Best travel cots 2026: reviewed & approved cots for sleep and play on the go (from just £33!)

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

"Travel cots can be incredibly useful, whether you’re going away, staying with family, or just need a safe, portable sleep space at home. When choosing one, look for something that’s easy to assemble single handled and pack away, but also sturdy and secure once it’s up. Mesh sides are helpful for both airflow and visibility." - Mandy Gurney, RGN RM Dip HV & founder of Millpond Sleep Clinic.

Best travel cots: at a glance

• Best travel cot overall: BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light | £220 £170 (-23%)

• Best travel cot for breathability: Tutti Bambini CoZee Go Travel Cot | £169 £127 (-25%)

• Best travel cot for quick assembly: Bugaboo Stardust Travel Cot | £225

• Best travel cot budget buy: Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot | £35 £33 (-8%)

• Best travel cot to use as a playpen: Silver Cross Slumber Travel Cot | £195

• Best travel cot for newborns: Joie Kubbie Sleep Travel Cot | £100

• Best travel cot for versatility: Maxi-Cosi Swift 3-in-1 Travel Cot | £220 £200 (-9%)

• Best travel cot for toddlers: Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot | £250

• Best easy-fold travel cot: Graco FoldLite LX Travel Cot | £80 £70 (-13%)

• Best lightweight travel cot: LittleLife Arc 2 | £160 £84 (-24%)

• Best travel cot with a changing table: Joie Commuter Change | £100

While it's not recommended to use a travel cot in place of a permanent cot or crib for your little one, they're ideal for overnight stays at a grandparent's house, or longer holidays as well as use as a playpen for both babies and toddlers. They are portable, easy to carry (often coming with their own storage bags), fit in your car boot and should be fairly lightweight too. Pack your travel cot along with a baby monitor and your little one's swaddle or favourite sleeping bag and you're good to go.

How we tested the best travel cots

We put several of our best travel cot picks through their paces with real parent-testers and their babies and toddlers. Our testers - Laura, Rebecca, Tamsin, Jenny, Alex, Kayla, Bethan, Anna and Ruth - are all real mums who have been vetted and verified by Mumsnet. They each put their travel cots through their paces with real children, testing them over a number of months for important criteria including safety, ease of putting up, efficiency, comfort and ease of portability.

We also turned to the Mumsnet forums - home of the UK's largest network of parents - to seek out authentic recommendations and honest reviews of the travel cots they'd used with their own children. We also consulted baby sleep expert Mandy Gurney, founder of Millpond Sleep Clinic, on her opinion and advice regarding buying and using travel cots. Armed with all of this information, we put together our shortlist for the best travel cots to buy in 2026.

What age is a travel cot for?

This type of cot is usually used from the newborn stage up until toddlerhood – or until the little wriggler can climb out by themselves.

Do I actually need a travel cot?

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

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

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

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

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

What should I consider when choosing a travel cot?

We posed this question to baby sleep expert Mandy Gurney - registered nurse, midwife, health visitor and founder of Millpond Children's Sleep Clinic. Here's what she told us:

"When choosing a travel cot, look for something that’s easy to assemble single handled and pack away, but also sturdy and secure once it’s up. Mesh sides are helpful for both airflow and visibility. Make sure the cot meets current British safety standards. You’ll usually find this on the label or packaging, and it gives you peace of mind that the product has been properly tested.

 "Although travel cot mattresses are thinner than standard ones, they’re perfectly safe for short-term sleep if used as intended. It’s really important not to add anything underneath, such as folded towels, duvets or cushions, as this can make the surface too soft and increase the risk of overheating.

 "Keep the sleep space simple. Place your baby on their back with their feet at the foot of the cot, using a well-fitted sheet or a lightweight blanket tucked in firmly below shoulder height. Avoid soft toys, pillows or anything that could cover your baby’s face.

-Mandy Gurney, RGN, RM, Dip HV

Are travel cots safe?

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

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

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

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

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

• Check for sharp corners and padded rails

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

Safe sleeping and travel cots

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you're finding that your baby really doesn't sleep well in their travel cot, check out our guide to the best travel cot mattresses according to Mumsnet parents.

Can my baby use a travel cot as their permanent bed?

We posed this question to baby sleep expert Mandy Gurney - registered nurse, midwife, health visitor and founder of Millpond Children's Sleep Clinic. Here's what she told us:

"Travel cots are really designed for short-term use, perfect for holidays, overnight stays or as a temporary solution. Their mattresses are thinner and more flexible than a standard cot mattress, which makes them easy to pack away but not ideal for everyday, long-term sleep.

"If you do need to use a travel cot more regularly, perhaps while waiting for a permanent cot or during a house move, the key is to use it exactly as intended. Always stick with the original mattress that comes with the cot and make sure it lies flat and firm.

"In the short term, a travel cot can be used safely if it’s in good condition and set up correctly. But for your baby’s comfort and proper support over many months, a full-sized cot or cot bed is usually the better choice."

-Mandy Gurney, RGN, RM, Dip HV

How much does a travel cot cost?

Prices range from £35 to over £200, and your budget will probably depend entirely on how much you think you'll use it.

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

Can I buy a travel cot secondhand?

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

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

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

"It can be fine to use a second hand travel cot," explains Mandy Gurney, "as long as the cot and mattress are in excellent condition and meet current British safety standards. The frame should be sturdy, the mesh intact, and the original mattress should be firm, flat and fit snugly with no gaps.

"Second-hand travel cots can be a good option if they’ve been properly cared for and stored well. But if there’s any doubt about the condition, safety or fit, it’s safest not to use it. When it comes to sleep, you need to be completely confident the cot is right for your baby."

Other things to consider when buying a travel cot

1. Portability

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

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

2. Assembly and storage

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

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

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

3. How to clean

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

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

4. Extra features

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

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

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

What's the best travel cot to buy?

All the travel cots on our list are someone's favourite - there isn't really a one-size-fits-all approach, as with many parenting items. However, we rate the BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light as the overall best travel cot out of all those featured. It's sturdy, well-made and so many parents rate its ease of use as well as the level of comfort it gives their child while sleeping away from home. For ease of popping up and down, the Bugaboo Stardust is a great option. If you're looking to spend a little less on a great all-rounder, we like the Joie kubbie Sleep travel cot. For a reliable, no-frills budget buy, you can't go far wrong with the £35 Red Kite Sleeptight.

How we tested and why you should trust us

All our travel cots reviewed on page were put through their paces by real parents using them with babies and toddlers over testing periods ranging from weeks to years. Our shortlist was initially created using the recommendations of Mumsnet parents - the UK's largest network of online parents - and then whittled down using the following testing criteria:

• Safety and stability

• Assembly

• Comfort and day-to-day use

• Aesthetics

• Ease of cleaning

• Durability

• Value for money

Safety and stability

We looked at a number of factors including:

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

• Safety features – did the product have padded rails, lockable wheels, mesh ventilation, firm bedding, a locking system etc? And could a baby's fingers become trapped?

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

• Sturdiness – our reviewers tested each cot by walking into them, knocking against furniture and dropping when assembled and packed away. Could each cot withstand the weight of both an adult and child if accidentally fallen into?

• Safety standards – all appropriate safety labels and instructions were examined

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

Assembly and folding

• How straightforward was it to assemble and fold?

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

• Each cot was assembled and taken down several times

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

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

Comfort and day-to-day use

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

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

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

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

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

Aesthetics

• Each tester analysed looks, including colours, fabrics and overall design

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

• Were there different colours to choose from?

Cleanliness

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

• Our testers also checked for removable bedding that could easily be thrown into the washing machine

Value for money

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

• If pricey, was it worth the price tag?

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

How real-life comparative testing makes Mumsnet Reviews unique

At Mumsnet, we believe parents should be able to access impartial and honest advice about products and services they may purchase.

We consult real parents as well as experts so we can offer the benefit of honest experience and we don’t take payment for our reviews from companies.

Our team of writers is made up of experienced consumer and parenting journalists who between them have a wealth of experience and knowledge at their fingertips.

About the author

Jenny Wonnacott has been working as a Content Editor for Mumsnet since 2022 with a particular focus on pregnancy, child and baby care product guides, articles and reviews. As a mum of three, Jenny has extensive hands-on experience in all of the Mumsnet content she writes about. She is passionate about sourcing, testing and thoroughly researching the products which make every stage of parenting easier, from the best pregnancy pillow to the most reassuring baby monitor as well as top kids' toys, games and tech.