proof valve and puncture-resistant layer, which means you won’t have to worry about your kid’s bed deflating during the trip. 
• Additionally, a pump and convenient travel bag are included with your purchase. The travel bag, in particular, should make transporting your toddler’s travel bed much easier. 

Intex – Best Comfort

• Manual pump included

The Intex Travel Bed was designed to be a comfortable, convenient, and versatile option for families with small children. This durable travel product may make a great solution for camping trips, sleepovers, naps, or wherever life may take you!

Weighing in at under 10 lbs, this lightweight bed could be easily packed into the included carrying bag for travel by car or plane.

The inner airbed can be conveniently separated from the frame to create an additional sleeping space if you are traveling with multiple children.

For younger toddlers or preschoolers, the frame should provide safety and stability to ensure little ones won’t roll out of bed. This travel option was designed for kids aged 3-6 or those up to 48 inches tall.

Having a separate mattress can make tucking in standard crib-sized sheets much easier. This model includes a high-output hand pump for quick and easy inflation and deflation. When inflated, the Intex frame measures 66″ X 42″ X 10″ and the inner mattress measures 28″ x 52″ x 4″.

The kid-friendly light aqua color and enclosed design should make this an inviting space for little ones on-the-go. Having a familiar, cozy spot can help kids to feel safe and secure so everyone can get the sleep they need.

The Shrunks – Best Noise Reduction

• Inflatable bed with guard rails
• Soft flocking and sheet tuck feature
• Included pump

Nothing is worse than the squeaky sounds of a toddler, tossing and turning on a noisy blow-up mattress. The Shrunks Toddler Traveler Bed features soft flocking on the top, designed to eliminate night time squeaks. This award-winning model has been a favorite choice by many families for over ten years.

This mattress is safe from phthalates, lead, and BPA. A repair kit is conveniently included so you can easily patch up any small holes or leaks.

The comfortable mattress is built into this model and has a signature tuck-in feature so you can easily keep any standard crib-size sheets from moving around.

This portable air-mattress has built-in security rails, designed to prevent your little one from falling out of bed so they can feel confident and safe. The low to the ground design should allow young children to easily climb in and out.

A compact yet powerful Jetaire electric pump is included and was designed to inflate this mattress in under 30 seconds. The Shrunks may be a convenient, portable option for travel, sleepovers, or kids who are just transitioning out of their crib.

Regalo – Best Lightweight

• Foldable cot design
• Steel frame
• Sleep surface made with waterproof nylon canvas
• Includes Fitted Sheet

The Regalo My Cot Portable Toddler Bed is made with a durable, all-steel frame that is lightweight and can hold up to 74 lbs. This bed weighs just over 6 lbs and can easily fold up for travel or storage.

The sturdy nylon material is waterproof and easy to wash. This cot can be covered with the included fitted sheet for added comfort.

The product is meant for children ages 2-5 or up to 48 inches long. It was designed to be easily set up in seconds with one fluid motion, making it a quick and easy option for parents.

This cot was created for portability and could be a great option for naps, travel, camping, or sleepovers. You may even use it for extra seating space at a sports event or take it to the beach!

For little ones who like to roll around, The Regalo My Cot has a generous sleeping space that measures 48” x 24” x 9”. When folded down, this cot measures 9” x 8” x 24” and can be easily packed into the carry case for storage or travel. If you are looking to keep luggage weight down, this may be a great option to consider.

Leachco – Most Convenient

• Polyurethane Foam bed with bumpers and headrest
• Machine washable cover
• Folds into included storage bag

The Leachco Bump ZZZ Travel Bed may make a convenient option for families with children ages 3 and up. This spacious and lightweight model is designed to be ready to use, with no need for inflation or any extra equipment. It can also be conveniently folded into the included travel bag for a great fold and go option.

This model features a comfortable foam padded interior with cushioned outer bumpers for comfort and safety. Customers can use the BumpZZZ fully extended as a portable bed, or fold it over to make a convenient lounging spot. This spacious product could also make a great play space for little ones while traveling or at home.

Both the center foam pad and the outer bumper pads can be removed for easy washing. This versatile bed was made in the USA and measures 58” x 39” x 7” when fully assembled. The BumpZZZ packs into a compact travel bag with handles, so you can use it as your carry-on luggage item or take it anywhere you need to go.

If you are looking for a travel option for napping, lounging, reading, playing, or just a comfy spot for your little one to land, the BumpZZZ is a convenient and lightweight option that you don’t have to worry about inflating.

USHMA – Best All-Around

• Two pricing options, with or without air pump
• Comes with two color options
• Bumper rails
• Pillow included
• BPA, phthalate, and lead-free

USHMA’s inflatable bed is our pick for the best all-around travel bed for toddlers. Depending on your budget, you can choose to purchase this item with or without a foot-operated air pump for a difference of six dollars – though both price points are very budget-friendly.

Each bed comes with two color choices for your toddler; they can opt to sleep on either the blue or gray side, both of which feature a comfortable fabric cover. A pillow is also included and can be flipped to either the blue or gray side as well.

A child’s safety is always important, especially when they are away from their regular bed, and this product is conveniently designed to include bumper rails on each side to help your child feel secure throughout the night. You should also feel comfortable knowing that this bed is free of chemicals BPA, phthalate, and lead.

Baby Seater – Best Budget

Whether your tot is spending the night at grandma’s house or joining you on a long road trip, the Baby Seater inflatable toddler bed is a great value for the price. The bed comes with its own pillow, carrying case, and patch repair kit, should your toddler get a little too rambunctious.

Made with reinforced vinyl to be tear-resistant, the bed should be able to withstand up to 310 pounds of pressure and be easy to move around on. With a high-powered air pump, this bed should inflate in less than a minute, so when those eyelids start to droop, your little one should be off to dreamland in no time.

This two-piece design should make it simple to create a home away from home without too much effort as it allows you to tuck the sheets and blankets into the mattress portion. This creates a cocoon effect and could help your baby to drift off easier and stay warmer throughout the night.

AeroBed – Best Heavy-Duty

• Washable mattress pad included
• Included hand-held AC pump

The AeroBed Air Mattress is meant for kids ages four and older. It was designed to support weights up to 300 lbs and features a spacious 50 x 25-inch sleep surface in case your little one wants you to lay with them until they fall asleep. The 4-inch high safety cushions surrounding the mattress were created to prevent children from accidentally rolling off of the bed.

This mattress was created with heavy-duty PVC material with welded seams for added stability, durability and long-lasting use. The horizontal channel construction was designed to prevent sagging and provide extra support for your child.

The thick fitted mattress pad is washable and features a cute, kid-friendly design with moons and stars.

This blow-up mattress is designed to be quick and easy to use, inflating in under one minute using the included hand-held AC pump. When you are ready to put your mattress away, it deflates in less than 15 seconds and can be conveniently stored in the matching travel bag. The AeroBed is a cozy and portable option that can be used for traveling, sleepovers, or a safe space close to Mom and Dad.

How To Choose The Best Toddler Travel Bed In The Market

Kid’s weight.

Some options are meant for younger children who weigh less, so be sure to check the weight restrictions.

If you are looking for a sleeping space for use at home or the occasional road trip, weight probably will not be an issue. However, if you will be traveling, especially by air, it may be important to look for a lighter-weight option. Some designs are incredibly light and could even be packed in carry-on luggage.

Comfort Level

If this is a bed your toddler will be using frequently, choosing a comfortable sleeping spot may be very important. Sturdier designs may be more durable, but inflatable choices tend to offer more in the way of comfort. If you are unsure, read some reviews to see what other parents have said before purchasing.

Includes A Carrier Bag?

While not essential, a carrying bag can make traveling much easier.

Toddler beds come in a variety of shapes and sizes, which may be an important factor if you have a taller child.

Portability

Some designs can fold up easily into a carrying bag for ease of transportation. Other factors like a pump for inflation may take up additional space.

What Is A Toddler Travel Bed?

A toddler travel bed is a kid-sized, portable bed for families who like to travel or need an in-between option for children who have outgrown their cribs. They are usually designed to be lightweight and easily transportable for travel by car or airplane. There are many different styles to choose from including cots, foldable options, and inflatable air mattresses.

Traveling with younger children can be more challenging since toddlers love routine. Many are accustomed to sleeping in their own space at home and may find it difficult to transition into an unfamiliar setting. Having a comfortable space of their own to play or sleep in may help to ease some of their fears and ensure that everyone gets a good night’s sleep.

Many toddlers are still learning how to sleep in a “big kid” bed. Choosing a design with built-in security rails may provide reassurance for parents who are worried about their little ones falling out of bed.

Different Types of Toddler Travel Beds

Air mattress/inflatable.

Inflatable air mattresses offer a compact option that can easily be transported or stored. Most air mattresses come with a separate pump for easy inflation, but for those options that do not include a pump, they can easily be purchased separately. Air mattresses are easy to inflate or deflate, taking on their full shape in under 30 seconds in many cases.

While many options have a soft flocked surface for sleeping on, your little one may prefer to have separate sheets on top as these mattresses can have a slight plastic odor. Air mattresses are also more prone to tears and leaks, but many come with a repair kit so you can easily fix them.

Many toddler designs include built-in bumpers so you shouldn’t have to worry about your little one falling out of bed. Some also have a “tuck-in” feature or a separate frame so you can keep their sheets from moving around. Toddler mattresses typically fit standard or twin sized-sheets which you may already have at home.

A ready bed is a convenient option for toddlers that comes with a built-in sleeping bag so there is no need for extra bedding. For families who travel a lot or need a ready-to-go sleeping space for their toddler, these portable all-in-one designs give parents one less thing to pack.

Some require inflation and simply need to be unfolded. Many of these ready models come in fun, kid-friendly prints featuring their favorite television characters. For convenience and an all-inclusive option, ready beds may be a good choice.

Folding toddler beds are typically a “cot” design that can be folded up quickly for storage or travel. Most feature a canvas top with steel legs, similar to the popular stadium or camping chairs. These sit higher up off of the ground, so they may be a better option for camping, sleeping outdoors, or even a trip to the beach.

Many schools and daycares use sleep cots for naps or rest-time since they can easily be stacked or stored. Most folding cots do not have side rails, so they are better suited for older children or those who aren’t prone to falling out of bed.

Folding cots also make a convenient option for travel since they are very lightweight and can be easily packed into luggage. They also offer versatility because you can use them as extra seating space for little ones outdoors or around the house.

Why You Need To Have a Toddler Travel Bed

Toddlers are in a unique “transition” time in their lives, just moving out of the baby stage and into a phase of discovery. As they switch from a crib to a “big kid” bed, many toddlers prefer to have a more enclosed space similar to what they’ve been used to. Traveling with little ones can be challenging, so having a familiar space of their own may help young children to feel safe and secure.

Child Travel Bed vs. Travel Crib vs. Pack N Play

As you begin researching the best portable sleeping options for your toddler, you may find all of the different terms confusing. While travel beds, travel cribs, and pack-n-plays can all be used as sleeping spaces for little ones, there are unique considerations that you may want to keep in mind before deciding which is the best choice for your family.

Typically, travel beds are designed for toddlers and children who have already outgrown their cribs. They come in various options such as foldable, “cot” style, inflatable, and ready-beds.

Some may include built-in bumpers for younger children, and others include unique features such as bedding and carrying cases. Different sizes are meant to accommodate younger guests with a crib-size mattress, while others feature twin-size or double mattresses for older children.

Travel cribs are designed for little ones aged two and under, although some come in bigger sizes meant for toddlers. While travel cribs are the best choice for babies, you may want to consider a travel bassinet for infants under four months of age. There are different styles of portable cribs including pop-up types or ready-to-use cribs.

Another style of a portable crib is a co-sleeper that is meant to be used in-between parents in bed. While co-sleepers can only accommodate younger babies up to a certain age or weight, they allow parents to keep their tiny child close and are a good option for places with limited floor space. Co-sleepers are very light-weight and are usually easy to pack and travel with.

A pack-n-play is a foldable playpen or play yard that can easily be packed up for storage or to take on-the-go. While pack-n-plays are a lot bulkier and tend to weigh more than travel beds, they are a convenient option for little ones since they offer a safe place for both sleep and play. Many also include removable bassinets and/or change-tables for an all-in-one option for traveling with babies.

Many families with young children have a pack-n-play in their home for their little ones to nap or play in. These are also a popular choice for storing at Grandma’s house for overnight visits and sleepovers.

While they are a convenient option, they are generally too heavy to take on longer trips since they do not fit into luggage and are too big to use as a carry-on. Deciding which option is best for you will depend on the age of your child and your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions about Toddler Travel Beds

What is the age range for toddler beds.

Depending on your child’s age, weight, and development, they made be ready to transition out of their crib between the ages of one and a half and two. While some parents choose to keep their toddlers in a crib until as late as age three, many children have learned how to climb over the sides of the crib by this time, possibly putting them in danger.

Toddler beds all have different age ranges depending on their design, but most are generally meant for children aged two through five. Some toddler options may extend up to age six or seven, but be sure to check the recommendations first.

Are they really safe?

Safety is a big concern for parents, especially for those with toddlers who love to climb. The benefit of most toddler beds is that they don’t have sides like cribs do so they can easily get up and move. Toddlers are also more prone to rolling out of bed, so many designs feature built-in sides or bumper pads to keep little ones secure.

When considering various options for your child, look for manufacturers that verify they have met American Safety Standards. Many also offer foams that contain safe levels of chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, and lead.

Toddlers are special, and their sleeping space should be special too! Finding a safe and secure option is a big concern for parents, and thankfully there are many varieties to choose from.

Portability, weight, and convenience are all important factors to consider for families looking for the perfect toddler bed for traveling.

Traveling with kids may require more planning to accommodate their unique needs, so having a bed you can take with you may make a world of difference while you travel the globe. Having a familiar spot to lay their head should help your little one to get the rest they need so you can too!

Melanie Kassel

Performance Editor

About Author

As Sleep Advisor’s Performance Editor, Melanie writes and edits content throughout the site to ensure it’s accurate, engaging, and up-to-date.

Combination Sleeper

Posted on Last updated: March 25, 2024 Categories Kids Travel Gear

By: Author Kate

The Ultimate Guide to The Best Toddler Travel Beds

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Are looking for the best toddler travel bed? Do you want a travel bed That will last a long time and fit a tall toddler? This was exactly our dilemma when we were evaluating the best portable cribs for travel. We wanted something that wouldn’t need to be replaced every time our kids grew a few inches!  

We wanted a portable toddler bed that would allow us to keep our kids precious sleep and give us peace of mind on vacation. When looking for a portable travel crib we wanted something that would be easy to set up, lightweight, and large enough for our son to grow into.

So here it is: I’ve done all the research for you, and picked out the best toddler travel beds for family vacations that meet these requirements below!

The Best Toddler Travel Beds: Quick Comparison

Check out my list below to learn about the best travel cribs for toddler travel sleep on the go.  These are the top rated travel cribs for toddlers around!

What to look for in a Toddler Travel Bed

There are a lot of things to consider when purchasing a toddler travel bed. Here are the 5 factors that we have taken into consideration when ranking our toddler travel beds:

• Overall product weight
• Compact fold and ease of set up

Toddler Playpen vs. Toddler Inflatable Beds

If your toddler is still IN the crib, chances are you want to keep her that way on vacation! My eldest son (the escape artist) definitely needed the constraints of his crib for as long as possible, and there was no way I was giving that up on vacation. Also, having always slept in the crib, my son would not have even known what to do if I tried to put him in a bed! There was no way I was going to try to make such a transition on vacation. We wanted to look for a travel bed for a toddler still in the crib.

The problem I’ve found is that most portable cribs for toddlers are too small for taller and older kids. We wanted a large toddler travel bed so we wouldn’t be stuck replacing this item when our toddler turned 3 or 4. I’ve broken down my review below to include toddler travel beds for kids who are still in the crib and toddler travel beds for kids who are out of the crib.

The Best Toddler Travel Bed for Tall Toddlers

Phil and teds traveler.

This is my favorite  toddler travel bed and is the perfect travel crib for a tall toddler.  We used this travel toddler bed until our son was 3 years old and transitioned to a ‘big boy bed.’  This playpen is longer than traditional playpens so it accommodates taller toddlers. This will be a great travel crib for a 3 year old and for many would still work for a 4 year old or 5 year old.  I love that is still like a crib, keeping your little one contained.

The Phil and Teds kids travel bed is really lightweight and will easily fit in a suitcase. It’s the best travel crib for flying as it can be brought on as a carry-on. We often store it in the overhead compartment of a plane and it fits perfect.  Also, it’s lightweight, it weighs only 6 lbs! We have gotten so much great use out of this tall playpen, and it’s still in great shape.

The one negative when rating this portable toddler crib is that the setup is not instant. There are some other toddler travel cribs like the Guava below that set up in just a few seconds. Although it’s not a one-step setup, once you’ve set it up once it’s really easy to set up and take down after that. It takes me about 2 minutes to set it up now that I have the hang of it. For me, this little bit of hassle is worth it for the extra length and lightness!

We’ve used this portable travel bed not only just for sleeping – we have also used it as a makeshift beach tent and fort in our backyard. I love that this compact travel crib is not just for sleep, it’s also a space for our kids to play and stay safe when we are on vacation.

As you can see above, the length of this travel bed is the big selling point! I brought it out to take pictures for this blog and was surprised to find that my 4.5-year-old son STILL fits in this large toddler bed. Now he’s not the tallest 4-year-old out there, but STILL, I was really impressed. My 18-month-old is much taller than my first and he still has PLENTY of room in the Phil and Teds traveler. This is definitely the best travel crib for a 2 year old and up!

The Best Toddler Travel Bed for a Play Space

Joovy room 2 play pen.

If you are wanting extra space in your portable toddler travel bed, this extra-sized playpen is perfect for you. The Joovy Room 2 is 50% larger than a standard playpen making it great for large toddlers and also great as a play spot during the day. It still packs up compact and can be checked with your luggage depending on your airline regulations.

It’s definitely heavier than some of the other options on the market, but that might be worth it for the extra room! I love that this playpen is large enough that you can throw some toys in and your little one can also play safely in here without feeling too cramped. Especially on vacation, this can be useful because the places we stay aren’t always baby proofed how we like them! I’ve also heard this playpen is great for twins!

The Best Travel Bed For The Toddler that is Still in the Crib

Guava lotus travel crib.

The Guava Lotus Travel Crib and the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib are both popular options for toddler travel beds. If you check out Amazon there are lots of head-to-head reviews comparing these two options. The setup for the Guava playpen is really simple and intuitive and the crib folds up very compact for easy portability. There is even a backpack carrier which is a really nice feature for airports and more adventurous trips.

The dimensions are not as long as the Phil and Teds travel crib above which is why it’s not my first choice for a portable travel crib. It may work fine as a portable bed for a 2 year old but will be pushing it as a travel bed for a 3 year old . I like the longer length of the Phil and Ted’s traveler crib for my growing toddler.

The Guava Lotus crib is Greenguard certified meaning that it is non-toxic without the use of harmful chemicals. The cover is removable and machine washable which knowing my toddler is an absolute necessity! Overall, I love the design of this portable crib. Although I haven’t tried it myself, I asked my friend Emily over at Henry and Andrew’s Guide for her review. Here’s what she had to say:

‘The Guava Lotus is the best toddler travel bed because it’s easy to carry, it’s so light, and it’s perfect for even the bigger toddlers. We took ours on our 5 countries in 14 days trip in Europe. That meant we carried it through 5 plane rides, 1 train ride, and numerous car trips. We didn’t mind it at all! You can carry it as a backpack so your hands are free, or it folds up in a perfect rectangular shape, so it can be easily stacked on top of your rolling bag. Another perk is that even though it’s not a stroller, we’ve never been charged for checking it through the airlines as a baby item. This was the best travel bed for our 2 year old, until he grew out of his own crib at home! Their customer service is excellent too.’

The Most Compact and Lightweight Toddler Travel Bed

Peapod plu s:.

The PeaPod is a popular option that is particularly marketed as a travel bed for baby. It’s one of the most compact toddler beds as it folds down into a small bag that’s easy to throw in a suitcase. It certainly has small size in it’s favor but it’s otherwise impractical as a long term solution for more mobile toddlers and preschoolers.

I’m happy to have my friend Jill from This Harry Life drop in to give her review of this popular toddler travel bed. You may be surprised to see what she has to say!

‘The most appreciated aspect of this baby travel bed is it’s compact size. Folded up, it’s 18 inches in diameter by about 6 inches deep (this compresses to about half that depth when packed). It was extremely reasonably priced compared to other travel sleep accessories we considered, and with the zipper closed you can keep your child safely contained inside. We purchased this thinking it was the best option for a portable travel bed for baby. There are drawbacks to the PeaPod , though it works OK for us. My primary issue is the interior. Safe sleep guidelines dictate the included mat be snapped underneath, and there is no option to secure it inside. This is fine, but the interior is a a harsh polyester surface to place my child directly on. Anything I put underneath to soften it shifts and bunches as my child moves. It is also incredibly bright, and I have occasionally had to drape towels over it in an attempt to provide darkness to nap in bright spaces. Further, this item only has a single use: for your child to sleep in. It is not a space that I can safely place my child to play or be occupied, which is necessary sometimes when in non-baby-proof settings. For that reason if I were in the market for a travel bed for baby again, I would not likely buy another PeaPod, despite it being the most affordable option.’

The Best Travel Bed For The Toddler that is Out of the Crib

Once our toddler was out of his crib the options for sleep were so much easier! Depending on where we were though, I did worry about him escaping his sleeping quarters at night. To solve this I have rented baby gates at my destination on multiple occasions. This gave me peace of mind that if my toddler woke up in the middle of the night he would be safe until we got to him.  (You’ll find more toddler travel hacks here!)

A Mattress on The Floor

Nothing wrong with simplicity when it comes to kids travel beds! There are lots of great travel toddler beds out there but when push comes to shove, a mattress on the floor is really all you need for toddler sleep. We often rent Airbnbs and in these places, it is usually quite easy to do this. In hotels, space is tighter so we have had to use inflatable bed rails (see below). Once my eldest had transitioned out of the crib it was great not to have to pack an extra piece of equipment. A mattress on the floor works great and means you can keep your packing minimal!

The Best Toddler Travel Bed for Compact Spaces

Regalo my cot.

Another great option for toddler travel beds is a portable cot. Travel cots for toddlers are generally easy to fold up and store and provide a more comfortable surface than the ground. I love this as a toddler camping bed. We bought this for my son when we were going camping knowing that we wouldn’t have access to a mattress to put on the floor. We used a kids sleeping bag like this one and it made it a bit comfier for him to sleep on. He enjoyed having a special ‘big boy bed’ on the trip and we loved the portability and easy setup.

The portable kids travel cot folds up compact and is extremely simple to set up. I’m not sure that I would take it on an airplane because it would definitely need to be checked! We got lots of use with it on road trips. It’s certainly not the comfiest thing in the world, but my son didn’t seem to mind it. This thing work as a portable travel bed for a toddler and wins points on easy set up and storage.

Now that my son can sleep in a real bed we aren’t using it as much as a child travel bed. I have, however, found a great hack for it – we bring it to the beach and we use it as a raised platform for the kids to sit on when we eat. It keeps us somewhat out of the sand and is comfier than sitting directly on the ground. I love a product that can be used for longer than a few months. I’m glad I’ve found ways to make this purchase worthwhile!

The Best Toddler Travel Bed for Grandma’s House

Milliard portable toddler bumper bed.

This portable toddler bed is perfect for toddlers transitioning from the crib to an adult bed. The travel bed bumpers on the side are a really nice feature which keep little ones safe and comfortable inside this bed. I think this bed is best portable crib for grandma’s house or a cottage that is tight on space. It would also be great for camping, I wish they made it in adult size!! It’s not carry-on size so it would need to be checked for flying. I think this makes it less desirable for this type of trip.

The Best Toddler Travel Bed for a Hotel Room

Inflatable bed rails by the shrunks.

These are definitely the best travel bed rails for toddlers! I find that hotels always have beds that are sooo high off the ground! I was constantly worrying that my son was going to fall out of the bed until I found this product . These inflatable bed rails are the perfect travel option. They keep my restless sleeper from taking a tumble in the night. Since they are inflatable, they are super easy to set up and pack. You just slip them under the sheets and kids won’t roll off the mattress in their sleep.

Having recently slept with my toddler on our last trip, he is a little MOVING MANIAC. I felt like I was getting kicked all night. I’m glad to have these bumpers to turn our bed into a portable toddler bumper bed and to keep him from Karate kicking right off the bed. If I don’t have these available I will unusually throw some extra pillows on the floor JUST IN CASE 🙂

Sleeping on a real mattress in a nice hotel is so much better than a thin pad in a travel toddler bed so I like that these rails give me peace of mind to let my toddler sleep on the ‘big bed’ and have a really comfortable sleep!

The Best Toddler Travel Bed for Camping

The shrunks toddler travel bed.

The Shrunks also makes a  Shrunks inflatable toddler bed that has gotten rave reviews from my friends who own one! An inflatable toddler bed is a great option especially for things like camping or hotel rooms where there aren’t extra mattresses lying around.

This award-winning inflatable toddler mattress has some really cool design features that make it a great option. First, it has raised edges that act as toddler bed bumpers and keep your little one safely on the mattress. As well the inner mattress within this inflatable toddler travel bed raises up allowing you to tuck in standard size crib sheets. This is a really nice feature that makes keeping the mattress clean super easy. It’s also nice to be able to use standard crib sheets as this will likely be a familiar comfort for your little ones.

The Shrunks inflatable mattress comes with an electric pump which is essential for inflating quickly on the go. It comes in a compact case that’s easy to carry from one place to another. Keep one of this toddler air mattress at grandma’s house, its a convenient option for places that are short on space.

The Best Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed with Bumpers

Intex kids travel bed.

Another inflatable mattress for toddlers is the Intex kids travel bed . It has built-in bumpers as well that make it perfect for little ones.  It also has the ability to tuck in sheets by pulling out the inner mattress. I’m more of a ‘glamper’ than a true camper, so we bring an inflatable air mattress when we are camping. The Intex kids travel bed is perfect for camping with kids! It’s also great in a hotel room where space is tight. The Intex toddler travel bed comes with a pump included

Let’s hear your toddler travel bed reviews!

What do you think is the best portable travel cribs for toddlers?? I’d love to hear your favorites! Drop me a line in the comments below and let me know! I always love to hear what you think. Before you head on vacation, be sure to check out my other posts on the best car seat for travel , the best kids suitcases , and my (completely free!) downloadable packing list to keep your packing organized on vacation. Safe travels and wishing everyone a good nights rest! xo Kate

Pin for later!

Ryan Biddulph

Wednesday 27th of September 2017

Nice list of toddler beds here.

Although her fam will not be traveling anytime soon - big-time home bodies - my 15 month old niece could definitely fit nicely in a few of these beds.

Thanks for sharing.

Sunday 8th of October 2017

Thanks for stopping by Ryan! These are perfect for a 15-month-old :)

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Best Toddler Travel Beds

Pint-sized sleep solutions for your tiny traveler., by jen labracio.

Whether you’re road-tripping to grandma’s or embarking on your first family flight, traveling with a toddler presents some unique challenges. Sure, you’ve got your lightweight travel car seat and you solved most of the world’s problems with the toys you brought along . But one big one that might leave you scratching your head for a solution? Where your toddler is going to sleep, especially if they’re in that strange in-between phase where they’re too big for a travel crib but not quite ready to snooze the night away in a full-size bed.

Meet the toddler travel bed: a perfectly pint-sized sleep solution for your tiny traveler. Toddler travel beds are lightweight, portable and built to take on the go. They’re also designed with toddlers in mind, with special features like sized-down mattresses and built-in bumpers.

A portable toddler travel bed is worth investing in if you’re a family that travels frequently or if you regularly stay somewhere that’s short on beds (think a relative or friend’s home, or even a hotel) and need a spot for your toddler to sleep. These expert-approved parent favorites will help you narrow down which toddler travel bed is best for you.

Babylist’s Top Picks for the Best Toddler Travel Beds

• Best Inflatable: hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed with Safety Bumpers
• Best Twin Size: The Shrunks Toddler Travel Bed
• Best for Older Toddlers: Stokke JetKids CloudSleeper
• Best Nap Mat: Wildkin Original Nap Mat
• Best Padded Nap Mat: Miliard Toddler Nap Mat
• Best Travel Cot: Regalo My Cot Portable Toddler Bed
• Best Affordable Inflatable: INTEX 66810EP Inflatable Kidz Travel Bed Set
• Best for Camping: KidCo PeaPod Camp Lightweight Child Portable Travel Bed Camp Tent Extension
• Best for Sleepovers: Funboy Convertible Kids Sleeping Air Mattress

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Do You Need a Toddler Travel Bed?

Types of Toddler Travel Beds

What to look for in a toddler travel bed, babylist’s picks for the best toddler travel beds, best inflatable toddler travel bed.

hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed with Safety Bumpers

With close to 12,000 positive reviews and almost 90 percent five-star ratings, Hiccapop’s Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed is a favorite for so many reasons. One of the bed’s best features is the bumpers. Unlike some toddler travel beds that feature only side bumpers, this bed has bumpers on all four sides, so you won’t have to worry about your toddler rolling off. It’s constructed from thick, durable vinyl, and holds up to years of use. It’s super quick to inflate—it takes about 30 seconds—and rolls up small enough to fit in a suitcase or duffel bag. It comes with everything you need, including a pump and a travel bag, and fits all standard-size crib sheets and blankets.

Additional Specs

Best twin size inflatable toddler travel bed.

The Shrunks Toddler Travel Bed

If you’re in the market for a larger inflatable toddler travel bed, this option from Shrunks is your best bet. The twin size is six and a half feet long and almost four feet wide, so it’s a good choice for older toddlers or if you like to lie down with your little one. There are no bumpers at the head or foot of this travel bed, but there are two side bumpers that do a good job containing active sleepers. Like the Hiccapop, the Shrunks inflates in less than a minute and comes with a travel bag and electric pump, and fits easily in a carry-on or backpack. It’s a bit lighter, however, weighing in at six pounds instead of eight, and is a single-piece design (as compared to the Hiccapop that has a separate base and mattress), so rolling it up after it’s deflated is a little easier.

Best Inflatable Travel Bed for Older Toddlers

Stokke JetKids CloudSleeper - White

Like all things Stokke, this toddler travel bed is as stylish as it is functional. Designed for kids three and up, the CloudSleeper is the lightest and most compact toddler travel bed on our list, weighing only three pounds and small enough to slip easily into a backpack or small bag. The unique design integrates everything right into the mattress, including a built-in pump and two side bumpers. (It also comes with a breathable air mesh fitted sheet.) Even the packing cube is innovative; it features a double zipper design that makes the mattress even more sleek and compact for storage and transport. Just note that the CloudSleeper is one of the thinnest inflatable toddler travel beds on our list at about four inches thick.

Best Toddler Nap Mat

Wildkin Original Nap Mat with Reusable Pillow

If you haven’t seen a nap mat before, think of it as the total package for portable sleep solutions. The roll-up design includes a mat, an attached comforter-style blanket, a built-in (but removable) pillow and hook and loop straps to hold it all together—plus a carry strap so you can sling the whole thing right over your shoulder. Lots of toddlers use nap mats in daycares or other childcare settings, but they work just as well as travel beds for on-the-go, for a sleepover at grandma’s or for snuggling up at home. Wildkin’s nap mats are super soft and come in enough prints and patterns to make every toddler’s dreams come true, including dinos, trucks, animals, robots and more. The whole thing can be tossed in the wash (just take out the pillow first) and hung to dry. The only thing to note is that the bottom sleeping mat is similar to a sleeping bag, so it’s not very padded. It’s not an issue for most toddlers, but it is something to be aware of.

Best Padded Toddler Nap Mat

Milliard Toddler Nap Mat Bed Tri Folding Mattress with Washable Cover

Like the idea of a nap mat but prefer something with a little more cushioning? This simple mat creates a comfortable sleep space for your toddler in seconds. The mat features a trifold design and is made from three inches of cushy foam. There’s a washable cover included and the whole thing folds up to a third of the full size for easy storage. Because of the design, it’s not the best solution if you need a packable toddler travel bed, but it’s great for keeping at the grandparents’ house or for taking on the go if you’re traveling by car. The brand also makes a similar foam nap mat but with bumpers on all four sides. It also folds for travel.

Best Toddler Travel Cot

Regalo My Cot Portable Toddler Bed

Another non-inflatable toddler travel bed option is a cot. This bestselling sleep solution, often used in childcare settings, is about as simple as it comes—just unfold it, toss on the included sheet, add a pillow and blanket if you’d like and your toddler is ready to snooze. The frame is made from steel for solid, durable construction and can hold a child up to 75 pounds. And while it doesn’t fold down quite as small as some of the toddler travel beds on our list, it’s still fairly easy to take it on the go. We like it for its straightforward simplicity and that you can use it indoors or outside. There aren’t any bumpers, though, so keep that in mind if you think your toddler may roll off.

Best Affordable Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed

INTEX 66810EP Inflatable Kidz Travel Bed

At under $40, this inflatable bed recommended for kids three to six years old is affordable, durable and convenient. The two-piece design means you can use the mattress either on its own or inside the four-bumper base. Like the other inflatable designs on our list, it’s lightweight and easy to set up—there’s a hand pump included. And it’s comfortable, too; users rave about how roomy and soft the mattress is.

Best Toddler Travel Bed for Camping

Kidco Peapod Camp Lightweight Pop Up Travel Bed

Outdoor adventurists, this one’s for you. KidCo’s pint-sized tent creates a sheltered, safe sleep space for your toddler when you’re spending the night under the stars. It weighs under three pounds so it’s easy to stash in your backpack and it sets up in seconds thanks to the pop-up design. The sun shade has built-in UV protection, so it also works as a beach tent or other sun shelter. (It’s also great for protecting your little one from bugs.) Users note that the fold can be a bit tricky to master, so you may want to practice before taking it into the great outdoors.

Best Toddler Travel Bed for Sleepovers

Funboy Pink Convertible Kids Sleepover Air Mattress

We couldn’t resist including one of the most fun toddler travel beds around. Known for their incredible and wildly creative pool floats ( golf cart , anyone?), your toddler won’t mind racing to bed in Funboy’s convertible-shaped inflatable. There’s flocking on the mattress for softness and comfort and whimsical details like a windshield, headlights and wheels to really turn up the fun factor. This air mattress works for kids ages three to about 12. The travel bed does inflate, but note the air pump is sold separately.

Do You Need a Travel Bed for a Toddler?

A toddler travel bed isn’t a must-have for some families, but it’s an item that can come in pretty handy in certain situations—especially if you’re a family who is regularly on the move. If you’re on the fence about purchasing one, here are a few reasons why you may want to add a toddler travel bed to your cart.

• The “in-between” phase. Your toddler needs a safe place to sleep when they’re away from home. Many playards and travel cribs—especially ones with raised mattresses—have weight and height maximums, usually around 30 pounds and 35 inches. A taller, heavier toddler may hit that mark by two years old. But most two-year-olds aren’t quite ready for a full-size adult bed. Many will feel intimidated by such a large sleep space or run the risk or rolling out. A toddler travel bed is the perfect solution during this period of transition.
• You’re short on space. Staying in a hotel room that only has one bed? All the bedrooms taken during the holiday celebration at the grandparents’? A toddler travel crib is a quick, easy way to add an extra sleeping space to a room or a house that doesn’t have enough beds (or space) for your family.
• You want your toddler close—but not too close. Toddlers move around a LOT during the night; sharing a bed with one can be a little bit like snuggling up next to the blades of a helicopter. If you want your own sleep space, but don’t want your toddler out of sight, a toddler travel bed is a good idea.
• They’re fun. Never underestimate anything that makes bedtime a little bit more fun. Toddlers love anything pint-sized and designed just for them. They also love to feel special and included. A portable toddler travel bed checks all of these boxes and can help your little one get a little more excited about bedtime—which can be tough to accomplish when you’re away from home.

You’ll notice a few categories of toddler travel beds when you start shopping. Choosing which type is best for you comes down to how you’ll be using the bed and personal preference.

• Inflatable travel beds are the most common type of toddler travel bed. They inflate via a hand or motorized pump, making them light and travel-friendly when deflated. (Just note that not all inflatable toddler travel beds come with a pump, and some pumps are bulky.) Some inflatable toddler beds come with built-in bumpers.
• Travel cots are folding cots that are raised off the ground. They’re commonly used in daycare or other childcare settings but can be used at home or in a hotel, too. They don’t have side rails or bumpers.
• Sleep tents , sometimes also called sleep pods or pop-up travel beds, create a breathable, enclosed sleep space over your toddler. They’re ideal for camping or if you have a tiny wanderer on your hands.

These are the features to consider when you’re trying to find the best toddler travel bed to meet your needs.

• Portability. Much like a travel crib, size and weight matter when you’re shopping for a toddler travel bed since you’ll be schlepping it around on the regular. If you plan to fly with your toddler travel bed or if you travel quite a bit, choosing a lightweight, compact bed is even more important.
• Ease of use. Be sure the toddler travel bed you choose is easy to set up and break down. Also check that it comes with all necessary parts and accessories (think pump, fitted sheet, pillow etc.) or if you have to purchase them separately.
• Ease of cleaning. Accidents happen, especially with toddlers, so be sure your toddler travel bed is easy to clean.
• Safety. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), never use an inflatable air mattress with infants and children under 15 months due to the risk of suffocation and rolling. Always be sure to follow any other safety warnings and specific usage directions associated with your toddler travel bed.

Jen LaBracio

Senior gear editor.

Jen LaBracio is Babylist’s Senior Gear Editor, a role that perfectly combines her love of all things baby gear with her love of (obsessive) research. When she’s not testing out a new high chair or pushing the latest stroller model around her neighborhood, she likes to run, spin, listen to podcasts, read and spend time at the beach. In her past life, she worked for over a decade in children’s publishing. She lives outside of Chicago with her husband and their two boys, Will and Ben.

• Family Life |

Toddler travel beds for overnight adventures

The Shrunks Toddler Travel Bed

Bloomsbury Mill Toddler Nap Mat

Bed in a Bag

Paw Patrol My First ReadyBed

Intex Kidz Travel Bed with Hand Pump

Butterfly Craze Floor Bed Cover

CloudSleeper™ Jetkids™ by STOKKE® Inflatable Kids’ Bed

High Street TV Happy Nappers

Once your child is too big for a travel cot , it's time to consider buying them a portable toddler travel bed instead. While these can also be used for sleepovers at Granny and Grandad's, they are especially useful when you're travelling with your family and you want to avoid paying for an extra room.

It can be tricky to get your little to one to go to sleep in a new place, but choosing the right bed can help with this. There are plenty of options to choose from in a range of bright colours and fun designs, including inflatable and blow-up mattresses, covers, sleeping bags and even nap beds.

Editor's Choice: • Best inflatable option: The Shrunks Toddler Travel Bed - Buy now from Amazon , £79 • Best for comfort: Bed in a Bag - Buy now from Great Little Trading Co , £92 •Best with a pump: Intex Kidz Travel Bed with Hand Pump - Buy now from Argos , £35 •Best for portability: Butterfly Craze Floor Bed Cover - Buy now from Amazon , £24.99

To help you to decide which children's travel bed would be most suited to your child, we have put together this little list. Simply pair one of these beds with a toddler pillow and they will be all set for their new adventure!

The best toddler travel beds 2024

Best inflatable option.

Featuring inflated security rails, you can be sure that your toddler won't fall onto the floor with The Shrunks Toddler Travel bed. It also has tuck features so that your child can really snuggle up. If you fancy, you can also get this in a family size that will fit two people.

One reviewer said: "We purchased this bed ahead of a week away for use by our 2 year old. The bed is a good size, deep enough so it doesn't feel like they are sleeping on the floor. I like the fact that you can tuck sheets under the mattress part in the middle. Our daughter loved the bed and slept a dream on it."

Read our The Shrunks Toddler Travel Bed review here.

• Water resistant vinyl
• Anti-squeak
• May require an American plug adaptor
• Tuck features
• Available in family size to fit two people
• Comes with carry case and electric pump

Best lightweight option

This all-in-one nap mat rolls up neatly for easy storage and travel. Featuring unicorns, fairies, rainbows and castles, it has a padded base and cover to keep your tot comfy. You'll love that it's machine washable too at 40°C, so if they have any accidents, it's easy to clean.

One reviewer said: "I bought this for my granddaughter's afternoon nap during visits. She loves the animal pattern and easy wrap over cover. This keeps her warm but doesn't restrict movement as a sleeping bag style would. The size is ideal for her to snuggle into and the small raised pillow supports her head and neck well."

• Soft cotton blend
• Simple Velcro fastening
• Not very thick
• Cute design
• Removable pillow

Best for comfort

www.gltc.co.uk

This 'Bed in a Bag' is a great travelling accessory. It has a clever roll-out mattress and packs away in an easy carry bag so that you can store and transport easily. You don't need to blow it up so it's extra efficient and far less time consuming than other options.

One reviewer said: "I am really pleased with this purchase. It is extremely well made and very comfortable." Another reviewer said: "My little one loves using this bed on holiday because it is super soft and I love it because it is quick to get ready."

• Super soft cotton cover
• Quick and easy to set up
• Not machine washable
• Easy to store in bag
• 100% cotton
• Waterproof base
• Matching sleeping bag available
• Quick to set up

Best for a budget

Available in a fun Paw Patrol design, this ReadyBed rolls right up into a handy carry bag, making it easy to carry and store. This 2 in 1 portable airbed and sleeping bag also includes a child proof safety zip and fast action deflation valve. It also has a cosy machine washable cover, a supported headrest and tumble free sides.

One reviewer said: "I bought this for my 3 year old Grandson as he loves Paw Patrol and is out growing the travel cot. He slept in it all night and it hasn’t deflated 2 weeks later!"

• Lightweight material
• Supportive headrest
• Quite small
• Fun themed design
• Includes travel bag and pump
• Easy deflation valve

Best with a pump

Suitable for children between 3-6 years old, this five-star toddler travel bed has a raised surround to keep your child from rolling off as well as a removable inner mattress for comfort. A hand/foot pump is included and the bed inflates in 300 seconds and deflates in 150 seconds.

One reviewer said: “I bought this bed a month ago for a family holiday. It was easy to inflate and it came with a pump. It looked great and felt like a real mattress. It didn’t deflate through the night and we didn’t need to top up with air for the 3-day stay. A very comfortable sleep no rolling off as the design was made for a toddler. An amazing product really happy with it.”

• Carry bag included
• Keep away from furniture as it could pop
• Inflates in 300 seconds, deflates in 150 seconds
• Hand/foot pump included
• Made from PVC
• Includes carry bag

Best for portability

Doubling up as a comfy place for your child to lounge, you'll need to stuff this cover with five standard-sized pillows, not included. Made with plush, soft fabric, it's easy to wash - just toss it in the machine and wash on a delicate cycle with cold water. It's roomy enough for adults to use although you'll need to add a blanket. 

One reviewer said: "It looks just like it does in the picture but it doesn't come with pillows. I got it for my daughter who has special needs so it's for her room with her sensor lights she absolutely loves it she's not been off it since that came definitely worth the money."

• Zippers keep everything in place
• Folds away when not in use
• Needs pillows to pad it out
• Can also be used as a comfy space for reading and relaxing during the day
• Soft fabric
• Machine washable

Best for durability

www.stokke.com

This durable TPU mattress is made of a lightweight nylon which can be easily cleaned. It's great for hot holiday's as it comes with a breathable air mesh cover fitted sheet, to help regulate your child’s body temperature for optimum comfort. It comes in an easy packing cube with intelligent double zipper design for easy transport.

One reviewer said: "I bought it for all of the upcoming travels that we have. It’s really perfect and compact, as advertised. We haven’t taken it in a carry on yet but based on how compact it is, I think it’s absolutely doable. My child is a tall for his age but he still fits with some wiggle room!"

• Breathable mesh cover
• Foldable and compact
• Some users say it may take a while to deflate
• Integrated pump
• Easy to clean
• Lightweight nylon
• Includes breathable airmesh fitted sheet

Best novelty design

A sleeping bag like no other, this Cosy Napper is made from high quality soft fluffy fleece material. Zipping all the way up, it creates a cosy cocoon for your child to snooze in. This shark design is super fun, but there's also other animals to choose from, including a seal, a cat and a unicorn.

One reviewer said: "I was expecting a really low quality given some comments but to my surprise I think this sleeping bag is really great! My little daughter is delighted, she is tall but it is the perfect size for her. The Happy Nappers bed makes a fantastic present."

• Multiple size options
• Easy to climb into
• Not the most durable design
• Great for both day and night
• Fun character designs
• Made from soft fleece
• Suitable for tall children

What to look for in a toddler travel bed

Age suitability: Toddler travel beds tend to be designed for two-year-olds and above. Children any younger than this should be in a travel cot instead.

Ease of use : Nobody wants to spend lots of time setting up a bed, especially when you've been travelling with children and it's a long day. Equally, you'll want it to be just as easy to put away again.

Size and weight: As you'll be using it for travel, the more compact and lightweight your chosen toddler travel bed is, the better. Just like a travel stroller , you want it to take up as little room as possible, especially as you'll need to store it year-round too.

Safety: Make sure the travel bed is durable and supportive of their head and neck. On another note, if you're little one is a little escape artist, you may want to bring a travel stair gate with you to keep them safe if they wonder out of bed in the middle of the night.

Comfort: This will of course depend on your child specifically but it's worth trying out the toddler travel bed before you set off. After all, you'll want to avoid complaints during your family holiday .

Where should my toddler sleep on holiday?

Your little one will be comfortable in a travel toddler bed, but if they still fit in a travel cot, and they are comfortable and safe, then it's okay for them to continue using it. Ultimately, you will know where your child is comfortable and safe. If possible, prepare your child for sleeping in a different bed, or cot, before you travel by showing them their new toddler travel bed, or even letting them have a trial night or two at home.

Emily Gilbert   is the Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby and has written for the website and previously the magazine for six years. Specialising in product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases in the parenting industry.

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The 15 Best Toddler Travel Beds in 2024

Figuring out where our children will sleep is one of the trickiest parts of planning family trips. Whether we’re booking a hotel, staying at a relative’s house, or camping, we’re always looking to create a solid night of sleep for our kids on adventures away from home. We’ve traveled with inflatable beds, bed rails, toddler tents, and travel cribs on road trips and plane trips alike.

To help you plan your next family vacation, we’ve rounded up the 15 best travel sleep solutions for toddlers in 2023, from high-end products to budget-friendly steals. While some are compact and easy to carry around, others offer more comfort and safety for active little sleepers.

Travel Sleep Solutions for Toddlers: The Top 15

From inflatable toddler beds to protective bed rails, cots, nap mats, tents, and cribs, here are the best toddler travel beds for 2023:

Inflatable toddler beds:

• High-end top pick: Enerplex Kids Inflatable Travel Bed

High-end runner-up: JetKids Cloud Sleeper

Mid-priced top pick: hiccapop inflatable toddler travel bed, mid-priced runner-up: the shrunks inflatable toddler bed, budget-friendly top pick: intex kidz travel bed with hand pump.

• Budget-friendly runner-up: Intex Cozy Kidz Inflatable Air Bed

Toddler bed rails:

Best inflatable bed rails: hiccapop inflatable bed rails, most protective bed rails: munchkin toddler safety bed rail, best budget-friendly bed rails: delta children inflatable bed rails, travel cots and floor mats:, best folding cot: joovy foocot travel cot, best budget-friendly folding cot: regalo my cot portable toddler bed, best travel nap mat: milliard toddler nap mat, pop-up tents and travel cribs:.

• Best toddler travel tent: Slumberpod

Best tent for beach naps: Babymoov Anti-UV Sun Tent

Best travel crib: guava lotus travel crib, our favorite toddler travel beds: details and specifications.

Let’s dive deeper and find out why these 15 winners made our list of the best toddler travel beds.

Inflatable toddler beds

Air mattresses and inflatable floor beds are among the most popular sleep solutions for children and adults alike. Although they can take some time to set up and occupy serious floor space, they’re comfortable, practical, and compact for traveling.

We’ve narrowed this year’s inflatable toddler beds to our favorite high-end (over $100), mid-priced ($50–100), and budget-friendly (under $50) choices:

High-end top pick: EnerPlex Kids Inflatable Travel Bed

• Approximate cost: $105
• Dimensions: 66” by 44” by 13”
• Weight: 13 pounds (including pump)
• What’s included: Air bed, backpack carrying bag, and electric pump

The Kids Inflatable Travel Bed by EnerPlex comes with a convenient travel backpack for hands-free carrying and an electric pump for speedy inflation. The wraparound safety bumper has lower walls toward the foot of the bed, protecting toddlers from rolling out while allowing them to climb in and out easily. The EnerPlex has a whopping 150-pound weight limit and is compatible with any standard fitted crib sheet.

• Approximate cost: $130
• Dimensions: 59” by 30” by 7”
• Weight: 3 pounds
• What’s included: Air bed with built-in foot pump, packing cube, and fitted sheet

At only three pounds, the Cloud Sleeper by JetKids is ideal for air travel. Its innovative packing cube compressed the entire mattress to just 15” by 11” by 4”. With low-profile side bumpers, the Cloud Sleeper is suitable for youngsters over age 3. A simple foot pump is incorporated right into the body of the mattress to reduce the need for bulky parts, and a machine-washable fitted sheet is included with purchase.

• Approximate cost: $80
• Dimensions: 62” by 39” by 12”
• Weight: 8 pounds
• What’s included: Air bed, electric pump, and travel bag

Hiccapop’s Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed comes in three fun colors and includes an extra-fast electric pump for quick setup. The 49” by 26” mattress fits a standard crib fitted sheet, and bed bumpers with extra height at the head, foot, and sides of the bed help keep toddlers from falling to the floor while asleep. Children are ready for the Hiccapop once they’re able to climb out of their crib, and will fit until they reach 49” in height.

• Approximate cost: $70
• Dimensions: 60” by 37” by 9”
• Weight: 6 pounds
• What’s included: Air bed, electric pump, repair kit, and travel bag

With a 200-pound weight limit and sturdy, water-resistant materials, the Shrunks Inflatable Toddler Bed is a great sleeping solution for children from ages 2 to 6. A small space between the attached mattress and frame allows parents to tuck a fitted crib sheet in securely, and low side bumpers keep active sleepers safe overnight.

• Approximate cost: $32
• Dimensions: 66” by 42” by 10”
• Weight: 9 pounds
• What’s included: Air bed, travel bag, and hand pump

The Intex Kidz Travel Bed (reviewed here! ) has been a safe and sturdy sleeping solution for our son for almost two years now. The included hand pump makes setup slow, but the mattress is compatible with other electric pumps for families who already have one at home. The Intex is appropriate for ages 3 to 6, and it fits a standard fitted crib sheet. The tall wraparound bumpers keep active sleepers more contained than any of the other inflatable beds on our list.

Budget-friendly runner-up: Intex Cozy Kidz Inflatable Airbed

• Approximate cost: $12
• Dimensions: 62” by 35” by 7”
• Weight: 4 pounds
• What’s included: Air bed and carry bag

The Intex Cozy Kidz Inflatable Airbed doesn’t have safety bumpers or an included pump, but its low price can’t be beat. It’s a lightweight, simple, and roomy place for children to snooze, from ages 3 to 10.

Toddler bed rails

If your toddler already has a designated bed at your destination, bed rails will help keep them safely tucked in for the night. Here are our three favorite bed rails for travel:

• Approximate cost: $55 for two rails
• Dimensions: 52” by 7” by 5” each
• Weight: 1 pound each
• What’s included: Two bed rails, removable nylon cover, and carry bag

Hiccapop’s Inflatable Bed Rails are innovative, lightweight, and space-saving. Appropriate for kids age 2 and up, they fit under the fitted sheet on any twin, full, queen, or king mattress. An attached no-slip flap with a silicone bottom lies underneath that snoozing child to keep the bumpers in place. Parents can inflate each bed rail by blowing into a valve, and they can remove and machine-wash the water-resistant nylon cover when needed.

• Approximate cost: $48 for one
• Dimensions: 36” by 18” by 3”
• What’s included: One bed rail

We use our expandable Munchkin Toddler Safety Bed Rails nightly for our son at home and fold them flat to put in the car for road trips. Although not suitable for flying, they create an extra sturdy barrier to prevent children from 2 to 5 years old from falling out of bed. Adjustable straps lie underneath the mattress and span its entire width to keep the barrier in place. We can put two rails side by side to match the length of any standard twin, full, or queen bed. The rails fold down and out of the way when not needed.

• Approximate cost: $25 for two rails
• Dimensions: 48” by 7” by 5” each
• Weight: 2 pounds each
• What’s included: Two bed rails and foot pump

The Inflatable Bed Rails by Delta Children have a grippy texture underneath to prevent them from sliding off the bed. An included foot pump makes inflation easy, and the bumpers fit under the fitted sheet on any twin, full, queen, or king mattress. Although they can’t completely stop children from falling out of bed, inflatable bumpers deliver a gentle reminder to little ones 2 and up that the edge of the bed is near.

Travel cots and floor mats

If you’re looking for a cozy spot for your toddler to sleep on the floor without dealing with the hassle of inflating an air bed, folding cots and floor mats make for convenient sleep solutions. In addition to our beloved Nugget play couch (pictured above) that doubles as a nap mat, here are some of our favorite options:

• Approximate cost: $54
• Dimensions: 48” by 25” by 10”
• Weight: 7 pounds
• What’s included: Cot and travel bag

Joovy’ s Foocot Travel Cot has no safety bumpers, but it rests low to the ground and folds down to 25” by 8” by 6” for traveling. With four bright color options and an attached storage pocket, the Foocot is great for kids up to 75 pounds or 48” tall.

• Approximate cost: $33
• Dimensions: 48” by 25” by 9”
• What’s included: Cot and fitted sheet

The My Cot Portable Toddler Bed from Regalo is perfect for indoor and outdoor use. It’s appropriate for children from 2 to 5 years old (or up to 75 pounds), and it comes with a soft fitted sheet.

• Approximate cost: $67
• Dimensions: 57” by 24” by 3”
• What’s included: Nap mat and removable cover

Milliard’s foam Toddler Nap Mat measures 19” by 24” by 9” when folded into thirds. The included bamboo cover is machine washable, and a carrying case is available for separate purchase.

Pop-up tents and travel cribs

For times when you need your child to be in a protected, enclosed area for sleep, tents and travel cribs give toddlers a safe and isolated spot to nod off peacefully.

Best toddler travel tent: Joovy Gloo Portable Kids Travel Tent

• Approximate cost: $100–160, depending on size
• Dimensions: 44” by 25” by 18 (regular size), 52” by 28” by 25” (large size)
• Weight: 4 pounds (regular size), 6 pounds (large size)
• What’s included: Tent, travel bag, and mattress pad with removable cover

The Gloo Portable Kids Travel Tent by Joovy features a quick pop-up setup and fully enclosed mesh sidewalls to protect from bugs or sand. The Gloo comes in two sizes: the regular size is suitable for toddlers from 6 months to 3 years old, while the large fits children from 6 months to 5 years old. A self-inflating mattress pad with a machine-washable cover creates a soft barrier between your little one and the floor or ground, and a fabric shade rolls down for added sun protection. If you’re looking for something more like a portable blackout curtain tent, the Slumberpod is great (read our Slumberpod review ).

• Approximate cost: $60
• Dimensions: 39” by 39” by 31”
• Weight: 2 pounds
• What’s included: Tent, carrying case, and pegs for securing into the ground

We bought the lightweight Anti-UV Sun Tent to shield our son and daughter from wind, sand, and sun when napping outdoors. Since it doesn’t come with a mattress, it’s great for soft, sandy beaches. The water-repellent tent, which has built-in UPF 50 sun protection and mesh ventilation windows, pops open automatically when removed from its case. We can zip the tent completely shut for naps or tie the mesh doors in the open position. Babymoov’s sun tent is appropriate for newborns and up.

• Approximate cost: $230
• Dimensions: 46” by 32” by 26”
• Weight: 15 pounds
• What’s included: Travel crib, backpack-style carrying bag, and folding mattress

We used Guava Family’s Lotus Travel Crib for our son from his newborn months until he grew too large for it, and now we use it for our infant daughter whenever we travel. The crib is appropriate for children from day one until age 3, or whenever toddlers can climb out of it (which, for us, was at 18 months old). The Lotus folds down to 24” by 12” by 8” and fits into the thick, durable backpack-style travel bag for hands-free carrying.

The bottom of the crib sits directly on the floor, which eliminates any specific weight limit. A zip-down door on the side allows us to lie down next to our kiddies to help them fall asleep. Guava’s travel crib is easy to unfold and set up, but disassembling it and fitting it into the carrying case is more complicated. See our complete review of the Lotus travel bassinet and crib here.

The Final Verdict: Finding the Best Toddler Travel Bed

We hope our guide helped you narrow down the search for the right sleeping solution for your little one on nights away from home. If you’re looking for an inflatable toddler mattress, we think you can’t go wrong with air beds from EnerPlex , Hiccapop , and Intex . For older toddlers who only need soft bed rails, Hiccapop’s inflatable bumpers are an excellent purchase, while the Guava travel crib is a great option for younger tots who still fit in a pack-and-play.

No matter how much you plan out your children’s sleeping spots, we know from experience to always be ready for an extra little person in our bed when we’re away, because you never know when that toddler will need some overnight snuggles.

For more of our top travel gear picks, check out our guides on the best compact strollers , best strollers that fit in the airplane overhead bin , and best baby carriers for travel .

*Some links in this post are affiliate links that support us at no extra cost to you when you purchase through them. We only recommend products we love and use ourselves. Your trust always comes first!

With a background in medicine as a licensed physician assistant, Christy is a freelance writer and mom of two young kids. As someone who loves to ski, run, and hike, she most cherishes introducing her son and daughter to the beautiful outdoors and spending time with her precious family.

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One comment.

This is a great post on a travel toddler bed. In my opinion, the Intex Cozy Kidz Inflatable Airbed is the best because it is so budget-friendly that everyone can buy it.

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Traveling With Little Kids Can Be Tough. The Right Gear Can Help.

By Kerry Davis McGuinness

Traveling with your littlest people can feel overwhelming for new and experienced parents alike. Equipping yourself with portable, practical gear can help—from making the trek to the airport gate smoother to getting a good night’s sleep in an unfamiliar space.

We polled well-traveled parents and caregivers for their must-haves when they leave home, then we compared the top choices, including favorite travel car seats, strollers, high chairs, travel cribs, blackout shades, and more.

Above all, we looked for lightweight, easy-to-use equipment that can be packed down to fit into a suitcase or toted around easily—giving you one less thing to weigh you down on your next flight or road trip.

Travel car seat

Travel crib, toddler travel bed, portable blackout shades, portable high chair, portable baby monitor, portable sound machine, kid headphones, travel stroller, on-the-go toys.

Cosco Scenera Next

Top-pick convertible car seat for travel, buying options.

Top-pick backless booster car seat for travel

One of Wirecutter’s picks for the best travel car seats , the Cosco Scenera Next is light enough (only 6.8 pounds) to chuck into a car-seat backpack and hustle through the airport, as I do every time I fly to see my in-laws. And once I arrive at a new destination, I can install it in taxis, Ubers, or the grandparents’ cars in two to three minutes. One drawback of this convertible car seat, though, is that some kids may outgrow it early because of the low position of the shoulder straps. We recommend the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 as our pick for kids who have outgrown the Scenera Next but aren’t yet ready for a harness-free booster. For those who are ready, the no-frills Cosco Rise booster seat is great for older kids who are at least 40 pounds or 43 inches tall.

Guava Lotus Travel Crib

Staff-favorite travel crib.

With a convenient travel bag that can be either carried in-hand or worn as a backpack, the 15-pound Guava Lotus Travel Crib packs a lot of versatility. We compared it with the similarly designed Chicco Alfa Lite Lightweight Travel Playard and BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light , and we liked the Guava Lotus Travel Crib the most for its portability, comfortable mattress, and large side zipper opening that allows you to nurse or cuddle your child, then roll away—making it easy to transfer a sleeping baby, especially in a strange room. Breakdown is clear enough (match stars and moons to fold up the frame), but you do have to fit it in its bag just right; it doesn’t have a lot of wiggle room.

JetKids CloudSleeper

Staff-favorite toddler travel bed.

Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed with Safety Bumpers

A cheaper (but bulkier) toddler travel bed.

The JetKids CloudSleeper inflatable travel bed efficiently packs down into an 11-by-15-inch travel cube—about the size of a thick sheet cake—and comes with a manual pump inside the bed that inflates it in a few minutes. The sides are raised higher than the middle, creating a cozy cocoon feeling that makes my 2½-year-old son feel safe. Plus, I like that it’s large enough to last until he’s 6 or 7. The downside is that it isn’t a bargain. The Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed is more affordably priced but also much bulkier packed up (roughly two basketballs side by side).

Tommee Tippee Portable Blackout Blind

Staff-favorite blackout shade.

The Sleepout Portable Blackout Curtain 2.0

For an even darker room.

If a completely darkened room helps your child go to sleep, the Tommee Tippee Sleeptime Portable Blackout Blind may be worth the packing space. One 78-by-51-inch shade—large enough for a standard-size window—folds down easily into a legal-envelope-size travel bag. We’ve found that the shade’s many suction cups stay up well, though it can be irritating to attach the tiny Velcro sections along the edges so it fits a smaller window. If an absolutely blacked-out room is essential, you may want to consider The Sleepout Portable Blackout Curtain 2.0 . It costs about five times as much, but it has cleverly designed angled suction cups that prevent any light from bleeding out the top of a window, and it stays up for days without needing to be readjusted.

Phil&teds Lobster Clip-On Highchair

Also-great high chair.

Fisher-Price Healthy Care Deluxe Booster Seat

Another also-great high chair.

Phil&teds’s foldable Lobster Clip-On Highchair can be used at home, then easily packed up into its travel case to take on a trip. One of our picks in our guide to the best high chairs , it works for babies and toddlers up to 18 months and allows a tot to sit more upright than similar clip-on seats. It also works on more tables than other clip-on chairs, with claws that can safely grip tables between 0.8 and 3.75 inches thick—a broader range than other similar seats. The 4-pound high chair is small enough to fit into a suitcase, and the fabric zips off to be washed.

We also love the Fisher-Price Healthy Care Deluxe Booster Seat , a longtime pick in our high chairs guide. It’s much less expensive than the Phil&ted high chair but also bulkier, making it more appropriate for a road trip than air travel. As of May 2024, the Deluxe seat was hard to find in stock online, but the non-Deluxe version of this same seat is also great. It lacks a tray cover but is otherwise the same seat.

VTech VM5254

Budget-pick video baby monitor.

If you want to leave a pricey monitor at home but still want to keep tabs on your child while on the road, the VTech VM5254 is an inexpensive local-video monitor (meaning it doesn’t require internet access to connect) that also comes with a convenient night-light. Another of our picks in our guide to the best baby monitor , the more versatile VTech RM7766HD , can pull double-duty at home or on the road since it can be easily set up with or without Wi-Fi—plus it comes with a night-light to save your toes in an unfamiliar room. Note that due to security concerns , we recommend connecting baby monitors to Wi-Fi networks you know and trust, and not unsecured, public networks such as those at a hotel.

YogaSleep Hushh

Staff-favorite portable sound machine.

The YogaSleep Hushh Portable Sound Machine is made by the same company that makes the YogaSleep Dohm , one of our picks for the best white noise machines . The size of a hockey puck, this compact version includes three sound options and can carry an eight-hour charge via USB, so you can hook it onto a backpack, stroller, or baby carrier for naps on the go. My family has found the Hushh machine invaluable for camping trips too. Just be wiser than me, and make sure it’s charged so it lasts overnight—or you too might see your baby’s eyes pop open at 5 a.m. once birds begin to sing.

Puro Sound Labs PuroQuiet-Plus

One of our picks for the best kids headphones , the Puro Sound Labs PuroQuiet-Plus includes active noise cancellation, making it ideal for travel and helping sensitive ears navigate noisy spaces. Kids can connect wirelessly to a device (such as a tablet ), or you can use the included cable to watch onboard movies or daisy-chain headphones together so two kids can listen to the same device. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the Onanoff BuddyPhones Explore+ , our budget pick for toddlers, is also a sturdy set of headphones with volume-limiting circuitry to protect young ears.

Uppababy Minu V2

Top pick travel stroller.

May be out of stock

Our pick for the best travel stroller , the Minu V2 , is comfortable, sturdy, and handles bumpy streets better than the competition. It’s also easy to fold one-handed, an important feature when navigating airport security lines. The stroller also includes an underseat basket that holds up to 20 pounds, a simple recline option that’s good for napping, and a handy backseat pocket for storing odds and ends. Of the travel strollers we tested, it has the easiest harness to adjust, and the most intuitive brakes. It also has a large, zip-out sun canopy and can be used—without attachments—with children as young as 3 months, and with Uppababy’s bassinet or select car seats with newborns. A kid doesn’t officially outgrow it until they reach 50 pounds. And if you’re looking for a less-expensive option for travel, the Summer 3Dlite is the best umbrella stroller . It’s not as full-featured as the Minu V2, but it’s also a quarter the price.

Melissa & Doug Water Wow On the Go Travel Activity

Staff-favorite travel toy.

We’ve been recommending the Melissa & Doug Water Wow On the Go Travel Activity as a great kid gift for years, and they’re especially well suited to travel. The pages are reusable, and the water brush adds color to the pictures. Once the page is dry, the color disappears, allowing your child to start over and rediscover the trucks or butterflies again and again.

We also love the Schleich Farm Animals 4-Piece Set for packability—and potential to keep little hands busy during travel. One of our favorite gifts for 2-year-olds , the life-like figurines can inspire stories about going to a grandparent’s house or searching for lost treasure—or something else that buys you at least 15 minutes. The trick, of course, is to wait until travel begins to unveil any new goodies (you can even wrap them to make it extra special).

This article was edited by Ellen Lee and Kalee Thompson.

Meet your guide

Kerry Davis McGuinness

Kerry Davis McGuinness is a freelance writer based in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Tech reporting has been her main beat for 10 years, but she has branched out into covering baby gear since becoming a parent, which has also made her obsessed with trying every packaged toddler snack she can find.

Mentioned above

• After testing 17 lightweight, portable car seats, we have six good options for infants, toddlers, and big kids to recommend. The Best Travel Car Seats  
• Our favorite high chair is one-fifth the price of competitors—and it’s far easier to clean and use. The Best High Chairs  
• The humble Fisher-Price high chair is easy to use and can go anywhere. Why We Love the Fisher-Price Healthy Care Deluxe Booster Seat  
• Local-video? Wi-Fi? Hybrid? Audio-only? The best baby monitor for you depends on your needs and preferences. We have picks in all four categories. The Best Baby Monitors  
• A white noise machine can mask irritating noises that make it hard to sleep or difficult to focus. The LectroFan EVO is the most effective option for the price. The Best White Noise Machine  
• Whether you need kids headphones for entertainment, school, or travel, we have recommendations—and they all limit the maximum volume to protect young ears. The Best Kids Headphones  

Further reading

How to Sleep Well (or at Least Better) While Traveling

by Christine Ryan

Our sleep and travel editors recommend gear for coping with travel-induced insomnia, vetted through hours of testing and years of personal experience.

The Gadgets We Bring on Every Trip

by Haley Perry

You don't have to be a digital nomad to travel like one. Here are a few gadgets and accessories to make travel as painless as possible.

The Best Travel Strollers

by Elise Czajkowski

After testing seven travel strollers on various trips and excursions, we’re confident that the Uppababy Minu V2 is the one to get.

The Best Underwear for Travel

by Liz Thomas

We tested 37 pairs of travel underwear and found that ExOfficio’s Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief and Patagonia Women’s Active Hipster panties are the best around.

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The Best Toddler Travel Beds for Every Trip (Tested While Traveling)

Search for the best preschool and daycare programs in your area on Paper Pinecone.

Published Date: 05/08/24

What is A Toddler Travel Bed?

What types of toddler travel beds are available, important factors to consider while buying a travel bed for your toddler., our picks for the best toddler travel beds right now, questions to ask yourself before picking a travel bed.

Traveling with kids can be a rollercoaster of an experience. While they are all excited and thrilled to see the new sights around them, they can also be cranky and overwhelmed by constant stimuli, unfamiliar places, and from being out of routine. On one hand, you cannot wait to see their faces light up at every new experience . And on the other, you dread bedtimes and tantrums as their routine goes out the window. You never know if you are going to be dealing with an adorable angel or a sleep-deprived Frankenstein. 

While there’s a lot that’s out of your control while traveling,trying to maintain a routine similar to home can help keep things calm.. Creating a comfortable place for naps and bedtime is a small thing that can l make a world of a difference on your vacation because a well rested child can be the difference between a fun day at the theme park and a total meltdown,

If you are a parent who has traveled with kids, you very well know what we are talking about. If you are a new parent, this blog holds the ultimate hack to traveling with kids like a pro! Read on to find out all about the 5 Best Travel Beds for Toddlers You'll Ever Need in 2024.

While some hotels provide excellent accommodations for children, being prepared with a toddler travel bed will help in situations when sleeping situations are less than ideal. 

This is where travel beds come into play, it is ideal for kids around the ages of one to four.

Travel beds are designed specifically to allow families traveling with kids to easily have a comfortable, safe, and compact sleeping option for their children.

As these beds are designed for toddlers who are traveling, they are lightweight, made of child-safe material, easy to set up, and compact to carry around.

“There are no seven wonders of the World in the eyes of a child. There are seven million.” - Pamela T. Chandler , Author of The Adventured Star

There are a handful of options to choose from when it comes to toddler travel beds. These are:

Folding Cots: Folding cots are lightweight and have a supportive canvas lining. They typically fold in half and have collapsable legs. They’re available in different lengths, with the 48” version generally being appropriate for kids ages 2-5. Some come with a sleeping bag or top sheet.  .  Folding cots are better suited for road trips than airline travel because while portable and light, they don’t fold down as small as other options.

Nap Mats: Nap mats can be used alone on the floor, but are often used in conjunction with folding cots or another mat. They have a thin padded bottom and typically include a built-in blanket and pillow. Nap mats roll up and are very lightweight and portable. 

Portable Cribs: Portable cribs are Ideal for infants and toddlers who sleep in cribs at home. They’re very similar to a pack-n-play , but are much lighter and often fold down to a more compact size.

Air Mattresses: Toddler-sized air mattresses are availablein a variety of sizes and many offer features, like side railings and built-in pillows.

Camping Mats: Camping mats roll up very small, are lightweight, and they’re easy to travel with. Most are inflatable but they’re much thinner than standard travel air mattresses. Many come with built-in pillows and can be used in conjunction with a folding cot. 

Child’s’s Age:

Safe sleep for babies and toddlers is imperative. If you’re traveling with an infant, only use a travel bed approved for infants. A portable crib is often your best bet. For toddlers, a factor to consider is how much they roll in their sleep. If your child tends to roll around a lot, a mattress on the ground will likely be a better pick than a travel cot. It’s also to factor in longevity. Ideally you’ll find something that works for several trips.

Sleep Habits:

While some kids can fall asleep anywhere, others need the perfect sleeping environment. Take into account how flexible your child is about sleep at home. If they need pitch dark, a travel crib plus a SlumberPod might be beneficial.

Mattress certification is more important than we would like to believe. Every mattress is designed for a different kind of sleeper, age group, weight, etc. So, make sure to read through the certifications and see that the bed you are picking up is marked as a safe travel mattress for kids. If you are opting for an inflatable mattress, it is important to ensure it is puncture-safe.

Portability and Storage:

Portability and storage are major considerations when choosing a toddler travel bed.. Storage is always limited on vacation and you want something that’s lightweight and easy to pack.

Adaptability: 

How similar is this travel bed to their regular bed? Does your toddler easily adapt to sleeping in new places? While carrying a replica of the bed from your kid’s bedroom might not be possible, you can make it more like home with a favorite  stuffed animalor blanket.

Type of Travel:

If you’re a family who hits the roads for your vacations, you’re probably able to bring along a larger and/or heavier travel bed. If you’re flying, you’ll want to stick with lighter weight, smaller items.

Number of Kids:

Traveling with one child is very different than traveling with two, three, or more. If you’ve got more than one toddler in tow, you might want to opt for a larger bed that they can sleep in together. 

RELATED CONTENT: THE BEST BABY SUN HATS

Hugbino Inflatable Toddler Bed

Best For: International travel

Weight: 6.62 pounds

Size: 63.6"L x 42.5"W inflated, sleeping surface of 30 x 52

Maximum weight: 100 pounds

My sister was getting married in London and while I was so excited for the wedding, I wasn’t excited about traveling internationally with our four-year-old and our teenager. The older one made a huge stink about having to share a bed with the little one before we even left. Beyond the complaining, I knew the time change would mean that  everyone would be overtired and cranky, so it was super important that we had a setup where everyone could sleep well. We brought along the Huganino Inflatable Toddler Bed and were very happy with our decision.

I packed this in my checked luggage along with two crib sheets and found it didn’t take up too much room. 

I unpacked it when we got there and watched the set-up videos. Some of the reviews said they had issues with air leaks so I wanted to make sure I was inflating it correctly. Note that the air pump is manual, not electric. It inflated quickly and easily and honestly, I probably could have left the pump home and just blown it up. 

The bed has two separate parts - an inner mattress that fits a standard-sized crib mattress, and an outer inflatable bumper with a bottom. It doesn’t inflate as much as some other mattresses but my 32-pound child was supported just fine. 

My daughter doesn’t sleep in pull-ups and rarely has accidents, but maybe the stress and exhaustion of travel got to her (can’t really blame her) and she wet the bed the first night. The inner mattress is washable, so we just tossed it in and hung it to dry. I was really glad that it had the separate insert and was easy to clean. 

The bumpers lost some air and had to be refilled occasionally, but honestly, they were stepped on repeatedly so I don’t think it’s a product flaw. 

Beyond that, I really liked that it’s flocked in velvet (my daughter loved running her hand up and down it). It doesn’t have that plastic-y feel that some air mattresses have. 

RELATED CONTENT: THE BEST TRAVEL STROLLERS

Why We Picked It?

Separate mattress and frame: Having a two-piece, machine washable mattress came in very handy when overnight accidents happened.

Budget Friendly: Hugbino Inflatable Toddler Bed is mid-priced bed that we liked better than several more expensive options.Product Link:  

Redcamp Extra Long Kids Cot:

Best For: Camping trips Size: L53"xW26"xH12" (unfolded) L9”xW7.5”xH29” (folded)

Weight: 11.6 pounds

Maximum weight: 220 pounds

My husband has these super fond memories of a camping trip he took when he was a kid. He says he can still smells the campfire and taste the s’mores. His mother says she can still hear my husband crying because he was scared of bears (there are no bears in England) and can still feel the mosquitoes biting her. 

As someone who prefers the spa to the campground, I was unenthusiastic when my husband pitched the idea of a camping trip (get it…he pitched the idea, like you’d pitch a tent…oh, nevermind). Anyway, I relented but I wasn’t sleeping on the ground. He may have an irrational fear of bears in England but I have a very rational fear of snakes in California. 

So we spent too much money on an oversized tent and bought camping cots and I was lucky enough to take along the Redcamp Extra Long Kids Cot for our 4-year-old.

I agreed to this camping trip, but we weren’t roughing it. We stayed at a campground where we could drive our car right up to where we camped, which was good - while this cot was great, it’s nearly 12 pounds so I wouldn’t have wanted to hike somewhere with it. 

Once we spent an hour putting up the tent and fighting (ahh, the memories), we started to “unpack” and set up our beds. The Redcamp popped open and took some strength to open, but I think that contributes to it’s sturdiness. It was honestly sturdier than the cot I had for myself. 

The canvas material was thick and supportive - it’s a cot, so you definitely don’t get the plus mattress feel, but it’s what we expected. We used it in conjunction with a sleeping bag that had a built-in pillow and our four-year-old was quite cozy. 

There’s a side pocket, which came in handy because our son likes to have a bottle of water next to his bed. 

I liked that it was longer than toddler beds and held more weight - our son can use this for several more years and it will come in handy for overnight guests as well. 

Sturdy: The Redcamp Travel Cot was definitely sturdier than my adult cot.

Convenience: Since it’s elevated, it can be used both indoors and out without worry about it getting a puncture, like with an air mattress.

Lasts Longer: The 53” length and 220 pounds weight limit means that you’ll be able to use it for several years.

Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed -

Best For: Long vacations

Size: 62"L x 39"W x 12"Th inflated, sleeping surface of 49 x 26 

Weight: 8 pounds

Maximum weight: 310 pounds

Spring break was coming up and I was so excited to take my 3-year-old daughter to Disney World for the first time. I’m a huge Disney fan and I spent months planning every detail of this trip. In addition to hitting Orland for three nights, we drove to Clearwater and spent nine nights there. With long days at Disney and then at the beach, I needed a super comfy sleep spot for my daughter - and for me. She rolls a lot in her sleep and I knew that if we shared a bed, she might sleep fine, but I wouldn’t. The only thing worse than a cranky child on vacation is a cranky mommy. 

So, I was able to bring along the hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Mattress and test it out. 

I can say without question that this is one of the sturdiest air mattresses I’ve ever seen. You can tell the material is really thick and despite it being toddler-size, it holds up to 310 pounds. I’m certain that’s because it uses .42mm vinyl - many use .28mm. That means it’s more puncture-resistant than many other brands - super important with kids. 

The mattress fit came with a travel bag, which was a bit large. And at 8 pounds it was heavier than other options. But it wasn’t too heavy for my checked luggage.

The hiccapop comes with an electric pump and it’s super important to note that this is not dual voltage so it can only be used in North America and a handful of other places. Probably not the best pick if you travel a lot internationally. The mattress inflated in under a minute and in the morning, it hadn’t deflated at all. 

I really appreciated the higher sides on this travel mattress, so my daughter didn’t end up rolling off and hitting the floor. 

The hiccapop is a quality bed. I’m guessing you can use it without the side rails if you just need the mattress. That would cut down the weight and size significantly. It fits mattress fits a standard-size crib sheet, which is convenient.

A double-layered mattress to give your baby extra comfort even while moving is a great idea. That is what Hiccapop's Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed with Safety Bumpers offers.

The inflatable mattress is easy to store, has safety bumpers to ensure that your baby doesn't roll over and hurt themselves, and is easy to inflate. 

Why We Picked Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed with Safety Bumpers?

Easy to Inflate: This mattress inflates in 30 seconds or less, making it the ideal choice for a toddler bed while traveling. 

Durable: The biggest concern when it comes to inflatable beds is that they are not durable. However, this mattress has puncture-resistant PVC vinyl and a lifetime warranty, making it ideal for travel, camping, and sleepovers. 

Milliard Toddler Folding Floor Cot -

Best For: Road trips

Size: 54” x 25” x 7” (unfolded) 25” x 15.5” x 27 (folded)  

Weight: 11 pounds

We were hitting the road and heading to my in-laws where sleeping arrangements at their condo are less-than-ideal. They have a decent-sized spare room with two twin beds and neither my husband nor I were keen on the prospect of sharing a twin bed with our three-year-old, so we tested the Millard Folding Floor Cot.

The toddler bed is big when folded - definitely not something you could bring on a flight - but for a weekend road trip it was easy to toss in the car. When it’s folded, there’s space inside to fit extras, like a stuffy, a blanket, and some clothes so while it took up a lot of space, it reduced what we had to pack in our luggage. 

The mattress is like a bed-in-a-box mattress and takes a day or two to expand when it first arrives, so make sure to unpack it all a day or two before you plan to use it. The fact that it’s not inflatable does make things easy and I liked that I didn’t have to worry about it deflating. 

At 49” x 20” the sleeping area is smaller than a standard crib mattress, but larger than a mini crib mattress, which is a bit inconvenient. I used a standard crib sheet along with grips to keep the sheet tightly in place. Because of this, it is not safe for babies and the manufacturer’s age range is 3-6, though I imagine many 6-year-olds would find it too small. 

My son found it comfy and cozy and had no trouble sleeping on it. While it’s larger than inflatable options, it’s perfect for our road trip and to have a spare bed in the house. 

Why We Picked Milliard Toddler Folding Floor Cot?

Foam Mattress: Not having to worry about inflating and deflating it makes it convenient.

Trusted Brand: Milliard is a leading brand in folding mattresses

Durable: Because it’s foam, not inflatable, there are no concerns about rips or holes.

Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib -

Best For: Traveling with Infants

Size: 45.5” x 31.5” x 25.5” unfolded, 24" x 12"  x 8” folded

Weight: 15 pounds

I was soooo stressed about traveling with my 9-month-old. We were taking her to California on vacation and she had never flown before and honestly, had never slept anywhere other than home. I was certain this was going to be a total disaster and while we had some travel hiccups, the Guava Lotus Travel Crib was a godsend. 

We arrived at the airport with so much gear - a stroller, the travel crib, a car seat, and our suitcases. I planned to gate check the stroller and car seat and carry on the travel crib. At 24” long when folded, it’s *just* a hair too big for most airlines but I was hoping with a large plane that it wouldn’t be an issue, and it wasn’t. 

Thank. Goodness.

After making it through security and arriving at the gate, they announced that we’d have a “short delay” due to a mechanical issue. That “short delay” turned into a full six hours. We had been waiting for about two hours and my daughter was getting super cranky. She desperately wanted to crawl around but there was no way I was going to let her explore the airport floor. It occurred to me that I could set up the travel crib and put her down in there. 

I popped it open in about 20 seconds and was able to put her down near the window and had a much, much happier child. And a happier mommy. 

I don’t know how they did it but this crib is somehow super sturdy and several pounds lighter than a regular pack n play with a more compact fold. 

The pad was thick and comfy and I love the lockable side zipper. My daughter slept will in it at the hotel and I was super impressed with the Guava Lotus overall. 

Beyond the convenience, as a “crunchy” mom it was super important that whatever I tested not off-gas and not contain PVC, which this doesn’t. It’s GreenGuardTM Gold Certified , which means it has low chemical emissions, is better for the environment, and better for my family. 

Why We Picked Guava Lotus Travel Crib?

Fast Setup: Setup was easy and took less than 30 seconds.

Safety: GreenGuardTM Certified and no PVC, phthalates, lead, arsenic, formaldehyde, mercury, cadmium, or flame retardants.

Carry-On Size: I had no problems using this as carry-on luggage, though it might have to be checked if you’re taking a smaller plane. 

Do I Need a Travel Bed for My Toddler?

This depends entirely on your travel frequency, your child's sleeping habits, and your budget. If you travel often, you should invest in a travel bed for your toddler, which gives them a comfortable place to rest their head at the end of the day.

Are Toddler Travel Beds Safe?

Toddler travel beds, like every other baby product, have to undergo rigorous testing and certifications. So, make sure you buy a reliable brand product with great reviews, and you can rest assured that it is safe for your baby.

Why Use a Travel Bed for Toddlers?

Besides being easy and convenient to use, a travel bed gives your child a safe space to sleep. Having a bed similar to the one they have at home is a great way to ensure young kids have a good night's sleep.

Is It Possible to Clean a Travel Bed?

Yes. Toddler travel beds come with detachable fabrics and mattresses that you can wash.

At What Age Can We Use a Travel Bed?

While most travel beds are designed for kids between the ages of 1 and 4, you can also find a few designed exclusively for newborns. But make sure to check with your pediatrician to make sure the bed you pick is right for your baby.

How Long Do Toddler Travel Beds Last?

Picking a toddler travel bed made of durable material and covered by a warranty will ensure that it lasts long enough for your baby to outgrow it.

How Much Do Travel Beds Cost?

You could find folding cots for your toddlers for as little as 20 dollars, while the price of the inflatable beds could range anything between 50 to 200 dollars. The price could depend on multiple factors like size, durability, material, extra features (like pumps for an inflatable mattress), warranty, etc.

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Home > Guide To The Best Travel Products > Best Toddler Travel Bed & Travel Cribs

Best Toddler Travel Bed & Travel Cribs

We made it easy to choose the best toddler travel bed or travel crib to keep your little one safe when traveling. Includes a comparison table.

When traveling with a child, you must know that you have covered all bases to ensure your little one is safe, secure, and comfortable on the road.

Isn’t that an understatement? A sleep-deprived child does not make the best travel companion. IsSo, helping your child sleep well is imperative to a good trip. It would help if you had a travel toddler bed or travel cot.

You could go for a travel crib or opt for a portable toddler bed (same thing, different name). These fabulous travel beds for children are a great way to get a good night’s sleep while you travel.

There are many different types of toddler travel beds, so use the guide below to find the right mattress for your child. Best Toddler Travel Bed & Travel Crib Reviews What are the best toddler travel beds?

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

BABY BJORN Travel Crib Light

Our #1 pick. we use this travel crib wherever we go .

This travel crib is from a big-name brand, but its difference is that it easily doubles as a playpen or crib, depending on the situation. The material is washable, there is a travel bed rail, and the sides are made of mesh, so you can easily see what your little darling is up to! There are no bars and no parts that come away and can cause an issue.

You can quickly move this around, as it is lightweight and collapses quickly and easily. You can rock the crib without effort, so you can lull your child to sleep when they are restless. There is a fitted sheet, which is sold separately and can add to the crib’s comfort.

The Shrunks Sleepover Travel Bed

This inflatable travel bed is ideal for those who want to save space and have a go-to extra bed option that doesn’t take a lifetime to pump up! You can use standard sheets with this bed, which tucks into the inside of the mattress, helping your child remain comfortable during their slumber. There are also security rails outside to keep them safe and prevent falls. An included pump inflates the bed very quickly, and an included repair kit, just in case. Easy to inflate and deflate, and very compact when stored away. 

Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed With Safety Bumpers

You can choose between seven different color options in this high-quality and fashionable inflatable toddler bed. This is the ideal bed for toddlers too large for regular child travel beds, and you can sleep safe (as well as them) with the safety guards that prevent your child from rolling or falling out of bed. The bed is made of high-quality vinyl, thicker than you would regularly see on an air bed, and there is a robust air valve to prevent air from leaking out. The mattress also inflates quickly and deflates even faster. You can add regular sheets to the bed to make it even more comfortable. 

Leachco BumpZZZ Travel Bed

This bed is ideal if you prefer not to inflate a bed and want something that folds away easily when not in use. Made of comfortable yet durable polyester, cotton, and foam, the bed is suitable for children over three years old and a very lightweight option for traveling with. The center is foam padded, with bumpers around the outside to prevent falls. You can also remove the cover for washing in a washing machine. 

Diggin Bear Hug My First Ready Bed

This colorful and cute inflatable bed is somewhere your child will love, and they’ll quickly nod off to sleep as a result! Quickly inflated, the bed folds into an equally cute backpack for easy storage and travel . The bed has a removable and washable cover, a pillow and duvet, and a pump to inflate quickly. It is suitable from 18 months to 3 years and has bumpers around the top section to keep your child safe and comfortable. 

BRICA Fold’ N’ Go Bassinet

You know you have a good quality product when you choose BRICA, which is a load off the mind. This fold-out toddler bed has mesh panels on either side, so you can see your baby while they sleep. Its breathable fabric prevents sweating or overheating. The frame is comfortable for your baby, is not too rigid, and is easy to fold up for travel. There is a Safe T-Lock system for locking in place, with four extra strength and stability points.

Overall, this travel crib is lightweight and easy to transport, with a carry handle, while at the same time being super-comfortable for your child.

Brands We Use And Trust

Bassinet to-go metro.

This particular travel crib, by Lilly Boo, is a flexible product and can easily be used as a playpen, crib, bassinet, or even as a changing station while also very easy to pack up and go around on your travels. The crib folds into a backpack and has a three-position canopy, which can easily be removed, featuring plush toys for keeping your little one occupied.

This crib can easily be used indoors or outdoors and is a safe and comfortable place for your baby to sleep or play. There is a detachable machine washable cotton cover. Its base is waterproof and wipes clean.

KidCo Peapod Infant Travel Bed

This is a popup style of infant travel bed with a mesh cover to stop insects from biting and shield your child from bright lights when trying to sleep. This is available in a bright yellow and black décor. This is a very sturdy travel childbed and extremely lightweight, at just 2.5lb, making it easy to fold up and store in the accompanying carry bag without adding weight to your journey.

The infant travel bed zips up at the front with a large panel opening and unzips quickly and efficiently to stop your child from getting out and roaming around.

Intex Kidz Travel Bed With Hand Pump

This Intex inflatable travel bed for toddlers has a hand pump, making it quick and easy to inflate and deflate. The plush outer comes with a removable mattress that is easy to clean. The bed is like a blow-up mattress with slightly raised sides, so it doesn’t contain a very active child, but it is undoubtedly perfect for those who settle on this type of bed, with a 52×28″ sleeping area. At just 3lb weight, this toddler air bed with sides is also super-lightweight and easy to transport around wherever you go.

Regalo My Cot Portable Bed For Kids

Available in three different colors, this toddler fold-up bed is ideal for those on a budget and is also suitable for camping and sleepovers. Made of steel fold-up bottom section with a plastic cover on the top, this bed quickly folds up and back down again, which is super-easy. The bed has a case to transport it in and a detachable fitted sheet, machine washable. This is an excellent option if you need a travel bed for toddlers and are on a budget .

Aerobed Mattress For Kids

This is an excellent travel mattress for older toddlers who settle well on an air-bed type of set-up. Made of heavy-duty PVC, this bed has 4″ safety surrounds to stop children from rolling out of bed, and it also inflates in under a minute with the included AC pump. The bed deflates in less than fifteen seconds. This toddler travel bed also comes with a fitted mattress pad, which is thick, washable, and decorated with a cute star and moon design.

The Shrunks Toddler On The Go Travel Bed

This inflatable toddler mattress has a sheet-tuck feature and fits standard-size crib sheets. You don’t have to worry about the sheets’ pinging’ off and coming loose. The bed comes with a carry bag, repair kit, and an electric pump that is very powerful and inflates the mattress in less than one minute. This is one of the biggest brands in the toddler travel bed world, giving you confidence in your purchase without spending a fortune.

Shrunks Wheeled Travel Bag

This wheeled travel bag allows you to store all your toddler travel bed belongings, such as sheets, pillows, blankets, and an electric pump. The bag handles are close together with Velcro for ease of carrying. There is also a retractable handle to pull the backpack and take it on road trips. This bag is designed to hold Shrunks products, so it is specially sized to fit their products, and these are a great range to look at.

Kid’s Floor Pillow Bed Cover

Available in four different colors, you can choose between a king or queen size for this particular travel crib. Rather than being an enclosed type of crib, this is a mattress style that you roll out and back up again for easy storage. This means that the crib will grow with your child and last for much longer as a result. The fabric is also very soft and padded, so super comfortable and suitable for sensitive skin types.

This is a very versatile inflatable toddler bed since it can also be used simply for play, perhaps when the ground is too hard and there is nowhere to sit when traveling around . You can easily clean the mattress in the washing machine  and tumble dry on low. The print is fade-resistant.

Regalo My Cot Deluxe With Sleeping Bag

This toddler’s travel bed is a fold-and-go type, with a steel bottom section that folds up easily and a canvas top with an incorporated sleeping bag. This means you don’t need to worry about packing bedding on top of everything else. This children’s travel bed is also very lightweight, so it can easily be folded up and taken on long journeys, such as camping or road trips. The bed can also be used indoors or outdoors and is very strong.

Bestway Dream Glimmers Airbed

This kids’ travel mattress has something a little different: a set of multicolored alternating lights, which lull your little one to sleep. The lights are battery-operated, blue and pink, while the bed is comfortable and plush. The bed pumps up easily and quickly, in less than one minute, and is super-lightweight for travel.

What About Newborns?

We also have some suggestions for those tiny babes. But first, why is having a newborn travel bed or crib a good idea? Whenever you travel with your newborn, they must remain in their routine as much as possible. This can go as far as sleeping on a mattress or in a crib, which isn’t familiar, and hotel cribs aren’t always up to a parent’s standards. Whenever a baby is out of routine, all hell breaks loose!

Having your travel bed or crib means that your baby can familiarize themselves with the bed, so when bedtime comes around, they’re much more likely to nod off and allow everyone to have a rested night. Also, you have peace of mind that the bed/crib is totally safe because it’s yours.

Of course, hotels have to live up to safety standards, but a concerned parent is never happy unless they know for sure – having your own equipment will give you that peace of mind.

You can also use this type of baby travel bed/crib whenever your baby is away for the evening, perhaps when they visit grandparents. Your parents might not have a crib in their home, but you can take your travel option with you, and everyone’s happy!

Scuddles 3 in 1 Portable Bassinet/Foldable Baby Bed

This 3-in-1 option is ideal because it is so flexible. It is a foldable bed and folds into a small, handy carry bag, which can easily be transported wherever you go. The 3-in-1 part is the crib itself (mattress included), a diaper bag, and a portable changing station. You’ve got everything you need.

The bed has high sides, so you don’t have to worry about your baby rolling out, and the nylon material is super-strong and durable, so it’s sure to last you the test of time. Besides, the bed is easy to clean, and the mattress pad is machine washable.

Chicco LullaGo Portable Bassinet

This portable bassinet comes from a big brand name, so you get instant peace of mind from the get-go. This is a foldable type of bed with snap-on legs to give it a sturdy feel. The fabrics are breathable, with mesh so you can see your baby sleeping, and the fabric sections are machine washable.

The mattress pad is soft and made of a brushed material, equalling a high-quality product for your baby . The legs of the bed also have anti-slip sections to hold the bed in place. The bed comes with a carry bag, so you can easily transport and store it when not in use.

Baby Delight Snuggle Nest Harmony Infant Sleeper/Baby Bed

This particular baby bed has several features that make it stand out, including the sound and light unit designed to help your baby drift off to sleep.

The bed folds out from an attractive-looking carry bag and is made of breathable fabric, with a 1.5″ molded incline wedge designed to help your baby overcome indigestion and reflux. The edges are raised far enough for your baby to be safe but aren’t made of mesh. The mattress is made of waterproof foam and has a fitted sheet that wraps around it. The bed then folds up quickly, and you can also use the bag to store small items.

Lulyboo Baby Lounger To-Go

The Lulyboo Baby Lounger To-Go is a foldable baby bed with a large canopy, toy bar, and plush toys . This will help your baby relax, cut out the light, and help them drift off to a relaxing sleep. The bed is made of cotton, nylon, and polyester and has high padded sides, with a waterproof bottom section. The mattress is made of brushed material and can be removed and machine-washed for extra cleanliness.

Once folded, the bed easily stores in a carry bag, and there is a small space to store other items, such as bottles , etc., within the pack.

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Travel Crib For Toddlers FAQ

What features to look for when buying a toddler travel bed.

There are many different types of travel beds for kids , from a toddler air mattress and portable child bed to a baby travel cot and plenty of other types of toddler travel beds. You must understand your needs before making a purchase.

You need to check the weight of the baby travel bed because if it’s too heavy, you might have issues taking it with you on planes in your hand luggage. If you’re heading off on a road trip , weight might not be the biggest issue. However, generally speaking, a lightweight bed is probably the best option if you want to be flexible with your choices.

What is the size of the kid’s travel bed? You must think about this, especially if you have a tall child!

The Maximum Weight

All toddler travel cots have a maximum weight marked, so check this out before making a purchase.

Before you make a decision, check toddler travel bed reviews for the comfort level of the portable toddler travel bed you’re looking at buying. Generally speaking, an inflatable toddler bed is more comfortable than anything sturdier. They may lack support, though, so this is something you need to think about.

Travel Bag Included?

Is there a bag included to help pack the travel cot away?

Ease Of Transportation

How small does the kids’ travel bed pack get? Do you need to deflate it, or does it fold up? How easy is the bed to move around, and how quickly can you dismantle it?

Why Do I Need A Toddler Portable Bed?

Traveling beds for toddlers are easy to fold up and take with you wherever you go, and many are even suitable to pack in your carry-on luggage, so you know that you can take your child’s bed with you with ease. Of course, having a familiar place for your child to sleep is an excellent way to help them settle much quicker without first having to check out whether your hotel has a crib in the room or trying to settle your child in an unfamiliar bed.

Benefits of a Toddler Travel Bed

• You can familiarize your child with a children’s travel bed before you start your travels, which will help them settle in much easier while you’re away.
• You don’t have to check ahead of time that the hotel has a toddler bed in the room or possibly pay extra for one (I hate paying extra)
• Portable toddler beds fold up super-small, so you can easily fit them into your carry-on luggage or the trunk of your car.

Negatives of a Toddler Travel Bed

• Toddler travel beds don’t have sides, so your child can quickly get out and roam around if they are particularly active or unsettled.
• If you opt for an inflatable toddler travel bed, you will need to inflate and deflate it whenever you move locations.
• Your child may not settle that well on this type of bed; it’s a personal issue.
• Not suitable for younger children

What Ages Are Toddler Travel Beds Suitable For?

Children aged two years and upwards are generally suitable for sleeping on a toddler travel bed. However, it would help if you also used a little common sense here. If your child is a very active child who doesn’t settle well, this type of bed may not be suitable for them at that age. You should also check the actual mattress and read the manufacturer’s instructions because they vary depending on age limits.

The general rule is 2-5 years. Most children, however, will be able to sleep in this bed for a bit longer.

How Do I Know If My Child Can Sleep On A Toddler Bed?

If your child is within the age range, the best option is to try them on a toddler bed and see if they settle. If not, you then know not to purchase one. If a friend or a family member has a toddler travel bed, borrow it for a few nights and see how it goes.

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The Best Toddler Travel Beds We've Tested on the Road and in Our Lab

Solve at least one of your toddler sleep challenges!

Our Favorites

Our testing process, our experts.

• Factors to Consider

Your Questions, Answered

Parents / Nick Kova

Traveling with toddlers isn't easy, but you can still have a wonderful time exploring new places with your family—you just need to be prepared. Toddler travel beds provide consistency and a protected sleep space, resulting in a well-rested child and a smoother trip for everyone. To help you shop for the best suited to your kid and your travel plans, we've tested dozens of travel beds , mattresses, and pack-and-plays in our lab and at home with our kids. For some parents, portable beds are must-haves to provide young children with a secure place to sleep while on vacation. “Simpler is always better, especially when thinking of traveling with toddlers . So, when it comes to a toddler travel bed, you don't need all the bells and whistles,” says Anjuli Gans , M.D., a pediatrician at the Karabots Pediatric Care Center in West Philadelphia. “There are a lot of fancy ones out there on the market, but your baby really just needs a safe and comfortable place to sleep ." 

We spent hours testing these products in the lab and our homes by assembling and disassembling them—even seeing if we could do it one-handed—and timing the whole process. We also studied the beds' features, how well they hold a toddler's weight, and how easy they are to clean. Here, we've selected the best toddler travel beds we’ve tested, and we’ll continue to test new models as they come out.

• Best Overall:   JetKids by Stokke CloudSleeper
• Best Inflatable:   Eltow Inflatable Toddler Bed
• Best With Pump:   Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed
• Best for Camping:   EnerPlex Kids Inflatable Travel Bed
• Best Pop-Up Crib:   BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light
• Best Budget:   Hugbino Inflatable Toddler Bed
• Best Crib to Fly With:   Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib
• Best for Naps:   Milliard Toddler Nap Mat
• Best Twin:   Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe Air Mattress

Best Overall: JetKids by Stokke CloudSleeper

Why we like it.

If you plan to hit the road with your little one and need a toddler travel bed that is comfortable and easy to travel with, then the JetKids by Stokke CloudSleeper Kids Inflatable Bed is our top pick for you. Designed for children ages 3 and up, this travel bed features  side bumpers  to keep your child from rolling onto the floor. There's also an air mesh cover to keep your child cool at night. 

We loved this inflatable bed's unique design, which is very easy to fill up and took us only five minutes to put together and inflate, which is great when traveling with little kids. And since it's light and comes with a small bag with handles, it's not hard to move around. The mattress also has a removable and washable cover that can be spot-cleaned and dries quickly, so your little one can get back to bed after any accidents. 

When you’re done with it, deflate the mattress, pack it back into its packing cube, and you're good to go!

But Take Note

We noticed it can sound a bit noisy when a child moves on it. Otherwise, we didn't experience any additional issues.

The Details

• Material:  Nylon
• Weight:  4.1 pounds
• Size:  59.1 x 29.5 x 6.7 inches inflated; 15 x 11 x 4 inches in travel bag
• Recommended Age/Weight Limit:  Ages 3 years and up; up to 68 pounds

Parents/Tamara Staples

Best Inflatable: Eltow Inflatable Toddler Bed

The Eltow Inflatable Toddler Bed is portable and easy to set up, and it comes at a lower price than our top pick, the Stokke. Unlike other inflatables, the Eltow toddler travel bed consists of an outer section with bumpers on two sides and a mattress that fits snugly inside the outer shell . It's not sitting directly on the floor but is at floor level.

We love that it took us just five minutes to set up and is  lightweight and portable . It comes with a high-speed pump, two patches in case of punctures, and a travel bag for storage. And thanks to a vinyl layer that protects against punctures, it's well-equipped to withstand wear and tear. Plus, it comes with a bag, so it's super portable. Unfortunately, it doesn't come with a sheet, so you'll have to pack one in your luggage. 

One flaw is that the mattress has a plastic smell that sticks around for a few hours once the mattress is removed from its packaging. (It should go away if you allow the product to air out for a day or two before use.) Assembly is straightforward, but removing the pump nozzle without losing air can be difficult when done alone, so we recommend getting a partner to help you out.

• Material:  Vinyl
• Weight:  10.21 pounds
• Size:  63 x 40 x 12 inches inflated
• Recommended Age/Weight Limit:  Up to 310 pounds

Best With Pump: Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed

The Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed is ideal for parents who want their toddler close to the ground with bumpers on all sides of the bed. A  removable mattress  rests in a higher outer shell that ensures your little one cannot roll off. It's designed for kids making that transition between cribs and big-kid beds, and it's easy to deflate and pack into its carrying bag before moving to your next destination.

Setup is relatively quick once you get the hang of detaching the electric pump, and it's easy to move around with the handles. Another plus: It comes with a patch kit. The handles are not as easy to clean as the rest of the bed, but we do appreciate that the removable mattress comes in three different colors for kids who definitely have their design preferences. It's also very durable due to its  thick vinyl material .

The mattress has a faint chemical smell at first, but it's not as eye-watering as some of the other inflatables we tested.

• Weight:  8 pounds
• Size:  62 x 39 x 12 inches inflated

Parents / Tamara Staples

Best for Camping: EnerPlex Kids Inflatable Travel Bed

This nearly puncture-proof  toddler travel bed can be used during trips or at home as a transitional bed for toddlers who are still getting used to not having crib walls. A 120-volt electric pump (and three universal nozzles) is a game changer and makes inflating the bed a breeze. We love how quickly and easily this bed can be put together: It took us five minutes to blow up both parts of the bed and attach a fitted sheet. Best of all, we didn’t even need to glance at the instructions while doing so.

In case you worry about your toddler rolling off the mattress, the EnerPlex Kids Inflatable Travel Bed has bumpers along three sides. The removable coil-beam mattress rests snugly inside the outer shell and fits a standard crib sheet. Even though the bed is bulky, it comes with a large carry bag that you can wear as a backpack, freeing your hands for luggage or a kid. We also like that the  electric pump comes with an adapter for your car , making it ideal for camping. It can be wiped down and the crib sheet can be tossed in the laundry for cleanup.

One downfall: It has a chemical smell.

• Material:  Not listed
• Weight:  11.88 pounds
• Size:  66 x 44 x 13 inches inflated
• Recommended Age/Weight Limit:  36 months and up; up to 150 pounds

Best Pop-Up Crib: BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light

The BabyBjorn Travel Crib is a great option for parents who prefer more of a crib design than an inflatable mattress. Toddlers who need more than bumpers to keep them safe in bed can benefit from this travel crib’s high mesh walls and a mattress that sits low to the floor—which means it's difficult to climb in and out of, let alone roll off of. Another advantage is that you won't need to worry about punctures, as this is not an inflatable mattress. The fabric can be wiped down quickly, and the exterior fabric can be removed from the frame and washed.

The BabyBjorn is a dream to assemble: Setup takes two minutes, and you can put a standard crib sheet on the bed without a struggle, even after attaching the mattress to the four corner safety latches. The mattress is comfortable and a  standard crib size . It is also a good pick if you need a travel bed that isn't hard on your back. It is very light, comes with a carrying case, and fits into a car trunk. However, the mattress does lie low to the ground, so picking up your child may be tough on your back if they are lying down.

The main reason this crib isn't our top pick is that it's much more expensive than most of the other products on this list, but it's a worthwhile investment if you have the room in your budget.

• Material:  Polyester
• Weight:  13 pounds
• Size:  Mattress 23.5 x 41 x 1.2 inches; assembled crib 32 x 44 x 24 inches; 19 x 23.5 x 5.5 inches in bag
• Recommended Age/Weight Limit:  0–3 years, or until your toddler can climb out of this travel crib

Parents / Jessica Juliao

Best Budget: Hugbino Inflatable Toddler Bed

The Hugbino provides a lot of the same features as other inflatable mattresses on this list, but at a lower price. The removable mattress is coated in  soft velvet flocking  to keep your little one comfortable while they snooze, and bumpers along all four sides of the outer shell keep them in bed. It's also a cinch to clean. We appreciate that the mattress can be spot-cleaned, and a sheet can go over the mattress for extra protection.

This inexpensive bed does come with an electric pump, but the setup is not as easy as with other travel beds we tested. We had to use two sets of hands to get the nozzle on before it started to deflate.

• Material : Polyvinyl chloride
• Weight:  6.63 pounds
• Size:  63.6 x 42.5 inches inflated
• Recommended Age/Weight Limit : 130 pounds

Best Crib to Fly With: Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib

This crib can’t make traveling on a plane with a toddler less challenging, but it can simplify your life when you get to your destination. We like the travel crib's packaging, which comes with  shoulder and backpack straps  that make it easy to carry around in an airport. In terms of ease of use, this travel bed only took us five minutes to set up and didn't require too much prep work to understand how to put it together. The setup process isn't as straightforward as other travel beds we tested, but it's not difficult.

An access door makes it easier to get to your little one without leaning over the side. You can use the entrance to lay them on the  padded, waterproof mattress  inside the mesh enclosure or to let them go in and out of the crib when they are awake. You can unzip the bed cover and throw it into the washer for a deep clean.

It is a tad heavy to carry for long periods of time. Also the mattress is easy enough to wipe, but the fabric around the top of the crib is so absorbent that it's tough to give it a good cleaning.

• Material:  Polyvinyl chloride
• Weight:  13 pounds, 15 pounds with bag
• Size:  Mattress 41.5 x 23.5 x 1.4 inches; crib 45.5 x 31.5 x 25.5 inches; 24 x 12 x 8 in backpack
• Recommended Age/Weight Limit:  0–3 years, or until child can climb out

Best for Naps: Milliard Toddler Nap Mat

The Milliard Toddler Nap Mat Tri Folding Mattress can be used for napping anywhere. Simply unfold it at the hotel, a relative's house, or a camping tent, and your little one is good to get their sleep on. It doesn't come with a carrying case, which may make it a pain to carry. But if your toddler spills a drink or has an accident on this mattress, the good news is that it's effortless to clean: It has a  removable bamboo cover  that can be machine-washed and a foam mattress that can be spot-cleaned. Plus, it's got a cozy, thick mattress that's comfortable for naptime.

This folding mattress doesn't require any assembly—just take it right out of the box. However, after unboxing, it takes 48 hours to reach the highest comfort level.

• Material:  Foam mattress, bamboo cover
• Weight:  8.74 pounds
• Size:  58 x 24 x 3 inches unfolded; 24 x 19 x 9 folded
• Recommended Age/Weight Limit : Not listed

Best Twin: Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe Air Mattress

The Intex Dura-Beam Standard Series Pillow Rest Raised Airbed is a good pick for families who want a larger travel bed without bumpers that’s a little higher off the floor (16.5 inches) than the toddler beds on this list. A  built-in pump  makes for easy assembly, since you just turn the panel to either inflate or deflate, and you’re done! When it needs a cleaning, just wipe down as needed. It also has a  built-in pillow rest , so you won’t have to pack an extra pillow for your kid when you travel.

The mattress comes with a duffel bag for storage and travel, but it's not the most compact, and the bag isn't as comfortable as others we tested.

• Weight:  10.16 pounds
• Size:  75 x 39 x 16.5 inches inflated
• Recommended Age/Weight Limit:  Up to 300 pounds

To find the best toddler travel beds, we tested 20 travel beds and more than 20 pack-and-plays in the Parents Testing Lab, in our own homes, and on the road. We first tried to assemble the travel beds—with one hand, if possible. After that, we noted whether we needed to use both hands or had to get another adult to help. We also timed just how long the setup took for each bed. We then tested how well the toddler travel beds hold a toddler's weight using a 25-to-30-pound sandbag.

Next, we looked at how hard it would be to clean messes on the beds, examining hard-to-reach areas and taking note of the material and what it felt like to wipe it. We tested whether we could use a standard crib sheet as well, and then we tried to disassemble the beds one-handed. After breaking them down, we considered how long it took us and how difficult it was to place the beds inside their carry bags, if bags were included. Finally, we lifted the carrying bags to assess the beds’ portability. 

In addition to lab and real-world testing, we spoke with medical experts to gather their input on how to choose a toddler travel bed. We spoke to the following experts:

• Anjuli Gans, M.D., a pediatrician at Karabots Pediatric Care Center, West Philadelphia
• Lynelle Schneeberg , PsyD, a pediatric sleep psychologist and author

Parents / Leticia Almeida

Factors to Consider in a Toddler Travel Bed

• Comfort:  As you’ve probably realized when getting a kid to sleep at home, comfort is key. Comfort for some toddlers may mean a favorite blanket, while others require a crib. Parents should consider various must-haves to make traveling easier and smoother when trekking across the country—or a few hours away—with your little one.
• Safety:  Dr. Gans recommends researching products on the  Consumer Product Safety Commission  (CPSC) website to determine their safety and ensure that they haven't been recalled. When purchasing a crib or bassinet, parents of babies should also practice the same  safe sleeping rules  they implement at home. "Every toddler travel bed has age and weight requirements, so I would definitely check those first and make sure it matches up [with your toddler's age and weight]," she explains. Then, stick to simple beds without all the added features. "The less they have, the better.” Once you've narrowed down your selection to simple beds, make sure there are no bumpers or parts that can potentially trap your child, and check corner points and sharp corners. "Corner points are sometimes a place where kids can get clothing caught or get injured, so make sure it doesn't have sharp corners," explains Dr. Gans. "And remember that pillows and blankets are still [only] recommended for toddlers age 2 and over."
• Ease of Use:  If you need a toddler travel bed that is easy to carry, quick to assemble, and doesn't require much work, then ease of use and portability must be considered when selecting a toddler travel bed. Some toddler travel beds can be assembled using one hand and only take minutes to assemble. That is very helpful if you arrive at a destination with a  sleeping or cranky tot . You may want to look for bags that allow hands-free carrying. Another consideration is whether the bed is easy to put in those bags so you don’t find yourself fighting to pack it back in when it’s time to go home. If you are in a situation where you don't have a toddler travel bed, don't worry. "If you are staying somewhere, and they allow you to request a crib, you can pull out the mattress and just lay it on the floor," Dr. Gans adds. "If it's in a safe place for your toddler, then it is perfectly fine. Make sure it is somewhere they can have adult supervision at all times and within eye view, because you may not be able to safety-proof rooms the way you can at home."

How can I keep my toddler in bed while traveling?

A pack-and-play or travel bed with inflatable bumpers (which are  not  recommended for babies, of course!) can help keep a toddler from rolling onto the floor. If your child is still sleeping in a crib at home, you will probably want to keep them in a pack-and-play or travel crib while traveling. You can also bring along some of their favorite items from home to help them want to stay in bed in a strange new place.

"The best thing to do when traveling is to bring along items from the child's home bedroom," recommends Dr. Schneeberg. "Parents can bring along the child's favorite pillow, 'bedtime buddy,' and favorite books, for example. If the child is used to a certain night-light or a  sound machine , these can be brought along as well."

Can my 2-year-old sleep in a travel cot?

Certain travel cots are appropriate for 2-year-olds, but young 2-year-olds who haven't yet  transitioned to a toddler bed  may be more comfortable and safer in more crib-like pack-and-plays or travel beds with safety rails.

Can I put my 3-year-old in a toddler cot?

Unless a manufacturer suggests otherwise (usually based on a child's weight or height), most toddler travel cots are appropriate for 3-year-olds who have already transitioned from a crib to a bed.

How much is a toddler travel bed?

A high-quality travel toddler bed will generally cost between $60 and $100, although some can be cheaper, and certain models can cost upwards of $200. Pricier travel beds often come with more accessories and features, although not every family will need extra bells and whistles.

Ambrosia V. Brody  is a California-based editor, journalist, and mother of three. She has worked as a professional journalist for more than 16 years. You can find her at the library, Starbucks, or the park with her kids when she isn't writing.

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

Help little ones (and yourself) get some shut-eye with these best-rated snug and secure travel cots, article bookmarked.

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

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

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

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

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

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How we tested travel cots

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

The best travel cots for 2024 are:

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

Graco foldlite travel cot

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

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

Erecting this cot was a joy – taking less than 30 seconds. All you need to do is unwrap the mattress, push up the sides, put the mattress in the bottom and it’s ready to go. Collapsing it is just as simple – it folds up super thin, too. We also liked the sturdy material and strong base. It’s a great price at £80 and it’s made to last.

Red Kite sleep tight travel cot

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

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

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

Mamas & Papas joie commuter travel cot change and bounce

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

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

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

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

BabyBjörn travel cot light

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

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

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

Nuna sena aire

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

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

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

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

Silver Cross slumber carbon travel cot

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

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

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

Kinderkraft lovi 3-in-1 baby crib

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

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

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

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

Bugaboo stardust travel cot

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

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

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

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

Halo flex portable bassinet

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

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

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

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

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

Fisher-Price on the go travel baby dome

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

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

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

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

ergoPouch easy sleep portable crib

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

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

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

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

Travel cot FAQs

What age is a travel cot for.

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

Can a baby sleep in a travel cot every night?

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

What to look for when buying a travel cot

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

Do travel cots need a mattress?

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

The verdict: Travel cots

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

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

Provide extra comfort by investing in the best cot mattresses

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The Best Travel Beds For Kids And Toddlers In 2023[Review]

A travel bed for kids and toddlers is a great essential to have when going on a vacation or maybe just for a sleepover at the grandparent’s house. The ideal travel bed for kids and toddlers should be lightweight, not too bulky and easy to carry.

There are plenty of options available on the market. When I did my research I realized quickly that there are a few different options of travel beds you as a parent can choose from:

• the air mattress or inflatable bed
• a foldable bed with foam inlay
• the foldable bed , a travel cot with a steel constructed frame.

Which of these options are best for you and your child depends on your needs and what kind of transport you are using.

If you are planning to take a travel bed on an airplane to use at the vacation, an inflatable travel bed for kids might be the best solution. Most of them are lightweight and should fit into your suitcase.

In fact, inflatable air mattresses seem to be the most popular choice for parents when it comes to choosing a travel bed for toddlers and preschoolers.

Related post:  The Best Travel Gears For Babies And Toddlers

At the end of this review, you’ll find a couple of options for foldable travel beds which are usually better suited for camping trips. Some people also dislike the idea of an air mattress because they can deflate due to punctures and the likes.

Price-wise, all our recommended travel beds are very similar in price and cost around $60 on average.

Without further ado, let’s have a look at our top choices of practical yet comfortable travel beds for kids and toddlers.

* Please note: all product links in this product review are affiliate links. That means, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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The Best Travel Beds For Kids And Toddlers In 2023

Inflatable travel beds, hiccapop inflatable toddler travel bed with safety bumpers.

Weight: 8 lbs Size: 62″  x 39″ x 12″ Age: 2 years (maybe even younger) up to 6 years; max. weight 310lbs

There is a lot to like about the hiccapop inflatable travel bed. Not only comes it with a lifetime warranty (!) but it is also BPA,  phthalate and lead free. This is great for parents who are looking for a safe and healthy option for their precious kids.

According to customer reviews on Amazon, hiccapop has shown great customer service and has responded quickly to any product quality related issues.

The maximum weight limit is around 300 pounds which is also much higher than similar travel beds.

Rest assured, your little darling will sleep safe and sound in this travel bed without rolling out thanks to the extra high safety bumpers.

Standard crib sheets and blankets will fit the comfortable mattress.

What Are The Pros?

The biggest pro is the lifetime warranty plus great customer service. The hiccapop travel bed inflates incredibly fast in 30 seconds and is BPA free.

It comes with a convenient storage bag, is lightweight, and safe for even under two-year-olds.

 Are They Any Cons?

If there are any product related quality issues, the lifetime warranty has got you covered.

Overall, the hiccapop air travel mattress for toddlers and kids is affordable, lightweight, and perfect to take on a vacation, camping or a sleepover. Highly recommended!

The Shrunks Travel Bed

Weight: 6.6 lbs Size: 62″ x 39″ x 12″ Age: from  2 years and older, max weight: 150 lbs

Without a doubt, the Shrunks inflatable travel bed is one of the most sold portable travel beds for kids and toddlers on Amazon. It is lightweight, comes with a storage bag, and, very important, is BPA, lead, and phthalates free. Safe and healthy sleeping guaranteed.

Speaking of guarantee, there are mixed pieces of information on Amazon regarding the product guarantee available. So I am not too sure if a two-year or lifetime warranty applies.

It is a breeze to tuck in standard crib sheets for a comfortable sleep and the bumpers will prevent your toddler from rolling off the mattress.

The Shrunks travel bed is a popular choice for parents who are looking for a safe and comfortable sleep option for their toddlers while on a vacation or a sleepover. The bed inflates quickly in around 30 seconds thanks to the powerful electric air pump.

It is not clear how the long the warranty is; a lifetime warranty would be fantastic. The Shrunks travel bed costs a little bit more than similar inflatable travel beds for toddlers.

Overall, the Shrunks portable travel bed is perfect for little kids and will make them feel comfortable on your next vacation and camping trip.

Active Era Air Mattress For Kids

The Active Era Kids Air Mattress comes with a hand-held electric pump, a repair kit, and storage bag. I do like that the bed comes with a fitted mattress cover with a moon and star design that will appeal to both girls and boys.

The bed is easy to inflate in around 60 seconds and can be stored away in the carry bag provided.

The wrap-around bumpers will prevent your child from rolling off the bed. So it is great for Toddlers but also for older children.

Pros: Many customers said that this bed doesn’t make much noise like other air beds. It also holds the air for a long time; in some cases for up to seven days! The bumper sides are perfect for keeping the little munchkins in bed.

The Active Era air mattress is lightweight and should fit into your travel luggage.

Last but not least the fitted cover is super soft, comfortable and made from 100% cotton.

Cons: It takes around 60 seconds to inflate the bed which is a bit slower than other air beds of the same size. The bed might not be suitable for camping unless you have a powerpoint for the electric pump.

Overall , the Active Era Kids Air Bed is a great choice to take on a vacation or a sleepover at Grandma’s place. It ticks all the boxes.

AeroBed Mattress for Kids

The AeroBed Mattress for kids is one of the bestsellers on Amazon with over 1500 sold items

It comes with an electric pump, a carry bag and a thick washable fitted mattress cover with a moon and star design. The bed deflates in an incredible 15 seconds and is easy to pack away. The 4-inch high surround safety cushion keeps your child safe and sound on the bed.

Pros: The mattress is very sturdy and durable. It stays inflated for a few nights. The bed inflates in under a minute and deflates, as mentioned before, in 15 seconds. The surround cushion is great to prevent your kid from rolling off.

The mattress cover will be liked by boys and girls and will keep them comfortable while sleeping.

Cons: The bed might not be suitable for camping since it comes with an electric pump. Some customers mentioned loud noises when the child moves on the bed. That could potentially disturb their sleep.

The AeroBed air mattress is a little bit heavier than similar air mattresses.

Overall , the AeroBed for kids is an excellent choice when you look for a comfortable bed that you can inflate in less than a minute and is easy to store.

Leachco BumpZZZ Travel Bed

Weight: 6lbs Size: 58″  x 39″ x 7″ Age: from 3 years and older

The Leachco BumpZZZ travel bed is the perfect solution for parents who rather prefer a foldable travel bed for their children and dislike the idea of an air pump or punctures that may occur with an inflatable bed.

The BumpZZZ features a foam pad in the center and cushioned support and side bumpers. The padding is removable which means the outer material is machine washable.

The zipper enclosure is easy to use and kids just love the comfortable padding. We do like that the bed is made in the  USA.

There is no risk of any punctures because this bed is made from foam which means it is not inflatable but foldable. It comes with a travel bag in the size of a duffel bag. The material is washable and kids and toddlers alike will feel safe and secure in this travel bed.

The BumpZZZ might be a bit bulky to take on an airplane but can be checked separately. It is more expansive than inflatable travel beds for kids. Customers also noticed that it is hard to put a sheet on to protect the material.

Overall, BumpZZZ is a great alternative for parents who do prefer foldable travel beds rather than inflatable air mattresses. No more carrying an air pump, just unpack and fold it out. Done!

The Foldable Travel Bed

Foldable Beds are ideal for camping, as an extra bed at home or for holiday homes with no additional bedding. They are easy to fold and to store away.

They might be a bit big and bulky to take on an airplane. That would be something to inquire with the airline you are going to fly with.

Regalo My Cot Portable Toddler

The Regalo Portable Toddler Bed has been a Bestseller on Amazon for a long time.  It is easy and fast to set up.

The bed is made with a durable all-steel constructed frame with a canvas bed liner. This bed is lightweight with just 6.2 pounds. It comes with a washable matching cover and a carry case.

Pros:  The newer models of this bed don’t have a middle strap. The canvas linen has got criss-cross straps. This way it is more comfortable for your child to sleep on. The bed folds together to the size of a folding chair. So I guess you could even take it on a flight as check-in luggage. There is also a limited warranty for 90 days for a piece of mind.

Cons: There is no locking mechanism to prevent the bed from collapsing.

Overall , the Regalo Portable toddler bed is great value for money. It ticks all the boxes for a lightweight and portable travel bed.

Joovy Foocot Child Cot

The Joovy Foocot travel bed is compact and easy to use. Just fold it open and lock it. Done! No air pump required, no risk of punctures. This travel bed features two storage pockets which will be handy for your toddler’s toys, a flashlight or other little items.

It comes in three colors: green, blue, and pink. The handy travel bag has shoulder straps that make for easy carrying. The Joovy Foocot features a sturdy steel frame with nylon fabric.

The fabric is not removable but can be cleaned by wiping it down with a cloth and soapy water.

Pros: The storage pockets are practical and we do like that the frame can be locked to prevent it from collapsing. The travel bed is easy to set up, lightweight, and easy to store in the carry bag.

Cons: The Joovy Foocot is a bit pricier than the Regalo Cot.

Overall, the travel bed by Joovy is a great option for camping or to take on vacation. It is a simple and functional solution for whenever you need a spare bed.

The Benefits Of A Travel Bed At A Glance

Taking a travel bed on your next vacation has a lot of advantages for you and your child.

• Your child will feel more comfortable in a new place and a foreign environment.
• You are independent of beds provided by the hotel.
• The beds are lightweight and easy to carry.
• Your child can get used to his/her new bed before you go on vacation which will make it easier for them to settle. That means you are all getting a better night’s sleep. 🙂

Are you also interested in a portable travel crib? Please read my in-depth post  My Top 5 Travel Cribs For Babies – You Don’t Want To Go Without Them .

What kind of travel bed you will choose depends on your personal preference and your needs. I feel that the foldable bed is a better option for camping unless you have a powerpoint to use the electric pump for the inflatable beds.

The air beds seem to be more comfortable to sleep on and can be used for older children since they hold a bigger weight, up to 150 pounds. That would give you a few more years of use.

No matter what you choose, the quality of the beds in this review is great and provides fantastic value for your money.

Please let me know which travel bed you would prefer and why? I’d love to hear from you!

Please be sure to check out my reviews for travel luggage for boys and girls and also what lightweight stroller you should take on your next holiday.

Are you looking for the best travel toys for your toddler? Read more here .

Have Fun and Safe Travels! Anke

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This New Travel Bed Got My Toddler Through an 18-Hour Flight

By Jessica Rach

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

I pride myself on being a minimalist packer, even with a toddler in tow . But as our first long-haul flight approached, I found myself going down a Google rabbit hole of tips and gadgets on how to help children sleep on a plane. Despite loving the idea of miniature suitcases that turn into footrests, and inflatable cushions which transform seats into beds, I wanted to avoid extra luggage and anything finicky requiring a pump or too much effort.

I was, therefore, suitably impressed when I stumbled across the Bubba Board —a sleek seat extender promising to give children a comfortable lie-flat experience for the perfect nap without extra baggage or struggle. My only reservation was that it wouldn’t fit into my hand luggage and wasn’t officially approved by airlines, much like many of these gadgets. However, user reviews suggested that it had been used on the airline I was flying with, so I decided to risk it.

The blue Bubba Board

On the (nerve-wracking) day of travel, I hooked it around my stroller handles and was impressed with how light (just under five pounds!) and flat it was—comparable to a long folder (17.7" x 14.6"). I was delighted to be waved through to the plane without problems, and I ensured my three-year-old was in a window seat so we wouldn’t be blocking anyone’s exit.

Once we had taken off, I set up the Bubba Board. The directions were simple: lay the board on the seat, insert the small ‘anchor flap’ down the gap between the rear of the seat and the backrest, extend the board until it reaches the seat in front and slide the large anchor flap into the seat pocket. Then there's an optional step to secure the shoulder strap around the tray table.

As we were in premium economy , the leg space was somewhat larger but this wasn’t a problem as the board extends to 30.7 inches. However, it did mean that the seat pocket did not align with the flap, so I secured the shoulder strap around the tray table instead, and it held up my toddler’s legs perfectly.

My son Marley was immediately taken with the board and used it to prop up the iPad and lay out his toys. I particularly liked the hygiene factor of the board covering the seat. I was thrilled when he spread out his legs and drifted off to sleep by himself.

It was relaxing all around as I didn’t have to check that he was slipping off his seat, and I was able to secure his seatbelt around him and the board, so there was no need to wake him if the seatbelt sign came on.

By some miracle, he managed 10 hours of sleep on the first 13-hour leg of our flight to Bali before going back to sleep on the final stretch. The board was an essential part of this triumph. It’s described as suitable for all ages as long as the child is able to sit up. I estimate that it will last a few more years, even if just as a footrest for older children.

Having used this for our first long haul flight—and given that it also works on trains and buses—I’m a definite convert. It will be a staple for any future voyages. I can honestly say that it was a game changer.

• Lightweight and flat
• Easy to set up
• Comfortable for toddlers
• Doesn’t fit into hand luggage
• Check with the airline before taking it on

A Sunany inflatable foot rest and travel pillow

A Koala Kloud travel footrest

A JeffDiee Inflatable footrest pillow

All listings featured on  Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller UK .

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11 Best Toddler Beds for Little Sleepyheads

Welcome to toddlerhood! It officially starts at baby’s first birthday , but few parents have the courage to replace the crib with a toddler bed that early. There’s no need to, anyway; your child may be pulling them self up with help from the rails of the crib, but they’re perfectly secure in the sleepspace they’ve always known—for now. In the months that follow, though, they may suddenly be on the verge of breaking out of it like a little ninja. This (among many other signs ) is reason to start thinking about getting a true toddler bed. Read on to learn more about getting the timing right and what to consider before you buy, plus our picks for the best toddler beds around.

When Should Kids Transition into Toddler Beds?

There’s no hard-and-fast rule as to when to switch to a toddler bed, but most families are ready anywhere between 18 months and 4 years old. To figure out if the time is right to shop for a toddler bed, you may want to ask yourself these questions: • Do you have an escape artist? If they keep launching themselves out of the crib, a toddler bed could keep your little one from getting hurt. • Is a new baby on the way? Many kids get evicted from the crib when it’s needed for a sibling, but you can frame the transition to a toddler bed as a fun step to becoming a big kid. • Does your toddler share a bedroom with an older sibling? If your toddler is the youngest and you’ve got a bigger kid who’s ready to sleep in a top bunk, it might be a good time to think about toddler bunk beds and free up some space. • Is your toddler an early riser? Are you craving more sleep? If you have a gate across the bedroom door and a totally childproofed nursery, your toddler may enjoy the freedom of getting out of bed and entertaining themself for a little while before they demand that you wake up. • Are you deep into potty training ? If your toddler is fairly well day-trained and now you’re hoping they’ll make night or morning visits to the potty on their own, transitioning to a toddler bed is definitely the right move.

What to Know Before Shopping for Toddler Beds

Before you get your HGTV on and start transforming the nursery into a big-kid room, consider the following: • Toddler bed size. “What size is a toddler bed?” is a common question. Toddler beds actually have the same footprint as cribs. That means toddler bed dimensions are roughly 31 inches by 56 inches—which means (good news!) most crib mattresses work for your toddler bed too! • Most cribs convert to toddler beds. You may need a conversion kit (sold separately), but for some models, all you need to do is remove a side. • You’re a few years away from a twin bed. If your kiddo is done with the crib but not quite ready for a twin bed, a toddler bed is the perfect transitional choice. It’ll probably fit your child until they’re about 6 years old, so you’ll get a few good years of use out of it.

Best Toddler Beds

While you may already have a certain design in mind, your toddler will too. (As you may have already noticed, toddlers are passionate people!) That’s why we’ve offered a dreamy mix of the best toddler beds to appeal to both you and your little one.

Best Toddler Bunk Beds

• Crafted with solid, knot-free wood
• All finishes are non-toxic, with low-VOC paint
• Available in five chic finishes
• Best suited for younger kids, since it has less head room on the bottom bunk than traditional bunk beds
• Bunk beds are twin size, so you won’t be able to recycle a crib mattress

Got two littles sharing a room? A toddler bunk bed could be a perfect solution, since it saves space and gets kids super excited to share. Toddlers should sleep on the bottom bunk, but a sibling who’s 6 years or older can sleep up top. This low-profile bed from Max and Lily takes our top spot for the best toddler bunk bed thanks to its relatively small size and ultra low bottom bed that makes it suitable for even the littlest toddlers. What’s more, the minimalist design helps a small space feel open.

Specs at a glance:

• Measures 81.5” H x 54.25” W x 50” L with ladder
• Bottom bunk rests two inches off the floor

Best Toddler Bed Tent

• Fits a standard size crib mattress
• Can be used as a ball pit by lifting the mattress out of the frame and filling it with balls (purchased separately)
• Mattress not included

Kids love having a toddler bed tent, and we’re all for it! After all, if your kiddo is happy and snug in an enclosed sleep space, they won’t be watching you like a hawk as you try to sneak out of the room after their bedtime story. There isn’t a toddler out there who’s not head over heels for Cocomelon. That’s why this adorable bed makes our list as the best toddler bed tent. It features all their favorite Cocomelon characters in full color, plus a tent that fits over the top half of the bed for a dash of added fun and security. Easy to assemble and move if needed, this toddler bed with a tent is sure to be a hit.

• Measures 31” H x 29.5” W x 54.5” L
• For ages 15 months and up

Best Toddler Car Bed

• Working headlights double as a nightlight and turn on with just a tap
• Comes with a one year manufacturer’s warranty against defects
• Doesn’t have a headboard
• Holds a twin-sized mattress

Another toddler hallmark? Things that go! Whether it’s a rugged four-wheeler for the backyard or a simple Matchbox car, toddlers seem to love vehicles. This hefty red truck bed makes a perfect toddler bed for boys or girls if they’re obsessed with cars. It features life-like decals and molded plastic to make it look super real, plus a drawer for extra storage.

• Measures 89" L x 58.5" W x 28.75" H

Best Toddler Travel Bed

• Many families even use their Peapod outdoors—for camping or trips to the beach—since it’s UV-protective
• Pricey for a travel bed

If you’re looking for the best toddler beds to take on the road, then KidCo’s Peapod is among the easiest travel toddler bed companions. The two-and-a-half-pound wonder is designed with lightweight mesh for optimal airflow. It also folds up into a little carrying case and pops open when you’re ready to use it.

• Measures 46” L x 28” W x 18” H
• For ages 3 months to 6 years

Best Toddler Bed With Storage

• A frame made of flexible slats provides ample mattress support and improves air circulation
• Wheeled drawer the width of the bed provides convenient storage
• FSC certified pine is sourced from well-managed forests
• Ready to ship in two weeks

Need a bit of extra storage space in your little one’s room? You’ve got it when you opt for this hand-crafted pine toddler bed, complete with a handy drawer. Lofted beds with multiple drawers underneath aren’t safe (or convenient) for young toddlers, given their height. With this pick, your kiddo will stay safely close to the floor—and will love sleeping under the playful shape of a house frame. You’ll appreciate the adorable design and the handy bottom drawer for storing clothing and toys.

• You can customize the measurements of this bed to suit your needs, up to 39.3” x 78.7”
• 64.9 inches off the ground

Best Crib-to-Toddler Bed

• Available in three beautiful finishes: washed natural, white and chestnut
• Made of sustainably sourced New Zealand pine wood and is Greenguard GOLD certified
• Full-size converter kit has to be purchased separately for $99
• You’ll need a different mattress when converting this to a full-size bed

Converting a crib to a toddler bed is a great way to save money at a time when your little one is growing so quickly! That’s why we love the Babyletto Sprout convertible toddler bed. It comes with an included toddler bed converter kit, allowing you to remove the crib wall and add a half-railing for safety. Whenever your tot is ready, you can take the toddler rail away completely, turning it into a daybed. What’s more, with the purchase of an additional converter kit, you can transform this pick into a full-sized bed—an option that will stick with your little one well into their teenage years. Talk about bang for your buck!

• Measures 55.88"L x 30.75"W x 39"H

Best Toddler Bed for Under $75

• Removable side rails means you can use this as a toddler bed or day bed
• Made of solid pinewood with a non-toxic finish
• Uses a standard crib mattress
• Some parents say it’s hard to assemble

Good news: There’s no need to spend a fortune on a cute, sturdy toddler bed. If you’re looking to save, this classic sleigh bed from DaVinci, a beloved children’s furniture brand, is one of the best toddler bed options around. It’s made of solid, sustainable New Zealand pine and sits low to the ground, so it’s easy for your tot to get in and out of on their own. It also features two removable side rails, to ensure your kiddo doesn’t roll out inadvertently. At $75, this is a serious steal!

• Measures 57.2” x 29.8” x 24.75”
• Accommodates up to 50 pounds

Best Rustic Toddler Bed

• Available in nine different finishes
• Weight limit is 50 pounds
• Some reviews indicate assembly is difficult due to screw holes not aligning properly.

No need to spend extra money if great design is your idea of what makes the best toddler beds. This beautiful rustic option is crafted from sustainable pine and looks like a grown-up bed, but smaller for your little one. With a lovely sleigh-style headboard and footboard, it’s way more sophisticated than many other toddler beds on the market, but costs about the same.

Product specs:

• 56 L x 29.1 W x 26 H inches

Best Toddler Canopy Bed

• Entire bed is color-coordinated, and the canopy and bows give your little one the full Disney experience
• Includes 90-day warranty against defects
• Not as durable as many of the wooden options on the market

If you’re shopping for a toddler bed for girls, you may have a hard time choosing among the many bow-tied offerings from Delta Children. There’s the purple-and-turquoise Disney Frozen toddler bed , sporting Elsa and the gang, as well as a classic Minnie Mouse option , in which Daisy makes an appearance too. But perhaps most popular of all is the Disney Princess canopy bed, featuring characters from Cinderella to Rapunzel.

• Measures 51” H x 23” W x 29” L

Best Toddler Day Bed

Among the more unique toddler beds on the market, this toddler day bed offers a great way to maximize space. As a bed, it has high rails on three sides, plus a removable bed rail, which makes it great for younger toddlers. But once you remove that bedrail, it easily becomes a little couch!

• Measures 54” W x 30” D x 28.8” H
• For ages 18 months to 5 years

Best Modern Toddler Bed

• Greenguard GOLD certified
• Can be assembled without the legs to make it even safer for young toddlers
• Despite its claim to be low VOC and non-toxic, some customers say the bed gives off a strong odor at first

In our opinion, Delta’s Logan toddler bed is a standout among the best toddler beds for its chic design—a perfect addition to any modern kid’s room. This solid wood bed is partly made of New Zealand pine and features a modern dark gray and natural color combination (you can also opt for a mint green/natural colorway). Despite its grown-up looks, this toddler bed accommodates a crib mattress.

• Measures 24'' H x 29'' W x 53.75'' L

Plus, more from The Bump:

When to Transition to a Toddler Bed

Best Toddler Bed Rails to Keep Your Kiddo Safe

Best Toddler Travel Beds for Safe Slumber on the Go

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The Best Toddler Beds With The Perfect Mix Of Freedom And Security

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Once your child can climb out of their crib, it’s time for a toddler bed. The best toddler beds make the transition from crib to big-kid bed seamless with a snug feel that still allows some level of the freedom growing tots crave. Our pick for the best toddler bed overall is the Pottery Barn Kids Toddler Shelter Bed because of its smooth lines, Greenguard Gold–certification and chic look.

The best toddler beds are low to the ground and offer tots a feeling of security, but with a bit of ... [+] freedom.

After researching bestsellers on the market, speaking with pediatricians and relying on our own firsthand parenting experience, we compiled this list of the best toddler beds for your child’s nursery. Some are strictly for the toddler years, while others can support your child up through their teens.

• Best Toddler Bed Overall: Pottery Barn Kids Toddler Shelter Bed
• Best Value Toddler Bed: Dream On Me Austin Toddler Day Bed
• Best Splurge Toddler Bed: West Elm Story Tent Bed With Trundle (Full)
• Best Modern Toddler Bed: Dadada Muse Toddler Bed
• Best Metal Toddler Bed: Little Seeds Monarch Hill Ivy Toddler Bed
• Best Toddler Bed For Twins: Harper Orchard House Platform Beds With Drawers
• Best Crib-To-Toddler Bed Conversion: Babyletto Hudson 3-In-1 Convertible Crib With Toddler Rail
• Best Fun Toddler Bed: Euroco Upholstered Race Car Bed
• Best Toddler Bed With Rails: Costzon 2-In-1 Convertible Toddler Bed
• Best Travel Toddler Bed: The Shrunks Inflatable Bed Rail For Toddlers

Best Toddler Bed Overall

Graceful lines serve as subtle bed rails.

Pottery Barn Kids

Pottery Barn Kids Toddler Shelter Bed

Dimensions: 31.5 x 57 x 26 inches | Weight limit: 50 pounds | Rails: Yes

• Greenguard Gold–certified
• Rails at both ends
• White-glove delivery available
• Only available in white
• Relatively pricey

The Shelter toddler bed has so many things going for it. For starters, this bed has soothing, curved lines so your little one doesn’t catch their PJs on the rail while climbing in at night. It also features rails at both ends, creating the feel of a snug cocoon. This bed is crafted from poplar wood, birch veneers, plywood and an engineered wood for a sturdy frame that can withstand toddler life. It offers a simple white finish with a child-safe lacquer that doesn’t easily chip. It’s Greenguard Gold–certified to keep your indoor air healthy. And, not that it matters to your toddler, but the Shelter looks chic and works with nearly every decor.

Best Value Toddler Bed

Basic but ideal at under $120, dream on me austin toddler day bed.

Dimensions: 54 x 30 x 29 inches | Weight limit: 50 pounds | Rails: Yes

• Rails on four sides
• Removable front rail
• JPMA-certified
• Wood may scratch easily
• Stickers may leave a sticky residue

Rails can help your toddler feel like they’re still in a crib-like setting—and prevent them from winding up on the floor in the middle of the night. The Dream On Me Austin bed has rails on all four sides, with a half safety rail on the front for your little one to climb in and out (this is removable, by the way). Made of pinewood, this bed is durable. It also includes wooden mattress rails for added support, and it’s JPMA-certified. Currently priced at well under $150, this bed is one of the biggest values out there.

Best Splurge Toddler Bed

A magical vibe they'll treasure.

West Elm Kids

West Elm Story Tent Bed With Trundle (Full)

Dimensions: 42.6 x 77.5 x 79.4 inches | Weight limit: 400 pounds | Rails: No

• Available with or without trundle
• Comes in twin and full sizes
• No included railing

If you’re open to spending a little more, West Elm’s Tent Bed gives your child a cool bed with add-ons that they can use for years. While it’s not technically a toddler bed, the Story Tent Bed has a fun design that appeals to choosy kids. It comes with the option of a twin or full frame, so your child can technically sleep on it until they go off to college. This bed comes with the option of a trundle that can be opened and used as a safety net if your child tends to roll. While the main bed doesn’t come with a rail, the trundle has an extended lip to keep kids in place. This bed is made from kiln-dried poplar wood that’s Greenguard Gold–certified and made to last. It’s made in a Fair Trade–certified factory as well. Given that this is taller than most, it’s probably best reserved for older toddlers or parents comfortable with using a temporary rail.

Best Modern Toddler Bed

Extend your style to the tot's room.

Modern Nursery

Dadada Muse Toddler Bed

Dimensions: 31.3 x 55 x 18 inches | Weight limit: 110 pounds | Rails: Yes

• Sleek style
• Rails are removable
• Headboard is short
• Railing may be too low with a high-loft mattress

Odds are high that your child doesn’t care about decor, but this toddler bed looks cool no matter your age. The Muse features dual rails to keep your child secure, along with angled legs for a mid-century modern vibe. The bed has an overall low profile, so your little one shouldn’t stress about being too high off the ground. The rails are removable, and the bed holds up to 110 pounds, so this bed could hold them right into kindergarten and beyond. It comes with a yearlong warranty and fits your crib mattress. Choose from white or gray finishes, with natural wood accents.

Best Metal Toddler Bed

That wrought-iron look in miniature, little seeds monarch hill ivy toddler bed.

Dimensions: 27 x 29.5 x 54.5 inches | Weight limit: 50 pounds | Rails: Yes

• Unique look
• Rails on both sides
• A portion of your purchase price supports monarch butterflies
• Can be creaky when child moves
• Included stickers can be hard to peel off

This sweet metal toddler bed from Little Seeds offers wrought iron–inspired classic curves, including in the footboard and headboard. We love that there are rails on either side, letting parents pick any spot within the room for bed placement instead of being limited to a particular corner or wall. It’s low and easy to climb into, too. It comes in four finishes including Grey, Gold, White and Pink.

What the reviews say: Reviewers praise this bed as both sturdy and beautiful, earning it an overall rating of 4.7 with more than 1,500 reviews on Wayfair.

Best Toddler Bed For Twins

Keep twins close, harper orchard house platform beds with drawers.

Dimensions: 69 x 77 x 76 inches | Weight limit: 250 pounds | Rails: Yes

• Ample storage
• Doubles as playhouse
• Keeps twins close
• Two people may be required for set-up
• Drawers aren’t attached to the bed

This twin-bed duo offers an ideal sleep spot for young twins not ready for separation. It takes two twin mattresses (sold separately), meaning your kids can use it long after they would have outgrown a toddler bed—and it comes with storage and playtime built into it. With an adorable mini house theme and under-bed storage for each mattress, you’re basically getting a playhouse and dresser as well. The bed is made of pinewood and manufactured wood for a sturdy feel that doesn’t shift as your kids inevitably bounce around on it. Choose between a white or gray finish.

Best Crib-To-Toddler Bed Conversion

An easier transition for all, babyletto hudson 3-in-1 convertible crib with toddler rail.

Dimensions: 35 x 30 x 54 inches | Weight limit: 50 pounds | Rails: Yes

• Conversion kit included
• Converts from crib to toddler bed to daybed
• Affordable, given potential years of use
• Finish may scratch over time
• Screw heads are not covered

The Babyletto Hudson has been a fan-favorite crib of parents —Forbes Vetted editors included—for years. With a sturdy pine frame and modern vibe, it seamlessly melds into pretty much any bedroom decor (it’s available in nine finishes) at an affordable price point. The Hudson works as both a crib with four adjustable mattress positions and a toddler bed with the help of an included toddler rail, making it ideal for kids from birth to four years. As a toddler bed, the Hudson is low to the ground, making it easy for little ones to climb in and out. It also has a generous guardrail to prevent late-night rolling onto the floor. And, once your child feels a little more confident, the guardrail can be removed to create a daybed, meaning this crib is really three beds in one. It’s also Greenguard Gold–certified for safety. My Hudson has gone from crib to toddler bed twice and still feels incredibly solid.

Best Fun Toddler Bed

A race car bed, euroco upholstered race car bed.

Dimensions: 80 x 41 x 28 inches | Weight limit: 250 pounds | Rails: Yes

• Railing around all sides
• Can be used beyond toddler years
• No pre-marked holes for assembly
• Larger than standard toddler bed

Colorful and exciting, this Euroco bed might be just the thing to keep your tot contained and draw them out of that crib. This race car–inspired pick is extra special with automotive details all around, including the headboard. The guardrails, which surround three sides, are made to look like the exterior of a car. They’re also upholstered for your child’s comfort. It’s flashy and fun, but still comes with all the ideal components of a toddler bed, including being low to the ground.

Best Toddler Bed With Rails

A crib-like option, costzon 2-in-1 convertible toddler bed.

Dimensions: 54.5 x 29 x 21.5 inches | Weight limit: 50 pounds | Rails: Yes

• Rails on all sides
• Can detach to convert into kids’ chairs
• Low to the ground
• Owners say the last two screws can be tough to secure
• You’ll need to buy a new bed in a few years

Want your child to feel like they’re basically still in their crib? The Costzon is here for it. This toddler bed is pretty much all rails, with the exception of an opening on each side that your little one can crawl through. This might make it ideal for those younger tots already hopping out of their cribs, but not truly ready for that big-kid bed feel. The bed is low to the ground, providing a feeling of safety. It comes in a brown or white finish. And—this is genius—the sleeper can be detached to form two kids’ chairs once your child graduates to a bigger bed.

Best Travel Toddler Bed

Inflate when you arrive at your destination, the shrunks inflatable bed rail for toddlers.

Dimensions: 48 x 7 x 4 inches | Weight limit: 300 pounds | Rails: Yes

• Folds up compact for storage
• Transforms most beds into toddler beds
• Deep sheets are needed to cover the bumpers
• Supplies rail for only one side

Most hotel rooms and rental homes don’t have beds specially designed for toddlers. And, if your little one has outgrown a portable crib , you need a fast and easy way to create a toddler bed on the go. The Shrunks inflatable bed rail is one of the most affordable and smallest solutions if there is some sort of bed available once you get where you’re going. This inflatable blows up to create rails with grip strips that keep your child snug and secure in bed. Shrunks has a low enough profile to slip under sheets, so they’re not obvious. They’re compatible with any size bed, so you could also use one to help transition a tot to higher twin bed. Once you’re done using it, simply deflate the bed and stash it in your suitcase.

(If you prefer to pack their whole bed, consider the Shrunks inflatable toddler mattress instead. It has slightly raised sides to keep tots from rolling out.)

The Best Fans To Keep You Cool And Comfortable

The best garage storage systems to keep clutter at bay, why trust forbes vetted.

We have a huge library of guides to and recommendations of kids and baby gear at Forbes Vetted, and are adding to it all the time.

• The author of this story, Korin Miller , and Forbes Vetted’s deputy baby and kids gear editor, Rose Gordon Sala , are both parents with multiple children. As such, they have personal experience testing a number of children’s beds and sleep setups over the years in addition to conducting thorough research during their careers.
• We consulted two pediatric medical experts to determine when to consider transitioning to a toddler bed and what features to prioritize when shopping: Douglas A. Henning, M.D ., a pediatrician at Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital; and Ashanti Woods , M.D., a pediatrician at Baltimore’s Mercy Medical Center.
• Our team regularly reviews this piece to to confirm our picks are still in stock and relevant based on the latest offerings in the kids’ furniture market. It was last revised in June 2024.

How We Chose The Best Toddler Beds

We relied on the expertise of our team and firsthand input from other parents and reviewers. We consulted with experts, compared the attributes of the most popular toddler beds and considered safety and environmental certifications.

• We tapped into our own product and brand expertise in the kid gear space combined with our years of experience parenting young children.
• We welcomed firsthand recommendations from other parents and reviews from real shoppers.
• We incorporated insights from our conversations with our experts, Henning and Woods.
• We looked at the most popular toddler beds on the market and compared aspects like features, ease of use, certifications, safety features and value, working to provide options for different budgets, preferences and lifestyles.

What To Consider In A Toddler Bed

Toddler beds might have a lot of features not available in a regular bed, like a petite size, the ability to transition from a crib (and back) and guardrails. Figuring out in advance what features are important to you—along with what price tag you’re comfortable with—is crucial.

You want something that doesn’t fall apart after a few months, especially considering a toddler’s energetic tendencies to roughhouse and jump around. Typically, wood is the go-to material. Keep an eye out for rough or sharp edges—your child and their clothing can get caught on them.

Toddler beds are typically 50 to 60 inches long, but you may also prefer to invest in a bed that accommodates a twin mattress with features of a toddler bed, like being low to the ground or having guardrails. Ultimately, this one is up to you.

Weight Limit

Many toddler beds have a weight limit of 50 pounds or so, which limits how long you can safely use them. However, if you opt for a larger twin bed, you can enjoy weight limits that are similar to those of adult-size beds, meaning your child’s twin bed can last much longer.

Safety And Health Certifications

Toddler beds must also be graded for children aged 15 months and up, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Toddler beds also have certain requirements for paint composition to ensure safety, per the CPSC.

You might also see toddler beds with a Greenguard Gold certification, which lets you know that the bed’s materials don’t give off emissions. Some also have a JPMA-certification. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association is an industry group that offers advocacy and also additional safety testing for members’ products.

Is A Twin Bed Better Than A Toddler Bed?

It depends, says Ashanti Woods , M.D., a pediatrician at Baltimore’s Mercy Medical Center. “Toddlers often appreciate a transition to a new space of any kind, regardless of [whether] it’s a toddler bed or a normal bed,” Woods says. However, “many children appreciate being in somewhat of a familiar-sized sleeping environment.” As a result, “a normal bed, if much larger than the crib mattress, may pose a threatening environment to some toddlers,” he says. In other words, the small size of a toddler bed may make the transition from crib to bed a bit easier.

What Is The Best Age For A Toddler Bed?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends transitioning your child to a toddler bed once they can climb out of her crib. And according to Douglas A. Henning, M.D ., a pediatrician at Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital, this might happen anytime from between 18 months and three years old. If your toddler is potty trained, prioritize looking for a toddler bed with a low height to make it easy for them to get in and out. That way, “a toddler can independently get out to use the potty overnight or first thing in the morning,” Woods says.

Suddenly plopping your kid into a bed without the restraints of crib rails, however, almost always presents some challenges. Woods recommends toddler beds with rails to help keep your child from rolling off the bed and ease the transition from a secure crib.

Lastly, before transitioning to a toddler bed, your child should be able to sleep on their own without any help from you or your partner, as well as have some self-soothing skills, Henning says. “A good bedtime routine should already be established in the crib before you even think of moving to a toddler bed,” he adds.

What Level Mattress Firmness Is Best For Toddlers?

A crib mattress is designed to be firm to keep a baby from sinking in and suffocating. A toddler mattress can be a little softer, but generally, a medium-firm one is a good bet. If you want to keep things consistent, you’re fine to use a mattress with the “same firmness as a crib mattress,” Woods says. Keep in mind that many crib mattresses offer the option to flip it over from the extra-firm infant side to a slightly less firm toddler side.

Make sure whichever mattress you choose fits snugly into the toddler bed frame to avoid any trapped fingers and other entrapment issues or injuries. You may also want to invest in a waterproof cover or mattress as this age group is right when potty training begins.

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Toddler Bed, 3-in-1 Floor Bed: Portable, Foldable, and Travel-Friendly-Ideal Bed

Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars.

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Storage and Mobility Options: Folding

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Not Included:

• Hanging Toy(s)
• Toddler Bed On-the-Go: Our innovative design allows for easy folding, making it the ideal travel companion. Whether you're going on a family vacation, visiting relatives, or simply need a portable solution, our toddler bed ensures your child always has a comfortable place to rest. Perfect for daycare, hotels, and Grandma's house.
• Cozy and Convenient Sleep: We've crafted our toddler bed with a durable outer material and a plush velour interior, creating a cozy and inviting sleep environment for your child. The removable and machine-washable cover ensures easy maintenance.
• Space-Saving and Ideal for Storage: Our toddler bed folds compactly, allowing for easy storage and saving valuable space in your home or when traveling. With cleverly designed compartments, you can quickly and conveniently store toys, pillows, and other essentials right within the bed. This innovative storage solution keeps everything organized and within reach, making tidying up a breeze.
• Versatile Design for Nap and Play: Not only perfect for napping but also doubles as a play area for your child. With its versatile design, your little one can nap and play anywhere with comfort and safety. It's the ultimate solution for naptime and playtime on the go
• Perfect Size: Our toddler bed measures 33" x 12" x 21" when folded and expands to a generous 57" x 33" x 6.5" when opened. The 6.5" high bumpers provide a secure sleeping area, both inside and out. With a size of 57" x 33", it offers ample space for your child to sleep and play comfortably.

About This Product

The perfect solution for on-the-go comfort. This portable and space-saving bed offers a soft and cozy surface, ensuring a comfortable sleep experience for your child. Ideal for travel, sleepovers, and creating a cozy environment anywhere they go.

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30-day return policy.

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Rated 0 out of 5 stars.

Customer Reviews

Showing 1-10 of 28 reviews

Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

This is EXACTLY what we needed. Easy to assemble, folds up not too bulky, soft but not too soft sleeping surface. Our son LOVES it. So helpful for traveling!!

It's perfect for when my grand nephews come over to visit.

So comfortable, and a lot larger than expected. I can comfortably snuggle with my 19 month old. Works great for overnight trips.

Great for the airbnb in case guests have a small child, easy to set up

Rated 4 out of 5 stars.

Daughter love it the minute it came out of the package. Very light weight, padding seems decent for a portable mattress. Definitely large enough to allow for her to grow into it. Folds up nice and easy.

It’s really perfect for a little kid who’s trying to get used to not sleeping with parents. It’s super cozy. Keeps them from rolling as well. We love it. Also bought one for our English mastiff.

Nice comfy for my toddler. He loves it

It is a little bulkier than I expected but gets the job done

Great nap bed. My 4 year old granddaughter loves it and so does and 16 month old. Highly recommend

My grandkids love it. I wish the mattress part was a little bit thicker so that they would actually fall asleep in it. It's probably perfect for a sleepover, but they won't fall asleep in it at nap time. Because they're having too much fun.

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REDCAMP Extra Long Kids Cot for Sleeping 2-7 Years, Portable Travel Toddler Cot Bed with Carry Bag, Lightweight for Outdoor Indoor Home, Pink 53''x26''

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About this item.

• ★material: 600d Oxford Fabric + 25mm Elliptical Steel Tubes
• Recommended age: 2-7years
• ★EXTRA LONG: This cot has a large L53"xW26"xH13" sleep surface.Fits for kids 2-7 years shorter than 4.5ft. Available in 3 color so your kid can pick their favorite. Designed with a convenient side bag to storage snacks, books, flashlights – whatever your kids need to be ready for bed.
• ★CONVENIENT: Our cot for kid is no assembly required. It can be easily set up or folded up within 10 seconds. With its compact fold size and the storage bag, you can take the cot to anywhere you want.
• ★BUILT TO LAST: REDCAMP kids cots for sleeping is made of durable 600D Oxford fabric and updated 25mm elliptical shape tubes. It can hold up to 220LBS.With 10 sturdy legs and anti-slip feet, the toddler bed offers best stability.
• ★ MULTIFUNCTIONAL: The portable toddler cot for sleeping is perfect for activities both indoors and outdoors, like camping, traveling, naptime, vacations, pre-school, playtime. Best for grass, indoor bedroom, living room, any places you need to sleep.
• ★ QUALITY GUARANTEE: REDCAMP offers a 365-day limited manufacturer warranty. If there is anything goes wrong with this portable toddler cot for sleeping, please contact us immediately by email. We will solve it for you within 24 hours.

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REDCAMP is a professional outdoor equipment brand. By adhering to the concept of "Focus on outdoor gears, Made for outdoor life", we strive to provide our customers with the best outdoor experience and post-sales services. Our products range from folding beds, mattresses to folding tables and chairs to meet your needs.Trust Redcamp, enjoy the nature!

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600D Oxford Fabric

Sturdy Thick Tube

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Portable kids cot bed, set up the cot in 10 seconds.

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Customers say

Customers like the quality, ease of folding, size and bag of the furniture. For example, they mention it's sturdy, long enough for a child up to 4 ft tall and comes with a pouch for storing a book or flashlight.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the cot. They mention that it is sturdy, not rickety, and strong enough to hold themselves. The thick canvas is nice and taut, and it comes with a storage bag. Overall, most are happy with the product's quality and functionality.

"Great quality, a bit steep on pricing, but made really well and sturdy. Easy to clean. Purchased a pink and a blue for grand kiddies ages 4 and 5...." Read more

"This is long enough for a child up to 4 ft tall. It is sturdy too. Not rickety . The best part is that it is non-complicated to set up & fold up...." Read more

"Perfect size. Sturdy . Needs a thin foam mattress when sleeping in it more than a couple days." Read more

"Easy to set up, take down, sturdier than other ones we tried." Read more

Customers find the furniture easy to fold and store. They also mention it's easy to take down and pack away.

" Easy to fold and deploy more comfortable for your child if you add a crib mattress which fits perfectly on the cot" Read more

"...Not rickety. The best part is that it is non-complicated to set up & fold up . No latches to secure, no sequence to follow...." Read more

"...I used them in my camper for 5 and 7 year old grandkids. Folded up easy to store too ! No storage bag!" Read more

"These cots are far more sturdy that competitors products. Easy to take down and pack away ...." Read more

Customers like the size of the furniture. For example, they mention it's long enough for a child up to 4 ft tall and sturdy.

"This is long enough for a child up to 4 ft tall. It is sturdy too. Not rickety. The best part is that it is non-complicated to set up & fold up...." Read more

" Perfect size . Sturdy. Needs a thin foam mattress when sleeping in it more than a couple days." Read more

" Perfect for our 4 year old granddaughter . We also have a 7 year old granddaughter. She is a bit taller and she would have been to big for it...." Read more

" Perfect size for a growing child ." Read more

Customers like the bag. They say it comes with a storage bag and a pouch for a book or flashlight.

"...No latches to secure, no sequence to follow. Has a nice pouch for a book or flashlight at the head of the bed." Read more

"...Folded up easy to store too! No storage bag !" Read more

"...Folds up easily, once you get the hang of it. Comes with a storage bag . Nice product." Read more

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Top 10 Strollers for Travel

Whether you're flying to grandma's or navigating Disney World, we've got strollers that will smooth your journey.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Best Overall

Bugaboo butterfly.

Summer Infant 3D Mini

Best All-Terrain

Baby jogger city tour 2.

Our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have reviewed more than 40 strollers over the course of the past five years and for this story, we pulled strollers that can fit in tiny spaces (some, in the airplane overhead) and those that rank high for ease of folding . Separately, we have a list of lightweight strollers that will help you tackle the toddler years with your sanity intact, and some of those are great for travel, too. But the travel strollers below have an additional focus on being compact and folding quickly so you can move like a travel ninja.

We called this a "first-rate folding stroller" when we named this a Good Housekeeping Family Travel Award winner. It doesn't sacrifice comfort for compactness , so expect the usual Bugaboo high-quality fabric, deep seat, real sunshade (no skimping on sun protection here!) and extendable leg rest, just in a more tiny, adorable form that's easy to take along on trips.

One tester mom of a toddler geeked out about the fold, specifically. "The button to fold it is on the handle, so you just push down and it collapses nearly instantly. Our regular stroller requires ducking down and pushing a lever," she said. "Also, the glide of the Butterfly is comparable to much larger strollers. I can push my son uphill easily, with one hand!"

The folded Butterfly stands up by itself, great if you need it to sit while you check bags or load the car. But our Lab experts note that unfolding the Butterfly takes some finesse and practice — you shake it out and lock in place before you can set your kid inside. We like the carry handle that lets you sling the folded stroller over your shoulder, as shown in the picture.

If you want this to carry a newborn in a car seat you can buy a car seat adaptor for the Butterfly. But it only works with select brands including Bugaboo, Nuna, Maxi-Cosi and Cybex.

If you're only taking one big vacation and don't plan to travel often, you might want a no-drama lightweight stroller that's priced under $100 . This little 3D Mini might cost the same as checking a piece of luggage each way, and at just 11 pounds it's easy to handle on a trip.

The basket is small — an average-size diaper bag is too big to fit down there — but there's a zippered parent console that holds two drinks. It's got a reasonable sunshade, and the seat can lean back. There's no seat padding, nor is there springy suspension for the five-inch plastic wheels. It's built for the convenience of getting toddlers and young preschoolers around flat pedestrian areas, and it does that just fine.

The 3D mini folds long, to the size of a traditional umbrella. (Get it? That's why they call this style an "umbrella stroller.") It doesn't stand up when folded — like with umbrella, you have to prop it against a wall or a car, or lay it down, say in your car's trunk, or carry it in one hand, which is made easy by its light weight.

Not only does this weigh less than 15 pounds but its molded-rubber wheels can tackle a sandy beach path. Our tester did just that, saying, "We took the risk and rolled this along a nature trail in Puerto Rico and it did great." It won't tackle deep sand, for that you'll want a beach wagon . But the City Tour 2 is smooth-rolling on plenty of terrain and of course smooth on city streets, too.

This is a comfy choice with a deep seat that reclines almost flat, a wide calf rest plus a decent sun-protective canopy. For travel, we like that this is sold with a carry bag.

The fold is easy and starts with squeezing a button on the handle. But when folded this is not as small as some others; it can stand when folded but will not fit in an airplane overhead. Use the carry bag to gate-check it at the airport. The handle sits just under 40 inches tall, making it a little low for tall parents.

If you want a Baby Jogger stroller that holds an infant car seat, the brand's newer City Mini Air can hold a Baby Jogger or Graco model. But it's about nine pounds heavier and more of a fullsize stroller than a travel option.

Colugo The Compact

Lots of the choices on our list are great for airplane trips because of their fold and compact size. But if you fly often — as in to and from grandparents four or five times a year — we like that The Compact can be carted around several ways.

It's important because toddlers hop in and out of their stroller all the time in the airport. Use the carry strap on the back to sling this over your shoulder when you're on a moving walkway, with one arm holding your kid. Or put the stroller in the included backpack-style bag so it's easy to carry your kid and wear the stroller on your back as you step onto the plane, where the stroller can fit in most overhead bins. (If the flight crew says the overheads are full, the bag makes it easy to gate-check.)

When we named this a Good Housekeeping Parenting Award winner, we called out some of the other great features: a more generous basket than most compact strollers; a parent cupholder (because caffeine ); and a rain cover in case it's pouring when you step outside. Our one issue is that this is not a choice for a newborn; your baby has to be at least 6 months old to ride in this.

Read Our Review : Is a Colugo Stroller Worth It?

If you're taking a young baby and don't want skimp on anything, this comfy, well-made compact stroller comes with a long list of amenities including a carry bag, a magnetic buckle so you can quickly snap your baby in place, plus a no-rethread harness so it's easy to adjust the shoulder-strap height as your child grows.

You can use the TRVL from birth because the seat reclines fully. You can also turn it into a Nuna travel system with the lightweight Nuna PIPA infant car seat, sold separately, without needing any extra adaptor (the car seat rests against the bumper bar).

All-wheel suspension helps this roll more like a full-size stroller. The basket can't hold as much as a few other picks on this list. But fans of the TRVL rave about the fold, which can be executed with just one hand while you hold your baby in your other arm. When folded it stays standing up on its own. Note, however, that it's just a few inches too big to fit in an airplane overhead bin, so plan to gate-check this stroller.

UPPAbaby Minu V2

Another Parenting Award winner, we've said this is "a perfect balance between a convenient compact and a sturdy full-size stroller." We think it's a great travel stroller for a toddler because of the extendable sun canopy, leatherette bumper bar you can use to hang a few toys and the lower basket that can hold up to 20 pounds . Swap the bumper bar for a snack tray , sold separately, if that will keep your toddler happier. If you're less concerned with getting something tiny and more interested in having a relatively compact stroller with all the features of a larger model, this might be your pick.

If you use this in an airport you will have to gate-check it; it won't fit in the plane's overhead. You can buy the UPPAbaby Minu carry bag separately. The Minu's small, self-standing fold means it takes up very little room in your home or hotel room. Tall parents will appreciate that the handle sits over 40 inches from the ground.

Related: UPPABaby's Vista is our best overall pick in our list of the Best Baby Strollers

Testers have loved this tiny stroller for taking trips. "The one-handed push-button fold is a notable feature — it’s a game-changer!" one told us. We put it in our most recent Family Travel Awards , where we noted it's compact enough to fit in a plane's overhead storage. The shoulder strap for easy transporting is elastic, which one tester found a little odd, saying, "It feels weird to carry a sizable object by an elastic strap," but it works!

"The Aer+ has a decent sized sun shade for being a compact stroller," another tester said. Nothing on it is huge, but that keeps it a little under 14 pounds. The price is on the high side but the brand offers a 10-year limited warranty. (You have to register your product for it to be in place.)

Chicco Liteway

Little travelers who are a bit older, age 2 and up, do well with an umbrella-style stroller like this one that gives them a place to sit when they need a break but does not cost parents much cash. Mesh sides provide airflow when you're visiting warm places and rear suspension provides a smoother ride than other, cheaper umbrella-style models.

The handle style is two grab handles versus one long bar, and because this is umbrella-style, it has a long, thin fold that has to be rested on the ground or against something. You engage the fold with your foot rather than your hand, kicking up near the basket and stepping down on a lever at the side. The seat cushion is machine washable and it comes with a parent cupholder. It's best for toddlers and older; there is no good place to attach toys for a baby nor does this take an infant car seat.

Munchkin Sparrow

It's all about the fold! The Sparrow folds into the neatest little 15" x 14" rectangle and tucks into its own carry case. Not only will it fit in an airplane overhead but we can imagine a bunch of other travel scenarios for this: tucked into a drawer in your hotel room or cruise-ship cabin, at your feet as you ride the train around Disneyland, on your shoulder while you hold your child and ride an escalator.

To get that small it has a lot of flexible joints and tiny wheels. Also, this weighs less than 13 pounds. The combination can make the Sparrow feel more rickety than others on our list. It performed well enough rolling around smooth New York City sidewalks but, especially if you have a lightweight baby inside, it bounces over cracks, bumps and curbs. Fortunately, if you're mostly steering this through airports or through a theme park, you should be good to go.

A few other notes: The handle is low (not great for tall parents) but the seat is high (so a toddler is not leg-draggingly close to the ground). The basket is tiny and blocked by two bars, so it can't hold very much, maybe just a stroller blanket and water bottle. The tiny sunshade is minimal.

Evenflo Gold Otto

If you love the idea of a self-folding stroller that collapses at the touch of a button while you're holding your baby in your arms, this model does just that and at a nice price, too. Getting in and out of vehicles is easy because the Otto, when folded, can be carried by its bumper bar. You can use an Evenflo car seat with this without any separate adaptor, and the molded-rubber wheels have suspension in the front.

There is a gap between the seat and the canopy that lets airflow in but also allows a kid to squirm around and see you, which can either be a pro or con. We noticed online reviewers writing that the wheels squeak, which we did not experience in our Lab tests but seems to be an issue during real-world use. This model comes with a parent cupholder. Note that the Otto is heavier than most of the other single strollers on our list but still weights less than 20 pounds.

Other travel strollers we recommend

Aside from our picks above, here are some other travel-ready that performed well in our tests:

Best double travel stroller: Zoe The Twin V2

• This popular compact double is frequently sold out, but worth checking on if you need to take two kids on vacay. We've called this stroller "t he best double stroller for Disney " based on testers' real-world experiences. It meets the Disney park size requirements but weighs less than 20 pounds so it's not too tough to schlep on and off transport, plus it stands up when folded so it's easy to set it down and pick it up again without having to lean the stroller on something. Each seat has a large canopy (so important for long, sunny outings!), separate reclines so either kid can lean back when needed and bumper bars for toys and to help keep preschoolers from leaping out if they spot Mickey.

Best small-space travel stroller : Babyzen YOYO2 (pictured)

• We recommend this stroller for city parents or anyone who lives in a small space because of its compact size. It travels well, too. "We took it on a trip to Australia and it was so easy to travel with," a tester told us. Folded, this 13.5-pound stroller can be worn over your shoulder with the carry strap, and it comes with its own carry bag. Buy the $180 bassinet and you can use it from birth.

Best car seat stroller combo: Doona

• Nothing else comes close to being an ideal car seat and stroller combo for travel with a baby. The Doona is an infant car seat for a vehicle, then you pop the wheels down to stroll with it. No need to travel with both a car seat and a stroller since this is a two-in-one. "Now I tell every mama that she needs this," says one tester who started traveling with her baby in the Doona at 2 months old. Because it's only for toddlers up to 35 pounds and 32 inches tall, most families outgrow it by their child's second birthday. Read our full Doona Car Seat and Stroller Review .

How we test the best travel strollers

We test both in the Good Housekeeping Institute Labs and in real-world conditions to assess how strollers work for families who are traveling.

In the past five years we've tested more than 30 strollers with an eye to what is easy for travel, looking at a dozen factors including stroller weight, ease of fold, size of stroller when folded, whether it comes with a travel bag, size of the sunshade and basket, whether the seat can recline for rest and more. We roll strollers along varied terrain and time how long it takes to assemble strollers out of the box.

What to look for when shopping for a travel stroller

You'll want to consider:

✔️ Just how tiny do you need it to fold? If you want to roll your stroller right onto the plane and throw it in the overhead bin, look for a travel stroller that promises to fit up there. The International Air Transport Association suggests that carry-on luggage not be larger than 22'' x 18'' x 10".

✔️ A carry bag makes a nice backup plan if you're flying. If your stroller is supposed to fit in the overhead but the plane is too crowded, having a carry bag lets you easily gate-check it. Plenty of families, including many of our Lab experts, just plan on using gate-check to begin with. You roll your child to the gate, wait until boarding, then fold and bag the stroller and have airline personnel put a tag on it so you can pick it up on the jet bridge when the plane lands, allowing you to stroll your child to baggage claim.

✔️ Check the Disney Park requirements , if you're going there. Unfolded, your stroller should be no larger than 31 inches wide and 52 inches long for a day at one of the parks (which means no stroller wagons ).

✔️ Pay attention to age grading. If your infant is still only a few months old, they will be potentially unsafe and uncomfortably upright in a stroller for ages 6 months+. If you'll be traveling with a newborn, look for a travel stroller that works from birth. Sometimes that means using one that can hold your infant car seat. Also, always check with your pediatrician so you know your baby's current weight and height, and read the requirements specific to your stroller to ensure it's appropriate. If you have to wait a few months to use the stroller, you can consider traveling with your infant in a baby carrier .

✔️ What happens when it folds? We like a stroller that can stand while folded, because you can set it and forget it while you deal with other travel and packing hassles. However, sometimes an umbrella fold, which is long and skinny, is nice for road trips when you have a tightly packed car. You can almost always wedge an umbrella stroller in there! Watch videos online to see how travel strollers fold down and how you are expected to carry them in their folded position.

✔️ We like a canopy. We're nuts about sun protection (see our best sunscreens for kids ) and that's why all of our picks have at least some sunshade. We do not recommend one of the ultra-cheap sling-type strollers lacking any sun visor. But not all canopies are equal: Some extend far out, some have mesh panels for ventilation and many large canopies have peekaboo windows that let you easily peer down and see how your baby is doing. Some sunshades make noise as you move them in and out and some are silent. Finally, some are made of UPF 50+ sun-blocking fabric, which is preferable.

What a travel stroller is — and is not

There are many things you will not get in a travel stroller that you would get in a big, full-size stroller. A compact travel stroller won't have a huge basket because it must fold down small. It won't have large, heavy wheels either, which means it will not roll as smoothly as a stroller with robust tires. However, if you're using the travel stroller with a 4-year-old or 5-year-old, their weight will help anchor the stroller to the ground and make it less jumpy as you push it over bumps. A travel stroller is essentially small, nimble wheels on a compact frame — something that's easy to take on vacations.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

For more than a century the experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have been dedicated to helping consumers make safe and sound choices when purchasing items for their home and family.

This list was written by contributing writer Jessica Hartshorn who has followed the juvenile-products industry for decades, most recently for American Baby magazine and Parents magazine.

Coverage of travel strollers and much other gear for little ones was overseen by former Chief Technologist & Executive Technical Director Rachel Rothman , a 15-year veteran of the Institute and mother of three kids ages 6 and younger. Both experts have tested travel strollers in the Lab and on trips with their own family, and they lean into consumer testers for additional feedback and opinions.

Jessica (she/her) is a freelance writer with several decades of experience writing lifestyle content and evaluating home and parenting products. A mom of two teens and two cats, her previous work can be seen in American Baby and Parents .

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