Are you a new parent who’s looking for the best way to travel with your baby?
A travel cot is a great way to make sure your baby has a comfortable place to sleep while you’re on the road. But with so many different options available, it can be tough to figure out which one is right for you.
That’s why we wrote this guide – to help you choose the perfect travel cot for your little one. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about size, weight, portability and more. Plus, we’ll recommend some of our favorite cots on the market today.
Read our guide now and find the perfect travel cot for your family!
What are travel cots and what do they look like?
A travel cot is a portable bed that can be used for babies and young children. They are usually made from lightweight materials, such as aluminum or plastic, and they can be folded up for easy storage and transport.
Travel cots often have mesh sides, which helps to keep the child contained and stops them from rolling out of the bed. A portable crib usually comes with a mattress and a carry bag, and they can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Travel cots are an essential piece of baby equipment for any family who likes to travel, as they provide a safe, comfortable and most importantly, consistent, place for your child to sleep.
How to choose the best travel cot for your needs
Travel cots are an essential piece of equipment for any family that loves to travel. They provide a safe and comfortable place for your baby to sleep, whether you're at home or on the go. But with so many different travel cots on the market, how do you know which one is right for your family? Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a travel cot:
Size
Make sure to choose a travel cot that is large enough to comfortably accommodate your baby. You don't want them to feel cramped or restricted in their movements.
Weight
If you'll be carrying your travel cot with you on trips, weight is an important consideration. Choose a lightweight model that won't be too difficult to carry.
Durability
A travel cot should be able to withstand plenty of wear and tear. Look for a model with durable fabric and a sturdy frame.
Portability
If you'll be using your travel cot frequently, portability is key. Choose a compact model that can be easily packed up and transported.
The benefits of using a travel cot when travelling with your baby
For parents who are avid travelers, a travel cot can be an essential item to take with them on their adventures. Not only does a travel cot provide a safe and comfortable place for your baby to sleep, but it also allows you to keep your little one close by when you are on the go.
The main thing for me, personally, as a parent who does a lot of travelling, is that my bay has a consistent place to sleep in an inconsistent setting. It doesn't matter if we're camping, visiting friends or flying internationally, my baby will always have the same cot, which saves us precious hours of sleep!
Here are some of the benefits of using a travel cot when travelling with your baby:
1. A travel cot can give your baby their own space. When you are travelling, it can be helpful to have a dedicated space for your baby to sleep and play. A travel cot can provide this, allowing your baby to feel more comfortable and relaxed while on the road.
2. A travel cot can be used as a changing station. If you don't have access to a changing table while you are travelling, a travel cot can provide a safe and clean surface for you to change your baby's diaper.
3. A travel cot can help to keep your baby entertained. If you are stuck in a hotel room or waiting at the airport, a travel cot can provide a space for your baby to play and explore. Many travel cots come equipped with toys and activities, which can help to keep your little one entertained while on the go.
4. A travel cot can be used as a barrier between you and your baby. If you are sharing a bed with your partner or co-sleeping with your baby, using a travel cot can create a barrier between you and your little one, preventing them from rolling out of bed or kicking you in the middle of the night!
5. A travel cot is portable and easy to set up. Unlike bulky cribs, travel cots can be easily packed up and carried with you when you are on the go. Most travel cots only weigh a few pounds and can be quickly assembled and disassembled, making them perfect for busy families on the go.
Tips for setting up and using a travel cot safely
Travel cots are a convenient way to provide a safe sleeping environment for young children when travelling. However, it is important to set up and use a travel cot correctly in order to prevent injuries.
First, make sure that the travel cot is placed on a firm, level surface away from any sharp objects or heat sources.
Next, fully open the travel cot and check that all the legs are locked in place.
Once the travel cot is set up, test it by giving it a little shake to make sure that it is stable.
When placing your child in the travel cot, be sure to use the appropriate mattress and bedding and leave any soft toys at home. It is also important to never leave your child unattended in the travel cot.
By following these simple tips, you can help to ensure that your child has a safe and comfortable experience when using a travel cot.
The different types of travel cots available on the market today
For parents who enjoy traveling with their young children, a travel cot can be an essential piece of gear. Travel cots come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and each type has its own advantages and disadvantages so here I have broken down my favorites.
How We Choose - The Best Travel Cots
I have personally spent ours reading through customer reviews of each of the travel cots listed below as well as speaking to other, real-life parents and testing a few out myself to put together this list of the Best Travel Cots for Baby.
Graco Pack 'n Play Close2Baby Bassinet
The Graco Pack 'n Play Close2Baby Bassinet is a versatile travel cot that can be used as a playard, napper, or changer. It features a comfortable mattress, a changing table, and a storage area for all of your baby's essentials. It also has a built-in bassinet for younger babies baby to sleep in.
Why Parents Love It
Parents love the changer and napper additions to this travel crib, stating that it is super easy to assemble and their babies seemed happy and comfortable using it. They say it is well-built, sturdy and they also love the toy arch making it the ideal place to leave baby when they are travelling and need some time with baby secure and entertained.
The BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light
The BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light is a lightweight and compact travel cot that's easy to set up and take down. It light travel cot comes with a comfortable mattress and a carrying case for easy transport.
This light travel cot also has mesh sides and comes with a travel bag. Without the bells and whistle that other travel cots boast, this being just the cot, it does just exactly what it needs to do - provides a safe space for baby to sleep or play while travelling.
Why Parents Love It
Parent's favorite feature of this travel cot is just how easy it is to set up and pack away and the fact it is super lightweight and folds up small. It can be machine washed when you get home from your travels and comes with mattress and sheet.
The Lotus Travel Crib and Portable Baby Playard
The Lotus Travel Crib and Portable Baby Playard is a lightweight and portable travel cot that's easy to set up and take down. It comes with a comfortable mattress and a carrying case for easy transport. It also has mesh sides so you can keep an eye on your baby at all times.
Why Parents Love It
Parents love the Lotus Travel Crib and Portable Baby Playard for its lightweight design and easy setup. They say it's a great option for larger babies, as it has more space than some of the other travel cots on the market. One parent even says their baby "slept through the night in it like a champ!" due to the padded mattress.
The Joovy Room2 Portable Playard
The Joovy Room2 Portable Playard is a versatile travel cot that can be used as a playard, napper, or changer. It features a comfortable mattress, a changing table, and a storage area for all of your baby's essentials. It also has mesh sides so you can keep an eye on your baby at all times.
Why Parents Love It
Parents who have purchased the Joovy Room2 Portable Playard have given it rave reviews, stating that it is an exceptionally versatile and well-constructed piece of equipment. One parent commented that it was easy to set up and very portable. Overall, parents love the features offered by this travel cot and would highly recommend it to others.
Venture Airpod Travel Cot
The Venture airpod travel cot is a lightweight and compact travel cot that's easy to set up and take down. It comes with a comfortable mattress and a carrying case for easy transport. It also has mesh sides so you can keep an eye on your baby at all times.
Why Parents Love It
Parents love the lightweight and compact design of the venture airpod travel cot, as well as its easy setup and transportability. Some parents have even commented that their babies slept through the night in it without issue! Overall, this travel cot is a great option for parents who are looking for a lightweight and easy-to-use option for their baby's sleep and play needs while travelling.
Micralite Premium Travel Cot for Baby
The Micralite Premium Travel Cot for Baby has an updated design, mesh panels, breathable fabric, and a padded frame provides both comfort and peace of mind. It's strong and well-made, and it also comes with a toy arch to keep your baby entertained. It's perfect for travelling, as it's easy to set up and take down.
Why Parents Love It
Parents who have purchased the Micralite Premium Travel Cot for Baby have given it rave reviews, stating that it is an exceptionally versatile and well-constructed piece of equipment. One parent commented that it was easy to set up and very portable. Overall, parents love the features offered by the micralite sleep this travel cot and would highly recommend it to others.
Summer Infant Pop 'n Play Portable Playard
If you're looking for a portable playard rather than a sleeping space then the Summer Infant Pop 'n Play Portable Playard is my top recommendation. It is a lightweight and compact playard that can be set up and taken down in seconds. It has a water-resistant floor that helps keep toddlers dry even when it's placed on the damp grass, protecting your little's one playtime and skin as well.
Why Parents Love It
Parents love this playard because escape-artist babies struggle to get out of it! while some playpens are a little flimsy, this playard keeps babies secure while their parents can get on with what they need to do. One parent said they'd tried everything to keep their 9 month old in one spot but they were able to get out of other travel cots and play pens, only this one kept their adventurous baby in one spot!
FAQs about travel cots
As any parent knows, traveling with young children can be a challenge. One of the biggest concerns is where your child will sleep. A travel cot can provide a safe and comfortable place for your child to sleep, no matter where you are. But with so many different options on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about travel cots:
Is it worth buying a travel cot?
If you are frequently on the go and need a place to put your baby to sleep, a travel cot is definitely worth the investment. They are lightweight and fold up easily, so they can be transported with ease.
Additionally, most travel cots come with a mattress and/or a mosquito net, which is helpful if you are staying in areas where there is a lot of mosquitos or other insects.
However, if you only need a crib occasionally or if you live in an area where there are plenty of places for your baby to sleep, then you may not need to buy a travel cot. In that case, it would be wiser to invest in a more heavy-duty crib.
What age can a baby go in a travel cot?
Most babies can go in a travel cot from when they are about 3 or 4 months old. However, it is recommended that you check the weight and age restrictions of the specific travel cot before you use it.
It is also important to make sure that the mattress in the cot is of an appropriate size and firmness for your baby.
Can a 3 year old use a travel cot?
It depends on the individual child's size and abilities as well as the cots weight restrictions. That being said, many parents do use travel cots for children as old as 3 years old.
It is important to make sure that the cot is properly assembled and that all of the securing straps are in place before leaving a child in it. For older children it is a good idea not to use a travel cot regularly as it may be uncomfortable. As always, it is best to consult with your pediatrician if you have any specific questions or concerns about using a travel cot for your child.
Can a baby permanently sleep in a travel cot?
Yes, a baby can permanently sleep in a travel cot. It is safe for the baby to sleep in a travel cot and will provide a comfortable place for the baby to sleep. Some babies may prefer sleeping in a travel cot over their crib.
However, it is still important to make sure that the baby has enough room and that the mattress is of an appropriate size and firmness. Additionally, you should always adhere to any weight or age restrictions that come with the cot.
Why does baby sleep better in travel cot?
There are a few reasons why babies sleep better in a travel cot. One reason is that the travel cot mattresses tend to have a firm surface, which is more comfortable for newborns than normal cot mattresses like their own bed.
Additionally, the cot usually has sides that help to contain the baby, which can be reassuring for some infants.
Finally, many parents find that it's easier to keep an infant calm and asleep in a travel cot since they're in their own designated space.
Are travel cots uncomfortable?
It depends on the baby. For some, a travel cot can be quite uncomfortable because it's not as soft as a regular cot. But for others, a travel cot can be more comfortable because it's firmer and provides more support than a regular cot. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.
Is it OK to buy a second hand travel cot?
There are a few things to keep in mind if you're considering purchasing a second hand travel cot.
First, it's important to check for any recalls on the cot. You can do this by checking the manufacturer's website or by contacting them directly. If there have been any safety concerns with the cot, it's best to avoid purchasing it.
Second, you'll want to make sure that all of the parts are included and in good condition. The last thing you want is to get the cot home and find out that you're missing a part or that something is broken.
Finally, it's always important to check the weight and age restrictions of the cot before you purchase it. This will ensure that your baby is safe and comfortable while using the cot.
Overall, buying a second hand travel cot can be a great way to save money if you do your research beforehand. Just make sure that everything is in good condition and that all safety measures are taken.
Which is the safest travel cot?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the safest travel cot will vary depending on your specific needs and preferences. However, some general tips to keep in mind when choosing a travel cot include checking the weight limit to make sure it can safely hold your child, looking for a cot with a stable base that won't tip over easily, and choosing a model that is easy to set up and take down.
What is the most important travel items for a baby?
The most important travel items for a baby are diapers, wipes, and formula or baby food. It's also important to pack a few changes of clothes for the baby in case of accidents, as well as extra pacifiers and toys to keep them entertained.
Finally, don't forget to bring your own supplies of diapers and wipes if you plan to use them while on the road.
What is the difference between a travel cot and playpen?
A travel cot is a lightweight, foldable cot that can be used for babies and young children. It is usually made of metal or fabric and has a mattress and/or removable cover. A playpen is a large, sturdy frame with mesh sides that can be used to contain babies or young children inside. Playpens are not usually designed for travelling, as they are often quite large and heavy.
All in all, travel cots are a great investment for parents who want to ensure their baby has a comfortable and safe sleep while on holiday or travelling.
By taking the time to do some research and choose the best travel cot for your needs, you can relax knowing that your little one is taken care of.
I hope you've found this review useful, when you have decided which travel cot meets your needs you can click "Check Price on Amazon" to see which best suits your budget.
If you are going hiking with baby on your travels, then check out my blog How to Safely Take Your Baby on a Hike.
Thanks for reading!
