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How to buy the best travel cot

Our experts explore the pros and cons of travel cots, typical cost and key features designed to keep your little one safe and comfy
Lisa GalliersProduct testing team leader
Used mum playing with baby in travel cot 436532

If you're heading off on holiday with your baby, or you regularly stay away from home, investing in a secure and feature-packed travel cot could be a savvy investment. We've done the hard work for you, rounding up everything you need to know when shopping for a travel cot.

Babies and toddlers tend to sleep best in familiar surroundings, and a well-designed travel cot can work almost as well as their own bed when you're away from home. The best travel cots are a breeze to assemble, providing a comfortable, safe space so you don’t have to lose any sleep worrying about your baby. 

Below, we explain how to decide if a travel cot is right for your situation. Plus, we've got top tips on where to buy, how much you should spend, and taking a cot on flights.


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Do you really need a travel cot?

Baby in a travel cot

It's worth considering a baby travel cot if you’ll be making more than a few overnight trips to places that might be cot-free. If your baby is likely to stay somewhere overnight on a regular basis, such as their grandparents’ home, it could be worth buying a standard cot to keep at their house. 

When your little one is staying somewhere with limited space, or in cases where you're not keen on having a cot clogging up a spare room, a travel cot is a good alternative.

If you're staying at a hotel or holiday home, many chains will provide a cot or arrange to hire one. But it could be worth investing in a travel cot if you prefer to know exactly where your baby will be sleeping.

  • Pros of travel cots: Many parents get lots of use from them, they give you freedom to stay anywhere you want, the playpen-sized models have even more potential for regular use (but check the instructions first).
  • Cons of travel cots: Countless baby travel cots are only ever used a handful of times, some take up a fair amount of storage space even when folded.

What age is a travel cot suitable for?

Many travel cots are designed to be suitable from birth, with some including a travel bassinet that you can remove once your child outgrows it. Generally, travel cots will last until your child is around three years old.

Before buying, double-check the manufacturer's instructions or consider reaching out to the brand directly if you need to confirm whether the cot is suitable. Some travel cots have a weight limit, too, which is also worth checking.


A good cot bed can last from six months up to six years. For everything you need to know, consult our guide: Best cot bed brands and expert buying advice.


How much do I need to spend on a travel cot?

Baby smiling in cot

Prices for new travel cots are usually between £25 and £200, but some cost even more. Keep an eye on major supermarket chains including Aldi and Asda, as they sometimes host baby events that include discounted travel cots.

Most travel cots have a plastic or metal frame, woven fabric and mesh sides, and a hard segmented bottom with a lightly padded folding mattress. Generally, the cheaper models will be fairly basic – you won’t get much more than a cot frame, a simple mattress and a carry bag to store it in.

Pricier models can have more luxurious fabrics and coverings, as well as extra features such as a removable bassinet level for younger babies, a bouncer chair, sounds and lights, lullabies, and a thicker and more comfortable mattress. 

How much you decide to spend may be down to how often you intend to use the travel cot.

Do you put a mattress in a travel cot?

Most travel cots already come bundled with a mattress, the best of which offer plenty of support and can cope with leaks. Foam cot mattresses are the least expensive, while spring or pocket spring alternatives are pricier.

Some parents complain of travel cot mattresses being firmer and thinner than your typical cot bed mattress. If this is the case, don't double up mattresses as it won't be safe. 

If you're buying a new mattress to fit a travel cot, it needs to be the correct size and fit snugly. It's vital to make sure there are no gaps around the edge of the mattress, as spaces could present a risk of suffocation for your child.


For more details on keeping your child safe and secure, check our advice on travel cot safety.


How to put up a travel cot

Used baby in travel cot 436538

Travel cots generally fold and unfold using a central locking system – you pull up a ring or handle in the middle of the cot's base, click the sides into place, then push the handle back down to keep the locked sides rigid.

Many models have a similar folding mechanism, where the mattress wraps around the legs to create an oblong that should fit nicely back into its travel bag. 

Some don't fold flat, and sometimes don’t come with a travel bag. These might not fold down small enough to fit into a car boot, which can make them less suitable for travel, although they're fine as an extra cot for guests.

Some models can double up as playpens, although they won’t provide as much space as a conventional playpen.

Putting up a travel cot and taking it back down again shouldn’t be a chore. A decent travel cot should be easy to put up and ready to use without you needing a degree in engineering.

Can you take a travel cot on a plane?

In most cases, airlines will have no problem with you taking a travel cot on the plane. It will likely count as a carry-on item, or you can check it in as luggage. To be certain, contact the airline in advance so you can avoid unnecessary stress on the day.

Policies vary slightly depending on which airline you're with. 

  • British Airways: 'Each infant and child can take up to two of the following essential extras checked into the hold, even on our hand baggage only (Basic) fare: Fully collapsible pushchair (stroller), car or booster seat, travel cot, baby back carrier.'
  • Easyjet: 'We can also carry two additional items for your child in the hold for free, if you require them. These include a travel cot, pushchair, car seat, collapsible or non-collapsible pram, booster seat and/or baby back carrier.'
  • Jet 2: 'If you’re traveling with an infant or child, a collapsible pushchair and/or a car seat and/or a travel cot can be carried in the hold free of charge, as long as the total weight of these items doesn’t exceed 10kg.'

If you're planning to take your pushchair with you on holiday, see our advice explaining pushchairs on planes.


7 things to check when buying a travel cot

Baby sleeping in a travel cot
  1. Bassinet level This fits over the top of the cot and means you don’t have to reach down so far to pick up your baby. It isn't suitable for older babies, though, or those who can already sit up.
  2. Size and weight Cot weights vary a lot. You’ll probably appreciate a lighter one if you plan to travel by public transport or plane, rather than by car. But lighter ones are also likely to be smaller.
  3. Flexible sides Tent-style travel cots might be easy to assemble, but their sides aren’t rigid and so they might not take your weight if you fall against them. Be extra vigilant if you’re using this type of travel cot.
  4. Cot folding mechanism Folding mechanisms can be fiddly. Try unfolding, folding and lifting a few cots in the shop before you buy. If this isn’t possible, find out whether you can return the cot if you’re not happy with it.
  5. Easy-cleaning travel cots Look for a removable frame cover, if possible, and a removable mattress cover to make cleaning and washing easier. 
  6. Extra features Some models have a changing mat that fits over the top of the cot, toy storage pockets, lullabies, a light show, or even a baby-bouncer attachment.
  7. Can the travel cot double as a playpen? If you want the cot to double as a playpen, then four, rather than two, mesh sides will give you and your baby a better view.

If you're thinking of buying a second-hand travel cot, see our guide on travel cot safety for tips on what to watch out for.


Where to buy a travel cot

There are plenty of shops to choose from, including supermarkets, high street brands and online retailers. Whether you're shopping online or in-store, make sure you pay attention to the shop's returns policy.

Popular online retailers that stock travel cots include the following:

  • Argos sells travel cots from various brands including Cuggl, Graco and Joie. Expect to spend between £40 and £230.
  • Graco has a small selection of travel cots. The cheapest is the Compact, which costs £60 and is suitable from birth up until three years.
  • Mothercare (Boots) offers travel cots from a wide range of brands. Prices start at around £60, with pricier models going beyond the £200 mark.
  • John Lewis customers can pick between travel cots by Bugaboo, Chicco, Cybex, Maxi-Cosi and other big-name brands. Expect to spend between £100 to £250.

Find out which retailers are rated highly by Which? members with our expert guide on the best baby and child shops