Travel cots are a holiday must-have for any new parent. While light loading of your baby changing bag is near-on impossible with the number of baby essentials on your “to pack” list, knowing where your little one will lay their head on your weekend break needn't be cause for stress.
The best travel cots for babies and toddlers are safe spaces for your bundle of joy to sleep when you're away from home (perhaps the Maldives? Or New York? We can dream). They're portable and collapsible, folding down into an easy-to-carry bundle that shouldn't be too strenuous to move. Perfect for weekends at the grandparents' or even on a plane.
The best travel cots come with genuinely comfortable mattresses (nowhere near as lumpy as they once were) for your baby girl or baby boy to get a killer night's kip, and they double up as playpens for during the day/when you're getting ready for dinner with thanks to the high mesh sides.
And forget what you thought you knew: today's travel cots aren't as ugly and clunky as they once used to be. In fact, with thanks to chic Scandi baby brands like BabyBjörn, they're designed with as many style credentials as the remaining contents of your suitcase. Think: tonal hues and sleek, modern frames. Here's everything you need to know.
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Gallery29 PhotosDo I need a travel cot?
Lugging a travel cot around with you may feel like a faff you don't need, but if you're staying in a hotel or staying with friends, finding a quiet spot for your baby to sleep isn't always easy. Travel cots will enable you to stick to your baby's bedtime routine and become a safe and familiar place for your little one to rest – even if you're not ready to hit the hay.
What age can a baby sleep in a travel cot?
“Your baby can use the travel cot well into their third year, so it is worth the investment,” Motherhood Coach and Baby Expert Millie Poppins told us. Your travel cot will serve a purpose until your toddler is too big or old enough to climb out.
Are travel cots safe?
“A travel cot purchased in the UK would need to meet the European Safety Standards,” Millie told us. “You should follow all safe sleep guidance set by The Lullaby Trust (similar to cots and bassinets that you would use at home). A firm, flat and waterproof mattress is essential. It is also important not to add anything into your baby’s sleep space such as comforters, bumpers, loose bedding, pillows etc. A clear cot is the safest cot."
What to look for in a good travel cot
There are a few things to consider when shopping for a new travel cot. Firstly, consider the travel cot's age suitability. Different travel cots have different age and weight limits, so consider how many years' worth of use you want to get from your cot before purchase.
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