- Hiccapop Toddler Bed (2+ years)
- Shrunks Indoor Tuckaire™ Toddler Travel Bed (2+ years)
- Milliard Portable Toddler Travel Nap Mat (18+ months)
- Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light (from newborn)
- Munchkin Brica Baby Travel Pod (from newborn)
- Regalo My Cot (2 – 5 years)
Travelling with a toddler is enough of a challenge for every parent. Whether it is a sleepover at grandparents’ house or a week-long journey exploring Berlin, the quality of your toddler’s sleep is key to a great trip.
Because most places the family spends the night at while travelling doesn’t have a great selection of sleeping choices for the toddler, you won’t regret investing in a travel toddler bed.
Toddler beds come in various shapes and forms but generally, they’re just smaller bed frames designed to bring comfort and safety to your toddler.
Below you will find six best toddler beds in 2023 that I’ve researched and/or tested. These are the choices that I highly recommend.
Amongst the recommendations, you will find five different types of travel beds. They differ in age range, weight, shape, and other factors (at the end of the article, there is a comparison table with all the specifications).
4 toddler travel bed types
Inflatable mat – it is an inflatable mattress except toddler-size. It usually has higher sides for the toddler not to fall off. Two of the best mattresses out there are Hiccapop Toddler Bed and Shrunks Indoor Tuckaire™ Toddler Travel Bed. Both are quiet and easy to clean with a removable crib-size inner mattress.
Foldable mat – takes more space than the inflatable, however, the quiet foldable mattress won’t make you nervous, wondering whether the toddler will be sensitive to noises while tossing and turning. A great choice is Milliard Portable Toddler Travel Nap Mat that folds into an easy-to-carry luggage.
Travel crib – as expected, it’s a crib designed for travel. Lightweight, easy to set up, and taking little space, it is a comforting item when looking for a wider age range option like Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light.
Travel pod is a super compact, ultra-light mini pod with side panels, great for younger toddlers and babies that can be used not just during the night but also anywhere else like for a nap at the park. My favourite, very versatile pick is the Munchkin Brica Baby Travel Pod.
Cot – lifting your toddler higher up from the floor, the lightweight cot provides a comfortable travel option for your toddler to sleep on next to your bed. Suitable for older toddlers and easy to set up, Regalo My Cot is a great cot choice.
With all the different types of travel beds for toddlers, your head might spin not knowing which one to choose. Well, there are several factors that you should consider including your own personal preferences while travelling.
Will I be bothered to inflate the mattress (though it only takes a couple of minutes) or do I just want to unfold it and lay my sleepy toddler to rest?
Each trip and parent is very different so your capacity for set-ups and cleaning the travel beds will vary. However, there are some general aspects that will make it easier to navigate amongst the top 2023 toddler travel beds.
4 things to look for in a toddler travel bed
Age range – this one will be an easy answer. If your toddler is one-year-old and you need a travel bed for the trip you’re taking in two weeks, you’ll pick one of the toddler travel beds that suit the age of your kiddo.
Easy use – for the travel bed to be compact they will have various setups. The inflatable mattresses of course need inflating, however, the ones I’ve found come with a pump and only take a few minutes to inflate. A travel crib or a cot needs some setting up but they are easy to do so.
Comfort – this is a big one. Though it’s hard to determine which one will fit your toddler’s sleep-time needs the most, you will possibly know whether the little one needs something closest to their actual bed, if they are sensitive to noise, or if they sleep still enough to lay on the cot.
Size and weight – simply consider how much space you have in your car trunk/flight luggage allowance/etc. And, of course, how much extra weight you are willing to carry. Some of these travel toddler beds have carry bags included so it will be just a small additional item to put in your baggage.
Now that you’ve got a slight idea of what you’re looking for in a travel bed for the little one, let’s dive into my top pics for 2023 toddler travel beds.
1. Hiccapop Toddler Bed
Hiccapop Toddler Bed is a lightweight and portable inflatable mattress designed specifically for toddlers 2 years and up to have as perfect night’s sleep as possible away from home. The mattress has extra tall and long bed bumpers to protect your toddler from rolling out and it exceeds all federal standards for child safety.
Hiccapop Toddler Bed has unmatched durability because of reinforced weld seams and extra thick vinyl. As there is always a shortage of time while travelling with a toddler, it is good to know that the Hiccapop mattress inflates in under 30 seconds with an included electric pump.
There are 3 colours to choose from and the best thing about Hiccapop is that they offer a Lifetime Guarantee! The bed can also be used at home for the transitional period between the crib and the bed.
Pros & Cons of Hiccapop Toddler Bed
| PROS | CONS |
| Lightweight & portable | Pump not compatible outside USA |
| Mattress comes out as a separate piece from the rim | Needs to be inflated |
| Soft because of velvet flocked mattress | |
| Fits all standard crib sheets and blankets | |
| Sides are 25% taller & 25% longer than nearest competitor | |
| Lifetime Warranty & High quality |
2. The Shrunks Indoor Tuckaire™ Toddler Travel Bed
The Shrunks is an inflatable mattress that is of standard crib size with sheets and blankets tucked into the inner air mattress. Indoor Tuckaire Toddler Travel Bed, suitable for toddlers 2 years and up, has signature guard rails that help prevent the child from falling off.
Being away from home in an unfamiliar environment is already an obstacle to a good night’s sleep but Shrunks Tuckaire Bed makes it easier by being quiet because of squeak-free flocking and PVC material.
The maximum weight capacity of Shrunks Tuckaire Toddler Bed is 68 kg so your child can sleep on the mattress for almost as long as they are comfortable on it. Tuckaire is available in so many colours that your toddler will definitely find their favourite.
Pros & Cons of The Shrunks Indoor Tuckaire™ Toddler Travel Bed
| PROS | CONS |
| Compact, packs small enough to fit into a large suitcase | Needs to be inflated |
| Quiet, no squeaking | Carry bag does not include space for the pump |
| Enough space to lie next to the toddler till they fall asleep | |
| Pump comes with a deflating feature | |
| Easy clean up & Quick to inflate |
3. Milliard Portable Toddler Travel Nap Mat
Milliard Travel Bed is a portable toddler travel mattress that provides a safe and soft bed for the toddler 18 months and up to sleep on while travelling. It simply folds up and is carried and stored as luggage.
Extremely safe to use, the Milliard Travel Nap Mat has bumpers on all four sides of the mattress keeping the toddler in bed and off the floor. Your toddler will be safe and sound while sleeping on the ultra-soft and cosy velour mattress.
Convenient for you, the mattress cover is machine washable and it comes with a bonus washable fitted sheet to make your life easier while the mattress encasement is waterproof and also easy to wash.
The best thing about Milliard Portable Nap Mat is that it has storage when folded where you can store the little one’s blanket, pillow, nappies, and all things for sleeping time.
Pros & Cons of Milliard Portable Toddler Travel Nap Mat
| PROS | CONS |
| Made with all safe materials and meets or exceeds all US industry standards | Bulky when folded, not good while flying |
| Storage available when folded | |
| Waterproof and washable mattress cover | |
| Perfect for a toddler with sensory issues |
4. Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light
Another, a bit different option for a travel toddler bed is a super-easy to set up Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light. The travel crib is suitable for newborns up until the age they can climb out of it. It comes in three colours and is a safe, simple, and lightweight travel crib.
With the sides of the Baby Bjorn crib made out of mesh, it has an airy design that lets you keep an eye on your toddler or the little one to look out for while sleeping in an unfamiliar place.
All materials that the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib is made of are unique in the sense that they are kind to sensitive skin and safe to taste. The Travel Crib Light has a sleek design and comes in four colours.
Pros & Cons of Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light
| PROS | CONS |
| Compact & lightweight | Won’t fit into most suitcases |
| Super-easy set up, assemble and disassemble takes less than a minute | |
| Mattress is soft and comfy yet still firm | |
| Suitable for newborns |
5. Munchkin Brica Baby Travel Pod
Munchkin Brica Baby Travel Pod is a safe, durable, and lightweight alternative to a bed, suitable for infants up until they can push up on hands and knees or rollover. The Brica travel pod has mesh panels, a removable and locking steel frame, and soft padding that provide comfort and security for the baby’s quality nap.
Munchkin Brica Pod conveniently folds flat for storage and weighs only a kilo perfect for travel or even just a walk to the park. No matter the surroundings, you will easily unfold the cocoon-like Munchkin Brica pod to use for an unplanned break or a nap when the baby gets tired. It even has an integrated handle to travel with ease.
The only real downside to the Munchkin Brica Pod is that it is designed for babies up until the time they weigh about 7 kg, so your child will grow out of it pretty quickly. However, if you’re looking for a safe travel bed for nighttime and naps for your newborn, Munchkin Brica Pod is the perfect choice.
Pros & Cons of Munchkin Brica Baby Travel Pod
| PROS | CONS |
| See-through mesh sides | Only suitable for babies |
| Ultra-compact, folds flat | Only fits on a king-sized bed with two adults in it |
| Ligthweight | Only work on a flat surface |
| Breathable panels | |
| Fits in a large suitcase | |
| Mattress easy to clean | |
| Comes with fitted sheet |
6. Regalo My Cot
Regalo My Cot Portable Toddler Bed is a multi-functional cot that provides a safe and comfortable place to sleep while travelling. It is ultra-light, weighing under 3kg, Regalo My Cot will be super easy to fold and carry during your trip.
Sturdy canvas material lines the cot while a fitted sheet is included for added comfort. Regalo My Cot portable bed comes in three colours (blue, pink, and grey) and is perfect if you’re looking for something light, compact, and not too fancy.
All toddlers ages 2 – 5 years will feel adventurous and outdoorsy while sleeping or playing with a friend on their Regalo My Cot.
Pros & Cons of Regalo My Cot
| PROS | CONS |
| Fold-and-go, no set-up required | Doesn’t include safety rails |
| Made with an all steel frame that holds up to 34kg | |
| Cleans up quickly with a damp cloth and soap |
Comparison table of the best toddler travel beds for 2023
| Hiccapop Inflatable Bed | The Shrunks Indoor Tuckaire™ Inflatable Bed | Milliard Nap Mattress | Baby Bjorn Crib | Munchkin Brica Baby Travel Pod | Regalo My Cot | |
| Age | 2+ | 2+ | 18months + | From newborn to approx. 3 years | From newborn to 6.8kg | 2 to 5 years or up to 34kg |
| Weight (kg) | 3.6 | 3.0 | 9 | 6 | ~1 | 2.8 |
| Price (Eur) | 90 | 70 | 196 | 250-280 | 48 | 35 |
| Product Dimensions (cm) | Inflated: 157 x 99 x 30 | inflated: 152 x 94 x 23 | Folded: 64 x 36.8 x 66 Open: 139 x 66 x 18 | Assembled: 82 x 112 x 64 Folded: 49 x 60 x 14 | Assembled: 76 x 54 x 30 | Assembled: 122 x 62 x 23 |
| Sleeping Area Dimensions (cm) | 124 x 66 | 120 x 71 | 122 x 51 | 60 x 105 x 3 | ~ 76 x 54 | ~ 122 x 62 |
| Cleaning | Wipe down (don’t scrub) with mild soap and water | Use water and a clean cloth, rubbing gently. | Machine washable | Crib fabric is machine washable at 40° and the mattress cover at 60° | Spot or wipe clean, sheets are machine washable | Cleans up quickly with a damp cloth and soap |
| Included: | Electric pump, travel bag | Electric pump, travel bag | Bonus washable sheet | Organic cotton mattress, carry bag, fitted sheet | Fitted sheet | Fitted sheet |
| Warranty | Lifetime Guarantee | The Airtight™ Lifetime Warranty | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Which travel bed will take my toddler to the land of dreams?
Before I give personal top pick for my little ones, here are the best features to choose one of these beds over the other:
Safest: Baby Bjorn Crib is the safest for obvious reasons (the four high walls that will keep every baby safe, unless they can fly).
Lightest: weighing less than 2 kg, Munchkin Brica Baby Travel Pod is the lightest travel bed to carry everywhere from the park to your friends.
Comfort: with the mattress most similar to an actual bed, Milliard Nap Mattress wins the comfort competition.
Adventurous: you’re probably not looking for your travel bed to be adventurous but the fact that the multi-functional Regalo My Cot will excite your toddler to come to bed even when it’s not sleep time yet should certainly intrigue you.
Compact: both, Hiccapop and The Shrunks offer great inflatable mattresses that are light and compact, perfect for your next adventure.
My personal pick
Fortunately, my toddler enjoys an adventure, so she snoozes on the lightweight and compact Regalo My Cot, whenever we’re away. Though she doesn’t move much while sleeping, we put the cot next to our bed and in between a wall whenever possible, just to be extra safe.
For the little one, Munchkin Brica Baby Travel Pod has done wonders. The baby is safe and sound during nighttime and I can use it during the day to put the baby away when I need to prep some lunch for the museum explorations or for the baby to nap.
When the baby will grow a bit, I am planning to try out the inflatable mattress to see if maybe at least one of my kiddos will be able to sleep on them. It’d be perfect if both would find the mattresses comfortable because travelling with two Hiccapop or The Shrunks inflatable beds would become much lighter.
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