How to Choose the Best Travel Cot (Australia)
Choosing the Best Travel Cot can make or break trips away – and it matters at home and when visiting family too. A travel cot (also called a portacot or portable cot) should be safe, quick to set up, fit your space without adding stress. Everyone’s needs are different, so the “best” model is the one that suits your home, car boot, travel plans and baby’s stage.
Many parents also use a travel cot at home as a temporary, supervised space during the day, for naps when visiting friends. You can even use some models outdoors at home – but always follow safe?sleep guidance and keep baby out of direct sun and away from hazards.
Quick Safety Essentials
- Use only the mattress supplied with the travel cot. Do not add extra mattresses, toppers or padding – this can create entrapment/suffocation risk.
- Set up exactly as per the manual every time. Frame fully locked, base flat, mattress attached as directed.
- Supervise and follow safe?sleep guidance. Travel cots are a firm, flat sleep surface when used correctly; they are not playpens unless specified for that use.
- Check condition before each use: no tears, bent rails, loose fasteners, missing warnings/labels.
The Best Travel Cot: Decision Criteria
Best Travel Cot Mattress
The mattress is the first thing to check. Many travel cots include a thin, firm mattress to meet safety requirements. That can feel different from a cot at home – but it’s important for safety. Ask:
- Does the mattress fit snugly on all sides and attach as the brand specifies?
- Is the sleep surface firm and flat (no sagging, no soft padding)?
- Is the cover removable for cleaning? If not, use a correctly sized protector that doesn’t add bulk.
Do not add a second mattress. This is unsafe and not permitted by Australian guidance. If comfort is an issue, choose a different compliant model rather than modifying the sleep surface.
Mesh Sides = Visibility and Air Flow
Generous mesh panels help with:
- Air flow – reduces overheating risk in warm rooms.
- Baby’s visibility – less “caged in” feeling.
- Parent visibility – easy to check in from a distance.
Travel Cot Size (Unfolded & Folded)
Most travel cots are suitable from newborn to ~3 years (always check the specific brand’s age/weight guidance). Consider:
- Unfolded (internal mattress size): Compact footprints suit small hotel rooms but may be outgrown sooner. Larger footprints give more longevity at home.
- Folded size & shape: Will it fit your boot with luggage? Slim rectangular packs are easier to stack; long “umbrella?fold” styles may fit along one side of the boot.
Shape Matters
Think about where it will be stored at home and how it will be carried on a trip (stairs, lifts, long corridors). Handles, wheels on the folded bag, a balanced carry weight all help.
Ease of Fold & Daily Use
In a tight hotel room, you want fast, frustration?free setup. Ask and test in?store:
- How many unlock/lock steps are there? Are they one?handed?
- Does the design avoid accidental collapse with a child inside?
- Are there wheels to reposition the cot room?to?room without lifting?
Weight
If you’ll be packing it in/out of the car often, choose a lighter design. If it’s mostly for home use, a slightly heavier, more robust frame can be fine.
Helpful Extra Features
- Bassinet level for newborns (saves your back, follow weight limits).
- Clip?on change table (very handy on holidays).
- Built?in storage pockets, mobiles or music (nice?to?have extras).
- Stable frame if you’ll use it for an older toddler – less flex when they pull up to stand.
Hire or Buy?
We don’t recommend relying on hotel?supplied cots. Mattresses should be single?user, you won’t know the history, setup or condition. When you buy your own, you control compliance, cleanliness and correct setup.
My Advice on the Best Travel Cot for Your Needs
Work with an independent baby store that asks the right questions (where you’ll use it, boot size, who will carry it, baby’s age now and in 6–12 months). Bring your car – we’ll check folded size and carry options with you. The “best” choice is the one you can set up safely every time, that fits your travel and home life.
At Bubs n Grubs, we hand?pick a range of travel cots based on years of testing and customer feedback. Our team will spend time with you in?store or over the phone to match the right model to your situation.
Click below to see our range, contact us if you’d like personal advice on choosing the Best Travel Cot for your needs.
See you online or in store soon!
Frank
Standards & Guidance (Australia)
- Product Safety Australia – Folding/Portable Cots: Mandatory Standard (AS/NZS 2195)
- Red Nose – Portable/Travel Cots: Safe Use
- Red Nose – What is a Safe Mattress? (relates to firm, flat, well?fitting surfaces)
- Standards Australia – Safe Sleeping & Sleep Surface Firmness (AS/NZS 8811.1)
FAQs
Can I add a softer mattress to my travel cot?
No. Adding mattresses, toppers or padding increases entrapment/suffocation risk and is not permitted under Australian guidance. Choose a compliant model you’re happy with rather than modifying the sleep surface.
Are travel cots safe for overnight sleep?
Yes, when used exactly as directed: firm, flat,iginal mattress fitted snugly; frame fully locked; no extra padding, pillows or toys. Always follow the manual and Red Nose safe sleep advice.
What age can use a travel cot?
Many are suitable from newborn to around 3 years, but always check the brand’s age/weight limits and stop use once your child can climb out or exceeds limits.
Is mesh on all four sides necessary?
Generous mesh improves airflow and visibility. Some designs combine mesh and fabric; prioritise models that allow you to see baby clearly and promote ventilation.
How do I know it will fit my car?
Check folded dimensions and bring your vehicle to the store. We’ll test the pack in your boot with your regular luggage to make sure it works in real life.
Safety Disclaimer
This content is general information for Australia. Always follow the product manual and relevant Australian Standards. Use only the original, firm, well?fitting mattress supplied; never add extra padding. For safe sleep, follow Red Nose guidance and stop using the travel cot once your child can climb out or exceeds limits.
About the Author
Frank is a founding owner of Bubs n Grubs. He is also the sole author of the Bubs n Grubs Baby Blog. He has been personally evaluating baby products & testing them before offering them to our customers since 2009. In addition, he is consistently giving manufacturer’s feedback & product development advice, reviewing & getting customer feedback. He has been doing this since the business started in 2009. A fully trained car seat fitter by ACRI as well. He is proud to be one of the rare baby store owners in Australia who regularly engages with customers in his store. Frank values the constant feedback and regularly seeks it out. He has been featured on the Morning Show & the Today Show on Channel 7 and Channel 9 and is a recognised expert in baby products as a result.