travel sleep for 1 year old

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The 9 Best Toddler Travel Beds, Tested by Our Editors and Their Mini Explorers

With the right travel bed, your tot will sleep (almost) anywhere

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Verywell Family / Nick Kova

Traveling with toddlers isn't easy, but you can still have a wonderful time exploring new places with your family—you just need to be prepared. Toddler travel beds provide consistency and protected sleep space, resulting in a well-rested child and a smoother trip for everyone. 

For some parents, portable toddler travel beds are must-haves to provide young children with a secure place to sleep while on vacation. “Simpler is always better, especially when thinking of traveling with toddlers . So, when it comes to a toddler travel bed, you don't need all the bells and whistles,” says Anjuli Gans, MD, a pediatrician at the Karabots Pediatric Care Center in West Philadelphia. “There are a lot of fancy ones out there on the market, but your baby really just needs a safe and comfortable place to sleep ." 

We spent hours testing these products (20 total) in the lab and our homes by assembling and disassembling them—sometimes with one hand—and timing the whole process. We also studied the beds' features, how well they hold a toddler's weight, and how easy they are to clean. Our list shows the best toddler travel beds we’ve tested, which we’ll continue to update as we test new models.

• Our Testing Process And Experts
• Factors To Consider

Your Questions, Answered

Best overall, jetkids by stokke cloudsleeper.

• Assembly 5 /5
• Portability 5 /5
• Ease of Use 5 /5

Why We Like It

If you plan to hit the road with your little one and need a toddler travel bed that is comfortable and easy to travel with, then the JetKids by Stokke CloudSleeper Kids Inflatable Bed is our top pick for you. Designed for children ages 3 and up, this travel bed features side bumpers to keep your child from rolling onto the floor. There's also an air mesh cover to keep your child cool at night. 

We loved this inflatable bed's unique design, which is very easy to fill up and took us only five minutes to put together and inflate, which is great when traveling with little kids. And since it's light and comes with a small bag with handles, so it's easy to move around. The mattress also has a removable and washable cover that can be spot-cleaned and dries quickly, so your little one can get back to bed. 

When you’re done with it, deflate the mattress, pack it back into its packing cube, and you're good to go!

But Take Note

Setup is incredibly easy, thanks to an integrated pump that lets you inflate the mattress in minutes by using your hands or feet. It’s meant to lie on the floor, so there’s no additional assembly required. Although we noticed it can sound a bit noisy when a child moves on it. Otherwise, we didn't experience any additional issues.

The Details

• Material: Nylon
• Weight: 4.1 pounds
• Size: 59.1 x 29.5 x 6.7 inches inflated; 15 x 11 x 4 inches in travel bag
• Recommended Age/Weight Limit: Ages 3 years and up; up to 68 pounds

Verywell Family / Vicky Wasik

Best Inflatable

Eltow inflatable toddler bed.

 Amazon

• Assembly 4.5 /5
• Value 4.5 /5
• Ease of Use 4.5 /5

The Eltow Inflatable Toddler Bed is portable and easy to set up, and it comes at a lower price than our top pick, the Stokke. Unlike other inflatables, the Eltow toddler travel bed consists of an outer section with bumpers on two sides and a mattress that fits snugly inside the outer shell. It's not sitting directly on the floor but is at floor level.

We love that it took us just five minutes to set up and is lightweight and portable . It comes with a high-speed pump, two patches in case of punctures, and a travel bag for storage. And thanks to a vinyl layer that protects against punctures, it's well-equipped to withstand wear and tear. Plus, it comes with a bag, so it's super portable. Unfortunately, it doesn't come with a sheet, so you'll have to pack one in your luggage. 

One flaw is that the mattress has a plastic smell that sticks around for a few hours once the mattress is removed from its packaging. (It should go away if you allow the product to air out for a day or two before use.) Assembly is straightforward, but removing the pump nozzle without losing air can be difficult when done alone, so we recommend getting a partner to help you out.

• Material: Vinyl
• Weight: 10.21 pounds
• Size: 63 x 40 x 12 inches inflated
• Recommended Age/Weight Limit: Up to 310 pounds

Best With Pump

Hiccapop inflatable toddler travel bed.

• Ease of Setup 5 /5
• Ease of Cleaning 4.5 /5

The Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed is ideal for parents who want their toddler close to the ground with bumpers on all sides of the bed. A removable mattress rests in a higher outer shell that ensures your little one cannot roll off. It's designed for kids making that transition between cribs and big-kid beds, and it's easy to deflate and pack into its carrying bag before moving to your next destination.

Setup is relatively quick once you get the hang of detaching the electric pump, and it's easy to move around with the handles. Another plus: It comes with a patch kit. The handles are not as easy to clean as the rest of the bed, but we do appreciate that the removable mattress comes in three different colors for kids who definitely have their design preferences. 

The mattress has a faint chemical smell at first, but it's not as eye-watering as some of the other inflatables we tested. It's also very durable due to its thick vinyl material .

• Weight: 8 pounds
• Size: 62 x 39 x 12 inches inflated

Verywell Family / Tamara Staples

Best for Camping

Enerplex kids inflatable travel bed.

This puncture-proof toddler travel bed can be used during trips or at home as a transitional bed for toddlers who are still in that in-between stage. A 120-volt electric pump (and three universal nozzles) is a game changer and makes inflating the bed a breeze. We love how quickly and easily this bed can be put together: It took us five minutes to blow up both parts of the bed and attach a fitted sheet. Best of all, we didn’t even need to glance at the instructions while doing so.

In case you worry about your toddler rolling off the mattress, the EnerPlex Kids Inflatable Travel Bed has bumpers along three sides. The removable coil-beam mattress rests snugly inside the outer shell and fits a standard crib sheet. 

Even though the bed is bulky, it comes with a large carry bag that you can wear as a backpack, freeing your hands for luggage or a kid. We also like that the electric pump comes with an adapter for your car, making it ideal for camping. It can be wiped down and the crib sheet can be tossed in the laundry for cleanup. One downfall: It has a chemical smell.

• Material: Not listed
• Weight: 11.88 pounds
• Size: 66 x 44 x 13 inches inflated
• Recommended Age/Weight Limit: 36 months and up; up to 150 pounds

Best Pop-Up Crib

Babybjörn travel crib light.

• Durability 5 /5
• Portability 4.2 /5
• Design 5 /5

The BabyBjorn Travel Crib is a great option for parents who prefer more of a crib design than an inflatable mattress. Toddlers who need more than bumpers to keep them safe in bed can benefit from this travel crib’s high mesh walls and a mattress that sits low to the floor—which means it's difficult to climb in and out of, let alone roll off of. You won’t need to worry about messes or nighttime accidents because the fabric can be wiped down quickly, and the exterior fabric can be removed from the frame and washed.

The BabyBjorn is a dream to assemble: Setup takes two minutes, and you can put a standard crib sheet on the bed without a struggle, even after attaching the mattress to the four corner safety latches. The mattress is comfortable and a standard crib size . It is also a good pick if you need a travel bed that isn't hard on your back. It is very light, it comes with a carrying case, and it fits into a car trunk. However, the mattress does lie low to the ground, so picking up your child may be tough on your back if they are lying down.

The main reason this crib isn't our top pick is that it's much more expensive than most of the other products on this list, but it's a worthwhile investment if you have the room in your budget.

• Material: Polyester
• Weight: 13 pounds
• Size: Mattress 23.5 x 41 x 1.2 inches; assembled crib 32 x 44 x 24 inches; 19 x 23.5 x 5.5 inches in bag
• Recommended Age/Weight Limit: 0-3 years, or until your toddler can climb out of this travel crib

Verywell Family / Jessica Juliao

Best Budget

Hugbino inflatable toddler bed.

• Assembly 4 /5
• Ease of Use 4 /5

The Hugbino provides a lot of the same features as other inflatable mattresses on this list, but at a lower price. The removable mattress is coated in soft velvet flocking to keep your little one comfortable while they snooze, and bumpers along all four sides of the outer shell keep them in bed. It's also a cinch to clean. We appreciate that the mattress can be spot-cleaned, and a sheet can go over the mattress for extra protection.

This inexpensive bed does come with an electric pump, but the setup is not as easy as with other travel beds we tested. We had to use two sets of hands to get the nozzle on before it started to deflate. However, it is light and easy to store and comes with a carrying bag .

• Material : Polyvinyl chloride
• Weight: 6.63 pounds
• Size: 63.6 x 42.5 inches inflated
• Recommended Age/Weight Limit : Not listed

Best Crib to Fly With

Guava family lotus travel crib.

• Ease of Setup 4.5 /5
• Portability 4 /5
• Value 3.8 /5
• Ease of Cleaning 4 /5

This crib can’t make traveling on a plane with a toddler less challenging, but it can simplify your life when you get to your destination. In terms of ease of use, this travel bed only took us five minutes to set up and didn't require too much prep work to understand how to put it together. The setup process isn't as straightforward as other travel beds we tested, but it's not difficult.

An access door makes it easier to get to your little one without leaning over the side. You can use the entrance to lay them on the padded, waterproof mattress inside the mesh enclosure or let them go in and out of the crib when they are awake. The mattress is easy enough to wipe, but the fabric around the top of the crib is so absorbent that it's tough to give it a good cleaning. You can also unzip the bed cover and throw it into the washer for a deep clean. This convenience does come at a higher price than a lot of competitors, however.

We like the travel crib's packaging, which comes with shoulder and backpack straps that make it easy to carry around in an airport. It is a tad heavy, however.

• Material: Polyvinyl chloride
• Weight: 13 pounds, 15 pounds with bag
• Size: Mattress 41.5 x 23.5 x 1.4 inches; crib 45.5 x 31.5 x 25.5 inches; 24 x 12 x 8 in backpack
• Recommended Age/Weight Limit: 0-3 years, or until child can climb out

Verywell Family / Leticia Almeida

Best for Naps

Milliard toddler nap mat.

The Milliard Toddler Nap Mat Tri Folding Mattress can be used for napping anywhere. Simply unfold it at the hotel, a relative's house, or a camping tent, and your little one is good to get their sleep on. It doesn't come with a carrying case, which may make it a pain to carry. But if your toddler spills a drink or has an accident on this mattress, the good news is that it's effortless to clean: It has a removable bamboo cover that can be machine-washed and a foam mattress that can be spot-cleaned. Plus, it's got a cozy, thick mattress that's comfortable for naptime.

This folding mattress doesn't require any assembly—just take it right out of the box. However, after unboxing, it takes 48 hours to reach the highest comfort level.

• Material: Foam mattress, bamboo cover
• Weight: 8.74 pounds
• Size: 58 x 24 x 3 inches unfolded; 24 x 19 x 9 folded

Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe Air Mattress

• Comfort 5 /5
• Effectiveness 3 /5

The Intex Dura-Beam Standard Series Pillow Rest Raised Airbed is a good pick for families who want a larger travel bed without bumpers that’s a little higher off the floor (16.5 inches) than the toddler beds on this list. A built-in pump makes for easy assembly, since you just turn the panel to either inflate or deflate, and you’re done! When it needs a cleaning, just wipe down as needed.

The mattress comes with a duffel bag for storage and travel, but it's not the most compact, and the bag isn't as comfortable as others we tested. On the plus side, the bed has a built-in pillow rest , so you won’t have to pack an extra pillow for your kid when you travel.

• Weight: 10.16 pounds
• Size: 75 x 39 x 16.5 inches inflated
• Recommended Age/Weight Limit: Up to 300 pounds

Our Testing Process and Experts

To find the best toddler travel beds, we tested 20 beds in the Parents Testing Lab and in our own homes. We first tried to assemble the travel beds—with one hand, if possible. After that, we noted whether we needed to use both hands or had to get another adult to help. We also timed just how long the setup took for each bed. We then tested how well the toddler travel beds hold a toddler's weight using a 25-to-30-pound sandbag.

Next, we looked at how hard it would be to clean messes on the beds, examining hard-to-reach areas and taking note of the material and what it felt like to wipe it. We tested whether we could use a standard crib sheet as well, and then we tried to disassemble the beds one-handed. After breaking them down, we considered how long it took us and how difficult it was to place the beds inside their carry bags, if bags were included. Finally, we lifted the carrying bags to assess the beds’ portability. 

In addition to lab and real-world testing, we spoke with medical experts to gather their input on how to choose a toddler travel bed. We spoke to the following experts:

• Anjuli Gans , MD, a pediatrician at Karabots Pediatric Care Center, West Philadelphia
• Lynelle Schneeberg , PsyD, a pediatric sleep psychologist and author

Factors to Consider in a Toddler Travel Bed

• Comfort: As you’ve probably realized when getting a kid to sleep at home, comfort is key. Comfort for some toddlers may mean a favorite blanket, while others require a crib. Parents should consider various must-haves to make traveling easier and smoother when trekking across the country—or a few hours away—with your little one.
• Safety: Dr. Gans recommends researching products on the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) website to determine their safety and ensure that they haven't been recalled. When purchasing a crib or bassinet, parents of babies should also practice the same safe sleeping rules they implement at home. "Every toddler travel bed has age and weight requirements, so I would definitely check those first and make sure it matches up (with your toddler's age and weight)," she explains. Then, stick to simple beds without all the added features. "The less they have, the better.” Once you've narrowed down your selection to simple beds, make sure there are no bumpers or parts that can potentially trap your baby, and check corner points and sharp corners. "Corner points are sometimes a place where kids can get clothing caught or get injured, so make sure it doesn't have sharp corners," explains Dr. Gans. "And remember that pillows and blankets are still recommended for toddlers age 2 and over."
• Ease of Use: If you need a toddler travel bed that is easy to carry, quick to assemble, and doesn't require much work, then ease of use and portability must be considered when selecting a toddler travel bed. Some toddler travel beds can be assembled using one hand and only take minutes to assemble. That is very helpful if you arrive at a destination with a sleeping or cranky tot . You may want to look for bags that allow hands-free carrying. Another consideration is whether the bed is easy to put in those bags so you don’t find yourself fighting to pack it back in when it’s time to go home. If you are in a situation where you don't have a toddler travel bed, don't worry. "If you are staying somewhere, and they allow you to request a crib, you can pull out the mattress and just lay it on the floor," Dr. Gans adds. "If it's in a safe place for your toddler, then it is perfectly fine. Make sure it is somewhere they can have adult supervision at all times and within eye view, because you may not be able to safetyproof rooms the way you can at home."

How can I keep my toddler in bed while traveling?

A pack-and-play or travel bed with inflatable bumpers (which are not recommended for babies, of course!) can help keep a toddler from rolling onto the floor. You can also bring along some of their favorite items from home to help them want to stay in bed in a strange new place.

"The best thing to do when traveling is to bring along items from the child's home bedroom," recommends Dr. Schneeberg. "Parents can bring along the child's favorite pillow, 'bedtime buddy' (security object), and favorite books, for example. If the child is used to a certain night light or a sound machine , these can be brought along as well."

Can my 2-year-old sleep in a travel cot?

Certain travel cots are appropriate for 2-year-olds, but young 2-year-olds who haven't yet transitioned to a toddler bed may be more comfortable and safer in more crib-like pack-and-plays or travel beds with safety rails.

Can I put my 3-year-old in a toddler cot?

Unless a manufacturer suggests otherwise (usually based on a child's weight or height), most toddler travel cots are appropriate for 3-year-olds who have already transitioned from a crib to a bed.

How much is a toddler travel bed?

A high-quality travel toddler bed will generally cost between $60 and $100, although some can be cheaper, and certain models can cost upwards of $200. Pricier travel beds often come with more accessories and features, although not every family will need extra bells and whistles.

Ambrosia V. Brody is a California-based editor, journalist, and mother of three. She has worked as a professional journalist for more than 16 years. You can find her at the library, Starbucks, or the park with her kids when she isn't writing.

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• Travel Products
• Family Travel

The 7 Best Toddler Travel Beds of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We tested 20 toddler travel beds to find the most safe, secure, and comfortable options.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Brian Kopinski

Traveling with kids is an incredible experience, but also a challenging one — for everyone involved. And sleep can be the most challenging aspect of the experience. New environments present toddlers with distractions, temptations to explore when they should be sleeping, and at worst, safety risks. Having the right sleep setup can make the whole experience more enjoyable, and for many parents, this means investing in a dedicated travel bed for your toddler.

The ideal one should be easy to set up and break down, comfortable to sleep on, and above all, safe. We tested 20 toddler beds in a range of styles for their ease of use, portability, ease of cleaning, and overall value, and will continue testing them over the next six months. Our top picks to suit any type of travel are here.

As you’re perusing our picks and choosing your own toddler travel bed, remember: the actual sleep surface is just one component of better sleep while traveling. Keeping [a] routine is important too, says Dr. Elizabeth Murray, a pediatrician at Golisano Children’s Hospital at the University of Rochester Medical Center. “Trying to incorporate a regular bedtime routine can be helpful as maybe the exact sleep surface/surroundings will be different, the routine will be familiar,” says Dr. Murray. “Bath, brush, book, bed is a great routine (bath might not happen every night, and that is OK!).”

Keep in mind that the picks below are for toddlers and up (at least 1-3 years old). “All infants (up to one year) need to be in their own safe sleep space,” says Dr. Murray. “For travel purposes, this will be some type of crib/travel crib. Nothing inflatable.” Remember to consider the age and developmental needs of your individual child when selecting a travel bed, and to make sure any product you use adheres to the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s safety standards .

Best Overall

Jetkids by stokke cloudsleeper.

• Assembly 5 /5
• Portability 5 /5
• Ease of Use 5 /5

This bed’s built-in pump is unique and user-friendly, with no potentially dangerous loose parts.

The product is pared down by design for safety and portability, which means it doesn’t boast any luxury features for the higher price tag.

The JetKids by Stokke CloudSleeper earned our top slot for its unique design and ease of use. While many travel toddler beds come with an external air pump, this one features a hidden pump built into the mattress that’s operated by hand or foot — ideal if you’re traveling somewhere without easy access to power outlets. Setup took a little longer during our testing than the one minute boasted by the brand, but we still had it inflated and ready to go in less than five minutes. The one-piece mattress has a removable and machine-washable cover and a water-repellent bottom, and we felt like the whole mattress would hold up well to spot-cleaning.

Stokke is known for its kid-friendly travel products; the brand’s ride-on suitcase and in-flight bed is the best we’ve seen. While the CloudSleeper isn’t designed to be used during air travel, it is small and light enough to fit inside your carry-on. This model is pricier than many options we tested, but its high-quality design and easy setup make it our top choice.

The Details: 59.1 x 29.5 x 6.7 inches (open) | 15 x 11 x 4 inches (packed) | 3.1 pounds | Nylon mattress with polyester cover | Ages 3 years and up; up to 149.9 pounds

Best Inflatable

Eltow inflatable toddler bed.

 Amazon

• Assembly 4.5 /5
• Value 4.5 /5
• Ease of Use 4.5 /5

The mattress and bed frame inflate and deflate quickly and easily.

The bed gives off a strong plastic smell when it’s first unpacked.

Inflatable mattresses can be a headache to set up without a high-functioning pump, especially when you have a tired and cranky toddler waiting in the wings. The Eltow Inflatable Toddler Bed comes with an effective pump, and had one of the easiest setups of all the models we tested. The mattress and the inflatable “bed frame” were both ready to go in less than five minutes, although we did note that a setup partner was helpful to keep the mattress from losing air after the pump nozzle was removed.

This model’s mattress and “frame” with bumpered sides are two separate pieces, which makes it easy to tuck a crib sheet around the mattress. The removable mattress piece also means it’s easy to access all corners of the vinyl frame to wipe it down after messes or before storing. We did notice a strong plastic odor when the bed was unpacked, so we recommend airing it out before using it for the first time.

The Details: 63 x 40 x 12 inches (open) | 10 pounds | Vinyl, velvet | Up to 310 pounds

Most Durable

Hiccapop inflatable toddler travel bed.

• Ease of Setup 5 /5
• Ease of Cleaning 4.5 /5

The bed’s double plug and included patch kit make it extra resistant to leaks.

The secure double plug can also make it tricky to inflate.

One major disadvantage to inflatable mattresses? They have a tendency to puncture or lose air overnight. At best that leaves your toddler uncomfortable on a hard floor; at worst, it can be a safety risk if the mattress’s sides trap your child. This Hiccapop model impressed us with its durability and thoughtful features meant to prevent leaks. The bed has a secure double plug, which is very resistant to curious little fingers and unlikely to spring open on its own during the night. (Important to note: the secure plug also makes the bed trickier to set up than some.) It also comes with its own patch kit, so any punctures that do occur can be quickly sealed off.

This bed’s inflatable “frame” is thoughtfully designed, with bumpers on all four sides and a handle for moving it from room to room while inflated. The vinyl material is easily wipeable, and the plastic odor on first use is milder than many models we tested. Overall, this bed is a durable option and a great value.

The Details: 62 x 39 x 12 inches (open) | 8 pounds | Polyvinyl chloride | Up to 310 pounds

Best for Car Travel

Enerplex kids inflatable travel bed.

The high-speed pump with a car adaptor makes this bed a versatile choice for car travel.

When packed, this bed is heavier and bulkier than most models.

The EnerPlex Kids Inflatable Travel Bed is our pick for car travel, when size and weight are less of a consideration but comfort is still key. Although this bed is bulkier and heavier than most when packed, it’s incredibly easy to set up, and easy to fold back up and pack into its included carry bag. The high-speed pump is a game-changer — we didn’t need the included directions for setup, and the bed inflated quickly. The pump also comes with a car adaptor, making it a great option for camping.

Like many inflatable mattresses, this bed has a plastic odor and needs to be off-gassed before use. The two-piece bed wipes down easily and the mattress is durable: the bed didn’t shift or deflate during our sandbag test. Because this mattress is on the heavy side when deflated, it’s best for older toddlers who are less likely to be pinned down if it unexpectedly loses air.

The Details: 66 x 44 x 13 inches | 12.3 pounds | Polyvinyl chloride | Ages 3 years and up; up to 150 pounds

Best Pop-up Crib

Babybjörn travel crib light.

• Durability 5 /5
• Portability 4.2 /5
• Design 5 /5

We love this stylish travel crib for its easy setup and durability.

The price point may not be affordable for all families.

If you’re traveling with an infant or a younger toddler, or if keeping your child contained in a new space is your top priority, a travel crib is your best bet. We love the BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light for its easy setup and durability. It took us less than two minutes to set up, and once set up, the bed is extremely secure and stable. The crib legs lock into place, and the mattress attaches to four corner straps to keep it from shifting.

Unlike some portable cribs, this one is very easy to clean. The exterior fabric and the mattress cover can be removed from the frame and machine-washed, and the rest of the bed is easily wipeable. Although this travel bed option isn’t as compact as an inflatable mattress, we found it surprisingly light. When packed into its included carrying case, it fits easily in a standard car trunk. This crib is significantly pricier than other similar options, but its durability means it can be used for multiple kids and handed down.

The Details: 32 x 44 x 24 inches (open) | 19 x 23.5 x 5.5 inches (packed) | 13 pounds | Polyester, polyether foam, painted steel | Ages 0-3

Best Lightweight

Hugbino inflatable toddler bed.

• Assembly 4 /5
• Ease of Use 4 /5

This mattress is extremely portable and light when packed.

Setup requires two people to keep the mattress from losing air before it’s sealed off.

Inflatable mattresses can feel bulky and unwieldy when deflated and packed, but at just over six pounds, this Hugbino portable mattress is lightweight and extremely portable. The mattress comes with its own pump, and is easy to assemble in less than five minutes. We did find that inflating the mattress was easiest with two people — otherwise it was a challenge to close the nozzle plug before air started escaping. Like many toddler beds, this one has bumpered sides to keep little ones from rolling off during the night; these bumpers are slightly lower than some models, so if you have an incredibly active sleeper, you may want to consider bolstering the sides with additional pillows or stuffed animals for security.

We also found it just as easy to store as it is to set up: the mattress packs easily into its included carry bag. This bed’s small footprint when packed and light weight make it a great option for stashing at a frequent travel destination like grandma’s house.

The Details: 63.6 x 42.5 inches (open) | 6.6 pounds | Vinyl, faux suede | Up to 100 pounds

Best Folding Mat

Milliard toddler nap mat.

• Portability 4 /5

This memory foam mat is an extremely comfortable naptime option.

The case for this mat has to be purchased separately.

For a quick naptime solution, or for travel destinations where durability is key (like camping), a foldable mat is a great choice. This memory foam mat from Milliard is a light and comfortable option for toddler sleep. The mat comes with a removable bamboo cover that can be machine-washed, and the mat itself can be spot-cleaned as needed. It folds up easily and stacks nicely, but since it doesn’t deflate, it’s not as compact as an air mattress and does take up storage space. Milliard sells carrying cases for this mattress, but they need to be purchased separately.

Because this mat is memory foam, it needs 48 hours with all zippers open to reach its highest comfort level before using it for the first time. The process is worth the wait, however, as we found this to be one of the more comfortable options for naptime we’ve seen.

The Details: 58 x 24 x 3 inches (open) | 24 x 19 x 9 inches (packed) | 8.9 pounds | Polyvinyl chloride, CertiPur certified foam | Ages 3-6

Other Toddler Travel Beds We Liked

These toddler travel beds did not make our final list yet still stood out from the pack. They all had positive attributes, but a few things held them back.

Intex Dura-Beam Standard Series Pillow Rest Raised Airbed : This bed is durable and comfortable, and the price is hard to beat. But because it’s built like a standard twin bed — it’s on the large side, with no bumper or sides — it’s better suited for older kids versus toddlers.

Guava Baby Lotus Travel Crib : We loved the Guava’s attractive and easy-to-use carry bag. However, it is heavy when packed, and we were torn on the usefulness of the zippered opening in the side, which makes the bed less secure for mobile toddlers. Ultimately we preferred the setup and breakdown on the similarly priced BabyBjorn model.

The team spent a day in our New York City lab, putting 20 toddler beds to the test. We tested for ease of use, portability, ease of cleaning, and overall value, rating each category on a scale of 1-5 and selecting top choices based on their scores.

To get a sense of how easy these products would be to use with a cranky toddler on hand, we practiced setting up each bed one-handed, watching a timer closely — then did the whole thing in reverse and broke each bed down. Testers laid down on the beds, weighted them down with sandbags, and evaluated their durability. They considered the hidden nooks and crannies on each bed that might become filled with crumbs or worse, and evaluated how easy it was to get each one spic and span again. Our testing is ongoing for an additional six months to ensure each bed stands the test of time when used by actual children, too.

Tips for Buying a Toddler Travel Bed

Consider your toddler’s sleep needs.

The most important consideration when choosing a toddler travel bed is your individual child’s sleep style and needs. If your child is an active sleeper and tends to roll off of surfaces, you’ll want to choose a bed that has higher bumpers to keep them on the mattress. And if your toddler is a wanderer, you may want a fully contained space like a travel crib to keep them safe. If you can, try to approximate your child’s home sleeping environment as closely as possible. If they’re still in a crib at home, purchase a crib for travel; if they’re using a convertible toddler bed with a railing and high headboard, look for a travel bed with a similar cozy feel.

Balance comfort with packability and safety

A plush, soft sleeping surface might seem like a recipe for better sleep, but when it comes to traveling with a toddler, simpler is usually better. A thinner inflatable mattress, for example, will not only pack down smaller, but will be safer if it malfunctions and deflates on your child overnight. “Remember, many of the inflatable mattresses are made from thick or stiff material that a toddler might not be able to push off of themself,” Dr. Murray notes. “The thinner or more standard mattress size inflatable mattresses are better for those 1-3 years of age.” And most packable cribs have thin mattresses for a reason: a firm sleeping surface is safest for younger kids. “You want to choose something that is sturdy but has the normal safety features of a relatively firm mattress and stable sides,” says Dr. Murray.

Match size, weight, and age recommendations to your child

Most travel toddler beds have clear recommendations for age range and maximum height and/or weight for use. Pay close attention to these guidelines and match them to your child, but use your own judgment as well to ensure you’re choosing the safest option. Although most inflatable mattresses are designed for ages 3 and up, some will claim to be suitable for any age. If your toddler is on the younger side or moves around a lot while sleeping, you’ll want to avoid mattresses altogether — even those that claim to be safe for littler ones — and opt for a portable crib-style bed.

Factor in your final destination

Another crucial consideration when you’re purchasing a toddler travel bed is what type of environment you’re traveling to. “Are you staying in a hotel room, which is usually pretty sparse but might have loose or stray electrical cords? Or are you staying at grandparents' where there may be stairs that aren't protected by a baby gate or other low hazards since the house might no longer be child proof?” Dr. Murray notes. Travel locations with more potential hazards might require portable cribs or mattresses that better contain your toddler, whereas a fully childproofed friend’s or grandparent’s house might offer more flexibility for your toddler to roam and explore.

Where you lay your child down to sleep while traveling will heavily depend on the age and needs of your child, your family’s preferences, and your travel circumstances. Some families choose to bring a dedicated bed for their toddler when they travel, while others prefer to co-sleep or use available extra beds at your destination (i.e., pullout sofas or cots). Also consider the sleep environment that works best for your child: do they need a dark, quiet room, or are they more comfortable within earshot of hustle and bustle in the house? Whatever sleep setup you choose for your toddler, make sure they’re in a safe, supervised location and adhere to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ guidelines for safe sleep.

Toddlerhood spans a whole range of developmental stages — technically a toddler is anywhere from 1 to 3 years old. There’s no hard and firm age when a child becomes ready for a toddler bed, but you should consider where they fall on the spectrum of toddlerhood. “Those who are still close to 1 year old will need an environment that is more crib-like,” Dr. Murray notes. “A 3-year-old will have more escape skills and perhaps more interest in wandering, but can likely be safe in a hotel bed or pull-out couch.” Always consult the age limits noted on any toddler bed to make sure the manufacturer recommends it for your child’s age.

You may not be in the habit of wiping down your full-size air mattress after every set of overnight guests, but trust us, you’ll want to clean your toddler travel bed frequently. Luckily, most products have accounted for this, and include either removable covers, wipeable surfaces, or both. Check the manufacturer’s instructions before purchasing to make sure the bed’s washability suits your needs, and follow instructions closely when cleaning to ensure the bed lasts.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Mandy Harris is a contributing writer at Travel + Leisure , and has vetted hundreds of parenting products over the last decade. For this story, she analyzed in-house testing insights, manufacturer details, and her own experience as a frequent toddler wrangler to determine the best toddler beds for every type of travel.

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The Best Toddler Travel Beds We've Tested on the Road and in Our Lab

Solve at least one of your toddler sleep challenges!

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Our testing process, our experts.

• Factors to Consider

Your Questions, Answered

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Parents / Nick Kova

Traveling with toddlers isn't easy, but you can still have a wonderful time exploring new places with your family—you just need to be prepared. Toddler travel beds provide consistency and a protected sleep space, resulting in a well-rested child and a smoother trip for everyone. To help you shop for the best suited to your kid and your travel plans, we've tested dozens of travel beds , mattresses, and pack-and-plays in our lab and at home with our kids. For some parents, portable beds are must-haves to provide young children with a secure place to sleep while on vacation. “Simpler is always better, especially when thinking of traveling with toddlers . So, when it comes to a toddler travel bed, you don't need all the bells and whistles,” says Anjuli Gans , M.D., a pediatrician at the Karabots Pediatric Care Center in West Philadelphia. “There are a lot of fancy ones out there on the market, but your baby really just needs a safe and comfortable place to sleep ." 

We spent hours testing these products in the lab and our homes by assembling and disassembling them—even seeing if we could do it one-handed—and timing the whole process. We also studied the beds' features, how well they hold a toddler's weight, and how easy they are to clean. Here, we've selected the best toddler travel beds we’ve tested, and we’ll continue to test new models as they come out.

• Best Overall:   JetKids by Stokke CloudSleeper
• Best Inflatable:   Eltow Inflatable Toddler Bed
• Best With Pump:   Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed
• Best for Camping:   EnerPlex Kids Inflatable Travel Bed
• Best Pop-Up Crib:   BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light
• Best Budget:   Hugbino Inflatable Toddler Bed
• Best Crib to Fly With:   Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib
• Best for Naps:   Milliard Toddler Nap Mat
• Best Twin:   Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe Air Mattress

Best Overall: JetKids by Stokke CloudSleeper

Why we like it.

If you plan to hit the road with your little one and need a toddler travel bed that is comfortable and easy to travel with, then the JetKids by Stokke CloudSleeper Kids Inflatable Bed is our top pick for you. Designed for children ages 3 and up, this travel bed features  side bumpers  to keep your child from rolling onto the floor. There's also an air mesh cover to keep your child cool at night. 

We loved this inflatable bed's unique design, which is very easy to fill up and took us only five minutes to put together and inflate, which is great when traveling with little kids. And since it's light and comes with a small bag with handles, it's not hard to move around. The mattress also has a removable and washable cover that can be spot-cleaned and dries quickly, so your little one can get back to bed after any accidents. 

When you’re done with it, deflate the mattress, pack it back into its packing cube, and you're good to go!

But Take Note

We noticed it can sound a bit noisy when a child moves on it. Otherwise, we didn't experience any additional issues.

The Details

• Material:  Nylon
• Weight:  4.1 pounds
• Size:  59.1 x 29.5 x 6.7 inches inflated; 15 x 11 x 4 inches in travel bag
• Recommended Age/Weight Limit:  Ages 3 years and up; up to 68 pounds

Parents/Tamara Staples

Best Inflatable: Eltow Inflatable Toddler Bed

The Eltow Inflatable Toddler Bed is portable and easy to set up, and it comes at a lower price than our top pick, the Stokke. Unlike other inflatables, the Eltow toddler travel bed consists of an outer section with bumpers on two sides and a mattress that fits snugly inside the outer shell . It's not sitting directly on the floor but is at floor level.

We love that it took us just five minutes to set up and is  lightweight and portable . It comes with a high-speed pump, two patches in case of punctures, and a travel bag for storage. And thanks to a vinyl layer that protects against punctures, it's well-equipped to withstand wear and tear. Plus, it comes with a bag, so it's super portable. Unfortunately, it doesn't come with a sheet, so you'll have to pack one in your luggage. 

One flaw is that the mattress has a plastic smell that sticks around for a few hours once the mattress is removed from its packaging. (It should go away if you allow the product to air out for a day or two before use.) Assembly is straightforward, but removing the pump nozzle without losing air can be difficult when done alone, so we recommend getting a partner to help you out.

• Material:  Vinyl
• Weight:  10.21 pounds
• Size:  63 x 40 x 12 inches inflated
• Recommended Age/Weight Limit:  Up to 310 pounds

Best With Pump: Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed

The Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed is ideal for parents who want their toddler close to the ground with bumpers on all sides of the bed. A  removable mattress  rests in a higher outer shell that ensures your little one cannot roll off. It's designed for kids making that transition between cribs and big-kid beds, and it's easy to deflate and pack into its carrying bag before moving to your next destination.

Setup is relatively quick once you get the hang of detaching the electric pump, and it's easy to move around with the handles. Another plus: It comes with a patch kit. The handles are not as easy to clean as the rest of the bed, but we do appreciate that the removable mattress comes in three different colors for kids who definitely have their design preferences. It's also very durable due to its  thick vinyl material .

The mattress has a faint chemical smell at first, but it's not as eye-watering as some of the other inflatables we tested.

• Weight:  8 pounds
• Size:  62 x 39 x 12 inches inflated

Parents / Tamara Staples

Best for Camping: EnerPlex Kids Inflatable Travel Bed

This nearly puncture-proof  toddler travel bed can be used during trips or at home as a transitional bed for toddlers who are still getting used to not having crib walls. A 120-volt electric pump (and three universal nozzles) is a game changer and makes inflating the bed a breeze. We love how quickly and easily this bed can be put together: It took us five minutes to blow up both parts of the bed and attach a fitted sheet. Best of all, we didn’t even need to glance at the instructions while doing so.

In case you worry about your toddler rolling off the mattress, the EnerPlex Kids Inflatable Travel Bed has bumpers along three sides. The removable coil-beam mattress rests snugly inside the outer shell and fits a standard crib sheet. Even though the bed is bulky, it comes with a large carry bag that you can wear as a backpack, freeing your hands for luggage or a kid. We also like that the  electric pump comes with an adapter for your car , making it ideal for camping. It can be wiped down and the crib sheet can be tossed in the laundry for cleanup.

One downfall: It has a chemical smell.

• Material:  Not listed
• Weight:  11.88 pounds
• Size:  66 x 44 x 13 inches inflated
• Recommended Age/Weight Limit:  36 months and up; up to 150 pounds

Best Pop-Up Crib: BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light

The BabyBjorn Travel Crib is a great option for parents who prefer more of a crib design than an inflatable mattress. Toddlers who need more than bumpers to keep them safe in bed can benefit from this travel crib’s high mesh walls and a mattress that sits low to the floor—which means it's difficult to climb in and out of, let alone roll off of. Another advantage is that you won't need to worry about punctures, as this is not an inflatable mattress. The fabric can be wiped down quickly, and the exterior fabric can be removed from the frame and washed.

The BabyBjorn is a dream to assemble: Setup takes two minutes, and you can put a standard crib sheet on the bed without a struggle, even after attaching the mattress to the four corner safety latches. The mattress is comfortable and a  standard crib size . It is also a good pick if you need a travel bed that isn't hard on your back. It is very light, comes with a carrying case, and fits into a car trunk. However, the mattress does lie low to the ground, so picking up your child may be tough on your back if they are lying down.

The main reason this crib isn't our top pick is that it's much more expensive than most of the other products on this list, but it's a worthwhile investment if you have the room in your budget.

• Material:  Polyester
• Weight:  13 pounds
• Size:  Mattress 23.5 x 41 x 1.2 inches; assembled crib 32 x 44 x 24 inches; 19 x 23.5 x 5.5 inches in bag
• Recommended Age/Weight Limit:  0–3 years, or until your toddler can climb out of this travel crib

Parents / Jessica Juliao

Best Budget: Hugbino Inflatable Toddler Bed

The Hugbino provides a lot of the same features as other inflatable mattresses on this list, but at a lower price. The removable mattress is coated in  soft velvet flocking  to keep your little one comfortable while they snooze, and bumpers along all four sides of the outer shell keep them in bed. It's also a cinch to clean. We appreciate that the mattress can be spot-cleaned, and a sheet can go over the mattress for extra protection.

This inexpensive bed does come with an electric pump, but the setup is not as easy as with other travel beds we tested. We had to use two sets of hands to get the nozzle on before it started to deflate.

• Material : Polyvinyl chloride
• Weight:  6.63 pounds
• Size:  63.6 x 42.5 inches inflated
• Recommended Age/Weight Limit : 130 pounds

Best Crib to Fly With: Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib

This crib can’t make traveling on a plane with a toddler less challenging, but it can simplify your life when you get to your destination. We like the travel crib's packaging, which comes with  shoulder and backpack straps  that make it easy to carry around in an airport. In terms of ease of use, this travel bed only took us five minutes to set up and didn't require too much prep work to understand how to put it together. The setup process isn't as straightforward as other travel beds we tested, but it's not difficult.

An access door makes it easier to get to your little one without leaning over the side. You can use the entrance to lay them on the  padded, waterproof mattress  inside the mesh enclosure or to let them go in and out of the crib when they are awake. You can unzip the bed cover and throw it into the washer for a deep clean.

It is a tad heavy to carry for long periods of time. Also the mattress is easy enough to wipe, but the fabric around the top of the crib is so absorbent that it's tough to give it a good cleaning.

• Material:  Polyvinyl chloride
• Weight:  13 pounds, 15 pounds with bag
• Size:  Mattress 41.5 x 23.5 x 1.4 inches; crib 45.5 x 31.5 x 25.5 inches; 24 x 12 x 8 in backpack
• Recommended Age/Weight Limit:  0–3 years, or until child can climb out

Best for Naps: Milliard Toddler Nap Mat

The Milliard Toddler Nap Mat Tri Folding Mattress can be used for napping anywhere. Simply unfold it at the hotel, a relative's house, or a camping tent, and your little one is good to get their sleep on. It doesn't come with a carrying case, which may make it a pain to carry. But if your toddler spills a drink or has an accident on this mattress, the good news is that it's effortless to clean: It has a  removable bamboo cover  that can be machine-washed and a foam mattress that can be spot-cleaned. Plus, it's got a cozy, thick mattress that's comfortable for naptime.

This folding mattress doesn't require any assembly—just take it right out of the box. However, after unboxing, it takes 48 hours to reach the highest comfort level.

• Material:  Foam mattress, bamboo cover
• Weight:  8.74 pounds
• Size:  58 x 24 x 3 inches unfolded; 24 x 19 x 9 folded
• Recommended Age/Weight Limit : Not listed

Best Twin: Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe Air Mattress

The Intex Dura-Beam Standard Series Pillow Rest Raised Airbed is a good pick for families who want a larger travel bed without bumpers that’s a little higher off the floor (16.5 inches) than the toddler beds on this list. A  built-in pump  makes for easy assembly, since you just turn the panel to either inflate or deflate, and you’re done! When it needs a cleaning, just wipe down as needed. It also has a  built-in pillow rest , so you won’t have to pack an extra pillow for your kid when you travel.

The mattress comes with a duffel bag for storage and travel, but it's not the most compact, and the bag isn't as comfortable as others we tested.

• Weight:  10.16 pounds
• Size:  75 x 39 x 16.5 inches inflated
• Recommended Age/Weight Limit:  Up to 300 pounds

To find the best toddler travel beds, we tested 20 travel beds and more than 20 pack-and-plays in the Parents Testing Lab, in our own homes, and on the road. We first tried to assemble the travel beds—with one hand, if possible. After that, we noted whether we needed to use both hands or had to get another adult to help. We also timed just how long the setup took for each bed. We then tested how well the toddler travel beds hold a toddler's weight using a 25-to-30-pound sandbag.

Next, we looked at how hard it would be to clean messes on the beds, examining hard-to-reach areas and taking note of the material and what it felt like to wipe it. We tested whether we could use a standard crib sheet as well, and then we tried to disassemble the beds one-handed. After breaking them down, we considered how long it took us and how difficult it was to place the beds inside their carry bags, if bags were included. Finally, we lifted the carrying bags to assess the beds’ portability. 

In addition to lab and real-world testing, we spoke with medical experts to gather their input on how to choose a toddler travel bed. We spoke to the following experts:

• Anjuli Gans, M.D., a pediatrician at Karabots Pediatric Care Center, West Philadelphia
• Lynelle Schneeberg , PsyD, a pediatric sleep psychologist and author

Parents / Leticia Almeida

Factors to Consider in a Toddler Travel Bed

• Comfort:  As you’ve probably realized when getting a kid to sleep at home, comfort is key. Comfort for some toddlers may mean a favorite blanket, while others require a crib. Parents should consider various must-haves to make traveling easier and smoother when trekking across the country—or a few hours away—with your little one.
• Safety:  Dr. Gans recommends researching products on the  Consumer Product Safety Commission  (CPSC) website to determine their safety and ensure that they haven't been recalled. When purchasing a crib or bassinet, parents of babies should also practice the same  safe sleeping rules  they implement at home. "Every toddler travel bed has age and weight requirements, so I would definitely check those first and make sure it matches up [with your toddler's age and weight]," she explains. Then, stick to simple beds without all the added features. "The less they have, the better.” Once you've narrowed down your selection to simple beds, make sure there are no bumpers or parts that can potentially trap your child, and check corner points and sharp corners. "Corner points are sometimes a place where kids can get clothing caught or get injured, so make sure it doesn't have sharp corners," explains Dr. Gans. "And remember that pillows and blankets are still [only] recommended for toddlers age 2 and over."
• Ease of Use:  If you need a toddler travel bed that is easy to carry, quick to assemble, and doesn't require much work, then ease of use and portability must be considered when selecting a toddler travel bed. Some toddler travel beds can be assembled using one hand and only take minutes to assemble. That is very helpful if you arrive at a destination with a  sleeping or cranky tot . You may want to look for bags that allow hands-free carrying. Another consideration is whether the bed is easy to put in those bags so you don’t find yourself fighting to pack it back in when it’s time to go home. If you are in a situation where you don't have a toddler travel bed, don't worry. "If you are staying somewhere, and they allow you to request a crib, you can pull out the mattress and just lay it on the floor," Dr. Gans adds. "If it's in a safe place for your toddler, then it is perfectly fine. Make sure it is somewhere they can have adult supervision at all times and within eye view, because you may not be able to safety-proof rooms the way you can at home."

How can I keep my toddler in bed while traveling?

A pack-and-play or travel bed with inflatable bumpers (which are  not  recommended for babies, of course!) can help keep a toddler from rolling onto the floor. If your child is still sleeping in a crib at home, you will probably want to keep them in a pack-and-play or travel crib while traveling. You can also bring along some of their favorite items from home to help them want to stay in bed in a strange new place.

"The best thing to do when traveling is to bring along items from the child's home bedroom," recommends Dr. Schneeberg. "Parents can bring along the child's favorite pillow, 'bedtime buddy,' and favorite books, for example. If the child is used to a certain night-light or a  sound machine , these can be brought along as well."

Can my 2-year-old sleep in a travel cot?

Certain travel cots are appropriate for 2-year-olds, but young 2-year-olds who haven't yet  transitioned to a toddler bed  may be more comfortable and safer in more crib-like pack-and-plays or travel beds with safety rails.

Can I put my 3-year-old in a toddler cot?

Unless a manufacturer suggests otherwise (usually based on a child's weight or height), most toddler travel cots are appropriate for 3-year-olds who have already transitioned from a crib to a bed.

How much is a toddler travel bed?

A high-quality travel toddler bed will generally cost between $60 and $100, although some can be cheaper, and certain models can cost upwards of $200. Pricier travel beds often come with more accessories and features, although not every family will need extra bells and whistles.

Ambrosia V. Brody  is a California-based editor, journalist, and mother of three. She has worked as a professional journalist for more than 16 years. You can find her at the library, Starbucks, or the park with her kids when she isn't writing.

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10 Highest Rated Toddler Travel Beds 2024 reviews and ratings

Last Updated on January 10, 2024

Written by Melanie Kassel

Written by Melanie Kassel, Performance Editor

Our testing process.

Here at Sleep Advisor, our Sleep Certified experts use a refined mattress and product testing process to give you unbiased product suggestions… Read our full product review process .

.st0{clip-path:url(#SVGID_00000046340743257271907690000000964648354283835324_);} In This Article

Looking for a handy travel bed for your toddler? We considered everything and made a selection of the ten best-rated picks to choose from.

Traveling with kids can be stressful, but figuring out where your little one will sleep shouldn’t be. It can be a struggle to create a safe sleeping space for your child while away from home.

Having a cozy space to lay their head can make all the difference in getting them the zzz’s they need so you can all enjoy your trip.

There are many options to consider when it comes to choosing a travel bed for your child. Keep reading for all the details you need to know so you can find the top rated toddler travel bed for your family.

10 Top Toddler Travel Bed Reviews

Hiccapop – ideal quality.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Inflatable bed with bumpers
• Plush removable mattress
• Electric pump included
• Travel bag included

CLICK TO SEE PRICE

The Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed has unmatched quality and durability, designed with the modern family in mind. With inlay-enforced™ vinyl that is 40% thicker than similar models, the Hiccapop was created to resist punctures and leaks.

The velvety-smooth mattress is removable and fits all standard crib sheets (although it is comfortable enough that a blanket on top may be all you need). The extra-large, built-in bumpers are 2″ taller and longer than most others and offer extra peace of mind for parents.

The Hiccapop comes with a powerful electric pump and was designed to inflate in just 30 seconds for a fast and easy set-up.

The quick-release valve is meant to make deflating simple, so you can be packed and ready to go in no time. The extra-large storage bag should allow you to take this airbed virtually anywhere.

Safety is a big concern for many families. This model exceeds all federal standards for child safety, according to the manufacturer. The vinyl is BPA, lead, and phthalate-free, and is made with no harsh chemicals.

With a 310 lb weight capacity that is greater than most others, this inflatable choice may last you longer so you can keep using it as your toddler grows.

Butterfly Craze – Best Alternative

• Pillow bed / Nap mat
• Plush and comfortable
• Machine washable fabric
• Easy to store away

For an easy solution for travel, school, or nights when scary monsters send your little ones running for safety, this Butterfly Craze Kids Floor Pillow Cover may come in handy. Simply use extra pillows you already have in your house for stuffing into the 5 zipper compartments, and your comfy bed will be ready to use!

The Butterfly Crave comes in many fun and kid-friendly prints and makes a great nap-mat for school, sleepovers, or visits to Grandma’s house. This bed comes in two convenient sizes, making it suitable for children, teens, or even adults.

The smaller lounger fits 5 standard pillows and measures 26″ W X 75″ L. The larger lounger fits 5 king-sized pillows and measures 32″ W X 75″ L.

If you are looking for an alternative to bean bag chairs or floor pillows, this may make a great spot for lounging. Pillow forts and other fun activities could take on a whole new dimension with this foldable and portable design.

This product makes a great solution for schools, daycares, or slumber parties! The soft, plush fabric is machine washable for easy care. This cover can be packed into just about any suitcase, so you can travel with it anywhere and just add pillows at your destination!

Eltow Inflatable Toddler Air Mattress – Best Safety

• Inflatable bed with protective bumpers
• Puncture-resistant layer
• Leak-proof valve
• Pump and travel bag included
• BPA and Phthalate-free

Your toddler will be ready to hit the road with this inflatable air mattress from Eltow that should give them a restful night’s sleep while also keeping them safe and sound.

This bed’s design, which features protective bumpers on the side, should help relieve any concerns you may have about your little one rolling off the mattress during the night. Plus, the health-conscious construction includes a BPA & Phthalate-free product, further assuring the safety and well-being of your child.

What stands out?

• For families who plan to use this bed outdoors, you’ll be pleased to know that this bed comes with a leak-proof valve and puncture-resistant layer, which means you won’t have to worry about your kid’s bed deflating during the trip. 
• Additionally, a pump and convenient travel bag are included with your purchase. The travel bag, in particular, should make transporting your toddler’s travel bed much easier. 

Intex – Best Comfort

• Manual pump included

The Intex Travel Bed was designed to be a comfortable, convenient, and versatile option for families with small children. This durable travel product may make a great solution for camping trips, sleepovers, naps, or wherever life may take you!

Weighing in at under 10 lbs, this lightweight bed could be easily packed into the included carrying bag for travel by car or plane.

The inner airbed can be conveniently separated from the frame to create an additional sleeping space if you are traveling with multiple children.

For younger toddlers or preschoolers, the frame should provide safety and stability to ensure little ones won’t roll out of bed. This travel option was designed for kids aged 3-6 or those up to 48 inches tall.

Having a separate mattress can make tucking in standard crib-sized sheets much easier. This model includes a high-output hand pump for quick and easy inflation and deflation. When inflated, the Intex frame measures 66″ X 42″ X 10″ and the inner mattress measures 28″ x 52″ x 4″.

The kid-friendly light aqua color and enclosed design should make this an inviting space for little ones on-the-go. Having a familiar, cozy spot can help kids to feel safe and secure so everyone can get the sleep they need.

The Shrunks – Best Noise Reduction

• Inflatable bed with guard rails
• Soft flocking and sheet tuck feature
• Included pump

Nothing is worse than the squeaky sounds of a toddler, tossing and turning on a noisy blow-up mattress. The Shrunks Toddler Traveler Bed features soft flocking on the top, designed to eliminate night time squeaks. This award-winning model has been a favorite choice by many families for over ten years.

This mattress is safe from phthalates, lead, and BPA. A repair kit is conveniently included so you can easily patch up any small holes or leaks.

The comfortable mattress is built into this model and has a signature tuck-in feature so you can easily keep any standard crib-size sheets from moving around.

This portable air-mattress has built-in security rails, designed to prevent your little one from falling out of bed so they can feel confident and safe. The low to the ground design should allow young children to easily climb in and out.

A compact yet powerful Jetaire electric pump is included and was designed to inflate this mattress in under 30 seconds. The Shrunks may be a convenient, portable option for travel, sleepovers, or kids who are just transitioning out of their crib.

Regalo – Best Lightweight

• Foldable cot design
• Steel frame
• Sleep surface made with waterproof nylon canvas
• Includes Fitted Sheet

The Regalo My Cot Portable Toddler Bed is made with a durable, all-steel frame that is lightweight and can hold up to 74 lbs. This bed weighs just over 6 lbs and can easily fold up for travel or storage.

The sturdy nylon material is waterproof and easy to wash. This cot can be covered with the included fitted sheet for added comfort.

The product is meant for children ages 2-5 or up to 48 inches long. It was designed to be easily set up in seconds with one fluid motion, making it a quick and easy option for parents.

This cot was created for portability and could be a great option for naps, travel, camping, or sleepovers. You may even use it for extra seating space at a sports event or take it to the beach!

For little ones who like to roll around, The Regalo My Cot has a generous sleeping space that measures 48” x 24” x 9”. When folded down, this cot measures 9” x 8” x 24” and can be easily packed into the carry case for storage or travel. If you are looking to keep luggage weight down, this may be a great option to consider.

Leachco – Most Convenient

• Polyurethane Foam bed with bumpers and headrest
• Machine washable cover
• Folds into included storage bag

The Leachco Bump ZZZ Travel Bed may make a convenient option for families with children ages 3 and up. This spacious and lightweight model is designed to be ready to use, with no need for inflation or any extra equipment. It can also be conveniently folded into the included travel bag for a great fold and go option.

This model features a comfortable foam padded interior with cushioned outer bumpers for comfort and safety. Customers can use the BumpZZZ fully extended as a portable bed, or fold it over to make a convenient lounging spot. This spacious product could also make a great play space for little ones while traveling or at home.

Both the center foam pad and the outer bumper pads can be removed for easy washing. This versatile bed was made in the USA and measures 58” x 39” x 7” when fully assembled. The BumpZZZ packs into a compact travel bag with handles, so you can use it as your carry-on luggage item or take it anywhere you need to go.

If you are looking for a travel option for napping, lounging, reading, playing, or just a comfy spot for your little one to land, the BumpZZZ is a convenient and lightweight option that you don’t have to worry about inflating.

USHMA – Best All-Around

• Two pricing options, with or without air pump
• Comes with two color options
• Bumper rails
• Pillow included
• BPA, phthalate, and lead-free

USHMA’s inflatable bed is our pick for the best all-around travel bed for toddlers. Depending on your budget, you can choose to purchase this item with or without a foot-operated air pump for a difference of six dollars – though both price points are very budget-friendly.

Each bed comes with two color choices for your toddler; they can opt to sleep on either the blue or gray side, both of which feature a comfortable fabric cover. A pillow is also included and can be flipped to either the blue or gray side as well.

A child’s safety is always important, especially when they are away from their regular bed, and this product is conveniently designed to include bumper rails on each side to help your child feel secure throughout the night. You should also feel comfortable knowing that this bed is free of chemicals BPA, phthalate, and lead.

Baby Seater – Best Budget

Whether your tot is spending the night at grandma’s house or joining you on a long road trip, the Baby Seater inflatable toddler bed is a great value for the price. The bed comes with its own pillow, carrying case, and patch repair kit, should your toddler get a little too rambunctious.

Made with reinforced vinyl to be tear-resistant, the bed should be able to withstand up to 310 pounds of pressure and be easy to move around on. With a high-powered air pump, this bed should inflate in less than a minute, so when those eyelids start to droop, your little one should be off to dreamland in no time.

This two-piece design should make it simple to create a home away from home without too much effort as it allows you to tuck the sheets and blankets into the mattress portion. This creates a cocoon effect and could help your baby to drift off easier and stay warmer throughout the night.

AeroBed – Best Heavy-Duty

• Washable mattress pad included
• Included hand-held AC pump

The AeroBed Air Mattress is meant for kids ages four and older. It was designed to support weights up to 300 lbs and features a spacious 50 x 25-inch sleep surface in case your little one wants you to lay with them until they fall asleep. The 4-inch high safety cushions surrounding the mattress were created to prevent children from accidentally rolling off of the bed.

This mattress was created with heavy-duty PVC material with welded seams for added stability, durability and long-lasting use. The horizontal channel construction was designed to prevent sagging and provide extra support for your child.

The thick fitted mattress pad is washable and features a cute, kid-friendly design with moons and stars.

This blow-up mattress is designed to be quick and easy to use, inflating in under one minute using the included hand-held AC pump. When you are ready to put your mattress away, it deflates in less than 15 seconds and can be conveniently stored in the matching travel bag. The AeroBed is a cozy and portable option that can be used for traveling, sleepovers, or a safe space close to Mom and Dad.

How To Choose The Best Toddler Travel Bed In The Market

Kid’s weight.

Some options are meant for younger children who weigh less, so be sure to check the weight restrictions.

If you are looking for a sleeping space for use at home or the occasional road trip, weight probably will not be an issue. However, if you will be traveling, especially by air, it may be important to look for a lighter-weight option. Some designs are incredibly light and could even be packed in carry-on luggage.

Comfort Level

If this is a bed your toddler will be using frequently, choosing a comfortable sleeping spot may be very important. Sturdier designs may be more durable, but inflatable choices tend to offer more in the way of comfort. If you are unsure, read some reviews to see what other parents have said before purchasing.

Includes A Carrier Bag?

While not essential, a carrying bag can make traveling much easier.

Toddler beds come in a variety of shapes and sizes, which may be an important factor if you have a taller child.

Portability

Some designs can fold up easily into a carrying bag for ease of transportation. Other factors like a pump for inflation may take up additional space.

What Is A Toddler Travel Bed?

A toddler travel bed is a kid-sized, portable bed for families who like to travel or need an in-between option for children who have outgrown their cribs. They are usually designed to be lightweight and easily transportable for travel by car or airplane. There are many different styles to choose from including cots, foldable options, and inflatable air mattresses.

Traveling with younger children can be more challenging since toddlers love routine. Many are accustomed to sleeping in their own space at home and may find it difficult to transition into an unfamiliar setting. Having a comfortable space of their own to play or sleep in may help to ease some of their fears and ensure that everyone gets a good night’s sleep.

Many toddlers are still learning how to sleep in a “big kid” bed. Choosing a design with built-in security rails may provide reassurance for parents who are worried about their little ones falling out of bed.

Different Types of Toddler Travel Beds

Air mattress/inflatable.

Inflatable air mattresses offer a compact option that can easily be transported or stored. Most air mattresses come with a separate pump for easy inflation, but for those options that do not include a pump, they can easily be purchased separately. Air mattresses are easy to inflate or deflate, taking on their full shape in under 30 seconds in many cases.

While many options have a soft flocked surface for sleeping on, your little one may prefer to have separate sheets on top as these mattresses can have a slight plastic odor. Air mattresses are also more prone to tears and leaks, but many come with a repair kit so you can easily fix them.

Many toddler designs include built-in bumpers so you shouldn’t have to worry about your little one falling out of bed. Some also have a “tuck-in” feature or a separate frame so you can keep their sheets from moving around. Toddler mattresses typically fit standard or twin sized-sheets which you may already have at home.

A ready bed is a convenient option for toddlers that comes with a built-in sleeping bag so there is no need for extra bedding. For families who travel a lot or need a ready-to-go sleeping space for their toddler, these portable all-in-one designs give parents one less thing to pack.

Some require inflation and simply need to be unfolded. Many of these ready models come in fun, kid-friendly prints featuring their favorite television characters. For convenience and an all-inclusive option, ready beds may be a good choice.

Folding toddler beds are typically a “cot” design that can be folded up quickly for storage or travel. Most feature a canvas top with steel legs, similar to the popular stadium or camping chairs. These sit higher up off of the ground, so they may be a better option for camping, sleeping outdoors, or even a trip to the beach.

Many schools and daycares use sleep cots for naps or rest-time since they can easily be stacked or stored. Most folding cots do not have side rails, so they are better suited for older children or those who aren’t prone to falling out of bed.

Folding cots also make a convenient option for travel since they are very lightweight and can be easily packed into luggage. They also offer versatility because you can use them as extra seating space for little ones outdoors or around the house.

Why You Need To Have a Toddler Travel Bed

Toddlers are in a unique “transition” time in their lives, just moving out of the baby stage and into a phase of discovery. As they switch from a crib to a “big kid” bed, many toddlers prefer to have a more enclosed space similar to what they’ve been used to. Traveling with little ones can be challenging, so having a familiar space of their own may help young children to feel safe and secure.

Child Travel Bed vs. Travel Crib vs. Pack N Play

As you begin researching the best portable sleeping options for your toddler, you may find all of the different terms confusing. While travel beds, travel cribs, and pack-n-plays can all be used as sleeping spaces for little ones, there are unique considerations that you may want to keep in mind before deciding which is the best choice for your family.

Typically, travel beds are designed for toddlers and children who have already outgrown their cribs. They come in various options such as foldable, “cot” style, inflatable, and ready-beds.

Some may include built-in bumpers for younger children, and others include unique features such as bedding and carrying cases. Different sizes are meant to accommodate younger guests with a crib-size mattress, while others feature twin-size or double mattresses for older children.

Travel cribs are designed for little ones aged two and under, although some come in bigger sizes meant for toddlers. While travel cribs are the best choice for babies, you may want to consider a travel bassinet for infants under four months of age. There are different styles of portable cribs including pop-up types or ready-to-use cribs.

Another style of a portable crib is a co-sleeper that is meant to be used in-between parents in bed. While co-sleepers can only accommodate younger babies up to a certain age or weight, they allow parents to keep their tiny child close and are a good option for places with limited floor space. Co-sleepers are very light-weight and are usually easy to pack and travel with.

A pack-n-play is a foldable playpen or play yard that can easily be packed up for storage or to take on-the-go. While pack-n-plays are a lot bulkier and tend to weigh more than travel beds, they are a convenient option for little ones since they offer a safe place for both sleep and play. Many also include removable bassinets and/or change-tables for an all-in-one option for traveling with babies.

Many families with young children have a pack-n-play in their home for their little ones to nap or play in. These are also a popular choice for storing at Grandma’s house for overnight visits and sleepovers.

While they are a convenient option, they are generally too heavy to take on longer trips since they do not fit into luggage and are too big to use as a carry-on. Deciding which option is best for you will depend on the age of your child and your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions about Toddler Travel Beds

What is the age range for toddler beds.

Depending on your child’s age, weight, and development, they made be ready to transition out of their crib between the ages of one and a half and two. While some parents choose to keep their toddlers in a crib until as late as age three, many children have learned how to climb over the sides of the crib by this time, possibly putting them in danger.

Toddler beds all have different age ranges depending on their design, but most are generally meant for children aged two through five. Some toddler options may extend up to age six or seven, but be sure to check the recommendations first.

Are they really safe?

Safety is a big concern for parents, especially for those with toddlers who love to climb. The benefit of most toddler beds is that they don’t have sides like cribs do so they can easily get up and move. Toddlers are also more prone to rolling out of bed, so many designs feature built-in sides or bumper pads to keep little ones secure.

When considering various options for your child, look for manufacturers that verify they have met American Safety Standards. Many also offer foams that contain safe levels of chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, and lead.

Toddlers are special, and their sleeping space should be special too! Finding a safe and secure option is a big concern for parents, and thankfully there are many varieties to choose from.

Portability, weight, and convenience are all important factors to consider for families looking for the perfect toddler bed for traveling.

Traveling with kids may require more planning to accommodate their unique needs, so having a bed you can take with you may make a world of difference while you travel the globe. Having a familiar spot to lay their head should help your little one to get the rest they need so you can too!

Melanie Kassel

Performance Editor

About Author

As Sleep Advisor’s Performance Editor, Melanie writes and edits content throughout the site to ensure it’s accurate, engaging, and up-to-date.

Combination Sleeper

Posted on Last updated: March 25, 2024 Categories Kids Travel Gear

By: Author Kate

The Ultimate Guide to The Best Toddler Travel Beds

This post may contain affiliate links.

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Are looking for the best toddler travel bed? Do you want a travel bed That will last a long time and fit a tall toddler? This was exactly our dilemma when we were evaluating the best portable cribs for travel. We wanted something that wouldn’t need to be replaced every time our kids grew a few inches!  

We wanted a portable toddler bed that would allow us to keep our kids precious sleep and give us peace of mind on vacation. When looking for a portable travel crib we wanted something that would be easy to set up, lightweight, and large enough for our son to grow into.

So here it is: I’ve done all the research for you, and picked out the best toddler travel beds for family vacations that meet these requirements below!

The Best Toddler Travel Beds: Quick Comparison

Check out my list below to learn about the best travel cribs for toddler travel sleep on the go.  These are the top rated travel cribs for toddlers around!

What to look for in a Toddler Travel Bed

There are a lot of things to consider when purchasing a toddler travel bed. Here are the 5 factors that we have taken into consideration when ranking our toddler travel beds:

• Overall product weight
• Compact fold and ease of set up

Toddler Playpen vs. Toddler Inflatable Beds

If your toddler is still IN the crib, chances are you want to keep her that way on vacation! My eldest son (the escape artist) definitely needed the constraints of his crib for as long as possible, and there was no way I was giving that up on vacation. Also, having always slept in the crib, my son would not have even known what to do if I tried to put him in a bed! There was no way I was going to try to make such a transition on vacation. We wanted to look for a travel bed for a toddler still in the crib.

The problem I’ve found is that most portable cribs for toddlers are too small for taller and older kids. We wanted a large toddler travel bed so we wouldn’t be stuck replacing this item when our toddler turned 3 or 4. I’ve broken down my review below to include toddler travel beds for kids who are still in the crib and toddler travel beds for kids who are out of the crib.

The Best Toddler Travel Bed for Tall Toddlers

Phil and teds traveler.

This is my favorite  toddler travel bed and is the perfect travel crib for a tall toddler.  We used this travel toddler bed until our son was 3 years old and transitioned to a ‘big boy bed.’  This playpen is longer than traditional playpens so it accommodates taller toddlers. This will be a great travel crib for a 3 year old and for many would still work for a 4 year old or 5 year old.  I love that is still like a crib, keeping your little one contained.

The Phil and Teds kids travel bed is really lightweight and will easily fit in a suitcase. It’s the best travel crib for flying as it can be brought on as a carry-on. We often store it in the overhead compartment of a plane and it fits perfect.  Also, it’s lightweight, it weighs only 6 lbs! We have gotten so much great use out of this tall playpen, and it’s still in great shape.

The one negative when rating this portable toddler crib is that the setup is not instant. There are some other toddler travel cribs like the Guava below that set up in just a few seconds. Although it’s not a one-step setup, once you’ve set it up once it’s really easy to set up and take down after that. It takes me about 2 minutes to set it up now that I have the hang of it. For me, this little bit of hassle is worth it for the extra length and lightness!

We’ve used this portable travel bed not only just for sleeping – we have also used it as a makeshift beach tent and fort in our backyard. I love that this compact travel crib is not just for sleep, it’s also a space for our kids to play and stay safe when we are on vacation.

As you can see above, the length of this travel bed is the big selling point! I brought it out to take pictures for this blog and was surprised to find that my 4.5-year-old son STILL fits in this large toddler bed. Now he’s not the tallest 4-year-old out there, but STILL, I was really impressed. My 18-month-old is much taller than my first and he still has PLENTY of room in the Phil and Teds traveler. This is definitely the best travel crib for a 2 year old and up!

The Best Toddler Travel Bed for a Play Space

Joovy room 2 play pen.

If you are wanting extra space in your portable toddler travel bed, this extra-sized playpen is perfect for you. The Joovy Room 2 is 50% larger than a standard playpen making it great for large toddlers and also great as a play spot during the day. It still packs up compact and can be checked with your luggage depending on your airline regulations.

It’s definitely heavier than some of the other options on the market, but that might be worth it for the extra room! I love that this playpen is large enough that you can throw some toys in and your little one can also play safely in here without feeling too cramped. Especially on vacation, this can be useful because the places we stay aren’t always baby proofed how we like them! I’ve also heard this playpen is great for twins!

The Best Travel Bed For The Toddler that is Still in the Crib

Guava lotus travel crib.

The Guava Lotus Travel Crib and the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib are both popular options for toddler travel beds. If you check out Amazon there are lots of head-to-head reviews comparing these two options. The setup for the Guava playpen is really simple and intuitive and the crib folds up very compact for easy portability. There is even a backpack carrier which is a really nice feature for airports and more adventurous trips.

The dimensions are not as long as the Phil and Teds travel crib above which is why it’s not my first choice for a portable travel crib. It may work fine as a portable bed for a 2 year old but will be pushing it as a travel bed for a 3 year old . I like the longer length of the Phil and Ted’s traveler crib for my growing toddler.

The Guava Lotus crib is Greenguard certified meaning that it is non-toxic without the use of harmful chemicals. The cover is removable and machine washable which knowing my toddler is an absolute necessity! Overall, I love the design of this portable crib. Although I haven’t tried it myself, I asked my friend Emily over at Henry and Andrew’s Guide for her review. Here’s what she had to say:

‘The Guava Lotus is the best toddler travel bed because it’s easy to carry, it’s so light, and it’s perfect for even the bigger toddlers. We took ours on our 5 countries in 14 days trip in Europe. That meant we carried it through 5 plane rides, 1 train ride, and numerous car trips. We didn’t mind it at all! You can carry it as a backpack so your hands are free, or it folds up in a perfect rectangular shape, so it can be easily stacked on top of your rolling bag. Another perk is that even though it’s not a stroller, we’ve never been charged for checking it through the airlines as a baby item. This was the best travel bed for our 2 year old, until he grew out of his own crib at home! Their customer service is excellent too.’

The Most Compact and Lightweight Toddler Travel Bed

Peapod plu s:.

The PeaPod is a popular option that is particularly marketed as a travel bed for baby. It’s one of the most compact toddler beds as it folds down into a small bag that’s easy to throw in a suitcase. It certainly has small size in it’s favor but it’s otherwise impractical as a long term solution for more mobile toddlers and preschoolers.

I’m happy to have my friend Jill from This Harry Life drop in to give her review of this popular toddler travel bed. You may be surprised to see what she has to say!

‘The most appreciated aspect of this baby travel bed is it’s compact size. Folded up, it’s 18 inches in diameter by about 6 inches deep (this compresses to about half that depth when packed). It was extremely reasonably priced compared to other travel sleep accessories we considered, and with the zipper closed you can keep your child safely contained inside. We purchased this thinking it was the best option for a portable travel bed for baby. There are drawbacks to the PeaPod , though it works OK for us. My primary issue is the interior. Safe sleep guidelines dictate the included mat be snapped underneath, and there is no option to secure it inside. This is fine, but the interior is a a harsh polyester surface to place my child directly on. Anything I put underneath to soften it shifts and bunches as my child moves. It is also incredibly bright, and I have occasionally had to drape towels over it in an attempt to provide darkness to nap in bright spaces. Further, this item only has a single use: for your child to sleep in. It is not a space that I can safely place my child to play or be occupied, which is necessary sometimes when in non-baby-proof settings. For that reason if I were in the market for a travel bed for baby again, I would not likely buy another PeaPod, despite it being the most affordable option.’

The Best Travel Bed For The Toddler that is Out of the Crib

Once our toddler was out of his crib the options for sleep were so much easier! Depending on where we were though, I did worry about him escaping his sleeping quarters at night. To solve this I have rented baby gates at my destination on multiple occasions. This gave me peace of mind that if my toddler woke up in the middle of the night he would be safe until we got to him.  (You’ll find more toddler travel hacks here!)

A Mattress on The Floor

Nothing wrong with simplicity when it comes to kids travel beds! There are lots of great travel toddler beds out there but when push comes to shove, a mattress on the floor is really all you need for toddler sleep. We often rent Airbnbs and in these places, it is usually quite easy to do this. In hotels, space is tighter so we have had to use inflatable bed rails (see below). Once my eldest had transitioned out of the crib it was great not to have to pack an extra piece of equipment. A mattress on the floor works great and means you can keep your packing minimal!

The Best Toddler Travel Bed for Compact Spaces

Regalo my cot.

Another great option for toddler travel beds is a portable cot. Travel cots for toddlers are generally easy to fold up and store and provide a more comfortable surface than the ground. I love this as a toddler camping bed. We bought this for my son when we were going camping knowing that we wouldn’t have access to a mattress to put on the floor. We used a kids sleeping bag like this one and it made it a bit comfier for him to sleep on. He enjoyed having a special ‘big boy bed’ on the trip and we loved the portability and easy setup.

The portable kids travel cot folds up compact and is extremely simple to set up. I’m not sure that I would take it on an airplane because it would definitely need to be checked! We got lots of use with it on road trips. It’s certainly not the comfiest thing in the world, but my son didn’t seem to mind it. This thing work as a portable travel bed for a toddler and wins points on easy set up and storage.

Now that my son can sleep in a real bed we aren’t using it as much as a child travel bed. I have, however, found a great hack for it – we bring it to the beach and we use it as a raised platform for the kids to sit on when we eat. It keeps us somewhat out of the sand and is comfier than sitting directly on the ground. I love a product that can be used for longer than a few months. I’m glad I’ve found ways to make this purchase worthwhile!

The Best Toddler Travel Bed for Grandma’s House

Milliard portable toddler bumper bed.

This portable toddler bed is perfect for toddlers transitioning from the crib to an adult bed. The travel bed bumpers on the side are a really nice feature which keep little ones safe and comfortable inside this bed. I think this bed is best portable crib for grandma’s house or a cottage that is tight on space. It would also be great for camping, I wish they made it in adult size!! It’s not carry-on size so it would need to be checked for flying. I think this makes it less desirable for this type of trip.

The Best Toddler Travel Bed for a Hotel Room

Inflatable bed rails by the shrunks.

These are definitely the best travel bed rails for toddlers! I find that hotels always have beds that are sooo high off the ground! I was constantly worrying that my son was going to fall out of the bed until I found this product . These inflatable bed rails are the perfect travel option. They keep my restless sleeper from taking a tumble in the night. Since they are inflatable, they are super easy to set up and pack. You just slip them under the sheets and kids won’t roll off the mattress in their sleep.

Having recently slept with my toddler on our last trip, he is a little MOVING MANIAC. I felt like I was getting kicked all night. I’m glad to have these bumpers to turn our bed into a portable toddler bumper bed and to keep him from Karate kicking right off the bed. If I don’t have these available I will unusually throw some extra pillows on the floor JUST IN CASE 🙂

Sleeping on a real mattress in a nice hotel is so much better than a thin pad in a travel toddler bed so I like that these rails give me peace of mind to let my toddler sleep on the ‘big bed’ and have a really comfortable sleep!

The Best Toddler Travel Bed for Camping

The shrunks toddler travel bed.

The Shrunks also makes a  Shrunks inflatable toddler bed that has gotten rave reviews from my friends who own one! An inflatable toddler bed is a great option especially for things like camping or hotel rooms where there aren’t extra mattresses lying around.

This award-winning inflatable toddler mattress has some really cool design features that make it a great option. First, it has raised edges that act as toddler bed bumpers and keep your little one safely on the mattress. As well the inner mattress within this inflatable toddler travel bed raises up allowing you to tuck in standard size crib sheets. This is a really nice feature that makes keeping the mattress clean super easy. It’s also nice to be able to use standard crib sheets as this will likely be a familiar comfort for your little ones.

The Shrunks inflatable mattress comes with an electric pump which is essential for inflating quickly on the go. It comes in a compact case that’s easy to carry from one place to another. Keep one of this toddler air mattress at grandma’s house, its a convenient option for places that are short on space.

The Best Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed with Bumpers

Intex kids travel bed.

Another inflatable mattress for toddlers is the Intex kids travel bed . It has built-in bumpers as well that make it perfect for little ones.  It also has the ability to tuck in sheets by pulling out the inner mattress. I’m more of a ‘glamper’ than a true camper, so we bring an inflatable air mattress when we are camping. The Intex kids travel bed is perfect for camping with kids! It’s also great in a hotel room where space is tight. The Intex toddler travel bed comes with a pump included

Let’s hear your toddler travel bed reviews!

What do you think is the best portable travel cribs for toddlers?? I’d love to hear your favorites! Drop me a line in the comments below and let me know! I always love to hear what you think. Before you head on vacation, be sure to check out my other posts on the best car seat for travel , the best kids suitcases , and my (completely free!) downloadable packing list to keep your packing organized on vacation. Safe travels and wishing everyone a good nights rest! xo Kate

Pin for later!

Ryan Biddulph

Wednesday 27th of September 2017

Nice list of toddler beds here.

Although her fam will not be traveling anytime soon - big-time home bodies - my 15 month old niece could definitely fit nicely in a few of these beds.

Thanks for sharing.

Sunday 8th of October 2017

Thanks for stopping by Ryan! These are perfect for a 15-month-old :)

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Best Travel Cribs

The best travel cribs are super portable to make your job as carrier-of-all-the-stuff a tad easier., by jen labracio.

Traveling with babies and kids can be so rewarding, but there’s one thing you need when you get going: gear. To make things easier, you may want to have a travel stroller (or maybe your usual travel system will work just fine) and a travel car seat , but no matter how lightly you want to pack, your little one will need a safe place to rest. The best travel cribs are super portable to make your job as the baby gear schlepper a tad easier.

Babylist’s Top Picks for the Best Travel Cribs

• Best Lightweight: Babybjörn Travel Crib Light
• Best Affordable Lightweight: Chicco Alfa Lite Lightweight Travel Playard
• Best for Flying: Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib & Play Yard
• Best Affordable: Graco Pack ‘n Play Portable Playard
• Best for Toddlers: Newton Baby Travel Crib and Play Yard
• Most Versatile: UPPAbaby REMI Travel Crib & Playard
• Most Portable: Aeromoov Instant Travel Cot
• Best for Small Spaces: Bugaboo Stardust Playard
• Best for Car Travel: Maxi-Cosi Swift Playard

In This Article

How we chose the best travel cribs.

• Our Top Picks

What Is a Travel Crib?

Do you need a travel crib, what to look for in a travel crib, babylist’s picks for the best travel cribs, best lightweight travel crib.

Babybjörn Travel Crib & Organic Sheet Bundle - Dark Green

Why we love it.

Weighing in at just 13 pounds, the Babybjörn Travel Crib is one of the lightest travel cribs on the market, making it especially ideal if you’re a family who’s routinely on the go. Top features include an incredibly easy setup (it unfolds and breaks down in one motion, and there are no loose parts to worry about), breathable mesh sides and a firm but ultra-comfy mattress that parents rave about. The mattress and the fabric frame are both machine washable, so it’s easy to clean. And when the crib is folded in its carrying case, it will fit within any airline baggage compartment. Wheels up, with baby in tow!

Keep in Mind

You’ll want to stop using this travel crib around three years old or until your little one is able to climb out of it. But unlike many other travel cribs, there’s no weight limit for the Babybjörn, since the crib’s mattress rests on ground. This means you’ll get more time out of this travel crib than most.

What Babylist Parents Say

“Very happy with this travel crib – lightweight, packable, set up is incredibly easy, and it’s simple to disassemble for cleaning. The thing that set this crib apart for other similar travel-appropriate pack-and-plays for us was the thicker mattress – our 9 month old slept just as well in this travel crib as she does at home. Great product, we would highly recommend!” -BH

Additional Specs

Best Affordable Lightweight Travel Crib

Chicco Alfa Lite Lightweight Travel Playard - Dove

A lightweight travel crib is a sound investment if you’re a family who’s frequently on the go or if you plan on using it for multiple children, but many cost upwards of $300, especially after you add on accessories like sheets. Chicco’s Alfa Lite is a stellar lightweight travel crib but is about half the price of other similar options. And don’t worry—you won’t be sacrificing on features or quality. It weighs 13 pounds, is easy to open and close, folds down into a zippered carrying bag (with a large shoulder strap) and even has a zip-down side for easy access to your little one.

The Alfa Lite is Greenguard Gold Certified. Some parents mention that the mattress is on the thinner side.

“This travel playard is perfect. The design is sleek and the safely measures are advanced. The side opening zipper is buckled to the leg so no little hands can magically unzip themselves. The mattress pad also gets buckled in place. It took seconds to set up and take down. The travel playard makes your life so much easier while traveling and doesn’t take up much of any space in the car. 100/10 recommend buying!!!” -Sophia K.

Best Travel Crib for Flying

Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib & Play Yard

If you’ve ever traveled with kids, especially via plane, you know the value of having one less thing to tote around. Meet the Lotus: the travel-crib-turned-backpack that no traveling family should leave home without. This ultra-lightweight crib folds seamlessly into a compact, backpack-style carrying case, leaving your hands free to deal with the other 142 things they’ll be tasked with for attempting to leave the house with your littles in tow. (This feature comes in especially handy in airports.) We also love the unique zip-down “door” feature of the crib’s mesh side—it makes getting down on baby’s level for cuddles, feeding or play super easy, then quietly zips back up and locks into place.

Like the Babybjörn Travel Crib, the Guava’s mattress is flush to the ground, meaning there’s no weight limit usage recommendations here, either. Some parents report that the mattress is fairly thin, however.

“The Lotus crib is one of the best products we have. It is lightweight, folds and assembles in just a few snaps, and has mesh sides. The fabric comes completely off and is machine washable.” -Kristin

Best Affordable Travel Crib

Graco Pack 'n Play Portable Playard - Reign

If you’re looking for simple, sturdy travel crib that will stand the test of time but won’t break the bank, this Pack ‘n Play from Graco fits the bill. Although it’s basic, the features are anything but—there are a ton of things that you (and your little one) will love. We especially appreciate the sturdy frame, the roomy area for play and sleep and the push-button fold for quick and easy breakdown. And at around $70, this travel crib is perfect for using as an extra playard around the house and for keeping at the grandparents’ house or anywhere else you know you’ll be visiting on a regular basis.

You can’t attach any extras to this travel crib, like a bassinet or changing table. And some parents complain that the mattress is on the thin side, so that may be something to consider if you’re planning on using it for more than just the occasional weekend away. It’s also fairly heavy, so you won’t want to use it if you’re traveling by plane or anywhere else where you’ll need to carry it around frequently.

Best Travel Crib for Toddlers

Newton Baby Travel Crib and Play Yard - Grey (2023)

As your baby grows into a toddler , many parents still need the safety that the confines of a crib provide—especially while traveling. But what happens when your toddler is too big for their travel crib but too little for a bed? Enter the Newton. The mattress is about two times larger than most travel cribs, making it ideal for an older toddler who may be sized out of a smaller playard. It’s also 100 percent breathable and washable, made with the same Wovenaire technology used in the brand’s much-loved crib mattress. It’s flush to the ground, so there’s no weight limit, and it’s super comfy and GREENGAURD Gold Certified.

The playard weighs in at about 17 pounds, so while it’s not the lightest on the market, it’s still fairly easy to travel with and the weight is for a good cause. Assembly and breakdown are easy and the crib comes with a travel bag for easy storage. And it’s not just for the toddler years; there’s a bassinet insert for use from day one. Oh, and when you are ready to graduate your toddler from the travel crib, check out these great toddler travel beds .

Because of the Newton’s larger sleep space, it’s a bit bulkier than some of the other travel cribs on our list. The travel bag only has a handle, not a shoulder strap or backpack straps. And the crib is too large to store in the overhead compartment of an airplane

“I despise traditional pack n play style things. Newton’s playard is innovative and will definitely grow with a child from infancy through the preschool years! My 4.5 year old can still sleep in it comfortably with plenty of space. I really appreciate the thought that went into this product.” -Mona

Most Versatile Travel Crib

UPPAbaby REMI Travel Crib & Playard - Charlie

And speaking of multifunctional products, the Remi from UPPAbaby is the best choice if you’re looking for an all-in-one travel crib and playard to use both at home and when you’re on the go. There’s a ton of functionality built in to this smartly designed (and beautiful) playard. It’s Greenguard Gold Certified and includes a removable bassinet, a zip-down side panel, a triple layer air mesh mattress and a smooth, simple fold that takes one hand and only a few seconds. There are also lots of accessories to add on. A few of our favorites include the changing station , organizer and canopy .

The Remi is expensive, and even moreso when you start adding on accessories. It’s also fairly heavy, weighing in at about 20 pounds. This isn’t a big deal if you’re planning to use it mostly at home and for the occasional overnight trip, but if your family travels frequently and you need to bring along a place for your baby to sleep, it may not be your best option.

“Incredibly easy to set up. Our baby just started crawling and we don’t have a good play yard set up yet, so this was great to put him in a for the meantime. We purchased it instead of a Graco pack and play because of the zipper access and mattress quality. Love it!!!” -Rachel

Most Portable Travel Crib

Aeromoov Instant Travel Cot - White Sand

Pop-up tent meets travel crib in the Aeromoov. This 11-pound playard works just as well for a day at the beach or the park as it does for an overnight at grandma’s and is our top pick if you’re looking for one piece of gear you can use both indoors and out. The origami-style fold takes about two seconds (literally), and once it’s folded down, the whole thing slips into a bag and is less than five inches wide. It’s easy to stash for travel or throw over your shoulder and carry if you need to bring it along for an outdoor adventure. (There are also lots of useful accessories available like a sunshade and a mosquito net.) Another feature we love: there are two levels, one upper level bassinet-style for newborns up to about two months and a the main lower level for older babies and toddlers.

If you’re using the crib indoors and your little one moves around a lot, the fabric makes a “swishing” sound that’s a bit loud.

Best Travel Cribs for Small Spaces

Bugaboo stardust playard - grey melange.

Simple, streamlined and seamless. The Bugaboo Stardust is one of the smaller travel crib + playards on our list, but it packs a big punch. Unlike most travel cribs that open from the center of the base and feature fold-out legs, the standout feature here is the accordion-style fold. It makes it quick and easy to open and close by either pushing or pulling each side. You can even fold the Stardust with the mattress still inside—a pretty big deal and a huge time-saving (and sanity-saving) feature.

The Stardust weighs about 14 pounds and has a compact design that’s ideal for spaces that can’t handle a giant playard, either at home or when you’re on the go. There’s also a bassinet attachment for younger babies, a really comfortable mattress and all-around mesh panels.

The maximum weight limit for the Stardust is similar to the other travel cribs on our list, but because of smaller size, your little one may outgrow it in height sooner than they would with other playards. It’s also on the pricier side.

“I’m a first time mom and it feels like I have tried all the baby products out there. We were in the market for a new pack n’ play so I recently purchased this for my 5.5 month old and it is a game changer when it comes to portability and ease. I’ve found other products like this are bulky and difficult to store, but the Stardust is slender, lightweight and unfolds in one second. (No exaggeration.) I would highly recommend this product for travel, sleeping or playtime - in fact, we’re looking forward to traveling with it over the holidays!” -AlexT

Best Travel Crib for Car Travel

Maxi-cosi swift play yard - classic graphite.

Weighing in at just over 18 pounds, the Maxi-Cosi Swift is too heavy and bulky for regular air travel. But it’s also quite a bit lighter than many of the standard playards on the market, so we still wanted to consider it for our best-of list. That’s why think it’s an ideal choice if you’re a family who travels frequently by car. While you won’t want to lug it around on the regular, it’s easy enough to load and unload from any vehicle. And the setup and breakdown? It’s an actual dream, especially during travel when you have 14 other things to do after you set up your little one’s sleep space. Parents rave about how easy it is—it actually folds in one step using only one hand. Other pros to love include a super sturdy design, a comfortable mattress and a bassinet attachment that comes included at no extra cost.

As noted above, the Swift weighs about 18 pounds, so it’s not the lightest travel crib of the bunch, but isn’t the heaviest, either.

“We have tried a handful of play yards and the difficulty of putting them down and back up is what always frustrates us. The swift is truly like no other. It takes less than 5 seconds to set it up and less than five seconds to break it down. Not only is it so easy but it’s also so aesthetically pleasing!!” -Momof3

• We analyzed results from Babylist’s Best Baby Products survey, which polled 6,000 Babylist users and asked them to share the baby products they love the most and why.
• We utilized insight from the Babylist editorial team, including Gear Editor Jen LaBracio, an expert in the baby space for over six years and a mom of two who has written hundreds of baby gear guides and personally researched and tested hundreds of baby products, including many travel cribs.
• We reviewed customer reviews from hundreds of real Babylist parents.

A travel crib is a portable crib you can use for sleep or play when you’re away from home with your baby or toddler. While you can use most playards for the same purpose, travel cribs are specifically designed with travel in mind; they’re lighter, more compact and easier to set up and break down than your average playard. Travel cribs generally accommodate newborns to toddlers about three years old.

Whether or not you need a travel crib depends on how often you travel and where you’re heading on your next adventure.

Many hotels and even some rental homes may supply a travel crib. Using a baby gear rental company is an option, too. But if you’re staying somewhere that doesn’t supply a crib, you don’t want to rent or you simply prefer to be in control of what your baby sleeps in while you’re away, investing in a travel crib is probably a good idea.

Besides being a place to rest, travel cribs are also a safe place for your little one to play, especially when you’re away from your usual surroundings and potentially dealing with a non- babyproofed space. (We’re looking at you, sharp table corners and exposed electrical sockets.) You can even use some travel cribs as a napping spot on days spent at the beach or park.

Travel cribs can be expensive. A travel crib is also something you’ll use for years, especially if your family travels frequently. Think through these features before you buy.

• Weight. This is one of the most important features to look for in a travel crib. A lightweight travel crib is easier to lift and carry than a heavier option. To figure out if this is important to you or not, think through how often you’ll be traveling and which modes of transport you generally use. Do you travel infrequently and often by car? Plan to use your travel crib only for a trip to the grandparents’ once a year? Then your travel crib’s weight may not be hugely important to you. Are you planning several trips by plane where you’ll need to bring your travel crib along? Then the weight of the travel crib you choose should jump to the top of your priority list.
• Size and portability. Similar to weight, the size and overall portability of your travel crib are important features, but also dependent on how often you travel and how you get wherever you’re going. If you’re a frequent flyer, you’ll want a travel crib that’s not only lightweight but portable, too. Look for a compact crib and something that has either backpack straps or another easy way to carry it through someplace like an airport or train station. If not, however, a slightly larger travel crib or one that doesn’t come with built-in carry straps may be just fine.
• Longevity. How long you’ll be able to use your travel crib is a big factor to consider while shopping. One thing to consider is the crib’s design. Although not outwardly labeled this way, there are two basic types of travel cribs: cribs with raised mattresses and cribs where the mattress lies flush with the floor. Most travel cribs with raised mattresses have weight maximums. This means that if you have a larger, heavier child, they may exceed the travel crib’s weight long before you feel comfortable letting them sleep in a regular bed or even a toddler travel bed while you’re away from home. Travel cribs where the mattress sits directly on the floor, however, often do not have weight maximums. While your little one still may outgrow the crib by height, these types of travel cribs often can be used for a longer period of time.
• Ease of breakdown and setup. Travel with babies and toddlers is no easy feat. Look for a travel crib that sets up and breaks down quickly and easily so you can spend less time grappling with gear and more time enjoying your vacation.
• Materials and breathability. Look for a travel crib with a breathable mattress, breathable mesh sides and one that’s made from soft, comfortable materials. If it’s important to you, you may prefer a travel crib that’s GREENGUARD Gold Certified or uses organic materials. Removable and machine washable sides and covers are also nice-to-have features in case of a mess.
• Budget. Travel cribs can get pricey, especially if you want one that’s extremely lightweight and portable. Thinking through how often you’ll be traveling and what types of features will make the most sense to you can help you determine your budget.

Jen LaBracio

Senior gear editor.

Jen LaBracio is Babylist’s Senior Gear Editor, a role that perfectly combines her love of all things baby gear with her love of (obsessive) research. When she’s not testing out a new high chair or pushing the latest stroller model around her neighborhood, she likes to run, spin, listen to podcasts, read and spend time at the beach. In her past life, she worked for over a decade in children’s publishing. She lives outside of Chicago with her husband and their two boys, Will and Ben.

• 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.

The best travel cots 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 -  £225 • Best budget travel cot : Cuggl Deluxe Superlight Travel Cot - £60 • Best stylish travel cot : Baby Elegance Kangu Foldable Bedside Sleeper - £74.99

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 2024

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

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. Despite how lightweight it is, testers agree that the cot was good quality and felt sturdy and secure.  One mum tester says, "I was impressed with the materials used and quality feel of the cot once it was up. Felt steady and secure when lifting child in and out of the bed. Child was able to nap well, good ventilation through the sides."

Another of our mum testers likes how lightweight and how small the travel cot folds. She describes it as; "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." She also liked that it wasn't too heavy, which made it easy to lug around upstairs when they staying in hotels without lifts.

All of our testers agreed that a bassinet option would have been great with this travel cot, especially parents of younger babies.  One of our testers whose baby is five months says, "It simply wasn't useful overnight with his wake-ups having to bend. I could barely reach him and resorted to giving up using it and ended up having to co sleep in our bed. This defeats the point of a travel cot." We think that for parents of young babies aged 6 months and under, this travel cot probably isn't what you're looking for. But for everyone else, this is a great portable travel option, and our testers were able to get the cot set up easily and quickly with the simple instructions.

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

• The all round mesh sides provide lots of ventilation for your little one while they rest and enable you to see and check on them from all directions
• This is a compact travel cot that's much smaller, lightweight, and less bulky than traditional ones. When folded, it measures just 60x15x50 cm
• The mattress makes this cot super cosy and comfortable for baby
• Unfortunately there's no raised bassinet

2. Graco FoldLite

Best travel cot for compact fold.

www.oliversbabycare.co.uk

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. The cot collapses to just 26cm wide. Our Mum tester Sarah says, "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." Testers loved the Home Fold feature to help fold away quickly and clear space within seconds. The cot unfolds and just clicks together, only two of the sides need to click together due to the way it is folded which makes putting the cot up and down much easier and quicker.

One of our mum testers Archana didn't get along with the cot as well when it came to dismantling it fully though. She says, "Folding into the slide away is easy - and really handy for day to day use - that’s what I liked most about it - however folding away fully and putting in the bag is quite clunky and a chore."

The FoldLite has a mesh lining and two wheels for easy manoeuvrability, making it a useful portable cot for travelling with. It's easy to pop up, says Sarah whose grandparents popped it up without any instructions. She enjoys using it around the house and says, "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." She also thinks it would be invaluable for holiday cottages that may not be very well baby-proofed.

The cot also comes with a mattress included. Our mum tester Georgia says, "The only issue I had with it was once wrapping the mattress around the base you do have to pull it quite tightly to then fit it in the bag." Overall our testers love the convenience of having a pop-up cot to hand at home. One thing to be aware of though, as our mum tester Joanna pointed out, is that It has quite a large high sides so it can be difficult to reach within, especially if you have a bad back.

Read our full review of the Graco FoldLite.

• Choose between two different ways to fold – this is greater quick changes at home, and also trips away from home with the extra compact fold version.
• Easy to fold and store away at home – folding this way is fast and extra flat too at just 26cm wide. It pops back up fast too!
• Super lightweight – over 30 percent less overall weight than most full size travel cots at just 6.7kg
• The carry bag is very convenient for travel – the cot itself also has two wheels for easy manoeuvrability
• Assembly not totally straightforward as one tester had trouble when dismantling the product fully
• Requires more effort to fit into the bag once wrapping the mattress around the base

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. Our mum tester Meg found the cot to be very sturdy and easy to pack and unpack. She says it folds up reasonable small, and likes that the carry handle makes it easier to transport. "Seems comfortable" she adds, "the newborn bassinet is super convenient for little ones and my babe settled immediately in it."

Convenient for carrying around your home too, it comes with a zip-in carrycot insert, an all-around mesh panel for airflow and a lovely firm and comfortable mattress. It's a shame the mattress doesn't include a waterproof cover, so you'll have to buy this separately to protect it. Our parent tester Matt bought this cot mainly for the ease of popping it up and down, but also says he liked that they could raise the height of the mattress when their baby was very little. this provides easier access to lift baby in and out. "There don't seem to be many travel cots that have that design," he says, "we used it as much at home for naps as we did on the road. It's a great bit of kit." The suspended base will also protect your little ones from draughts.

• Includes carrycot insert and mattress
• You can fold the cot with the mattress still inside as long – as you use without the newborn insert
• Great for both experienced and first-time parents
• Easy to assemble – with a simple no-fuss pop-up design you can literally achieve a 1-second unfold
• Compact to fold in just 3 simple steps
• Unfortunately, the 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 super lightweight travel cot has a bassinet attachment that clicks easily onto the top, making it perfect for changing nappies. It also has wheels, so it's easy to move around. The best part is that it sets up and folds away in seconds, making it a great travel cot that won't break the bank. Our mum tester Tori likes that it folds up thin to fit in their car boot along with a double pram and a few bags. She says, "I would definitely recommend this product to other mums, it's so easy to put up and down and transport on its handy bag"

Mum tester Sarah agrees, and would also recommend it for anyone looking for an inexpensive no-nonsense travel cot. She says it was lightweight enough for her to carry around, and compact enough to pack in their car along with everything else. She says, "Once I'd done the initial set up of the cot, it was easy to put together and to take apart too." Our mum testers also say the instructions are really easy to follow and everything is easy to wipe down to keep clean while travelling. One thing to be aware of is that the design of this cot is quite low to the ground, which may be something to keep in mind if you have back problems when lifting baby in and out.

Read our full review of the Cuggl Deluxe Superlight Travel Cot

• The removable changer and bassinet that fits on the top is useful for nappy changing
• This cot has four airy mesh sides providing all-round ventilation and baby viewing from all angels to check up on your little one while they rest or play
• The stylish lightweight aluminium legs make it easy to fold the cot down in seconds
• With wheels you can easily move the cot around your home or a hotel room
• Comes with a handy storage bag that's also useful for travelling
• An affordable and very portable solution for travelling with a baby
• The design of this cot means it's quite low to the ground

5. Baby Bjorn Travel Cot Light

Best lightweight travel cot.

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 is really light and portable, making it perfect for taking with you when you visit relatives, or just moving with baby around your home. Our mum tester Nicola did find the cot to be less attractive than others in terms of design appeal, but said her little one slept well in it and seemed very comfortable. She liked that it also comes with a nice carry bag, which she says makes it easy to transport.

The built-in base helps to keep it standing nice and sturdy in its position, but this is a very lightweight cot. Mum Nicola found it to be less robust than others, saying "Amelia can push it around by herself." However, she also says it's the easiest travel cot to carry as it's amazingly light." 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. One thing to keep in mind is that it may be harder to dry, which is quite important if you're away and need to wash and dry it.

Read our full review of the BabyBjörn Light Travel Cot

• With no extra parts this cot is super easy to assemble in just one simple movement – just open the carry bag, lift out the travel cot and pop it up
• The mattress cover and travel cot fabric are easy to remove and are machine washable at 40 degrees
• It's super lightweight at 6 kilos for moving around – but the built-in base helps to keep it standing nice and sturdy in its position.
• Made with sensitive skin in mind
• Reviewers found it 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. You basically get three-in-one, with a a full-size bassinet, which snaps easily on and off as required, as well as a changing unit and portable bouncing seat. What makes this travel cot even more unique is that there are also 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 to guide you In the dark.

Despite all the extras, it still folds compactly and comes with its own travel storage bag. Our mum tester Kathryn did find it quite difficult to assemble though. "I had to enlist my husband's help." she says, adding that it's sturdy and almost as big as a normal cot. however she points out that the integrated wheels do make it easier to move. She says the extra accessories that come with the cot would be great for a newborn, but her Olly was a bit too old for them. He did, however, like the sounds, and she says the light was great for night changes without fully waking him. Overall, Kathryn recommends this cot as a real investment that will grow with your baby.,

Our mum tester Nicola was also impressed, and like that the mesh sides enabled her to check on her little one without getting out of bed. Her daughter also enjoyed being able to see them when she woke up. Nicola says the mattress seems very comfortable for her little one, and she found the colours and pattern of the travel cot to be really appealing. She agreed that the extra accessories aren't really suitable past 12 months though, and also found the cot to be quite heavy. She says, "I would struggle to move it from room to room without help".

• With one quick click you can go from changing unit to snoozing or the bouncing seat, for fast transitions and easy travel
• You can also pop the sound & lights module pop on or off with a quick click
• You get more for your money and greater versatility – the SecureClick snoozing seat doubles as a portable bouncer when used off the cot!
• The simple push button allows you to fold to pack up the cot in a snap – this makes set up and shut down in seconds super quick and convenient for busy mums and dads
• The cot packs away nice and compact in a carry bag that's included – perfect for storing at home in small spaces or travelling with
• The cot has two integrated wheels making moving the cot around a breeze
• All four sizes are lined with see-through mesh allowing plenty of airflow, plus, you can view baby from wherever you are in the room
• With an elevated base the cot is draught resistant
• Enjoy novelty sound, vibration and nightlight settings
• This cot is amazingly good value for money
• With so many features, this cot is quite heavy
• The extra accessories aren't suitable for older babies

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, making it ideal for travel. We love the bassinet accessory, which makes this brilliant for use from birth, and so does our mum tester Kirsty who says, "The bassinet makes it easy to lift Rikku in and out." She did find it a bit fiddly to detach though.

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. Kirsty especially liked that the sheet stayed in place with the velcro. The cot has a sturdy aluminium frame and a triple-layered ventilated mattress for superior comfort. Mum tester Nicola thought it was very stylish and said her daughter slept well in it. She loved the "lovely, thick mattress" and extra machine-washable sheet, saying she found it was simple to assemble.

When it comes to set-up our mum tester Kirsty found it reasonably straightforward. However, she says it doesn't fold very neatly, and she found it fiddly to pack away. While the cot is certainly very sturdy, Kirsty says this makes it feel more heavy and take up a lot of space in their small car boot. Mum tester Nicola really liked the sturdiness of the travel cot too, but agrees that the only disadvantage is that it's quite heavy. She says, "I think I would struggle to get this from one place to another by myself."

Read our full review of the Nuna Sena Aire

• The cot is easy to set up and hold with one hand for when you have baby in the other
• This is the only cot available that has the unique feature of being able fold the frame with the upper cot still in it, making it super convenient
• The base of this cot is above ground, which makes it draft-proof for your little one
• The cot has skid-proof feet keeping it quiet and still ensuring your baby stays asleep
• The unique zigzag frame allows the cot to pop open quickly and easily without any fuss
• The advanced air design™, with the mesh sides, floor and mattress working in combination, allows air flow from every angle
• The cot is very easy to clean due to the mattress's zip-off design, which is machine washable and dryer safe
• The ventilated triple-layered mattress is designed to pull away both heat and humidity, meaning little one stays comfortable and asleep throughout the night.
• The removable mattress panels allow for deep cleaning to make sure it stay clean and safe for your baby over time.
• Everything you need comes with the cot – you even get organic sheets included
• The padded edges prevent pinched fingers
• Pack your cot up and travel easily with the travel bag included and easy carry handle
• Not as lightweight as other options
• Doesn't fold very neatly or small
• A bit fiddly to detach the bassinet

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. Our mum testers love that it's quick and easy to assemble, and compact enough to fit into smaller spaces without taking up too much room. However, our mum tester Kathryn described it as one of the heaviest travel cots they tested. This meant that it was nice and roomy, and a good size for their baby, but Kathryn says it was almost the same size as their normal cot! Despite this, she agrees it's easy to assemble and put away in the carry bag included, plus, the wheels made it easier to move around, and she did like the neutral colour. Mum tester Nicola, on the other hand, points out that while the cream colour does look lovely, she imagines it could get dirty very quickly.

Loaded with extras such as a newborn bassinet, handy changing mat and toy bar, this is definitely a cot that represents great value for money, although Nicola points out that the changing unit, while it's a great idea, is only suitable for use up to 12 months. It also has a nightlight and musical feature, as well as the option to set the mattress to vibrate to help soothe your baby. The four mesh sides are a great feature too, allowing you to keep an eye on your little one, while also being useful for ventilation, but Kathryn found that she did have to bend low to reach her baby. Nicola also felt that the mattress was on the thin side, which meant that her little one didn't sleep as well as hoped.

Read our full review of the Graco Contour Electra Travel Cot

• This is a cot that is designed to grow with your child from newborn to toddler
• The removable bassinet is perfect to newborns
• There is an integrated changing station for added convenience, made from wipe-clean fabric.
• The hanging toy bar with toys provides little one with plenty of distraction as you get things done!
• There is a detachable control box to operate a night light, music and the vibration feature to help soothe little one on your travels
• Don't worry about moving from room to room without an extra pair of hands, as the two wheels make the cot easily transportable.
• Pack the cot away out of sight or transport it no hassle with the compact fold
• Some reviewers struggled to assemble it
• Very heavy and quite large for a travel cot
• The neutral cream colour is likely to get dirty quickly
• The changing unit is only suitable up to 12 months
• Mattress is on the thin side

9. Baby Elegance Kangu Foldable Bedside Sleeper

Best bassinet-style travel cot.

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

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. Our mum tester describes the cot as the best purchase they've made for their baby. She says, "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."

• Easily fold using one hand and use the carry handle to transport the cot around your home, even when carrying baby
• The cot folds into a storage bag, which can also be used to transport it more easily when travelling
• The legs can adjust to fix and lock in a stationery position or allow for a gentle rocking motion to soothe little one to sleep
• the vented mesh sides allow plenty of airflow to aid sleep and let you see baby more easily from afar
• The cot is lightweight for easy transportation
• Easy to clean – you can remove and wash the cover in your washing machine
• The mattress comes with the cot and it's anti-allergy
• 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. Our mum tester Jennifer thinks the design is stylish and that it's extremely easy to use. It doesn't take long to assemble and comes with a padded mattress. Jennifer says, "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." She likes that it is easily transported and takes up no more than a bag's room in the car or walking, so it really can be taken anywhere! Jennifer says, "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."

Unfortunately, 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, but it's definitely the smallest travel cot, not to mention the most compact and easy to carry. Our mum tester Esther says it's designed as a travel sleeping pod, for nighttime and daytime naps, and a changing bag. She had no trouble assembling it in a couple of minutes, and says it weights as much as a bag of sugar and would fit in easily amongst other items in a packed car when going away. She says, "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

• This crib is easy to assemble
• Includes a mosquito net to keep your baby protected in the summer
• Can be used as a changing bag with handy fold out for changing on the go
• Includes a padded mattress for restful nap times and comfort when changing baby 
• Extremely compact and lightweight for storing or travelling
• Easy to carry with two carry handles and an over-the-shoulder strap
• Only suitable for use up until baby can sit up or roll over by themselves

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 around the home. Reviewer Sophie describes it as an excellent travel cot and incredibly easy for one person to put up within minutes. Thankfully, folding it away is just as quick and easy, and it folds down to such a compact size, she says, which is then stored as a carry case and easy to stow away.

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. Sophie loves that it can be used as a play pen too, and found the storage pouch to be useful. She says, "I initially 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."

Our mum tester Corinne Hills said that standard cot bedding fit, then she found the mattress to be quite thin and had to pad it out with blankets. Mum tester Roz Walker described the mattress as okay for occasional use.

Read our full review of the BabyDan Travel cot

• Your baby will have plenty of space to stretch out and grow with this "full cot size" travel cot, measuring 60cm x 120cm
• You get great value for money as this cot is versatile and is also designed to be used as a play pen, to keeop little one contained at home or on your travels
• Feel reassured as this cot is sturdy and stable, making it safe and secure for your little one – definitely built to last!
• For your convenience this cot comes with its own lightweight folding mattress included for added comfort while baby sleeps
• We love travel cots that come with travel bags, and this one does, so it'll be easy for you to take it with you on the go or store it safely at home
• it may be a spacious travel cot, but it's also super compact when folded, so you won't have to worry about it fitting in your car boot or under the stairs at home, measuring only 20 x 21 x 77.5 cm
• Mesh sides are a must, allowing baby to see out and you to see in – plus allowing air to flow freely through for a good night's sleep
• The wheels make for easy transportation of the cot around your home, and the cot has sturdy brakes.
• With it being a large cot, it is also heavier than others
• The mattress is quite thin

12. Red Kite Black Sleep Tight Travel Cot

Best simple travel cot.

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 is really impressed with it after using several times and says, "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 Kat says "it was so helpful that the instructions are printed onto the underside of the mattress - what a great idea!" She points out that you must put it up/take it down in the right order or you will struggle to get it folded correctly. The mattress doesn't come with a waterproof sheet so Kat used her own with a cot sheet on top of the mattress. She says, "For the price paid, it's exceptionally good value. 10/10!"

• The cot has a central locking base for extra safety
• It's easy to fold and store in the storage bag
• The see-through mesh sides low airflow and let you see baby easily
• The instructions are printed on the underside of the mattress, so you won't lose them.
• Mattress is very thin
• No waterproof sheet included for the mattress

13. Kinderkraft Cot 4 in 1 SOFI

Best 4 in 1 travel cot.

Rrp: £ 139.99

A practical travel 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 easy 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.

The cot is slightly narrower than some travel cots, but one reviewer says that this was exactly what they needed to fit it into their spare room for their new grandson when he stayed with them. They said that they love that it's on two levels too, so it's suitable for a newborn as well as a toddler, although they weren't sure their grandson will fit past the age of two years.

The fact that this cot is so easy to fold and comes in a cover, means it can be stored under another bed quite nicely. As this reviewer points out, while you use the top level, things can also be stored underneath. They say the only slight problem is the fitting of sheets, "It is fiddly", they say, "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."

Read our full review of Kinderkraft Cot 4 in 1 SOFI

• You get reallygood value for money with this 4-in-1 cot, with a normal cot, a travel cot, a playpen and cradle in one
• The cot can be used with or without the rocking function
• The mattress can be used at two different levels
• You don't need any tools to change between the functions and folding
• The cot will look stylish in your home
• Slightly narrower than standard travel cots
• Bit fiddly to fit the sheets

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:

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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. Emily McInnes, a paediatric nurse and holistic sleep coach from Sound Asleep Coaching , advises that you "ensure that the travel cot has a firm flat surface/ mattress, there are no loose objects attached the cot and no sharp edges and always ensure that the child is dressed appropriately according to the temperature of the bedroom. Be mindful of this when you are in a warmer environment when away on holiday. If your child is in a sleep suit, ensure that the tog of sleeping bag is the correct tog for the temperature of the room."

Some other safety features to consider include:

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."

Emily McInnes also advises that it is wise to get your child familiar with the travel cot before using it when away. She suggests, "you may like to introduce your child to the travel cot in your home environment before your holiday, so that it is not completely new when you go away. Try and incorporate some of the sleep associations that you use in your home environment such as a comforter or particular blanket. This will make your child feel more at home when they are in their travel cot in a new environment and you can use white noise for babies under 6 months and pink noise for babies over 6 months when away, to help block out any new break-through noises which could impact their sleep."

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.

About the expert

Emily McInnes is a a Paediatric Nurse and Certified Holistic Sleep Coach and she has over ten years experience in healthcare settings. She is interested in and has experience of sleep biology, sleep cycles, circadian rhythm and attachment styles and she applies her evidence based practice to real life situations.

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.

Toddler won’t Sleep on Vacation? 9 toddler travel sleep options

Your toddler won’t sleep on vacation, and you’re looking for the best travel sleeping solutions for toddlers?

If so, you’ve probably come across post after post on the “best travel beds for toddlers.” While these can be useful resources under the right circumstances, they don’t really solve the real problem.

Toddlers will still be in a different environment, overstimulated, and probably jetlagged, so having the best travel beds will not solve all those problems. It will simply have you carry a bag.

Now, to be clear, there’s  nothing  wrong with bringing a travel bed for your toddler. But for toddler travel sleep options, we don’t think buying a travel bed should be your first plan of action.

Instead, we think you should try these 9 travel sleeping solutions for toddlers to get a good night’s sleep.

Before we do, though, let’s get clear on why sleep is even more important when you’re traveling than it is at home.

Disclaimer: Just a heads up, this free article contains affiliate links . If you purchase after clicking one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost . Also, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Your support helps me continue to provide helpful and free content for you .

Why Toddler Sleep REALLY Matters

Every new parent knows how precious a good night’s sleep is. For many, the idea of having 8 hours of uninterrupted time in dreamland almost sounds like a dream itself.

When you’re at home in your normal routine, this is annoying.

When you’re traveling, though, the amount of sleep you get will have a direct impact on your trip. That’s because getting a full 7-9 hours of sleep will affect your:

• Weight control
• Brain function
• Immune system
• Length of life

That last one is no joke. For more information on how getting enough sleep will affect you, check out this post by the American Sleep Association: How Important Is Sleep?

But let’s be honest: the biggest reason you need your kids to sleep while traveling is so you can enjoy your kids while traveling .

When you’re tired, it’s much easier to lose your temper, get annoyed with toddlers (for being toddlers), or start little arguments with your partner.

Plus, being exhausted makes it harder to handle high-stress situations like losing luggage, fighting heavy crowds in public, or simply breaking through that 2:00 PM slump.

Now, for you, this isn’t a problem. All you need is a bed and 8 hours of quiet to float through your REM cycles.

The problem is that your kids don’t sleep well at home, let alone while traveling. So what should you do?

Let’s turn to our 9 travel sleeping solutions for toddlers that don’t require you to buy a new bed.

After all, buying a bed just to help your kid sleep would be like putting shoes on a newborn, hoping she’ll start walking. The problem isn’t the equipment… it’s the routine.

9 Toddler Travel Sleep options when your toddler won’t sleep on vacation

Before starting, I want to make something clear from the get-go: our kids are NOT (and never have been) great sleepers.

From the time both kids were young, they’ve had loads of energy and wake up frequently at night. To be honest, I can’t remember the last time we had a FULL night’s sleep without waking up to one of our boys hoping to crawl into bed.

Most nights, this means walking them back to their own room and lying down for a few minutes with them.

But, surprisingly, Emilie and I have both noticed that our boys actually sleep better while traveling. And we think it’s because we naturally do each of these 9 tips when traveling but forget to do them at home.

Let’s get started. 😉

1. Bring Portable Blackout Curtains

Having a dark room is one of the most important aspects of a good night’s sleep for toddlers, at least for our kids. As soon as summer comes and the days are longer, our kids have a hard time going to bed. But then, they wake up at 5:00 AM ready to go.

“But mom… it’s not even dark outside”.

So at home, we installed blackout curtains in every room. But then, we have a problem when we travel. Sleepout Curtains came out with the perfect solution for toddlers who won’t sleep on vacation when it’s too bright: a portable blackout curtain.

Sleepout blackout curtains come in a small bag, so it’s super easy to carry . The curtain is easily installed on a window with a suction cup system, so it can work on pretty much all windows. ( You can read our detailed review here .)

Plus, they are machine washable!

Try Sleepout Curtains, Buy Now!

2. Bring a travel bed

This is by far the most popular option for parents of toddlers . Investing in a portable, lightweight travel bed. When travel ing, we always make sure the bed is just like the one in their own bedroom so it keeps them feeling secure and familiar during nap time.

Travel beds come in many different sizes and styles , making them perfect for whatever space you have. Some even have features like a thick mattress, an inflatable pillow, optional covers or sheets, and of course, an electric pump .

And they are usually lightweight, and easy to pack up and set up , so you can quickly get your toddler settled in for the night wherever you’re staying. It’s been a lifesaver for us! 🙂

Make sure to put it in a safe spot, away from any hazards or sharp objects.

Traveling light and don’t want to bring a toddler bed? Have you heard of  BabyQuip ? BabyQuip  is a platform that allows you to rent baby gear for travel, such as a toddler travel bed. It offers a wide range of items, including car seats,   strollers , cribs, high chairs, and more. No more need to pack and transport bulky items like car seats and strollers, you can simply rent them through the   BabyQuip platform  and have them delivered directly to your destination.

3. Start in the Afternoon

When many people think about bedtime routines, they imagine starting at 7:00 or 7:30. Most routines go like this:

• No screen time 30 minutes before bed.
• Kids play calmly .
• They take a soothing bath with lavender soap.
• They drink a glass of milk.
• Parents read a bedtime story .
• Kids drift off to sleep in under a minute.

Our thoughts on that? Yeah. Freakin’. Right.

It sounds great on paper, but we haven’t had much success with the structure listed above. Inevitably something comes up to disrupt the routine, and then we end up feeling like we’re “bad parents.”

I mean… it’s working for everyone else, right?

We’ve actually had much more success preparing for naptime in the afternoon. By that, I mean we make sure to plan activities where the boys can burn up some energy.

When we go for a walk, for example, we try to get the kids out of the stroller. Let them chase each other around or play “tag” with Mom and Dad.

In other words, pay more attention to how active your kids are throughout the day . This will help you figure out the best ways to put them down at night.

4. Plan for Jetlag

Again, there are tons of articles online on how to adjust a baby to time-change travel.

I can’t honestly say we’ve found the silver bullet for that problem, but here’s how we handle it: push yourself to be more “present” and active in the first few days .

It takes time for the body to adjust to different time zones. And most kids don’t have any real conception of time, let alone what “jetlag” is.

They just know they’re tired, grumpy, and probably hungry (but that last one’s par for the course).

You’ll need to load up on coffee and plan lots of engaging activities for the first 2-3 days. And this is true for all children’s ages. Rather than hitting all the sites, find a few things that are designed specifically for kids.

Playgrounds, indoor recreation centers, public pools, spray parks, and other similar activities will be enough to get your kids’ adrenaline pumping. And when their excitement is up, they can start burning up some of that energy we talked about in the last tip.

Remember : your toddlers won’t be as excited to “sight-see” as you are. In the first few days, make the trip more about them until their body adjusts.

Then you can drag them around your favorite sights while they are (hopefully) in a better mood.

This is harder to do when you’re only visiting a city for a couple of days. That’s another reason why we prefer to slow travel as a family rather than jump from time zone to time zone.

5. Create a Travel Bedtime Routine

We already talked about the traditional bedtime routine at home.

Now I’m going to share a bit of advice for creating a travel bedtime routine for toddlers that, we found, is more realistic.

Here’s how it breaks down:

• Kids play alone 30 minutes before bedtime starts (let them get a little crazy).
• Kids play a calm game with a parent for 15 minutes before bed.
• Kids brush their teeth.
• Mom or Dad reads 1-2 bedtime stories.
• Mom or Dad hugs them for a few minutes before leaving with the door open.

One thing to mention about this routine: there’s no bath time.

Emilie and I scratched this from our travel bedtime routine because we couldn’t be consistent with it. On rainy days, we’d take a bath in the morning or afternoon just to kill some time (how sad is that?).

So we took this away from the routine and took baths either before the routine kicked off or at other parts of the day when it was more convenient.

Now, you might change the routine above depending on your parenting style. We’ve had some family, and friends tell us this routine “coddles” the kids too much. Some suggested we take 2 nights and let them cry it out until they adjust.

Who knows? Maybe they’re right.

But traveling can be really hard on little kids. They’re so new to life that they never know where they’re going, why they’re going there, or if they’ll come back with you.

The routine we mention above still encourages independence (the kids play alone, that’s non-negotiable), but they still get plenty of love from mom and dad.

That said, you still need clear boundaries , which leads us to the next point…

6. Set Clear Boundaries

Just because you’re traveling doesn’t mean you need to give up on all the rules.

You and your partner should decide on clear boundaries while traveling. This mostly means either allowing or preventing the kids from sleeping with you at night.

Sometimes, you won’t have a choice (unless you buy one of those fancy toddler beds listed in other articles).

If you’re in a 1-bedroom hotel room, get ready to be cozy for a few days. But other times, you may use AirBnB or a site like Home Exchange to stay in a house with a few bedrooms.

You should tell your kids your stance on them sleeping in your bed a few hours before bedtime to prepare them.

Then comes the hard part: sticking to it.

If you say, “No sleeping in bed with mom and dad,” there’s nothing wrong with that. But you need to enforce the rule so your kids know it’s clear.

And just so we’re all on the same page: Emilie and I kinda’ suck at this one, too.

At 2:00 AM, it’s hard to get up and walk your kids back to their room. It means helping them get back to sleep and then stumbling back to “the big bed” afterward.

We’re getting better at this now, but it’d be silly of us to pretend like we nail this 100% of the time.

Plus, sometimes we’re so tired that we don’t even notice them crawl into bed with us until it’s morning!

7. Lay Down With Them for a Few Nights

This might seem counter-intuitive to my last point, but schedule some time to lay down with your kids for 10-15 minutes for the first few nights.

This can be hard when you want to spend your evenings having a romantic dinner or planning out tomorrow’s activities.

But, again, travel can be tough on kids . It comes with lots of changes that are difficult to adapt to. This is obviously more true for some kids than it is for others.

Make sure to have a few kids’ books on hand and read 1-to 2 before bed every night. Then stick around for a bit and let your kids know how long you’ll stay.

The key, I think, is vocalizing your plans so your kids understand what’s going on. Let’s be clear, though: by “vocalizing” your plans, I don’t mean negotiating.

Once kids know that you’ll stay longer if they cry or ask nicely, you’ll never leave.

Again, Emilie and I learned this the hard way, and while we have the theory 100% locked in, putting it into practice is often another story.

8. Try Essential Oils

I know… I know… I can feel the eye-rolls. And I’m really not pretending like essential oils are the miracle solution that a surprising amount of parents think they are.

We put some lavender oil in their bath and a few droplets on our youngest’s pillow (he has a tough time sleeping).

I can’t honestly say whether or not it worked for us, but we know 2 things for sure:

• It certainly didn’t make things worse
• It’s worked for a lot of parents

Essential oils have tons of health benefits that are often exaggerated but still exist. You might find that the right essential oil helps to get put your toddler to sleep at night.

Plus, it’s a less expensive solution than buying a travel bed for toddlers.

9. Increase Your Patience

This is probably the most important tip on the list: you need to push through the fatigue and work on your patience.

Is it annoying when kids wake up? Yes, for everyone.

Does being tired put a grey cloud over your life? Yes, and sometimes it brings out the thunder.

But did you sign up for this when you brought a little human into the world? 100%.

Keep in mind that no matter how tired you are, the goal of your trip is to spend more time together as a family. If your attitude gets negative, you can be sure theirs will, too.

Prepare yourself mentally and leave a glass of wine on the counter as a reward for when they’re down. And use the knowledge of that reward to boost your patience and help your toddlers get to sleep.

F.A.Q.S: What to do when A Toddler Won’t Sleep on Vacation?

Where do toddlers sleep when traveling.

Toddlers typically sleep in a car seat , stroller , travel bed, and travel cot when traveling . Car seats are the most common option as they provide familiar comfort and safety features.

Where does a 2-year-old sleep on vacation?

On vacation, 2-year-olds typically sleep in the same accommodations as their parents . Depending on the specific circumstances, this may mean a hotel room, a rental house, a camper trailer, or something else.

How to get toddler to sleep in hotel

To help toddlers sleep in a hotel, it is important to establish a comfortable and familiar sleeping environment. The best way to do this is to bring items from home, such as their own sheets, blankets, and pillows. You should also make sure the room temperature is comfortable for them and they have access to their favorite toys or stuffed animals.

How to get your toddler to sleep on vacation

A consistent bedtime routine is one way to get your toddler to sleep on vacation. Before the trip, establish a routine for your child, including a set wake-up time, meals, and activities. In addition, make sure to keep the same bedtime with your toddler’s naps or rest periods while you are away from home.

What to do when your toddler won’t sleep on vacation?

If your toddler won’t sleep on vacation, maintaining a consistent bedtime routine is the first thing to do. It will help signal your toddler’s body that it is time for sleep. You should also make sure that their sleeping environment is comfortable and familiar. Consider bringing items from home like sleepout curtains , their favorite stuffed toys , a comfortable travel bed, and a blanket , as these can provide comfort during their sleep.

What should a toddler sleep in when traveling?

A toddler should sleep in an Inflatable travel bed . I recommend using the Shrunks toddler travel bed when traveling. They are designed to be lightweight, compact, easy to set up and take down, and comfortable to use. Travel cots are also the best sleeping options for toddlers to sleep when traveling.

Final Thoughts: Toddler Won’t Sleep on Vacation?

It’s important to remember that traveling with kids, as awesome as it is, can be hard on toddlers (and all children’s age, for a matter of fact). It disrupts their routine and can make sleep harder.

While bringing a travel bed can be seen to be the ultimate solution, we believe that there are other sleep travel solutions that will help your toddler go to bed more easily.

Will they all work 100% of the time? No. Nothing will.

But these strategies will at least give you a starting point that’s more practical than buying a brand-new bed. 🙂

Related Articles

If you enjoyed this article, you might also like to read the following articles:

• Best Type of Stroller for Travel: Jogging VS Regular
• The Best Road Trip Snacks for Kids
• Best Type of Stroller for Travel

Emilie is the founder of Love Life Abroad. She helps moms plan epic road trips and outdoor adventures with their families. Because who said adventuring had to stop once we have kids? She’s based in the Canadian Rockies and shares her love for the region as well as other unique places in Canada & USA. She works with tourism boards and outdoor brands to inspire families to experience new unique destinations and outdoor activities.

9 Tips For Handling Naps & Sleep Schedules While Traveling With Baby

By: Author Leslie Harvey

Posted on Published: February 4, 2020

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Planning to travel with a baby? You’ve probably worked hard to establish good sleep habits and a naptime schedule back home. Many parents naturally fear that the schedule changes that come with traveling with their little one will undo all that hard work. But naps and early bedtimes can really eat into the time you’d prefer to spend exploring your destination when you do travel. Traveling parents often feel quite torn about how to navigate these competing needs and desires.

I’ve traveled with both of my kids nearly every month in their infant years, so we’ve certainly had our fair share of sleep disruptions and challenges. But we’ve had plenty of successes too. I’m happy to report that it is possible to travel with a baby and not experience any major derailments in sleep progress, with the right preparation and execution of course.

Once your baby transitions to the toddler stage and also to one nap (usually some time around 12-18 months), the travel schedule does get easier. A good option many days is to take a mid-day break after lunch for a nap. One parent can even take older children out on a separate adventure during nap time if there are at least two adults in your traveling party.

But what do you do when you have a younger baby on a fairly rigid two or more nap schedule? Here are some of my very best tips for managing baby sleep schedules successfully while still having time to experience your family travels.

(Trips With Tykes uses affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through links in this post. See our full disclosure policy linked in the menu at the bottom of this site.)

Tips for Naps & Sleep When Traveling with Babies

1. pick sleep-friendly destinations..

While I’m certainly a big believer in taking a baby wherever in the world you want to go, the reality is that some destinations and vacation types are more supportive of baby sleep. Locations where you can go at a slower pace and not feel like you are missing out on everything because of naps and early bedtimes usually work better at this stage.

The time that babies need naps (particularly two naps) is really quite short in the grand scheme of your family’s travel life. For that reason, we waited to travel to certain destinations (especially expensive ones!) until our kids were out of this stage. We felt those were better left to times when we could really get full value out of those trips. But we certainly didn’t wait to travel.

My husband and I spent a lot of time with our babies at beach destinations, closer to home staycations and weekend getaways, and trips that didn’t involve enormous time zone changes. We also avoided trips where we would need to hotel hop every day or two. Late hotel check-in times meant we often couldn’t get into our room until late in the day, forcing our kids to miss afternoon nap time. Staying in one place for multiple days gave us fewer transitions to navigate.

2. Make sure your baby gets one good nap a day.

If your babies are like mine, the best naps are ones in a crib in a quiet and dark room. But if you try to do this twice a day every day on a trip, you will likely spend 3-5 hours of the best part of the day in a hotel room while your baby sleeps. This is not a recipe for travel happiness or success.

Instead, commit to getting one good nap a day, either in the morning or the afternoon. The other nap can be taken on the go, either in a stroller or baby carrier, or it can be skipped altogether.

To be sure, you probably can’t maintain this schedule every day for longer trips for days on end. But for a few days, or even every other day on longer vacations, most babies will adapt just fine.

3. Try to stick to bedtime most days.

If your baby isn’t getting great daytime sleep, it is important to stick to bedtime most nights. This is your baby’s chance to catch up. Retiring for the day at 7 or 8 pm, however, can cause you and your older kids to miss out on night time sights at your destination. So that’s one more reason to perhaps pick a destination that isn’t all about the after dark events!

If you do manage to fit two quality naps into your schedule one day, give yourself permission to stay out late one evening. We regularly allowed our little ones to stay up an hour or two late on trips when we knew they had gotten ample naptime sleep.

4. Take turns – divide and conquer.

Often, the burden of dealing with naps and bedtimes falls much more on one parent in two parent households. In my family’s case, that definitely was me! As the primary caregiver back home, I was more in tune with my kids’ nap needs and sleep routine. But I quickly found that this didn’t mean I had to be the only person shouldering this burden on trips.

My husband and I were successful in trading off naptime and bedtime duties on vacations. That way, one of us would retire to our hotel room with our little one while the other was able to continue to see the sights a bit longer. This was especially important when we had two kids, as our older daughter wanted to stay out and about while her little brother slept. 

5. Accept help.

We also navigated these baby sleep years by accepting or hiring help. We loved traveling with grandma and grandpa when we had babies, as they were often willing to take on a few naptime or early bedtime duties (and we still love traveling with them years later!).

We also regularly hired a babysitter on some vacations for an evening or two so our little ones could sleep and we could have a night out. I know many families are skittish about letting strangers take care of their kids in an unknown destination, but it’s easier than ever to find trusted help. So many hotel concierges maintain a recommended list of sitters that guests use time and time again. There are also a number of local nanny agencies that background check all their sitters. We’ve had great luck connecting with and using these agencies in destinations like Disneyland and in Hawaii. (Insider tip: National nanny agency  Nanny-Land  has nannies available at multiple Disney destinations from Disneyland to Disney World and Aulani – be sure to use  Crown Code: TWT  for extra discounts!)

6. Bring the supplies you need for sleep success.

You have probably already thought about where baby should sleep on your trip (Pack N Play, hotel crib etc.). But don’t forget other sleep-related gear. Since you will be aiming for naps on the go, be sure to bring tools to make those naps possible: baby carriers, reclining strollers, blankets, lovies, and more.

When my son was 9 months old when we traveled with him to Montreal, I remember well that all he wanted to do was snooze on my chest in a carrier. We were glad we packed one! Some of my friends’ babies prefer sleeping in a stroller with a blanket covering the hood to block light and sound. My daughter was a master napper in her car seat during road trips. Whatever your baby’s preferences, be sure to bring the gear you will need to make naps happen. If you aren’t sure what will work, try a few options at home before your trip as a dry run.

7. Take advantage of time zone changes.

On some travels with baby, changing time zones can be a real challenge. Babies get jetlag too! But on some trips, time zone changes can really work to your advantage.

For example, I live on the West Coast and often travel to the East Coast to visit family. I have usually just kept my little ones on West Coast time during our trips. This allows them to stay up until 9 or 10 pm on the East Coast and then “sleep in” the next day until about 9 am on East Coast time. This schedule works much better for maximizing our sightseeing. Better yet – there is no need to readjust back to a new time zone when we get home.

8. Get right back into your normal sleep schedule when you get home.

When you return home, your little one may be out of whack after days of sleeping on the go or as a result of trying to readjust to a time change. It is important to try to get your baby back on schedule as soon as possible. It’s easy to fall into bad habits when you are tired from a long trip too!

Of course, sometimes parents find they may have to revisit sleep training after a trip. Usually if you do, it is nowhere near as hard as the first time around. Other times, your baby’s adaptability may surprise you. Some babies never miss a beat and return right to their prior routines.

9. Don’t stress about it.

I always say babies – like dogs! – can smell fear. If you stress about how much or how little sleep your baby is getting on a trip, your baby will too. Relax and it will go better for everyone. Yes, sleep is very important for babies. But having a few days off from your normal routine will not harm your baby’s development or permanently destroy your child’s ability to sleep. Here’s my proof a few years later:

What has worked for your family when it comes to traveling with babies and sleep? Share your tips in the comments.

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Linda Harvey

Saturday 29th of February 2020

That you for this text! I'm just planning my first vacation with my little princess. We've finished the sleep training and it went great. With How to teach a baby to fall asleep alone book drom Susan Urban it took just 4 night for her to be ok with falling back asleep on her own - amazing! But I'm still afraid it won't be enough if we totally change the place...

What to Pack When Traveling With Baby

Fact-checking standards, latest update:, when can you travel with your baby, read this next, what to pack for your baby in a carry-on bag, what to pack in your baby's suitcase.

Happy travels!

What to Expect the First Year , 3rd edition, Heidi Murkoff. WhatToExpect.com, Flying With a Baby? Here's What to Know Before You Go , September 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Do Babies Need Passports? , October 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Best Travel Toys for Babies , February 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Baby Products You Can Take on a Plane , September 2020. American Academy of Pediatrics, Flying with Baby: Parent FAQs , November 2019. American Academy of Pediatrics, Is It Safe for Families to Travel Now? , August 2021. American Academy of Pediatrics, Travel Safety Tips , August 2018.  American Academy of Pediatrics, Is It Safe for My Baby to Travel in a Car Seat a Few Hours at a Time? , August 2021. Transportation Security Administration, Traveling with Children . Federal Aviation Administration, Flying with Children , March 2021. Mayo Clinic, Is Air Travel Safe for an Infant? , October 2019.

Go to Your Baby's Age

Trending on what to expect, the covid-19 vaccine for infants, toddlers and young children, how to create a night shift system when you have a newborn, ⚠️ you can't see this cool content because you have ad block enabled., when do babies start laughing, baby-led weaning, what happens in the ‘4th trimester’ (and is it a real thing).

Long Haul Flight with a 1-Year-Old (A-Z Guide for Parents)

I have a one-year-old son who has been on 14 flights so far (domestic and international) with another long haul flight coming up next week. And just one week ago, we flew across North America with him to visit family — this isn’t the easiest age to travel with a baby but it doesn’t have to be terrible either, trust me!

This is a comprehensive guide with all of the information you need to make your long haul flight with your budding toddler smooth and more enjoyable. There are no guarantees when traveling with a baby/toddler but we can do the very best to increase the likelihood that we’ll have a great flight! Let’s do this!

In this guide, you’ll find the following topics covered:

One-year-old babies fly free (unless you want your car seat on board), where to sit on the plane with your one-year-old, documents you need for your one-year-old to travel, how to pack for you and your one-year-old for the flight, gate check your stroller and car seat for free, how to navigate the airport with your one-year-old, tips for boarding the plane with your one-year-old, how to keep your one-year-old baby entertained on the flight, how to get your one-year-old to sleep on the flight, how to spend your layover with a one-year-old.

First, you’ll have to decide whether you’re going to buy a seat for your baby or if you’re going to have them sit in your lap for free (or for a fraction of the regular price). Until babies are 2 years old, they count as a “lap infant” and you don’t have to buy them their own seat.

If you’ll be buying a seat for your baby, you can either have them sit in the seat or bring their car seat on board for free. *Car seats also get checked for free on most major airlines.*

If you’re going to bring your baby on board as a lap child, the obvious advantage is that it’s cost-effective, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

First of all, you won’t be able to bring your car seat on board. You can ask if there are any empty seats on your flight, in which case the flight crew might accommodate your car seat, but there’s no guarantee. You’ll have to be prepared to have your baby in your lap the whole flight — which can be challenging for a long haul! But doable!

For take off and landing: On many international airlines, you’ll be asked to put a baby lap belt on, which is a seat belt extension that loops around the adult seat belt and then around your baby’s waist. Babies have to be seated in your lap facing forward and wearing this lap belt for takeoff and landing.

On US carriers, they don’t do infant lap seat belts– Instead, you’re asked to hold your baby facing toward you for takeoff and landing.

There is great debate between travel moms about where is the best place to sit on an airplane with a baby or toddler, which I wrote about and highly recommend you check out to figure out which seat and part of the plane are best for your family specifically.

However, the consensus seems to be that the window seat, the bulkhead row, and the back of the plane are the best places to sit when flying with babies or toddlers. These areas offer the most privacy, space, and safety, according to many moms who travel with their littles ones.

The bulkhead row is the row usually located in the first row (or the first row after a separator), faces a wall and has a bit more legroom. This row is great to choose for babies because you can request a bassinet if you want.

There is an age/weight limit for some airlines so check with them first. Our son was 22 pounds and over a year old when he last used one.

I’m not sure how much I love the bassinet to be honest. I’m sure some other babies sleep very well in them (especially younger babies), but my son lasted about one hour out of our entire long haul flight. The rest of the time, the bassinet was just kind of awkwardly in our way — although it was useful for holding a bunch of our stuff!

I do like the bulkhead row for the extra room and not having anyone in front of us to disturb. The cons of the bulkhead row are that you can’t put the arm rests up, and there is no underseat storage in front of you. All bags need to go in the overhead bins for takeoff and landing.

The window seat with a baby is obviously great for using as a distraction and to have something to lean against, especially if you’re breastfeeding. The big con is having to ask the person/people sitting next to you to move every time you need to change a diaper, walk up and down the aisle with your baby, etc.

The back of the plane is a popular place to sit as well, because it tends to be quieter, darker, and if the flight isn’t full — less populated. It’s also usually closer to the bathrooms.

On my most recent long haul flight with my one-year-old, we opted for the bulkhead row with the bassinet. But in hindsight, I think I would have rather had a row near the back instead. Here’s why:

Our flight wasn’t full so we could have had a whole row in the back to ourselves to put the arm rests up and stretch out. It was much quieter and darker back there. Sitting in the bulkhead, there was so much noise and activity with the flight attendants preparing food and coffee and assisting other passengers. Our baby had a tough time sleeping through all the noise and light.

If your child is a lap infant, the options for sleep are:

• They sleep in your arms
• They sleep attached to you in a baby carrier (but it can’t be used for takeoff and landing)
• They sleep in the baby bassinet in the bulkhead row
• They sleep lying across you and your partner’s laps
• You are lucky and have an empty seat next to you so you can lay them there or use your car seat!

Domestic flights

To fly domestically within the United States, you officially don’t need to bring ID for your baby but I would recommend bringing your baby’s birth certificate anyway just in case, for two reasons:

• You may need to prove your baby’s age for them to qualify as a lap infant (under 2 years old)
• You may need to prove that you are the legal parent (not likely but I have heard of rare cases)

You may also be asked for a physician’s note with a clean bill of health if your child is a newborn. Many airlines don’t allow you to travel with a baby under 7 days or 14 days without a note from a doctor.

You may need a boarding pass for your child — or at least to make sure that your child is connected to your boarding pass (basically, the airline needs to know that a baby will be coming on board, even if they are a lap baby).

International flights

We started traveling with our son when he was 3 months old and the same documentation that we needed then is needed for him at one-year-old. It will depend on your exact circumstances, but here is a list of the 6 documents that you may need for traveling with your baby:

• Birth certificate
• Boarding Pass
• Vaccination record
• Physician’s note
• Notarized parental consent letter

Not every document will be necessary on every flight. To find out the details and exceptions for each item, please read the article I wrote all about baby flight documentation . This all applies to infants who are US citizens, but much of it is relevant to babies from around the world.

We have to bring so much more stuff with us than we used to now that we have a baby. But I have to say that we’ve gotten MUCH better at packing with a baby than we were when we first started traveling with him at 3 months old.

We’ve streamlined things for sure, and this process takes some trial and error just because every family and baby’s needs are a little bit different. We’ve personally become better at leaving a lot of stuff behind and then hitting up Facebook marketplace for items that we need in our destination (or going without).

There are also rental companies that you can just rent baby items from (like high chairs, toys, etc.) if you don’t want to lug everything with you.

In total, we usually pack (TO CHECK):

• Our car seat (to gate check)
• Our stroller (to gate check)
• A larger suitcase with mom and baby’s clothes/stuff (to check)
• A large backpack with dad’s clothes/stuff (to check)

And we usually pack (TO CARRY ON):

• A diaper bag (usually doesn’t count as one of our carry-ons, but depends on the airline )
• A carry-on backpack for mom
• A carry-on backpack for dad
• A baby carrier to use while navigating the airports (our son has always really liked being “worn” and still does at one year — much more than the stroller)

I’ll go a bit more in depth for what to pack in your carry-on bags below.

As far as checked luggage , this will probably depend on your destination (will it be hot, cold, rainy, etc.) and how long you’re staying (how many pairs of pants, shirts, etc. will you need).

My recommendation would be to pack as light as possible where you can still be comfortable and happy with the clothes you’ll have (easier said than done, for sure!).

Carry-on Packing Checklist for Your One-Year-Old

For a PDF version of this checklist and a detailed explanation, please take a look at my complete guide to packing for you and your baby .

Make sure the activities you pack for your baby are something new (can be dollar store objects). I also have a list of 20+ cheap and easy activities for one-year-olds on an airplane that you should definitely read before you go!

Here is what I pack for my one-year-old in his carry-on bag/diaper bag (after many flights of trial and error!):

• Diapers (x8)
• Wipes (1-2 packs)
• Changing pad
• Diaper rash cream
• Pajamas (x2)
• Light hoodie/sweater
• Baby blanket
• Light, breathable muslin blanket (to cover up for breastfeeding)
• Pacifier (x2)
• Pacifier/toy leashes
• Portable sound machine + extra batteries
• Water bottle
• 1 sippy cup/bottles
• Formula/milk
• Baby Tylenol
• Hand sanitizer
• Baby nail clippers
• Snack catcher
• Lots of dry snacks
• Mini first aid kit
• Ziploc/wet bag for soiled or wet clothes
• Activities for the plane
• Basic mini travel size toiletries (baby soap, toothpaste, toothbrush)
• If walking, soft stretchy shoes

Carry-on Packing Checklist for You

It’s equally important what you pack for yourself on the plane. This list is what I always pack in my carry-on bag when flying with my baby.

You probably won’t have much time to sleep on the plane, if any, so make sure you’re packed days in advance so that the nights before traveling you can just concentrate on getting some REST before the big day.

• An extra outfit (including underwear)
• Headphones/ear pods
• Phone charger
• Adult Tylenol
• Plug converters for your destination
• Lap top/tablet
• Camera + batteries
• Snacks for you
• A folder with all of your  important documents  (passport, visas, birth certificate, copy of your travel insurance, etc.)
• Ziploc bags
• Baby monitor
• Breast pump (handheld)
• Basic mini toiletries (soap/shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, glasses/contacts, etc.)
• Fanny pack (to wear in the airport)

As I mentioned above, most major airlines will check your stroller and car seat for free . If you absolutely know that you don’t want your car seat or stroller on the plane, you can plan to check them right away when you arrive at the airport.

If you want to try to bring your car seat on the plane for your lap baby (in hopes that there will be an empty seat next to you), you can carry it to your gate and then gate check it if it doesn’t work out.

Remember that if you’re going to be carrying your car seat through security and through the airport all the way to your gate, I recommend having a plan for carrying it along with all your stuff and your baby. It can be overwhelming trying to juggle a bunch of stuff, and trolleys aren’t allowed starting at the security line up.

We usually use our stroller as a trolley! And then we simply gate check it before we get on the plane.

Think about how you’ll be carrying your baby through the airport (stroller, carrier, etc.) and how you’re going to carry/move your carry-on bags as well. This is especially important when you’re traveling solo with your baby.

I made the mistake of not thinking this all through beforehand exactly ONCE — the time I first flew solo with my son. I ended up having to carry way too much stuff on my own through the airport and it was tough. It’s much more manageable of course if you’re flying with another adult who can help.

Here’s what we usually do:

• Check our car seat right away (we don’t bother trying to use it on the plane because our son has never liked sitting in a car seat anyway)
• Carry our baby in our wearable front baby carrier (we’ve always loved our Lillebaby carrier)
• Put all of our carry-on bags that will fit into the stroller and push it through security to our gate!
• Gate check our stroller

We’ve tried boarding a couple of different ways and the best way to board has ended up being this: Split up! Usually my husband boards early when they ask for families traveling with young kids to board. He takes all of our bags, stows everything away, and sets up our seat.

I try to get my baby tired out until the very last minute and board with the final group — the plane door shutting behind us!

This usually works out really well for us, as we can avoid our baby being stuck in a small contained space for too long. Also, if the timing is right, he falls asleep just in time for takeoff.

While you’re waiting for your flight, it’s so helpful to find an airport playground area for kids and get your toddler’s energy out as much as possible before boarding!

Keeping our one-year-old baby entertained on the flight has become more challenging as he’s gotten older. A newborn baby is actually easy peasy on the plane in comparison! But you also don’t have to overthink it.

I’m going to make some recommendations below for what to bring, based on my own experiences (and the advice of many other travel moms I surveyed). But please rely heavily on your gut when packing, because you know your child best as to what is likely to keep them entertained.

Some great activities for a one-year-old on the plane:

• Sticker books
• Masking/painter’s tape
• Dollar store (cheapy) toys
• Pill boxes filled with snacks
• Sensory/busy boards
• Buckle pillow
• Downloaded videos on a tablet or phone + toddler headphones
• Coloring book and crayons
• Empty spice containers + pipe cleaners to pull through the holes
• Old wallet or travel wallet filled with plastic “credit cards” (old memberships cards, bus passes, etc.)
• Pipe cleaners and uncooked pasta to string
• A small empty water bottle with the bottom cut off + colorful pom pom balls to put through the hole
• Anything with zippers or strings
• Window cling stickers
• Window suction spinners
• Magnet toys
• Water Wow books
• Mobi Zippee Silicone Pull Toy
• Pop it or fidget toys

Ah, sleep. It’s hard enough to come by on normal, non-travel days with a baby so how are we supposed to get our one-year-olds to sleep on a plane?

Again, I’ll offer some advice but your baby is their own special little person so remember that different tricks work for different kids, of course!

Some tips for getting your one-year-old baby to sleep on a flight include:

• Bring your car seat on board if they’re used to sleeping in it.
• Ask to be seated in the bulkhead row and request a baby bassinet
• Bring an inflatable baby travel bed on board and place it in the seat next to you
• Bring a light muslin blanket to block out light
• Bring a portable sound machine to block out announcements and other passengers
• Walk the aisles to put your baby to sleep (with your baby in a carrier if you use one)
• Tire them out before boarding and try to fly at their nap/bedtime
• Bring their comfort items (stuffed animal, blanket, pacifier, etc.)

Every baby is different. We’ve walked the aisles with our son, put him to sleep in his carrier, and more recently he falls asleep while breastfeeding only (when on the plane). And I find that a comfort item (his blanket) and playing lullabies very quietly on my phone has helped a lot to put him to sleep.

I would say mimic as closely as you can what you might do at home to put your baby to sleep — as far as sounds, light, motion, and comfort items.

A direct flight, however long, is probably ideal for most people traveling with a baby. But that isn’t always an option, unfortunately. If you have a long-ish layover ahead of you, I have two recommendations for making it more enjoyable for you.

The first one is a bit fancy. We’ve done this twice with our baby and that’s to use one of the priority lounges . You can basically go hang out in a nicer part of the airport with comfy seats and “free” food and drinks. It’s awesome.

We have a certain number of passes that come with our credit cards every year. Or you can just buy a pass for the day. If you can swing it, it makes your layover experience with a baby MUCH more enjoyable, especially after a long flight… on your way to another long flight!

My second recommendation is to bring items in your carry-on bag to camp out . Bring a couple of blow up camping mats, lightweight blankets, snacks, and “camp out” in a dim area on the floor of the airport. When you’re prepared for this, it can actually be kind of cozy and fun to hang out in your little “spot” for a few hours.

Choose a spot near a kids area/playground or plan activities for your airport time for your baby as well (not just for the plane).

If you can, take this time to trade off getting some lay down rest — Or try to get your baby to sleep and ALL of you get some rest before your second flight.

Good luck! YOU GOT THIS! 🙂

Brittany is a Wayfaring Human who loves to adventure with her husband and son. When she's not having adventures, she's taking pictures of them and writing about them.

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35 Baby Travel Tips | Infant to 1-Year-Old + Minimalist Baby Packing List

Posted on October 10, 2017 Last modified on August 28, 2023 By Beth

I have been working on this guide for a year. This is all of the knowledge I’ve accumulated from traveling with Eula during the first year of her life. Before her first birthday she’d been on over 40 flights and to at least 10 countries. I lose exact count, to be honest. We’ve dealt with sickness on the road, jet lag, packing, blow outs, missed flights, you name it. And it’s all been fine. After over a year of traveling with a baby I can say with complete honesty that it’s totally worth it and totally doable.

Yes, it’s harder. Of course it’s freaking harder. Not having a baby vs. having a baby. You do the math. But it’s not that hard. When it is hard just remember, this too shall pass. Have a relaxed, what happens happens attitude. No flight ever lasted forever, no crying spell either, no cold, no jet lag. If you’re the sort of person that would get totally freaked or exhausted or just generally not enjoy yourself over a crappy night’s sleep or on the road inconvenience, then maybe it isn’t the life for you.

But if you’re reading this, I’m guessing you value travel, and in that case, it’s worth it. Totally. Babies love to watch the world go by, and ours was always happiest on the move and meeting new people. Keep reading below for my tips & experiences, packing list, a list of favorite gear, and for photos of Eula’s first year growing up on the road! Keep in mind, what worked for us won’t work for everyone, but this is what we did.

Table of Contents

35 Tips for Travel with a Baby Under 1 Year Old

Get the bassinet on long haul flights & an aisle seat at the front of the plane on shorter flights., when can baby safely travel, take as little baby gear as possible., wear your baby., pack light., don’t travel with a lifetime supply of diapers., breastfeed if you can., rent a car with a carseat when you can., not renting a car take the train., eat dinner early., look into local baby sitter or nanny services for date nights or other baby free times., know when to call it., priority boarding, security, and customs: use them with impunity, protocol for going through security varies by airport,  ask for a crib at the hotel or airbnb., rain noise and other sounds on your phone., dave and ava, magic fingers, musical hands: baby show app & baby games apps for phone or ipad., trash can be toys, babies need passports too, even when flying with infant in arms, sometimes there’s a fee., have travel insurance and know where to find the local doctor / emergency room at your destination., blow outs. they happen., on that note…do laundry while on the road., there are huge benefits to traveling with a baby under 1, baby jetlag is real, but you can cope if you plan for it and mentally accept it., gate check strollers and car seats., there are pros and cons to both hotels and airbnb’s/apartments., don’t worry too much over the “nap schedule”., request an empty seat next to you on the plane., be smart and clean, but let the germaphobia go the older they get., you can change a diaper anywhere., babies don’t need a ton of baths, and sinks & buckets work fine., easy flights are worth spending a little more on if you can afford to., move around less., introducing food at 6 months on the road, a bit of our experience..

Eula actually clocked in 6 months old in Morocco, and we waited to let her try solids until Paris just because we didn’t want to take any chances with food born illness. Now at 13 months, I happily let her nibble off of my street food here (I’m writing this from my friend Emma’s flat in Marrakech!) Once we did introduce food, we let her try things at her own pace and we really let local norms guide us. If local children ate it, we let her eat it. I still avoid giving her raw foods (like salad) in countries where the water isn’t very clean because not only is the food not cooked to kill bacteria, it’s washed in the water. That said, I make an exception for fruit with skins and things that can be peeled.

Minimalist Baby Packing List

The diaper bag + carry on packing list.

• Baby Carrier – see the gear list below for faves
• Extra Clothes  – for everyone, mom & dad include — babies blow out, enough said (this was a bigger problem 4-7 months, after which it pretty much stopped)
• Extra Sling – we use a more structured carrier but carry a cloth sling like a Solly Wrap as a back up (in case of blow out emergency) because it’s compact.
•   “Toys” – something amusing for baby, we usually carried a *very* few items that we knew would amuse her and used found objects as the rest (can’t get away with pretending trash is a toy forever, so might as well while you can!)
• Blanket  – handy to cover them up when sleeping on long haul flights or to give them a spot to sit on the floor (I don’t recommend a sleep sack for this because it can be tricky to get them in it once asleep on a plane)
• Snacks – For older babies that have started solids. Fruit, yogurt, bars, all good. I never thought I’d be a pouch carrying mom, but the organic food pouches that have nothing in them but actual food and a bit off water are amazing for travel. And if they are over the 100 mL limit, security usually makes an exception for baby food. I love the brand Smowl, but I don’t know if you can get it in the states. You can probably order them online. They make baby smoothies in pouches with coconut milk, quinoa, fruit. She loves them.
• Pacifier & pacifier clip + back up
• Zip locks bags / trash bag –  for dirty diapers and soiled clothing
• Dedicated Changing Blanket –  we like the Solly swaddling blankets for this as they fold up really compact though something fluffier would probably be more comfortable/absorbant.
• Hand Sanitizer/Disinfecting Wipes –  I like the ones that smell like lavender! But anything will do.
• Stroller  – optional  We didn’t often take one when she was small but we use it more the older she gets. My recommendation is below on the gear list.
• Carseat – optional –  I would only bring this if I had to, and so far I haven’t had to, so I’ve never travelled with one. When she is older and in her own seat, we might. Whatever you do, make sure your carseat clips into your stroller. The last thing you want to do is haul a carseat around by hand. Just no. There are many adapters available that make many carseat/stroller combos compatible.

For the Suitcase  – We prefer Away Bags!

• baby safe sunscreen (if going to a sunny destination)
• small hand breast pump (for nights out!)
• a couple of glass bottles for storing and serving milk
• nose aspirator (babies are nose breathers!)
• bed of some sort 
• medical supplies – bandaids, thermometer, diaper cream, Tylenol for fever if you use it, cornstarch (instead of baby powder)
• baby clothes (jammies, outfits, bonnets, bibs, shoes, sweaters & jackets if cold)
• sleep sack or swaddler (ours never liked to be swaddled so a sleep sack keeps her from kicking blankets off and is safer for little babies)
• a few days worth of diapers & wipes
• extra blankets

My Favorite Gear

• Lenny Lamb – (we used up until about 8 months)
• Ergo Baby 360° (used 8 months+)
• Solly Wrap (used first 3 months and as back up)
• Solly Swaddle blanket (used as changing blanket)
• Fog Linen, Ellie Funday, and Willaby Clothier blankets – we travel with these 3
• Natural Pacifiers
• Wild Creek Co Pacifier Clip
• BabyZen YoYo 0+ Stroller – This is my absolute favorite stroller for travel. It folds up compact enough to fit in an overhead bin (though you can gate check it if you like), has a sizeable undercarriage, and is so easy to fold up and pop out (for a stroller anyway). Can’t recommend highly enough. You can use it from infancy with the bassinet attachment and switch to the seat once they’re big enough). It also can adapt to many carseats, and has wonderful accessories for different weather conditions like rain, cold, and sun. You may notice she’s in a Stokke Xplory in the photos, and that’s because we use it around town sometimes. But the BabyZen YoYo is it for travel.
• Nuna Pipa Carseat
• Philips Avent Glass Baby Bottles – we traveled with 2-3 of these so I would have something to store and serve milk in when I pumped for nights or lunches out when we had a sitter or during long work days
• Medela Harmony Breast Pump – compact, great. I loved this.
• NoseFrida – a lifesaver when baby has a stuffy nose!
• KidCo Peapod Tent – this has been her travel bed since she was 4 months old. It is amazing, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. So light weight and compact. And so much easier than lugging around a pack n’ play. Plus you can pop it at the airport, beach, anywhere! It’s just a great little baby tent.
• Away Suitcases – the best. Choose the size that best suits your needs. Now that we have the baby and because of my work gear we usually travel with 2 carry-ons or 1 carry-on and the medium sized one. In addition to that we have 2 camera/laptop backpacks and my purse/diaper bag.
• Jet Kids Bed Box – okay, I don’t have this. And I didn’t need it because we don’t purchase a seat for her yet. But when we do, I’m definitely going to get this. It’s a suitcase that turns into a freaking bed on a plane for a baby. I can’t say 100% if it’s awesome because I haven’t tried it, but it *sounds* awesome and certainly looks to be.
• In the Pocket Baby Seat – I’ve also never tried this but someone recommended it in the comments and it looks great! Thanks Camilla!

My name is Beth, Elizabeth Evelyn to be exact. A native Tennessean, I was born in the South.

I am the author behind Local Milk Blog.

Local milk is a journal devoted to home cookery, travel, family, and slow living—to being present & finding sustenance of every kind.

It’s about nesting abroad & finding the exotic in the everyday.

Most of all it’s about the perfection of imperfections and seeing the beauty of everyday, mundane life.

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What It’s Like To Fly With a 1-Year-Old [Our Top 5 Tips for Success!]

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Flying With a Baby Under 1 Year Old

Flying with a toddler older than 1-year-old, economy vs. business class seats, ordering kids’ and baby meals, traveling with breast milk or formula, umbrella stroller, diaper bags: backpack vs. purse, lounge access with babies, 1. snacks, snacks, and more snacks, 2. schedule the flight around nap time, 3. bring new toys and activities, 4. pack smart, 5. go with the flow, final thoughts.

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My kids have been on countless planes, trains, and automobiles and have stayed in hotels, Airbnbs, and even an RV. They’re now 3 and 5 years old, carrying their own backpacks and attempting to pull their own carry-ons, but this wasn’t always the case.

If you’re new to traveling with small children, it might seem overwhelming or outright impossible. Sure, there’s a lot of stuff to pack and juggling to do while taking care of a tiny human, yourself, and all of your things. But it’s probably simpler than you think, especially if you follow some of the tips outlined below .

When kids are especially small — think a few months old to about a year old — it’s downright easy to travel with them. The plane provides white noise and lulls them almost straight to sleep as soon as you’re in the air, barring any pressure change discomfort, of course. They aren’t moving too much, nor are they requesting (demanding) to get out of your arms or the seat and walk the plane.

You can wear your tiny human on your chest or back and they pretty much go wherever you take them without protest. Their schedule and eating habits are predictable and they’ve yet to have their first meltdown.

The early days are almost blissful.

And then they turn 1.

The older your child gets, the more curious they become . The 1-year-old stage is a fun time because they’re walking, or just on the cusp of it, suggesting that they’re ready for more independence, have a sense of humor, and are generally well-tempered. This is a sweet spot right before their inability to communicate leads to temper tantrums and frustration.

Hot Tip: The biggest difference between flying with a 1-year-old and a younger child is how alert they will be.

Your 1-year-old might want to stand in your lap, or in the seat, and wave at, smile at, and talk to other passengers. For more active toddlers, you may have to walk around the cabin with them . And if they’re walking, they’ll likely want to walk on the ground themselves.

They’re hopefully eating solid foods so you’ll have to remember to pack food that you know they’ll like. Don’t rely on getting something at the airport or even the food provided on the plane. They’re also larger, so that tiny, inaccessible plane bathroom won’t be fun for either of you when it comes time to change a diaper at 30,000 feet.

But the biggest difference of all might be whether or not you buy your ever-growing infant their own seat.

Should You Buy a Seat for Your Toddler?

When my kids were young enough for it, I was of the mind that as long as my kids could fly for free, we wouldn’t buy them a seat. Plus, they’re only small for so long and I always loved holding onto them when they slept. Add to that the increasing costs of airline tickets, both in cash and miles, and I’m glad that we were able to save the money with a lap infant when we could.

To make having a lap infant easier, either my husband or I would wear the baby in an Ergobaby carrier when they slept so that we had full use of our arms . We could even sleep ourselves without fearing that the baby would fall out of our arms.

I know a lot of parents who prefer for each member of their family to have their own seat, mostly for the sake of space. But in addition to that, some children just don’t sleep well being held — not to mention the adult holding them might be pretty uncomfortable, too.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends that children fly in a child restraint system (CRS) , which is essentially a car seat . There are specific requirements for CRS devices, so be sure and check out the website before you fly to make sure you’ve got the right type.

You’ll get a baggage allowance for your 1-year-old when you purchase a seat no matter how old they are. This would allow you to pack more freely instead of packing your child’s items together with the items in your carry-on … something I’ve done many times.

If you’re lucky, you’ll be seated in a row that has an empty seat next to you and your child can sit there free of charge when the “Fasten Seat Belt” sign is off.

Baby bassinets are detachable bassinets available on some planes in the bulkhead seat. These bassinets generally have age, weight, and/or height restrictions for use, and with a 1-year-old, your options to use a bassinet may be getting limited .

If you’re inclined to use a bassinet for your baby — particularly on a long-haul flight where you want to ensure the best rest possible — you’ll need to call the airline right after making your reservation to reserve your seat and bassinet.

Hot Tip: Not all airlines offer bassinets. Before you book, check out our ultimate guide to baby bassinet seats on over 50 airlines to find out if your preferred airline offers a bassinet or not.

The debate about whether or not kids and babies should be in premium cabins is one we won’t settle here. Still, parents traveling with young children may want to know some of the pros and cons of flying business class with a baby .

In business class, you’re guaranteed to get more legroom and larger seats. When traveling with a lap infant especially, it never hurts to have as much room as possible. In economy, you cannot sit in the exit row where you’d normally expect to have the most room in the back of the plane. That means that you’ll be jammed in a row, potentially with strangers.

With fewer passengers to take care of in business class, the flight attendants should have more time to help you when you need assistance. For example, you may need water to make a bottle or you forgot your child’s juice. In business class, you can expect to be taken care of a little more often.

Unfortunately, just by the sheer volume of folks in the economy compared to the number of attendants, you won’t receive the same service.

In premium cabins, depending on the airline, you may be able to reserve an infant or child meal in advance to be served during your flight. If flying domestic economy, you won’t have this option.

And lastly, flying in business could be cost-prohibitive to many. Even with points, business class seats often cost a significant amount more than economy class tickets. It’s easy to feel that the pros listed above don’t outweigh the dollar amount you’ll have to pay for those conveniences.

International airlines shine when it comes to their meal services (even in economy). As such, you can expect to be able to order a kids’ meal in advance of your flight or when you get on board.

The makeup of the meals and offerings varies depending on the airline, of course. Some airlines, usually depending on the length of the flight, will offer hot meals like pasta and even hamburgers. Others might only offer a kids’ snack box.

Whether or not these amenities are included in the price of your ticket depends on the airline as well. For example, United brought back kids’ meals that can be ordered at least 24 hours before your flight for flights over 2,000 miles and where a complimentary meal will be served.

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), breast milk , formula, and toddler drinks are considered medically necessary. Breast milk, formula, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (including puree pouches) can exceed 3.4 ounces and do not need to fit in quart-size bags.

You are recommended to let the TSA agent know that you’re traveling with these items at the beginning of the screening and to take it out of your carry-on.  It is also recommended that these items travel in clear containers for the sake of expediting the screening process.

Though the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) categorizes breast pumps as a medical device and as such should be allowed in addition to your carry-on and personal item, this depends on the airline. It’s a good idea to call the airline you’ll be flying with before you check in for your flight to ensure that you can bring your breast pump onboard.

Helpful Travel Accessories

As your children get older, they’ll likely want to help carry their backpacks or pull their own luggage . Eventually, you won’t need to carry or push them in a stroller everywhere because they’ll want to walk on their own, too. In the meantime, however, when traveling with a 1-year-old, all of that still falls on you. Luckily, there are plenty of travel gadgets and accessories to help make it easier.

Umbrella strollers are lightweight, foldable strollers for babies old enough to hold their heads up. An infant stroller most likely works together with your car seat, which can be bulky and hard to maneuver through the airport. If your child is big enough, an umbrella stroller is the way to go.

Whether or not you go with the convenience of an umbrella stroller or elect for your larger stroller, you can gate-check your stroller and keep it with you right up until you board the plane. Your stroller will either be waiting for you at the gate when you land or will have made its way to the baggage carousel.

Car seat requirements are not the same for cars and airplanes, and to use your car seat on the plane the car seat must be FAA-approved .

It’s important to note that the EU has different requirements for car seats than the U.S., so you’ll want to be aware of this if that’s where you’re traveling. One major difference between EU and U.S. car seats is that EU-approved car seats do not have chest clips. EU regulation states that a child must be able to be removed from the seat in a single motion.

I think that baby backpacks are better for travel than baby purses (one-shoulder baby bags) for a few reasons.

First, you have a full range of motion when wearing a backpack with weight evenly distributed through your back instead of on one shoulder.

Second, a backpack tends to have more pockets for all the things you’ll be carrying for your baby. It doesn’t hurt that it’s probably easier to convince your partner to share the responsibility of carrying a backpack vs. a purse.

Speaking of all the things you’ll be carrying, here are a few items that should make traveling with a 1-year-old a little easier:

• Bottles, bottle liners, tops
• Extra clothes for you and baby
• Extra socks (and maybe shoes)
• Foldable changing pad for changes in public restrooms
• Formula dispenser
• Hand sanitizer
• Plastic bags for dirty clothes, diapers, etc.
• Spill-proof and independent snack dispenser
• Spill-proof sippy cup

Hot Tip: Check out our in-depth buyer’s guide to the best travel diaper bags , featuring both backpack-style and purse-style options.

There seems to be an ongoing debate on social media about babies in premium cabins (more on that a little later) and whether or not they should be allowed in lounges.

Lounges don’t typically have age restrictions (kids under 2 are even generally free!), though most don’t have amenities geared toward children. But what you get at a lounge is more space to spread out, with time away from the gate to relax and gather yourself before you fly.

Centurion Lounges , however, do a great job of welcoming and catering to young travelers with family rooms decked out with toys, games, TVs, and kid-size furniture. But even without that family-specific amenities, lounges are a great place to chill out before or after a flight with your baby.

At the lounge, you can also get warm water for formula, warm-up milk and kids’ food, and grab some fruit or other snacks for later.

Tips for Flying With a 1-Year-Old

Whether or not you choose to purchase a seat for your 1-year-old, we have some tips for making flying easier.

I used to think people were exaggerating when they said to bring more snacks than you think you need. But I underestimated just how important a well-timed handful of Cheerios would be.

It’s not so much that your child will be hungry, but that snacking tends to quell a fussy toddler. I cannot explain it any further than that.

Pack the snacks you know they love and maybe even a few surprises. There’s an endless list of snacks you could bring. Fruit, Cheerios, Goldfish, pureed food packs … anything that your child can safely consume will work.

Don’t forget that TSA allows water and food for toddlers in reasonable quantities above the standard 3.4 ounces allowed for all passengers. A standard sippy cup is probably enough to get you through your whole travel day.

This is one of my favorite tips, but I think whether or not a flight is timed well will depend on your child .

For some toddlers, the sound of the airplane in flight works like white noise and helps them sleep. But as they get older and are more alert for longer periods of time, the excitement of a new adventure might energize them enough to try and stay awake for longer than you expect.

In this case, scheduling a flight around nap time won’t matter. But for a first flight with a 1-year-old, it’s worth a try. If you find that your child didn’t stick to the schedule, you won’t have to worry about it next time. We live and we learn.

For long-haul flights, I recommend scheduling a red-eye flight to your destination and skipping the last nap before the flight . The reason for this is that the cabin is dimmed along with the white noise of the plane. I’ve never met a traveling child that could resist the urge to fall asleep under those conditions. Hopefully, they’ll be tired enough to sleep through the entire flight.

At 1 year old, your toddler will likely be awake for at least part of your flight, so you’ll want to have something to occupy them. Tablets are an easy go-to, but understandably, some parents won’t want to introduce screen time at this age, or at all. But if you do decide to go with a tablet loaded with movies, TV shows, or games, be sure and bring along child-safe and cordless Bluetooth headphones . Child-safe headphones should remain at lower decibels to preserve their tiny eardrums.

Avoid toys that make any type of noise so as not to disturb other passengers on your flight.

Hot Tip: Keep in mind that at a year old, your child may not be able to stay engaged by 1 toy or activity for very long, so it’s a good idea to have several options.

Luckily, there are a lot of other activities that are appropriate for this age. Here are a few of my favorite ways to entertain a 1-year-old on a flight:

• Window Clings : Your toddler can stick these on the window themselves, pull them off, and repeat to their heart’s content. Another alternative is circle stickers, like what you’d find at a garage sale. Really, any sticker will work, just test out how easy they are for tiny fingers to peel off.
• Flash Cards : Even if your toddler isn’t talking yet, flash cards can be a great way to practice learning their shapes and colors. Animals and objects flash cards are also a great way to increase your child’s vocabulary.
• Books : Bring along your toddler’s favorite picture book. Pop-up books are always a hit as well. If you can, bring a book that’s age-appropriate and talks about where you’re going, what you’ll be doing, or flying on a plane.
• Play-Doh : Play-Doh is a tactile activity that lets your toddler use their hands. You can even bring plastic cookie cutters to make different shapes out of them. Clay, an alternative to Play-Doh, is a little more difficult to mold but also a worthy activity for a 1-year-old and even helps to strengthen their grip.
• Coloring Books : Again, coloring books are something that your child can do with their hands. Get the jumbo crayons that are easier to hold and choose a coloring book that has characters they recognize. You can color, too! This is a great activity to do together.
• Water Wow! Books : Water Wow! books by Melissa and Doug are awesome and were an instant hit for my kids. You fill the paintbrush with some water and let your toddler “paint” the pages of the cardboard book. There are several designs to choose from, including construction, numbers, alphabet, and animals. The best part about these is that when they dry, the color disappears so you can use them over and over again.

In addition to the activities above, be sure to include items that are brand new to your child . In fact, all of the items listed could be brand new and you could gift wrap them . It’s the novelty of the surprise that gets them excited and wanting to play with whatever the new toy is. Who doesn’t love unwrapping a gift?

I wish that I could tell you that packing gets easier as your kids get older, but I can’t say that.

Yes, you can probably leave their 10 favorite blankets, nappies, and toys at home, but you’ll still need to pack a considerable number of items when you’re away from home. For example, I always packed 2 outfits per day that we would be away, plus a couple of extra. I didn’t plan to change my child’s clothes more than once per day, but we all know that stuff happens .

I would also bring an extra top for myself on travel days in case that stuff happened on me.

Your 1-year-old likely has at least 1 pair of shoes and might need a coat (and sweaters depending on the weather at your destination), gloves, and beanies. Clothes only get bigger along with your child and consequently take up more room in your luggage.

Packing cubes have been a dream for both packing compactly as well as organizing my family’s bags. We each have our own set of cubes in different colors and I roll whole outfits together to save time when we’re getting dressed in the morning .

Rolling outfits works best for the kids’ clothes since my and my husband’s clothes are too big to roll together like this. This trick also helps me avoid over- or underpacking because I always know what’s meant to go with what.

Once we arrive at our accommodations, I leave the clothes in the packing cubes and just put them into the dresser drawers. Packing cubes have immensely simplified the way I organize and pack for my family.

I wish I had a dollar for everything that didn’t go according to plan since I started to travel with my family.

Flight delays and cancellations , lost items, cranky kids, and more, will inevitably happen to you. One of my children almost always catches a cold 2 weeks before a long-haul flight. We even ended up in a clinic in Amsterdam on our first family trip to Europe and returned home with ear infections (yes, the whole family).

When you go with the flow of each day, it allows you to take each inconvenience in stride instead of letting it ruin or make you regret your whole trip. Traveling with children requires patience and grace with them as well as yourself, especially when it comes to how you plan your days.

You can’t pack each day with museum visits, tours, and other activities when traveling with small children. They simply don’t have the stamina to keep up and will let you know when they’ve had enough.

Schedule your activities around their nap times to maximize your experience together and to better ensure a good mood from your little one.

We can only plan so much and the rest is out of our control. Temper your expectations and you’ll be able to enjoy your vacation with your 1-year-old.

Traveling with a 1-year-old is different than traveling with a younger baby, but not always in a bad way. It’s true that traveling with babies younger than a year old is easier because they sleep more often, are easier to transport, and are overall more amenable to most situations. But traveling with an older toddler can also be more fun for you.

If you plan accordingly — while saving room for things you can’t control — and follow at least some of the tips outlined above, I trust that you’ll have a great travel experience when flying with a 1-year-old.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you keep a 1-year-old calm on a plane.

If your child is particularly anxious or energetic at any point during the flight, give them their favorite toy that usually calms them down. A pacifier or a bottle is great during takeoff and landing, especially for helping with inner ear pressure. Their favorite stuffed animals, blanket, or book are additional comfort items you could try.

What can you do if your baby cries on a plane?

You know your child best and what usually calms them down, so start with what you know.

Some other tips to try: shushing while rocking, walking the aisle when the “Fasten Seat Belt” sign is off, and good old-fashioned distractions usually help. Alternatively, ask yourself the classic question: is my baby tired, hungry, or wet?

How can you relieve ear pressure for a baby when flying?

During takeoff and landing, you want to make sure that your child is swallowing to avoid or alleviate ear pressure. The best way to do this is to give them a pacifier or bottle. Snacking may also work.

Where do you change diapers on a plane?

There are changing tables in the lavatory located on airplanes. Unfortunately, not every plane has changing tables in the lavatories.

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About Ashley Onadele

Ashley discovered a love for travel in college that’s continued as her family has grown. She loves showing parents how they can take their families on trips using points and has contributed to numerous publications and podcasts.

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Sleep training for 1 year olds and older babies: How to, methods and tips

Pediatric sleep consultant

Medically reviewed by

Alan Salem, M.D., F.A.A.P.

Board-Certified Pediatrician

Parents have the daunting task of making countless decisions for their children — even something as innocuous as how they should sleep. With sleep training , there’s a wide spectrum of approaches and opinions. We’re not here to judge you if you decide to sleep train or not, but we can give you the knowledge to make the right decision for your little one's sleep!

IN THIS ARTICLE:

Can you sleep train 1 year olds? 

How many nights does it take to sleep train 1+ year old babies, sleep training methods for 1 year olds and older babies, sleep training tips for children aged 1+ year old, can you sleep train babies 1+ year olds for naps, how to sleep train 1 year old twins, what to do if sleep training your 1 year old is not working, sleep training 1 year olds and older babies takeaway, sleep training babies 1 year olds and older faq.

Yes! If you have a baby 12 months or older, sleep training can be an option for improving sleep issues caused by sleep onset associations (for example, when a baby falls asleep being held, rocked, or fed). After 4 months, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends [ 1 ] putting your baby in their sleep space while they're still drowsy, but not already asleep. This helps them learn to fall asleep independently, reducing the number of nighttime wakings and creating more restful sleep for the whole family. 

Sounds simple enough, right? In reality, it can be difficult to transition from rocking, holding, or feeding your baby to sleep to having them fall asleep on their own! If you decide to try sleep training, there are many different techniques that can help. You can find one that is faster or slower, depending on your preference and your baby's personality. In the end, it's up to you to decide if sleep training is the right fit for your family.

It can take a few days or a few weeks to see results. How long it takes depends on the type of sleep training method you choose, your goals, and your child's temperament. Usually, you can expect to notice some progress after 3 to 4 nights if you're using a gradual or total extinction technique. Gentle methods, however, usually take a bit longer. 

When you're trying any sleep training approach, it's important to remember that consistency is key. Gaining the ability to fall asleep independently is like mastering any other new skill — you may hit a few bumps in the road before you make any progress. Step #1 is to reset your child’s expectations about bedtime. Step #2 is to give them plenty of chances to practice and become a pro at drifting off to sleep on their own.

We get a lot of questions regarding which method is best for older babies. Each method has pros and cons and can be adapted to fit your family’s preferences. Here's a brief overview of some common sleep training approaches.

Gentle method

This approach focuses on gradual changes. One example is the fading technique, which works like this: If your kiddo usually falls asleep while feeding, you can start by trading the feeding for rocking, then reducing the rocking, and eventually putting them in the crib while they're still awake. You'd stay to provide support, and pat to sleep if needed. Eventually, you’d remove your presence as a sleep association. It’s favored by parents who want to minimize tears and don't mind if the process takes longer.

Parents often wonder if gentle sleep training is an option for older babies or toddlers. After all, gradually changing from needing help to falling asleep to do it independently can be daunting when you have an active kid who sits or stands instead of laying down! Here’s the good news: Gradual approaches may take longer, but can still be effective. 

Chair method

The chair method is a gradual sleep training technique. You sit in a chair next to your child's crib while they learn to fall asleep on their own. Over time, the chair is moved further away from the crib and closer to the door, so you're still in the room but not necessarily in contact. The goal is to stay in the room with your baby until they fall asleep, and eventually, you won't even need to be there for them to drift off. 

This method is often used after the fading technique described above. It's considered a gentle way to get to the point where you can leave the room before your little one is fully asleep. Some children may get more frustrated if you remain in the room but don’t help them to sleep, which can lead to tears and slower progress.

Ferber method

The popular Ferber method is a “check and console” strategy. This method is preferred by caregivers who want quicker results and are okay with allowing their babies to cry for defined periods of time until they fall asleep. 

Instead of slowly changing your baby's sleep habits, the idea is to “rip the bandaid off” by putting your baby down awake in their crib after their bedtime routine. You’d then leave the room. It's normal and understandable for your baby to cry at this point, since this may not be what they're used to. When using graduated extinction sleep training methods like the Ferber method, you’ll start off by leaving for short periods, and then gradually increase the time between check-ins until your baby falls asleep.

The Ferber method is seen by some as a variation of "cry-it-out" (CIO) since it involves leaving the baby in their sleep space and allowing them to cry. However, unlike total extinction "cry-it-out," the parent will usually come back at regular intervals to try and soothe the baby before leaving again. Some variations encourage the parent to pick up their baby or stay in the room to comfort them. 

CIO (or total extinction) is a fast-acting form of sleep training that permits a baby to fall asleep on their own, without any intervening methods of comfort. This is often the last resort for many parents due to the amount of crying it may involve. However, for parents who find that check-ins to soothe their baby are actually more upsetting, this approach may lead to fewer tears overall. 

When using this technique, your baby should be put in their crib awake after their bedtime routine. You then leave the room and do not return to calm your baby down when they protest. Some babies may be able to doze off within 10 minutes while others may cry for a longer period. 

Prior to beginning this strategy, it is essential to make sure a baby is properly fed, dry, not in physical discomfort, and has the developmental capability to calm themselves down without support. For extra safety, a video monitor with hourly check-ins is advised.

Tip #1: Find the right bedtime

A well-timed bedtime can help cut down on bedtime struggles. Babies who are taking 2 naps a day typically need 3 - 4 hours of awake time before bed to be sufficiently tired, while older babies and toddlers usually need 5 - 6 hours of awake time. Our Schedule Creator can help you find the right bedtime for your kiddo.

Tip #2: Take a break and reset

Try not to fall back on helping your kiddo to sleep during this process. If your child is having trouble falling asleep independently at bedtime, it’s okay to take a 15-minute break before trying again. Be sure to redo a shortened version of your routine to cue that it’s time for bed. This can help calm kids that are particularly upset and give children with persistent temperaments a chance to reset. 

Tip #3: Avoid constant intervening

If your little one stands, sits, or plays in their crib at sleep time, you’re not alone. While it can be tempting to continually lay them down, this can result in a power struggle and leave both of you frustrated. Instead, give your child some space to wind down on their own. You can remind them every 10 - 15 minutes that it’s time to sleep, and gently reposition them at that time. 

Yes! Note that if your baby takes two naps per day, they may skip a nap during daytime sleep training. Here are some tips to help you navigate this process:

If your baby takes two naps, work on each nap for an hour while sleep training. 

If your child takes just one nap, you may want to work on each nap for 90 minutes.

If your kiddo is having trouble falling asleep independently, take a break for an hour. Then you’ll do a shortened version of your nap routine and try again. If your child still won't nap after the second try, then consider it skipped and move on. 

You'll probably need to move bedtime earlier by 30 minutes or so if naps are shorter or skipped to help limit overtiredness.

Here are some tips for sleep training twins at naptime:

Temporarily separate them until naps improve.

When napping in the same room, use white noise to help muffle sounds.

If one twin wakes early, wake the other twin within 15 - 30 minutes so their schedules stay in sync, which will make it easier for them to have the same bedtime at night (optional).

Sleep training is the process of helping your child learn a new set of habits and skills. Try not to be discouraged if you’re not seeing success right away. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Make sure your baby is falling asleep independently each night — if they’re getting help to sleep on some nights, but not others, this can create confusion and slow progress.

Put your baby in their bed more awake (not super drowsy).

Reach out to your pediatrician to rule out any medical issues.

Get a customized sleep plan through Huckleberry Premium .

When it comes to improving your child’s sleep, there's no magic wand to make it happen! If you decide to sleep train, know that you have options. While there are various sleep training methods, the best one for your family depends on your family's situation, your parenting style, and your child's temperament. 

Changing habits can be hard! If your little one is accustomed to falling asleep with your help, expect that they’re going to protest when they’re suddenly expected to fall asleep in a new way. With your consistency and patience, they can learn a new way of sleeping if that’s your goal.

Q: How to sleep train 1 year olds and older babies?

There are many ways to teach your child to self-soothe. Different sleep training methods are available, ranging from gradual and crying-minimizing approaches to faster ones that may involve more tears. Whatever method you choose, you can use it as a foundation to teach your baby how to drift off to sleep without your help.

Q: Is it too late to sleep train a 1 year old?

No, it’s never too late to learn new sleep habits. While parents of older babies and toddlers may face additional challenges due to mobility and independence-seeking behaviors, many parents are able to improve sleep by sleep training at this age.

Q: How to sleep train 1+ year old babies without crying?

Many parents look for “no cry” sleep training methods. While a gradual sleep training approach can limit tears, it’s normal and expected that children will be upset when you change their routine. While you can stay by to comfort your child as you make this transition, continual intervention may stifle progress.

Q: Should babies aged 1+ year old fall asleep on their own?

While kids 12 months and older are generally capable of falling asleep on their own, it's ultimately up to the family to decide if they want to sleep train to improve bedtime, night sleep, and/or naps.

Q: Which sleep training method is best for 1 year olds and older babies?

There is no one “best” sleep training method for older babies and toddlers. The ideal method for your family will depend on your child's temperament, your goals and parenting style, as well as your ability to remain consistent.

Q: Is it harder to sleep train 1+ year old babies?

At this age, children are ready to master the art of self-soothing, if they haven’t already done so. However, older babies and toddlers who are used to falling asleep with help may present an extra challenge when it comes to sleep training, due to their mobility and independent nature.

Q: Can you let 1 year olds and older babies cry it out?

Research [2] suggests that graduated extinction can actually strengthen the bond between baby and parent, and there is no evidence that sleep training is harmful. However, if you choose to use the total extinction cry-it-out method, it may be a good idea to use a video monitor to ensure your child's safety.

If you're curious about what lies ahead with sleep training, glimpse into the future to see what you might experience once your baby is 18 months old .

Note: The content on this site is for informational purposes only and should not replace medical advice from your doctor, pediatrician, or medical professional. If you have questions or concerns, you should contact a medical professional.

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). Getting Your Baby to Sleep. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/getting-your-baby-to-sleep.aspx

A Review by Mindell JA, Kuhn B, Lewin DS et al. (2006) Behavioral treatment of bedtime problems and night wakings in infants and young children. SLEEP 2006;29(10):1263-1276. https://aasm.org/resources/practiceparameters/review_nightwakingschildren.pdf

Related Articles

12 month sleep regression: Myth or real?

Sleep training for 6 month olds and older babies: How to, methods and tips

The most common baby sleep training methods

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Amber Alert canceled after 1-year-old California boy found safe

(Gray News) - The Amber Alert for 1-year-old Weston Landrum was canceled after he was found safe on Wednesday.

Authorities previously said Weston was abducted by his 46-year-old father in West Covina, California, on Tuesday night.

No further details were given.

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Arizonans have one year left to get new ID for domestic air travel

The program starts may 7, 2025..

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — There’s now only one year remaining until the federal deadline mandating a new compliant ID for domestic airline travelers.

If you don’t have the new travel ID , now is a good time to make an appointment with the Arizona MVD.

The gold star in the upper right corner of an Arizona Travel ID shows that the holder has met federal standards requiring extra documentation.

The program, which was set to begin May 3, 2023 , will be enforced starting May 7, 2025. Beginning then, federal agencies, including TSA, will not accept driver’s licenses and identification cards that do not meet federal standards.

Walk-ins are allowed for this service at Arizona MVD offices, but making an appointment online can make the process smoother. The travel ID costs $25 and is valid for eight years.

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Fans Credit Megan Thee Stallion With Kicking Off Rap War Against Drake

The Houston hottie might have ignited one of the wildest rap battles in history with her single "Hiss."

Megan Thee Stallion might have thrown the first stone that began a multi-artist, months-long onslaught against Drake .

Amid Drake's primary feud against Kendrick Lamar , many artists have publicly shared their dislike of the OVO co-founder, including Rick Ross , ASAP Rocky , Future , and The Weeknd . With the release of Kendrick's latest attack, "Meet the Grahams," people on social media are saluting Meg for kicking it all off, referencing her January single "Hiss."

While "Hiss" first made headlines for addressing Nicki Minaj , Tory Lanez , and Megan's ex-boyfriend, rapper and songwriter Pardison Fontaine , the track also included shots aimed at Drake . In the lyrics below, the Houston rapper goes after Drake's alleged plastic surgery and criticizes his "fake-ass accents."

“All these lil' rap n****s so fraud (So fraud), Xanax be they hardest bars/These n****s hate on BBLs and be walkin' 'round with the same scars (Ah).”

“Cosplay gangsters, fake-ass accents/Posted in another n**** hood like a bad bitch (Where are you from?).”

Meg is now receiving more praise for the lines, as fans notice Kendrick unloading similar accusations against the Toronto rapper in "Meet the Grahams," where he raps:

'Cause you lied about religious views, you lied about your surgery You lied about your accent and your past tense, all is perjury

The beef between Megan the Stallion and Drake is no secret. Drizzy is a vocal supporter of Tory Lanez , who was convicted to 10 years in prison for shooting Megan in the foot in 2020. Drake insulted Meg on Her Loss track "Circo Loco" and in concert . Now, some seem to think that karma has caught up with The Boy.

View this video on YouTube

So far, Drake seems to mostly have energy for Lamar, who he's gone after on "Push Ups," "Taylor Made Freestyle," and, most recently, "Family Matters."

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