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Written by Molly, mum of two. Last updated: July 2026.
As a busy mum of two young children, I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve packed and repacked bags and wondered where on earth my little one would sleep when we’re away from home. Having a reliable travel cot has been a game changer, making nights away much easier no matter where we are.
Below are the four travel cots I rate most, who each one suits, and a plain-English guide to choosing safely, including the safer-sleep basics every parent should know before baby’s first night away.
If you’re travelling with a younger baby, you might also want to think about your sleep setup at home. Everything You Need for Better Baby Sleep: Calm Nights, Happier Days. For a complete on-the-go sleep kit, also check out my guides on best baby monitors and best white noise machines – both are easy to pack and make a huge difference to sleep away from home.
Best travel cots UK 2026 at a glance
| Travel cot | Weight | Mattress | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light | Approx 5kg | Thin, breathable | Frequent travellers & flights |
| Joie Kubbie Allura | Approx 7kg | Padded, included | Car travel & overnight stays |
| Hauck Sleep N Play | Heavier | Included, generous size | Toddlers & longer stays |
| Graco Pack ‘n Play | Approx 11kg | Comfortable, spacious | Home use & extended stays |
BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light
The BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light is one of the lightest on the market at just 5kg, with an instant pop-up setup that takes seconds even after a long journey. Breathable mesh sides on all four panels keep air flowing and let you check on your baby without disturbing them.
- 5kg – easy to carry solo
- Pop-up setup in seconds
- Folds flat – fits in overhead luggage
- Thin, firm mattress – normal for a travel cot (don’t add extra padding, see safety note below)
- Snug for older toddlers
Best for: Frequent travellers and air travel. Mum verdict: Hands-down the best if you travel often. Don’t forget a portable white noise machine to keep bedtime routines consistent.
Joie Kubbie Allura Travel Cot
The Joie Kubbie Allura balances portability and comfort beautifully. It comes with a padded mattress, carry bag, and wheels – making it a practical choice for families who travel by car.
- Padded mattress included
- Carry bag and wheels included
- Suitable from birth
- Around 7kg – heavier than ultra-light options
- Fiddly to set up first time
Best for: Car travel and overnight stays. Mum verdict: My toddler settled brilliantly – the wheels are a genuinely useful touch.
Hauck Sleep N Play Travel Cot
The Hauck Sleep N Play is generous in size, suits toddlers well into their second year, and doubles as a playpen – great value for money.
- Large size – room for toddlers
- Good mattress included
- Doubles as a playpen
- Heavier and bulkier – best for car travel
Best for: Toddlers and longer stays. Mum verdict: The play element is the winner for me. I used to pop my eldest in it to play safely while I got jobs done, and I’ve got a lovely memory of them peeping through the mesh watching me wrap Christmas presents. Roomy and great value, but heavy and bulky, so I’d keep it for car trips rather than flights.
Graco Pack ‘n Play Travel Cot
The Graco Pack ‘n Play is built to last. Heavy and bulky, but exceptionally sturdy with a comfortable sleep surface that holds up to years of use.
- Very sturdy and stable
- Spacious sleeping area
- Excellent durability
- Around 11kg – not practical for solo carrying
- Slower to set up
Best for: Home use and car travel. Mum verdict: Sturdy and brilliant for longer stays, but I found it too heavy to carry up and down stairs on my own while also wrangling two little ones. Once it was on the right floor, though, the wheels were great for rolling it from room to room.
How to choose a travel cot
The right travel cot depends on how you travel and how old your little one is. These are the things worth weighing up before you buy.
Weight and packed size
If you fly or travel solo, weight is everything. Something around 5kg that folds into a bag you can carry over one shoulder makes a huge difference when you’ve also got a baby and hand luggage. If you mostly travel by car, you can happily trade a few extra kilos for a padded mattress and a sturdier frame.
Age and size suitability
Check the model is suitable from birth if you have a newborn, and check the upper weight or age limit if you have a toddler. Bigger cots suit older children and double as a playpen, but they’re bulkier to carry.
Setup
Pop-up designs are a gift at the end of a long travel day. Fold-out frames can be fiddlier the first time, so it’s worth a practice run at home before you go.
Mattress and safety
Travel cot mattresses are deliberately thin and firm, and that’s exactly how they should be. Look for a rigid frame and base and a firm, flat, waterproof mattress, and make sure the cot meets the UK safety standard (more on that below).
Travel cot safety: the basics
The same safer-sleep rules that apply to a cot at home apply to a travel cot. According to The Lullaby Trust, a travel cot should have a rigid frame and base and a firm, flat mattress with a waterproof cover, with your baby placed on their back and the cot kept clear.
- Use only the mattress that comes with the travel cot, and make sure it fits snugly with no gaps.
- Travel cot mattresses feel thinner and firmer than a normal cot mattress. That is normal and safe. Don’t be tempted to add a topper, folded blankets or a quilt underneath your baby, as this makes the surface less firm and increases the risk of SIDS.
- Keep the cot clear: no pillows, duvets, cot bumpers, pods, nests or soft toys for babies under 12 months.
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep.
- Look for the British safety standard BS EN 716-1:2017 for cots and travel cots.
For full, up-to-date safer-sleep guidance, always check The Lullaby Trust directly.
Travel cot FAQs
Are travel cots safe for a baby to sleep in every night?
Yes, as long as the cot meets the BS EN 716-1:2017 safety standard and you follow the same safer-sleep rules as you would at home: a firm, flat, waterproof mattress, baby on their back, and a clear cot with no extra bedding or padding.
Can a newborn sleep in a travel cot?
Many travel cots are suitable from birth, but always check the individual model. Use the firm, flat mattress provided and place your baby on their back to sleep.
Can I add a mattress topper to make it more comfortable?
No. Travel cot mattresses are meant to be thin and firm. The Lullaby Trust advises against placing a topper, folded blankets, towels or a quilt underneath your baby, because it makes the surface less firm and raises the risk of SIDS.
How long can a baby use a travel cot?
It depends on the model’s weight and height limits. Many last until around three years old, while smaller lightweight cots suit younger babies. Always check the manufacturer’s stated limit.
What safety standard should a UK travel cot meet?
Look for BS EN 716-1:2017, the British and European standard for cots and travel cots.
About the author
Molly is the mum of two very active little ones who keep her busy, and the founder of Mum Approved UK. She writes about the parenting products and family days out she has tried and tested in real family life.
Jetting off with a little one? My guide to flying with a newborn covers everything from the ear-pressure trick to what to pack in your flight bag. These are just part of my tried-and-tested picks – see all my recommendations in my approved products guide or check out my 10 baby essentials that aren’t a waste of money.
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