The Best Travel Bassinets and Travel Cots in 2023

We share all the options for the best travel bassinets and travel cots, including tips on what to look for and review the best products on the market.

Collage of travel cots.

A question for new parents preparing for their first family vacation is where will the baby sleep? A baby travel bassinet or baby travel cot is one of the best travel accessories for when you are traveling with a baby.

But with so many portable baby cribs on the market, which travel cot do you choose?

Here we look at all the essentials to consider when choosing a portable baby bassinet for your family vacation. We have helped you narrow down your choice by reviewing our pick of the best travel cribs on the market.

We take a close look at the features of each baby travel crib and give you any pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision.

But first here is a quick look view and comparison of our pick of the best portable baby beds. Scroll down to read all our full travel bassinet reviews.

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What to look for in a travel bassinet

There are several points to take into consideration when choosing a baby travel bed:

  • The size and weight of the actual portable travel crib
  • How easy it is to set up and pack away
  • Whether it fits your child’s age and size
  • How comfortable it is to sleep

Let’s take a closer look at each of these points:

Size and weight

When choosing a portable baby cot, the size and weight of the actual product is obviously important.

This is particularly true if you plan on taking the portable travel cot on an airplane, when your weight allowance is restricted, or if you need to carry it by hand a lot while you are traveling.

Some large travel cots can weigh as much as 10kg or more, which is a big chunk out of your luggage allowance on an airplane, and not very easy for getting on and off trains or in and out of taxis with! If this is how you intend to travel, you will obviously be looking for a lightweight travel cot.

If you are just looking for a cheap travel cot for occasional use and you are planning to put it in the boot of your car for the odd weekend away with family or friends, then the size and weight may be less important to you.

Ease of use

Look for a child travel cot that is easy to put up and put away. You often need to get your travel bassinet ready at the end of a long travel day when everyone is tired. And you are also often rushing to put it away again when everyone is in a hurry to check out of your hotel or get on the road!

Some travel cot playpens have many pieces to slot together in a jigsaw-puzzle kind of way. For ease of use, look for one with minimal pieces that can be popped up, unfolded, inflated or set up easily.

Age range

Right now you may be looking for a newborn travel cot or a travel bed for a 6 month old. But also consider whether you may still want to use your travel cot up to 3 years from now.

You need to ensure that your bassinet to go is safe for a baby, but for the best investment, look for an infant travel bed that will last when the baby grows too.

Note that all travel crib manufacturers recommend that you discontinue use of the travel crib once your child has reached the height of 35 inches.

Comfort

Obviously you will want to find an infant travel cot that is comfortable for your baby to sleep in. Remember also that you will need it to be comfortable for you to reach your baby and easily put the baby into the cot and get the baby out of the cot.

Some cots that have the baby travel cot mattress directly on the floor can be a challenge when putting the baby in and out of the cot. This also applies to when you are replacing cot sheets.

The American Academy of Paediatrics safe sleep guidelines advise that you don’t add any extra padding to a mattress until your child is 1yr old. You can read other safety tips for safe sleeping here.

Our Best Travel Cot Reviews

Without further ado, here are our reviews of the best portable bassinets and travel cots.

Baby Bjorn vs Guava Lotus vs Phil & Ted’s

The first three compact travel cots reviewed here (the Baby Bjorn crib, the Phil & Ted’s travel cot and the Guava Lotus crib) are very similar in style.

They do however have a few crucial differences that will suit different people, so be sure to consider these differences before deciding which is the best baby travel bed for you.

For example, we found the Baby Bjorn cot to be the easiest to assemble and pack away, and it has the most comfortable mattress in our opinion. However, it is the only one that does not fit in the overhead locker and is the largest when folded up. It is also the only one without a zip side to it.

The zip side is useful for getting the baby in and out of bed, and also if you want to comfort/nurse the baby in bed.

The Phil & Ted’s portacot is a super light travel cot at an amazing 7lbs. It is also the smallest when folded up and the only one that can properly fit in a suitcase. However, we found it the most fiddly to set up as it requires a bit more construction than simply popping it up.

Both the Guava Lotus crib and the Phil and Ted’s travel bassinet can be converted from a bassinet into a cot, which can be useful if you have a newborn but prefer the baby to be up high rather than lying on the floor. These bassinet conversion kits are sold separately.

We look at all of these mini travel cots in more detail below.

Baby Bjorn Travel Cot Review 

The Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light has long been a favourite lightweight travel crib with traveling parents.

The main reason for its popularity is that it is super easy to set up – you just pop it up, put in the Baby Bjorn travel cot mattress and it is ready for your baby. We found the mattress to be soft and comfortable.

The Baby Bjorn travel crib dimensions are 44 x 32 x 24 inches, making this compact enough to fit in a small hotel room but big enough to be spacious for a baby. It is suitable up to age 3. As the mattress sits on the floor, there is no upper weight limit to this Baby Bjorn travel cot light.

BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light - Black (040280US), One Size

We did find that putting the Baby Bjorn cot away took a bit of a knack, but once you have done it a few times it is quick and easy. Once folded, this lightweight travel crib folds down to 23.5 x 19 x 5.5 inches.

This is the size of a small suitcase and is not small enough to fit into an overhead locker, so you will need to check this as a piece of luggage. As it weighs just 13lbs though, we found we could add extra heavy items to the carry bag, such as books and toiletries (and even the odd bottle of wine, as the mattress gives a soft cushioning!)

Breathable mesh sides make it airy and allow you to see into the cot without having to peer over the side, and also allow the baby to see out. The fabric is removable and machine washable, as is the waterproof mattress cover.

Note that this Baby Bjorn portacot does not come with a fitted sheet, so this will need to be bought separately. There is a nice and soft organic cotton fitted Baby Bjorn travel crib sheet available here.

Features:

  • Suitable for ages 0-3 years
  • Compact, yet spacious at 44” x 32” x 24”
  • Lightweight at just 13lbs
  • Mesh sides enable parents to see in and baby to see out
  • Easy to set up and pack away
  • Includes carry bag, but not suitable for carry-on luggage

Click here to check prices for the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light.

Guava Lotus Travel Crib Review

The Guava Lotus crib has very quickly gained a reputation as the best portable bassinet amongst travelling families.

Much like the Baby Bjorn portable crib, it is easy to set up – just unpack it, fold out the legs then pop it up before putting in the travel crib mattress. It is the same weight as the Baby Bjorn at 13lbs, and has similar dimensions at 45 x 32 x 25 inches. Unlike the Baby Bjorn, the top isn’t tapered, which makes it feel a bit more spacious inside.

Lotus Travel Crib - Backpack Portable, Lightweight, Easy to Pack Play-Yard with Comfortable Mattress - Certified Baby Safe

The Guava Lotus bassinet is compact enough when folded to store in the overhead locker on the plane and comes with a handy backpack carry bag. It is a full 7 inches smaller when packed up than the Baby Bjorn but not as small as the Phil & Ted’s Traveller portacot.

This infant travel crib is suitable to be used from birth to around 3 years old. However, if you prefer to have a higher crib for a young baby, you can buy the Guava bassinet conversion kit. The travel cot with bassinet bundle is sold separately. 

Note this Guava travel crib does not come with sheets and so these need to be purchased separately. We particularly like these Lotus Crib plush quilted sheets for extra comfort.

Features:

  • Suitable for ages 0-3 years
  • Compact, yet spacious at 45” x 32” x 25”
  • Lightweight at just 13lbs
  • Mesh sides enable parents to see in and baby to see out
  • Zip side enable you to comfort/nurse child in bed
  • Easy to set up and pack away
  • Compact when folded, suitable for carry-on luggage on plane
  • Includes backpack carry bag
  • Bassinet & Crib bundle available (sold separately)

Click here to check prices for the Guava Lotus travel crib.

Phil & Ted’s Travel Cot Review

The Phil & Ted’s Portable Traveller Crib is another popular travel cot with mattress included.

At 46 x 31 x 24.8 inches, the Phil & Teds travel cot is compact enough to fit in a small hotel room but big enough to be spacious for a baby. It is suitable up to age 3. As the mattress sits on the floor, there is no upper weight limit to this portable infant sleeper.

It has breathable mesh sides to allow you to see into the cot and the baby to see out. It also has a zip down side to enable you to crawl in to comfort or nurse the baby. The fabric is removable and machine washable.

phil&teds Traveller Crib, Black , 31x46x24.8 Inch (Pack of 1)

Phil & Ted’s claim that this cot takes just seconds to set up. This may be true once you have had a few practice runs, but it is definitely not just a pop up travel cot like the two above. It does require some assembly to click the frame together and feed it through the fabric sides.

Where the Phil and Teds travel crib totally wins though, is on weight and size when folded down. It is an incredible 6 pounds, making it more than half the weight of the Baby Bjorn or Guava Lotus fold up bassinets. As Phil & Ted’s marketing people like to say, it is the bassinet that is “lighter than the baby”!

Once folded it is also the smallest of the bunch, measuring just 26 x 8 x 8 inches. This is smaller than either the Baby Bjorn or the Guava Lotus crib and makes is small enough to fit in the overhead compartment on the plane or squeeze into a large suitcase.

The Phil and Teds portacot comes with one fitted sheet and you can buy extra here. You can also buy a UV mesh top for outdoor use, and a bassinet conversion kit. These are all sold separately.

Features:

  • Suitable for ages 0-3 years
  • Compact, yet spacious at 46” x 31” x 24.8”
  • Super lightweight at just 6lbs
  • Mesh sides enable parents to see in and baby to see out
  • Zip side enable you to comfort/nurse child in bed
  • Compact when folded, suitable for carry-on luggage on plane
  • Includes shoulder carry bag

Click here to check prices for the Phil & Ted’s Portable Traveller Crib.

Graco Pack n Play on the GO Review

At 23 pounds and measuring 39.5 x 29 x 29 inches, this is a heavy travel cot compared to all the others in our best baby travel cot reviews. This makes it less suitable for plane travel, but the extra space and sturdiness means that it can easily double as a playyard.

This Graco travel cot comes with full size removable bassinet included. This folds with the cot for easy set up and can be removed once your baby outgrows it. This travel cot with bassinet also has an included toy bar with three soft toys dangling down.

Graco® Pack ‘n Play® On The Go™ Playard, Kaden

The push-button fold system makes it easy to set up and pack away. While it is not as simple as a pop up travel crib, it is far easier than most pack n play travel cots. The folding feet and wheels also make it more compact than most other pack n play cots and playards.

The mesh sides make this travel cot and playpen airy and allow parents to see in and baby to see out. The wheels make it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a carry bag.

Features:

  • Suitable for ages 0-3 years
  • Large & spacious at 39” x 29” x 29”, can double as a playard
  • Removable full size bassinet
  • Mesh sides enable parents to see in and baby to see out
  • Easy to set up and pack away
  • Lightweight for this style of travel cot bed, at 23lbs
  • Includes carry bag
  • Toy bar
  • Wheels make it easy to move from room to room
  • Available in a choice of fabric patterns

Click here to check prices for the Graco Pack n Play on the Go.

KidCo Peapod Travel Crib Review

This foldable baby bed doubles as a mini tent, making it an ideal baby camping cot. The lightweight mesh cover allows for air to flow through the tent, and also provides UV protection and protection from insects, making it ideal for outdoor use.

This small travel cot is super easy to set up – you just pop it up, with no assembly required. It folds up small and flat (to around 17” in diameter) and comes with a carry bag, making it easy to pack into a suitcase, carry-on luggage or squeeze into a car already full of bags.

KidCo P3012 Peapod Infant Travel Bed, Midnight (Midnight)

At 46 x 28 x 18 inches this camping travel cot is large enough to comfortably sleep children age 1 – 3 years old. It is also super lightweight at less than 2.5 pounds, making it ideal for air travel or even taking with you on a day trip when you want your little one to take an afternoon nap on the go.

The Peapod is available in a choice of colours: Cranberry, Tangerine, Midnight, Sky and Sunshine.

If you are looking of a slightly bigger folding baby cot, check out the Peapod Plus, which is featured in our Best Toddler Travel Beds article. This toddler travel cot has the benefit of being slightly larger (suitable for children up to the age of 5), but with this comes extra weight (but only an extra pound) and folded size (an extra couple of inches). It also costs slightly more.

Features:

  • Suitable for ages 1-3 years
  • Mesh cover provides protection from UV rays and insects
  • Lightweight, weighs just 2.5lbs
  • Spacious when set up at 46 x 28 x 18 inches
  • Folds down to just 17” diameter
  • Very easy to set up and pack away
  • Includes carry bag
  • Great for camping and outdoor use
  • Available in a choice of colours

Click here to check prices for the KidCo Peapod.

Brica Travel Bassinet Review

The Brica Fold n Go travel bassinet is a specific newborn travel bed, designed for babies up to the age of 3 months. Once your baby can roll, it is advised that you discontinue using this portable newborn bed.

This super lightweight folding travel cot weighs just 3 pounds and is easy to set up: just fold it open and listen for the 4 clicks to let you know it has all locked into place. To pack it away, press the release buttons and fold.

The Brica bassinet folds flat for easy storage and at just 22 x 17 x 3 inches, it can fit in an overhead locker on the plane or in a suitcase. It also comes with a convenient carry handle.

Munchkin Brica Fold N' Go Travel Bassinet, Grey

Another great feature of the Brica fold and go travel bassinet is the solid base, which makes it easy to move a sleeping baby from room to room without it ‘sagging’ in the middle. We also like that it not only includes the mattress and fitted sheet, but you can use standard bassinet sheets rather than having to buy specifically branded ones.

The double locking tubular steel frame of this Brica portable bassinet make it strong and durable, while the four-point Safe-T-Lock system gives you peace of mind that it will remain secure. Mesh panels make it light and airy and easy to see inside.

Features:

  • Specifically designed for ages 0-3 months
  • Small and compact at just 29.5” x 21” x 12.5”
  • Super lightweight at just 2.5lbs
  • Mesh sides enable parents to see in and baby to see out
  • Double locking tubular steel frame makes it strong and sturdy
  • Easy to set up and pack away
  • Folds flat for easy storage
  • Includes carry bag

Click here to check prices for the Brica Fold n Go.

 

Once your child outgrows their travel bassinet, they will be ready for a travel toddler bed. Read our pick of the best here.

If you are looking for other family travel product recommendations, check out our articles about the best Travel Car Booster Seats, Backpack Diaper Bags and Kids Luggage.Pin it for Later!

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