Hey there travel enthusiasts and welcome to my post where we will check out my three best portable cots for travel this year. If there is one thing you wish for while traveling with little children, it is definitely sleep. And if you are in a location where there are no cot options – or even the risk of one not being available – then a portable cot can be the best thing you have ever purchased.
So for those of you looking to travel with your young ones and hence are in need of a good portable travel cot, I have had a good look around and come up with three decent options below.
Let’s check them out…
My Three Recommended Portable Cots for Travel
I will review these in more detail below however if you want to get moving without all the carry-on, my recommended products are listed here for your convenience:
What are Portable Cots for Travel?
Portable cots, also known as travel cots or travel cribs, are lightweight and foldable beds designed for use while traveling. They are typically made of lightweight materials such as aluminum or plastic and feature a compact design that can be easily transported in a carrying case.
They can be set up quickly and easily in hotel rooms, camping sites or other locations making them a convenient alternative to traditional cribs or pack and plays. Most portable cots come with a mattress and fitted sheet, and many models also feature adjustable height settings and mesh sides for improved ventilation and additional features such as a built-in changing table, storage compartments or a removable bassinet as well.
What Should You Be Looking For?
The following factors should be considered as you hunt around and compare portable cots to meet your travel needs.
- Type
- Ease of use
- Comfort
- Age range
- Safety
- Portability
- Additions
Type
There are two kinds of travel cribs: Ones and fold-up like a cocoon and those that unfold to appear more like a standard crib.
- Cocoon-style portacots are often lighter, more compact and simpler to assemble. They do not, however allow for standing or playing and they are often a little easier for older babies to slip out of.
- The standard portacot kind is often more secure and offers more room with many also able to double as play areas during the day. The disadvantage however is that they are frequently heavier and bulkier.
Ease of use
One of the biggest issues in my experience with compact travel cots is the processes required to assemble and disassemble them. Hence, the best travel cot options offer quick and convenient methods that fold up and down with ease.
You should also take into account the sort of travel you’re doing and where you want to use the crib while looking for possibilities. If you’re flying, some (but not all) airlines will let you check a portable crib for free (along with strollers and car seats). If you’re not checking luggage however, be sure it’s small enough to be considered a carry-on.
Comfort
Another important consideration when purchasing a portable crib is comfort. After all, a peaceful sleep is what you are really aiming for here. Hence look one with good padding and suppleness in the mattress as well as its space availability and airflow.
Canopies and toy rails may also provide comfort and delight, however such features can add weight as well.
Age range
While many travel cribs are ideal for babies of all ages and sizes, others are better suited to infants or toddlers. And for safety always check the maximum weight limit and crib size to ensure it is appropriate for your child.
If you’re shopping for a newborn but intend to travel frequently, select a travel crib that is good for a wide age range as you don’t want anything that they will rapidly outgrow. Keep in mind that toddlers are considerably more likely than tiny newborns to get out of cribs, so you’ll want to select a travel cot that is not only secure now but will remain safe as your child grows too.
Safety
When purchasing baby-related goods, safety is undoubtedly the most crucial factor. Most travel cribs are required to meet certain safety criteria by law however certain options also include extra features that make them more secure than others.
One issue with cribs is that they can tip or allow for easy escapes, especially in older babies. To counteract this, some may be less robust but come with tie-down points for extra security. Other considerations include the space between the sides, mattress ventilation and how tightly the sheets will fit around the mattress.
Portability
Apart from comfort for the infant, one of the key features of a travel cot is obviously portability. Things to check here are wight ands size when folded down as well as extras such as wheels or a carry bag.
Choose which extra features are most important to you, bearing in mind that they may increase the size and weight while limiting mobility.
Additions
Other potential additions include:
- Removable mattress: This item provides additional comfort to your infant as they stay within the cot. The fact that they are removable means these mattresses are easy to clean.
- Carry bag: The item is helpful for easy carrying of the portable cot for travel.
- Storage pocket: This addition allows you to keep other items within reach as you place your infant inside the portable cot.
FAQ
Are Portable Travel Cots Worth It?
Portable travel cots can be a worthwhile investment for parents who travel frequently with young children, providing a convenient and safe sleeping solution that can be used in a variety of settings. In general, they provide comfort and safety to babies and young toddlers in areas where sleeping otherwise may be a challenge.
My three recommendations broken down
So based on the information above and my own experience, I recommend the following options:
1. Pamo Babe Portable Playard
This product is designed as an expendable travel crib with ease of assembly that enables you to set up the product within seconds. Thanks to its lightweight yet durable construction, you can even carry it with one hand. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Pamo Babe
- Type: Foldable crib
- Material: Polyester and aluminum
- Age range: 0 – 36 months
- Dimensions: 39.3 x 29.1 x 29.1 inches
- Weight: 21.8 pounds
Other inclusions:
- Removable mattress
- Carry bag
- Storage pocket
Why have I chosen it?
This portable baby playpen is appropriate for children aged 0 to 36 months with a complete mesh design that allows maximum ventilation for your child while giving you the required visibility. Please keep in mind the weight restriction of 33 pounds.
Travelers will like that the infant playpen comes with a convenient carry bag and as it weighs just 20.7 pounds, it will fit in with most airline regulations as well.
2. Aussie Cot Net Crib
Designed for the comfort and protection of your infant, this cocoon-type portable cot will surely give you peace of mind. It is made from premium materials with quick setup as well. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Aussie Cot
- Type: Foldable crib
- Material: Custom-made fabric and durable mesh netting
- Age range: 0 – 36 months
- Dimensions: 37 x 25 x 47 inches
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
Other inclusions:
- Durable auto-locking zipper
- Ease of set up
- Conformity to US CPSC and CCPSA Standards
Why have I chosen it?
The mesh netting is designed to protect your toddler from mosquitoes helping them sleep peacefully and the baby crib safety tent prevents your kid from climbing and tumbling out of the crib.
It is designed in such a way that it will just take seconds to set up and for safety has been independently tested to fulfill CPSC and CCPSA standards in the United States.
3. Lotus Travel Crib
If you’ve ever traveled with children, you understand the significance of having one fewer thing to carry. The Lotus assists here as it is a convertible travel crib-turned-backpack allowing for hands free transportation with baby. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Guava Family
- Type: Foldable crib
- Material: Polyester and aluminum
- Age range: 0 – 36 months
- Dimensions: 45.5 x 31.5 x 25.5 inches
- Weight: 15 pounds
Other inclusions:
- Comes in different colors
- Carrying case
- Side zipper door
- Mesh sides
Why have I chosen this?
Its ultra-lightweight crib folds into a tiny, backpack-style carrying bag freeing up your hands for other critical duties. It has a nontoxic GreenGuard Gold certification and mesh sides for fresh air movement.
The mattresses are free of PVC, lead, phthalates, formaldehyde, arsenic, mercury, cadmium and flame retardants and it also passes the criteria of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
With the side-zippered doors, getting your infant in and out of the crib is also a breeze as this design allows your youngster to crawl in — or you to effortlessly slip them in — without straining your back.
Conclusion
There you have it, my three best travel cots. I would be pleased to know how this article helped you, and as usual, let me know of your experiences with them.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul
