Find the portacot, travel bassinet or bed that suits you best
We have a great range of travel cots, and we get asked "which is best?" an awful lot. The answer, in short, is it depends what your needs are. We only choose travel cots for our range that meet our standards for quality and value as well as the voluntary and mandatory AU/NZ safety standards. So you know it has to be really really good to be in our range.
With the help of our guides and videos linked below, you'll be able to see which one is right for you and your little one. You will also find links to AU and NZ safety standard sites for your reference.
Having a travel cot is just part of the sleep puzzle while you are on holiday so click the links below to our free sleep advice articles for tips on getting sleep during and after your trip away from home, plus other travel products that can help make your vacation a dream one.
As well as a safe travel cot, we recommend a blackout shade cover to reduce visual distraction when your little one is away from their usual environment. A waterproof mattress protector is also a good idea, to keep the mattress for longer and a quilted wool topper can help make the mattress warmer. We have quilted wool mattress toppers designed specifically for use in our Quest and Drift travel cots. Please note you should only ever use the mattress that came with the travel cot, any additional mattresses can be a suffocation risk.
Travel Cot FAQs
Get all your travel cot questions answered with our FAQ guide below. If you have further questions, please get in touch with our customer service team.
Why are travel cot mattresses so hard?
Travel cot mattresses are firm to prevent suffocation in young infants. If an infant mattress is too soft, it will not properly support a baby during its sleep. If the baby rolls over during their sleep, their nose could become cushioned in a soft mattress, potentially obstructing their breathing.
Read more about mattress firmness
Can I use a softer mattress in the travel cot?
No, you should only use the mattress that came with the travel cot. You may feel that the travel cot mattress is too thin and hard, however they are designed to be firm to prevent suffocation and are thin to pack down easily.
Don't be tempted to 'soften' the mattress with extra blankets or another mattress, this can cause a suffocation hazard or risk your baby overheating. Additionally, your travel cot will no longer comply to the safety standard.
Using a different mattress may also alter the stability of the travel cot, meaning it may be easier to tip over.
If you're wanting to add some warmth or comfort to your portacot, you could choose to use a thin, quilted wool topper such as the Quilted Wool Topper, just make sure it fits snugly to the mattress.
Can a travel cot be used long term?
We don't recommend using a travel cot long term. Whilst they are safe to use for babies, they may not be as durable as a standard household cot as they aren't designed for long term use.
Travel cots also tend to have lower limits for weight & height, so you may only get 2 years use out of your travel cot, whereas your main cot will usually be safe to use until 3 or 4 years of age.
Additionally, travel cots tend to be lower to the ground than a standard household cot, which can make it much more difficult for caregivers when placing baby in and taking baby out of the cot.
Will a travel cot fit in a suitcase?
Yes....depending on the model you buy. Most travel cots will come in their own carry bags, but if you want to be guaranteed that it will fit in your suitcase, you should check the size dimensions of the travel cot when packed up and the dimensions of your suitcase. The Drift Travel Cot and Phil & Ted's Traveller models can fold up small enough to fit in an average sized suitcase.
Can travel cots be used as a playpen?
Yes, travel cots can be a good temporary option to use as a play space, particularly when you're away from home. However, as stated above, they are not designed for long term use.
What age do you stop using a travel cot?
How long you can use a travel cot depends on the cot you buy, the size (in particular height) of your child and their development.
In general travel cots can be used into toddlerhood, but each travel cot will have a different upper weight and height limit. Please check the manufacturer's recommendation that came with your particular travel cot, for the limits specific to your model.
The other consideration is your child's development. If your baby or toddler is starting to climb out of the cot, then you should also stop using the cot.
Do Travel Cots Have a Bassinet?
Some travel cots have a bassinet feature that comes with the cot. This usually takes the form of a raised base or separate insert to be used as a bassinet for newborn babies. The Quest Portacot and Phil & Ted's Traveller models both feature a bassinet mode, which can make it easier to get little babies in and out of. It's personal preference if you wish to have a bassinet feature in your travel cot.
