Best 10 Travel Cots

Regardless of how much you invest in baby prams, strollers, pushchairs and all baby carriers you can think of, travel cots become necessary when you are a travelling parent. Hotel mattresses do not come close to the kind of comfort you would want for a baby. And don’t forget how bulky other baby carriers are. There's no way you could fit them in a suitcase.

With a travel crib, you can rest assured your baby is always sleeping like an angel in the hotel. And that’s not the only place you can use them! You want to take your baby for a sleepover with grandma or a loved one? Well, bring along their favourite travel bed, and you are bound to have a fuss-free night. 

With the many options and features to consider, we have taken the liberty of making your shopping experience as seamless as possible. Whether you need a budget-friendly travel cot or you are willing to splurge on the high-end models, we have you covered! 

What is a Travel Cot?

Travel cots are portable beds for babies, only that, unlike the usual baby cot, you can fold it up whenever you are travelling. Travel cribs are lighter, compact, and collapsible than regular ones. When travelling, just pack it up in the carrying bag and take it anywhere with you.

Why do you need a Travel Cot?

If you are wondering why you need a travel cot, let us give you a few reasons: 

• Travelling with a baby.

Even if you are not a globetrotter, but you still travel often, or your baby has numerous sleepovers with grandparents and other loved ones, then a travel cot is a necessity. 

• The baby has a good night’s sleep. 

It’s true that some hotels provide travelling parents with beds. But no cot will give your baby the familiarity of home and their scent than having their own. Plus, having a personal cot is the only way you can be assured of its suitability.

• They offer versatility.

While you can invest in a simple travel cot that provides just a resting place for your move when on the move, you can also get one that offers more usability. Some manufacturers include other features, like a bassinet, mosquito nets and musical or soothing features to keep your baby calm. 

What to look for when buying a Travel Cot

There are a few features that we advise you to consider before purchasing a travel cot. Here is our list:

1. Material 

From the sturdiness to the durability and portability. All these will depend on the material of the travel cot. While you need something light and simple to move around with, you still need to get a travel cot with a durable and sturdy material that will not come crumbling after a few travel trips. Usually, they are made of soft fabric and mesh with sturdy steel or aluminium frames.

2. Size 

As much as travel baby cots are ideal for any age, check the age and weight limits listed by the manufacturer. Also, keep in mind how long you would want the travel cot to serve you. Usually, they are suitable since the baby is a few months old to toddler. Some have a bassinet so that you can use it even with your newborn!

3. Ease of Use

How easy is it to assemble and pack it up after use? After a long day of travelling and jet lag, you certainly do not want to spend another hour figuring out how to assemble a baby cot. In the same way, you do not want to waste a single minute packing it and missing your flight. 

4. Wheels 

Moving around the room with your baby in hand might not be the way you want to spend your evenings after a long day of travel. Instead, consider getting a travel cot with wheels for movability, especially if it is heavy. You can even use it at home for daytime naps.  

5. Safety Features 

Apart from meeting the recommended industry safety standards for baby products (British Standards Institution), look for other safety qualities, like sharp edges, padded rails, choking hazards, and locking wheels. If there are small items like closing zips, ensure that they are well tucked away or covered. Also, how high are the sides? Can your crawling baby climb on it easily? 

6. Cleaning 

You are already used to the messes that babies create. You can, of course, expect your little one to create a lot of mess on the travel cot. Cleaning it often ensures that your baby stays in a healthy environment. But, is the baby travel cot you are interested in easy to clean? Can you remove the mattress, or is the fitted sheet easy to take out so you can toss it in the washing machine? 

Some models have removable panels for effortless cleaning. In the absence of this feature, ensure that such panels are wipeable with warm water.  

7. Beddings 

Most travel cots come with mattresses meant for babies. But when it comes to other beddings, like sheets, not all models will have this. In that case, confirm whether the manufacturer sells the beddings separately. Sheets made purposely for travel cots fit best and are more secure than the standard sheets. 

8. Extra Features 

Think of additional features that enhance the usability of the travel cot, things like nightlight or vibrations for soothing and lulling the baby to sleep. Other features like a travelling bag, an inbuilt changing mat or changing bag will come in handy when you need to change the baby’s diapers. 

Is it safe for babies to sleep in a travel cot?

Yes, it is safe for babies to sleep in travel cribs, as long as it meets the necessary safety standards and you follow the advised guidelines by the manufacturer.

The sleeping rules that are set for baby cots by the British Standards Institution (BSI) also apply to travel cots. If you come across a travel cot without a visible safety standard number, it is best to start looking elsewhere.

For your peace of mind when the baby sleeps in the cot, ensure the mattress included in the cot is flat, firm and waterproof. When we say firm, we mean no cushioned or soft areas, especially around the head area. Soft mattresses for babies have a higher risk as they make it harder for the baby's breathability. 

For the baby's safety, do not attempt to make the travel cot mattress feel cosier. That means avoiding pillows, sleep positioners, or extra blankets when you think the mattress is thin.

Can you use your travel cot as a playpen too?

Absolutely! But not all travel cots can double as playpens. Go for one with four mesh panels instead of two. These give more security when the baby plays around and a better view of their surroundings. While such cots might cost a few extra pounds, it makes sense to buy a versatile item. And, you can trust it to keep the baby safe for a few minutes as you grab a snack or rush to the bathroom. 

How much should you spend on a travel cot?

Travel cost ranges from £20 to £200. Some models will go past the £200 price point. What matters are the features you need and how much you are willing to spend? Nevertheless, you do not have to spend too much to get the best baby travel cot, especially if you are not looking for fancy and over the edge designs and features. 

• Affordable 

These vary from £20 to £100 and will usually provide everything you need for a travel cot. When purchasing a portable crib, your primary concern is to have a safe travel bed for your children. Even without the other features like changing mats and soothing accessories, the affordable range will still provide your baby with a comfortable sleeping environment.

• High-End

However, if you feel like investing more and get additional features, high-end models that cost over £100 will do. With these, you get other features like inclining designs, bassinets, insect nets, and multi-purpose units that convert into playpens. However, some high-end models that cost over £200 will probably not offer more than what you can get with the affordable models. Be careful, though. Are the extra pounds worth it? You might just be paying for the brand name. 

Closure

Pack up your bags! Get your baby in tow and start travelling again because the best travel cots guide is here to ensure your baby never lacks sleep away from home. Our top choices from the vast selection in the market are here to offer you a carefully crafted list of the best products out there. Plus, we have a well-detailed guide to ensure you know what to look for as you shop! Ready to hit the road without worrying about where your little bundle of joy sleeps?