travel cots argos with mattress

To help us provide you with free impartial advice, we may earn a commission if you buy through links on our site. Learn more

Best cot mattress 2023: The finest foam, fibre and spring mattresses for your little one

• Chris Martin

Make sure baby (and you) have a great night’s sleep with the best cot mattresses for every budget

If you’re about to welcome a new baby into the world, picking up the best cot mattress you can find should be a top priority. Even if you decide to forgo the changing table, rocking chair and chest of drawers, you’ll certainly need some form of cot for your little one to sleep in.

Unfortunately, most cots on the market don’t come with cot mattresses included so you’ll need to factor in the cost of that when thinking about where your baby will sleep. There’s a lot of baby equipment that can safely be used secondhand, and you may be using a hand-me-down cot from a friend or older sibling, but you’ll need to buy a new cot mattress to make sure it’s hygienic, dust-free and firm.

Best cot mattress: At a glance

• Best travel option: Baby Elegance Cool Flow | £45
• Best-value spring option: Mother Nurture Luxury | £55
• Best for Moses baskets: Mother Nurture Classic Foam | From £14
• Best dual-sided: Silver Cross Quilted TrueFit Premium | £229

How to choose the best cot mattress for you

What cot mattress material should i choose.

Other than price, the material will be your main consideration when choosing a cot mattress. As with adult mattresses, cot mattresses come in a range of materials, each with their own advantages. The main choices are as follows:

• Foam – lightweight and easy to clean, foam cot mattresses are generally good value for money. That said, foam mattresses can lose their shape quicker than other cot mattress types so are less suitable if you plan to use your cot for an extended period.
• Coil spring – a little more expensive and sturdier than a pure foam mattress, coil spring mattresses are like the traditional spring mattress you may have on your own bed. These cot mattresses usually hold their shape for longer, while the space between the springs allows air to flow more freely, keeping your baby cool in hot weather.
• Pocket spring – with each spring in its own internal “pocket” these cot mattresses are super-supportive and durable, with a price tag to match. Due to the price, this kind of cot mattress is probably best suited to a larger cot bed that your baby will sleep in for several years.
• Natural fibre – wool, coir (coconut fibre) and bamboo are typical materials used in natural fibre cot mattresses, which often also contain latex. Natural fibres are breathable and comfortable, making them a popular choice with eco-minded parents who may wish to avoid synthetic chemicals and plastic processing.
• Hypoallergenic mattresses – if your baby has been diagnosed with allergies or asthma (or is at risk owing to asthma or allergies in the family), a hypoallergenic cot mattress is a great idea. These feature a detachable layer that can be washed at 60°C to kill any dust mites. Hypoallergenic cot mattresses may be made of any of the above materials, including natural fibres. The detachable layer adds a few pounds to the price but if allergies are a concern the resulting washability is invaluable.

Cot mattresses may also combine the above materials: coil spring mattresses often have a layer of foam or memory foam for comfort, and some mattresses are “dual core” with a firm side providing extra support for young babies up to 12 months old, and a softer side with added comfort for older babies and toddlers.

Other handy features to look out for are removable covers or panels for easy washing and ventilation holes in the foam or a good airflow between springs to keep the mattress fresh. Breathable fabrics can also be useful, especially if your baby’s room is on the warm side.

What size cot mattress do I need?

The standard UK size for cot mattresses is 60 x 120cm, but if you have purchased or inherited a cot from the US or elsewhere, check the mattress size required before purchasing. Cribs, co-sleepers and Moses baskets for younger babies all require smaller mattresses designed for that purpose, so again check the size before you buy. Additionally, if you’ve bought a cot bed, the mattress will need to be 70 x 140cm. When you buy your cot, check its dimensions either online or with the retailer. Most cot mattress manufacturers will also sell mattresses in smaller sizes for these uses, and larger versions for use in cot beds.

What are the cot mattress safety guidelines?

Top your cot mattress with a securely fitted sheet that fits snugly and won’t come loose. Avoid loose blankets in your baby’s cot – an infant sleeping bag is now the preferred choice – and keep cushions, pillows and soft toys out of the cot for the first two years. For more advice on infant sleep safety, see lullabytrust.org.uk .

How we test cot mattresses

To offer our recommendations of the best cot mattresses available, we put a range of models to the test – from foam, traditional coil spring and durable pocket-sprung mattresses, to those made from natural and hypoallergenic fibres. In addition, we consider mattresses designed for slightly older toddlers, as well as those suitable for slipping inside a Moses basket or travel cot. Examining models at different price points, our list comprises budget-friendly mattresses alongside more expensive, premium options.

Each of the mattresses below has been tested by our reviewers with the help of their own babies and toddlers. As such, comfort was determined by how peaceful a night’s sleep each mum enjoyed. Finally, we ensure each mattress meets the NHS and British safety standards and guidelines , which recommend a firm, flat surface that fits snugly in the cot without leaving any gaps around the edges.

READ NEXT: Best high chairs

The best cot and cot bed mattresses you can buy in 2023

1. silver cross quilted truefit premium: best dual-sided cot mattress.

It might be more expensive than many options on the market, but the TrueFit premium offers the advantage of lasting longer than rivals, too.

Silver Cross’s most high-end cot mattress is dual-sided and suitable from birth. Once your baby is 18 months old, flip the Quilted TrueFit Premium over, and its softer side is then good to use until around the age of four years old.

The Premium looks and feels super luxurious, including 220 pocket springs for even weight distribution alongside temperature-regulating Thermo+ fabric. The mattress is breathable, hypoallergenic and water-resistant, too.

It’s available in the standard 140 x 70cm cot bed size and the TrueFit design means there will be no gaps around the edges. The cover is removable with a convenient zip, and can be machine washed at 60°C.

Key specs – Size: 140 x 70cm; Weight: Not available; Materials: Nursery-grade high-density foam, 220 pocket springs, natural rubberised coir layer, Thermo+ fabric, Tencel fabric

Check price at Silver Cross

2. Dreams Hush Baby Pocket Sprung Mattress: Best quality cot mattress

The first thing we said when we opened up this Hush Baby mattress from Dreams is that it feels really great quality. Soft, springy and supportive, it features 112 pocket springs with a breathable and heat-regulating cover that’s water-repellent and machine washable.

The comfort grade of the mattress is firm, so although the fabrics feel soft to the touch, it will still provide your baby with the safe, flat base they need for those crucial first months of growth and development.

The fabric is also anti-allergy and PVC-free, so it shouldn’t cause any irritation if your child is sensitive. The 40-night sleep guarantee and one-year warranty provides some extra reassurance, too.

Key specs – Sizes: 120 x 60 x 10cm; Weight: Not available; Material: Anti-allergy fabric

Check price at Dreams

3. The Little Green Sheep Natural Twist Cot Mattress: Best cot mattress for eco-conscious babies (and parents)

If eco-credentials are important to you and you’re in the market for a high-quality, all-natural cot mattress, The Little Green Sheep is the company to go to. This bestselling cot mattress is made of a supportive core of coconut fibre with wool and natural latex comfort and a quilted cotton cover.

The “twist” in the name refers to the fact that you can flip the mattress over from the firm, wool-lined side (recommended for babies up to 12 months) to a spongier latex side that’s ideal for older infants and toddlers. If you want to go large on going green, a range of crib and carrycot mattresses and accessories is also available.

Key specs – Size : 120 x 60 x 10cm; Weight : 7kg; Materials : Coconut coir, wool, latex, cotton

The Little Green Sheep Twist Cot Bed, Breathable Mattress for Babies and Toddlers, 60 x 120 cm, Coconut Coir, Cotton, Wool, Latex, Colour

4. mother nurture luxury spring interior cot mattress: best-value spring cot mattress.

At £43, this firm-sprung cot mattress with removable quilted cover is excellent value for money. The cot mattress is a sturdy 10cm deep but relatively lightweight, which makes it easy to pop out of the cot for washing and periodic turning.

The spring core is coated in hypoallergenic foam, and the cover can be washed at 60°C to protect against dust mites, meaning this is an excellent value choice for babies with asthma or allergies.

The soft, comfortable cover is easy to remove and an internal waterproof layer prevents damage to the core. An attractive, safe and supportive mattress at an excellent price.

Key specs – Size : 120 x 60 x 10cm; Weight : 4kg; Materials : Nursery foam with polypropylene/polyester cover

Mother Nurture Waterproof Classic Spring Cot Mattress 120 x 60 x 10cm

5. baby elegance cool flow cot mattress: best travel cot mattress.

Not all travel cots come with a mattress, and if they do, they tend to be on the thin side. If you want to ensure your little one is as comfy as possible on a weekend excursion or overnight trip to see friends or family, it’s worth investing in a decent travel cot mattress. This option from Argos is made from breathable fibre and is suitable for newborn babies and toddlers up to 15kg (or around three to four years old). It folds in half for easy storage and transportation and comes with a handy travel bag.

Key specs – Size: 94 x 66 x 5cm; Weight: 2.2kg; Material: 100% fibre

Check price at Argos

6. Mother Nurture Classic Foam: Best Moses basket mattress

Another entry in our list from Mother Nurture, this time for a foam mattress designed to fit in your baby’s Moses basket.

Almost all Moses baskets come with mattresses, but – like with travel cots – they have a tendency to be a little on the thin side. This is partly deliberate; you don’t want a mattress being too thick when babies are tiny. Yet, if you want more comfort without trading safety, we recommend this classic foam mattress.

Not only is it fully breathable and reversible, but it also has a quilted, water-resistant cover which can be taken off and washed at 40°C. The core of the mattress is foam, which is free from harmful chemicals, and the mattress conforms to the latest guidelines regarding the fillings for nursery mattresses. It doesn’t contain allergy-producing substances, either.

This mattress is available in three sizes, to fit most Moses baskets on the market, with prices starting at £14, then up to £17 for the 65 x 28 x 3.5cm and 67 x 30 x 4cm versions.

Key specs – Sizes: 67 x 30 x 4cm; 65 x 28 x 3.5cm; 74 x 28 x 3.5cm; Weight: 100g; Material: Foam, 60% Polypropylene, 40% Polyester

Mother Nurture Classic Foam Moses Basket Mattress, White, 74 x 28 x 3.5 cm

7. snüzsurface pro adaptable cot bed mattress: a brilliantly adaptable mattress for all ages.

The SnüzPod bedside crib is one of the most popular baby products on the market, so we were excited to try the brand’s new Pro Adaptable mattress from its new SnüzSurface collection.

Out of the box, the mattress’s configuration allows it to be used up until the age of one. After your child’s first birthday – or when they’re heavy enough – you can simply rerearrange the foam layers inside the mattress’ cover to adapt the level of support to suit a larger child. Once your child is around 3 years of age, you can rearrange the layers once more to create a softer mattress suitable for children up to the age of 7.

The washable, removable cover has a breathable surface, and the waterproof membrane prevents leaks reaching the foam layers inside. The mattress itself also has an anti-dust-mite barrier and comes in a range of sizes including crib size.

One factor to take into consideration when buying a SnüzSurface mattress is that they need to be carefully unrolled and laid flat for up to seven days to allow the foam layers to fully expand. Once we’d left the mattress for this time, it fitted perfectly flat in our cot bed.

Key specs – Sizes: 70 x 140cm; Weight: Not available; Material: 100% polyester

Check price at John Lewis

9. Mamas & Papas Premium Pocket Spring Cot Mattress: A reversible anti-allergy pocket sprung mattress

Mamas & Papas Premium Pocket Spring Cot Mattress has a two-sided, reversible design. The 162 individually pocketed springs respond to your baby’s growing shape, and while one side offers a suitably firm level of support for a baby, the other offers a little more give for larger children.

Both sides are treated with Purotex Technology to protect it from dust and allergens, and the temperature regulating fabrics and perspiration control treatment helps to keep children at a comfortable temperature, whatever the weather.

The cover is also hypoallergenic, water-repellent and machine washable if your little one has any accidents.

Key specs – Sizes: 120 x 60 x 10cm; Weight: Not available; Material: Foam-free

Mamas & Papas Premium Pocket Spring Cotbed Mattress - 140x70x10cm

13 of the best travel cots 2024 for babies and toddlers

Our pick of the best cot and bassinet options to provide your baby or toddler with a portable sleeping space for travel, put to the test by parents

• Christy McGhee
• Share on facebook
• Share on twitter
• Share on pinterest
• Share on whatsapp
• Share on reddit
• Share on tumblr

Travel cots are portable, safe places for babies and toddlers to sleep when away from home. They’re lightweight, have collapsible sides and fold into a portable format with a carry handle, making them great for holidays, breaks and overnight stays.

We’ve analysed the travel cot market and rigorously tested a range of different models to find the best ones for your family. Whether you're looking for something safe for a newborn, or a roomy cot for an older toddler, you'll find it here. Some travel cots can also be used as playpens for a baby, although, if you're looking specifically for a playpen check out our best playpens for babies and toddlers . For cosy bedding inspiration, take a look at our list – tried and tested by real parents and their kids. If you're travelling somewhere hot with your little ones, take a look at our selection of the best pram fans .

Best travel cots at a glance

• Best travel cot for easy assembly: Bugaboo Stardust, £225
• Best lightweight travel cot for a good mattress: Venture Airpod Travel Cot, £119.99
• Best multi-use travel cot: Silver Cross Slumber 3-in-1 Travel Cot, £195
• Best travel cot for added extras: Graco Contour Electra, £100
• Best budget buy travel cot: Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot, £37
• Best travel cot for versatile features: Hauck Sleep'n Play Centre Travel Cot, £79.95
• Best travel cot for occasional use: Cuggl Deluxe Superlight Travel Cot, £60
• Best travel cot for newborns: Joie Kubbie Sleep, £99.99
• Best budget travel cot for co-sleeping: Red Kite Dreamer Bedside Travel Crib, £65
• Best travel cot for versatile newborn co-sleeping: Chicco Next2Me PopUp, £199
• Best travel cot for no upper weight limit: BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light, £219.90
• Best stylish travel cot: Tutti Bambini CoZee Go 3-in-1 Bassinet, Travel Cot & Playpen, £129
• Best lightweight newborn travel crib: ErgoPouch Easy Sleep Portable Crib, £99.95
• Jump to best travel cots and cribs in 2024
• Jump to why do I need a travel cot?
• Jump to what to look for when buying a travel cot
• Jump to how, when and where will you use your travel cot?
• Jump to how much does a travel cot cost

Here are the best travel cots for 2024

1. bugaboo stardust, £225, – best for easy assembly.

Suitable from: birth (with newborn insert) to 2 years/15kg | Travel cot weight: 6.7kg | Unfolded dimensions: L64cm x W98cm x H85cm| Folded dimensions: L 65cm x W14cm x H85cm | Newborn bassinet: Yes

• Quickest to assemble
• 2 mattress height positions
• Lightweight

More like this

• Quite large when folded

Forget tricky folds, the pop-up style mechanism of the Bugaboo Stardust takes just seconds: simply pull the cot open from flat by pulling both sides. It’s perfect for a hassle-free bedtime when you’re not in the comfort of your own home.

It conveniently folds back down in the same amount of time, too, although it is worth noting this model folds down to a large flat shape, like a suitcase, making better suited to sliding into a car boot or under a bed than taking on public transport.

Along with the ease of assembly, the built-in mattress is what you pay for with this model: it's not only comfortable but can be adjusted to two height positions (with the newborn insert) making it easier to lift out newborns and babies not yet sitting up unaided. This is particularly handy if you’re prone to back problems or have just had a C-section. The mattress can be folded down inside the cot, meaning no extra assembly is required.

Although one of the priciest travel cots on our list, the Stardust can still deliver great value if you’re using your travel cot regularly with your baby. MFM home tester Rovenna, who tried it with her 4-month-old, said, "The fact it has both a raised zip in baby bassinet or a deep bed for toddlers – as well as a comfortable and generously filled built in mattress – is fantastic. It’s compact and lightweight, meaning it can be easily moved from room to room and transported in its handy carry bag.”

Available from: Bugaboo , Boots and John Lewis

2. Venture Airpod Travel Cot, £119.99

– best for lightweight with good mattress.

Suitable from: birth to 3 years | Travel cot weight: 6kg | Unfolded dimensions: L85cm x W55cm x H66cm| Folded dimensions: 60cm x 15cm x 50cm | Newborn bassinet: No | Awards: Gold – Travel Cot, MadeForMums Awards 2024

• Easy to build and collapse
• Mesh design
• Good mattress
• No newborn bassinet
• Can’t be used as playpen

This travel cot is very lightweight, comfortable and easy to carry. It's available in a number of colours and features mesh panels on all sides. The mesh means that you can get a great view of your baby or toddler, while also ensuring good air circulation at night time.

Travel cot mattresses are often the feature that parents are least satisfied with, as they are often thin and flimsy. However, the Airpod travel cot has a better quality, more luxurious mattress than you might expect. Although the Cuggl Deluxe is very similar and quite a bit cheaper in price, we found that the mattress in this travel cot was of much higher quality.

Although this cot doesn't have an all-in-one pop-up assembly, it's still easy to put up and down, so much so that some of our home tester parents didn’t need the instructions. “It was very easy to remove from the carry case and put the cot together.” said MFM home tester Sarah. “It was also easy to take apart and put back into the travel case. No fiddling or spare parts. The easiest baby item I have actually put together.”

The Airpod Travel Cot is suitable from birth, but it doesn't come with a bassinet, something that you might prefer for a newborn. Offering a good amount of room, the travel cot can also be used as a play pen, and offers a comfy night's sleep for babies and toddlers.

Available from: Amazon and Venture

3. Silver Cross Slumber 3-in-1, £195

– best multi-function travel cot.

Suitable from: birth (with newborn insert) to approx. 3 years (up to 15kg) | Travel cot weight: 7.65kg | Unfolded dimensions: 112 x 80 x 67cm| Newborn bassinet: Included

• 3-in-1 functionality
• Will grow with your child
• Sustainable fabric
• Large when assembled, expensive

If you're looking for a multi-use travel cot that will grow with your child from birth, then the Silver Cross Slumber is a stylish design that offers 3-in-1 functionality in one portable package. Made of breathable mesh with a padded mattress included, the Slumber has three distinct uses as a bedside co-sleeper, travel cot and playpen.

Zip in the newborn insert to create a bedside crib suitable from birth until approximately 6 months old. The newborn insert sits at the top of the cot, meaning your baby will be at the height of your bed - although these is no option to drop the side in this mode as with some bedside cribs.

As your baby grows, you can use the Slumber as lightweight travel cot, using the same mattress. A waterproof carry case is included to allow for easy portability on the go. You can also use the Slumber as a secure play pen, and there's a zip-open door your toddler can crawl in and out when they are older.

At 7.65kg it’s a lightweight design that can be transported easily and stored away when not in use. The Slumber also has an easy-fold function meaning it can pop up and fold down quickly. For eco-conscious parents, Slumber features quilted material crafted using a yarn made from recycled plastic bottles that would have otherwise been sent to landfill. It looks good too, with an attractive, minimalistic design. This is a useful product that will grow with your child and a stylish option from a trusted brand.

The Silver Cross Slumber is available in two different colourways, carbon and stone.

Available from: Boots

4. Graco Contour Electra, £100

– best for added extras.

Suitable from: birth to 15kg | Travel cot weight: 10kg | Unfolded dimensions: H:91cm W:73cm D:104cm| Folded dimensions: H:85cm D:23cm | Newborn bassinet: Yes

• Lots of accessories included
• Good newborn bassinet

If you're looking for a travel cot that will do double or even triple duty, this could be the product for you. The Graco Contour Electra comes bursting with added extras, including practical additions like a cot-top changing unit, and fun ones like the mobile and battery-operated unit that plays tunes and vibrates the cot.

MFM home tester Jessica said, "The Graco Electra travel cot has proven to be a lovely cot for my 5 month old son. It folds up to an easily transportable, small travel bag and has lovely extras such as the hanging toy bar and night light which are well thought out."

There's a newborn bassinet that fastens in to keep tiny babies close, and the whole unit is on wheels so it can be moved easily. It's definitely not the lightest product on our list, but remove any accessories you're not using (such as the changer or bassinet) and this significantly reduces the weight to make it easier to move or carry.

Read our full MadeForMums Graco Contour Electra review

Available from: Smyths and Graco

5. Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot, £37

– best budget buy.

Suitable from: birth to 15kg | Travel cot weight: 8.7kg | Unfolded dimensions: L99cm x W59.5cm x H80.5cm| Folded dimensions: L27cm x W25cm x H80.5cm| Newborn bassinet: No | MFM Review Star Rating: 4.2 stars

• Easy to assemble
• Thin mattress
• Not very lightweight

The cheapest cot on our list, the Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot is a great choice if you're looking for an affordable but sturdy option. The mattress, as you'd expect, is quite thin, so if you do look to buy an alternative one, take note of the dimensions and ensure anything you buy is the correct size. It must be a snug fit with no gaps around the edges.

Where this travel cot does excel is the ease of assembly. “Once you have pulled up the handle in the bottom and un-assembled the cot, it is very easy to fold shut and put into the carry-bag,” stated our MFM reviewer Jessica, who called it “hassle-free and very quick.” Travel cots of this type usually have an order in which each section has to be assembled (or taken down), so pay close attention to the instructions.

This cot's purse-friendly price point doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality – you’ll find plenty of useful design features like a full padded top rail and mesh sides to provide visibility and air flow. Our MFM reviewer and parent testers also found it felt robust once built. One parent tester said, “It feels secure, with the side bars locking in place, and is sturdy enough to accommodate a lively toddler.”

Read our full MadeForMums review of the Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot

Available from: Amazon and Halfords

6. Hauck Sleep'n Play Centre Travel Cot, £79.95

– best for versatile features.

Suitable from: birth to 15kg | Travel cot weight: 8.5kg | Unfolded dimensions: L125cm x W68.5cm x H82cm| Folded dimensions: L22cm x W21cm x H76.5cm | Newborn bassinet: Yes | Awards: Bronze – Travel Cot, MadeForMums Awards 2024

• Good value with lots of features
• Changing table included
• Can wheel along when folded
• Easy to assemble and transport
• Thin, uneven mattress

The Hauck Sleep'n Play Centre Travel Cot has all the bells and whistles for under £100. This includes an integrated changing table, high and low sleeping positions (reducing back strain), a utility pocket, a zip-down side panel for a fun playpen adventure (crawl in – crawl out) and a fun design with pops of colour. For ease of moving about, it also has two wheels when folded up that means you can pull it along like a suitcase – genius!

Our home testers found the cot to be well made and sturdy, and they particularly liked the wipeable fabrics. With a little practice, parents found it easy to set up and fold down as long as they performed the steps in the right order. "The cot feels sturdy when set up and the fabric is wipeable which makes life easy when on the go," says Shannon, who tested it with their 2-month-old baby Rae (pictured).

Testers would have liked the mattress to be a bit thicker, however, and didn't score it quite so highly for comfort (Hauck do sell a thicker mattress separately). One parent said they found the included mattress did not lie completely flat, but that “the unevenness was not to the extent that we had concerns about baby”. They also felt the changing table’s safety strap could be longer for older babies.

"It's good travel cot for the price with lots of features," said Jennifer, who tested the cot with her 3 month old Brianna. "It's large so will last while our child grows, and the ability to use from newborn up is obviously very helpful. The included change station an added bonus for when baby is small and I think the quality of the frame and materials is good."

Bargain hunters will be happy to hear that despite the £79.95 RRP, we’ve seen online deals for less than £60 - which would make this even better value.

Available from: Boots and Online4Baby

7. Cuggl Deluxe Superlight Travel Cot, £60

– best for occasional use.

Suitable from: birth to 15kg | Travel cot weight: 6kg | Unfolded dimensions: L85 cm x W56cm x H86m| Folded dimensions: L50cm x W61cm x H15cm| Newborn bassinet: No

• Folds up small
• Small footprint
• Low weight limit

Coming in at only 6kg, this is one of the lightest travel cots on our list, and also one of the most affordable. If you're looking for an all-rounder for occasional use during the first couple of years of your child's life, it's a good value option that performs well. We found it can be constructed in minutes and folds up to a suitcase size, although it's sadly not quite small enough to take as hand luggage on a plane.

The built-in mattress is 2.5cm deep, putting it on a par with most travel cot mattresses but perhaps not up there with the likes of the Bugaboo Stardust. Overall, the cot is smaller in size than some other options we tested, but that means it folds up smaller too. However, for taller children a larger option like the Joie Kubbie or BabyBjorn might last you longer.

Available from: Argos

8. Joie Kubbie Sleep Travel Cot, £99.99

– best for newborns.

Suitable from: Birth to 15kg | Travel cot weight: 8.79kg | Unfolded dimensions: L99cm x W59.5cm x H80.5cm| Folded dimensions: L 27 cm x W 25 cm x H 80.5cm | Newborn bassinet: Yes

• Simple drop-side feature
• Grows with baby
• Can be tricky to put up and down

For parents who want a travel cot from birth – perhaps to keep at a family member or caregiver's house – the Joie Kubbie Sleep combines the functionality of a travel cot with that of a bedside crib, with a drop-down side operated by a button that allows easier access to a newborn while in bassinet mode. It does sit quite high up so the exact functionality will differ depending on the type of bed you have, but in those early days when mum is healing it could be a lifesaver.

"One of the great features of the Joie Kubbie Sleep travel cot is that it can be used beside the bed once its straps are attached to the bed, and its side is dropped," said MFM reviewer Dominic, who tested this with his newborn daughter. He was also impressed with the durability, saying, "I’m really impressed with the quality of the build, despite the ‘sticky’ mechanics. Once assembled, it feels sturdy enough to last a number of years, which will be helpful for when our daughter can start using it as a playpen."

Once your baby is old enough, you simply put up the side, drop the mattress down to the base of the cot, and it becomes a generously-sized travel cot and playpen that'll last until the child weighs 15kg. The pull-and-click functionality takes a few minutes to master, and like others of this style there's an order you need to memorise in order to get it to go up and down smoothly, but Joie has a great instructional video to help .

Read our full MadeForMums Joie Kubbie travel cot review

Available from: Very and Argos

9. Red Kite Dreamer Bedside Travel Crib, £65

– best budget travel cot for co-sleeping.

Suitable from: birth (with bassinet) to 15kg | Travel cot weight: 7.6kg | Unfolded dimensions: L99cm x W57cm x H76cm| Folded dimensions: L27cm x W71cm x H26m| Newborn bassinet: Yes

• Permanent drop-side option
• Flimsy newborn insert

Like the Joie Kubbie sleep, the Red Kite Dreamer offers the perfect travel option for families with newborns that use a bedside crib at home, as it has the same drop-side functionality built into a more portable travel cot. However, unlike the Joie Kubbie Sleep, which has a button-operated drop-side, this one is fastened with buckles, making it more suited to those who want to keep the cot fastened to their bed with the side dropped permanently down, for a safe way to cosleep with a newborn.

Once the baby is older, it becomes a travel cot that's almost a metre in length, offering lots of space for a growing toddler. Our testers were divided on the mattress' comfort levels. While our reviewer found it to be too firm for their 9 month old, other testers really rated it. "As travel cots go this is one of the comfiest mattresses I’ve seen. It feels nice and padded and had a solid firm base underneath to secure into the cot," said home tester Bridget, who tested this with her 4 month old.

Our testers did find the bassinet insert for newborns a little flimsy, but fine given that's only used for the first few months before moving to the full travel cot. It's also lightweight to carry and one of the smaller folds on this list.

Read our full MadeForMums Red Kite Dreamer beside travel cot review

Available from: Argos and Red Kite

10. Chicco Next2Me PopUp, £199

— best travel cot for versatile newborn co-sleeping.

Suitable from: birth to 6 months | Travel cot weight: 10.5kg | Unfolded dimensions: L97cm x W80cm x H82cm | Folded dimensions: L97cm x W84cm x H23m | Newborn bassinet: No | Awards: Silver – Travel Cot, MadeForMums Awards 2023

• 6 height positions
• Quick and easy fold
• Shorter life span than other options
• Can be difficult to transport

The PopUp is the latest offering from the Chicco Next2Me range and is a great option for parents who will be travelling with their young baby a lot in the first 6 months. The Red Kite Dreamer and Joie Kubbie Sleep also offer co-sleeping but, unlike these, the PopUp has a range of features that make it a really great choice for newborns.

We love that the crib has 6 adjustable heights to better help it align the barrier of the crib to the parents' mattress — this is particularly useful if you're travelling and staying in different places. Also, thanks to its foldable feet, it is suitable for use with beds with storage compartments. It also comes with straps that allow the crib to conveniently attach to different beds. It can be used as a standalone or bedside crib and transforms easily between both. It also has 2 wheels that make it easy to move from room to room around the house.

There is an ergonomically designed mattress included and the crib itself has mesh panelling on all 4 sides, providing great visibility and air ventilation as your baby sleeps.

MFM reviewer Helen who tested the Chicco Next2Me Pop Up with her 1-month-old son Alessio said, "The Pop Up works very well as a crib for the early months of a baby’s life, especially for people who will be travelling a lot, because it is so easy to put up and down. It would certainly be a practical buy if you are going to be driving to stay away from home several times in the first 6 months of your baby’s life."

The crib has an impressively quick and easy 3-second fold that Helen thought was one of the standout features of the travel cot: "The ease of putting the cot up and down with the 3-second fold, and without the need to dissemble anything, is the main selling point and for good reason. It easily folds up into one piece and is easy to insert into the travel bag included." However, at 10.5kg, the PopUp is the heaviest option on our list and is quite bulky when folded. Whilst compact and able to fit under some beds while not in use, it does have a large footprint and therefore takes up quite a lot of car boot space and may not fit into the boot of smaller cars.

Read our full MadeForMums Chicco Next2Me Pop Up travel cot review

Available from: John Lewis , Amazon and Boots

11. BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light, £219.90

– best for no upper weight limit.

Suitable from: 0-3 years | Travel cot weight: 6kg (including travel bag) | Unfolded dimensions: L112cm x W64cm x 82cm | Folded dimensions: L49cm x W60cm x H14cm | Newborn bassinet: No

• No upper weight limit
• Easy to set up
• Premium feel
• Extra thick mattress
• One of the most expensive options

This lightweight, easy-to-use travel cot impressed our parent tester for a number of reasons – as you'd expect for one of the most expensive options on our list.

The brand known for stylish baby products won't disappoint parents on the go, with a sleek silhouette, premium-feeling fabrics and excellent functionality. It's impressively easy to set up and fold down – a true highlight compared to trickier styles such as the Joie Kubbie Sleep. Simply pull out each leg, click it into place on the top frame, then place the mattress inside and secure with poppers.

MFM Head of Consumer Content and mum of 3 Christy commented: "It's so easy to set up, which is really useful if you forget how between holidays, or are asking a grandparent to help. I had no worries about sleepily packing it up at the airport hotel before we took an early flight."

The mattress is extra thick, an essential luxury as the base rests on the floor. This design means there's no weight limit, a real plus point for parents with heavier-than-average toddler.

Christy, who tested the cot with her tall 2 year old, says: "I loved the fact that the BabyBjorn has no weight limit. With a heavy toddler who is not ready for a bed, it's perfect. He slept very well, even though we tested it on a hard tiled floor."

The cleverly designed shape, with the sides inclining towards the top, also makes it harder for little ones to climb out of, and the mesh walls give great visibility from any angle.

The cot folds up into a flat rectangle shape, stored in a carry bag. Christy adds: "We took it as hold luggage out our TUI flight, and could even have fitted it inside our large family suitcase to avoid dropping it off at the 'oversized luggage' desk."

Available from: John Lewis and BabyBjörn

12. Tutti Bambini CoZee Go 3-in-1 Bassinet, Travel Cot & Playpen, £129

— best stylish travel cot.

Suitable from: Birth (with bassinet) to 3 years | Travel cot weight: 6.5kg | Unfolded dimensions: L133cm x W98cm x H65cm | Folded dimensions: L72cm x W62cm x H14cm | Newborn bassinet: Yes | Awards: Bronze – Travel Cot, MadeForMums Awards 2023

• Multi-functional
• Quick to put together
• Mattress included
• Quite large

Suitable from birth and adapting to a toddler travel cot and playpen, this Scandi-style cot impressed our testers with its appealing, stylish design and ease of use.

It's a breeze to initially put together and then fold away and, at 6.5kg, it is one of the more lightweight options on our list. It's suitable from birth with the included newborn bassinet and foldable mattress. As your baby gets older, the mattress can be unfolded to be used as a floor-level travel cot. Then you can zip open the mesh window and you've turned it into a playpen.

The mesh fabric all around the cot provides great visibility and airflow and, available separately, is the Day & Night Shade which can help your baby switch off and sleep in bright or unfamiliar places. We also love that there is a carry case included for storage or travelling. It's not the most compact travel cot when it's assembled and is still quite large when it's folded — it's wide and square, which may be awkward to transport in smaller car boots. Our testers also found that fitting everything in the carry case and zipping it back up again could be difficult.

Parent tester Cali, who tested the CoZee Go with her 13-month-old son Teddy, really loved the style and quality of the travel cot: "There are cheaper travel cot and playpen options out there but they don't look as stylish or high quality. I absolutely love the minimalist look, it's stylish and neutral. All of the materials feel extremely good quality — this is definitely one of the comfier travel cots that we've used."

Cali also praised its different elements, "The CoZee Go makes a great playpen, the zip opening was especially good for giving my son the freedom to come and go as he pleases. As a travel cot, its a really good size so should last well into toddlerhood."

Parent tester Claire, who tested this with her 3-month-old son Zach also praised the design of the cot, "It is a high-end, stylish travel cot that’s built to last and worth its price tag. It also packs up compactly for ease of transport and has a very comfortable mattress that I think little ones will sleep well in."

Available from: Kiddies Kingdom , Natural Baby Shower and Tutti Bambini

13. ErgoPouch Easy Sleep Portable Crib, £69.97

Best for: lightweight newborn travel crib.

Suitable from: birth to showing signs of rolling | Travel cot weight: 2.2kg | Unfolded dimensions: L80cm x W49cm x H27cm | Folded dimensions (in backpack): L50cm x W49cm x H8cm | Newborn bassinet: Yes | Awards: Silver – Travel Cot, MadeForMums Awards 2024

• Very light and compact
• Mosquito net included
• Multifunctional

Considerably smaller – by design – than the more traditional travel cots on our list, this lightweight folding crib weighs in at a very portable 2.2kg. It is suitable for overnight sleep with newborns, so ideal for babies who are sleeping in a moses basket or crib at home and not quite ready to spend their holiday in a larger cot. Our testers found the breathable mesh sides make it easy to keep an eye on your baby, and the easy fold and included storage backpack make this a great shout for travel in the early days. The high sides and sturdy steel frame also make it a safe resting place for tummy time and play.

You’ll be hard pressed to find a lighter travel cot, but the downside of it being such as super-lightweight crib is that it has a relatively short usage span for sleep. ErgoPouch say the product is designed as a safe sleep area for a newborn infant, but do advise you discontinue use once your baby shows signs of rolling, or has reached 9kg (whichever comes first).

Holly, who tested it with her 7 week old, Charlotte, says, “My honest initial thoughts were that it was flimsy – however as soon as I assembled the product I realised it was exceptionally well produced - the materials are wonderfully lightweight which allows it to be carried in the accompanying backpack with ease. Similarly, I was worried that the mattress would be overly thin but in reality it is not much thinner than the mattress we currently have in the moses basket and is soft and comfortable. Great value for money!”

We also like the fact the mattress is breathable, and the cotton cover can be removed for washing. For lazy days by the pool or in your garden, it even comes with a mosquito net for extra protection for your baby. Folded down and popped in the travel case, it can also fit in overhead lockers on the airplane, or inside a suitcase.

Available from: Ergopouch and Natural Baby Shower

Sign up to receive our Most Wanted newsletter

By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy . You can unsubscribe at any time.

Why do I need a travel cot?

One of the main benefits of travel cots are their portability. Regular cots are often made of wood and to disassemble and put in a car or suitcase would be quite a task! With a travel cot disassembly is usually a matter of a few minutes (or even seconds) and some of the travel cots on our list fold small enough to fit in a suitcase or overhead locker alongside the stroller.

Travel cots are an on-the-go sleeping option that means you won’t have to rely on sleeping arrangements at your destination. For frequent travellers they can be as familiar to little ones as their regular bed; helping to aid sleep in a different environment.

What to look for when buying a travel cot

Portability — Travel cots have lighter-weight components and are designed to be easily carried and stored. But they're still cots, so none of them are going to fold into a truly tiny package. They fold into different shapes so look for the folded style that suits your needs. Some of the travel cots on our list fold into a long 3D rectangular shape more suited to public transport, others fold flat to fit well in a car boot.

Weight — Travel cots vary significantly in weight - we found some that are under 7kg and others that weigh in at a hefty 10.5kg. There's even a super-light travel crib, albeit with a shorter usage period. Think about how often you’re going to use it, and if you’ll be lifting it up and down stairs or in and out of a car. If you want frequent use, a very lightweight travel cot may suit you best. Of course, a heavier cot is likely to feel more sturdy and offer more functionality.

Ease of assembly/disassembly — Once you have the knack, putting a travel cot up and down should be a very quick process - a matter of minutes, if not seconds. Do read the instructions though, many have a knack and have parts that need to be put together in a very specific order. If you only plan on using it occasionally, a cot with a very easy, or intuitive fold, might suit you better than an 'easy once you've practised a few times' option.

Age suitability — Age suitability really varies for travel cots. Most can be used from birth – we’ve specified the manufacturer’s instructions – but the travel cots that have a built-in bassinet offer a cosier, elevated sleep environment for newborns. This will also make bending down to lift them out easier if they need frequent settling through the night. Several of the cots even have drop-down sides to allow them to be used as a bedside crib. Some cots can only be used for a few months while others are suitable up to around 3.5 years.

Mattress — Travel cot mattresses tend to be thinner and harder than normal cot mattresses. This is partly to enable a compact fold and easy storage, and is why travel cots are usually not recommended for permanent overnight sleep. But remember, a firm mattress is important for safe sleep for your baby, and doesn’t mean your child won’t be comfortable. Most manufacturers will state that you shouldn't add an extra mattress to a travel cot.

Extra functions — Some travel cots can serve as a handy playpen once babies can sit up. Some also have a changing station, which could be useful if you’re frequently travelling with a baby.

How, when and where will you use your travel cot?

Do you plan to use the travel cot frequently during the year, or do you need it for a particular holiday? The frequency and location of where you’ll use it will help when considering weight, functionality and budget. For example, if the travel cot will be used for overnight stays at relatives or friends every month, you won’t need to worry too much about weight and the ease of assembly – especially if it can remain constructed.

For holidays in hot climates, a breathable mattress and all-around mesh panel are factors to consider. These help with air circulation and will provide a more comfortable environment for your child to sleep. Some travel cots include or offer the option of an insect net and sun protection.

For travel involving flights, it’s worth investigating your airline’s baggage allowances. A light, compact-folding model with easy assembly could be your best solution.

How much does a travel cot cost?

Our list covers travel cot prices ranging from £35 up to more than £200 - so quite a wide scope. For items at all price points, we expect a safe, comfortable and stable sleeping environment.

When looking at budget options, our reviewers found that they certainly did the trick and functioned well as a travel cot but were quite basic with limited added extras. For example, you shouldn’t expect a changing station included on a lower priced travel cot.

When considering more high-end travel cots we still expect good value (not overpriced), premium components and extra thought on a design that will make traveling with kids a breeze. Of course, the more often you travel, the easier it is to get your money’s worth out of a more expensive travel cot.

The mid-range options on our list – priced under £100 include many great benefits and may tick quite a few boxes but without some of the lush extras of more expensive models.

How did we choose our 13 of the Best?

When testing travel cots, we considered size and weight limits, mattress quality, effectiveness, ease of build/fold, ease of transportation, any extra features or additions, and value the money.

Our 10 of the Best lists are compiled by qualified and experienced parenting journalists. They rely on a number of sources, including our independent reviews, testing undertaken during the MadeForMums Awards, and feedback from our home testing panel and Top Testers Club. Each year thousands of products are put through their paces by hundreds of parents across the country on behalf of MadeForMums, to ensure we’re bringing you honest and true reviews and recommendations.

Our list is not an ordered ranking from 1-10, instead it is a carefully selected group of tried-and-tested products, each ofwhich we believe is  best for  a different situation or requirement. We don’t just tell you what is best, we help you discover what is best for  your family .

Read more...

• Best lightweight buggies under 7kg
• Best baby carriers
• Best compact folding buggies

Christy is MadeForMums’ Head of Consumer Content

How NatPat's wellness patches may help your family

NatPat's range of wellness patches and stickers aim to tackle everything from allergies to lack of focus. We take a closer look at the range.

Advertisement feature with NatPat

• Skip to main content
• Skip to main navigation
• Skip to search

Advertisement

Our writers test and research products independently. When you buy through a link on our site we may earn a commission but this never affects our product choices.

Best travel cots: tried and tested

Whether used at home, at the grandparents' or as a playpen, a travel cot can be a familiar place for your baby to sleep, wherever they are. After rigorous research and testing, we reveal the best travel cots to buy in 2024.

By Poppy O'Neill | Last updated Apr 29, 2024

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.

While they're mainly used for overnight stays at a grandparent's house, or longer holidays, travel cots can also be used instead of a traditional crib or playpen for both babies and toddlers. They are portable, easy to carry, 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 best baby blanket and you're good to go.

Our parent tester, Ruth, and her 18-month-old put some of the UK's top-rated travel cots through their paces. 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. Referring to expert review sites for extra information, we collated all the information to bring you our top picks, of the best travel cots 2024.

The best travel cots 2024: editor's picks

Joie kubbie Bassinet Travel Cot

Red Kite Travel Cot

Graco FoldLite LX Travel Cot

Joie kubbie™ sleep travel cot.

Lift and lower side panel means baby can be picked up and placed down without hassle

Compact frame that packs down into a travel bag

Mesh panels on all four sides

Padded top rail

Too small to be used as a playpen

Material isn't machine-washable

Price on writing: From £100 | Suitable from: Birth to three years (15kg) | Weight: 8.79kg

Tried and tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Joie kubbie™ Sleep review

The Joie kubbie™ Sleep is a real steal and a brilliant choice for new parents who want something that covers all bases - that's why we've named it our best travel cot overall for 2024. Versatile in style and cocoon-like in the way it nurtures and grows with newborns, the kubbie™ Sleep also comes with a bassinet that can easily be attached and detached.

A unique feature of the kubbie™ Sleep that our tester was impressed by is that when your baby is in the bassinet, you can tuck the cot close to your bed and adjust the height of the crib so that it acts like a co-sleeper. It's a lovely feature if you're travelling with a tiny baby, it provides extra peace of mind and easy access for changing and breastfeeding .

Great for parents who

Have a newborn

Like the idea of a co-sleeper and want to keep their baby close during the night

Want a cot that can last up to three years old

Read next: The best changing bags Mumsnetters swear by

Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot

Lightweight and folds down compactly into a travel bag

Quick to assemble and fold away

Easy to clean

Mesh sides make it easy to see baby

The mattress is thinner than some other baby travel cot mattresses on the market, such as the Joie kubbie™ Sleep

Doesn't have wheels

Price on writing: £37 | Suitable from: Birth to three years (or able to climb out) | Weight: 8.5 kg

Tried and tested by Mumsnet : Read our full Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot review .

Robust and simple in design, the Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot is a basic, practical travel cot that you'll be glad to have for the odd night away from home with your little one. With breathable mesh on four sides, a carry bag and padding over the poles and edges, it's got everything you need for a safe night's sleep - or a handy play pen.

Mumsnetters say the mattress could be thicker and better quality, which is often the case with cheaper travel cots. If you're looking for a separate mattress, this one from Mother Nurture fits the Red Kite perfectly and folds up for extra practicality while on-the-go.

Need a bed for short trips or as a secondary for the grandparents' house

Are on a tight budget

Read next: The best cabin bags to buy for your next family holiday

Lightweight and easy to fold up and down

Collapses to just 26 cm wide

Comes with a removable infant bassinet

2 wheels for easy manoeuvring

The mattress could be thicker

Price on writing: £80 | Suitable from: Birth to three years (or able to climb out) | Weight: 6.78 kg

With two ways to fold, the Graco FoldLite LX is a brilliant cot for frequent use. The quick fold is designed for speed, while 'Home Fold' is ultra-thin at just 26cm wide - perfect for storing away at home.

We love the two-wheel design that makes the cot easy to drag around, and it's not bad to look at either. The base is one of the lowest to the ground on our list, making it a good option for using as a playpen. It also comes with a removable infant bassinet for smaller babies.

Graco are well-loved by Mumsnetters thanks to their good-quality, affordable baby gear, and this travel cot is no exception.

Want a cot that can be put up and down frequently without too much hassle

Have limited space for storage

Read next: The best nursing chairs to buy, as recommended by mums

LittleLife Arc 2

Insect-proof mesh for hot weather and the outdoors

Has a front panel with a safety toggle that can be zipped open or closed, making it a great option to use as an outdoor playpen

Colour-coded poles make assembly simple

Lightweight option

Thin mattress

Sunshade must be bought separately

Price on writing: £110 | Suitable from: Birth to three years (15kg), but we'd recommend it for toddlers | Weight: 2.5kg

Tried and tested by Mumsnet: Read our full LittleLife Arc 2 review

The LittleLife Arc 2 is extremely lightweight (practically featherweight, really, at just 2.5kg), is designed just like a tent and can be folded down compactly to fit into a backpack, which comes with it. This makes it perfect for use on public transport, holidays and camping.

It works just as well outdoors as it does indoors and is great for those grab-and-go moments. Our tester really liked its tent-like design - close to the floor means there's no risk of kids falling out and the cosier sleeping space makes it ideal for younger babies. She was also impressed by the mosquito net - perfect for travel wherever you're headed.

Use public transport when travelling

Want something that could double up as a playpen

Read next: The best baby carriers, tried and tested

BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light

Durable construction

Very comfy mattress

Mattress and fabric is removable and machine-washable

Mattress is fairly close to the floor – one side can be unzipped for easy access though

It’s one of the more expensive cots around

Price on writing: £220 | Suitable from: Birth to three years | Weight: 6kg (including carry bag)

Tried and tested by Mumsnet: Read our full BabyBjorn Light review

If you have a little extra to spend, then the luxury and comfort of BabyBjörn's Light will make sleepovers fuss-free no matter where you go. Our tester found it sturdy, simple to set-up and really easy to transport. The mattress is considerably more comfy than those you'll find in cheaper travel cots, and all the fabric parts are removable and machine washable.

The main drawback is the price tag, but if you have the means, then this cot won't let you down.

Need a small portable crib that can be taken on short or long trips

Want to invest in a travel bed that can stand heavy use

Related: The best teddy bears and soft toys for kids of all ages

Joie Commuter Change

Two wheels make this cot easy to move around

Easy to fold and unfold

Bassinet and changing unit don’t fit into carry bag

Side of the cot can’t be pulled down like the new Joie kubbie™ Sleep

Price on writing: £100 | Suitable from: Birth to 15kg | Weight: 12.3kg

Tried and tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Joie Commuter Change review

Winner of the Mumsnet Best Travel Cot 2018 award, the Joie Commuter Change didn’t quite make our top five this year, but it’s still a great product and definitely worth considering.

Our tester loved all the added extras that come with the Commuter Change. Not only is there a full-size bassinet, which will save your back when reaching down to your child, but the cot also comes with a changing table which handily clips onto the top.

Read next: The best cot mattresses for a safe night's sleep

Bugaboo Stardust

Great quality mattress

Takes just one second to unfold and three seconds to fold

Can be folded with the mattress left in

Carrycot insert for newborns

On the expensive side

Only suitable up to 2 years

Price on writing: £225 | Suitable from: Birth to two years | Weight: 6.7kg

For those considering a travel cot to use from birth, the Bugaboo Stardust is a great option. It comes with a carrycot insert which means the cot can be used as a bedside crib - perfect for co-sleeping away from home.

It has a height-adjustable mattress and an incredibly easy fold up and down. When folded up, the travel cot is nice and slim, making for easy storage. The mattress is great quality and thicker than the others on our list. At just over £200, it's on the premium end of the spectrum, and the manufacturer recommends only using it up to 2 years, so it doesn't have quite the longevity of most other travel cots, which generally can be used until the age of three.

Want to co-sleep safely away from home

Are expecting to use the cot frequently for sleeping

Related: The best breast pumps, as recommended by Mumsnetters

Travel cots: our pick of the best of the rest

Sturdy but pricey.

We have the Nuna Sena and its amazing, the most hassle-free assembling I've seen having watched BIL trying to get his cheap and cheerful one up! You just push the ring in the middle. It looks great and my kids have both slept great in it when we're away. Also sturdy enough to double as a temporary living room playpen for a while too! Has definitely been one of my highly recommended baby items.

lightningpeach

Nuna Sena Aire

Best travel cot for use as a playpen

Quite a while ago now we bought a BabyDan one from John Lewis which is the same dimensions as a standard cot (not cot bed). Extra handy as we could also use the actual cot mattress in it for extra comfort if we had space in the car, or latterly when we had got rid of the cot but had friends or relatives to stay

DiddlySquatty

BabyDan Travel Cot

Best travel cot for air travel

I've been to many different countries on different planes, trains and automobiles and the Phil & Teds is the only one which works across various check in requirements and ages of children ...100% [would recommend] the P&T one if you actually intend travelling with it, as opposed to staying at Granny's place every now and again.

mynamechangemyrules

Phil & Teds Traveller Travel Crib

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 one?

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.

Are travel cots safe?

Safety is crucial when buying a travel bed 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 cot mattresses

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.

How much does a travel cot cost?

Prices range from £20 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 one 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.

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), BabyBjorn 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?

The Joie kubbie Sleep is the best travel cot to buy in 2024. Mumsnetters love that it doubles as a co-sleeper, making it a versatile, useful and great value buy. The compact design makes it easy to transport and set up, while the bedside feature allows for easy access to your baby during the night. Overall, the Joie Baby Kubbie Sleep Bedside Travel Cot is a great choice for parents looking for a safe and comfortable sleep solution for their little one.

How we tested and why you should trust us

For continuity, we try to get one tester to test all the products in a single category. This reduces any potential variables during the testing process and ensures that our results are based on like-for-like comparisons. After approximately 24 hours of research, our tester, Ruth, produced a shortlist of 14 cots to put to the test. The list included the most highly recommended cots by Mumsnet users and other review sites, plus a wide range of designs and price tags, from nifty pop-ups to more studier models akin to traditional cribs.

Each product was tested in rooms with both carpet and laminate flooring, then scored on six key areas:

Safety and stability

Comfort and day-to-day use, cleanliness, value for money.

Five products were then awarded a Mumsnet Best badge – these are the products that we feel offer the absolute best value for most parents. We also gave honourable mentions to four others.

Ruth scored each product based on each criteria below, with the highest scoring coming out on top as the overall winner. Honourable mentions were then given to nine other top-performing beds.

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? Ruth studied everything from the frame to the mattress

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

Sturdiness – she walked into it, knocked it against furniture and dropped it when assembled and packed away. Could each cot withstand the weight of both an adult and child if accidentally fallen into?

Safety standards – she also looked for the appropriate safety labels

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 20 times – this was also timed to see how long it would take

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

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

Ruth 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?

Ruth 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?

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

Ruth also checked for removable bedding that could easily be thrown into the washing machine

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

We commissioned Ruth Lumley to write about and test a variety of toddler and baby travel cots. Ruth is a journalist who has used a number of baby beds with her three young children – from the newborn stage right through to toddlerhood and while holidaying abroad and visiting relatives in the UK.

During the research process, she looked at the types of products available, scoured the Mumsnet forums for recommendations and spoke to baby sleep experts from The Lullaby Trust , an organisation that provides advice on safer sleep for babies.Ruth tried out each bed with her youngest child, who was 18 months old at the time of testing. She tested each for at least three nights, both at home and at the grandparents' house, which meant that all the models were subject to the same environmental factors and held a child of the same age and weight.

About the author

Poppy O'Neill is a Content Editor at Mumsnet and a mother of two. She's been researching and reviewing baby and child products for 2 years, with a particular focus on baby essentials, toys and books for toddlers and outdoor play equipment. From potties to paddling pools and bunk beds to bedtime stories, she loves to deep-dive into research and find the best products out there.

Poppy is also an award-winning, best-selling children's and parenting author of books such as Don't Worry, Be Happy , The Extraordinary Book That Makes You Feel Happy  and Mother Power . She specialises in children's mental health and her books are used by therapists, teachers and SENCOs across the UK. She won a The Week Junior Book Award in 2023, her books have been translated into several languages and she's been featured in The Guardian, The Sunday Times and The Sun.

After earning a BA in Creative Writing from the University of Leeds and a PGCert in Fashion and Lifestyle Journalism from University of the Arts London, she worked in fashion for most of her 20s. When her children were young, she undertook an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Chichester and re-trained as an author and freelance writer.

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

UK Edition Change

• UK Politics
• News Videos
• Paris 2024 Olympics
• Rugby Union
• Sport Videos
• John Rentoul
• Mary Dejevsky
• Andrew Grice
• Sean O’Grady
• Photography
• Theatre & Dance
• Culture Videos
• Food & Drink
• Health & Families
• Royal Family
• Electric Vehicles
• Car Insurance deals
• Lifestyle Videos
• UK Hotel Reviews
• News & Advice
• Simon Calder
• Australia & New Zealand
• South America
• C. America & Caribbean
• Middle East
• Politics Explained
• News Analysis
• Today’s Edition
• Home & Garden
• Broadband deals
• Fashion & Beauty
• Travel & Outdoors
• Sports & Fitness
• Sustainable Living
• Climate Videos
• Solar Panels
• Behind The Headlines
• On The Ground
• Decomplicated
• You Ask The Questions
• Binge Watch
• Travel Smart
• Watch on your TV
• Crosswords & Puzzles
• Most Commented
• Newsletters
• Ask Me Anything
• Virtual Events
• Betting Sites
• Online Casinos
• Wine Offers

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in

The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us?

13 best cot mattresses in 2024 to help little ones (and parents) sleep soundly

These foam, pocket-sprung and natural fibres were tested through naps and overnight sleeping, article bookmarked.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

Sign up to our free weekly newsletter for insider tips and product reviews from our shopping experts

Sign up for our free indybest email, thanks for signing up to the indybest email.

Whether you’re in the throes of nesting and want everything in the nursery ship shape before baby’s arrival, or you’re approaching the half-year mark and looking to make the big move from parent’s bedroom to your bedside companion sleeping in their own space, you’ll need to consider purchasing a cot mattress .

Typically, cot mattresses come in two sizes: for a standard crib, the measurements are 120cm x 60cm and 140cm x 70cm for a cot bed. As the name suggests, a cot bed is a slightly larger cot with removable sides, which transforms into a toddler bed lasting them until around four years old, so usually offers parents a little more bang for their buck.

With any form of bedding , comfort is key, but when it comes to creating a sleeping environment for babies, safety must be at the forefront. Children’s charity The Lullaby Trust , which spearheads safe sleep for babies, strongly advises that your little one’s mattress is flat and there are no gaps (or at least, no more than a 1cm gap) around the mattress.

While adults may prefer a soft mattress , babies need a firm and flat surface because this helps them move around easily, and ensures they don’t overheat as there’s plenty of airflow. According to The Lullaby Trust , the mattress should be firm enough that when your baby is placed on it, their head doesn’t sink in more than a few millimetres. It’s also recommended that a mattress is waterproof or has a fitted waterproof cover to help prevent bacteria from building up inside the mattress, thus lessening the risk of infection.

Related stories

How we tested the best cot mattresses.

Our Coxley cot bed from Mamas & Papas (£599, Mamasandpapas.com ) became the home to a variety of mattresses over the course of a month. Our young tester obliged to naps and overnight sleeping (most of the time), while we considered each mattress’s credentials; firmness, fit to the cot, breathability and practicality, such as care, maintenance and price.

All mattresses tested complied with BS 1877-10:2011+A1:2012 (the standard that specifies the materials that can be used for children’s mattresses) and consisted of either foam fibre, which is often the cheaper option, pocket springs designed to be firm, comfortable and supportive or natural fibres, like coconut coir. The mattresses we tested are all available in both cot and cot bed sizes.

The best cot mattresses for 2024 are:

• Best cot mattress overall – Mother&Baby pure gold anti-allergy coir pocket sprung cot bed mattress: £129.99, Amazon.co.uk
• Best budget cot mattress – Mamas & Papas essential fibre cotbed mattress: £49, Amazon.co.uk
• Best for older babies and toddlers – The Tiny Bed Company tiny dreamer deluxe organic coconut and pocket sprung cot bed mattress: £159.95, Thetinybedcompany.com
• Best travel cot mattress – Ickle Bubba fibre cot mattress: £69, Icklebubba.com

Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.

Mother&Baby pure gold anti-allergy coir pocket sprung cot bed mattress

• Best : Cot mattress overall
• Type : Pocket-sprung
• Exceptional allergy protection
• Machine washable

From simply stroking this mattress, it felt rather heavenly with the super-soft cover, but that’s just for starters. Given the price point, we were wowed with what this cot mattress offers.

A natural yet luxurious coconut coir layer sits on top of the pocket sprung inner, which produces a firm and safe surface for baby. Adding to that, there are Tencel fibres and Purotex anti-allergy properties offering superlative protection. In plain English, this simply means the mattress is perfect for babies who are prone to allergies, claiming to improve allergy symptoms by reducing house dust mite allergens by 93.7 per cent, cat hair allergens by 92.8 per cent and dog hair allergens by 66.7 per cent.

It’s dual sided, with handy stitched labels indicating what’s what. The baby side is the firmer of the two, while the toddler side is a little squidgier. There’s also a waterproof membrane, which sits under the machine washable cover. And our baby tester seemed very content when napping or sleeping atop this dreamy mattress.

Mamas & Papas essential fibre cotbed mattress

• Best : Budget cot mattress
• Type : Fibre core
• Value for money
• Small zip section
• Could be thicker

A mattress under £50 had us dubious, but carrying a Mamas & Papas label we were hopeful we’d be pleasantly surprised. And we were. All Mamas & Papas mattresses are foam-free and we were impressed with the firmness. You have the ability to flip and rotate the mattress for maximum support, and we can see it going the distance.

It has a level of water repellence, although we’d recommend getting a waterproof protector too. The cover can be removed and machined washed, but as the zipped section is only at the bottom, putting the mattress back in was a bit of a faff. However, considering the price difference, we were surprised there wasn’t a more obvious gap in terms of quality between this and some of the more premium mattresses we tested.

It’s possibly a little shy of the standard 10cm depth, but this didn’t seem to affect naps and overnight sleeping, and being Mamas & Papas, it fit our cot bed perfectly.

Snüz surface duo dual sided cot bed mattress

• Best : Dual sided cot mattress
• Type : Pocket sprung
• Dual sided mattress
• Machine washable cover
• Waterproof layer

Arriving vacuum rolled, there’s some seriously clever technology in this cot bed mattress, which is clear as soon as it springs into action (giving a suggestion of seven days to lie flat before use). This mattress has been designed around the needs of a growing baby, hence the clever dual design.

Suitable for use up to four years, it features a pocket sprung core, which is covered by a firm layer of foam to be used for the first 12 months. Once your baby is past this age, unzip the mattress and flip the internals over for the following three years, which offers a medium firm support. There’s a handy instruction label on the inside of the cover to follow once you reach that stage.

Coming with an anti-dust mite barrier, the top white surface of the cover also has a waterproof membrane. However, it can also be removed and machine washed up to 40 degrees, while the 3D breathable mesh cover kept our young tester cool, even during a freakish autumn heat wave.

Silentnight safe nights snuggle breathable mattress

• Best : Cot mattress with firm support
• Type : Foam
• Foam and FR chemical treatment free
• No waterproof cover

This cot mattress from sleeping giant Silentnight was a snug fit in our cot bed. Price wise, it’s mid-range, and has a polyester inner, which is foam and fire retardant and chemical treatment-free, so there are no nasties hiding inside the mattress.

We found this one of the firmest mattresses we tested, particularly of those in this price range, which our mini tester seemed to approve of with freedom of movement, restful sleeps and a good level of breathability.

The soft-to-touch cloud cover is nice to look at, although short-lived once a fitted sheet is on, but parents will be pleased to hear it can be zipped off and bunged in the washing machine. However, you’ll need to invest in a waterproof cover.

Naturalmat the coco mat

• Best : Cot mattress for natural materials
• Type : Coir
• Five-year guarantee
• Natural materials
• Handmade in Devon
• No waterproof cove

Handmade in Devon, Naturalmat’s coco mat is as angelic as it sounds. The two wool layers, at the top and bottom of the mattress, have been sourced locally from Soil Association-certified organic farms, while the coir that makes up the supportive centre is grown by the world’s only certified organic coconut plantation in Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, the quilted cover – made from a blend of wool and cotton – has been woven tightly in such a way that it becomes naturally fireproof, showing the attention to detail here.

Bedbug and dust-mite resistant, this mattress feels pure and clean. It’s pretty heavy, although you’re unlikely to move it once snug in the cot. We found it to be super robust and we’d be confident in its lifespan but, most importantly, our baby seemed very happy in here. The self-ventilating properties kept our tester’s temperature regulated, while the firmness felt supportive and comfortable.

As the most expensive of those we tested, we can’t deny it’s costly. You’ll also need to factor in the need for a waterproof cover too, which isn’t included.

Baby Elegance cot bed mattress

• Best : Heat regulating cot mattress
• Type : Fibre pads
• Airflow technology
• Tiny zipper takes getting used to

Fitting our cot bed like a glove, Baby Elegance’s cool flow cot bed mattress is a perfectly adequate mid-entry-level baby mattress. The selling point is the coolmax technology to optimise baby’s airflow, and while we can’t vouch that it kept our tester any more regulated, it certainly didn’t do any harm, as there was no clamminess or stirring, even during hotter daytime naps.

The cover is machine washable, although we found the tiny zipper tricky to grasp at first. The mattress is on the lighter side, although it’s the standard 10cm in depth. Providing a pretty firm surface, there are anti-allergy fibre pads hidden inside, offering a hypoallergenic sleeping space.

The Tiny Bed Company tiny dreamer deluxe organic coconut and pocket sprung cot bed mattress

• Best : Cot mattress for older babies and toddlers
• Type : Coir and pocket sprung
• Made in England

Made in England, each of The Tiny Bed Company’s mattresses are meticulously produced by hand in small batches to ensure quality – and that’s obvious with the tiny dreamer deluxe. As the thickest mattress we tested, it felt like a premium sleeping space for our baby.

The brand’s signature soft, white, honeycomb-style fabric covers the top and the side of the mattress, with an additional luxurious layer of organic coconut coir. This is the less firm of the two though, so it’s recommended for older babies and toddlers, which we’re sure will be a treat in time to come.

The bottom side of the mattress is a touch firmer, although with a more mesh-like cover, it’s not quite as snuggly. However, it does benefit from micro air pockets, allowing air to flow more freely to regulate the temperature, and we certainly can’t say our baby noticed the difference in softness.

The cover can be removed and is machine washable, although you’ll need to buy a separate waterproof cover. The Tiny Bed Company also offer a build-your-own service, for a truly custom fit.

ClevaMama anti-allergy cot bed mattress

• Best : Cot mattress for asthmatic babies
• Waterproof protection
• Certified asthma and allergy friendly
• Can’t use immediately
• Light smell when unboxing

Another mattress-in-a-box, you’ll need to allow 48 hours for this mattress to air out and unroll fully. We did notice a bit of a smell but fortunately it had completely gone after a day .

On first inspection, it looks rather basic, but this is purely based on the machine-washable outer cover, which despite its no-thrills look, actually packs a punch, offering 100 per cent waterproof protection and also keeps out any bugs or dust. In fact, this mattress has been certified asthma and allergy friendly by Allergy Standards Ltd, making it a great choice for asthmatic babies. The mattress has been infused with baby-safe anti-fungal and anti-mite treatments, giving parents peace of mind that it’s a safe and clean environment.

It’s recommended you rotate and flip the mattress when needed, and fortunately it’s lightweight so this is easily achieved. It may be on the lighter side, but the support is firm and comfortable, all at a reasonable price.

The Little Green Sheep twist natural cot bed mattress

• Best : Quality cot mattress
• Type : Coir and wool
• Optimum comfort
• No removable cover

From lifting this out of the box, you’ll quite literally feel the quality, as it was the heaviest mattress of those we tested. But that’s because of all the natural materials it features.

Inside, there’s a supportive natural version of latex, a core that’s packed with coconut husk fibres and a layer of wool, which has natural temperature-regulating abilities while simultaneously protecting against bacteria growth and dust mites.

For the eco-conscious this mattress is as natural and pure as it gets. It’s designed to last too – being dual-sided, it supports growing babies and toddlers. Helpfully labelled, the baby side is designed for the first year of use, with a firm supportive core and breathable wool; flip over and it feels spongier and cosy, thanks to the natural latex layer.

It’s worth noting that the cover isn’t removable, so an extra investment in a waterproof mattress protector is required. As for sleeping, our baby seemed super content on this mattress, which offered a clean, comfy and safe environment.

Ickle Bubba fibre cot mattress

• Best : Travel cot mattress
• Waterproof sleeve
• No soft covering

On first inspection, it was obvious that this was the thinnest and lightest mattress of all we tested, but that’s not to say it didn’t offer a firm sleeping surface. The depth is 8cm, which is the minimum, but there’s plenty to like packed into this mattress.

The fibre core offers breathability and even comes with water-resistance and a waterproof sleeve. Again, it’s probably worth investing in a separate waterproof cover for full protection. You can unzip the machine washable cover, which also boasts hypoallergenic properties.

As expected for the price, the no-thrills cover has no soft covering, but once a cosy fitted sheet is added, it feels comfortable. Due to the lightweight nature, this makes a great travel cot option, but having said that, our mini tester showed no resistance to sleeping on it.

CuddleCo fibre core cot bed mattress with 2 in 1 cover

• Best : Midrange cot mattress
• Type : Bamboo fibre core
• Made in the UK
• On the thin side

At £54.99, this is at the lower end of the scale for cot mattresses, but we were pleasantly surprised with how much this product offers for the cost.

The bamboo fibre core provides a firm sleeping space, which has natural hypoallergic and temperature regulating properties. There’s a waterproof layer, although we’d still suggest buying an additional cover for peace of mind. The cover is easy to remove, thanks to a long zip to the side, and it can be bunged in the washing machine.

This mattress is a bit thinner than the standard 10cm depth, measuring in at just over 8cm, but we had no qualms with the comfort or support it offers.

Purflo breathable cot bed mattress

• Best : For breathability
• Type : Fibre padding
• Fully machine washable
• Fully air permeable
• Requires assembly

Developed over 15 years ago, with the expertise of a neonatologist and paediatric sleep doctor, this mattress from Purflo isn’t new to the market but it still offers parents something totally different.

Firstly, you’ll need to “build” the mattress, which is a ten-minute job spent putting together the frame and pulling over the mesh sleep surface. Unlike traditional mattresses, the cover can be completely taken off and washed, for a clean environment.

The truly unique hollow core offers a fully breathable mesh mattress all year-round, and it’s remarkably supportive, which our baby tester seemed to welcome. Hypoallergenic, it’s designed with a specialist fibre padding called amicor, which is approved by Allergy UK, reducing the build up of dust mites and allergies such as asthma and eczema.

If you’re on the move a lot, this is by far the most portable option and comes with its own travel bag.

Silentnight safe nights twinkle breathable mattress

• Best : Cot mattress for snug comfort
• Comfortable quilted covering
• Hypoallergic materials
• No waterproofing

With over 75 years of sleep expertise behind it, and as one of Silent Night’s most premium cot mattresses, we had high hopes for this one.

For an extra £60, compared to the Silentnight safe nights snuggle breathable mattress we also tested, the main difference is the individual supportive pocket springs, which our baby seemed to sleep soundly on.

To the touch, the quilted cover feels like terry towelling, and we wondered whether this might in turn create a hotter environment for our tester to sleep in, but the breathable polyester core seemed to keep our baby’s temperature regulated.

The hypoallergenic materials used are designed to reduce allergies, while the cleverly designed core also means the mattress can still be slept on whilst the outer cover is being washed – although you won’t get that comforting snuggly feel you get with the quilt cover.

At this higher end price tag, it’s a shame there’s no waterproofing element, but we can’t deny that it’s a quality mattress, which should see a child through the first four years of life comfortably.

Cot mattress FAQs

What makes a good cot mattress.

If you’re shopping with a budget in mind, a foam cot mattress may be the least expensive kind available. Spring mattresses may prove to offer more long-lasting support while coir may offer a more breathable option.

According to The National Childbirth Trust , cot mattresses should carry the BSI number BS 1877-10:2011+A1:2012 to ensure they conform to safety standards. They should also be flat and firm, to ensure that they’re supportive and safe for the baby, and should not measure any thinner than 8cm. They should be waterproof too, or come with a waterproof cover so that it can be kept clean and dry.

Can you use a second-hand cot mattress?

The Lullaby Trust doesn’t recommend this and advises that you use a new mattress for every baby. If you’re not able to do this, make sure that the mattress has always had waterproof protection when it was used in the past. It needs to be in very good condition, and there should be no tears or rips in the material.

The verdict: Cot mattresses

All babies are different, fighting naps or waking in the night for no reason. While mattresses aren’t miracle workers, by creating a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for your baby, you’re giving them the best chance. For that reason, we’ve crowned the Mother&Baby pure gold anti-allergy coir pocket sprung cot bed mattress the winner. A great all-rounder, it’s dual-sided for optimal comfort and support, offers allergy and waterproof protection, and is breathable without an eye-watering price tag.

If you’re buying on a budget, we were super impressed with Mamas & Papas essentials fibre mattress , costing under £50.

To help get a good night’s sleep, upgrade your own bed with the best mattresses

Voucher Codes

New to The Independent?

Or if you would prefer:

Want an ad-free experience?

Hi {{indy.fullName}}

• My Independent Premium
• Account details
• Help centre

FREE STANDARD UK DELIVERY ON ALL ORDERS OVER £75*

• loremous saliduar

EXPLORE OUR JOURNAL

A guide to travel cot mattresses.

The same advanced technology & premium materials are used in our travel cot mattresses. Making them the must-have travel essential when travelling with your little one, whether it being a sleepover at the Grandparents or a much deserved holiday all together. 

We offer a wide variety of travel cot mattresses on our website that are made to fit mainstream branded travel cots for you to replace the original mattress. However if we do not stock the size you require, then we are able to build the size you need - using our innovative 'build your own mattress' service.

Each and every travel cot mattress is built with a folding feature, where you are able to fold the mattress in half for easy storage, travelling & making it a easy stow away size for a plane journey. A zip is located around the back of the mattress, which when unzipped allows the mattress to fold perfectly in half. Your travel cot mattress will arrive to you folded inside its own fabric storage bag. This feature does not compromise the comfort or safety of the mattress.

The handy storage bag is essential for keeping your mattress dust free whilst stored away.

No matter the length & width required for the travel cot mattress (maximum  size up to 105 x 90cm)  we offer two of our premium mattress fillings to choose from. For safety reasons we are restricted on which fillings we can use due to not exceeding a depth of 7cm, as stated by British Safety Standards. 

All of our travel cot mattresses are expertly built by our dedicated craftsmen with innovative technology inspired by adult mattresses. You can be rest assured that each & every mattress has been carefully built without the use of any nasty chemicals. We are dedicated to building our mattresses to specifications that comply with the rigorous requirements of BS 1877 Part 10 for safety & performance and BS 7177 for flammability without the use of any antimony, phosphorous or arsenic based fire-retardant treatments.

Choosing the right mattress filling for your tiny one can seem very confusing! We are often approached by puzzled parents struggling to understand what core (a fancy word for mattress filling) type would be right for them.  We have created a simple guide to the core types we offer for our travel cots. 

Tiny Dreamer™ What?  Premium Nursery Grade Foam  Why?  Settle your tiny one into our 'original'  Tiny Dreamer™   mattress for a peaceful & serenely comfortable slumber. This premium mattress is filled with the highest quality nursery grade foam that has been rigorously safety tested for its firmness & support, making this filling perfectly supportive for new-born babies & beyond. This specialty foam is proudly approved by organisations like the Lullaby Trust, Academic Research, and also British standards for protecting a young baby’s spine. This specific nursery grade foam is the only foam available that has these gentle properties made entirely safe for sleeping babies, toddlers & children. The  Tiny Dreamer™  mattress is a superb option for parents looking for a durable, hypoallergenic & affordable mattress that will last for years to come.  The Tiny Dreamer™  is covered in our signature soft white bubble fabric that is super cosy & conveniently machine washable making cleaning stains effortless. Carefully curated by expert craftsmen in the UK, you can be rest assured that the  Tiny Dreamer™  has been built without the use of any nasty chemicals. We are dedicated to building our mattresses to specifications that comply with the rigorous requirements of BS 1877 Part 10 for safety & performance and BS 7177 for flammability without the use of any antimony, phosphorous or arsenic based fire-retardant treatments. Additional Benefits?  Designed for All Seasons, Breathable, Hypo-Allergenic, Removable Cover for Easy Washing, Made in England. UK Safety Standards?  BS 1877-10:2011+A1:2012 & BS 7177:1996 Budget?  £ Firm rating?  Medium firm - a certified firmness rating for British Standards Tiny Dreamer Natural™ What?  A 100% natural dual filling of Organic Coconut Coir & 100% Wool. Why?  Elevate your baby's sleep environment naturally. This clever 'dual core' breathable  Tiny Dreamer Natural™️  mattress is filled with some of the world's finest 100% sheep’s wool & organic coconut coir. We use 100% sheep’s wool for its natural thermoregulating properties, which is essential for new-born babies who cannot regulate their own body temperature until they are around 3-4 months old. Benefiting from a blissfully comfortable sleep no matter the season. The two generous layers of 100% sheep’s wool cushion a chunky layer of luxury organic coconut coir. Our coconut coir is created from shredded coconut fibers stripped from raw coconut shells. It has a dense & bouncy feel which provides the perfect firmness to support a newborn baby and beyond, as recommended by safety sleep experts. The two serenely simple natural fillings will leave your child feeling lovingly cradled whilst they sleep. This mattress is naturally hypoallergenic and anti-dust mite thanks to its beautifully simple, chemical & toxin free filling. The  Tiny Dreamer Natural™️  features a removable cover which can be unzipped, machine-washed and line dried, making cleaning stains a breeze. Carefully curated by expert craftsmen in the UK, you can be rest assured that the  Tiny Dreamer Natural™️  has been built without the use of any nasty chemicals. We are dedicated to building our mattresses to specifications that comply with the rigorous requirements of BS 1877 Part 10 for safety & performance and BS 7177 for flammability without the use of any antimony, phosphorous or arsenic based fire-retardant treatments. Additional Benefits?  Wool is naturally fire retardant. Toxin & chemical free, organic & totally natural fillings, Thermo regulating, Hypo-Allergenic, Removable Cover for Easy Washing, Safety Zip Pocket, Made in England UK Safety Standards?  BS 1877-10:2011+A1:2012 & BS 7177:1996 Budget?  £££££ Firm Rating?  Low Firm - a certified firmness rating for British Standards

The comfort of your child's sleep space should not be compromised when travelling. Just like for us adults, the quality of sleep will surely be impacted when trying to rest & sleep on a uncomfortable mattress. 

Don't forget to pair your new travel cot mattress with our waterproof terry cotton fitted mattress protectors & our GOTS certified organic white jersey cotton fitted sheets. We can tailor make these for you too!

• Parenting Hacks
• Posted on June 29, 2023 '> Jun 29, 2023 by Vox Furniture UAE Everyone loves it when people come together and share views. Great blog, keep it up!

Leave a comment

Customer login:.

Your cart is currently empty.

Recommended 83

• First Year Products

The best travel cot for babies and toddlers

Venture UK Airpod Baby and Toddler Travel Cot

Graco FoldLite

Bugaboo Stardust Travel Cot

Cuggl Deluxe Superlight Travel Cot

Baby Bjorn Travel Cot Light

Joie Excursion Change and Bounce

Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot

Graco Contour Electra

Baby Elegance Kangu Foldable Bedside Sleeper

Bizzi Growin POD Travel Crib

BabyDan Travel Cot

Red Kite Black Sleep Tight Travel Cot

Kinderkraft Cot 4 in 1 SOFI

When you're thinking of essentials for your little one, you probably already have a cosy cot picked out, but what about a travel cot if you love travelling? In addition to packing your baby's travel system and gathering all the necessities before heading off on holiday with your family, a travel cot will help your little one to sleep as soundly as possible, even when you're away from home.

You probably did a lot of research on the best cot and bedside crib for your baby but may not have considered investing in a travel cot yet. Put simply, a travel cot is a portable, lightweight option designed to fold away compactly. Its collapsible sides and storage bag are some of the features that make it the perfect solution for trips away. Like a travel stroller , it's another one of those holiday essentials that you'll want to invest in when travelling with children under 5 years old.

You most likely won't need a travel cot for the first few months, especially if you already have a Moses basket , a portable crib or a carrycot suitable for overnight sleeping. If you don't go away very often, then you might be better off borrowing a cot from a friend, as it can be an expensive purchase if you're only going to be using it once a year.

The best travel cots at a glance:

• Best travel cot overall : Venture UK Airpod Baby & Toddler Travel Cot - £109.99   • Best travel cot for compact fold : Graco FoldLite - £73   • Best compact travel cot : Bugaboo Stardust Travel Cot -  £225 • Best budget travel cot : Cuggl Deluxe Superlight Travel Cot - £60 • Best stylish travel cot : Baby Elegance Kangu Foldable Bedside Sleeper - £74.99

A lot of hotels and holiday cottages may provide travel cots and other baby equipment, so check with them before you travel. If you are away from home often, then a travel cot is a good purchase, as it will last well past the newborn months and will prove extremely useful at other times, too. For example, for your baby's daytime naps when you're visiting friends or staying over with grandparents overnight. We've enlisted the help of expert mum testers to put the best travel cots through their paces, taking into account the weight, size, price, assembly, age suitability and stability. Our annual  Mother&Baby Awards  also help us bring you the best advice about current products on the market.

The best travel cot 2024

1. venture uk airpod baby and toddler travel cot, best travel cot overall.

Silver winner for Best Travel Product Over £30 in the M&B Awards 2023 Designed to provide little ones with a place to rest and play no matter where you are, the Airpod is assembled in just three easy steps with no tools required meaning it's ready to go in less than a minute. The Airpod weighs just 6kg and can be folded into a bag no larger than a big shopping bag. Despite how lightweight it is, testers agree that the cot was good quality and felt sturdy and secure.  One mum tester says, "I was impressed with the materials used and quality feel of the cot once it was up. Felt steady and secure when lifting child in and out of the bed. Child was able to nap well, good ventilation through the sides."

Another of our mum testers likes how lightweight and how small the travel cot folds. She describes it as; "Super portable and barely took space in the car boot. This meant we were able to pack all our other luggage without worrying about space." She also liked that it wasn't too heavy, which made it easy to lug around upstairs when they staying in hotels without lifts.

All of our testers agreed that a bassinet option would have been great with this travel cot, especially parents of younger babies.  One of our testers whose baby is five months says, "It simply wasn't useful overnight with his wake-ups having to bend. I could barely reach him and resorted to giving up using it and ended up having to co sleep in our bed. This defeats the point of a travel cot." We think that for parents of young babies aged 6 months and under, this travel cot probably isn't what you're looking for. But for everyone else, this is a great portable travel option, and our testers were able to get the cot set up easily and quickly with the simple instructions.

Read our full review of the Venture UK Airpod Travel Cot .

• The all round mesh sides provide lots of ventilation for your little one while they rest and enable you to see and check on them from all directions
• This is a compact travel cot that's much smaller, lightweight, and less bulky than traditional ones. When folded, it measures just 60x15x50 cm
• The mattress makes this cot super cosy and comfortable for baby
• Unfortunately there's no raised bassinet

2. Graco FoldLite

Best travel cot for compact fold.

www.oliversbabycare.co.uk

Bronze winner for Best Travel Product Over £30 in the M&B Awards 2023

Suitable from birth to approximately three years old, the FoldLite was hailed by parents for its lightweight frame, but it has also won a prestigious Mother&Baby Awards 2023 Bronze award. The cot collapses to just 26cm wide. Our Mum tester Sarah says, "When folded down for travel it's small and neat and doesn't take up too much valuable boot space when you're already contending with buggies and suitcases." Testers loved the Home Fold feature to help fold away quickly and clear space within seconds. The cot unfolds and just clicks together, only two of the sides need to click together due to the way it is folded which makes putting the cot up and down much easier and quicker.

One of our mum testers Archana didn't get along with the cot as well when it came to dismantling it fully though. She says, "Folding into the slide away is easy - and really handy for day to day use - that’s what I liked most about it - however folding away fully and putting in the bag is quite clunky and a chore."

The FoldLite has a mesh lining and two wheels for easy manoeuvrability, making it a useful portable cot for travelling with. It's easy to pop up, says Sarah whose grandparents popped it up without any instructions. She enjoys using it around the house and says, "The Foldlite travel cot has been most useful to us for quick and easy use around the house with a mobile baby. It genuinely is two clicks to put up or down and the house fold setting means I can quickly pop it out from next to the sofa if I need to iron or nip to the toilet and pop it back in a few seconds so it's not taking over the room." She also thinks it would be invaluable for holiday cottages that may not be very well baby-proofed.

The cot also comes with a mattress included. Our mum tester Georgia says, "The only issue I had with it was once wrapping the mattress around the base you do have to pull it quite tightly to then fit it in the bag." Overall our testers love the convenience of having a pop-up cot to hand at home. One thing to be aware of though, as our mum tester Joanna pointed out, is that It has quite a large high sides so it can be difficult to reach within, especially if you have a bad back.

Read our full review of the Graco FoldLite.

• Choose between two different ways to fold – this is greater quick changes at home, and also trips away from home with the extra compact fold version.
• Easy to fold and store away at home – folding this way is fast and extra flat too at just 26cm wide. It pops back up fast too!
• Super lightweight – over 30 percent less overall weight than most full size travel cots at just 6.7kg
• The carry bag is very convenient for travel – the cot itself also has two wheels for easy manoeuvrability
• Assembly not totally straightforward as one tester had trouble when dismantling the product fully
• Requires more effort to fit into the bag once wrapping the mattress around the base

3. Bugaboo Stardust Travel Cot

Best compact travel cot.

www.bugaboo.com

If you're looking for a travel cot that's a doddle to set up and folds away in seconds, this is it – no more grappling with unwieldy parts when you arrive at your destination with a tired baby. We love the clever design, which gives a seamless experience on the go. Our mum tester Meg found the cot to be very sturdy and easy to pack and unpack. She says it folds up reasonable small, and likes that the carry handle makes it easier to transport. "Seems comfortable" she adds, "the newborn bassinet is super convenient for little ones and my babe settled immediately in it."

Convenient for carrying around your home too, it comes with a zip-in carrycot insert, an all-around mesh panel for airflow and a lovely firm and comfortable mattress. It's a shame the mattress doesn't include a waterproof cover, so you'll have to buy this separately to protect it. Our parent tester Matt bought this cot mainly for the ease of popping it up and down, but also says he liked that they could raise the height of the mattress when their baby was very little. this provides easier access to lift baby in and out. "There don't seem to be many travel cots that have that design," he says, "we used it as much at home for naps as we did on the road. It's a great bit of kit." The suspended base will also protect your little ones from draughts.

• Includes carrycot insert and mattress
• You can fold the cot with the mattress still inside as long – as you use without the newborn insert
• Great for both experienced and first-time parents
• Easy to assemble – with a simple no-fuss pop-up design you can literally achieve a 1-second unfold
• Compact to fold in just 3 simple steps
• Unfortunately, the mattress doesn't include a waterproof cover

4. Cuggl Deluxe Superlight Travel Cot

Best budget travel cot.

www.argos.co.uk

Shortlisted for Best Travel Product Over £25 in the M&B Awards 2019

This deluxe super lightweight travel cot has a bassinet attachment that clicks easily onto the top, making it perfect for changing nappies. It also has wheels, so it's easy to move around. The best part is that it sets up and folds away in seconds, making it a great travel cot that won't break the bank. Our mum tester Tori likes that it folds up thin to fit in their car boot along with a double pram and a few bags. She says, "I would definitely recommend this product to other mums, it's so easy to put up and down and transport on its handy bag"

Mum tester Sarah agrees, and would also recommend it for anyone looking for an inexpensive no-nonsense travel cot. She says it was lightweight enough for her to carry around, and compact enough to pack in their car along with everything else. She says, "Once I'd done the initial set up of the cot, it was easy to put together and to take apart too." Our mum testers also say the instructions are really easy to follow and everything is easy to wipe down to keep clean while travelling. One thing to be aware of is that the design of this cot is quite low to the ground, which may be something to keep in mind if you have back problems when lifting baby in and out.

Read our full review of the Cuggl Deluxe Superlight Travel Cot

• The removable changer and bassinet that fits on the top is useful for nappy changing
• This cot has four airy mesh sides providing all-round ventilation and baby viewing from all angels to check up on your little one while they rest or play
• The stylish lightweight aluminium legs make it easy to fold the cot down in seconds
• With wheels you can easily move the cot around your home or a hotel room
• Comes with a handy storage bag that's also useful for travelling
• An affordable and very portable solution for travelling with a baby
• The design of this cot means it's quite low to the ground

5. Baby Bjorn Travel Cot Light

Best lightweight travel cot.

Shortlisted for Best Travel Product over £25 at the M&B Awards 2015

This travel cot is a real doddle to assemble – just slip it out of its travel bag, and it practically unfolds automatically, so there's no grappling with poles or fiddling with extra accessories. It's also easy to fold away and is really light and portable, making it perfect for taking with you when you visit relatives, or just moving with baby around your home. Our mum tester Nicola did find the cot to be less attractive than others in terms of design appeal, but said her little one slept well in it and seemed very comfortable. She liked that it also comes with a nice carry bag, which she says makes it easy to transport.

The built-in base helps to keep it standing nice and sturdy in its position, but this is a very lightweight cot. Mum Nicola found it to be less robust than others, saying "Amelia can push it around by herself." However, she also says it's the easiest travel cot to carry as it's amazingly light." We love that the fabric can be removed and popped in the washing machine – a real bonus if you have a baby with reflux. The materials of this travel cot meet the requirements of OEKO-TEX Standard 100, Class 1 for baby products, which essentially means kind to your baby's sensitive skin. One thing to keep in mind is that it may be harder to dry, which is quite important if you're away and need to wash and dry it.

Read our full review of the BabyBjörn Light Travel Cot

• With no extra parts this cot is super easy to assemble in just one simple movement – just open the carry bag, lift out the travel cot and pop it up
• The mattress cover and travel cot fabric are easy to remove and are machine washable at 40 degrees
• It's super lightweight at 6 kilos for moving around – but the built-in base helps to keep it standing nice and sturdy in its position.
• Made with sensitive skin in mind
• Reviewers found it harder to dry

6. Joie Excursion Change and Bounce

Best newborn travel cot.

www.very.co.uk

This versatile travel cot comes with lots of extra accessories, so it's great value for money. You basically get three-in-one, with a a full-size bassinet, which snaps easily on and off as required, as well as a changing unit and portable bouncing seat. What makes this travel cot even more unique is that there are also lots of sound and light features, including a soothing sound vibration, plus five classical lullabies and nature sounds. The two integrated wheels make it easy to move from room to room, and there's also a nightlight with three brightness settings to guide you In the dark.

Despite all the extras, it still folds compactly and comes with its own travel storage bag. Our mum tester Kathryn did find it quite difficult to assemble though. "I had to enlist my husband's help." she says, adding that it's sturdy and almost as big as a normal cot. however she points out that the integrated wheels do make it easier to move. She says the extra accessories that come with the cot would be great for a newborn, but her Olly was a bit too old for them. He did, however, like the sounds, and she says the light was great for night changes without fully waking him. Overall, Kathryn recommends this cot as a real investment that will grow with your baby.,

Our mum tester Nicola was also impressed, and like that the mesh sides enabled her to check on her little one without getting out of bed. Her daughter also enjoyed being able to see them when she woke up. Nicola says the mattress seems very comfortable for her little one, and she found the colours and pattern of the travel cot to be really appealing. She agreed that the extra accessories aren't really suitable past 12 months though, and also found the cot to be quite heavy. She says, "I would struggle to move it from room to room without help".

• With one quick click you can go from changing unit to snoozing or the bouncing seat, for fast transitions and easy travel
• You can also pop the sound & lights module pop on or off with a quick click
• You get more for your money and greater versatility – the SecureClick snoozing seat doubles as a portable bouncer when used off the cot!
• The simple push button allows you to fold to pack up the cot in a snap – this makes set up and shut down in seconds super quick and convenient for busy mums and dads
• The cot packs away nice and compact in a carry bag that's included – perfect for storing at home in small spaces or travelling with
• The cot has two integrated wheels making moving the cot around a breeze
• All four sizes are lined with see-through mesh allowing plenty of airflow, plus, you can view baby from wherever you are in the room
• With an elevated base the cot is draught resistant
• Enjoy novelty sound, vibration and nightlight settings
• This cot is amazingly good value for money
• With so many features, this cot is quite heavy
• The extra accessories aren't suitable for older babies

7. Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot

Best travel cot mattress.

www.johnlewis.com

Shortlisted for Best Travel Product over £25 at the M&B Awards 2018

This stylish, contemporary travel cot takes seconds to put together and is reasonably quick and easy to fold, even with a baby in your arms, making it ideal for travel. We love the bassinet accessory, which makes this brilliant for use from birth, and so does our mum tester Kirsty who says, "The bassinet makes it easy to lift Rikku in and out." She did find it a bit fiddly to detach though.

Doubling up as a play space, this travel cot has padded edges to prevent pinched fingers, and it also comes with an organic cotton sheet included and its own bag to store and transport it in. Kirsty especially liked that the sheet stayed in place with the velcro. The cot has a sturdy aluminium frame and a triple-layered ventilated mattress for superior comfort. Mum tester Nicola thought it was very stylish and said her daughter slept well in it. She loved the "lovely, thick mattress" and extra machine-washable sheet, saying she found it was simple to assemble.

When it comes to set-up our mum tester Kirsty found it reasonably straightforward. However, she says it doesn't fold very neatly, and she found it fiddly to pack away. While the cot is certainly very sturdy, Kirsty says this makes it feel more heavy and take up a lot of space in their small car boot. Mum tester Nicola really liked the sturdiness of the travel cot too, but agrees that the only disadvantage is that it's quite heavy. She says, "I think I would struggle to get this from one place to another by myself."

Read our full review of the Nuna Sena Aire

• The cot is easy to set up and hold with one hand for when you have baby in the other
• This is the only cot available that has the unique feature of being able fold the frame with the upper cot still in it, making it super convenient
• The base of this cot is above ground, which makes it draft-proof for your little one
• The cot has skid-proof feet keeping it quiet and still ensuring your baby stays asleep
• The unique zigzag frame allows the cot to pop open quickly and easily without any fuss
• The advanced air design™, with the mesh sides, floor and mattress working in combination, allows air flow from every angle
• The cot is very easy to clean due to the mattress's zip-off design, which is machine washable and dryer safe
• The ventilated triple-layered mattress is designed to pull away both heat and humidity, meaning little one stays comfortable and asleep throughout the night.
• The removable mattress panels allow for deep cleaning to make sure it stay clean and safe for your baby over time.
• Everything you need comes with the cot – you even get organic sheets included
• The padded edges prevent pinched fingers
• Pack your cot up and travel easily with the travel bag included and easy carry handle
• Not as lightweight as other options
• Doesn't fold very neatly or small
• A bit fiddly to detach the bassinet

8. Graco Contour Electra

Best value travel cot.

www.boots.com

The Graco Contour is a good-value travel cot with lots of extra features. Our mum testers love that it's quick and easy to assemble, and compact enough to fit into smaller spaces without taking up too much room. However, our mum tester Kathryn described it as one of the heaviest travel cots they tested. This meant that it was nice and roomy, and a good size for their baby, but Kathryn says it was almost the same size as their normal cot! Despite this, she agrees it's easy to assemble and put away in the carry bag included, plus, the wheels made it easier to move around, and she did like the neutral colour. Mum tester Nicola, on the other hand, points out that while the cream colour does look lovely, she imagines it could get dirty very quickly.

Loaded with extras such as a newborn bassinet, handy changing mat and toy bar, this is definitely a cot that represents great value for money, although Nicola points out that the changing unit, while it's a great idea, is only suitable for use up to 12 months. It also has a nightlight and musical feature, as well as the option to set the mattress to vibrate to help soothe your baby. The four mesh sides are a great feature too, allowing you to keep an eye on your little one, while also being useful for ventilation, but Kathryn found that she did have to bend low to reach her baby. Nicola also felt that the mattress was on the thin side, which meant that her little one didn't sleep as well as hoped.

Read our full review of the Graco Contour Electra Travel Cot

• This is a cot that is designed to grow with your child from newborn to toddler
• The removable bassinet is perfect to newborns
• There is an integrated changing station for added convenience, made from wipe-clean fabric.
• The hanging toy bar with toys provides little one with plenty of distraction as you get things done!
• There is a detachable control box to operate a night light, music and the vibration feature to help soothe little one on your travels
• Don't worry about moving from room to room without an extra pair of hands, as the two wheels make the cot easily transportable.
• Pack the cot away out of sight or transport it no hassle with the compact fold
• Some reviewers struggled to assemble it
• Very heavy and quite large for a travel cot
• The neutral cream colour is likely to get dirty quickly
• The changing unit is only suitable up to 12 months
• Mattress is on the thin side

9. Baby Elegance Kangu Foldable Bedside Sleeper

Best bassinet-style travel cot.

We love the innovative way this travel cot converts between two different modes, with a bassinet level for younger babies to cot, and the fact that you can use it in either fixed or rocking mode. This is top pick for newborns, so be aware you won't be able to use it much beyond six months old.

This travel cot is worth considering if you're really short on luggage space, as it's particularly compact once folded and one of the lightest travel cots we found. Our mum tester describes the cot as the best purchase they've made for their baby. She says, "We can't fit a cot in our bedroom and needed something that would last longer than the Moses basket. Our little boy sleeps so well in it and it's so easy to pick it up and carry downstairs. We have travelled with it too and it folds down neatly."

• Easily fold using one hand and use the carry handle to transport the cot around your home, even when carrying baby
• The cot folds into a storage bag, which can also be used to transport it more easily when travelling
• The legs can adjust to fix and lock in a stationery position or allow for a gentle rocking motion to soothe little one to sleep
• the vented mesh sides allow plenty of airflow to aid sleep and let you see baby more easily from afar
• The cot is lightweight for easy transportation
• Easy to clean – you can remove and wash the cover in your washing machine
• The mattress comes with the cot and it's anti-allergy
• Only able to use until 6 months

10. Bizzi Growin POD Travel Crib

Best carrycot travel cot.

This is a really clever invention! it looks like a really spacious changing bag, but then off you pop for your overnight stay, take everything out of the bag, and it changes into a travel crib. Our mum tester Jennifer thinks the design is stylish and that it's extremely easy to use. It doesn't take long to assemble and comes with a padded mattress. Jennifer says, "The travel cot section folds out in a few seconds and the rods are easily inserted to make it very sturdy. This means a new mum (who has little time on her hands) can easily erect this in minutes." She likes that it is easily transported and takes up no more than a bag's room in the car or walking, so it really can be taken anywhere! Jennifer says, "I have only used this at friends/ families homes but definitely would take it on weekends away or on holiday. It means I don't have to buy a big travel cot. It is also lightweight so don't have to worry about carrying something heavy."

Unfortunately, it isn't as long-lasting as the other travel cots on our list, as it's really only suitable until baby is four to six months old or when they start rolling, but it's definitely the smallest travel cot, not to mention the most compact and easy to carry. Our mum tester Esther says it's designed as a travel sleeping pod, for nighttime and daytime naps, and a changing bag. She had no trouble assembling it in a couple of minutes, and says it weights as much as a bag of sugar and would fit in easily amongst other items in a packed car when going away. She says, "We used the pod whilst away for the weekend and found it very useful, as we already had a travel cot packed for our older child and couldn't have fitted a second in the car."

Read our full review of the Bizzi Growin POD Travel Crib

• This crib is easy to assemble
• Includes a mosquito net to keep your baby protected in the summer
• Can be used as a changing bag with handy fold out for changing on the go
• Includes a padded mattress for restful nap times and comfort when changing baby 
• Extremely compact and lightweight for storing or travelling
• Easy to carry with two carry handles and an over-the-shoulder strap
• Only suitable for use up until baby can sit up or roll over by themselves

11. BabyDan Travel Cot

Best long-lasting travel cot.

This travel cot represents good value for money, especially because it can be used from birth up to approximately three years of age. It's also very sturdy, which means it doubles up as a playpen for smaller babies. And although fairly large, it features wheels and a brake to make it easier to transport around the home. Reviewer Sophie describes it as an excellent travel cot and incredibly easy for one person to put up within minutes. Thankfully, folding it away is just as quick and easy, and it folds down to such a compact size, she says, which is then stored as a carry case and easy to stow away.

The cot also comes with a small toy bag attached, which could be useful for storing nappies or other baby essentials when you're on the move and away from home. Sophie loves that it can be used as a play pen too, and found the storage pouch to be useful. She says, "I initially set the cot up in the sitting room as a play pen/nap time cot. It is a full size cot so does take up some room but it means that the cot will last for several years before the baby outgrows it."

Our mum tester Corinne Hills said that standard cot bedding fit, then she found the mattress to be quite thin and had to pad it out with blankets. Mum tester Roz Walker described the mattress as okay for occasional use.

Read our full review of the BabyDan Travel cot

• Your baby will have plenty of space to stretch out and grow with this "full cot size" travel cot, measuring 60cm x 120cm
• You get great value for money as this cot is versatile and is also designed to be used as a play pen, to keeop little one contained at home or on your travels
• Feel reassured as this cot is sturdy and stable, making it safe and secure for your little one – definitely built to last!
• For your convenience this cot comes with its own lightweight folding mattress included for added comfort while baby sleeps
• We love travel cots that come with travel bags, and this one does, so it'll be easy for you to take it with you on the go or store it safely at home
• it may be a spacious travel cot, but it's also super compact when folded, so you won't have to worry about it fitting in your car boot or under the stairs at home, measuring only 20 x 21 x 77.5 cm
• Mesh sides are a must, allowing baby to see out and you to see in – plus allowing air to flow freely through for a good night's sleep
• The wheels make for easy transportation of the cot around your home, and the cot has sturdy brakes.
• With it being a large cot, it is also heavier than others
• The mattress is quite thin

12. Red Kite Black Sleep Tight Travel Cot

Best simple travel cot.

The Sleeptight Travel Cot is an award-winning sleep solution from Red Kite. Stored in a carry bag, the Sleeptight Travel Cot is lightweight and compact folding. It is the perfect choice for holidays, visiting friends and family or for your own home. Mum Kat is really impressed with it after using several times and says, "it's good quality and not too bulky when folded so fits easily into my small car boot along with all the other baby paraphernalia needed for a night away!"

It's really easy to put up and take down and Kat says "it was so helpful that the instructions are printed onto the underside of the mattress - what a great idea!" She points out that you must put it up/take it down in the right order or you will struggle to get it folded correctly. The mattress doesn't come with a waterproof sheet so Kat used her own with a cot sheet on top of the mattress. She says, "For the price paid, it's exceptionally good value. 10/10!"

• The cot has a central locking base for extra safety
• It's easy to fold and store in the storage bag
• The see-through mesh sides low airflow and let you see baby easily
• The instructions are printed on the underside of the mattress, so you won't lose them.
• Mattress is very thin
• No waterproof sheet included for the mattress

13. Kinderkraft Cot 4 in 1 SOFI

Best 4 in 1 travel cot.

Rrp: £ 139.99

A practical travel cot which also doubles as a playpen, cradle and everyday cot, the SOFI is a great purchase. It is suitable for babies and toddlers from birth to 15kg and it's lightweight and easy to fold. Plus, it includes a storage bag which makes it easy to carry when travelling. The SOFI has mesh sides to ensure you can see your little one and for good airflow. It also comes with a mattress and cover, and the frame can be used as a rocking frame too.

The cot is slightly narrower than some travel cots, but one reviewer says that this was exactly what they needed to fit it into their spare room for their new grandson when he stayed with them. They said that they love that it's on two levels too, so it's suitable for a newborn as well as a toddler, although they weren't sure their grandson will fit past the age of two years.

The fact that this cot is so easy to fold and comes in a cover, means it can be stored under another bed quite nicely. As this reviewer points out, while you use the top level, things can also be stored underneath. They say the only slight problem is the fitting of sheets, "It is fiddly", they say, "and you need to lift the mattress to be able to fit the sheet and tuck it in. But it is doable, so very happy with purchase."

Read our full review of Kinderkraft Cot 4 in 1 SOFI

• You get reallygood value for money with this 4-in-1 cot, with a normal cot, a travel cot, a playpen and cradle in one
• The cot can be used with or without the rocking function
• The mattress can be used at two different levels
• You don't need any tools to change between the functions and folding
• The cot will look stylish in your home
• Slightly narrower than standard travel cots
• Bit fiddly to fit the sheets

Travel cots – All you need to know:

Choosing the right travel cot for you and your child.

Think about where and when you'll use a travel cot. If you are throwing it in the car boot when you're going to Granny's, check how bulky it is when folded and make sure it fits along with your pushchair and still leaves enough room for your luggage. If you're buying for your holiday and you'll be travelling to your destination by plane, boat or other public transport, choose one that folds very compactly to make it easier to pack. Consider, too, where you'll keep it at home when it's not in use.

Unpacking your travel cot after a long journey with a tired baby can be stressful, so choose something quick and easy to set up. Some travel cots can be assembled and folded with one hand, which is a lifesaver if you're holding your baby.

Some travel cots are designed to double as playpens , creating somewhere safe for your baby to play when she's awake. This is useful when you're away from home, especially if you're staying somewhere that's less baby-friendly, without any baby-proofing products , than your normal environment. This type of travel cot has added value as you can get more use out of it than a standard travel cot but check the manufacturer's guidelines before you buy to ensure it's safe to use as a playpen.

Features to consider before purchasing a travel cot

Here are some travel cot features to look out for when deciding on which travel cot is best for you and your baby.

Travel cots come with a mattress supplied, but some are comfier than others. Check how thick it is and whether it provides enough support for a good night's sleep. If not, thicker travel cot mattresses can be purchased separately – but that's an extra expense and something else to pack!

Fold mechanism

As well as checking how simple it is to assemble the travel cot, make sure you can fold it away again easily. Could you do it in a hurry if you're dashing to the airport? If you have older children, make sure inquisitive little fingers can't access the mechanism for folding the travel cot when it's in use.

Most travel cots have mesh sides to encourage airflow and enable you to see your baby easily when they're sleeping. Check the quality of the fabric and how easy it is to wipe clean.

If you want to move the cot elsewhere in the house for daytime naps or playpen use, choose one with wheels for easy manoeuvrability.

Standard cot bedding may not fit your travel cot, so check what size bedding is required and factor in any extra expense. Make sure the bedding fits the mattress securely with no loose fabric.

Choose a travel cot with side panels that zip open and closed if you'd like to be able to reach your baby without bending low over the side of the cot. If it doubles as a playpen, a 'window' to crawl through can add to the fun.

If you plan to travel with your baby to a climate where mosquitoes might bother them, choose a travel cot with an insect net, and check it fits the travel cot securely.

What age are travel cots advised for?

Travel cots come in a variety of sizes and styles, and they all have different upper age and/or weight limits. Consider how old your child will be when using the travel cot, and choose one suitable for their age. Most of the travel cots in our list above can be used from birth until your baby weighs 15kg, which is approximately three years old. Keep in mind that once your baby makes the transition from sleeping in a cot to a bed, they'll probably prefer a bed to a travel cot when away from home overnight.

Can I travel on a plane with a travel cot?

Yes! Although all airlines will have their own rules on luggage allowances, but if you are flying with a baby then typically parents of infants are allowed to take at least two items - e.g. travel cot, buggy or car seat - at no extra cost.

If you're buying a travel cot to take on holiday and are travelling by plane, boat or train, choose one that folds as compactly as possible to make it easier to transport. If you're driving, make sure it fits in your car boot and still leaves enough room for the rest of your luggage.

Think about where you'll keep the travel cot when it's not in use, too. If space is not an issue, you could look into the larger options available.

All travel cots are designed to be light enough to carry, but some are heavier than others, and there's generally a pay-off between how light it is and how durable it is.

If you'll be carrying it a lot on your journey, such as through an airport, then weight may take priority, but if you've got a cruising toddler, and throwing the cot in a big boot is about the extent of your lugging it around, then a sturdier, perhaps heavier, cot would be better.

How to assemble a travel cot

Wrestling with an unwieldy travel cot and a tired baby after a long journey is stress you really don't need in your life, so choose one that doesn't require an engineering degree to set up. While how to put up a travel cot differs depending on the brand, some can be assembled and folded away within seconds, even with one hand – and that's a really helpful feature if you're going to be assembling it with your baby or other children in tow.

Where can I buy a travel cot?

Whether you need one pronto or want to spend your time researching the perfect travel cot, there are plenty of places where you can pick one. We'd recommend these trusted retailers that offer great products and plenty of reviews so you can make sure you're buying the right one for your little one:

Amazon {href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/'%20target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}

John Le wis

Mamas & Papas

Supermarkets also hold baby events where you can often pick up travel cots and other accessories for a great price. These include:

Can I buy a travel cot second-hand?

If you're looking to buy a second-hand travel cot, there are a few things to check before you make your purchase:

• Check that it assembles and folds down correctly

• Make sure it's sturdy

• Make sure the seller provides you with the original instruction booklet

It's also worth purchasing a new mattress for the travel cot

How to clean your travel cot

If your travel cot has been tucked away in the loft for a few years and it smells a bit musty, or your child has turned it into a bit of a mess, a good tip for cleaning is to use warm soapy water and a sponge.

Make sure to leave it out in the fresh air and sunlight to dry.

Travel cot safety

There are a number of safety aspects to check on your travel cot for your peace of mind. Emily McInnes, a paediatric nurse and holistic sleep coach from Sound Asleep Coaching , advises that you "ensure that the travel cot has a firm flat surface/ mattress, there are no loose objects attached the cot and no sharp edges and always ensure that the child is dressed appropriately according to the temperature of the bedroom. Be mindful of this when you are in a warmer environment when away on holiday. If your child is in a sleep suit, ensure that the tog of sleeping bag is the correct tog for the temperature of the room."

Some other safety features to consider include:

Stability: Be sure to use the mattress that comes with the cot, as changing it could affect the stability of the cot and could make it easier to tip.

Escaping: Swapping for a thicker mattress could give your tot more height and make it easier for them to escape.

Corners: Be wary of how smooth corners are - make sure there is no chance of your baby's clothes getting caught on them to avoid any chance of strangulation.

Flexible sides: Pop-up-style tents may be easy to erect and dismantle; however, the flexible sides mean that if you were to stumble onto the cot, there would be no ridged sides to stop your fall.

Zips: Make sure you check all zips are secure, as any loose zips that become unattached could potentially become choking hazards.

Wheels: The wheels must be able to securely lock into place or have two wheels and two legs for sturdiness.

Test it out: Make sure you try it out before you travel to check all of the above safety aspects.

Safe sleeping in a travel cot

The general consensus is that you need to be following the same sleeping guidance for your baby in a travel cot as you would at home.

Here's what The Lullaby Trust have to say:

"The same 'safer sleep' rules apply to a travel cot, which should have a rigid frame and base, and a firm, flat mattress, covered in a waterproof material. Travel cot mattresses are often thinner and feel harder than those in a permanent cot, but don't be tempted to place folded blankets or a quilt under the baby to make them 'more comfortable'. If you are very tight for space, you may have to consider re-arranging the furniture in the room to ensure that the travel cot isn't against a radiator, in direct sunlight, and is out of reach of blind cords and hazards."

Emily McInnes also advises that it is wise to get your child familiar with the travel cot before using it when away. She suggests, "you may like to introduce your child to the travel cot in your home environment before your holiday, so that it is not completely new when you go away. Try and incorporate some of the sleep associations that you use in your home environment such as a comforter or particular blanket. This will make your child feel more at home when they are in their travel cot in a new environment and you can use white noise for babies under 6 months and pink noise for babies over 6 months when away, to help block out any new break-through noises which could impact their sleep."

How we tested and chose these travel cots

Every year, our panel of real mums tests and reviews parenting products such as travel cots for the annual Mother&Baby Awards.

Our list of the best car seats for travel cots comes recommended by like-minded parents – who have experienced these car seats personally.

The Mother&Baby Awards parent testers are provided with some guidelines while testing, so that they take into consideration four key areas: usability, design, quality and value for money. We ask them to score each of these out of 10, as well as give their overall impression of the product.

Find out more about how we test and what considerations we take into account in our testing process.

A number of the travel cots in our list are also previous  Mother&Baby Awards  shortlisters and winners.

About the expert

Emily McInnes is a a Paediatric Nurse and Certified Holistic Sleep Coach and she has over ten years experience in healthcare settings. She is interested in and has experience of sleep biology, sleep cycles, circadian rhythm and attachment styles and she applies her evidence based practice to real life situations.

E mily Gilbert is the Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby and has written for the website and previously the magazine for six years. Specialising in product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases in the parenting industry.

• Shop our latest offers
• Same or next day delivery available
• Credit options available

Hauck Play And Relax Quilted Travel Cot 195/7578

Check stock

Check stock to see your delivery and collection options:

Sign in or register to save items to your account. Simply tap the heart again to remove.

Customer gallery

Styled by you, loved by us. Click on the photos below to shop the look. To feature in our galleries, tag your photos with @HabitatUK or @Argos on Instagram.

About this product

The Play N Relax Center travel cot comes with comprehensive accessories and can be used in four different ways. Your child can comfortably sleep and play, you can easily change your baby's nappies and transport the folded cot wherever you wish. A foldable base is already included. Thanks to the elevated new-born level, you can comfortably lay down your baby who can be easily reached during the night. On the included changing table with safety belt, you can change your baby's nappies and lay down your little one back in the cot.

Travel cot features:

• Complete Set From Birth - Thanks to new-born attachment and changing top – both usable up to 9 kg – this baby bed is suitable for newborns. The travel cot can be used up to 15 kg.
• Mobility- Thanks to integrated wheels, the travel bed can be easily moved and small items are always at hand in the side pocket. In addition, the conical shape makes the baby cot very stable.
• Entertaining - By opening the zipper, this bed promises a lot of fun, too; your child can enter and exit the bed to his/her liking; for safety, the zip can be opened from the outside only.
• Easy To Fold - with few actions only, this cot can be assembled and folded away compactly, making it very convenient for your next trip. The transport bag is already included.
• Recommended Accessories - For even more comfort, we recommend the soft Bed Me fitted sheet that measures 120 x 60 cm; sold separately. Mattress included. For the safety of your child, do not add an additional travel cot mattress to this product.
• 2 mesh side so you can keep an eye on your little one and also great for ventilation.
• Lockable 2 wheels for easy maneuverability.
• Features a bassinette level for younger babies.
• Removable mattress included.
• Doubles as a playpen .
• Removable cot top changer included.
• Carry bag included for easy of transportation.

General information:

• Size H78, L103, W58cm.
• Folds for storage - folded size L77, W22.5, D26cm.
• Weight 9.8kg.
• Suitable from birth to 3 years.
• Suitable for babies up to 15kg.
• Manufacturer's 1 year guarantee.
• EAN: 4007923600139.

Reviews Rating 4.7272727272727275 out of 5 4.7 | Recommended by 100 % of customers

Questions and answers 6 questions | 7 answers, frequently bought together 2, the small print.

*Prices correct as displayed but are subject to change.

The customer and brand answers you’ll see above are submitted independently. As we don’t review these answers, we can’t take responsibility for anything they may say. The responses from Argos colleagues are accurate at the time of publishing. For the latest info, you should check the product page.

Includes free Luxury Bedding Gifts worth $600.

Code copied successfully.

Home Lux Comfort Travel Cot Mattress: Ensuring Comfort on the Go

Lux Comfort

Travel Cot Mattress: Ensuring Comfort on the Go

From Puffy Editorial Team

Last Updated On: Jan 18, 2024 | 4 Minutes Read

Traveling with young children often means sleepless nights, but the right travel cot mattress can change that. Ensuring your child’s comfort while away from home is crucial, and a travel cot mattress can be a game-changer in your travel gear. This guide provides comprehensive insights into choosing the best travel cot mattress for your little one.

Cot Travel Mattress: A Parent’s Guide

When it comes to traveling with kids, the cot travel mattress is an indispensable item for ensuring your child’s comfort and safety.

Essential Features of a Cot Travel Mattress

• Firmness: Offers enough support to protect your child’s developing spine while being comfortable enough for a good night’s sleep.
• Lightweight Design: Easy to carry and transport, making it ideal for travel.
• Ease of Use: Should be simple to set up and take down without requiring extra tools.

Material and Safety Considerations

• Hypoallergenic Materials: Ideal for children with allergies or sensitive skin.
• Waterproof Cover: Handy for accidents, making the mattress easy to clean and maintain.
• Certifications: Look for certifications that guarantee the mattress meets health and safety standards.

Travel Cot Mattress Size Guide

Selecting the right-sized mattress for your travel cot is crucial for comfort and safety.

Standard and Custom Sizes

• Standard Sizes: Most travel cot mattresses come in a standard size, typically around 37.4 inches x 25.6 inches (95cm x 65cm).
• Custom Sizes: Some brands offer custom sizes to fit unique cot models.

Size Selection Tips

• Measure Your Cot: Take precise measurements of your travel cot to ensure a snug fit.
• Consider Portability: A mattress that folds or rolls up can save space during travel.
• Growth Factor: Opt for a mattress that will accommodate your child as they grow to maximize its use.

Interested in how Puffy stacks up against other brands? Check out our mattress comparisons: Puffy vs Purple , Puffy vs Nectar , Puffy vs Casper , Puffy vs Leesa , Puffy vs Saatva , Puffy vs DreamCloud , and Puffy vs Tuft and Needle .

Best Travel Cot Mattress

When it comes to choosing the best travel cot mattress, certain products stand out for their quality, comfort, and durability.

Top Picks for Travel Cot Mattresses

• The Memory Foam Mattress: Offers superior support and comfort, molding to your child’s body shape.
• The Organic Cotton Mattress: A great eco-friendly option, free from chemicals and allergens.
• The Self-Inflating Mattress: Ideal for easy setup, providing a balance of comfort and convenience.

Why These Make the Cut

• Durability: Can withstand frequent use and are easy to clean.
• Comfort: Provide a supportive and comfortable sleeping surface.
• Safety Standards: Meet high safety and non-toxicity standards.

While traveling, ensuring your child’s comfort in a travel cot mattress is key. At home, continue prioritizing your family’s sleep with a Puffy Lux Mattress , known for its superior comfort and support, ensuring they always have restful nights.

Check out Puffy mattress reviews from real customers and see how we compare with other brands.

How to Make Travel Cot Mattress More Comfortable

Enhancing the comfort of a travel cot mattress can significantly improve your child’s sleep quality while on the go.

Comfort Enhancement Tips

• Add a Mattress Topper : A soft topper can provide extra cushioning and warmth.
• Use High-Quality Bedding: Soft, breathable sheets and blankets can make a big difference.
• Proper Support: Ensure the mattress is adequately inflated or firm enough to support your child’s spine.

Additional Comfort Measures

• Pillows: Bring along a small, comfortable pillow suitable for your child’s age.
• Familiar Bedding Items: Including a favorite blanket or stuffed toy can help your child feel more at ease and sleep better.

After a trip, the transition back to a Puffy Cloud Mattress can be comforting for both you and your child. The familiar softness and support provides the perfect setting for restful sleep, night after night.

Use our store locator to find the closest furniture or mattress store near you and feel the cloudlike comfort of our Puffy Mattress in person.

A travel cot mattress is an essential item for any parent on the go. By choosing the right size, prioritizing comfort and safety, and selecting the best mattress based on your child’s needs, you can ensure that your little one sleeps well, no matter where you are.

Transform your comfort with the Puffy Lux.

Relax into award-winning comfort with this hybrid mattress:

• 8 layers of cloudlike luxury.
• Medium-plush feel.
• Gel-infused cooling.
• 101-night sleep trial.

Shop the award-winning Puffy collection.

Choose your award-winning mattress.

Experience the cloudlike comfort and support of our hybrid and memory foam mattresses.

• 4 luxury mattresses
• All sleeper types
• Made in the USA

Prices start from $599

Customize your comfort with a bed frame.

Upgrade your sleep with our stylish and supportive bed frames, bases, and foundations.

• Support for all mattresses
• Adjustable comfort options
• Quick and easy setup

Prices start from $152

Elevate your sleep with luxury bedding.

Add luxury to bedtime with our silky soft sheets, protectors, blankets, and more.

• Premium materials
• Contemporary style
• Ultra-soft comfort

Prices start from $59

Puffy is ranked America’s #1 luxury mattress.

Hear from 12,000+ satisfied Puffy sleepers about why they give our award-winning comfort 5 stars.

Find official Puffy mattress stores near you.

Try out the cloudlike comfort of the luxury Puffy mattress collection before you buy at our partner stores across the USA.

You may also enjoy

How to Wash a Dog Blanket: Essential Care Tips for Pet Owners

Last Updated On: Jan 18, 2024 | 5 Minutes Read

How to Wash Photo Blanket: Safeguarding Your Cherished Memories

Should You Wash a New Blanket: Official Tips

How to Wash a Blanket That Sheds: Practical Tips

Save $1,425 when you buy any Puffy mattress. Verify your eligibility for our:

Healthcare Mattress Discount

Military Mattress Discount

Teacher & Student Mattress Discount

• Trip Planner
• Private Tours
• Small Group Tours
• Two Capitals
• City Breaks
• Trans-Siberian
• River Cruises
• Russia & Beyond

4-star edition of the private 9-day tour of the Russian capitals

5-star edition fo the private 9-day tour of Moscow & St. Petersburg

13-day in-depth discovery of Moscow, Kazan, and St. Petersburg

7-day tour designed to harness the best of the Venice of the North

11-day private discovery of Moscow, St. Petersburg, and the Golden Ring

Your Russia Getaway

Fill out the short trip survey to receive a personalized itinerary from a destination expert.

• Travel guide
• Before you go
• What to see

Russia Trip Planner

Learn about the dos and the don'ts for your amazing trip to Russia

• Our Partners
• Reservation Policies

Rated 9/10 on the Trustpilot review platform

• My itineraries
• Chat with us
• Trip survey

Groups & Agents

• For Suppliers

+1 (888) 744-6056

• North America : +1 (888) 744-6056
• Oceania and Australia : +61261888118

Khabarovsk, Russia

You are here, about khabarovsk.

Khabarovsk is one of the most significant and beautiful cities of Russia's Far East. It stands on the right bank of the Amur River along the scenic Trans-Siberian railway and almost touches the Chinese border.

The city of Khabarovsk played a crucial role in East - Russian history and is famous for its historic sights, monuments of architecture of different eras, religious buildings, lovely parks, gardens, and artificial lakes which surprise its visitors with impressive fountain shows.

Khabarovsk History

Founded in 1858, the city is now loved by Chinese travelers and those who are going on iconic train journeys along the world's longest railway from Siberia. After days of relentless taiga, people reach this vibrant city with multiple attractions, plenty of historical sights from the tsarist-era, and a number of places to try traditional Russian cuisine. Khabarovsk is indeed a charming city that deserved to be on your travel itinerary. Especially, if you are the legendary Trans-Siberian is on your travel radar.

We suggest beginning your Khabarovsk tour from the famous monument erected in honor of Nikolay Muravyov - Amursky, one of the best-known explorer of East Siberia, a general, and the founder of the city.

Continue your Khabarovsk trip with a riverside walk along the picturesque Nevelsky Embankment and pass through the third tallest church (35 feet) in all Russia - Spaso-Transfiguration Cathedral standing on top of a hill. Take in the spectacular location and view of this Cathedral and its classic golden domes, dominating the city skyline and being visible from a large distance.

Your Trans-Siberian itinerary would become even better if you include a visit to the famous Khabarovsk Bridge as well. The railway bridge goes over the Amur River and is considered to be the longest bridge on the Trans-Siberian route.

Best Things to Do in Khabarovsk

• Stop by the Nikolay Muravyov - Amursky monument
• Visit the gorgeous Spaso-Transfiguration Cathedral
• Take a picture by the renown Khabarovsk Bridge over the Amur River

Top Attractions in Khabarovsk

The Kamchatka peninsula is perhaps one of the most beautiful locations in the world. With about 300 volcanoes, 29 of which are still active, the mountains dazzle visitors.

All Attractions in Khabarovsk

More about khabarovsk.

• Call us now
• Request a call
• Chat on WhatsApp
• Start Live chat
• Contact via email

Moscow & St. Petersburg Small Group Tours Private Tour Packages Trans-Siberian Trips Russian River Cruises Moscow Tour Packages St. Petersburg Tours All Russia Tours

Why Travel to Russia Best Time to Visit Russia Russian Visa Information Tips Before Traveling Tips on Arrival Russian Currency Moscow Travel Guide Read More in Our Blog

Hermitage Museum Church of the Savior on Blood The Kremlin Sergiev Posad, Golden Ring Kizhi Island The Red Square Siberia Lake Baikal

Fla. Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST39939 All Rights Reserved © 2024 About Us | Testimonials  | Our Blog  |  Terms of Service  | Privacy Policy  

• Bahasa Indonesia
• Slovenščina
• Science & Tech
• Russian Kitchen

An expat’s confession: Why I miss the city by the Amur – Khabarovsk

When a resident of Moscow or St. Petersburg hears from a foreigner that they think Khabarovsk is one of the most beautiful cities in the country, there’s usually one expression that is visible on his or her face – bewilderment! Not too many people from Western and Central Russia know much about the city by the Amur River.

View of Khabarovsk

How does a city that is an 8-hour flight or a week’s train journey from the Russian capital hold its own with the country’s celebrated historic towns and cities? The Russian Far Eastern city of 600,000 inhabitants is just 163 years old and is much closer geographically to Beijing, Seoul and Tokyo than it is to Moscow or St. Petersburg. But, perhaps, it’s this physical distance from the European part of the country combined with a sense of a strong Russian cultural identity that actually makes Khabarovsk unique.

The Chinese border on the Bolshoi Ussuriiski Island is less than an hour’s drive away, but one would not believe it when walking around the streets of Khabarovsk. Nothing in the city even hints of its geographic Asian location. Being one of the biggest cities of the Russian Far Eastern Federal District, plenty of care has been taken to tastefully restore and maintain its pre-Russian Civil War (1917-22) architecture. Take a walk down the main thoroughfare, the Muravyev-Amurskiy street and you can’t help but marvel at the buildings that remind you of “Old Europe”. 

A restored wooden beautiful house in the center of Khabarovsk

In fact, anyone familiar with St. Petersburg would just not be able to help himself from comparing Khabarovsk’s most famous street with the northern capital’s Nevsky Prospect. They both form the traditional heart of the old cities and lead straight to the riverfront. Dare I say that the Amur riverfront is more diverse and visually appealing than the embankment close to St. Petersburg’s Hermitage? This is on account of its special topography. There is a series of hills by the Amur from where you can get some fine views of the city, its sandy beach, an expanding skyline and the undisturbed opposite bank of the river.  

Cultural treasures

Petroglyphs on the stones on the bank of Amur river

This city was meant to be a hub of high culture and this is clearly visible in its museums and regional music and drama theaters. While Khabarovsk celebrates its Russian heritage, there is also a great deal of pride it takes in the traditions of its indigenous peoples. Travel 75 kilometers north and you’ll not just find 14,000-year old petroglyphs , but also a settlement and museum of the Nanai people. The original inhabitants of the eastern edges of Russia are small in number, but since the fall of the Soviet Union, there has been an increased and concentrated effort to save the language and heritage of the Nanai, Evenk, Nivkh and other ethnic groups.  

Khabarovsk railway station

Heritage and cultural treasures are everywhere you go in Khabarovsk. Hop on a 1950s tram and travel from the railway station (which was rebuilt in 1935) along the boulevards and main avenues of the city, through to its southern outskirts to see different architectural styles. You’ll cross red brick buildings, some of them dating back to the early 1900s, and move on to more colourful pre-Civil War buildings, nudging newer and modern structures and rebuilt cathedrals, before heading to an area, where Stalinist three-floor homes were built for those who were “more equal than others”.

Old Tram at the winter street of Khabarovsk

I usually hop off before the tram goes any further, since I’ve been told that the city’s ‘Pyataya Ploshadka’ neighbourhood has a notorious reputation. 

Blessed weather, cursed weather! 

Winter of 2019: It’s -30 degrees Celsius and I am being slapped silly on both cheeks by a bone-chilling wind and then I hear the following from a friend, born and raised in Khabarovsk: “You know, this is the mildest winter we have had in many years!” During that interesting winter of fluctuating degrees of cold, I travelled across the Tatar Strait to my old home, Sakhalin , where it was “just” 10 degrees below zero. I couldn’t help but think how stuffy it felt when I walked out of the Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk airport! I had forgotten about the extra layers of clothing I put on while leaving my apartment in Khabarovsk.  

Winter of 2019

There’s a saying in Khabarovsk that the only place where people go for winter walks is from store to store. Such is the bone-chilling cold. So, that same winter, armed with a few extra layers of clothes on me, I walked around the city’s beautiful and frozen artificial pond just about every evening. The only company I had was the odd dog running around, while its impatient owner waited for the animal to “do its job” and head back home. 

As cold as Khabarovsk is in the winter, it’s very sunny. Residents boast of it being the city with the third largest amount of sunlight in Russia. For a man from the tropics, where the sun is often seen as too strong and annoying, I smiled in amusement at this show of pride. But seriously, most Russian cities are beautiful in the summer and autumn when either the greenery or colourful foliage dominate the landscape, but Khabarovsk, with its lovely buildings, broad boulevards and avenues and large sodium-vapour lamps (no ugly white LEDs here yet), retains its beauty all year round, even in the winter. Of course, winter photography is a real challenge when you have to press the shutter button in such cold. Cameras and phones often freeze in that weather. 

The freezing winters are great for those who like to sled, ice skate and take part in other winter sports. Even those who don’t have a great sense of physical balance on ice can take a long walk on the frozen Amur and prepare tea over an open fire on the opposite bank of the river. Others drive further out of town and over the river to try out a whole series of innovative ice sports. 

The city’s Lenin Square is also a visual treat in the winters when it is home to a large number of ice sculptures. 

Enjoying the outdoors 

As in many other parts of the country, a Khabarovsk resident’s favourite pastime is complaining about the weather. Winters are too cold and summers are too hot! That’s right. It can be as hot and humid as Bangkok or Mumbai in Khabarovsk on a summer day, but it inevitably cools down at night when the fragrant flowers from the trees intoxicate you with an aroma that the finest perfumes of Europe can’t hold ground with. 

Outside the Khabarovsk Airport in 2017

Khabarovsk feels like a Mediterranean paradise in the summer. Locals bask in the sun and tan on the beach by the Amur. That is, those who have not made a beeline for the sea beaches of Primorye to the south. On the outskirts of the city, there is a series of peaceful lakes, some of those home to large lotuses.  

The monsoons manage to find their way up north through East Asia to Khabarovsk, so you can find yourself enjoying a sunbath by a tranquil lake one minute and getting terrorized by the most potent and aggressive mosquitoes on earth the next if the heavens open up! 

The fall is beautiful and colourful and the hills by the Amur turn yellow with a touch of red, orange and green. This is a great time to go hiking on Mount Khekhsir, which offers the best views of the spot where the Amur and Ussuri rivers split and Russia gives way to China. Keep in mind though that this is the habitat of the world’s largest tigers and these wild cats usually leave humans alone, but if they have a change of heart or a real appetite, they could use the fall camouflage to have you as a nice lunch, so be careful when you venture out! 

Summer of 2017

Also, keep in mind that these are some of the wildest forests in the country and more importantly, considered to be of highly strategic importance. Don’t be like an Indian man who got lost in these forests in the autumn of 2007 and only managed to get out the next day and back to civilization. He escaped the attention of tigers, leopards and bears by sheer luck, and took punishment from the security services and police with a smile. But not everyone may be so lucky. 

6 best travel cots

Whether you are spending a weekend at the in-laws or a fortnight in the sun, a good travel cot is a must. Here's our pick of the best

For anyone with a baby or a toddler, a trusty travel cot is must. But with models ranging widely in price and specifications, how do you go about choosing the best to fit you? We've picked our favourite travel cot buys to suit all budgets so you can all get a good night's sleep, wherever you are.

Find more baby and child-related buys in our buying guides .

Travel cots need to know

Just a few important things to consider before buying a travel cost:

Check your child's age and weight suitability for the travel cot, as this varies from model to model. 

The weight and size when it’s folded is also important, especially if you are going to be lugging it around a lot or taking it on a plane. Consider the case it comes in, too – will it stand up to being chucked into the boot of the car or the hold of a plane, and will it protect the cot within it? Is it easy to fold away and to put up? 

Is it stable enough to cope with your little one leaning against the sides? And will it need an extra mattress for your little cherub to be truly comfy? 

1. CHICCO ZIP AND GO TRAVEL CRIB

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The perfect option for parents with newborns who find that travel cots can often seem too large and not all that cosy, the Chicco Zip and Go has an expandable section, allowing it to act as a small crib from birth to six months and a larger baby bed from six to 18 months. It’s super compact and relatively lightweight, making it the ideal travel companion. 

2. CUGGL DELUXE TRAVEL COT AND CHANGER UNIT

This travel cot is a great all rounder that easily converts from cot to playpen. It has a bassinet level that is perfect for younger babies, as well as a removable cot top changer. It’s set on lockable wheels so can be manoeuvred easily and folding it away is relatively straight forward. 

3. BABYHUB SLEEPSPACE TRAVEL COT

If you are planning on travelling to warmer climes, the BabyHub SleepSpace is a great multi-functional bit of kit. It ticks all the right boxes in terms of being lightweight and easy to work but it also features a fitted mosquito net and doubles as a tipi for toddlers to play in. 

4. TUTTI BAMBINI COZEE BEDSIDE CRIB

While most travel cots are designed purely from a practical point of view, the Tutti Bambini CoZee crib also looks incredibly chic and could seamlessly fit in as a piece of permanent nursery furniture. It comes with a deluxe foam mattress and features a handy shelf for storage while travelling. 

5. BABYBJORN TRAVEL COT LIGHT

Incredibly lightweight and compact when folded, this cot is especially easy for using when travelling. Other advantages include a washable cover and high comfort mattress, plus it’s really easy to set up in just one simple movement (not a loose part in sight). 

6. RED KITE SLEEPTIGHT TRAVEL COT

If you are buying a travel cot on a budget then the Red Kite Sleeptight travel cot is a clear winner. It’s compact once folded down and fits easily into the travel bag it comes with and, even though you might want to buy a comfier mattress, it’s still great value for money. 

More advice, ideas and products you will love...

Why you can trust Real Homes Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

• 21 kids' room design ideas
• The best paints for kids' rooms
• 10 of the best nursing chairs

Join our newsletter

Get the best home decor ideas, DIY advice and project inspiration straight to your inbox!

Hebe joined the Real Homes team in early 2018 as Staff Writer before moving to the Livingetc team in 2021 where she took on a role as Digital Editor. She loves boho and 70's style and is a big fan of Instagram as a source of interiors inspiration. When she isn't writing about interiors, she is renovating her own spaces – be it wallpapering a hallway, painting kitchen cupboards or converting a van.

From lavender to Listerine, make your home a 'no fly zone' with tips from our pros

By Andy van Terheyden Published 1 May 24

Bring in Bridgerton design ideas to for a romantic, refined and regal look

By Eve Smallman Published 1 May 24

Useful links

• Sign up to the Real Homes Newsletter
• Join us on YouTube
• Join us on Instagram
• Join us on TikTok
• Join us on Pinterest
• Join us on Facebook
• Follow us on Flipboard
• Advertise with us
• About Real Homes
• Best mattress
• Best vacuum cleaner
• Best coffee maker
• Best reed diffusers
• Best air fryers
• Best small appliances
• Best candles
• Contact Future's experts
• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Cookies policy
• Accessibility Statement

Real Homes is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site . © Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Must-see attractions in Khabarovsk

Khabarovsk Regional Museum

Located in an evocative 1894 red-brick building, this museum contains an excellent overview of Russian and Soviet history, despite not having a single…

Sikachi-Alyan

The riverside Nanai village of Sikachi-Alyan is 77km northeast of Khabarovsk and makes for a good day trip. Here you can view the Sikachi-Alyan…

Assumption Cathedral

Built in 2002 this striking cathedral rose on the site of a far older church that was knocked down by Stalin during his antireligious campaigns.

Archaeology Museum

Undergoing a full renovation in 2017, this five-room museum displays tools and living essentials from early peoples. Pottery, animal-skin huts, dugout…

Transfiguration Cathedral

This highly impressive church's golden domes dazzle you from all over the city, with its prime location overlooking the Amur River. The cathedral was…

House of Pioneers

Now a 'palace of childhood creation’, the former House of Pioneers (the youngest youth group in the USSR, where children went before the Komsomol) was…

Far Eastern Art Museum

This smart and imposing building hosts a moderately interesting collection of local art, including religious icons, Japanese porcelain and 19th-century…

Tsentralny Gastronom

Style Moderne – the Russian take on art nouveau – defines this mint-green building dating from 1895; it's topped by a statue of Mercury.

Far Eastern State Research Library

This attractive library, the largest in the Far East, dates from 1894 and is one of the most striking pieces of architecture in Khabarovsk.

WWII Memorial

This impressive brutalist memorial to the Soviet Army's losses during WWII stands on a hillside overlooking the river.

Count Nikolai Muravyov-Amursky Monument

This striking monument to Count Nikolai Maravyov-Amursky, an early governor of the Russian Far East, stands overlooking the Amur River that he did so much…