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8 best travel cots under £100 – how to choose between Argos, Red Kite and more

Make sure your baby has somewhere comfy to sleep when away from home with a reliable, compact bed.

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on purchases made through one of these links but this never influences our experts’ opinions. Products are tested and reviewed independently of commercial initiatives. Find out more here

Travel cots, it may surprise you to learn, are not just for travel. They double up as an emergency bed for unexpected small guests or work as a safe space to leave your young mobile child if you need to get something done – peaceful trip to the toilet anyone? They’re also great if you’re short on space and can’t get a full-sized cot bed in.

The term “travel” can be quite misleading as it tends to imply they will be small, light and easy to carry – however, this is not always the case. While they all fold down to a sensible size that can be easily thrown in the boot of a car, if you were hoping to hop on a train with cot in one hand and small child in the other, you could be in for a nasty surprise.

If you regularly make overnight trips car-free, take a good look at the weight of a product before you commit to it and consider one that goes on your back, rucksack style, rather than one which will take up a valuable hand that may be required for toddler herding.

As with every product aimed at the new parent market, there are thousands of options all promising to deliver something better than the next. Here, we’ve looked at products under £100 – although if your budget stretches, there are options considerably more expensive.

Things to consider

Think about what suits your needs – bassinets for newborns are great for those first few months but won’t last beyond about 12 weeks when your baby will likely have outgrown it. Consider investing in a cot with different levels/settings or a bassinet attachment as this will grow with your child and last much longer – providing much better value for money in the long run.

Many cots claim to double up as a playpen, which is a great feature. But again, the time period this serves is relatively short – few toddlers will remain in-situ without screaming for more than about three minutes.

The majority of travel cots claim to come with a mattress included – this is usually one that wraps around the outside of the cot frame once folded. While they serve the purpose of providing a safe, flat surface for your child to sleep on, they are not usually very thick and can be a little uncomfortable, so many parents do prefer to buy one. If you are doing this, remember to check the dimensions of your cot so as to buy the correct size mattress, and remember a classic mattress will not roll up or fold for travel.

Travel cots are listed in price order.

Read more 12 best baby changing bags

This article has been updated. It was originally published in May 2019.

Red Kite Sleep Tight Travel Cot

£ 29.99 , Argos

Best for:   Value for money

When it comes to value for money, this travel cot is a clear winner. It’s a proper does-what-it-says-on-the-tin product in that it’s a simple, straightforward travel cot that provides a safe space for your baby or toddler to sleep when you’re away from home.

It’s easy to erect and dismantle and comes with the standard thin travel cot mattress. As with most products, you’ll likely want to buy a separate, thicker mattress or for older children, place a quilt down to cushion the base. There are no fancy features here but it definitely does the job.

Cuggl Deluxe Travel Cot and Changer Unit

£ 59.99 , Argos

Best for:   Bad backs

This clever travel cot comes with a clip-on changer unit for nappy changes on the go, as well as a bassinet level for younger babies. It’s easy to set up and take down and doubles up as a play pen for when you need to keep a mobile baby contained.

It’s really good value for money when you consider all the different features and your back will thank you for making use of the clip-on changer unit, which feels nice and secure. The cot is very sturdy but the mattress is a little firm.

In terms of weight, it does come in on the heavier side, so not particularly easy to carry, but a lot of people tend to keep travel cots either as a spare bed for visitors or pop them in the car when going away, so it’s not a major problem.

Koo-di Sun and Sleep Pop-Up Travel Cot

£ 59.99 , JoJo Maman Bébé

Best for:   Daytime naps

This cute little pop-up-tent-come-cot ticks a lot of boxes – not least because it’s light, packs down small and is genuinely easy to put away. It’s great for camping, as it follows the same principle as a pop-up tent, and also comes complete with built-in black-out blinds and mosquito netting.

It’s an ideal place to pop your baby down during a warm summer’s day in the garden. The mattress, like all the products we tested, is very thin so you might want to purchase the suggested blow-up one (sold separately) or at least cushion the floor with a couple of blankets.

moKee Everyday Travel Cot

£ 75.00 , moKee

Best for:   Stylish parents

This surprisingly compact cot is made by the Scandi-inspired, design-led team at moKee. Known for their beech wood cots and Italian wool Moses baskets, this dinky little travel cot is no less stylish.

It’s easy to pop up and down, stores away small and is unusual in that it is square rather than the traditional rectangle shape. This is great for storage and travelling, but less effective for long/tall babies and children so bear that in mind if shopping for older kids.

The mattress (provided) is softer than most and it’s a lovely comfy space for babies to both rest and play. The sides are nice and deep too so you feel confident your little one is secure. It’s a really lovely product at a great vale price – especially during the current £20 off promotion.

Hauck Sleep N Play Centre II

£ 69.99 , Amazon

Best for:   Toddlers

For a real jack-of-all-trades product, look no further than the Hauck Sleep N Play. This folding cot comes with a bassinet for younger babies (up to 9kg), so you don’t have to drop them all the way in, while the side zip opening means you can get bigger mobile children in and out without having to lift them.

The side-opening feature is also great for playtime for older children and it’s worth noting that it can only be unzipped from the outside, so there’s no risk of your little Houdini going walkabout at night.

There’s even a changing unit to pop on top to save your back during nappy changes and a side pocket for storing all the bits and pieces you need. Again, the folding mattress is thin and Hauck recommends purchasing a separate sleeper mattress and fitted sheet.

Inovi Cocoon Travel Crib

£ 93.95 , Amazon

Best for:   Pet owners

This product sneaks onto the list, as it’s currently available on Amazon for less than the usual RRP of £115. Aimed at newborns and very young babies, it’s more of a travel moses basket rather than a full blown cot.

It’s actually very light and, best of all, assembly is fool-proof. There’s no sides to click or bases to lift, it just sort of pops up and down again. The storage bag (included) is flat with a handle, so less bulky than conventional cots, and the measurements when folded meet hand luggage requirements – great if you’re going abroad. It also takes up much less space in the car.

It’s called a cocoon because it encases your baby in a breathable zip-up mesh cocoon that prevents against bugs and curious pets or siblings who might be leaning in for a closer look. The only drawn back is it’s only suitable for use up to six months or so, making it quite an expensive investment and one that will need to be replaced.

LittleLife Arc 2 Lightweight Travel Cot

£ 94.99 , LittleLife

Best for:   Outdoor adventures

This is another cot that snuck on to the list, as it usually retails for around £109.99 but is currently on offer. The offer also includes a free sunshade (normally £14.99), so it’s a really good deal from travel brand LittleLife.

Known for its toddler backpacks (the type you carry a toddler in while out walking/trekking), the outdoor expert has hit upon a really great product that not only fits in a discreet backpack, but it’s genuinely light enough to carry around with you. There are very few travel cots this can be said of, as while they are designed to be portable, there is usually an assumption you’ll be chucking it in a car boot rather than carrying it yourself.

As a non-car owner, the Arc 2 was a real revelation. It’s designed like a tent with foldable poles and even pegs and straps to hold it in place (it’s suitable for outdoor use), so again there’s no sides to squeeze or bases to lift. It’s compact once erected but you need a lot of space to extend and thread the poles, so it’s a bit impractical in a small space such as a caravan or the box room at Granny and Grandpas. But you can build it elsewhere and easily lift it.

We struggled a little with the fitted mattress cover – it didn’t seem to fit at first – but it just takes a bit of wriggling. Our tester loved the zip doors and see-through roof, and we love the genuine portability of the product.

Joie Kubbie Sleep Compact Travel Cot

£ 99.99 , Argos

Best for:   Newborns

This smart little piece of kit is one of the newest products from baby expert Joie and it works well for very young babies, as it has a drop-down side for co-sleeping. It also comes with a bassinet fixture for young babies, so they are higher up and easy to access.

The drop-down side (used with the bassinet fitting) means you can attach it to the side of your own bed then simply roll over for night time feeds or checks, no need to lift baby in and out. It also means you can hold your little one’s hand if they need reassurance without having to reach over and down – giving yourself dead-arm in the process.

The set-up and dismantling process is straightforward and the deep sides (in standard mode) offer good peace of mind that toddlers and older babies won’t somehow be able to scramble out. It’s fairly slim and compact too, so works well in small spaces but we did find it a little short for our 2.5-year-old tester – she was basically the same length as the cot, so was forced to sleep diagonally or scrunched up.

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• 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.

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 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 -  £168.75

• Best budget travel cot : Cuggl Deluxe Superlight Travel Cot - £60

• Best stylish travel cot : Baby Elegance Kangu Foldable Bedside Sleeper - £74.99

The best travel cot 2024

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

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.

One M&B awards tester said: "I really liked how small it folded and how light it was. 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. Also not too heavy so easy to lug around upstairs when we stayed in hotels without lifts."

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

• Lightweight
• Comfortable for baby
• No raised bassinet

2. Graco FoldLite

Best travel cot for compact fold.

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. Collapsing to only 26cm wide, the FoldLite has a mesh lining and two wheels for easy manoeuvrability, plus it comes with a mattress included. Testers loved the Home Fold feature to help fold away quickly and clear space within seconds.

M&B mum tester Sarah said:  "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. It would be invaluable for this in a holiday cottage which is less baby-proofed too! It seems both comfy and robust for my very mobile ten-month-old and he'll play happily in it with some toys thrown in for a while. 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. The grandparents popped it up without instructions and my ten-month-old slept happily in it."

Read our full review of the Graco FoldLite.

• Folds two ways
• Convenient carry bag
• Assembly not totally straightforward

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.

Convenient for carrying around your home, it comes with a zip-in carrycot insert, an all-around mesh panel for airflow and a lovely firm and comfortable mattress. The suspended base will protect your little ones from draughts. But, if this happens to be a bit pricey for you, then you can opt for the Cuggl Deluxe Superlight Travel Cot instead.

Mum Meg said: "Very sturdy, easy to pack and unpack, folds up reasonably small, carrying handle makes it easy to transport. Seems comfortable - the newborn bassinet is super convenient for little ones and my babe settled immediately in it."

Parent Matt said: "We bought this for the ease of it 'popping up and down' but also because we could raise the height of the mattress when our baby was very little. There don't seem to be many travel cots that have that design, we used it as much at home for naps as we did on the road. It's a great bit of kit."

• Includes carrycot insert and mattress
• Easy to assemble
• Compact to fold
• 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 travel cot has a bassinet attachment that clicks easily onto the top, perfect for changing nappies; it has wheels, so it's easy to move around, and setting up and folding away takes just seconds.

Tested by mum Tori: "I would definitely recommend this product to other mums. It's so easy to put up and down and transport with its handy bag. It folds up thin and small fitting in our boot along with the double pram and a few bags! My little one slept perfectly."

Tested by mum Sarah: "If you're looking for an inexpensive no-nonsense travel cot then I would recommend this. It was lightweight so I could easily carry it around. It was also compact making it small enough to pack into the car alongside everything else you need when going away with a little one! Once I'd done the initial set up of the cot, it was easy to put together and to take apart too."

Read our full review of the Cuggl Deluxe Superlight Travel Cot

• Easy to transport with wheels
• Easy fold down into storage bag
• Low to the ground

5. Baby Bjorn Travel Cot Light

Best lightweight travel cot.

Rrp: £ 219.90

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 really light and portable.

It's also easy to move around your home, making it convenient to take with you on trips or overnight visits away. 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.

Tested by mum Nicola: "This is the easiest travel cot to carry as it's amazingly light, but it's less robust than others – Amelia can push it around by herself. It's really practical, taking seconds to pop up. It's less attractive than others in terms of design appeal, but Amelia slept well in it and seemed very comfortable. It also comes with a nice carry bag, which makes it easy to transport."

Read our full review of the BabyBjörn Light Travel Cot

• Easy assemble
• Machine washable fabric
• Made with sensitive skin in mind
• 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. There's a full-size bassinet, which snaps easily on and off as required, as well as a change unit and portable bouncing seat. It folds compactly and comes with its own travel storage bag.

There are 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.

Tested by mum Kathryn: "This was quite difficult to assemble – I had to enlist my husband's help. It's sturdy and almost as big as a normal cot. The wheels make it easy to move. Olly is too old for the extra accessories, but they'd be fantastic for a newborn. Olly likes the sounds, and the light is great for night changes without fully waking him. A real investment that will grow with your baby.

Tested by mum Nicola: "The mesh sides enabled me to check on Amelia without getting out of bed, and she liked being able to see us when she woke up. The mattress seems very comfortable, and the colours and pattern of this travel cot are really appealing. The extra accessories aren't suitable past 12 months, and this travel cot is quite heavy – I would struggle to move it from room to room without help."

• Extra accessories
• Great value for money
• Sound, vibration and nightlight settings

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. We love the bassinet accessory, which makes this brilliant for use from birth. It has a sturdy aluminium frame and a triple-layered mattress.

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.

Tested by mum Kirsty: "This is reasonably straightforward to set up but it doesn't fold very neatly, and packing it away is fiddly. It's sturdy but feels heavy and it takes up lots of space in our small car boot. The bassinet makes it easy to lift Rikku in and out, but I found it fiddly to detach. I like that this comes with a machine-washable sheet, which stays in place with velcro."

Tested by mum Nicola: "I really like this travel cot because it's so sturdy. It also looks very stylish. Amelia slept really well in this. It's simple to assemble and comes with a lovely, thick mattress plus a machine-washable sheet. The only disadvantage is that it's quite heavy. I think I would struggle to get this from one place to another by myself."

Read our full review of the Nuna Sena Aire

• Padded edges
• Triple-layered mattress
• Comes with its own storage bag
• Not as lightweight as other options

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. It comes with a toy bar and a handy removable changing table. It has a nightlight and musical feature, as well as the option to set the mattress to vibrate to help soothe your baby. There are four mesh sides so you can keep an eye on your little one, and also great for ventilation. It's heavy, but the wheels make it easy to manoeuvre, and it comes with its own carry bag.

Tested by mum Nicola: "This is quick and easy to assemble. It seems compact and fits really well in a smaller room without taking up lots of space. The mattress is very thin, and Amelia didn't sleep very well. The cream colour looks lovely, but I imagine it could get dirty very quickly. The changing unit is a great idea, but it's only suitable for use up to 12 months."

Tested by mum Kathryn: "One of the heaviest travel cots we tested, but it's a good size for an older baby – almost the same size as our normal cot. It's easy to assemble and put away and I like the neutral colour. The wheels make it very easy to move around, but you have to bend low to reach your baby. This would have been great for daytime naps when Olly was younger. Great value, too."

Read our full review of the Graco Contour Electra Travel Cot

• Compact fold
• Has wheels for easy transporting
• Removable changing table
• Some reviewers struggled to assemble it

9. Baby Elegance Kangu Foldable Bedside Sleeper

Best bassinet-style travel cot.

www.ebay.co.uk

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 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. This is another top pick for newborns, so be aware you won't be able to use it much beyond six months old.

Mum, Eileen, reviewed: "This was the best purchase we made for our baby. 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."

• Folds into storage bag
• Legs can adjust to fix in position or allow for gentle rocking motion
• Extremely lightweight
• 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. It doesn't take long to assemble and comes with a padded mattress. 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; it's the smallest travel cot but the most compact and easy to carry.

Tested by mum Jennifer: "The design is stylish and the item is extremely easy to use. 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. It is easily transported and takes up no more than a bag's room in the car or walking, so it can be taken anywhere. 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."

Tested by mum Esther: "Designed as a travel sleeping pod, for nighttime and daytime naps, and a changing bag. It's intended to be quick to assemble and easy to use. I assembled it in a couple of minutes, it weighs as much as a bag or two of sugar and the bag would easily fit in amongst other items in a packed car. When assembled, the sleeping pod is a reasonable size, probably usable up to 4-6 months (unless your baby is rolling lots). 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

• Includes mosquito net
• Can be used as a changing bag
• Extremely compact and lightweight to carry
• Long dispatch time currently

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. 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.

Reviewer Sophie said: "This is an excellent travel cot. The cot is incredibly easy for one person to put up and can be fully set up and usable within minutes. Folding the cot away is just as simple; and it folds down into such a compact size which is then stored in a carry case that it is easy to stow away. I would recommend this cot for a number of reasons: It is lightweight, compact, it is a full size cot, can be used as a playpen, it is simple to errect and dismantle, it is very strong and sturdy, my baby loves to be in it, it has a useful storage pouch at one end. I intially 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."

Read our full review of the Baby Dan Travel Cot

• Includes a small bag
• Sturdy and secure with brake
• Heavier than others

12. Red Kite Black Sleep Tight Travel Cot

Best simple travel cot.

direct.asda.com

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 said: "Having now used this multiple times, I'm really impressed with it - 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 it's so helpful that the instructions are printed onto the underside of the mattress - what a great idea (these sleep-deprived parents are very grateful for this design feature!) You must put it up/take it down in the right order or you will struggle to get it folded correctly. My baby has always slept well in it on various nights and weeks away. We use a waterproof sheet and cot sheet on top of the mattress, job done! For the price paid, it's exceptionally good value. 10/10!"

• Central locking base for extra safety
• Easy to fold and store in the storage bag
• See-through mesh sides
• Mattress is very thin

13. Kinderkraft Cot 4 in 1 SOFI

Best 4 in 1 travel cot.

Rrp: £ 139.99

 A practical trade 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 wash 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.

One reviewer said: "Slightly narrower than some travel cots, but that was what we needed as it is going to be the cot for when our new grandson stays with us and it needed to fit in the spare room. I love that it is on 2 levels so suitable for a new born as well as a toddler, though not sure if grandson will fit past the age of 2. It is so easy to fold and put up and comes in a cover so can be stored under another bed. Also great that while you use the top level, things can be stored underneath. It looks very stylish too. Only slight problem is the fitting of sheets. It is fiddly 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."

• Can be used with or without rocking function
• Mattress can be used at two different levels
• Looks stylish
• Slightly narrower than standard travel cots

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:

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.

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."

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.

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.

Best Travel Cots For Babies And Toddlers

Traveling with little ones in your family often means having a few must-haves for families immediately accessible and travel-ready everywhere you go at a moment’s notice, including a portable cot. Nap time or sleep can strike at any moment, and having a safe place for your baby to sleep is a requirement. These portable cots are easy to carry, set up, collapse, and store, making them helpful for setting up your baby’s sleeping spot on vacation.

Portable travel cots are perfect for when your little one needs a break to sleep or calm down after an exhausting day. Portable travel cots also help your little ones stay safe during sleep (they won’t have to share a bed with you or someone else) and provide a germ-free environment to play, rest, and sleep. On day trips, cabin stays, or other excursions, portable travel cots are a true lifesaver for families packing for a baby . These reviews cover some of the best travel cots on the market, creating the best option for families and babies everywhere.

Table of Contents

Best Portable Cots For Traveling With A Baby Or A Toddler – Our Picks + Reviews

Lotus comfortable travel crib.

This popular travel cot is a favorite pick for the best travel cots by parents everywhere. This multipurpose travel cot is sturdy and certified baby-safe, offering a comfortable play-yard and mattress that is lightweight and backpack portable. Each crib is a safe and non-toxic certified rest and play place that features full-height mesh with best, breathable airflow to cool off your baby.

The Lotus Travel Crib is designed to withstand all kinds of travel. It fits into a compact, light backpack carrying case and set up takes less than fifteen seconds to complete. Featuring an innovative quiet side zipper door that you can use to lay down your baby without waking them up. The easy-to-adjust mattress folds and is full of thick, soft foam that’s been approved for newborns and infants to sleep in safely. At $209, this is a fairly priced crib that will last you and your baby a lifetime.

4Moms Breeze Plus Portable Playard

This all-in-one care station is designed to set up with one hand as a portable playard with removable bassinet and changing station that’s the perfect solution to moms and dads’ needs. This easily accessible and collapsible design creates instant comfort and sleep as well as a place to take care of all of your baby’s needs. The playard is easily transportable and packs into a travel bag for carrying and packing in cars, airplanes or other stowaway containers.

Your baby can sleep, play, or bounce around in this sturdy portable playard that sets up anywhere. Drop them off at a caretaker, bring it on vacation, or set it up in the living room to hold your kiddo while you do your chores. Made from strong, durable polyester and heavy-duty support beams, this is the best travel crib for flying with, as it packs up conveniently for travel and set up. Priced at $600, this is an extremely expensive option, but its durability and flexibility as well as its removable bassinet and changing table make it a good investment.

BABYBJORN Travel Crib Light

Made for simple and busy parents on the move, the BABYBJORN Travel Crib Light is designed to be adventure-ready and convenient to set up and collapse at a moment’s notice. Made of soft and sturdy polyester fabric, the lightweight, water resistant fabric of the BABYBJORN Travel Crib light can handle any kind of spills or stains and makes the crib perfect for any kind of restless baby. Designed with travel in mind, the BABYBJORN Travel Crib Light is definitely the most comfortable travel crib there is.

The BABYBJORN Travel Crib Light is a multifunctional and versatile baby play pen that’s a game changer for parents of active babies. Your baby can play, rest, stand, toss, and turn within the safe and comfortable confines of this travel crib that packs up into a light bag that transports safely everywhere. Ergonomic and stable, the BABYBJORN Travel Crib Light is designed to provide comfortable support and supervision of your baby from wherever you’re traveling. The BABYBJRON Travel Crib Light has a price of $300, a fairly midrange price for the durable and reliable crib you’re getting.

Flisko 2 in 1 Travel Crib & Bassinet

Known as the baby play yard that does it all, the Bassinet and Travel Crib is constructed with a supportive structure and solid frame that keeps your baby safe at all times. Built with high-quality rugged materials that prevent collapsing or folding and completely non-toxic. This lightweight and easily portable crib has a comfortable lifting weight and small size that’s perfect for when you’re on the go. A sleek design and foldable build are perfectly sized to fit anywhere.

The crib doesn’t require extensive setup and can be set up or disassembled in just a few minutes. It folds into a simple bag and can double as a bassinet and a full-sized playpen or crib, making it a 2 in 1 travel set that’s great for flexible and versatile families. Super soft and comfortable, the travel basset is lined with soft fabric that pads and protects your baby, as well as a plush, insulated foam mattress pad and sheet. For just $110, this is a great bargain on a versatile and multifunctional travel cot that’s the best travel crib for 2-year-olds or other children as they age.

Graco Pack and Play on the Go with Bassinet

The Graco Pack and Play on the Go is designed to function everywhere with flexible and durable use around the clock. With dual-function sleep and play as well as an insertable bassinet for holding younger children or changing diapers, the Graco Pack and Play is a useful and multipurpose construction that works well for every family. If you are traveling, you might also want to invest in a good portable diaper changing kit to make things easier and change your baby on-the-go wherever you are. Travel has never been simpler than with the Graco Pack and Play, which is extremely affordable at a price of just $75.

The Graco provides comfort and support for all your baby with sturdy mattress pads that support firm sleep and rest. Breathable mesh side panels let you supervise your baby’s play from a distance allowing for you to get some work done while still keeping an eye on your little one. Your baby can fall asleep gently and comfortably in this padded and supported playpen that provides levels of comfort, changing, and sleep for best results for you and your baby, making it one of the most comfortable travel cribs on the market.

Funny Supply 3 in 1 Pack and Play Travel Cot

This Funny Supply 3 in 1 Pack and Play is convertible, functional, and designed to grow with your baby. Converting from baby bassinet to playpen and play tunnel, children of all ages can enjoy and use this fun pack and play. Each travel pen can be assembled in less than 15 seconds without any tools, creating an easy fold inside a carrying case you can haul with you anywhere. It also features comfortable and ergonomic carrying options and can tuck into trunks or stowaway containers, making it one of the best travel cots for flying.

The Funny Supply Pack and Play creates hands-free convenient baby support that will let you take baby along on vacations or set them up while you run errands without having to worry about cradling or protecting your baby at every moment. Set them down for a nap in the bassinet as a baby and once they grow out of it, set it in a larger play pen. As toddlers, unfold the wall to create a play tunnel you can crawl through or use as a fort. Create opportunities for bonding and developmental benefits at all times with this adjustable and magical play pen that will engage your baby at all times.

Baby Delight Deluxe Portable Crib & Playard

Promising multifunction, user-friendly, and flexible sleeping and play spaces for babies and caregivers, the Baby Delight Deluxe Portable Crib & Playard is a comfortable and actively designed travel crib made with soft mesh and a thick and comfortable foam mattress pad. Simple to set up and easy to disassemble, the travel crib creates a comfortable and soft place for your baby to rest, play, and sleep. Safe and useful for newborns and toddlers alike, the Baby Delight Deluxe Portable Crib & Playard is a versatile and convertible space for sleeping and playing alike.

Made to last through the childhood of active and growing babies, the Baby Delight Deluxe Portable Crib & Playard converts into a bassinet for smaller babies, a playard, and a crib. A shaded hood allows for easy sleep and hanging mobiles for baby’s entertainment. A removable sun and insect canopy means you can even set this playpen up in your yard or outside. Your pen packs up neatly and is a great travel cot for toddlers for a very affordable price.

Pamo Babe Lightweight Portable Travel Cot

Comfortable, functional, and built for versatile use by parents and babies alike, the Pamo Babe Lightweight Portable Travel Cot creates a comfortable rest and play space for wearer and baby. Offering a comfortable mattress pad for additional support while your baby sleeps, your cot is a restful and relaxing place for your little one. You can also convert it into a trampoline for diverse and exciting entertainment. Four supporting feet at the bottom of your crib maintain balance and stability while your baby moves around and prevents the crib from tipping over.

Equipped with a movable mattress to provide the most comfortable sleeping environment for the baby, your mattress can also be easily removed and washed depending on stains or damages. The breathable mesh allows your baby to breathe easily and lets you keep an eye on your baby from afar. Adjustable, comfortable, supportive, and versatile, the Pamo Babe is a budget choice and all yours for a very affordable price, a portable and convenient travel cot for babies and parents.

Skip Hop Portable Playard And Travel Cot

This gentle and comfortable baby cot is designed to swaddle and cradle your baby to sleep with a gentle mattress pad and comfortable space for sleep or play on their own. This soft and sturdy travel cot offers airy mesh fabric sides for visibility and ventilation and expands from a travel crib to a play yard in mere seconds. You can also tuck this cot into its travel bag and carry it with you anywhere for additional on the go sleep support for you and your baby.

The expanding base grows as your little one does, expanding from small to large based on the size of your child and the space they need to sleep or play. Because the travel cot is so portable it’s easy to swap between caregivers or other people looking after your little one. Easy to maintain and machine washable, the Skip Hop is also washable, stain-treatable, and packs tightly into a storage pouch to sit in your car. At $100, this is a sturdy and trustworthy purchase your baby will feel safe in at all times.

BABY JOY Baby Foldable Travel Crib

Gentle, soft, and comfortable, the BABY JOY Foldable Travel Crib features simple and spacious sleeping and playing space for babies from newborns to three years. The mattress is protected with a soft and thick mattress pad that allows your baby to sleep comfortably. Machine washable fabric and sheets keeps your baby warm, swaddled, and comfortable while also easily treatable for spills, and other stains that naturally accumulate over time. The travel crib is designed with full-height mesh cloth that allows full visibility, breathability, and protection for your baby.

The comfortable and firm structure is built with sturdy aluminum and iron tubes that are safety certified. The four feet are evenly balanced to prevent your playard from tilting or tipping while your little one is in it. With a comfortable and cooling design and a secure base for support, your baby will rest easy as you go about your day thanks to this affordably priced $80 BABY JOY foldable crib.

A Buyer’s Guide to the Best Baby Travel Cots

Purchasing a travel cot is a great way to secure your little one no matter where you’re visiting, but there’s a few different things you’ll want to keep an eye on as you shop around for the perfect fit. Your baby needs to be able to sleep and play in a secure and safe environment so make sure your cot meets all of these important requirements to be a good fit!

Flexibility and Versatility

Babies are an exciting but expensive addition to your family, so a flexible and versatile travel cot that will last you through your baby’s initial growth spurt, their changing sleep and play needs, and even a few different babies is a great choice. Look for a cot that converts from bassinet to play pen to larger sleeping pen for the best value!

Stain-Resistant yet Soft

Babies are messy, and accidents happen. A cot that can withstand quite a few accidents from your baby is a great choice. Look for a mattress pad that can be removed or washed and a polyester material that wipes down easily. A cot that can comfortably handle the outdoors, stains, sweat, rain, and more will be a versatile and functional part of your family routine, but you’ll also want to make sure it’s still soft enough that your baby can rest comfortably inside.

Travel cots for babies are a big part of ensuring your baby is comfortable sleeping and at play r while you go about your day whether you’re at home or traveling. Picking a sturdy, soft, secure, and reliable travel cot that lasts your child a long time is key to easing your transition into new parenthood and ensuring a happy and healthy sleep and play balance in your baby’s life.

I'm Angela Corrias, an Italian journalist, photographer, and travel writer located in the heart of Italy's capital. Welcome to my website, your comprehensive source for your travels and expert guidance for crafting your dream travel experience.

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11 best travel cots for hassle-free holidays and overnight stays

Help little ones (and yourself) get some shut-eye with these best-rated snug and secure travel cots, article bookmarked.

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All of the travel cots in this round-up meet the European Standards for safety – your first consideration when buying a travel bed

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Babies don’t travel light. But if you’re planning a relaxing trip, whether it’s a UK staycation or something more exotic , you can’t skimp on the travel cot.

While some hotels and Airbnbs promise to provide travel cots for the tiniest members of the family, you’ve no idea how many children have slept on them before your little darlings, or predict what that means for how comfortable and sturdy they are. Taking a baby out of their usual safe, strong cot with a supportive mattress and putting them in a shaky cage with a rock-hard or spiky mattress is a fast way to ensure nobody in the family gets much shut-eye.

Different travel cots have different age and weight limits, so, before buying one, consider how many years of use you want to get from your cot. Size is another key factor when looking at travel cots, as those with a larger surface area can double up as a playpen in the day. Also, if you’re in unfamiliar territory and are travelling with a mini-escape artist, a travel cot with high mesh sides means you can see your child and they can see out, but they’re perfectly safe at all times.

However, size should not come at the expense of portability. Remember, you’re going to have a lot of other things to carry as well as the cot, and every extra kilo counts. Plus, heavier cots tend to be more effort to erect and collapse, and you don’t want to waste precious moments of your holiday in a sweaty mess trying to put up your travel cot.

All products in this round-up meet the European Standards for safety, which should always be your first consideration when buying a travel cot. Christina Rolles from safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust says: “A travel cot 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, as this could cause injury, suffocation or overheating.”

Related stories

How we tested.

With the help of a seven-month-old and a two-year-old, we tested the travel cots for size, comfort and safety. The toddler has a habit of swinging their leg up and escaping their regular cot, so we tried to find ones that kept them contained. We also tested each cot for speed of assembly and disassembly, and picked it up when folded, to see if it was something that could be carried around an airport.

Take into account any age and weight limits before you buy

The best travel cots for 2023 are:

• Best overall – Graco foldlite: £79.99, Gracobaby.eu/uk
• Best for entertaining baby – Mamas & Papas joie commuter travel cot change and bounce: £175, Mamasandpapas.com
• Best lightweight cot for your back – BabyBjörn travel cot light: £220, Babybjorn.co.uk
• Best for breathability – Nuna sena aire: £250, Nunababy.eu.uk
• Best for value – Red Kite sleep tight travel cot: £37, Amazon.co.uk

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Graco foldlite

• Best : Overall
• Dimensions : L 119cm x W 63.5cm x H 68cm
• Weight : 6.78kg
• Age limit : Suitable from birth to 15kg (approximately three years old)

The foldlite from Graco is up to 30 per cent lighter than most other cots, which we definitely noticed and appreciated – you can easily lift it one-handed. You might even find it lighter than your nappy bag, which is a win if you’re carrying a lot of other luggage for your trip.

Erecting this cot was a joy – taking less than 30 seconds. All you need to do is unwrap the mattress, push up the sides, put the mattress in the bottom and it’s ready to go. Collapsing it is just as simple – it folds up super thin, too. We also liked the sturdy material and strong base. It’s a great price at £80 and it’s made to last.

Mamas & Papas joie commuter travel cot change and bounce

• Best : For entertaining baby
• Dimensions : L 106cm x W 70.5cm x H 80cm
• Weight : 14.8kg
• Age limit : Suitable from birth to 15kg

This is a travel cot, changing table and bouncer in one, so you can create a home from home for your baby when you travel. The bouncer is a decent size, providing a place to relax and play for babies too young to sit up. It even has cuddly toys for little ones to reach and grab.

The starry print, which is exclusive to Mamas & Papas, gives the smallest babies something to look at to help them make sense of the world, and this also helps older kids relax. We suggest counting the stars on the mattress to encourage early numeracy skills in a fun way.

This cot is taller than most others we tried, which is great if you have a mini Houdini. It makes for an excellent play and sleep solution to keep at grandparents’ house and works out at excellent value for money, when you consider it’s three useful items in one.

BabyBjörn travel cot light

• Best : For your back
• Dimenions : L 112cm x W 82cm x H 64cm
• Weight : 6kg
• Age limit : Suitable from birth to three years

This gets top marks for ease of setup. There’s no need to bend down or fiddle with anything on the floor – all you need to do is shake it out and then secure the sides. There’s a handy YouTube video showing how to put it up in just 25 seconds, and the presenter demonstrating it isn’t even going at top speed.

Weighing just 6kg, including the carry bag, your back will thank you when you’re taking it in and out of cars or planes. Our toddler tester approved of the mattress, which makes for a cosy sleeping place. But what we liked most about this cot is knowing that its fabric is OEKO-TEX-approved, which means all materials coming into contact with your baby’s skin are kind to sensitive skin.

Nuna sena aire

• Best : For breathability
• Dimenions : L 107cm x W 73.5cm x H 74.5cm
• Weight : 12.26kg

If you’re all sharing a bedroom when you travel, it may get stuffy very quickly, especially if it isn’t an air-conditioned room. We like how the Nuna sena aire addresses this issue with its mesh sides, floor and mattress providing 360 degrees of ventilation, for ultimate airflow. The better a child can breathe, the deeper they sleep, giving everyone a more relaxing trip.

We were really impressed by the feel of the triple-layered mattress, which is designed to pull away heat and humidity, and will come in useful if you’re jetting off to tropical climes.

Its clever zigzag leg design pops open easily into a soft, sturdy dreamland and it’s one of the easiest to collapse – we found we could do it one-handed.

Red Kite sleep tight travel cot

• Best : For value
• Dimensions : L 101cm x W 72cm x H 71cm
• Weight : 7.1kg

This is the cheapest travel cot we tried but it’s perfectly functional. It’s safety-tested, comes with a carry bag, is easy to assemble and it has mesh sides, to give you a clear view of your child as they rest or sleep.

It doesn’t win any prizes for design, as there are no frills – it’s simply a place to sleep. Plus, the mattress is a tad on the stiff side, so you may want to spend some of the money you’ve saved on the cost of the cot on a plumper mattress. However, it’s still a very good choice if you’re only going to use it now and then throughout the year.

Micralite sleep and go 3-in-1 travel cot

• Best : For style
• Dimensions : L 112cm x W 80cm x H 67cm
• Weight : 6.25kg

The first thing to note is this comes with a premium duffle bag carry case, so you’ll look stylish when you arrive at your destination. Open the cot – with ease, as it weighs just 6.25kg – and you’ll notice the material on the top and sides feels very high-quality. The decently padded mattress caused our two-year-old to exclaim, “I like ’dis one!”

We really liked the newborn insert, which raises very young babies to typical bed height, so you don’t have to break your back lifting them in and out of the cot. It also makes it easier to nurse a baby and transfer them back to a cot. If you’re using this as a playpen, you’ll also appreciate that one of the sides unzips, so tots can crawl in and out.

Kinderkraft lovi 3-in-1 baby crib

• Best : For fussy babies
• Dimensions : L 88cm x W 61cm x H 85cm
• Weight : 5kg
• Age limit : Suitable from birth to 9kg

While it takes a bit of time to erect this travel cot and rocker, there’s a very good YouTube video to show you the process. You can access it via a QR code on the instruction leaflet included, and it’s very simple to follow along.

The rocking motion is brilliant for little ones that need movement to settle, mimicking the gentle swaying motion of the womb. Babies are at a higher level in this cot, too, so you can pick them up and settle them down without pulling a muscle.

The only slight down side to this cot is that a baby will outgrow it within the year. That said, our youngest tester loved playing with the toy bar and three adorable hanging toys that come with it, so, while their time in it may be short, it will also be very sweet.

Bugaboo stardust travel cot

• Best : Two-in-one cot and playpen
• Dimensions : L 64cm x W 98cm x H 85cm
• Weight : 6.7kg
• Age limit : Suitable from birth to two years old

Setting up this pop-up travel cot was a total breeze, despite how tall and strudy it is once erected. We were surprised by how much the mattress kept it’s solid shape, with no crease or fold from being flat-packed within the cot and travel bag.

Mums will be grateful for the newborn insert, which raises babies to bed level. The breathable mesh is ideal for all seasons to keep baby’s temperature regulated.

The mattress is nicely padded for playtime but feels a little firm for bedtime. When topped with a matrress protector and Bugaboo’s breathable fitted sheet (£27.95, Bugaboo.com ), we nailed baby’s recquirements for a peaceful snooze. You really do get more bang for your buck with this travel cot, as it doubles up as a playpen and lasts until your little one is two years old.

Halo flex portable bassinet

• Best : Portable bedside crib
• Dimensions : L 75cm x W 100.3cm x H 108.6cm
• Age limit : Suitable from birth to five months

A lightweight and portable bedside crib is hard to come by, so, we were very grateful Halo’s offering ticked a lot of boxes for parents to get that reassuring ‘home away from home’ feeling when on the move.

It can be a daunting experience taking a little one away for the first time, especially when they are used to co-sleeping at home. We were delighted that this bassinet meant babies could feel just as close to their parents as they do at home. The mattress is extra soft when wrapped in Halo’s 100 per cent cotton fitted sheet (£16.64, Halosleep.co.uk ), and the cot is surrounded by breathable lining to suit all temperatures, and enable parents to keep a 360 view of baby.

We have to admit, we did use this more at home than on our travels, as it was so easy to adjust the height of the crib for when you’re sitting on the sofa during the day or when you’re sleeping at night and want to comfort your baby quickly. The side of the crib lowers easily, with no need to stand-up or hunch over. This is particularly helpful for mums recovering from C-section delivery as well as for night feeds.

An over-the-shoulder carry bag comes included but it is less sturdy than other holdalls we’ve tested, and one side is partially open, due to its drawstring closing, which didn’t feel as secure. The packing away was a simple enough four-step process.

Fisher-Price On the Go travel baby dome

• Best : For on-the-go parents
• Dimensions : L80cm x W76cm x H71cm
• Weight : 2.5kg
• Age limit : Suitable from birth to five months (until babies can sit unaided)

This travel cot combines the perfect solution for on-the-go parents and tired babies. It’s lightweight, easy to set up and allows babies to nap or play wherever they are.

We love that this cot can be used indoors and outdoors, to encourage the whole family to get more vitamin D. The canopy keeps your little one protected from the sun as well as keeping out creepy crawlies.

As it folds up flat, we found it easy to keep it stored in the car for spontanious day trips and overnight stays with the grandparents. However, it doesn’t come with a carry bag, which would have made it easier to keep clean and compact. Two overhead linking toys are included, to keep baby entertained and relaxed.

ergoPouch easy sleep portable crib

• Best : Lightweight travel cot
• Dimensions : L 80cm x W 49cm x H 27cm
• Weight : 2.2kg
• Age limit : Suitable from birth to 9kg (or when baby starts rolling over)

You can’t get any more portable than this lightweight pop-up cot that folds up as a small rucksack and weighs just 2.2kg. The mosquito net is ideal for summer babies, if you want to get some fresh air and let them have a safe daytime nap outdoors.

If you are travelling with a baby less than three months old on a flight, we recommended taking this one for sleeping on-the-go, if you get the luxury of seats with extra leg room. The backpack will fit neatly under your seat or in the overhead lockers.

The only downfall is this bassinet is only suitable until your baby shows signs of rolling over, so it’s quite a hefty price for short-lived use.

Travel cot FAQs

What age is a travel cot for.

This will depend on the cot you buy – bassinets are designed for newborns up to three months old, while larger options are available for children up to five years old.

Can a baby sleep in a travel cot every night?

It’s not recommended to use a travel cot regularly for a long period of time, as they’re not designed to support your baby’s development. Instead, limit their use for short trips away and daytime naps.

What to look for when buying a travel cot

You already have enough to think about while travelling with your baby, so the best cots are hassle-free. They should be easy to assemble, collapse and store, while the addition of wheels and a carry bag should make cots easier to transport from A to B. If you’re shopping for a newborn up to three months old, a bassinet is the way to go – these are raised, to give you a clearer view of your little one during the night, while you can lift them up without the risk of throwing out your back.

Do travel cots need a mattress?

Yes – the cots themselves are thin and hard, so a mattress is essential, though most of our top picks come with a mattress included.

The verdict: Travel cots

The Graco foldlite is excellent value for a lightweight cot that’s easy to erect and collapse, and we felt both our seven-month-old and two-year-old testers were safe in there. It will grow with your child, and provide a secure place to sleep and play for up to three years.

The BabyBjörn travel cot light also deserves praise for ease of setup and for the comfort of its mattress, while the Mamas & Papas joie commuter travel cot solves three of a baby’s needs – sleep, play and hygiene – in one neat package.

Provide extra comfort by investing in the best cot mattresses

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Helping you to create and organise travel adventures, even with small kids.

2022 best travel cot and baby bed for travel: the ultimate guide!

Last Updated on 27/05/2022 by Clotilde Passalacqua

Do you need a baby bed for travel? When you have children, you soon realise that you start asking questions you never thought you would.

In this case, it soon turns out that the right answer is yes. If you like to travel, you must equip yourself with a baby travel bed.

A portable bed for baby or a travel cot will be essential both for parents who only occasionally visit relatives or friends for the weekend, and for parents who embark around the world with their brand new twins!

Of course if you travel only occasionally, you should carefully review the cost aspect, while if you travel often by plane you will probably be looking for a light, compact, and easy to transport travel cot. Deciding what to pack when travelling with a baby cd be overwhelming, you can read here more advice on baby travel essentials and also how to save hundreds in luggage fees when flying Ryanair or other European low cost airlines.

This post may contain affiliate links. I may receive a commission for purchases made through the links on this page, at no cost to you .

WHICH IS THE BEST BABY TRAVEL BED?

On the market there are many alternatives: travel bed for infant, portable crib for toddlers, and also baby pop up bed and everybody has different needs, so it is not an easy question to answer. It may be overwhelming trying to choose the right model, therefore I distilled the choice down to the 8 models I think are the best to choose from! In this guide we will analyse the best travel cots for different travel styles, to make sure you buy the model that suits your way of travel the best!

Then I will go into the details of each portable travel bed for baby to understand each model and analyse which features make them the best option for families that love to travel.

Here is the criteria for the evaluation:

• Portability : With a compact travel cot it is important that it is easy to carry on the shoulder, perhaps with a shoulder strap, while pushing a stroller or holding a baby.
• Weight / dimensions: If you travel a lot by plane, it is important to consider a compact lightweight travel cot, in order to not make travel even more challenging
• Ease of assembly: If you often make road trips, or you like to change hotels every two / three days, it is important to choose a model that is easy and quick to assemble.
• Longevity: this is an important aspect to consider based on how long you want to use the baby portable bed you choose. A bit like pushchairs, not all of them are suitable for use from birth, but others are not usable beyond 12/18 months
• Fabric : it is important to check how easy it is to clean. While travelling you don’t want to waste time and an accident could always happen.
• Mattress: some mattresses are thicker than others, I wouldn’t discard a model only if the mattress is a bit thinner because little kids need quite a firm mattress, but it is good to be aware of it, perhaps if one night you use the travel crib over a hard floor you can put a towel under the cot to compensate.

Let’s start with an overview!

BABY TRAVEL BED COMPARISON CHART

A lightweight travel cot is a great present for a family of travellers, check this gifts for travelers guide if you need more ideas.

WHY DO YOU NEED A PORTABLE TRAVEL BED FOR BABIES?

There are various reasons why I think it is essential to organise yourself with your own baby travel sleep options:

If you visit relatives or friends, you may be tempted to find a temporary solution or to try co-sleeping, but unless you are already used to this solution it can only prove to be a producer of a sleepless night.

If you stay in a hotel you must be absolutely sure that the baby bed supplied complies with the most current safety standards.

Young children, much more than adults, are likely to become infected with germs and bacteria, especially in the period when they are bringing everything to their mouth because that’s their way to discover the world. In a hotel it is almost impossible to be sure that the baby cot supplied has been carefully sterilised.

If, like me, before Liam and Santiago, you have not been interested in the subject before, you will be amazed at what a hotel can ask for, per night, just to add a simple baby crib or an extra bed (usually in the case of children over two years).

At the hotels during our tragicomic first beach holiday , for example, we were asked for Euro30 per night per child, so for two weeks it would have cost us over Euro800!!!!

8 BEST BABY BED FOR TRAVEL: DETAILED REVIEW

Best overall travel cot.

MICRALITE SLEEP AND GO TRAVEL COT

The Micralite sleep&go travel cot is probably the best portable travel crib on the market in 2020. It seems that the designer took all the best elements of other top travel cots, like the Baby Bjorn or Phil & Teds, made it even more functional and added some other cool features. Like the BabyBjorn, it is a super easy to assemble and to transport travel cot, watch here the official video to appreciate these features . This cot folds small into a padded travel bag, with a comfy handle and a practical shoulder strap. It also features the newest generation of infant bassinet (depending on the shop it may be included or sold separately), that can super easily zip to the top and be used until the baby is around 6 months. Really practical if you want to use the travel cot as a newborn travel bed and you want to save yourself from back-pain.

• great design
• super easy to assemble
• really practical bag to store and transport
• practical bassinet
• side panel zip down
• plastic bottom makes it possible to use outdoor
• it could be lighter
• needs to be checked-in on a flight

Second best if money isn’t an issue

BABY BJORN TRAVEL COT LIGHT

This portable travel cot isn’t cheap, but it is so practical that you will maybe not regret the money spent. Especially if you like road trips and you change location often then this is just amazing. It requires no time to assemble it or put it away. It folds neatly into a sort of small suitcase with a big handle to carry it easily. The fabric and the base are built in, so there are no loose parts to assemble, but the mesh is also really easy to remove to wash. Watch the assembly video to be amazed about how clever it is.

• great size from newborn to 3 years +
• easy to carry with included bag
• side panel doesn’t zip down
• no newborn bassinet available

Best lightweight / Best twins travel cot

PHIL & TEDS TRAVELLER

“The only travel cot lighter than your baby” is the slogan that Phil & Teds have been using for years. It is this feature that still keeps The Phil & Teds traveller as one of the top choices on my list. The other element that sets apart this portable crib for travel from the contenders is the way you assembly it. Unfortunately the structure doesn’t come already fixed to the mesh, but needs to be put together. It doesn’t really require more than 2-3 minutes, but you maybe want to consider this aspect, especially if the weight is not a key element for you. Here is the link to the Phil & Teds traveller assembly video  if you want to understand better the assembly technique. As parents of twins we can say that this is the best portable crib if you have twins. You can carry 2 and you will still end with a lighter load than one of most of the other models. We used 2 of these portable travel cribs until our boys were over 3 years old.

• the lightest traditional travel cot, only 2.8kg
• easy to carry on a shoulder
• side panel zip down completely
• mesh bassinet for newborn available
• sunshade top cover available
• thermally insulated mattress
• allowed as hand luggage from some airlines
• assembly is more complicated than other models like Baby Bjorn or Micralite
• newborn bassinet sold separately
• inflatable mattress on the thin side
• sunshade top cover sold separately

Best compact travel c rib

GUAVA LOTUS TRAVEL CRIB

The Lotus travel crib is probably the most compact of all the traditional travel cots. The designers developed this clever 3D mechanism, that makes the crib fold in a Z way and simply fit in the backpack. Watch here the official video on how to assemble it. All parts are connected, so no risk to loose anything. Only the mattress needs to be fixed to the feet. One of the few downsides is it is not easily available everywhere.

• easy to assemble
• super easy to carry as a back pack
• most airlines will consider it hand luggage
• newborn bassinet available
• newborn bassinet is sold separately
• fixing the mattress could be a bit laborious
• mattress sheet is sold separately
• not easy to buy in Europe

Best baby crib for under $50 £40

HAUCK DISNEY DREAM ‘N PLAY TRAVEL COT

The Hauck Dream ‘n Play travel cot is the most traditional travel cot in this list. For a price tag under $50 (£40) I could not leave it out because there are still situations when it could be worth considering. First of all it is quite big, but if on one hand this means it is the biggest and heaviest in the list, on the other hand it is a really good travel cot for toddler. If you travel mainly by car (with generous boot), mainly visiting friends and family for a weekend or you stay in one place, then save same money and get one of these cots. It doesn’t have the cool features of some others like a newborn bassinet, and doesn’t fold into a back pack, but it still comes with a useful carrying bag. We now have been using two older models of the Hauck for more than 4 years when visiting my dad in Italy. We leave them there but they are still compact enough to be stored away. We think they’re also perfect for a weekend away with the car.

• easy enough to assemble, but only if you follow the instructions!
• great size from newborn to 4 years +
• big enough to be used as a small playpen
• heavy, kg. 9,4
• not mesh panel all around

Best travel bassinet

BIZZI GROWIN POD TRAVEL CRIB

The Bizzi Growin Pod travel Crib doesn’t have a long life in use as a travel cot, but it is really clever and deserves a space on this list. Parents that prefer to travel with their newborn in a carrier instead of in a pram, will find this changing bag that transforms into a travel crib for newborns particularly useful. Perfect for all parents that like to be out and about all day while travelling, but want to secure a safe space for the little one to nap. One side of the changing bag folds down and you just need to insert 2 lightweight poles to keep the mesh sides in place. Includes a padded mattress for overnight sleep. The changing bag also includes several compartments to keep everything organised including an insulated bottle pocket.

• really light
• double function
• washable mattress
• short use as a crib

Best portable crib for outdoor travel

LITTLELIFE ARC 2 LIGTHWEIGT TRAVEL COT

The Littlelife Arc 2 Lightweight Travel Cot, like the Kidco Peapod, developed the traditional travel concept a little further. The designers took inspiration more from the camping life than the usual nursery environment, but the results I think are excellent. This baby travel tent packs easily in a light, small backpack (including the mattress and mattress sheet), and it takes only few minutes to assemble. The assembling is not difficult but it is important to follow the instructions the first time, it is like building a mini camping tent. This is an amazing on the go baby bed, for all families who love to pack really minimally and love life outdoors, as it doubles up as a shaded place for the little one to play during the day outside.

• really light only 2.5kg
• great size from newborn
• includes bed sheet
• mesh panel on the side and on the top
• safety toggle to block the zip
• sunshade available
• sunshade sold separately

Best pop up travel cot

KIDCO PEAPOD PLUS TRAVEL BED

The Kidco Peapod Plus travel bed is another tent-style travel cot. It is even lighter than the Littlelife Arc 2, as it is only 1.66kg. The best part is it comes out of his bag already assembled! Yes it is a sort of pop up toddler bed! The other key difference with the Littlelife is that can be used only from 12 months on-wards, but it should last up to 5 years. This travel toddler bed is probably the lightest and longest lasting model on the market, the only issue is that its not available Worldwide. It is really easy to buy in the USA but less in Europe.

• really light only 1.6kg
• great size from 1 to 5 years
• mesh panel on the side
• 2 big openings on the side, 1 to enter and 1 as a meshed screen
• 2 smaller meshed screens
• mattress attached at the bottom, for safety
• easy to remove and wash mattress
• tricky to put back in its bag
• mattress is quite thin
• not worldwide available

You could also be interested in the best double stroller for travel , to make all your travel easier.

TWINS TRAVEL COT

Where are the travel baby beds for twins? As we have twins you might expect me to be ready with a list of cots for twins, but the reality is there are not many on the market. The available options are limited to use in the first few months of life and are not ideal for travelling. The best baby crib for twins to keep at home are the Halo Bassinest and the Simmons bassinet for twins . Two ingenious products, which I hope will be adapted to easily disassemble to make it travel friendly. They were developed on the concept of other cradles that attach to the adults bed, but they are larger and the Halo rotates allowing the parent to reach the baby who needs cuddling without leaving the bed. A mesh panel divides the cot for twins in two so that the babies cannot bother each other, but they can see each other.

Another very popular baby cot for twins is the Joovi room 2 , practically a large playard that, by purchasing the nursery center kit separately, can be divided to accommodate two babies. The playard itself does not take up much more space than a traditional travel cot, but the nursery center is another element to consider to carry around.

You could also be interested in “The reality of travelling with twins and how to make it possible”!

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST KIDS PORTABLE BED

If, despite my selection you are still confused, it is normal. Many factors influence your choice and then there are always personal preferences that only you can judge, and that will make you lean towards one model or another. I personally have used 3 different types of travel cot: two of them are on the list, the Phil and Ted traveler and the Hauck (even if I own an old model). The Phil and Ted travel cot has been for us the best baby bed for travel. Having twins, for me the most important thing that determined the choice was the lightness and ease of transport (because obviously we have two). My husband can put one on each shoulder and without problems push the stroller and pull a trolley (while I follow empty-handed of course). On the other hand, it is perhaps the most time consuming model to assemble, but lightness and portability were more important to me. The two Phil & Teds have come with us on almost all the trips made with Liam and Santiago up to about three years: Japan, Egypt, Spain ,Turkey. During only the first 6 months we used our beloved Joolz Geo pram carrycot. Now they are just over 4 and we usually find accommodation that offers at least a sofa bed as option for them. The Hauck dream ‘n play we still use when we are visiting their grandfather. We don’t take them on the plane because they would be too bulky, but they are perfect for taking around for a short weekend in the car when we are in Italy. So to conclude, what should you ask yourself before choosing your best travel crib for travel? You should reflect on your style of travel first.

Different travel style, different sleeping solution

Discovering the backyard.

If you love to explore your country, travel by car, and your budget is limited, then the best travel baby bed is definitely the Hauck dream ‘n play . Without frills, it performs the necessary functions without draining your wallet.

Enjoying the outdoors

If you love the outdoor life, travel with the bare minimum, love cycling and camping, then you will surely appreciate the group of non-traditional travel cots. Starting from Bizzi Growin Pod Travel Cot as an infant portable bed and then moving on the super-practical Kidco PeaPod Plus Travel Bed or Littlelife Arc 2 lightweight travel cot .

Planning a round the world trip?

You are covered: Micralite sleep and go travel cot will accompany you everywhere. A model which is certainly not super cheap, but that you can use from birth, very quick to open and close, and practical to carry. If you prefer to focus on the lightness then go with the Phil & Teds and you will forget to have it on your shoulder! …and if you fear to fly with a baby, don’t miss our recommendation for the most carefree experience!

Weekend away?

If you like to jump on a plane even for a weekend away then the best options are the Guava Lotus travel crib or the practical Kidco PeaPod Plus Travel Bed or Littlelife Arc 2 lightweight travel cot . Not all airlines offer the possibility of boarding babygear for free, but with these models you should be safe to carry them as hand luggage (always check!)

Different type of travel cot for different ages

The last considerations to make are concerning the age of the child when you decide to purchase a travel cot.

Travel bed for baby

Many parents may skip this stage as many pushchair bassinets are approved for overnight sleeping. To decide what is the best infant travel bed for you, you will have to consider two options: take one that can be used from birth up to 3/4 years, or buy a small one for the first 6 months and then change it. If you decide for the second option, consider also these: many of the new travel cot models offer a practical bassinet that can be attached with a simple zip to the structure. It is very practical in the first months when you take out the babies from the cot very often. Many travel cots are deeper than you may have in the nursery at home since in many cases the mattress rests on the ground, so it is more difficult to reach your baby and your back could complain, If there is no bassinet, it is a good option to have at least one of the side panels that can be opened, so as to make access easier.

Toddler travel crib

If the first 6 months have gone, the choices expand. In this case one of the most interesting features to look for is the possibility of opening one of the side panels . The toddler age is the most difficult stage, and if you have a child who has difficulty sleeping, it can be useful to have the possibility to open the panel and lie down next to him. During the day the portable toddler crib can also simply become a playpen.

RELATED: Best tablets for 2 year olds

I hope this guide will help you to travel better and more organised! Let me know in the comment if I forgot any great product!

NO TIME NOW? SAVE IT FOR LATER

Clotilde Passalacqua

Clotilde is a resilient, resourceful and adventurous person that navigate the world of travelling with kids. She is a mum of 7 years old twins and she share practical tips, profound insights and genuine personal experience to empowers family to embrace travel with children as an enriching experience rather than a daunting challenge.

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Well this is awesome post and written very well. Your point of view is very good.

Thank you Martin, I’m really happy you found it useful!

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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. 

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Are travel cots safe for babies to sleep in? Here’s everything you need to know

All the information you need about the safe sleeping requirements of travel cots and mattresses for babies and toddlers

Whether you’re going away on holiday or in need of a nap space at granny’s house, the flexibility a travel cot can provide is incredibly useful, but are portable beds as safe for babies to sleep in? We’ve looked into the safe sleeping requirements for little ones’ on-the-go and detail everything you need to ensure your little one has a safe night’s sleep when you’re away from home.

• Best travel cot : lightweight cots for babies and toddlers

Are travel cots safe to sleep in?

Like all cots and cotbeds sold in the UK, travel cots must meet the European Safety Standards, so whether your cot is built for home or away, the same safety rules apply. To be extra sure of a cot's safety, check that it meets British safety standard BS EN 716.

UK experts on safe sleeping, The Lullaby Trust, advise parents to use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress in a good condition. Baby’s space must be kept plain and simple, with no loose bedding and they should be placed in the ‘feet to foot’ position (where baby’s feet are placed at the foot of the cot) so they can’t wriggle down under any blankets. If your baby is under one year of age, duvets, pillows and cushions must not be added to their cot. 

If these rules are met, then essentially, you have a safe sleep set-up for your tot. However, there are a few extra precautions to be aware of when considering a travel cot.

What to look for in a safe travel cot

Unlike regular cots, travel cots do not come in a standardised size, so review the space you have available for your travel cot and ensure it is not too close to radiators, a/c units, blind cords or anything that could pose a strangulation threat.

Many travel cots feature wheels for easy maneuverability, but they must lock effectively or have a combination of legs and wheels to stop accidental rolling.

If space is an issue, you may be considering a pop-up, tent-style travel cot. These are really easy to assemble, create a cute little sleeping pod for your baby and are ideal for activities such as camping. However it’s worth noting that The Lullaby Trust recommends parents always use a cot with rigid sides as there is a danger of tripping and falling on top of flexible cots, so be extra cautious when moving around, especially at night.

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What ages are travel cots recommended for?

The age ranges of travel cots really vary so always look at what the manufacturer suggests and if there is a weight limit. Most travel cots range from around three-months to three years, but some come with bassinets designed for newborns and others can support a child up to five years old.

Can I use a different mattress with my travel cot?

Travel cots often come with a much thinner, harder mattress and although it may be tempting to pad it with a folded duvet or pillows, thick, loose fabrics pose a risk of suffocation and strangulation. Either stick with the original mattress or look for a specific travel cot mattress that is a true fit for your cot (check dimensions as sizes vary) for a bit of extra comfort. 

Be aware that adding a mattress can also affect the stability of the bed, so ensure the mattress top is at least 50cm below the top rail of the cot to avoid toppling.

Can I use a travel cot every day?

Although travel cots are safe for babies and toddlers to sleep in for short stints, they are not designed for regular sleep over a long period of time. You need a more robust, permanent cot for normal everyday use in addition to an occasional-use travel cot.

Is it safe to use a second-hand travel cot?

To ensure all safety precautions are met The Lullaby Trust recommend buying new cots where possible, however a second-hand travel cot can be a good cost effective option, especially if you only plan on using it occasionally.

Before purchasing or borrowing a second-hand cot, always examine it first. Look for any holes in the mesh, missing corner guards, broken wheels and always put it up and down again to check that the frame locks properly into place. Keep an eye out for broken zips that can be a potential choking hazard and inspect the mattress thoroughly for tears and whether it is a correct fit for the frame. If possible ask for the original instructions, or find them online and make sure that you are confident it can be assembled correctly.

• Best car seats : keep your baby or toddler safe with these infant seats
• Best hiking baby carriers : for active parents on the move

Ably assisted by her 10-month and three-year old sons, Clemmie is a lifestyle writer specialising in parenting, wellbeing and travel.

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Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot Review

Read our Nuna Sena Aire travel cot review to see why it's a best buy

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‘It's easy to use and delivers a great night's sleep.’

Comfortable

Clever design

Multi-purpose

Pricey but an investment buy

Why you can trust GoodtoKnow. Our experienced Consumer Editor & parent reviewers spend hours testing products to help you make the best choice. Find out how we test and review products.

Darryl Baker and her 10-month-old daughter Cole tested the Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot to see if it was worth flying off with.

The Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot is as impressive as it sounds: clever design, multi-functional and with an emphasis on comfort. ‘My baby was on cloud nine – quite literally – in this cot,’ said Darryl, who reviewed it for our travel cots buying guide. 

The cot comes with two levels: a higher, newborn insert which means you can easily lift very little ones in and out, while the lower level works for older children or as a playpen.

Luxury was certainly in mind and the travel cot has a slick design and a thick, padded mattress. While Darryl found the cot to be quite heavy and thought it would be difficult to use if you were lacking in space in your car boot, she believes it's worth it's £200-plus price tag. It’s ‘the Rolls-Royce of travel cots,’ she said.

VIEW AT VERY | £249.99

Weighs: 10kg | Age Range: Birth to 3 years

Unlike others on the market, the Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot is genuinely easy to pop open and fold away again. This is because of its zig-zag leg design, which means it pushes into place and can be folded away with one hand. 

‘Anyone who's ever had a fight with a travel cot will appreciate how superior this function is,’ said tester Darryl. The sides have a stylish black/grey mesh design so your baby is always easy to see while also being cocooned.

The mattress that comes with it is lovely and padded, which again sets it apart from the hard surfaces many babies sleep on with other travel cots. 

The finishing touch? An organic cotton sheet is included which is soft and gentle, especially on allergy-prone skin. The only downside that our tester found was how big this travel cot is. ‘Its large size and considerable weight will cause issues if you have limited space or are travelling alone,’ she said. ‘A large duffle-like bag is provided, but I found it quite heavy and had my husband handle it.’

Comfort and features

The standout feature of this travel cot is that it has a smaller bassinet upper section which is perfect for newborns and means you don’t have to bend down into the cot. Darryl thought this idea was ‘genius’. When your baby gets bigger – or if you want to use it as a playpen – this upper section can be removed.

In terms of comfort, our tester could not find fault. Using a travel cot can often mean broken sleep even when the baby is sleeping through, but not with this cot and its emphasis on comfort really pays off. 

‘This really is luxury; in fact, my toddler looked on with a hint of envy when she had to sleep on a sofa bed during a recent night away,’ she said. ‘The Air design claims to provide "unparalleled relaxation" and if my 10-month-old could talk, she'd agree.’

Value for money

At just under £250, the Nuna Sena Aire sits in the premium travel cot category and Darryl joked that, if you’re off on holiday, ‘this luxury product deserves a luxury destination!’

It is a really clever and comfortable travel cot though, and it has a price that reflects this. Darryl said that it would suit parents for whom budget and space isn’t an issue and who need a great bed for their baby while away from home. The fact that the newborn insert can be removed and it can be transformed into a playpen for older children means that it can be used when you get home from your travels too.

You might also like to read our Joie Kubbie Sleep Travel Cot review – it’s our pick of the best travel cot overall, according to our parent reviews. And don’t forget to check out the rest of our baby product reviews .

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Charlotte Duck is an award-winning lifestyle and parenting journalist who writes who regularly writes for Tatler, the Evening Standard, Yahoo, and Hello Magazine about everything from royal hairstyles to fixed-rate mortgages. She was previously Kidswear Editor at M&S and worked in-house at Boden but, while she loves writing about beautiful children's clothes, she has three children who refuse to wear them. 

Pregnancy cravings can be strange, weird, and wonderful - but do they do more than simply satisfy our stomachs when we indulge in them?

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French version of Mothercare?

westlondongirl · 07/12/2009 20:08

I am going to France at xmas to visit my in laws. When there I want to buy a travel cot that we can use when we visit to leave at their house. Does anyone know what the French equivalent of mothercare is or where you might get one in France? They are in the south in Beziers. Thanks!

my parents bought a babideal travel cot in france from their local carrefour i think. it's better than a lot of english ones, cos it is actually the size of a proper cot, rather than far too short like some you get here. i imagine they are fairly widely available because we stayed in a hotel in paris in october and they had the exact same one. or you could consider something like the little life arc 2, which is a travel cot that you could consider actually taking with you on your travels as it doesn't weigh much.

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How the Key Bridge Collapsed in Baltimore: Maps and Photos

By Weiyi Cai ,  Agnes Chang ,  Lauren Leatherby ,  Lazaro Gamio ,  Leanne Abraham and Scott Reinhard

On Tuesday, a major bridge in Baltimore collapsed into the water seconds after it was struck by a cargo ship, sending vehicles on the bridge into the river below. The ship lost power and issued a mayday call shortly before it hit the bridge.

The ship, a 948-foot-long cargo vessel called Dali, was about a half hour into its journey toward Colombo, Sri Lanka, when it hit a main pillar of the bridge. All crew members are safe, according to the ship’s owners.

Follow our live coverage .

A mayday call from the ship gave officials enough time to stop traffic at both ends of the bridge. The waters where the bridge collapsed are about 50 feet deep. By Tuesday morning, six construction workers who had been fixing potholes on the bridge remained missing as divers and other emergency workers on boats and helicopters continued to search for them. Two others had been rescued, and one was in the hospital.

Francis Scott

Patapsco River

The ship left the Port

of Baltimore around

1 a.m. on Tuesday.

Where impact occurred

Direction of the ship

The ship hit the

bridge at 1:28 a.m.

The ship hit the bridge at 1:28 a.m.

Where impact

Source: Spire Global

The New York Times; satellite image by Google Earth

The lights of the ship flickered on and off as it lost power in the minutes before the ship changed bearing and hit the bridge.

Ship approached from

the Port of Baltimore

Road repair crews

Ship changed heading

as it neared pillar

Ship hit pillar

Southern and central spans

of bridge began to collapse within

seconds of impact

Northern span began to

collapse seconds later

Within 30 seconds of impact,

the central part of bridge had

entirely collapsed.

Source: StreamTime Live via YouTube

Timestamps are from StreamTime Live video.

The New York Times

The Francis Scott Key Bridge was opened in 1977 and carried more than 12.4 million vehicles last year. The bridge was one of the three major ways to cross the Patapsco River and formed part of Baltimore’s beltway.

The Port of Baltimore is a major trade hub that handled a record amount of foreign cargo last year. It is an especially important destination — the nation’s largest by volume last year — for deliveries of cars and light trucks.

Ship impact

To Chesapeake Bay

Sources: Maryland Port Administration, OpenStreetMap, MarineTraffic

Note: Ship positions are as of 2:46 p.m. Eastern time.

Overall, Baltimore was the 17th biggest port in the United States in 2021, ranked by total tons, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. The bridge collapse brought marine traffic there to a standstill, with seven cargo or tanker ships stranded in the harbor as of Tuesday afternoon.

Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of emergency for Maryland and said that his office was in close communication with Pete Buttigieg, the U.S. transportation secretary. The White House issued a statement saying that President Biden had been briefed on the collapse.

Erin Schaff/The New York Times

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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The Moscow Metro Museum of Art: 10 Must-See Stations

There are few times one can claim having been on the subway all afternoon and loving it, but the Moscow Metro provides just that opportunity.  While many cities boast famous public transport systems—New York’s subway, London’s underground, San Salvador’s chicken buses—few warrant hours of exploration.  Moscow is different: Take one ride on the Metro, and you’ll find out that this network of railways can be so much more than point A to B drudgery.

The Metro began operating in 1935 with just thirteen stations, covering less than seven miles, but it has since grown into the world’s third busiest transit system ( Tokyo is first ), spanning about 200 miles and offering over 180 stops along the way.  The construction of the Metro began under Joseph Stalin’s command, and being one of the USSR’s most ambitious building projects, the iron-fisted leader instructed designers to create a place full of svet (radiance) and svetloe budushchee (a radiant future), a palace for the people and a tribute to the Mother nation.

Consequently, the Metro is among the most memorable attractions in Moscow.  The stations provide a unique collection of public art, comparable to anything the city’s galleries have to offer and providing a sense of the Soviet era, which is absent from the State National History Museum.  Even better, touring the Metro delivers palpable, experiential moments, which many of us don’t get standing in front of painting or a case of coins.

Though tours are available , discovering the Moscow Metro on your own provides a much more comprehensive, truer experience, something much less sterile than following a guide.  What better place is there to see the “real” Moscow than on mass transit: A few hours will expose you to characters and caricatures you’ll be hard-pressed to find dining near the Bolshoi Theater.  You become part of the attraction, hear it in the screech of the train, feel it as hurried commuters brush by: The Metro sucks you beneath the city and churns you into the mix.

With the recommendations of our born-and-bred Muscovite students, my wife Emma and I have just taken a self-guided tour of what some locals consider the top ten stations of the Moscow Metro. What most satisfied me about our Metro tour was the sense of adventure .  I loved following our route on the maps of the wagon walls as we circled the city, plotting out the course to the subsequent stops; having the weird sensation of being underground for nearly four hours; and discovering the next cavern of treasures, playing Indiana Jones for the afternoon, piecing together fragments of Russia’s mysterious history.  It’s the ultimate interactive museum.

Top Ten Stations (In order of appearance)

Kievskaya station.

Kievskaya Station went public in March of 1937, the rails between it and Park Kultury Station being the first to cross the Moscow River.  Kievskaya is full of mosaics depicting aristocratic scenes of Russian life, with great cameo appearances by Lenin, Trotsky, and Stalin.  Each work has a Cyrillic title/explanation etched in the marble beneath it; however, if your Russian is rusty, you can just appreciate seeing familiar revolutionary dates like 1905 ( the Russian Revolution ) and 1917 ( the October Revolution ).

Mayakovskaya Station

Mayakovskaya Station ranks in my top three most notable Metro stations. Mayakovskaya just feels right, done Art Deco but no sense of gaudiness or pretention.  The arches are adorned with rounded chrome piping and create feeling of being in a jukebox, but the roof’s expansive mosaics of the sky are the real showstopper.  Subjects cleverly range from looking up at a high jumper, workers atop a building, spires of Orthodox cathedrals, to nimble aircraft humming by, a fleet of prop planes spelling out CCCP in the bluest of skies.

Novoslobodskaya Station

Novoslobodskaya is the Metro’s unique stained glass station.  Each column has its own distinctive panels of colorful glass, most of them with a floral theme, some of them capturing the odd sailor, musician, artist, gardener, or stenographer in action.  The glass is framed in Art Deco metalwork, and there is the lovely aspect of discovering panels in the less frequented haunches of the hall (on the trackside, between the incoming staircases).  Novosblod is, I’ve been told, the favorite amongst out-of-town visitors.

Komsomolskaya Station

Komsomolskaya Station is one of palatial grandeur.  It seems both magnificent and obligatory, like the presidential palace of a colonial city.  The yellow ceiling has leafy, white concrete garland and a series of golden military mosaics accenting the tile mosaics of glorified Russian life.  Switching lines here, the hallway has an Alice-in-Wonderland feel, impossibly long with decorative tile walls, culminating in a very old station left in a remarkable state of disrepair, offering a really tangible glimpse behind the palace walls.

Dostoevskaya Station

Dostoevskaya is a tribute to the late, great hero of Russian literature .  The station at first glance seems bare and unimpressive, a stark marble platform without a whiff of reassembled chips of tile.  However, two columns have eerie stone inlay collages of scenes from Dostoevsky’s work, including The Idiot , The Brothers Karamazov , and Crime and Punishment.   Then, standing at the center of the platform, the marble creates a kaleidoscope of reflections.  At the entrance, there is a large, inlay portrait of the author.

Chkalovskaya Station

Chkalovskaya does space Art Deco style (yet again).  Chrome borders all.  Passageways with curvy overhangs create the illusion of walking through the belly of a chic, new-age spacecraft.  There are two (kos)mosaics, one at each end, with planetary subjects.  Transferring here brings you above ground, where some rather elaborate metalwork is on display.  By name similarity only, I’d expected Komsolskaya Station to deliver some kosmonaut décor; instead, it was Chkalovskaya that took us up to the space station.

Elektrozavodskaya Station

Elektrozavodskaya is full of marble reliefs of workers, men and women, laboring through the different stages of industry.  The superhuman figures are round with muscles, Hollywood fit, and seemingly undeterred by each Herculean task they respectively perform.  The station is chocked with brass, from hammer and sickle light fixtures to beautiful, angular framework up the innards of the columns.  The station’s art pieces are less clever or extravagant than others, but identifying the different stages of industry is entertaining.

Baumanskaya Statio

Baumanskaya Station is the only stop that wasn’t suggested by the students.  Pulling in, the network of statues was just too enticing: Out of half-circle depressions in the platform’s columns, the USSR’s proud and powerful labor force again flaunts its success.  Pilots, blacksmiths, politicians, and artists have all congregated, posing amongst more Art Deco framing.  At the far end, a massive Soviet flag dons the face of Lenin and banners for ’05, ’17, and ‘45.  Standing in front of the flag, you can play with the echoing roof.

Ploshchad Revolutsii Station

Novokuznetskaya Station

Novokuznetskaya Station finishes off this tour, more or less, where it started: beautiful mosaics.  This station recalls the skyward-facing pieces from Mayakovskaya (Station #2), only with a little larger pictures in a more cramped, very trafficked area.  Due to a line of street lamps in the center of the platform, it has the atmosphere of a bustling market.  The more inventive sky scenes include a man on a ladder, women picking fruit, and a tank-dozer being craned in.  The station’s also has a handsome black-and-white stone mural.

Here is a map and a brief description of our route:

Start at (1)Kievskaya on the “ring line” (look for the squares at the bottom of the platform signs to help you navigate—the ring line is #5, brown line) and go north to Belorusskaya, make a quick switch to the Dark Green/#2 line, and go south one stop to (2)Mayakovskaya.  Backtrack to the ring line—Brown/#5—and continue north, getting off at (3)Novosblodskaya and (4)Komsolskaya.  At Komsolskaya Station, transfer to the Red/#1 line, go south for two stops to Chistye Prudy, and get on the Light Green/#10 line going north.  Take a look at (5)Dostoevskaya Station on the northern segment of Light Green/#10 line then change directions and head south to (6)Chkalovskaya, which offers a transfer to the Dark Blue/#3 line, going west, away from the city center.  Have a look (7)Elektroskaya Station before backtracking into the center of Moscow, stopping off at (8)Baumskaya, getting off the Dark Blue/#3 line at (9)Ploschad Revolyutsii.  Change to the Dark Green/#2 line and go south one stop to see (10)Novokuznetskaya Station.

Check out our new Moscow Indie Travel Guide , book a flight to Moscow and read 10 Bars with Views Worth Blowing the Budget For

Jonathon Engels, formerly a patron saint of misadventure, has been stumbling his way across cultural borders since 2005 and is currently volunteering in the mountains outside of Antigua, Guatemala.  For more of his work, visit his website and blog .

Photo credits:   SergeyRod , all others courtesy of the author and may not be used without permission

Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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