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 traveled extensively with toddlers, I have purchased and used many 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 portable toddler beds and ensure you find the best one for your family!
This post contains compensated links.
Best Portable Toddler Beds for Travel
When looking for the best travel toddler bed for your family, 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. I’ll start with the best inflatable toddler travel beds, followed by folding toddler travel cots and finishing with toddler travel tents.
Inflatable Toddler Travel Beds
The best inflatable toddler beds are thoughtfully designed. A removable inner mattress makes sheet changes easy, raised bumpers help keep wiggly sleepers in place, and a soft, flocked surface adds comfort.
One caveat: some models specify that their electric pumps aren’t compatible outside the U.S., so for international travel you may need a foot pump or a suitable adapter.
The most common complaint is air loss. Choose a reputable brand that stands behind its product and will replace a leaking bed promptly.
This is the inflatable toddler bed I recommend most often because it balances durability, packability, and simple crib-sheet fit. The two-piece design lets you tuck a standard crib sheet over the inner mattress, which keeps cleanup easy on trips.
The outer frame of the Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed creates raised sides to help keep wild sleepers contained, and the grab handle makes it easier to move after inflation.
I like how the Hiccapop inflates quickly with the included pump. If you are searching for a portable toddler bed that just works, this is a safe, floor-only solution that travels well.
- Fits standard crib sheets
- Includes pump and carry bag
- Reinforced materials feel durable
- Supportive side bumpers for active sleepers
- Pump is rated for North America only
- Heavier than ultra-light options
If you want the most carry-on-friendly option, the CloudSleeper is the only inflatable bed on my list with an integrated pump and a fitted air-mesh cover. That means no separate sheets, fast set-up with hands or foot, and a compact packing cube that slides easily into luggage.
Full-length side bumpers help with restless sleepers, and the cover removes to machine wash. I recommend this toddler travel bed when families want to minimize bulk for flights or road trips and still get a comfortable, floor-only toddler bed.
Also available at Stokkes.com.
- Integrated pump with no extra parts
- Breathable fitted cover is machine washable
- Very light and compact with packing cube
- Full-length side bumpers
- Higher price than most
- Narrower sleep area than framed styles
EnerPlex uses a two-piece design with bumpers on all sides and a soft-flocked inner mattress that takes standard crib sheets. The included high-speed external pump connects with common nozzles, and the Hi-Flo valve speeds up inflation and deflation.
I like this as a full-perimeter alternative to the hiccapop for toddlers who tend to roll in every direction.
- Bumpers around the full perimeter
- Fast inflation with included pump
- Crib-sheet compatible inner mattress
- Includes carry bag
- Heavier and bulkier than CloudSleeper
- Lower listed weight limit than some competitors
The Shrunks is the compact classic many families started with. It has a two-piece design that lets you tuck crib sheets over the inner mattress, plus a low profile outer frame with side bumpers.
I traveled with a Shrunks toddler bed quite a bit with my toddlers and I loved it - and most importantly, my kids did too!
- Compact packed size
- Crib-sheet tuck-in design
- Clear age and size guidance from brand
- Includes pump and bag
- Lower listed weight limit than some
- Side-only bumpers
Sleepah’s two-piece set includes a pump, pillow, and bag, with raised rails on three sides and a large 61 by 40 inch footprint. The brand lists a 300 lb capacity, which parents appreciate when they need to sit beside a child to settle them at night. Standard crib sheets fit the inner mattress.
- Very high listed weight capacity
- Includes pump, pillow, and bag
- Crib-sheet compatible inner mattress
- Handle for easier carrying
- No top or bottom bumper
- A bit heavier than some
ELTOW’s detachable inner mattress and raised side rails create a roomy sleep area. The kit includes a high-speed pump, carry bag, and patches. Families like the easy grab handle at the end for repositioning after inflation. Crib sheets work on the inner mattress and the footprint is similar to other framed styles.
- Large 50 x 27" sleep surface
- Includes pump and travel bag
- Detachable inner mattress for sheet tucking
- Grab handle for moving
- No top or bottom bumper
- Heavier than narrow designs
A low-cost floor bed for older toddlers and kids, with a flocked top and a simple single-piece design. It is light, packs small, and is fine for sleepovers, but it does not have bumpers and ships without a pump. I would only recommend this travel bed for toddlers who already sleep still.
- Very affordable
- Lightweight and compact
- Soft flocked top
- No side bumpers
- Pump sold separately
- Not ideal for toddlers who roll a lot
Asani includes an electric pump, pillow, and bag, with side rails on the frame and a crib-sheet-sized inner mattress. It is a workable, budget-friendly alternative to some of the more expensive inflatable portable toddler beds.
- Includes pump and accessories
- Crib-sheet compatible inner mattress
- Lower price than many framed styles
- No top or bottom bumpers
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.
Toddler Travel Tents
For many families, the best travel toddler bed is a toddler tent. Some toddlers genuinely love them, including mine. Toddler travel tents pack down to fit in a medium size suitcase and stay lightweight. There is no pump to bring and no risk of air leaks. They work outdoors too, with insect protection and UV protection. You can begin using a travel tent for babies at around 6 months.
That said, toddler travel tents are not perfect. Some toddlers will not tolerate sleeping in a travel tent. The bottom surface is usually firmer than an inflatable mattress, and interiors can get warm in hot climates without air conditioning. Folding toddler travel tents can seem confusing the first time, but a quick how-to video makes the fold simple.
1. KidCo Peapod Toddler Travel Tent
The pop-open frame takes seconds, and the removable Micro-Lite pad is easy to clean. Like any zip-in tent, you'll need to watch ventilation and heat in warm rooms, and I stick to a light sleepsack rather than loose bedding.
For families who want a lightweight, contained sleep space without a pump, this is the travel tent I recommend most often
- Most lightweight baby travel bed option
- Fits in a suitcase or as carry-on
- Compared to Joovy gloo, the PeaPod Plus has an easier fold (especially the mattress)
- Not as well ventilated as a travel crib
- Doesn’t have a removable mattress cover making messes harder to clean
Folding Toddler Travel Cots
The benefits of a folding travel cot for toddlers are simple. They do not require a pump and usually cost less than blow up travel beds for toddlers. They are lightweight, and you don’t have to worry about leaks. A foldable toddler bed works well as a toddler camping bed, for sleepovers, or to leave at grandma’s house.
The most common complaint about these folding toddler beds is the middle section. The fabric can pull too tight, which makes the middle higher than the rest and therefore less comfortable.
Another drawback of a foldable toddler bed like these travel cots is the lack of side protection. There is nothing to prevent toddlers or their pillow from falling off.
For quick overnights and sleepovers, I like the original My Cot because it’s inexpensive, folds in seconds, and weighs about the same as a pack of diapers. The sleep surface is roughly 48 x 24 inches with a 75 lb limit, and the whole thing collapses to a compact 9 x 8 x 24 inches that fits easily in the trunk.
There are no bumpers, so restless rollers may do better with an inflatable bed or tent. If you want the simplest “unfold and sleep” toddler cot that’s easy to wipe clean, this is it.
- Very fast fold and setup
- Light and compact for car travel
- Budget friendly and easy to clean
- No side rails or bumpers
- Canvas can feel taut at the center seam for some kids
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
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.
Quality
Choose a high quality toddler travel bed to get the most use out of it. Reputable companies will back their product and offer a good warranty.
Sleeping Surface Size
The size of the bed will determine how long will you be able to use it for your toddler.
Folded Size
This is important for packing and carrying. A portable toddler bed is one more item you’ll need to carry and you don’t want it taking up all your suitcase space!
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.
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.
Read More
How to deal with toddler jet lag? Read my top tips for dealing with jet lag in toddlers.
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 “BABYTODDLERTRAVEL” 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:
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.
Patch Repair Kit: If your toddler air mattress doesn’t come with a patch repair kit, it’s an easy add-on item.
Toddler Pillow: If your toddler sleeps with a pillow at home, consider getting a small one for travel.
Mattress Protector: The high quality inflatable beds typically have a velvet flocking for comfort. Protect your investment with a mattress protector.
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.
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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.
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.
FAQs About Toddler Travel Beds
What should my 2 year old sleep in when traveling?
If your 2 year old isn’t sleeping in a travel crib, then an inflatable toddler bed, travel cot or travel tent is the perfect solution. The hiccapop inflatable bed is rated for toddlers 18 months + and a travel tent like KidCo PeaPod Plus or the Joovy Gloo can be used starting at 6 months.
What do 3 year olds sleep in when traveling?
An inflatable toddler travel bed (like the hiccapop inflatable bed) or a travel tent (like the KidCo PeaPod Plus) is the perfect solution for 3 year olds who no longer sleep in a crib at home but aren’t ready for a big bed.
Can 2 year old sleep in pack n play?
As long as your 2 year old still fits the pack n play (from both a height and weight perspective) and isn’t trying to climb out, then yes, a 2 year old can sleep in a pack n play.
Can 3 year olds use Pack N Play?
As long as your 3 year old still fits the pack n play (from both a height and weight perspective) and isn’t trying to climb out, then yes a 3 year old can sleep in a pack n play.
How long can toddler use Pack N Play?
Once your toddler is trying to climb out of the pack n play, it’s time to move to a toddler travel bed. You can find a toddler travel bed with sides, to help keep your toddler from slipping off the bed in the night.
Can a 3 year old sleep on an air mattress?
Yes, there are plenty of inflatable toddler travel beds that are made specifically for toddlers with bumpers to keep your toddler from falling on the floor.
My Toddler Coloring Book
I’ve created a coloring book to help your toddler become a happy little traveler! My First Flight Coloring Book features 32 fun, easy-to-color illustrations, introducing young children to every step of a travel day—so they know what to expect before they even board the plane. A toddler who understands flying is much more likely to be calm, confident, and cooperative in the air. Get your copy on Amazon today!
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This post was written & edited by:
Celine Brewer is the owner of Baby Can Travel. Not only does she have years of experience traveling with babies & toddlers, but she's helped millions of new parents travel with their babies and toddlers for over a decade. In addition to writing on her baby travel blog, she has shared her expertise on traveling with a baby or toddler by contributing to articles about traveling with a baby with the Washington Post, USA Today, the Lonely Planet magazine and Pregnancy & Newborn magazine.
Celine also writes about family travel on the site FamilyCanTravel.com, which she co-owns with her husband. Being from the Canadian Rockies, she shares her passion about her home and travel to Banff National Park and area on their site TravelBanffCanada.com.