Traveling with toddlers can be tricky! Parents may find themselves in a dilemma. When their little ones have outgrown their travel cots but are still too small to sleep in a rollaway bed. I had the same issue: while Thea was a baby, hotels could provide baby cribs most of the time. However, when she was no longer sleeping in a cot and we kept traveling, a baby crib was no longer an option. And all what the hotels could offer were rollaway beds suitable for teenagers and adults.
Fortunately, there are now innovative solutions on the market. They provide comfortable and safe sleeping arrangements for toddlers of all ages. And in this article, I will share portable toddler travel beds that, personally for us, worked wonders. I will also cover the types of toddler portable travel beds available to help you decide which is the best for your family.
What are Portable Toddler Travel Beds, and Why Should You Get One?
Portable beds for toddlers are the perfect solution for parents who want to ensure their little ones get comfortable day naps and night rest while on the go. These beds are designed to be lightweight, inflatable, and easy to store. In addition, they provide support and comfort for your toddler, so they can sleep comfortably while traveling. With these beds, you don’t have to worry about lugging around an extra bed or having your little one sleep on an uncomfortable surface.
Here are five reasons you should get one today: it can save you time, money, energy, and space and provide extra convenience. Read on to learn more about the best toddler travel bed options and how they can help make your next family trip stress-free!
A Comparison between the Different Types of Toddler Portable Travel Beds
You have a few choices if you are looking for a comfortable and safe sleeping option for your toddler when traveling. Inflatable air mattresses, foldable portable beds, and pop-up tent kids’ beds are all great options. Whether you’re looking for a comfortable bed to sleep on during camping trips or an extra bed for young guests, the range of inflatable air mattresses, foldable portable beds, and pop-up tent kids’ beds have you covered. From the convenience of easily transportable air mattresses to the sturdy structure of foldable beds, there’s something for everyone. Each one offers unique benefits that make them suitable for different situations. In this article, we’ll compare the different types of portable toddler travel beds so you can decide which one is best for your needs.
Pop-up tent kids’ beds
Pop-up tent kids’ beds are becoming increasingly popular. Especially among parents who want to provide their children with fun and comfortable sleeping space. They are easy to set up and take down, making them ideal for camping trips or sleepovers. In addition, these beds offer many advantages, such as being easy to set up and take down. Moreover, they provide a comfortable area for the child to sleep in, and offer protection from bugs. So, while pop-up tent kids’ beds are a great way to provide a safe and comfortable sleeping area, parents should consider potential drawbacks before purchasing one. These include the size of the bed, the materials used, and the ease of assembly.
Toddler foldable portable beds
Toddler foldable portable beds are an excellent option for providing a comfortable and safe sleeping area for your little travelers while on the go. But what are the advantages and disadvantages of these beds?
On the one hand, these foldable beds are lightweight, easy to transport, and set up in any location. They also provide a safe sleeping environment for your child since they come with guard rails to prevent them from falling out of bed. On the other hand, these beds can be challenging to move around if you don’t have enough space or need to move them frequently. Additionally, some models may not be as comfortable as regular beds due to their smaller size and lack of padding.
Kids’ inflatable travel air mattresses
Kids’ inflatable air mattresses have been gaining popularity as a convenient and affordable way to provide comfortable sleeping surfaces for kids. Whether camping or just looking for a temporary bed solution, these mattresses offer many advantages – but there are also some potential disadvantages to consider. From the size and weight of the mattress to the potential for punctures and leaks, let’s look at what you should know about kids’ inflatable air mattresses before buying one.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Toddler Travel Bed
Before selecting a kid’s travel bed, it’s important to take into account various factors: size and portability, assembling difficulty, age of the children, and how comfortable the bed is. Consider these aspects carefully to ensure you get the best travel bed for your toddler.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors.
Size and weight of the portable travel bed
When it comes to choosing a travel bed for your child, size, and weight are two of the most important considerations. Not only do you want to ensure that the bed is comfortable for your child, but you also need to make sure that it is lightweight and portable enough to be carried around easily.
This is especially relevant if you have a limited luggage weight allowance on flights and/or if you’re carrying your bag for an extended amount of time.
However, suppose you are looking for a portable child bed for occasional use and plan to put it in your car for occasional weekends away with family and friends. In that case, the size and weight may not be the deciding factor.
Ease of Use
When choosing a travel bed for your toddler, ease of setup and takedown should be among your top priorities. Look for a quick and straightforward option to put up and take down to save time during your journey. After a tiring trip, when everyone is tired and kids are cranky, setting up the portable bed quickly and easily can be a relief.
Likewise, when you rush to get to the airport or hit the highway, you don’t want to spend time and energy figuring out how to put the bed away. Therefore, a toddler travel bed that is easy to use will make life easier for everyone, reducing stress and hassle.
Age of your child
Travel beds designed for toddlers are typically suitable for children aged 2 and older. However, suppose your child is under 2 and still sleeping in a cot at home. In that case, switching to a travel crib is recommended, as it can provide better support and comfort. In addition, these cribs are lightweight, portable, and easy to set up – making them perfect for overnight visits or holidays away from home. With features such as adjustable heights, breathable fabrics, and secure locking systems, travel cribs are an ideal solution for babies.
Comfort
The level of comfort that comes with a toddler travel bed is largely subjective. Generally speaking, an inflatable mattress for toddlers is quite comfortable. However, be aware that it could lose shape after being used for a few days and need to be refilled with air.
Toddlers’ inflatable mattresses may produce noise when they move around, disturbing the sleep of both them and you.
A folding travel bed is usually more comfortable and can provide greater stability when sleeping.
The Best Portable toddler Beds of 2023 For The Perfect Night’s Sleep Anywhere
As a parent, you want your toddler to have the best sleep possible wherever you go. That’s why investing in a good portable toddler bed is crucial. It will provide your little one with a comfortable and safe night’s sleep, no matter where they are.
Let’s look at the best portable toddler beds and the features that make each bed unique so you can find the perfect one for your family’s needs.
The Shrunks Toddler Travel Bed
I am starting this list with the Shrunks toddler travel bed for a reason. This is our favorite and, in my opinion, one of the best portable travel beds for toddlers available. After all, you don’t get an award for the winning design since 2007 for nothing.
What we like the most:
It is super compact, easy to set up, and fits in a cute bag with a dog print. Thea is an active sleeper. She turns and rolls around in her sleep, so the bed rail bumpers were essential for me when choosing a portable travel bed for her. After multiple nights in that bed, not once did she fall out. Also, unlike many inflatable beds, this one does not squeak. It is also made without using nasty chemicals, is puncture resistant, and has tuck-in features that hold beddings in place. Finally, it takes only 30 seconds to inflate with an electric pump that comes with the purchase.
Honestly, I can’t think of any downsides; this travel bed works for us super well.
If you check on Amazon, there are a gazillion toddler travel beds available. The other bed that we own is the EnerPlex Kids inflatable travel bed. As you can see, I am more inclined toward inflatable options.
EnerPlex Kids Inflatable Travel Bed with High-Speed Pump
This toddler travel bed looks a lot like a kid’s swimming pool but does the job well. We have used it less than the Shrunks travel bed because the EnerPlex one is at home in Europe, mainly for spending the nights at Thea’s grandparents’ place. It is also super compact and comes with a pump, but I am not as concerned with its weight and size as we travel by car. However, it is as compact too, and I wouldn’t hesitate to take it on longer journeys requiring flights.
By the way, EnerPlex makes not only portable beds for toddlers but also for older kids, teenagers, and adults. Check out the available options by clicking this link here and scrolling to the bottom of the page.
And my final tip for inflatable mattresses- consider upgrading to an electric pump if it does not come included. Effortless setup.
Regalo My Cot Portable Folding Toddler Bed
If we were to switch from an inflatable mattress to a folding toddler bed, I would go for this foldable child bed by Regalo. It requires no specific setup, and the fold-and-go system is quick and easy to use. Moreover, is also perfect for travel because of its lightweight and small size. (It folds down to 9″ L x 8″ W x 24″ H). The bed is also very reasonably priced and, at the time of writing, is discounted. With 4.6 positive ratings out of even 28,371 reviews, this travel bed is something I’d definitely give a go. In addition, you can choose the color of the bed, have it with or without a canopy, and they all come with a fitted sheet.
Go With Me Bungalow Deluxe Portable Travel Cot by Baby Delight
Now, this foldable bed-bungalow is perfect if you’re looking for a deluxe option, have two kids who would enjoy hanging out on it simultaneously, and if you plan to use it outdoors.
Here’s what Baby Delight says about the product:
“The Bungalow can be used inside for naptime, playtime, or sleepovers and outside for camping or beach trips. Its durable indoor/outdoor fabric allows the Bungalow to weather the outdoor elements, and the fabric can easily be wiped clean. In addition, the locking, sturdy metal frame supports children up to 75lbs, while the surrounding mesh walls provide added security“.
Why we like it:
- The canopy (which can be removed) blocks 98% of UVA and UVB rays, making it perfect for beach outings.
- Folds in seconds which is super convenient.
- Fits children as young as 15+ months.
Downside: I would probably not enjoy carrying 12.2 pounds for an extended period of time.
Having shared the best inflatable and foldable toddler travel beds, let’s see which pop-up tent bed would suit your family best. I must confess that this is my least favorite choice when it comes to kids’ travel beds. I somewhat feel like the airflow is restricted. But again, it’s my personal opinion, not based on any facts. There is one exception, though. Since we live in India, where mosquitoes enjoy spreading malaria and dengue fever, I’m totally in favor of anti-mosquito fine mesh net tent beds.
Joovy Gloo Portable Travel Pop-up Tent for Kids
Joovy is an American company that makes high-quality gear for families, including pop-up tents for kids. What is great about their tents is that they are made of durable, high-quality nylon. It keeps out the morning dew, a UPF 50 canopy provides protection from the sun rays, and the ultra-fine mesh keeps children safe from bugs. And of course, a floor mat that self inflates is definitely a bonus.
Like most travel beds, it also comes with its own bag for transportation and is very light and compact.
The good news is that it comes in 2 sizes. A regular-size Gloo is perfect for kids from 6 months to 3 years old. While a large-size one for kids up to 5 years.
So, I definitely like it for the features listed above. However, there are some downsides. Some families complain that the rods could be sturdier. Others that the zippers make a loud noise when closing/opening, and also it’s one of the most expensive options.
Overall, I recommend pop-up tent beds for day time outdoor use. In contrast, inflatable toddler mattresses and childrens’foldable beds are better for a good night’s sleep.
What’s your opinion? Which type of portable toddler travel bed do you like the most? Share in the comments below!
If you found this article useful, please consider inviting me for a coffee! You can do that here! Thank you so much!
Check out more resources that help make traveling with babies and toddlers a breeze:
The best diaper bag backpacks for airplane travel in 2023
The best kids luggage for airplane travel
How to survive long haul flights with toddlers alone
The Ultimate guide for parents to help their kids celebrate Thanksgiving
