The 5 Best Toddler Travel Beds, Recommended by Parents

In a nutshell:

Based on feedback from parents in The Bump community, we chose the hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed with Safety Bumpers as the overall best toddler travel bed. It stands out because of its inflatable safety rails and bumpers, its ultra-durable vinyl construction, its simple setup and, of course, its travel-friendly design.

Sleeping arrangements for your little one can get complicated when your family is on the go. Travel cribs are typically recommended for use up until 3 years old, but many children outgrow the height and weight limitations well before then. Typically, portable cribs have a weight limit of around 30 pounds, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends children no taller than 35 inches use them for sleep or play. Travel cribs can also become unsafe at an early age if your toddler discovers how to climb out.

That’s where toddler travel beds come into play. They come in various styles, but they’re all designed to provide a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for children who have phased out of travel cribs. You’ll also appreciate that they’re a much more portable option and tend to be lighter and more compact than cribs and playards. Many also have a high weight capacity and can be used for older children (and even adults), making them a great investment for the whole family. According to parents from The Bump community, these are the best options for setting up safe, cozy toddler sleep spaces on the go.

How We Chose the Best Toddler Travel Beds

To streamline your search for the best toddler travel bed, we conducted extensive market research and asked our community for recommendations. This way, you won’t have to spend hours scrolling through online retailers and forums. To create this article:

• We checked what was being said about toddler travel beds in The Bump forums to learn what families liked (and disliked) about certain brands and styles. We also asked parents in The Bump community about their preferences and recommendations.
• To understand how these portable toddler beds have worked for families nationwide, we conducted exhaustive market research, scouring forums and message boards and reading user reviews.
• We interviewed a pediatric sleep consultant and a sleep specialist to better understand what qualities parents should look for in a portable toddler bed and what safety precautions they should take.
• We consulted safety guidelines from the CPSC regarding what age is appropriate for air mattresses and when children should stop using travel cribs.
• We looked at the most popular toddler travel beds on the market and considered several factors—like material, dimensions, product weight, material and age and weight limitations—when choosing which options to feature in our article.

Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.

Best Toddler Travel Beds

Types of Toddler Travel Beds

Just like portable beds and mattresses for adults, there are a lot of different toddler travel bed styles on the market. Here’s a breakdown of the types you’ll see:

• Inflatable. The most common type is inflatable toddler beds, which resemble air mattresses. Some even have built-in bumpers and bed rails to prevent kids from rolling off as they snooze. These are a popular choice because of their easy portability (since they can be deflated when not in use) and comfort. However, remember that they often require a pump to inflate, which may or may not be included. Additionally, children 15 months or younger should never sleep on an inflatable mattress, as per the CPSC.
• Folding cots. Foldable travel beds offer one of the easiest setups (no inflation necessary) and are commonly used in childcare settings for naps. They keep your little one off the ground while sleeping, but they typically don’t have any side protection, which may not work for all sleepers.
• Tents. For little ones who like to block out the world while they sleep, tents are a solid choice. They’re one of the few toddler sleep options that provide an enclosed location for your child to sleep and are also great for camping and outdoor adventures. However, note that the interior mattresses are often not super thick or padded.

What to Consider When Choosing a Toddler Travel Bed

To identify the best portable toddler bed for your family’s needs, consider the following as you browse:

• Lifestyle. Jillian Thistel, a certified pediatric sleep consultant in Ontario, Canada suggests figuring out what type of travel you’ll be doing and where you’ll be using the bed. By doing so, you can get an idea of what size and shape bed will work best for your needs.
• Setup. Consider how simple it is to set up and disassemble the toddler travel bed you choose. Also, look at what’s required (any additional pumps or parts) to make sure you’ll have it on hand if it’s not already included.
• Height and weight limits. Thistel advises parents to “check out the height and weight limit of the travel bed.” This way, you can ensure it’s safe for your child and won’t be uncomfortable for them. Likewise, be sure to discontinue using the travel bed if your child outgrows it in the future.
• Padding. Most inflatable or portable toddler beds vary in firmness levels, so this will largely depend on your and your child’s preferences. Rachel Mitchell, a certified sleep specialist and the founder of My Sweet Sleeper, suggests “testing this out before you travel to make sure that your child is comfortable and adjust as needed."
• Portability. Many toddler travel beds fold to a compact size and come with their own travel bags for easy transport. Consider how you’ll typically be traveling with it and if the size is compatible with your needs. For instance, will it fit easily in the trunk of your car or the overhead compartment of a plane?
• Care. Whether it’s a nighttime accident or a camping mess, you’ll want a toddler travel bed that’s easy to clean. Opt for materials that can be wiped down or protective sheets that are machine-washable. For added comfort and safety, Mitchell recommends that caregivers opt for a toddler travel bed made from breathable, lightweight materials.

Toddler Travel Bed Safety Tips

Whether you’re spending the night at home or elsewhere, a safe sleep environment is the top priority. Before purchasing a portable bed for toddlers, Thistel advises parents to check for recalls on the product.

As you set up the bed, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure it’s properly assembled. It shouldn’t be too far off the ground—ideally, no more than 24 inches, says Mitchell. Once it’s put together, Thistlel adds, check that there are no loose parts or pieces that could pose a risk. The bed should also be placed in a safe place away from cords, outlets and wall hangings, and the surrounding area should be childproofed in case your tot gets up in the middle of the night. “This is especially true if your toddler normally sleeps in a crib or more secure space," Mitchell advises. Lastly, Thistel reminds caregivers that “toddler travel beds are specifically for toddlers, and it isn’t safe for an infant to sleep in a toddler travel bed."

About the writer:
Emma O’Regan-Reidy is an editor for The Bump. She specializes in writing e-commerce content and has spent years researching the most popular toddler brands, including the best sleeping and travel gear for all stages. As a result, she knows just what to look for (and what to avoid) when picking out toddler travel beds. Based on her extensive market knowledge, she aims to create engaging articles that help parents find products that meet their family’s unique needs.