The best travel cots of 2024 tried and tested, Very Durable?

Portability: Travel cots feature lighter-weight components and are designed for easy carrying and storage. However, they are still cots, so don’t expect them to fold into an extremely compact package. They fold into various shapes, so look for the folding style that aligns with your requirements. Certain travel cots on our list fold into a long rectangular shape, more suitable for public transport, while others fold flat to fit into a car boot.

Weight: Travel cots exhibit significant variation in weight. We discovered some weighing under 7kg and others as heavy as 11kg. Consider how frequently you’ll use it and whether you’ll need to lift it up and down stairs or in and out of a car. For frequent use, a super lightweight travel cot might be the most suitable option. However, a heavier cot is likely to feel more stable and offer greater functionality.

Ease of assembly/disassembly: Once you get the hang of it, setting up and taking down a travel cot should be a quick process, often a matter of minutes or even seconds. Be sure to read the instructions carefully, as many require specific steps and part assembly in a particular order.

Age suitability: Age suitability varies among travel cots. Most can be used from birth — we’ve specified the manufacturer’s instructions. Travel cots with built-in bassinets offer a cozier, elevated sleeping environment for newborns, while some feature drop-down sides for use as bedside cribs. Some cots are suitable for only a few months, while others can accommodate children up to around 3.5 years old.

Mattress: ravel cot mattresses are typically thinner and firmer than regular cot mattresses. This design enables compact folding and easy storage. Consequently, travel cots are usually not recommended for permanent overnight sleep. However, remember that a firm mattress is essential for safe sleep for your baby, and it doesn’t mean your child won’t be comfortable. Most manufacturers advise against adding an extra mattress to a travel cot.

Extra functions: Some travel cots can double as handy playpens once babies can sit up. Additionally, some feature a changing station, which could be beneficial for frequent travelers with babies.

Here are the best travel cots for 2024

Bugaboo Stardust

priced at £168.75, stands out as the top choice for easy assembly among our selections. Suitable from: birth (with newborn insert) to 2 years| Travel cot weight: 6.7kg | Unfolded dimensions: L64cm x W98cm x H85cm| Folded dimensions: L 65cm x W14cm x H85cm | Newborn bassinet: Yes

With its pop-up style mechanism, the Bugaboo Stardust eliminates the hassle of tricky folds, taking just seconds to set up: simply pull the cot open from its flat position by engaging both sides. This feature ensures a hassle-free bedtime routine, even when you’re away from home.

Equally convenient is its quick folding capability, which also takes a mere few seconds. However, it’s important to note that this model folds down into a large, flat shape resembling a suitcase, making it better suited for fitting into a car boot or under a bed rather than for transporting on public transport.

Aside from its ease of assembly, the built-in mattress is a notable feature of this model. Not only is it comfortable, but it can also be adjusted to two height positions with the newborn insert, facilitating easier lifting of newborns and babies who are not yet sitting up unaided. This adjustable feature is particularly beneficial for individuals with back problems or those recovering from a C-section. Additionally, the mattress conveniently folds down inside the cot, eliminating the need for extra assembly steps.

While it’s one of the pricier options on our list, the Stardust offers great value for those who regularly use their travel cot with their baby. According to MFM home tester Rovenna, who used it with her 4-month-old, “The fact that it offers both a raised zip-in baby bassinet and a deep bed for toddlers — along with a comfortable and generously filled built-in mattress — is fantastic. It’s compact and lightweight, making it easy to move from room to room and transport in its convenient carry bag.”

• Pros: Quick assembly, two mattress height positions
• Cons: Relatively large when folded

Venture Airpod Travel Cot, £109.99

Best for lightweight with a good mattress, the Venture Airpod travel cot offers a convenient solution for parents.

Suitable from: birth to 3 years | Travel cot weight: 6kg | Unfolded dimensions: L85cm x W55cm x H66cm| Folded dimensions: 60cm x 15cm x 50cm | Newborn bassinet: No

This travel cot distinguishes itself with its lightweight design, comfort, and ease of carrying. Available in various colors, it boasts mesh panels on all sides, providing parents with a clear view of their baby or toddler while ensuring adequate air circulation during nighttime.

Parents often find travel cot mattresses lacking in quality, but the Airpod travel cot defies this trend with its superior, more luxurious mattress. Despite the Cuggl Deluxe offering a similar design at a lower price point, we observed that the mattress in the Airpod travel cot exceeded expectations in terms of quality.

While this cot doesn’t feature a one-step pop-up assembly, it remains straightforward to set up and collapse. In fact, some of our home tester parents found it so intuitive that they didn’t require the instructions. “It was very easy to remove from the carry case and put the cot together,” remarked MFM home tester Sarah. “It was also easy to take apart and put back into the travel case. No fiddling or spare parts. The easiest baby item I have actually put together.”

Although the Airpod Travel Cot lacks a bassinet, which some parents may prefer for a newborn, it offers ample room and can double as a playpen. It ensures a comfortable night’s sleep for both babies and toddlers.

• Pros: Easy assembly and collapse, mesh design, quality mattress
• Cons: No newborn bassinet, not suitable for use as a playpen

BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light, £22o