The 9 Best Toddler Travel Beds of 2024

Oct 16, 2024

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You won’t have to stress about toddler sleep when you travel with one of these picks.

Parents / Alexander Huang

If you’re anything like me, you keep a running list—usually in your Notes app—of every little thing you need to pack when traveling with your kids. From snacks and a favorite stuffy to a white noise machine, the list is ever-evolving, and generally, half of these items involve getting your child to sleep. Perhaps the most important thing of all is where your baby or toddler sleeps. Once your baby outgrows their bassinet or travel crib, it comes time to transition to a toddler travel bed. A great toddler travel bed provides a consistent sleep space for your little one, resulting in a well-rested child and, hopefully, rested parents, too.

For some parents, portable beds are must-haves to provide young children with a secure place to sleep while on vacation. “Simpler is always better, especially when thinking of traveling with toddlers. So, when it comes to a toddler travel bed, you don't need all the bells and whistles,” says Anjuli Gans, M.D., a pediatrician at the Karabots Pediatric Care Center in Philadelphia. “There are lots of fancy ones out there on the market, but your baby really just needs a safe and comfortable place to sleep.”

To help you find the best toddler travel bed for your needs, we tested over 40 options, from inflatable mattresses to pack-and-plays, in our lab and at home with our kids. We spent hours testing these products in the lab and our homes: assembling and disassembling them—even seeing if we could do it one-handed—and timing the whole process. We also studied the beds’ features, how well they hold a toddler’s weight, and how easy they are to clean. We’ll continue to test new models as they come out. These picks were the best toddler travel beds we tested.

At $65, the Sleepah Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed was one of the least expensive mattresses we tested, while also impressing us with the quality of the material. Inflation was a cinch. “Assembly was straightforward and we were able to get the bed fully inflated with the included pump within 5 minutes,” our tester said.

The lightweight bed, which fits standard-sized crib sheets, features high bumpers on the sides to prevent active sleepers from rolling out and a removable inner mattress that makes setup, cleaning, and deflating a breeze. Included are an air pump, patch kit, carrying case, and cloud pillow. With a maximum weight limit of 300 lbs., the Sleepah can also bear the weight of an adult who may find themself lying down next to their child.

“The bed feels durable and structurally very sound; it reminds me of one of our higher-end air mattresses we've had for a while. Overall, my daughter slept really well and there were no noticeable interruptions to her sleep while she used it.” –Kimberly, mom to a 22-month-old

Our tester noted that the bed experienced slight deflation after her daughter, whom she calls a “very active sleeper,” slept on the bed for a few nights, though she says that the bed’s overall durability, warranty, and included patch kit put her mind at ease.

The Details:

Guava’s Lotus Everywhere Travel Crib is a high-end, well-designed, truly portable pack-and-play. Easy to assemble and break down, and with a hands-free, backpack-style carrying case, this toddler bed earned stellar reviews for its ease of use and compact design. The company offers a 60-day trial for parents who want to try the bed out.

The wide, sturdy base that sits on the floor offers extra reassurance that your child won’t tip or tumble off the mattress, and there’s a side zipper to help little crawlers (and parents) have easier access without having to bend over. The Adventure & Travel Bundle we tested comes with several thoughtful accessories, including a mosquito net, an SPF 55 shade cover for sun protection, and two fitted sheets.

“The carry bag conversion from hand-carry to a backpack is a brilliant design. The lightly padded straps make it really comfortable to carry on the back for long periods. I love that it packs very compactly and it feels high quality and very well-made.” –Allie, mom of a toddler

The crib alone is $230, and the bundle we tested retails for $345, putting the Lotus at the top of our tested products’ price range. Given the size of this travel crib, once a child is big enough to climb out of it, it’s no longer safe for them to use.

The Details:

Flying with kids can be challenging, so if air travel is in your future and you need to lug a bed along, the JetKids by Stokke CloudSleeper Inflatable Kids Bed is our top pick. We loved this inflatable bed's unique design. Small enough to fit inside your luggage, this travel bed includes key features like side bumpers to keep your child from rolling onto the floor and an air mesh cover to keep your child cool at night.

It was very easy to inflate and only took us five minutes to put together, which is great when traveling with little kids. And since it's light and comes with a small bag with handles, it's not hard to move around. The mattress also has a removable and washable cover that can be spot-cleaned and dries quickly, so your little one can get back to bed after any accidents. When you’re done with it, deflate the mattress, pack it back into its packing cube, and you're good to go!

“This is a quickly inflating mattress you put right on the ground. It took a couple minutes to set up,” –Allie, mom of a toddler

We noticed it can sound a bit noisy when a child moves on it.

The Details:

The KidCo PeaPod Plus travel tent was one of the most lightweight and easily transportable toddler beds we tested, and setup was almost non-existent: the tent simply pops up when it’s removed from its travel bag. It has two layers: a see-through screen window/door layer and a blackout material to make it dark inside the bed.

The lightweight material is also incredibly easy to clean, as evidenced by our tester’s admission that her son threw up on it during their trial run. “It was super simple to wipe up the mess, apply some cleaner, and wipe it dry. There are no real nooks or crannies that couldn't be cleaned or easily reached, even on the underside,” she reported.

“Thanks to its springy, foldable nature, it would pop right into shape and open up, ready for use, in seconds. From there, I could zip the sides open or closed. It was really effortless,” –Heather, mother to an 11-month-old boy

This travel tent seems optimized for use while camping with kids or napping outdoors, and it’s not as ideal for regular nightly use as the only sleep surface is a thin pad. The material also doesn’t feel very durable.

The Details:

SlumberTot is a component of the SlumberPod system, which gained attention after the company’s founders appeared on Shark Tank. SlumberPods are a pretty genius concept; they’re essentially a ventilated, breathable tent that darkens a child’s sleep space. The SlumberTot toddler air mattress conveniently fits inside a SlumberPod, making it a great solution if you find yourself sharing a hotel or guest room with your child and need some separation.We just tested the inflatable SlumberTot mattress, not the entire SlumberPod system. We found the mattress maintained firmness during the night and was durable, thick, and easy to wipe down. The side bumpers are high enough to prevent children from rolling off the bed. When deflated, the mattress easily fits in a suitcase, though it also has its own carrying case with a shoulder strap. The SlumberTot is also the only inflatable toddler bed we tested that claims to be phthalate-free.

“I wouldn't advise letting your child jump on the inflatable mattress, but the few times my toddler did jump around, the bed never lost inflation.” –Allison, mother of a two-year-old

At $89, the SlumberTot was one of the pricier inflatable beds we tested, and that price increases dramatically to $280 if you plan to purchase it with the room-darkening SlumberPod system.

The Details:

The Shrunks Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed comes with a pump and inflates easily and quickly thanks to a valve that prevents air from escaping, and it’s compatible with standard-sized crib sheets. (The pump also features a handy reverse setting to draw air out when it’s time to deflate it.)

An inner mattress attaches to an outer bed rail that prevents kids from rolling off, and the phthalate-safe PVC is thick and durable and easily wipes clean. Unlike other mattresses that look similar, the Shrunks’ inner mattress is attached to the outer bumper, which can be seen as a convenience to some (no sliding around) or an obstacle (it can be difficult to get the fitted sheet on the mattress when both the mattress and bumpers are inflated).

“[My son] loved sleeping on this bed and was very motivated to go to bed since it was fun and new. He slept great on it and had no wake-ups, which is a sign he was comfortable.” –Jessica, mom of a 2-year-old

While this air mattress is durable and relatively portable, its carrying case has no convenient handle or strap, and it’s slightly larger and bulkier than some of our other picks, which is why we recommend it as our top pick to keep at the grandparents’ house.

The Details:

Funboy inflatable beds are available in several cute designs, which we’re sure will be a hit at your kid’s next slumber party or cousin sleepover. We tested the retro convertible, which is available in pink or blue. Other fun shape options include castles and speedboats. The company’s beds are modeled on the brand’s similarly designed pool floats.

The beds come with a durable carrying case with a shoulder strap. We like that the thick, flocked material of this inflatable mattress is especially soft on the sleeping surface, an important feature since you can’t make this bed up with a fitted sheet.

“ I could see my toddler using it well past his toddler stages. I love bringing this over for sleepovers. My niece (8) and nephew (6) also LOVE this bed, so it's great for a wide range of ages.” –Stella, mom of a 21-month-old

This bed doesn’t come with a pump, but you can purchase one separately on the Funboy site for $24. Our tester found that without a pump to draw out the remaining air, rolling up and storing this bed was clumsy and not conducive to traveling long distances, as it took up more space. This bed has no bumpers on the sides and is slightly larger than some of the other beds we tested, so may not be ideal for kids who still roll around in their sleep.

The Details:

This nearly puncture-proof toddler travel bed can be used during trips or at home as a transitional bed for toddlers who are still getting used to not having crib walls. A 120-volt electric pump (and three universal nozzles) is a game changer that makes inflating the bed a breeze. We love how quickly and easily this bed comes together: It took us five minutes to blow up both parts of the bed and attach a fitted sheet. Best of all, we didn’t even need to glance at the instructions while doing so.

The EnerPlex has bumpers along three sides, and the removable coil-beam mattress rests snugly inside the outer shell and fits a standard crib sheet. Even though the bed is bulky, it comes with a large carry bag that you can wear as a backpack. We also like that the electric pump comes with an adapter for your car, making it ideal for camping. It can be wiped down and the crib sheet can be tossed in the laundry for cleanup.

“Could not be easier to set up. The pump is a game-changer. You don't need directions at all. The electric pump can also plug into your car which makes this a great option for camping,” –Donna, mom of a toddler

One downfall: It has a chemical smell.

The Details:

The Milliard Toddler Nap Mat isn’t an inflatable mattress, but rather, a folding foam mattress that’s cozy, thick, and comfortable for naptime. This folding mattress doesn't require any assembly—just take it right out of the box. If your toddler spills a drink or has an accident on this mattress, the good news is that it's easy to clean: It has a removable bamboo cover that can be machine-washed and the mattress underneath can be spot-cleaned.

While it doesn’t come with a storage bag, you can purchase a dedicated carry case with handles for it for $19. While it takes up more storage space than an inflatable mattress, it can also be a fun addition to the playroom for climbing, fort-building, and other creative play.

“Easy to unbox and really light. Definitely one of the more comfortable options for naptime that I've seen.” –Briana, mom of a toddler

Like other memory foam beds, after unboxing, it takes 48 hours for the compressed foam to reach the highest comfort level.

The Details:

Our parent testers tried out 20 children’s travel beds and more than 20 pack-and-plays in the Parents Testing Lab and in the real world; in our own homes, on the road, at the park, and on the beach. The beds were tested for overnight sleep and naps, and the ages of the children testing the mattresses ranged from 10 months to 4 years old. The most important attributes we considered when testing were:

In addition to lab and real-world testing, we spoke with medical experts to gather their input on how to choose a toddler travel bed and which safety features to look for. We spoke to the following experts:

It’s especially important to ensure your child is safe when sleeping in an unfamiliar place in a bed they’re not accustomed to. These tips can help.

A travel bed with inflatable bumpers (which are not recommended for babies) or a pack-and-play can help keep a toddler from rolling onto the floor. If your child is still sleeping in a crib at home, you will probably want to keep them in a pack-and-play or travel crib while traveling. For children who have mastered the art of climbing since they’re easily tipped, a mat or inflatable mattress is the way to go when you’re away from home. To make your child more comfortable, you can also bring along some of their favorite items from home to help them want to stay in bed in a new place.

“The best thing to do when traveling is to bring along items from the child's home bedroom,” recommends Dr. Schneeberg. “Parents can bring along the child's favorite pillow, ‘bedtime buddy,’ and favorite books, for example. If the child is used to a certain night light or a sound machine, these can be brought along as well."

As a mother of two boys, Elizabeth Kocan has co-slept in her own bed, slept on the toddler air mattress, and even crawled into the crib to try and get her kids to sleep. After over 10 years of researching the best products to help make her own parenting a little easier, she’s sharing what she’s learned with other (exhausted at times, possibly desperate) parents.

Ambrosia V. Brody is a California-based editor, journalist, and mother of three. She has worked as a professional journalist for more than 16 years. You can find her at the library, Starbucks, or the park with her kids when she isn't writing.