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Traveling with a baby can be exciting but also stressful, especially when it comes to ensuring a safe and comfortable sleeping space. I remember my first trip with my little one , the hotel crib was small and unstable, and I spent the night constantly checking on them. That experience made me realise the importance of a reliable travel cot.
In this guide to the best travel cots for babies, I’ve reviewed top models to help UK parents find safe, practical, and portable options. You’ll find detailed reviews, comparison tables, and practical buying tips to make traveling or visiting relatives easier.
According to the NHS, babies need a firm, flat sleeping surface in a safe environment to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Travel cots that meet safety standards offer peace of mind while away from home.
From lightweight pop up cots to multi stage bassinets, these travel cots are designed for comfort, safety, and easy portability, ensuring your baby sleeps well wherever you go.
To ensure your baby sleeps safely and comfortably, pair your travel cot with a mattress from our Best Baby Mattresses guide.
Top Travel Cots Comparison
| Product Name | Key Features | Price Range | Why I Recommend It |
| Bugaboo Stardust | Lightweight, portable, stylish design | £220–£250 | Perfect for urban travel, sleek and practical |
| Silver Cross Slumber 3 in 1 Travel Cot | Bassinet, sleeper, foldable | £250–£280 | Multi functional, grows with baby |
| Chicco Next2Me PopUp | Pop up design, co sleeper compatible | £120–£140 | Quick setup, great for parents who share a room |
| Tutti Bambini CoZee Go 3 in 1 Bassinet | Bassinet, playard, travel crib | £150–£180 | Versatile and portable for short trips |
| Ickle Bubba Scout 3 in 1 Travel Crib | Foldable, lightweight, mattress included | £100–£120 | Affordable, easy to set up, travel ready |
| Cuggl Deluxe Superlight Travel Cot | Super lightweight, portable carry bag | £80–£100 | Ideal for holiday trips and grandparents’ houses |
| Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot | Easy fold, padded mattress, durable | £110–£130 | Comfortable and sturdy for everyday travel |
| Red Kite Dreamer Bedside Travel Crib | Bedside co sleeper, compact fold | £140–£160 | Great for shared rooms, comfortable mattress |
| BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light | Extremely lightweight, quick setup | £180–£200 | Minimalistic, perfect for frequent travellers |
| ErgoPouch Easy Sleep Portable Crib | Breathable sides, lightweight frame | £130–£150 | Good airflow and compact storage |
| Venture Airpod Travel Cot | Pop up design, breathable mesh | £70–£90 | Budget friendly, easy to carry and set up |
How I Picked These
When choosing the best travel cots for babies, I focused on what matters most to parents:
- Safety: Firm mattress, stable frame, and mesh sides for ventilation.
- Comfort: Padded mattress, co sleeper or bassinet options for newborns.
- Durability: Long lasting materials that withstand travel wear and tear.
- Portability: Lightweight, foldable, and easy to carry designs.
- Value for money: Affordable options that don’t compromise safety or convenience.
Parent Tip: “Consider how often you’ll travel. A lightweight pop up cot is perfect for short trips, while a multi stage cot works for extended stays or sharing at home.”
Best Travel Cots
Bugaboo Stardust
A sleek, lightweight travel cot perfect for city trips. Easy to fold and carry, it offers a comfy mattress and breathable mesh sides. It’s premium priced but worth it if you want a cot that feels stylish and practical. I loved how it combines fashion with functionality.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable
- Sleek, modern design
- Comfortable mattress and breathable sides
Cons:
- Premium price
Best for: Parents who travel frequently and want a stylish, practical cot.
Personal insight: This one stood out because it combines fashion and function, making it perfect for city trips.
Silver Cross Slumber 3 in 1 Travel Cot
This multi functional cot works as a bassinet, sleeper, or foldable travel cot. Durable and comfortable, it grows with your baby for long term use. A bit heavier than other travel cots, but I found it really handy for adapting to different sleeping needs over time.
Pros:
- 3 in 1 functionality
- Durable and sturdy
- Comfortable mattress
Cons:
- Heavier than other travel cots
Best for: Parents seeking versatility and long term use.
Expert Tip: Multi stage travel cots provide value by adapting to different sleeping needs over time.
Chicco Next2Me PopUp
A pop up cot that doubles as a bedside co sleeper. Quick to set up and fold, lightweight, and practical for shared bedrooms. Mattress padding is minimal, but it’s perfect for middle of the night feeds. I loved how effortless it was to pull out at bedtime.
Pros:
- Quick pop up setup
- Bedside co sleeper
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Limited mattress padding
Best for: Families wanting a co sleeping compatible travel cot.
Personal insight: I loved how easy it was to set up at night , perfect for middle of the night feeds.
Tutti Bambini CoZee Go 3 in 1 Bassinet
This versatile bassinet converts into a travel crib and playard. Compact and portable, it’s great for holidays or visiting relatives. Slightly bulkier than pop up cots, but I loved having one cot that could serve multiple purposes on short trips.
Pros:
- 3 in 1 versatility
- Compact and portable
- Comfortable mattress
Cons:
- Bulkier than pop up cots
Best for: Parents who need a cot for multiple purposes on trips.
Ickle Bubba Scout 3 in 1 Travel Crib
Affordable, lightweight, and foldable, this cot comes with a basic mattress and is perfect for occasional travel. Not as plush as premium options, but it’s reliable and quick to set up, making weekend getaways or visits to grandparents stress free.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Easy to fold and store
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Not as plush as premium cots
Best for: Budget conscious parents seeking a reliable travel solution.
Personal insight: This one stood out because it’s quick to set up and works well for weekend getaways.
Cuggl Deluxe Superlight Travel Cot
Super lightweight and portable, this cot comes with a carry bag and is ideal for holidays or packing in the car. Minimal mattress padding and basic features, but it’s budget friendly and perfect for short trips. Quick to fold, easy to transport, very practical for parents on the go.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable
- Budget friendly
- Easy storage
Cons:
- Basic features, minimal mattress padding
Best for: Parents needing a simple travel solution for short trips.
Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot
A sturdy, comfortable cot with a padded mattress and easy fold mechanism. Slightly heavier than ultra light models, but worth it for durability and comfort. I noticed the padded mattress made overnight stays for newborns much more restful and worry free.
Pros:
- Padded mattress
- Sturdy and durable
- Easy folding mechanism
Cons:
- Slightly heavier than ultra light models
Best for: Parents prioritising comfort and durability over extreme portability.
Pro Tip: A padded mattress makes a significant difference for newborn comfort during overnight stays.
Red Kite Dreamer Bedside Travel Crib
Designed as a bedside co sleeper with a compact fold and comfy mattress. A bit pricier than basic travel cots, but perfect for parents wanting a cot that works in shared rooms and also travels. I appreciated having a bedside solution that was ready for trips.
Pros:
- Bedside compatible
- Compact fold
- Comfortable sleeping surface
Cons:
- Slightly pricier than basic travel cots
Best for: Parents wanting a bedside solution that doubles as a travel cot.
BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light
Minimalist, ultra light, and quick to set up, with breathable mesh sides. High price for a travel cot, but worth it for frequent travellers. I loved how effortless it was to pack for flights or weekends away it’s made city living and travel so much easier.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight
- Fast setup
- Breathable sides
Cons:
- Higher price than standard travel cots
Best for: Frequent travellers or city dwelling parents who move around often.
Personal insight: This one stood out for how effortless it is to pack and carry , perfect for flights or weekends away.
ErgoPouch Easy Sleep Portable Crib
A lightweight, portable crib with breathable mesh sides. Compact and easy to fold, ideal for airflow and small spaces. Padding is basic, so not ideal for long term use, but I liked having a cot that was simple and easy to move around the house or take on trips.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable
- Breathable mesh
- Compact storage
Cons:
- Basic padding, not ideal for long term use
Best for: Parents prioritising airflow and compact design.
Venture Airpod Travel Cot
A budget friendly pop up cot with mesh sides. Quick to set up and fold, lightweight, and practical for occasional trips. Mattress is minimal, but it’s great for parents who want a simple, cost effective solution for short stays or weekends away.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Easy setup
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Minimal mattress padding
Best for: Parents seeking a simple, cost effective travel solution.
Parent Tip: Keep one in the car or with grandparents , makes last minute trips stress free.
Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Right Travel Cot
When I was shopping for a travel cot, these were the things I wish I had known:
- Age suitability: Check if the cot is suitable from newborn or six months.
- Safety: Look for mesh sides, firm mattress, and stable legs.
- Portability: Lightweight and foldable for transport.
- Ease of cleaning: Removable mattress covers and wipeable surfaces save time.
- Price and value: Budget options can be good for occasional travel; premium models offer more comfort and longevity.
Safety and Extra Tips
- Never leave a baby unattended in a travel cot.
- Check all folding mechanisms are securely locked.
- Keep travel cots away from cords, curtains, or hazards.
- Wash mattress covers regularly to maintain hygiene.
Pro Tip: A breathable mesh cot improves airflow and reduces overheating risk.
FAQs
Can I use a travel cot from birth?
Yes, but only if it has a bassinet or newborn insert; standard cots are generally suitable from six months.
Are pop up cots safe for overnight use?
Yes, as long as they have a firm mattress and meet safety standards.
How portable are travel cots?
Lightweight models with carry bags are highly portable and ideal for flights or car trips.
Do all travel cots include mattresses?
Most include basic mattresses, but premium models may have thicker, more comfortable padding.
Can travel cots be used as playpens?
Yes, multi functional models often double as playards, but always supervise.
Conclusion
All the travel cots listed are safe, practical, and designed to make trips with babies stress free. For an all rounder option, the Bugaboo Stardust excels for its portability, comfort, and stylish design.
I know choosing the right travel cot can feel hard, but hopefully this guide gives you confidence to pick a safe and comfortable cot that suits your travel lifestyle.
