By Angelica Videla — Certified Baby and Toddler Sleep Consultant, London | Supporting families across the UK, Europe, US, and Australia
Quick Answer
The best travel cot for sleep is one your baby has practised sleeping in before you travel. The BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light is the gold standard — lightweight, genuinely easy to set up, and provides a firm, flat sleep surface. The Joie Kubbie and Silver Cross Slumber are strong alternatives at lower price points. Whichever you choose, familiarise your baby with it at home before the trip.
Why the travel cot matters for sleep
A travel cot is not just a place to sleep — it is the foundation of your baby’s sleep environment away from home. The mattress firmness, the enclosed space, and the familiarity of the cot all contribute to whether your baby can settle and sleep well in an unfamiliar location.
The most common mistake families make is buying the cheapest travel cot available and then wondering why their baby will not settle in it on holiday. The mattress on budget travel cots is often thin, uneven, and uncomfortable. Investing in a quality travel cot — and practising with it at home — makes a significant difference.
What to look for in a travel cot
Mattress quality. The mattress should be firm and flat. Many travel cots come with a thin, folded mattress that creates ridges. If the mattress is not flat and firm, consider purchasing a separate travel cot mattress.
Ease of setup. You will be setting this up after a long journey, possibly while holding a tired baby. Genuinely one-handed, intuitive setup matters more than you think before the trip.
Weight and pack size. If you are flying, weight and pack size are critical. The BabyBjörn weighs 6kg and fits in a carry bag. Many standard travel cots weigh 10 to 12kg.
Ventilation. Mesh sides provide airflow and allow your baby to see the room, which can reduce anxiety in unfamiliar environments.
Stability. The cot should not wobble or shift when your baby moves. Instability can cause waking.
Best travel cots for baby sleep
BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light
The best overall option. Weighs 6kg. Sets up in under a minute with no tools. The mattress is firm and flat. Mesh sides provide excellent ventilation. Compact pack size. Suitable from birth to approximately 3 years. Expensive, but if you travel regularly, it pays for itself in better sleep within two trips.
Joie Kubbie Sleep
An excellent mid-range option. Slightly heavier than the BabyBjörn at 8kg but with a good mattress and straightforward setup. Includes a carry bag. The mattress is thicker than many budget alternatives. Good value for occasional travel.
Silver Cross Slumber
A premium option with a quilted mattress and elegant design. Heavier at 9kg but with a superior mattress. The setup is simple and the build quality is excellent. A good choice for families who prioritise mattress comfort and do not mind the extra weight.
Micralite Sleep and Go
Ultra-lightweight at 4.5kg and compact enough to fit as cabin luggage. The trade-off is a slightly thinner mattress. Excellent for flying. Consider adding a separate mattress for longer stays.
How to prepare your baby for sleeping in a travel cot
- Set the travel cot up at home 1 to 2 weeks before your trip
- Use it for naps first — daytime sleep is lower-pressure than bedtime
- Once naps are going well, try one or two nights in the travel cot at home
- Use your regular sleep sack and cot sheets — familiar textures and scent help
- Keep the same bedtime routine — the routine signals sleep regardless of location
Travel cot sleep tips
Bring your own fitted sheet. The familiar scent of your regular cot sheet provides comfort. Do not wash it before the trip.
Position the cot away from windows. Reduces light leakage and temperature variation.
Add portable blackout and white noise. These two products combined with the travel cot replicate the home sleep environment as closely as possible.
For a complete travel sleep setup guide, see: best baby sleep products for travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best travel cot for sleep?
The BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light is the gold standard — lightweight, easy to set up, and provides a firm flat sleep surface. The Joie Kubbie is the best mid-range alternative.
Should I practise sleeping in the travel cot before a trip?
Yes — familiarising your baby with the travel cot at home significantly improves how quickly they settle in an unfamiliar location.
Do I need a separate mattress for a travel cot?
If the cot comes with a thin, folded mattress, yes. A firm, flat mattress is important for both sleep quality and safety.
From what age can a baby sleep in a travel cot?
Most travel cots are suitable from birth. Check the manufacturer’s weight and age limits.
Will my baby sleep worse in a travel cot?
If the cot is comfortable and familiar, most babies adjust within 1 to 2 nights. Bring blackout, white noise, and familiar bedding to help the transition.