Although a hotel suite with separate bedrooms or a set up similar to home is the best when travelling, that’s not always possible for various reasons. A big factor and expense on vacation or holiday is the room cost: a portable travel bed or toddler blow up bed can offer a little bit more flexibility on the rooms you can choose. Many hotels don’t charge for kids under a certain age – if they use an existing bed.
This guide covers various travel beds for kids whether you are camping, flying, need a spare bed at the grandparents or staying in a hotel room. For travel cots and travel cribs for babies see here.
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Do you need a toddler travel bed?
A kids’ travel bed gives you the option to book a regular room and save money. I’ve known some parents to fit a travel bed under the room desk when space has been particularly tight! This option wouldn’t have worked with a travel cot or pack n play but there are several options in this guide which are just as compact. This guide will help you decide which is the best travel bed for toddlers.
A toddler travel bed is different from a travel crib. Travel cribs, sometimes known as pack ‘n’ play or travel cots usually have higher sides and are generally suitable for a baby, whereas these beds are ideal for a child who is used to a bigger bed.
My toddler often starts up in her own bed at home, but ends up with us during the night. If she is put with her sister in a hotel sofa bed, they both take ages to settle and argue over whose side is whose! In this case, it’s useful to have a portable travel bed, especially if room is tight.
Portable travel beds are easy to squish in a car, are always handy to have on a sleepover, and some inflatable travel beds are small enough to easily fit into your suitcase for air travel too. They are a lot more comfortable than just a sleeping bag too.
Some other advantages of having a portable toddler travel bed with you include:
- Travel beds for toddlers are generally lighter than the ‘pack n play’ and traditional travel cots. Some of the inflatable ones will fit into your suitcase, meaning you don’t have to pay for an extra piece of baggage. If you are flying you are usually allowed to take a stroller and car seat for free. (Qantas let you take all three for free).
- Travel toddler beds can save you money on additional hotel bed charges or the need to buy a larger or family room.
- When at home, you will always have a spare toddler bed for guests.
- If you use it for sleepovers at home or camping, then it is familiar place for them to sleep.
- You have a spare inflatable bed or fold out toddler bed to use at home.
What is the difference between a toddler travel bed and a toddler travel crib/cot?
A toddler travel bed is essentially a travel mattress. They are usually floor level, with low sides and easy to pack – all features which make it a very portable bed. A toddler travel bed is a good idea if your toddler can climb out of a travel cot – for obvious safety reasons.
What is the best travel bed for toddlers?
Types of toddler travel beds
There are several different types of travel beds to consider; one style is the inflatable air mattress, others are mattresses which simply unfold, whilst others require a small bit of assembly before use.
Size of a toddler travel bed
The size of a toddler bed can vary from a similar mattress size to a travel cot or crib to a single bed size. Some measurements may stipulate the mattress size and others the total size – the outer edges or bed rail too.
Age Ranges
Age ranges vary from 2 and up. Also check the weight limit too.
Other things to consider when purchasing a toddler travel bed.
For travel ease of use and weight are highly important. Check if the travel bed is more suitable for a car journey, or if it can fold up and be considered as hand luggage.
For comfort, cushioned travel beds are clearly going to be offer more of a restful sleep, but these days inflatable ones can be comfortable too.
Also consider which ones offer the most support or a toddler air mattress with sides. If you are going to be in a tent, you may want to research elevated camping beds for toddlers in case of rain.
SWIPE LEFT TO SEE FULL INFO AND BELOW FOR FULL DETAILS OF EACH TRAVEL BED AND PROS AND CONS
| Item | Image | Sleeping Pad/Mattress included | Carry Bag included | Recommended age | Weight | Size | Pump | Other key Features |
| KidCo Peapod Plus Infant Travel Bed | Yes | Yes | 1 to 5 years old | 3.65 lbs | when Open: 52.5”L x 34”W x 22”H in Bag: 19L” x 3.5”W x 19”H | – | comes with a lightweight mesh providing increased airflow and a large front zipper panel for easy access | |
| BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light |  | Yes | Yes | From newborn to approx. 3 years, or until your child is able to climb out of it | 6 kg (including carry bag) | Mattress: 60 x 105 x 4 cm Assembled: 82 x 112 x 64 cm Folded up in carry bag: 49 x 60 x 14 cm | – | Removable and washable fabrics Easy to set up in just one move |
| Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed |  | Yes | Yes | for toddlers from 18 months | 8 lbs | 62 x 39 x 12 inches | High-speed pump (inflates in under 30 seconds) | Fold, roll and go Puncture-resistant inlay Fits all standard crib sheets and blankets |
| EnerPlex Kids Inflatable Travel Bed |  | Yes | Yes | ages 36 months and up | 12.45 lbs | 66 x 44 x 13 inches | External pump, 3 universal nozzles and Adaptors for AC/DC plug included | Built-in Bumpers |
| The Shrunks Sleepover Travel Bed |  | Yes | Yes | ages 2 years and up | 8.5 kg | Inflated Size:60 x 37 x 9 (inches) Sleeping Area: 47 x 28 in Approximate deflated size: 16 x 7 x 7 (inches) | Electric Jetaire Pump included | Signature guard rails Sheet-tuck feature Quiet, squeak-free material and design |
| Intex Kids Travel Bed Set |  | Yes | Yes | ages 3 to 6 years old | 9.16 lbs | Approximate inflated size: 66in X 42in X 10in Inner mattress size: 28in X 52in X 4in | Hand pump included | inflates in 5 minutes with a hand pump and deflates quickly |
| Sleepah Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed |  | Yes | Yes | for toddlers from 18 months | 9 lbs | 61 x 40 x 12 inches | Electric pump included | Patching kit included Small pillow included |
| Regalo My Cot Portable Toddler Bed |  | No | No | for children aged 2 to 5 years | 6.25 lbs | Sleep surface: 48”L x 24”W x 9”H Folded down size: 9”L x 8”W x 24”H | – | Simple fold and go system Light-weight and durable Waterproof |
| Joovy Foocot Child Travel Cot |  | No | Yes | for children aged 24 months to 5 years | 6.6 lbs | Folded dimension: 24.5″” x 8″” x 6″ Assembled dimensions: 48″” x 25″” x 9.5″ | – | Easy reach pockets 100% flame retardant |
| Leachco BumpZZZ Travel Bed |  | Yes | Yes | for children aged 3 years and up | 12 lbs | Entire Bed Assembled Size: 58 in x 39 in x 7 in Bag Only Size: 29.5 in x 40 in x .5 in Bed in Bag Measurements: 20 in x 37 in x 14.75 in Bed Pad Only Measurements: 43 in x 22 in x 1.25 in | – | Removable cover included Foam padded center Cushioned outer bumpers |
| Milliard Memory Foam Mat and Blanket |  | Yes | No | for children aged 1 year and up | 3.8 lbs | 16.3 x 12.7 x 6.7 inches | – | Memory foam mat Textured bottom Attached carry handle Machine washable |
| Milliard Portable Toddler Travel Nap Mat | Yes | No | for children aged 18 months to 5 years | 10.3 lbs | Dimensions when folded: 25″x14.5″x27″ Dimensions when open: 54″x25″x7″ Mat dimensions: 49″x20″ Bumper height: Exterior – 7″, Interior – 4.5″ | – | Acts as a suitcase when folded Washable sheet Waterproof cover | |
| Everyday Kids Toddler Nap Mat |  | Yes | No | for children aged 3 to 6 years | 1.72 lbs | 50 x 20 x 2 inches | – | Made of 100% soft microfiber polyester Removable pillow Zipper-free Roll-up design |
| Moonsea Toddler Nap Mat |  | Yes | No | for children aged 2 to 6 years | 2.2 lbs | Dimensions: 50 x 21 x 1 inches Blanket finished size: 41″ x 33″ Mat finished size (including pillow): 21″ x 50″ | – | Loop fastening straps Removable pillow |
Best Toddler Travel Beds for 2023
The KidCo Peapod Plus is a lightweight travel bed perfect for your outdoor family adventures. The larger Peapod Plus is designed for children aged 1 to 5 years, comes with a lightweight mesh providing increased airflow and a large front zipper panel for easy access.
It also has UV protection, anchor straps and adjustable sunscreens. With a weight of 3.65lbs it is easy to pack away in luggage and use when traveling with a toddler or younger baby.
Do be cautious if small people are around when unfolding due to its rapid 'pop out' mechanism. Otherwise, the PeaPod Plus is a very easy to use toddler travel bed that is easy to clean with a detachable mattress pad. A great travel toddler bed for both air travel and car travel!
Key Features:- Sleeping Pad included
- Carry Bag included
- Recommended age: 1 to 5 years old
- Weight: 3.65 lbs
- Size when Open: 52.5”L x 34”W x 22”H
- Size in Bag: 19L” x 3.5”W x 19”H
The BabyBjörn Travel Crib is perfect for sleepovers and for bringing along for long journeys. It folds up in a travel bag making it easy to throw in your bag for overseas travel too. This portable travel crib is suitable for children aged 0 to 3 years and can be set up and folded up in just one move. Added features include a soft and comfy mattress, airy mesh fabric so baby can have the circulate around the cot and easy for you to keep a watchful eye.
The crib fabric is 100% polyester while the mattress cover is 100% Trevira fabric (polyester). The fabric is easy to remove and is machine washable at 40˚C. while the mattress cover can be washed at 60˚C
Key Features:- Mattress included
- Removable and washable fabrics
- Easy to set up in just one move
- Airy design for good supervision
- Weight: 6 kg (including carry bag)
- Mattress: 60 x 105 x 4 cm
- Assembled: 82 x 112 x 64 cm
- Folded up in carry bag: 49 x 60 x 14 cm
- Age suitable for: From newborn to approx. 3 years, or until your child is able to climb out of it. There is no upper weight limit for using the travel crib according to the official Baby Bjorn site.
The oversized side bumpers really help set the Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed apart from the other travel bed options. The bed rail bumpers are 25% taller and longer than the standard toddler bed so it's perfect for tall toddlers or for kids who are transitioning to an adult bed. Kids are unlikely to fall out with the sturdy bumpers on all four sides.
The high-speed pump inflates the bed in under 30 seconds and the strong vinyl material helps prevent punctures.
You will need standard crib sheets.
Its ease of use makes it perfect whether at home, at grandparents, camping or vacation.
Key Features:- Fold, roll and go
- Travel bag included
- Ultra-plush removable mattress
- Puncture-resistant inlay
- Fits all standard crib sheets and blankets
- High-speed pump (inflates in under 30 seconds)
- Oversized side bumpers for superior protection
- Product Dimensions: 62 x 39 x 12 inches
- Weight: 8 pounds
This EnerPlex on-the-go travel mattress is perfect for sleepovers, camping, or anywhere you would need an extra kids bed. It comes with its own oversized carry bag and external pump that can inflate the bed in just 30 seconds.
This blow up travel bed is made of durable, puncture-resistant PVC (polyvinyl chloride) with reinforced seams so you'll never worry about it accidentally deflating. Another cool feature of this travel bed is its safety bumpers for top-tier security while the little one is tossing and turning.
Utilize the lightweight blow up toddler mattress to visit grandparents, for naps at a babysitter’s house, or as a transitional bed. Includes an oversized travel bag & high output electric pump (120V).
Key Features:- Oversized carry bag included
- External pump included
- 3 universal nozzles included
- Adaptors for AC/DC plug included
- Built-in Bumpers
- Recommended for ages 36 months and up
- Product Dimensions: 66 x 44 x 13 inches
- Item Weight: 12.45 pounds
This toddler travel bed is perfect for travel, sleepovers and even for kids transitioning to a big bed. Thanks to the bed's unique design and signature guard rails, the little ones will feel secure, cozy and right at home.
Standard sized crib sheets and blankets tuck into the inner air mattress keeping sheets taut and comfortable. (you will need to provide your own sheet with this item) This portable air bed is constructed with the safest materials, safe from Phthalates, BPA and Lead. The flocking on the mattress stops those squeaking sound too!
Good news if you are packing it and taking it with you, the travel bed and pump weigh 8.5lbs and rolls up to 16" x 7" x 7" and comes with a drawstring bag.
Key Features:- Electric Jetaire Pump included
- Carrying Bag with drawstring included
- Signature guard rails
- Sheet-tuck feature
- Quiet, squeak-free material and design
- Recommended for ages 2 years and up
- Item Weight: 8.5 kg
- Inflated Size:60 x 37 x 9 (inches), 152 x 94 x 23 (cm)
- Sleeping Area: 47 x 28 in | 120 x 71 cm
- Approximate deflated size: 16 x 7 x 7 (inches), 40 x 18 x 18 (cm)
- Weight bed and pump: 8.5 lbs, 3.8 kg
- Maximum weight capacity: 150 lbs, 68 kg
Intex Kids Travel Bed Set will make sure that your kids will get a good night's sleep when away from home. Suitable for children aged 3 to 6 years, it inflates in 5 minutes with a hand pump and deflates quickly, with a raised surround on all four sides for safety and a removable inner mattress for increased comfort.
You can either separate the airbed from the frame to make an additional sleeping surface or put them together for easy tucking of sheets. The frame provides for extra stability and ensures that your kids won't roll out of the bed.
This children’s inflatable bed comes with a carry bag and a hand pump, although you may orefer an electrical or battery operated pump if you need to set this travel mattress up in several places. It's worth noting this is one of the widest travel beds for kids, so might not be ideal if you have a restricted space or need to fit more than one travel bed in a room.
Key Features:- Hand pump included
- Carry bag included
- For kids up to 48in
- For kids aged 3-6 years old
- Approximate inflated size: 66in X 42in X 10in
- Inner mattress size: 28in X 52in X 4in
- Maximum user weight: 22.7kg
The Sleepah Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed is an all-in-one travel bed set that comes with everything your kid needs for a sleepover, a camping trip or a night at grandmas. It comes with an electric pump, a travel bag, an inflatable pillow and even a little white cloud plush toy. This travel bed also come with safety features including side bumpers which are 25% higher to ensure your kids will remain inside the bed at all times, and the materials are lead and phthalate-free.
The entire set inflates in under a minute and can easily be deflated for use at another time.
Key Features:- Electric pump included
- Carry bag included
- Patching kit included
- Small pillow included
- Recommended for toddlers from 18 months
- Maximum user height: 4ft
- Maximum user weight: 300lbs
- Mattress size: 61 x 40 x 12 inches
- Item weight: 9lbs
The Regalo My Cot Portable Bed is a multi-functional cot for your little one for travel, sleepovers, nap time, picnics, and camping trips. Designed for portability, My Cot can be easily set up in seconds wherever or whenever you need it and it folds down to a fraction of its set-up size.
It is made of a lightweight all-steel construction so it's guaranteed to be durable and safe. Sturdy canvas material lines the cot while a fitted sheet is included for added comfort while your little one rests or plays.
Clean up is a breeze since you can just use a damp cloth and soap for the frame and the waterproof nylon is easily washable.
Key Features:- Simple fold and go system
- Light-weight and durable
- Waterproof
- Recommended for children aged 2 to 5 years
- Maximum user weight: 75lbs
- Sleep surface: 48”L x 24”W x 9”H
- Folded down size: 9”L x 8”W x 24”H
The Joovy Foocot Child Travel Cot is easy to set up, comfortable travel bed for camping, daycare, hotels or sleepovers and is designed with flexibility and portability in mind. It has two storage pockets perfect for storing a flashlight, snacks, special toy or a favourite book. The Footcot is made of a sturdy steel frame with high-quality nylon fabric. It folds ultra-small for travel convenience and comes with a carry bag with shoulder strap and is made of the same top-grade nylon as the travel cot.
Key Features:- Travel bag with shoulder strap included
- Easy reach pockets
- 100% flame retardant
- Recommended for children aged 24 months to 5 years
- Maximum user height:48 inches
- Maximum user weight: 75 lbs
- Folded dimension: 24.5" x 8" x 6"
- Assembled dimensions: 48" x 25" x 9.5"
- Item weight: 6.6 lbs
You can take the BumpZZZ Travel Bed anywhere your child goes, whether it's a playdate, a camping trip or just a quick getaway at the grandparents, your child will have a soft spot to play, lounge or sleep. The travel bed has a foam padded center for all-around cozy comfort and cushioned outer bumpers for security. It is generously sized and versatile as it can be fully extended or doubled up for a stackable lounge cushion. It's also lightweight and folds into its own travel bag. It has a zippered removable cover that is machine washable.
Key Features:
- Travel bag included
- Removable cover included
- Foam padded center
- Cushioned outer bumpers
- Recommended for children aged 3 years and up
- Entire Bed Assembled Size: 58 in x 39 in x 7 in
- Bag Only Size: 29.5 in x 40 in x .5 in
- Bed in Bag Measurements: 20 in x 37 in x 14.75 in
- Bed Pad Only Measurements: 43 in x 22 in x 1.25 in
This nap mat is an all-in-one toddler nap mat - no need to pack along a sheet pillow or blanket. The mat is made of memory foam for superior comfort and it has a textured bottom that keeps the mat in place. It is easily transportable too, you just have to roll up the mat and secure it with the attached Hook-n-Loop fasteners. You can also throw it into the wash any time it gets dirty.
Key Features:
- Memory foam mat
- Textured bottom
- Attached carry handle
- Machine washable
- Recommended for children aged 1 year and up
- Item dimensions: 16.3 x 12.7 x 6.7 inches
- Item weight: 3.8 lbs
The Milliard Portable Toddler Travel Nap Mat is perfect for use at hotels, daycare, Grandma's house, and anywhere you need a comfortable place for your child to rest. The nap mat acts as a suitcase when folded so you can conveniently store a blanket, a pillow or even your child's favourite toy.
It features a durable outer material plus a soft cozy inside and the materials meet all US industry standards. The seven-inch bumpers help in preventing your little one from rolling out the nap mat. The mat encasement is waterproof and easy to wash. The inner plush velour material is waterproof and also washable.
Key Features:
- Acts as a suitcase when folded
- Washable sheet
- Waterproof cover
- Recommended for children aged 18 months to 5 years
- Dimensions when folded: 25"x14.5"x27"
- Dimensions when sopen: 54"x25"x7"
- Mat dimensions: 49"x20"
- Bumper height: Exterior - 7", Interior - 4.5"
- Weight: 10.3 lbs
The Everyday Kids Toddler Nap Mat is designed for preschool, kindergarten or daycare use but it's also perfect for travel.
One feature that sets it apart from other nap mats is its comforter front as opposed to just a thin blanket front.
It has a roll-up design with convenient fastening closures straps and a carrying handle. It's made of 100% soft brushed microfiber polyester which is breathable, fade-resistant and naturally hypoallergenic.
This mat is very easy to clean as it is machine washable - simply remove the pillow and toss everything else into the washer on the gentle cycle in cold water then tumble dry on low heat.
Key Features:
- Removable pillow
- Roll-up design
- Zipper-free
- Lightweight
- Made of 100% soft microfiber polyester
- Free of harmful chemicals
- Recommended for children aged 3 to 6 years
- Dimensions: 50 x 20 x 2 inches
- Weight: 1.72 lbs
Key Features:
- Loop fastening straps
- Removable pillow
- Recommended for children aged 2 to 6 years
- Dimensions: 50 x 21 x 1 inches
- Weight:2.2 lbs
- Blanket finished size: 41" x 33"
- Mat finished size (including pillow): 21" x 50"
Don’t forget:
If you are planning on going out and about or travelling soon, you may find these other travel gear recommendations for kids useful too. These great travel toys and activities for toddlers are handy too – for days out, to trips on planes, trains or even cruising or camping.
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