The mattress needs to be firm, flat and protected by a waterproof cover,” Kate adds. “Make sure the travel cot has a rigid frame and base and that it meets all the relevant safety standards. Travel cots shouldn’t be placed against a radiator, in direct sunlight or within reach of blind cords and other hazards”. This multi-functional travel cot is ideal if you have a newborn or young infant and want to set up a semi-permanent space for them. It’s fairly large in comparison to some of the other travel cots we tested, but it’s easy and straightforward to assemble and took just a few minutes. Some travel cots can be pricy, and although they are more likely to be made from luxurious materials, have a stylish look and come with additional features, if you are not likely to use the cot often, you could always invest in one of the best budget cots. These are relatively low in price but are still functional for your baby. The airy design lets you keep an eye on your child, and keeps them comfortable with plenty of ventilation You may find the mattress is a little on the thin side and it definitely isn’t as comfy as some of the more expensive ones on this list. But be assured this is as it should be to maintain a safe ventilated sleeping area without creating any gaps at the edges.

If you plan to travel on public transport or by aeroplane, you may want to make sure that your travel cot is portable. Many cots are small enough and light enough to carry easily and these are the best option for many parents. To help your baby get used to their travel cot, you should put your baby into the cot to sleep for a few nights before your trip. This gives them a chance to test out the cot and you’re likely to find that they like it just as much as they like their cot at home. Whether you're heading off on a sleepover or a longer holiday, the Maxi-Cosi Iris travel cot is the perfect travel companion. It folds compactly and comes with a transport bag for easy carrying. And whether you're traveling with a newborn or a toddler, you can adjust the cot to suit you, by raising or lowering the mattress base. Choosing the best travel cot from so many fantastic options was difficult. We considered several factors to help us make our decision, including the design, the ease of transport and assembly, and the mattress. The clear winner for us was the Maxi-Cosi Iris 2-in-1 Compact Travel Cot. Not only is this one of the best travel cots for babies it can also be adapted as your child grows. The cot is simple to use and folds compactly into a useful traveling bag. It is also super lightweight – a huge bonus for parents traveling with multiple bags and suitcases.You’ll also need a lightweight sheet to go over the mattress, but make sure this is fitted and there’s no loose fabric that baby could pull over their face. What age can a child sleep in a travel cot? However, as with any cot, you should make sure that you are following safe sleeping practices. Use the original mattress that comes with the cot. If you are required to buy the mattress separately, always choose one that is recommended by the manufacturer or fits exactly with the size specifications. There’s even a side exit aimed at keeping older toddlers entertained when they’re using it as a play area. I’m not sure how much you’d use some of these features such as the changing table but it’s a nice option if you need it. (I’d personally prefer to use a mat on the floor). Yes, and I’ve done so many times, but make sure that the manufacturer’s guidance states that it’s suitable. A number of the travel cots in our roundup are, so I’ve also tested them with this in mind. Does a travel cot need a mattress? Choosing a travel cot that is easy to clean can be a lifesaver for many parents. We all know how messy children can be! Look for a cot that has a removable frame cover and a removable mattress cover for the easiest clean. Additional Features:

A travel cot that doubles as a playpen is preferable for many parents. The opportunity to use the cot for sleeping and play can make life much easier for parents who are traveling. A cot that can be used as a playpen should be larger than average and have a soft and comfortable base. Some of the more popular options will also come with additional features such as a zip-down side and toy basket. Material: Going on a trip to find that your baby doesn’t like sleeping in their travel cot can be a disaster for many parents. As a matter of fact, it is more likely that your baby is confused by the change in their sleeping arrangements and isn’t used to sleeping in a different bassinet. As a mum of two little boys aged one and three, finding the best travel cots has become an important part of my life. We use a travel cot for our youngest child when visiting grandparents and friends and use another as a safe travel playpen for his older brother on holidays. Their benefit over a regular cot is travel cots are portable and lightweight. As a parenting writer, I’ve had the opportunity to try out many different types. They’re not all created equal. Deciding what makes the best travel cot depends on what is important to you. Different families have different uses and needs for their cot so what is important to one family may be less important to another. Maxi-Cosi Swift grows with your baby from birth through to 3.5 years of age. So instead of buying three separate portable products (a bassinet, a toddler cot and a play pen), the Swift is all three, stylishly rolled into-one.The weight of travel cots can vary greatly. The weight should be stated in the product description so always consult this beforehand. Generally, the weight of a travel cot will be between 6kg-8kg. The main mattress base sits above floor level to avoid drafts and the mesh sides offer great visibility of baby from multiple angles. The mattress also includes a handy zip-off design that means that you can throw it in the washing machine if there are any accidents. The answer to this question varies with each travel cot. Some cots are suitable for newborns and have a detachable bassinet that can be taken out as your baby grows. Some are only appropriate from 6 months of age but can last until your child is three or four years of age.