The 12 BEST Toddler Travel Beds (With Real Parent Reviews)

A toddler travel bed is one of my top recommended toddler travel essentials. By packing a portable travel bed for toddlers, you won’t need to worry about where your toddler will sleep on vacation and your toddler will have a familiar sleeping environment no matter where you go. This is one of the best ways to help your toddler sleep on vacation! In this post, I will share the best toddler travel beds that you should consider.

What makes me qualified to give this advice on toddler travel beds? As a real mom who has done a good deal of traveling with a toddler, I have purchased and used two of these toddler travel beds extensively with my own toddler. I have also been a toddler travel writer for over a decade. In addition, I have reached out to our Baby Can Travel community of traveling parents to get their feedback on portable toddler beds that I haven’t personally used. All this enables me to put together the very best list of toddler travel beds and ensure you find the best one for your family!

If you are wondering if you need to switch from a travel crib to a toddler travel bed, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that once your toddler can climb out of their crib, it may be time to transition to a bed rather than risk having your toddler hurt themselves. This would also apply to travel cribs, playards and other baby travel beds since they tend to be less stable than an actual crib.

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Best Portable Toddler Beds for Travel

I’ve personally used two different travel beds for toddlers. I’ve been using the KidCo Peapod Plus tent as our travel toddler bed since our son was 14 months old. I love how lightweight and easy to pack the KidCo PeaPod Plus is and consider it one of the best travel beds for toddlers.

Even at 3.5 years old, he still doesn’t object to sleeping in his travel tent (which is good until 5 years old), but I felt it was time to move him to a kids travel bed. He was no longer in a crib at home and I knew a toddler travel bed would feel more familiar to him, so I switched him to a Shrunks inflatable toddler bed.

When looking for the best toddler travel bed, it’s important to consider how frequent you will use it and where. If you plan to use a portable toddler bed frequently, look for the highest quality or one with a lifetime warranty, like some of the inflatable travel beds for toddlers.

I’ve included toddler travel tents in our list of best toddler travel beds, along with inflatable toddler travel beds and toddler travel cots because I believe they are an excellent option. They are one of the few portable travel beds for toddlers that are recommended for babies 6 months old and all the way up to 5 years old, giving you a long return on your investment.

Based on my experience traveling with toddlers, here is what I recommend for the best travel beds for toddlers.

Inflatable Toddler Travel Beds

The best inflatable toddler beds are well thought out. They have an internal mattress that is easy to remove to put sheets on. They have bumpers to help keep wiggly toddlers in their bed. And they have a soft flocking for extra comfort.

The only major issue with some inflatable toddler travel beds is that they specifically state that the pump is not compatible outside the USA, so you might need to use a foot pump for inflating.

The complaints most often made about inflatable toddler travel beds is that they leak or don’t hold air. A reputable company will stand behind their product and offer a replacement.

I’ve been using a Shrunks toddler blow up bed and haven’t had any issues with it. I’ve successfully used the Shrunks travel bed for everything from international travel to camping with a toddler.

1. hiccapop Inflatable Travel Toddler Bed with Safety Bumpers

The hiccapop inflatable toddler travel bed is the best rated option on Amazon. It’s similar to many of the other inflatable beds with an inner mattress that can be removed and it has bumpers on all 4 sides. The top of the hiccapop mattress is velvet flocked for comfort and it fits a standard sized crib mattress.

Available in three colors (Navy, Teal and Grey), the hiccapop portable travel bed for toddlers comes with an electric pump and travel bag.

Along with the focus on quality, this blow up toddler mattress is BPA and phthalate free and hiccapop offers a lifetime guarantee against punctures, leaks and pump issues.

Read our full review of the hiccapop toddler travel bed here.

2. The Shrunks Portable Toddler Travel Bed

The Shrunks is likely the most well known name when it comes to inflatable toddler travel beds. It has two bumpers and a removable inner mattress to make tucking sheets and blankets easy. A standard crib sheet will fit the Shrunks blow up toddler bed. The inner mattress is also velvet flocked for comfort.

Included with the Shrunks inflatable toddler bed is an electric pump, a patch kit and travel bag.

The Shrunks portable travel bed for toddlers is free from phthalates, BPA and lead. They also offer a lifetime warranty against leaks, faulty pump or broken travel bag.

Recommended for kids 2+ years old.

3. CloudSleeper – Kids Inflatable Travel Bed

The CloudSleeper by JetKids is an inflatable portable bed for toddlers with full length bumpers on each side. It does not have bumpers at the top and bottom, so toddlers who move around a lot at night may still find themselves on the floor.

This toddler inflatable bed comes with an air mesh cover that is machine washable. The rest of the toddler bed for travel can be wiped down with a cloth. You won’t need a separate crib sheet with this toddler air mattress.

There’s no need to carry a separate pump as it has an integrated pump that will fill it quickly using your hand or a foot. There’s also an included packing cube for the inflatable bed.

If you love your JetKids BedBox, this toddler bed will fit right in it!

For toddlers aged 3 years and older.

4. EnerPlex Kids Inflatable Travel Bed

The EnerPlex Kids Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed is puncture resistant and uses standard crib sheets. It comes in two pieces allowing for ease of putting on sheets. The inside mattress has soft flocking for extra comfort.

It’s top and side bumpers will keep your toddler on the mattress all night long, with tapered sides near the bottom to make it easy to hop into bed.

Includes a travel bag and high speed external pump. Recommended age is 3+ years old. Enerplex also offers a lifetime guarantee.

5. Intex Cozy Kidz Inflatable Toddler Airbed

This budget friendly travel bed for toddlers comes in two fun colors. While you can’t choose the color, both are decent colors.

As expected with a low price point like this one, this travel bed doesn’t come with bumpers on the side, so it’s best used for toddlers who don’t move around too much. It also doesn’t come with a pump, so don’t forget to add a small pump to your order.

The max weight is 100 lbs and it’s recommended for ages 3 years and over.

For sheets, the size of toddler air mattress is 34 1/2″ x 62″ x 7″ and total weight is around 4 lbs. Included is a carry bag and repair patch.

6. Sleepah Inflatable Toddler Bed

The Sleepah inflatable toddler travel bed has 12″ bumpers to keep toddlers on the bed at night. Very similar to the Little Sleepy Head inflatable bed below, it has a removable inner mattress that’s similar in size to a toddler bed, and it comes with an electric pump.

Standard sized crib sheets work well for this inflatable bed for toddlers.

With an inflatable pillow, plush toy and travel bag, you’ll be all set up for your next family trip with your child.

This inflatable mattress for toddlers is also certified lead & phthalate free.

7. Hugbino Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed

The Hugbino inflatable toddler bed has a safety wall that surrounds your toddler.

Like many others in this list, it has an inner mattress that will fit standard crib sized fitted sheets and make it easier to clean.

Unlike many of the others, it has velvet flocking on the walls as well, instead of just on the inner mattress.

It comes with an electric pump and a travel bag.

8. Asani Inflatable Toddler Bed

The Asani blow up toddler mattress has bumpers on the side that are 11″ tall, to help keep your little one on the bed. It does not have bumpers at the top and bottom, in case you feel your child will need those to stay in the bed.

This toddler inflatable bed will fit toddlers and children up to 4 feet tall and will use a standard sized crib sheet.

Included with Asani toddler travel beds is an electric pump, a pillow, a patch kit plus a plush toy. It also comes with a travel bag.

This toddler travel mattress is BPA and Phthalate free.

9. ELTOW Inflatable Toddler Bed

This inflatable mattress for toddlers is perfect for travel. It has bumpers on both sides and inflates to 63” x 40” by 12”. Similar to many on this list, the inside mattress has a soft velvet flock, which you can use as-is or cover with a crib sheet.

If you ever need to move the mattress once it’s inflated, you’ll find a grab handle at the end to make that easier.

Included with this toddler mattress for travel is a high-speed pump, patches and a travel bag. It’s BPA and Phthalate-free.

Travel Tip: For most inflatable toddler mattresses (all except the CloudSleeper and ELTOW), you’ll get an electric pump included. These aren’t typically rated for use outside of North America, so you may need to purchase a hand pump separately. This isn’t a big deal, but you’ll just need to plan for that in your luggage.

Folding Toddler Travel Cots

The benefits of a folding travel cot for toddlers is that they don’t require a pump and come at a lower price compared to the blow up travel beds for toddlers. They are lightweight and you don’t have to worry about leaks. A foldable toddler bed would work for a toddler camping bed, sleepovers or leaving at grandma’s house.

The biggest complaints about these two folding toddler beds were the middle section that seemed to be pulled too tight making it higher than the rest (and therefore less comfortable) and the quality, especially when it came to extended use. Many of the critical reviews also commented on poles bending and bolts loosening.

Other disadvantages of a foldable toddler bed like these travel cots is that there is nothing to prevent toddlers or their pillow from falling off.

1. Regalo My Cot Portable Toddler Bed

Less expensive than the inflatable travel beds for toddlers, the Regalo foldable toddler bed is one of the best sellers on Amazon. This fold up toddler bed is recommended for children 2 – 5 years old and includes a fitted sheet.

It is lightweight at approximately 6 lbs and folds down to a size of 9 x 8 x 24 inches, which would still fit in a medium to large sized suitcase.

The Regalo cot is rated up to 75 lbs and will fit toddlers up to 48 inches tall. This toddler travel cot does not have any bed rails. Toddlers who move a lot in night are at risk of falling off.

2. Joovy Foocot Toddler Travel Cot

The Joovy Foocot fold up travel cot is similar to the Regalo at a slightly higher price. It comes in four fun colors, so your toddler can get excited choosing her favorite color!

The Joovy foldable toddler bed is similarly weighted up to 75 lbs, with similar dimensions both open and folded to the Regalo. This travel cot is 6.6 lbs and can fit in checked luggage, either a medium or large suitcase.

The Joovy Foocot includes a travel bag. This toddler travel cot does not have any bed rails. Toddlers who move a lot in night are at risk of falling off.

Toddler Travel Tents

For some, the best travel toddler bed is a toddler tent. Some toddlers just love them (including mine). These toddler travel tents pack down to fit in a medium size suitcase and are lightweight.

Other benefits are that there is no pump required and you don’t need to worry about leaks. They are also good for outdoor use as they have protection against insects and UV protection. Finally, you can begin using a travel tent for babies at 6 months old.

Unfortunately, some toddlers won’t tolerate sleeping in a travel tent.

Other disadvantages are that the bottom surface isn’t as comfortable as an inflatable mattress. They can also get quite hot inside, which isn’t great for travel to places without air conditioning.

These folding toddler travel tents can seem confusing to fold up, but after watching a short video it’s pretty easy to master.

1. KidCo Peapod Toddler Travel Tent

The KidCo PeaPod comes in two sizes that will fit a toddler from 6 months – 3 years old or from 6 months – 5 years for the PeaPod Plus. This toddler travel tent weighs only 3.5 lbs and doesn’t have a maximum weight.

It can be used for a camping toddler bed or even on the beach, providing both insect and UV protection.

It comes fully assembled in a travel bag and only needs to be unfolded. The folded size will fit in a medium sized suitcase or as a carry-on.

The main complaints about the PeaPod Plus is that the mattress is not that thick and the sleeping surface can be hot. Some toddlers don’t enjoy the tent.

The KidCo PeaPod Plus travel tent was my go-to toddler travel bed for many of our family trips. See my KidCo PeaPod Plus review for all my tips on how to get your toddler to not only sleep in, but love this toddler travel tent.

2. Joovy Gloo Portable Toddler Tent

Comparing the KidCo PeaPod vs. the Joovy Gloo, the Gloo travel tent also comes in two sizes but its recommended age is 6 months and up. The Joovy Gloo has a self-inflating mattress that comes with a washable cotton cover, eliminating some of the complaints about the KidCo PeaPod.

Available in many fun colors, the Joovy Gloo is heavier at 5.5 lbs and does come with a higher price tag compared to the better known KidCo PeaPod. It also comes with a travel bag and will fit in a medium suitcase or as a carry-on.

Not at the toddler stage yet? Or if you still want to keep your little one in a toddler travel crib, you can find the best lightweight, portable travel bed options for your baby or toddler in our list of best baby travel beds.

Many of the baby travel beds will last into the early toddler stages and are the most popular and highly rated. Once your toddler is moved into a toddler bed at home, you’ll want to come back here and take a look through this list of best travel beds for toddlers.

What to Look for in a Portable Toddler Bed

1. Price – while toddler travel beds typically fall under $100, if you only plan to use it once or twice then it’s not worth paying a high price.
   
   
2. Quality – choose one of high quality to get the most use out of it. Reputable companies will back their product and offer a good warranty.
   
   
3. Sleeping Surface Size – the size will determine how long will you be able to use it for your toddler.
   
   
4. Folded Size – this is important for packing and carrying. This is one more item you’ll need to carry and you don’t want it taking up all your suitcase space!
   
   
5. Extras – most inflatable toddler travel beds work with a standard sized crib sheet. If not, they should come with a sheet that fits. A pump, travel bag and patch repair kit are also important extras.
   
   
6. When You’ll Use It – If you plan to use your toddler travel bed for camping with a toddler, keep that in mind as you look through the options. Many of the inflatable travel beds for toddlers come with an electric pump, which may not work if camping without electricity. This will also apply for international travel where the pump may not work with different voltage. You can always purchase a hand pump to avoid this issue.

Best Travel Bed Rails for Toddlers

If you know you’ll have a real bed for your toddler, toddler travel bed rails are a great solution to keeping your toddler from falling out of bed. Even if your toddler doesn’t fall out of bed at home, an unfamiliar sleep environment may have your toddler rolling around a lot more.

There have been instances where my toddler was in a larger bed than at home and I thought he’d be just fine, but he still managed to fall out.

I have rolled up towels or folded pillows, then inserted under the fitted sheet to use as bed rails. For me, this has been an easy toddler travel hack, since this keeps my toddler in.

If your toddler moves around quite a bit while sleeping or if there’s the chance you won’t have extra pillows or blankets available (this can be risky if staying in an Airbnb) then these inflatable toddler travel bed rails are a lightweight and easily portable option.

Accessories for your Travel Toddler Bed

I love that the SlumberPod Privacy Pod fits over standard sized toddler travel beds, like the hiccapop or Regalo cot. If you are sharing a room with your toddler, the SlumberPod is an excellent option to ensure everyone gets a good sleep.

Use “BABYCANTRAVEL” to get 10% off the SlumberPod when you buy direct from SlumberPod!

Still not sure if you need one for traveling with a baby? Read my full review of the SlumberPod here.

Other travel accessories for portable toddler beds:

1. Foot Pump – most of the electric pumps won’t be compatible outside of the USA (this depends where you’ll be traveling, obviously). A good foot pump will make pumping up the blow up mattress for toddlers so much easier. Also a great option for camping.
   
   
2. Patch Repair Kit – if the toddler air mattress doesn’t come with a patch repair kit, it’s an easy add-on item.
   
   
3. Toddler Pillow – if your toddler sleeps with a pillow at home, consider getting a small one for travel.
   
   
4. Mattress Protector – The high quality inflatable beds typically have a velvet flocking for comfort. Protect it with a mattress protector.
   
   
5. Crib Sheets – you may have thought you were done with crib sheets… having an extra one is worth it for hotel stays where you don’t have laundry.

Why Do You Need a Travel Bed for a Toddler?

You might be wondering why you would need a portable travel bed for toddlers, especially since your toddler is sleeping in a bed at home perhaps with or without toddler bed rails.

Here are my top 10 reasons to purchase a portable toddler bed for travel.

1. Travel Crib Too Small

Your toddler travel crib or toddler travel tent is getting too small. Or your toddler no longer sleeps well in it.

2. Avoid Sharing a Bed

Trust me on this one… Staying in a hotel isn’t that much fun when you share a bed with a kicking, moving toddler.

3. Familiar Sleep Environment

You want to have a familiar sleep environment for your toddler when you travel to ensure you all get the best sleep possible.

4. Multiple Children

You have two kids and they don’t share a bed well. Or your Airbnb apartment options don’t have enough beds for everyone (within your budget). Buying a portable toddler travel bed is cheaper than renting a larger apartment.

5. Travel Style

Your travel style has changed. Perhaps you are moving around more or want to pack lightly. A toddler portable bed that packs small is ideal in these instances.

6. Plan to Use Frequently

You plan to use it frequently both for travel and as a toddler camping bed. Having a proper bed is essential camping gear for toddlers.

7. Toddler Moves Too Much

Your toddler often falls out of the bed, even if you put pillows or a rolled up blanket. Keep him safer and closer to the floor in a toddler portable bed.

8. Keep Toddler Near You

You can keep your toddler closer at night but still in his own bed, this works well for sleeping in unfamiliar environments.

9. Use at Grandma’s

Portable beds for kids are great for sleepovers or stays at grandma’s house.

10. Get Toddler Excited

Your toddler is excited about the new bed and will excitedly go to sleep in it.

Don’t forget to read our posts on Flying with a Toddler, Travel with a Potty Training Toddler and Toddler Travel Essentials!

Tips for Using a Toddler Travel Bed

Your toddler will most likely be excited about your new toddler travel bed, but here are some of my favorite tips to have the most success traveling with a new toddler travel bed:

Let your toddler choose the color, if there is that option.

Introduce the bed at home before your trip. Start by using it for a nap in the bed, in your toddlers bedroom. Stick with naps until they are going well, then test a full night sleep.

If your toddler sleeps in the dark at home, consider getting a SlumberPod and test that it will fit over your toddler’s new travel bed.

Get a travel pillow if your toddler sleeps with a pillow. Alternately, you can bring  a pillow case and fill it with towels.

Plan for blankets. While you can still use a standard crib sheet, you’ll need a plan for blankets. If your toddler still sleeps in a sleep sack, just pack that. Hotels will often have extra blankets.

Never put an infant or baby on a toddler travel bed. Follow all age recommendations for the toddler travel bed.

FAQs About Toddler Travel Beds

Other Toddler Travel Gear

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