So you’ve perfected your at-home sleep setup. Maybe things don’t go according to plan every single evening, but you’ve found the best crib and paired it with one of our top 10 best crib mattresses. Or maybe your sweet little one is still getting the majority of her zzz’s in a bassinet or even a baby swing (check out our top 10 best baby swings for any budget here). Happily, she feels comfortable enough there to get her nightly sleep and daily naps. But what the heck are you supposed to do when that first overnight trip comes up? Whether you’re traveling across the country for a few days, or simply taking a drive to a nearby town for an overnight trip, you want to make sure that baby has somewhere safe, warm and comfortable to sleep. That’s where a travel cot for babies comes in. You also want to make sure that the travel cot is easy to assemble and lightweight, and that it fits into your budget.
If you’re looking for more of a portable playpen, check out our top 10 best playpens for babies here. And if you’re always on the go and need a place for your big boy or girl to go potty, be sure to grab one of the top 10 best travel potties for babies and toddlers.
Luckily, there are tons of great travel cots (or travel cribs) on the market that are designed to fit slimly into your car, or slide in with your luggage for plane travel, that are also safe and cozy for your precious little sleeper. Check them out below.
1. Best Travel Cot for Quick Setup: Chicco Lullago Travel Crib (Chestnut)
Chicco
The Chicco Lullago Travel Crib is a travel cot or portable crib that is designed to be convenient and easy to travel with. It weighs 17 pounds. It sets up quickly—the top is one piece, and it has four legs that snap on quickly and easily. This travel cot also includes a handy and attractive storage bag for travel. It comes with a custom-fit mattress with a brushed mattress pad, and it has mesh sides that create a comfortable and safe sleeping environment for your baby. The bottom of the legs come equipped with anti-slip feet to keep the travel crib from slipping. This product ships fast with Prime shipping, and comes in three colors, all for the same price of $99.99.
This travel crib is designed to hold a child weighing up to 20 pounds—this means it probably won’t last into toddlerhood. The height of the legs is not adjustable. The mattress included is in between a standard size bassinet and a standard size crib mattress, so there are not many options for fitted sheets or mattress covers to purchase.
Price: $99.99
Buy the Chicco Lullago Travel Crib (Chestnut) here.
Pros:
- Sets up quickly with snap-on legs
- Fabric parts can be removed for easy washing
- Includes carry bag for storage and travel
- Includes a brushed mattress pad and mesh sides for a comfortable and safe sleeping environment
Cons:
- Not large enough for toddlers
- Height is not adjustable
- More expensive as compared to other brands
- Mattress not a standard size
Find more Chicco Lullago Travel Crib (Chestnut) information and reviews here.
2. Best Super-Lightweight Travel Cot: Summer Infant Travel Bed
Summer Infant
The Summer Infant Travel Bed is a highly portable travel cot that folds up into a shoulder bag for convenient travel by car, plane, train, etc. Weighing just 2.4 pounds, it is one of the lightest of the bunch. And at under $30, it’s also the most affordable option on the list. This product folds out into a travel cot that can be used for babies weighing up to 15 pounds. It includes a premium mattress pad for baby’s comfort, as well as a removable, washable sheet. It can also be used as a portable changing table, and it comes with a fun toy bar with two toys to entertain baby during diaper changes.
This is a bare-bones travel cot, so it is not very sturdy and it’s on the small side. Additionally, there is no platform for lifting the cot up off the floor, though it would most likely be safe to use as a cosleeper in bed with the caregiver, as it has sides that go up to prevent baby from rolling out.
Price: $29.27
Buy the Summer Infant Travel Bed here.
Pros:
- Includes premium mattress pad for baby’s comfort with a removable, washable sheet
- Comes with fun toy bar with two toys to entertain baby while changing their diaper
- Easily folds with detachable carry strap for travel
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- No platform for lifting up off the floor
- Maxes out when child is 15 pounds
- On the small side
- Not very sturdy
Find more Summer Infant Travel Bed information and reviews here.
3. Best Bang-for-Your Buck Travel Cot: Fisher-Price Ultra-Lite Day & Night Play Yard
Fisher-Price
The Fisher-Price Ultra-Lite Day & Night Play Yard weighs in at just 11.5 pounds—it is half the weight of some other playpen/travel crib models. This travel crib is actually a sleeper, changing station and play yard all in one. It even includes a pocket to store diapers and wipes. Because it offers the top bassinet and the bottom play yard, it can actually grow with your child a bit if you are using it solely as a sleeper or travel cot. The fabric on the changer is machine washable, making it easy and convenient to clean. This product is easy to assemble and fold up for storage or travel.
At $81.50, this playpen is more expensive than some other options, but is still in the mid range of price points for travel cribs. Some consumers do not like that the bottom of the playpen sits on the ground and that the mattress for the playpen is thin and flimsy. Additionally, the low-to-the-ground playpen area means it can be difficult for parents to bend over and place a sleeping child in it.
Price: $82.21 (31 percent off MSRP)
Buy the Fisher-Price Ultra-Lite Day & Night Play Yard here.
Pros:
- Includes carrying case for travel or storage
- Comes with inclined sleeper/bassinet and changer
- Half the weight of other playpens
- Fabric is machine washable
Cons:
- More expensive as compared with other brands
- Bottom of playpen sits on ground
- Very thin mattress for playpen
- If using bottom portion as bed, it can be difficult to lay baby down as it is so close to the ground
Find more Fisher-Price Ultra-Lite Day & Night Play Yard information and reviews here.
4. Best Travel Cot for Outdoor: KidCo P4012 PeaPod Plus Infant Travel Bed (Midnight)
KidCo
The KidCo P4012 PeaPod Plus Infant Travel Bed is a travel pod designed for outdoor performance. It’s super lightweight at three and a half pounds and comes with a convenient carrying bag. The travel cot folds up compactly for travel and storage. Its built-in UV protection and anchor straps make it the ideal candidate for a camping trip with baby. The sleeper is surrounded by lightweight mesh to promote air flow and protect against insects.
At $79, this travel cot is firmly in the mid-range of prices, though it isn’t very substantial as compared to other comparably priced travel cots. For instance, it does not have a sturdy frame, meaning a larger, more mobile baby or toddler could potentially roll it over. Although some consumers have used this travel cot for this babies under 12 months, the label does say that there is a suffocation risk for babies under 12 months of age. Some consumers have reported that this cot is somewhat tricky to fold up after using.
Price: $79
Buy the KidCo P4012 PeaPod Plus Infant Travel Bed (Midnight) here.
Pros:
- Super lightweight at 3.5 pounds
- Folds up compactly for travel and storage
- UV protection and anchor straps for outdoor use
- Sleeper is surrounded by lightweight mesh to promote air flow and protect against insects
Cons:
- More expensive as compared to other super lightweight travel cots
- No sturdy frame, so larger baby could potentially roll it over
- Instructions say not to use for babies under 12 months
- Somewhat tricky to refold after use
Find more KidCo P4012 PeaPod Plus Infant Travel Bed (Midnight) information and reviews here.
5. Best High End Travel Cot: phil&teds Portable Traveller Crib (Silver)
phil&ted’s
The Portable Traveller Crib from phil&teds is a super lightweight yet sturdy travel cot that folds up compactly into a carrying bag. phil&teds updated the design of this model in 2015 to make it easier to assemble and disassemble. This product includes a therm-rest mattress with a 100% cotton sheet. It features a strong, sturdy support bar, as well as a side zipper so the sleeper can double as an open playpen when baby is awake. This travel cot is globally safety certified with full mesh sides that are slightly raised so baby can catch some peaceful zzz’s and you can maintain a clear view of your child at all times. This product is designed for use of infants to children of three years.
The main drawback is the price—at over $200 it is not cheap, but many consumers believe it is worth it for the design and safety of this cot. Some consumers don’t like that the mattress must be inflated whenever you use it—it adds an extra step that some find annoying.
Price: from $240
Buy the phil&teds Portable Traveller Crib (Silver) here.
Pros:
- Super lightweight and small when folded up for travel
- Globally safety certified design with full mesh sides that are slightly raised for a peaceful sleep and for a clear view of your child
- Includes carry bag, therm-rest mattress and 100% cotton sheet
- Features strong, sturdy support bar and side zipper to use as open playpen
Cons:
- Expensive
- Some consumers report that this crib is somewhat difficult to get back into the bag once disassembled
- Mattress must be inflated upon use
- Some consumers do not like that it is slightly raised in the middle once assembled
Find more phil&teds Portable Traveller Crib (Silver) information and reviews here.
6. Best Travel Cot + Playpen Combo: Graco Pack N’ Play Playard Nimble Nook (Pierce)
Graco
The Graco Pack N’ Play Playard Nimble Nook is a combination travel cot and portable playpen that’s smaller than the standard size Pack N’ Play in order to make it easier to transport. It still weighs in heavier than many travel cots, at 19.8 pounds. This product comes with a removable full-size bassinet that makes the perfect sleeping spot for baby to sleep at home or away. The bassinet is designed for babies under 15 pounds—once your baby outgrows the bassinet, she can sleep or play in the playpen area on the bottom until she reaches 35 inches tall (or is able to climb out). This product is designed to be 20% lighter than other Pack N’ Plays, and it includes the signature Graco push-button fold that makes packing it up for travel a breeze. It has a durable, sturdy frame as well.
This product comes equipped with soothing vibration for the bassinet, and some consumers have reported disappointment that the vibration doesn’t work on the bottom sleep/play area. Because this travel crib is smaller than the standard size Graco, it can sometimes be difficult to find sheets to fit the mattress that goes on the bottom; this Graco Pack N’ Play Travel Playard Sheet fits the Nimble Nook but is way more expensive than the standard Graco sheets.
Price: $69.99 (30 percent off MSRP)
Buy the Graco Pack N’ Play Playard Nimble Nook (Pierce) here.
Pros:
- Removable, full-size bassinet provides the perfect spot for baby to sleep at home or away
- Signature Graco push-button fold makes packing it up a breeze
- Durable frame
- Doubles as a playpen
Cons:
- Heavier than comparable travel cots
- Vibration works only on top level of travel cot/playpen
- Somewhat difficult to find sheets that fit the mattress due to its unusual size
- Smaller than the standard size Graco Pack ‘N Play
Find more Graco Pack N’ Play Playard Nimble Nook (Pierce) information and reviews here.
7. Best Sturdy Cosleeper Travel Cot: BRICA Fold N’ Go Travel Bassinet
Brica
The BRICA Fold N’ Go Travel Bassinet is an inexpensive and ultra lightweight (just 2.4 pounds!) travel cot that is perfect for when you need a safe place for your little one to sleep on the go. It also functions nicely as a cosleeper if you want your infant close to you but are worried about the risks of cosleeping. This product comes with a four-point Safe-T-Lock System to keep the bassinet in place while it is set up. It’s also designed with mesh panels and breathable fabric to keep baby safe and comfy all night long. The BRICA travel cot folds up very nice and thin.
This travel cot does have some limitations, however. It is ideally for babies 15 pounds and under and not over three months, so there is a fairly small window where this product would be useful. Many consumers note that the mattress is thin and difficult to get completely flat after it has been folded up. Some consumers also note that the travel cot as a whole feels somewhat flimsy.
Price: $29.99 (24 percent off MSRP)
Buy the BRICA Fold N’ Go Travel Bassinet here.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Super lightweight at 2.4 pounds
- Four-point Safe-T-Lock System for safety and security
- Designed with mesh panels, breathable fabric and a locking frame to provide comfort and peace of mind
Cons:
- Mattress is thin and difficult to get completely flat
- Made for smaller babies—maxes out at around 15 pounds or three months
- Once baby can roll the travel cot is no longer useful
- Some consumers note that the product feels flimsy
Find more BRICA Fold N’ Go Travel Bassinet information and reviews here.
8. Softest Outdoor Travel Cot: KidsTime Baby Travel Bed (Blue)
KidsTime
The KidsTime Baby Travel Bed is an inexpensive and super lightweight option (just 2.2 pounds) that comes in two colors, pink and blue; both are currently selling for the same price of $37. This product works well for outdoor use as it includes a mosquito net to keep your baby protected from those insects. This product is made from breathable mesh and cotton, which keeps air circulating and baby dry, and is a safe option for sleep.
The mattress included is soft and plush, though some consumers have noted they wish the mattress were a bit more substantial. Although the product is recommended for babies from zero to 18 months, some consumers have noted that larger babies could easily roll this travel cot over. Some consumers note that the seams are single-stitched and prone to coming lose, as well as that the instructions are in Chinese.
Price: $36.99
Buy the KidsTime Baby Travel Bed (Blue) here.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Great for outdoor use, including protection from mosquitoes
- Made from breathable mesh and cotton, which keeps the air flowing and baby dry
- Includes soft, padded mattress
Cons:
- A larger baby could roll the travel cot over
- Some consumers wish bottom/mattress was thicker
- Seams are single-stitched and can come undone fairly easily
- No English instructions
Find more KidsTime Baby Travel Bed (Blue) information and reviews here.
9. Best Travel Cot + Diaper Bag Combo: Prime Baby Bags Mulitfunctional Portable Carry Cot
Prime Baby Bags
The Prime Baby Bags Multifunctional Portable Carry Cot is a combination travel cot, changing mat and diaper bag, perfect for busy moms on the go! This Prime Baby Bags travel cot folds up into a super stylish bag that you can tote anywhere. It easily folds out and folds back up into a diaper bag, and it’s very lightweight and portable at 3.8 pounds. You can stash your most needed baby and mom accessories in the eight large zippered storage pockets.
However, bear in mind this product will not hold as much as a typical diaper bag because it has the built in travel cot. Consumers report that the sides are somewhat flimsy and that babies tend to grow out of the travel cot at around six months. Additionally, some consumers have noted that this product stains easily, so it is recommended to purchase one of the darker colors, which will hide stains better.
Price: $58.99 (46 percent off MSRP)
Buy the Prime Baby Bags Mulitfunctional Portable Carry Cot here.
Pros:
- Multifunctional travel cot, changing mat and diaper bag
- Includes eight large zippered storage pockets
- Folds and unfolds easily
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
Cons:
- Sides are somewhat flimsy
- Stains easily
- For smaller babies only
- Doesn’t hold as much as a standard diaper bag
Find more Prime Baby Bags Mulitfunctional Portable Carry Cot information and reviews here.
10. Most Stylish Travel Cot: Lotus Travel Crib & Portable Baby Playard
Lotus
The Lotus Travel Crib and Portable Baby Playard is a highly portable and lightweight travel cot, weighing in at just 11 pounds. This travel cot is so easy to set up—it takes just 15 seconds! Breakdown is somewhat more difficult, but see the video below for instructions. The Lotus folds up into a backpack, which you can transport easily on all your family adventures. The sides of the playpen are made from soft, see-through mesh so you can watch baby play or sleep; the side even has a fun door that zips and unzips so baby can crawl in and out while supervised. The Lotus comes with a soft mattress, making it a safe and comfy place for baby to nap, and it also doubles as a playpen either at home or on the go.
Some consumers do not like that the mattress rests directly on the ground. Additionally, you will need to buy the Guava Family quilted sheets, because the mattress is not a standard size. This playpen is more expensive than average, at $198.
Price: $198 (21 percent off MSRP)
Buy the Lotus Travel Crib & Portable Baby Playard here.
Pros:
- Sets up in just 15 seconds
- Has a fun side door that unzips
- Folds up into a backpack for easy transport
- Soft mesh sides that you can see baby through and are safe for sleep
Cons:
- Expensive
- Mattress sits on floor
- Must buy sheets from Guava family because mattress is not standard size
- Breaking down is somewhat more complicated than setup
Find more Lotus Travel Crib & Portable Baby Playard information and reviews here.
