The best travel cots should be as light as a carry cot, safe for newborns but big enough for three-year-olds. Here are this year’s best.

As a mum of two little boys aged one and three, finding the best travel cots has become an important part of my life. We use a travel cot for our youngest child when visiting grandparents and friends and use another as a safe travel playpen for his older brother on holidays. Their benefit over a regular cot is that the travel versions are portable and lightweight. As a parenting writer, I’ve had the opportunity to try out many different types and some will make your life easier than others.

Some travel cots, for instance, are clunky to travel with but fine for leaving out as a playpen (alongside the baby bouncer) or as a semi-permanent feature in the spare room of your mum’s house. Others fold up really neatly and can be slipped in a suitcase or the back of the car on holiday. Some are obviously more comfortable than others, which affects how well the baby sleeps.

I’ve tried every variation and this is our pick of the best, but if you’re in a hurry here’s a quick look at my top five:

The best travel cots: At a glance

How to put up a travel cot

In my experience, most simply pop up from a folded position and click into place to create a safe, sturdy frame with a soft mesh-sided cot. Putting them down again takes a bit more practice. You may need to run through it with anyone else that’s going to be using your travel cot, such as a childminder or grandparent.

Once you’ve decided on your cot, there are a few things to note in order to use it safely. For guidance I asked Kate Holmes, head of support and information at safe sleep experts The Lullaby Trust. You can find Kate’s advice at the bottom of this article – but, in short, don’t add extra mattresses, loose sheets, toys or pillows to a baby’s travel cot.

How we test the best travel cots

Best travel cots - how I tested

With the help of my two sons, we tested each travel cot at home as a sleep and play space and while visiting grandparents for the weekend. We also tested on holiday in Portugal. I was looking for low weight and ease of travel, how easy they were to set up and put down again and how well my baby slept in them. The quality of fabrics and the overall design were also important considerations.

If you’re expecting a new arrival, by the way, don’t forget to read our guides to the best baby monitors, the best prams and buggies, the best sterilisers and the best baby carriers.

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The best travel cots of 2025

1. Best Buy Travel Cot: Joie Change And Bounce Travel Cot

Score: 10/10

We like: comes with everything you need on the go

We don’t like: the extra features are only useful for younger babies

£190 Buy now Price at Boots

This multi-functional travel cot is ideal if you have a newborn or young infant and want to set up a semi-permanent space for them. It’s fairly large in comparison to some of the other travel cots we tested, but is easy and straightforward to assemble and took just a few minutes.

It comes with a bassinet level for younger babies along with a changing unit that clicks on and off and a cradling seat that can also be used with a soft-toy play bar (toys included). I think this would be a good option for creating a semi-permanent space at a grandparents’ home as it does offer so much and would mean you wouldn’t need to bring lots of different baby accessories every time you visit.

However, if your baby is six months or over you probably won’t get that much use out of the extras. The main cot is a good size and both of my boys enjoyed playing with their toys in it together. Joie also features prominently in our guides to the best car seats and high chairs, so they must be doing something right.

Key specifications

  • Size: Large (88cm high x 106cm long x 75cm wide)
  • Weight: Heavy (16.7kg)
  • Age range: Birth to 3yrs/15kg
  • Assembly/disassembly: easy

2. Best Value Travel Cot: Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot

Score: 9/10

We like: well designed, safe

We don’t like: it’s not as comfy as costlier options

£35Buy now from Amazon UK
Or try this other retailer£35 | Buy now from Kiddies Kingdom

With 79 per cent five-star reviews on Amazon, Red Kite’s Sleeptight travel cot is a parent-approved budget option. Many parents have used this as an intermediary option once their baby grows out of their Moses basket but isn’t old enough to go in their larger, permanent cot. Others mention buying it to leave at the childminder’s so it can be easily put up and down as needed or taken on holiday.

You may find that the mattress is a little on the thin side and it definitely isn’t as comfy as some of the more expensive ones on this list. But be assured this is as it should be to maintain a safe ventilated sleeping area without creating any gaps at the edges.

It weighs 7 kg and is very thoughtfully designed with a padded top rail and wipe-clean soft fabrics. As it is quite lightweight, it’s only suitable for children up to 15kg and you’ll need to stop using it once your little one has the ability to climb. But for £35, this is a very good option for those early months when you need a safe space for your baby to sleep.

Key specifications

  • Size: Medium size (72cm high x 101cm long x 71cm wide)
  • Weight: Light (7kg)
  • Age range: Birth to 15kg
  • Assembly/disassembly: easy

3. Best Travel Cot for Easy Assembly: Bugaboo Stardust Travel Cot

Score: 10/10

We like: one-second assembly, neat storage bag and feels well made

We don’t like: only suitable for children up to two years old

£225 Buy now from Amazon UK
Or try these other retailers £195 | Buy now from John Lewis and Partners£195 | Buy now from Mamas & Papas

Bugaboo, the popular pram brand entered the travel cot space with the Bugaboo Stardust. It’s everything you’d expect from such a premium name and it feels like a quality product from the moment you take it out of the box. It comes in a neat Velcro-fastening travel bag and pops up on its own in a second – no assembly required. It also has a three-second fold down which you do by pushing the side buttons and slightly lifting the base with your foot. It can be folded down with the mattress still in place which makes things even easier.

It’s suitable for use from birth and comes with a newborn insert that attaches to the top of the cot and creates a cosy bassinet. As it is slightly narrow it can only be used up until the age of two, so this may not be the best option for older toddlers. It does have high sides, however, so there wouldn’t be the worry of an adventurous child climbing out of it.

The mattress also feels lightweight yet comfortable and the mesh sides allow you to see your little one at all angles. In terms of price, it is on the premium end at £225 but it does feel like a very well-made and durable product. The travel bag is also easy to carry by the top handle and a design this convenient could go with you everywhere – from weekends with friends to holidays.

Key specifications

  • Size: Large (64cm x 98cm x 85 cm)
  • Weight: Medium weight (7.58 kg)
  • Age range: Birth to 2yrs/15kg in bed; 9kg in newborn zip-up bed
  • Assembly/disassembly: easy

4. Best Travel Cot for Toddlers: Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot

Score: 9/10

We like: super-easy assemblyand ventilated mattress

We don’t like: the premium price

£200 Buy now from John Lewis and Partners
Or try these other retailers £150 | Buy now from Fenwick UK£250 | Buy now from Natural Baby Shower

I’m already a big fan of Nuna as I use their pram (the Triv) every day, so I was excited to try its latest travel cot, the Sena Aire. The cot is very easy to set up and comes ready with the newborn level installed which is the first of its kind to do so – a feature that I think will be much appreciated by tired new parents. Folding it back down again is equally effortless – you simply pull the handle in the centre of the base back up.

The main mattress base sits above floor level to avoid drafts and the mesh sides offer great visibility of your baby from multiple angles. The mattress also includes a handy zip-off design that means that you can throw it in the washing machine if there are any accidents.

Like any parent, I always worry about my baby being at the right temperature when they’re sleeping, so I appreciated the ventilated mattress that allows air to flow freely from every angle. This feature would be particularly reassuring on holiday in a hot country or a warm hotel room.

What I like most about this cot is that it comes ready to go (even the sheets are included) so if you arrived at your destination late and needed to get the kids in bed swiftly, you’d be able to do so with minimal fuss. All of this does come at a premium price of £250, but if it’s in your budget I think this is a good quality option.

Key specifications

  • Size: Large (73cm high x 103cm long x 76cm wide)
  • Weight: Quite heavy (15kg)
  • Age range: Birth to 3yrs/15kg
  • Assembly/disassembly: easy

5. Best Compact Travel Cot: Graco Foldlite Quick Folding Travel Cot

Score: 9/10

We like: super-light and small

We don’t like: perhaps too small for three-year-olds

£80Buy now from Kiddies Kingdom
Or try these other retailers£80 | Buy now from Next UK£85 | Buy now from Argos

This quick-folding travel cot from Graco pops out in seconds and is fairly small and lightweight, weighing just 6.78kg. As such, this is a great option for creating a safe space to pop your baby or toddler down at home or while travelling. It can also be partially folded and slid to the side when not in use. When you want to take it out of the house, the cot folds down even smaller so it can go into a suitcase or travel bag.

The main sleeping space isn’t the largest and older rolling babies and toddlers may find it a bit restrictive at night-time. Graco states that it’s suitable for children up to the age of three but you’ll have to use your own judgement on this. Personally, my three-year-old was far too big for it and it wouldn’t be suitable for a mobile, climbing toddler. But, as a portable, lightweight option for smaller babies and smaller homes with less storage, I think this is a great option that’s priced well at £80. Just be mindful that your baby will grow out of it quicker than some of the more expensive options.

Key specifications

  • Size: Medium size (68cm high x 119cm long x 64cm wide)
  • Weight: Light (6.78kg)
  • Age range: Birth to 3yrs/15kg
  • Assembly/disassembly: easy

6. Best Travel Cot for Easy Transportation: BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light

Score: 9/10

We like: Very easy to put up

We don’t like: Pricey for what it provides

£228.9 Buy now Price at BabyBjörn

Reviewed by Libby Galvin

This travel cot goes up in one quick motion, like a pop-up tent. You do, however, then need to insert the mattress and tie it down using the niftily-designed red attachments at each of the four corners of the cot. This is not difficult, even for me attempting it at nine months’ pregnant.

After you’ve done this, the mattress won’t lie flat until it’s weighed down with the addition of your baby or toddler – because of the way it’s kept folded in the carry case, the mattress remains slightly bowed up at either end. The mattress itself is deep and soft for a travel cot, which can often have a much less forgiving base. A fitted sheet, £28.90, is available to purchase separately.

There are no hard edges or awkward bits to worry about, the design is beautifully simple and the size is great. It’s small but tall, ensuring it will fit almost anywhere and keep a baby safely ensconced. My two-year-old fits comfortably in it and it serves its purpose well.

A small gripe: for the price, it lacks versatility. It’s not quite big enough to be used as a pack-and-play mini playpen (the trapezium shape, narrower at the top than the bottom makes it feel a little claustrophobic for a baby who’s started sitting or standing) and there is no bassinet-style insert for a smaller baby, even available to buy separately. This makes putting a sleeping baby into the cot without waking them a bit of a strain on the back.

It feels sturdy and all the fabric involved can be machine-washed, which is essential for something that’s going to spend a lot of time in a loft, car boot or aeroplane hold – and should any part of it need replacing, Babybjörn promises a 10-year warranty.

Key specifications

  • Size: Small but tall (82cm high x 112cm long x 64cm wide)
  • Weight: Light (6kg including carry bag)
  • Age range: Newborn to 3 years old
  • Assembly/disassembly: Easy

7. Best Lightweight Travel Cot: Silver Cross Slumber Travel Cot

Score: 8/10

We like: premium materials and room to play

We don’t like: you’ll need to buy extras for newborns separately

£155 Buy now Price at Silver Cross

I’m a big fan of the Silver Cross Slumber. I’ve always thought as travel cots as fairly cheap-looking plastic contraptions, but the Sleep & Go changed my opinion with its minimalist design and premium materials.

I recently took the cot on holiday with me as I wanted to have a safe play-space to pop down my newly crawling baby. It weighs only 6.25kg so we checked it into the hold at the airport along with our suitcase for no extra cost (most airlines include a travel cot within a child’s baggage allowance).

The Slumber is safe and suitable for using as a play pen and fits children up to the age of three. I was actually very surprised when my older son hopped in the cot to play with his toys and actually seemed to fit in quite nicely – which he still does whenever it’s out.

My baby also sleeps well in this cot thanks to the generously sized mattress space and he doesn’t keep banging into the sides like he has before in smaller designs. A newborn insert is included in the price, which I think is good value for such a premium product.

Key specifications

  • Size: Medium size (67cm high x 112cm long x 80cm wide)
  • Weight: Very light (6.3kg)
  • Age range: Birth to 3yrs/15kg
  • Assembly/disassembly: medium

8. Best Travel Cot for Newborns: Hauck Play N Relax

Score: 8/10

We like: very compact, with wheels for travel

We don’t like: it feels a little cheaper than other options

£99.95 Buy now Price at Boots

Hauck describes its Play N Relax Center as one of its premium models, but it is actually a great budget option for below £100. There’s lots of thoughtful detail in its design, such as the newborn level aimed to save your back in those early days (especially useful if you’ve had a C-section), changing table and utility pocket for keeping nappies and essentials close by.

There’s even a side exit aimed at keeping older toddlers entertained when they’re using it as a play area. I’m not sure how much you’d use some of these features such as the changing table but it’s a nice option if you need it. I’d personally prefer to use a mat on the floor.

It comes with an optional mattress and fitted sheet for added comfort and folds up easily with the handy side buttons. Once closed it’s very compact which is great for storage and travel – as are the attachable wheels. The soft-touch grey fabric feels nice if not a little on the cheaper side. Nevertheless, I think this is a great compact option with good longevity.

Key specifications

  • Size: Medium size (78cm high x 129cm long x 78cm wide
  • Weight: Quite light (9kg)
  • Age range: Birth to 3yrs/15kg
  • Assembly/disassembly: medium

9. Best Travel Cot Under £100: Cuggl Deluxe Superlight Travel Cot

Score: 8/10

We like: lightweight, easy to assemble, good value

We don’t like: smaller than other options

£48 Buy now from Argos

Thanks to its great value price (that falls way below £100) and lightweight, easy-to-assemble design, the Cuggl Deluxe travel cot is a popular option for parents. It can be used from birth up until three years old, but as it’s one of the smaller options in our round-up, this will all depend on the height of your toddler.

It weighs 6kg so is ideal for taking with you on holiday and can be carried easily by the handled travel bag. It’s also made from a very breathable mesh which not only keeps baby comfortable but gives you a 360-degree view of them at all times. The padded mattress also feels supportive and comfortable.

The only issue with its very lightweight size is that if it’s not placed on a carpeted floor there is the possibility of it moving slightly, but you could always put down grippers if this was a problem. Overall, this is a great budget option that doesn’t compromise on quality design.

Key specifications

  • Size: Medium (68cm high, 112cm long, 75cm wide)
  • Weight: Lightweight (6kg)
  • Age range: Birth to 3yrs
  • Assembly/disassembly: easy

10. Best Travel Cot for Versatility: Phil & Teds Traveller V5

Score: 7/10

We like: It combines co-sleeper, bassinet, toddler travel cot and mini playpen and is still lightweight

We don’t like: It’s a faff to put up

£199.99 Buy now from Kiddies Kingdom
Or try this other retailer£229.95 | Buy now from Natural Baby Shower

Reviewed by Libby Galvin

The Phil & Teds Traveller is a co-sleeper cot, bassinet, toddler’s travel cot and mini playpen all in one bag – and at the same price as some travel cots that just offer the most basic application.

It also packs down into a cylindrical carry bag rather than a briefcase style, meaning you can sling it over your shoulder to transport. It takes up less storage space overall than many other travel cot models on the market. It’s the lightest I’ve seen, too, at just 5kg for the full set and you don’t have to cart the whole thing around with you once you’ve finished with the ‘baby’ attachments.

The only downside is that it doesn’t “pop up” as more basic travel cots do. Depending on how much time and patience you have for assembly, this can be rather a significant downside. When my husband and I set to assembling it at 10pm on a Friday night, it took 20 minutes to get it together. This would easily be five minutes the second time around, but the instructions weren’t great and we were tired.

It’s also worth noting that the self-inflating, two-part mattress takes 30 minutes to inflate – not ideal if you’ve arrived somewhere late at night and want to get a cot ready quickly.

If you don’t need all the four functions this model offers, there are much easier to use options available, but if you know you’ll find all the functions useful, it’s worth the effort.

Key specifications

  • Size: Medium size at its largest (63cm high x 130cm long x 77cm wide as bedside bassinet)
  • Weight: Very light (from 3.5kg as cot set to 5kg as complete set)
  • Age range: Newborn to 4 years old
  • Assembly/disassembly: Moderate

Travel cot FAQs

Can you use a travel cot as a playpen?

Yes, and I’ve done so many times. But make sure that the manufacturer’s guidance states that it’s suitable. A number of the travel cots in our round-up are, so I’ve also tested them with this in mind.

Does a travel cot need a mattress?

“Travel cot mattresses are often thinner and harder than a regular cot mattress,” says Kate Holmes of safe sleep experts The Lullaby Trust, “but this is completely normal and you shouldn’t place folded blankets or a quilt under your baby to try to make them more comfortable. This can cause your baby to overheat.

“Travel cots are designed to be used with their original mattress and adding a second mattress or changing it could affect the stability of the cot or create a gap between the mesh sides and the base of the cot. You should always follow the advice that comes with the travel cot you are using.”

Are travel cots safe?

Travel cots are safe if you also follow safer-sleep guidelines, such as those recommended by The Lullaby Trust. That means placing the baby in a clear, flat cot on their back and removing any soft toys or pillows from the crib.

“The mattress needs to be firm, flat and protected by a waterproof cover,” Kate adds. “Make sure the travel cot has a rigid frame and base and that it meets all the relevant safety standards. Travel cots shouldn’t be placed against a radiator, in direct sunlight or within reach of blind cords and other hazards.”

You’ll also need a lightweight sheet to go over the mattress, but make sure this is fitted and there’s no loose fabric that baby could pull over their face.

What age can a child sleep in a travel cot?

Children can sleep in a travel cot from birth up until about three years old, but it is always best to check the manufacturer’s guidance. Kate advises that if your baby is too young to use a particular travel cot, a bassinet or carry-cot is a good portable sleep space alternative.

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