We spent hours testing these products by assembling and disassembling them (sometimes with one hand!) 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. A pediatric physician on our Review Board also reviewed the contents of this article for medical accuracy and integrity around safe sleep practices and how to evaluate the important features of toddler travel beds.
For some parents, portable toddler travel beds are must-haves to provide young children with a safe and comfortable place to sleep while on vacation. "Simpler is always better, especially when thinking of traveling with toddlers ,” says Anjuli Gans, MD, a pediatrician at Karabots Pediatric Care Center, West Philadelphia. “So, when it comes to a toddler travel bed, you don't need all the bells and whistles. There are a lot of fancy ones out there on the market, but your baby really just needs a safe and comfortable place to sleep ."
Traveling with toddlers isn't easy, especially if their schedules are disrupted and they don't get enough sleep. But you can still have a wonderful time exploring new places with your family—you just need to be prepared. Toddler travel beds provide consistency and a protected sleep space, resulting in a well-rested child and a smoother trip for everyone . To help narrow your selection, we tried out 20 beds in the Verywell Testing Lab and our homes to find the best toddler travel beds available.
Best Overall
JetKids by Stokke CloudSleeper Inflatable Travel Bed
Amazon
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Our Ratings
Pros
Sturdy
Easy to move around
Good price point
Cons
Can be noisy when a child moves on it
If you plan to hit the road with your little one and need a toddler travel bed that is comfortable and easy to travel with, then the JetKids by Stokke CloudSleeper Kids Inflatable Bed is our top pick for you. Designed for children ages 3 and up, this travel bed features side bumpers to keep your child from rolling onto the floor. Setup is incredibly easy, thanks to an integrated pump that lets you inflate the mattress in minutes by using your hands or foot. It’s meant to lie on the floor, so there’s no additional assembly required. This mattress also features an air mesh cover to keep your child cool at night.
We loved this inflatable bed's unique design, which features a hidden pump that you inflate by pushing with your foot or hands. It's very easy to fill up and took us only five minutes to put together and inflate, which is great when traveling with little kids. And since it's light and comes with a small bag with handles, so it's easy 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.
When you’re done with it, deflate the mattress, pack it back into its packing cube, and you're good to go!
Price at time of publication: $129
Key Specs:
Material: Nylon | Weight: 4.1 pounds | Size: 59.1 x 29.5 x 6.7 inches inflated; 15 x 11 x 4 inches in travel bag | Recommended Age/Weight Limit: Ages 3 years and up; up to 68 pounds
Verywell Family / Nick Kova
Verywell Family / Vicky Wasik
Best Inflatable
Eltow Inflatable Toddler Bed
Amazon
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Our Ratings
Pros
Lightweight
Pump included
Good price point
Cons
Requires a sheet
Plastic smell
The Eltow Inflatable Toddler Bed is portable and easy to set up, and it comes at a lower price than our top pick, the Stokke. Unlike other inflatables, the Eltow toddler travel bed consists of an outer section with bumpers on two sides and a mattress that fits snugly inside the outer shell. It's not sitting directly on the floor but is at floor level. We love that it took us just five minutes to set up and is lightweight and portable—plus, it comes with a bag, so it's super portable. Assembly is straightforward, but removing the pump nozzle without losing air can be difficult when done alone, so we recommend getting a partner to help you out. Unfortunately, it doesn't come with a sheet, so you'll have to pack one in your luggage.
One flaw is that the mattress has a plastic smell that sticks around for a few hours once the mattress is removed from its packaging. (It should go away if you allow the product to air out for a day or two before use.) It comes with a high-speed pump, two patches in case of punctures, and a travel bag for storage. And thanks to a vinyl layer that protects against punctures, it's well-equipped to withstand wear and tear.
Price at time of publication: $70
Key Specs:
Material: Vinyl | Weight: 10.21 pounds | Size: 63 x 40 x 12 inches inflated | Recommended Age/Weight Limit: Up to 310 pounds
Verywell Family / Nick Kova
Best With Pump
Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed with Safety Bumpers
Amazon
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Our Ratings
Pros
Double plug
Electric pump
Patch kit included
Cons
Faint chemical odor
The Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed is ideal for parents who want their toddler close to the ground with bumpers on all sides of the bed. A removable mattress rests in a higher outer shell that ensures your little one cannot roll off. It's designed for kids making that transition between cribs and big-kid beds, and it's easy to deflate and pack into its carrying bag before moving to your next destination.
Setup is relatively quick, once you get the hang of detaching the electric pump, and it's easy to move around with the handles. Another plus: It comes with a patch kit! The handles are not as easy to clean as the rest of the bed, but we do appreciate that the removable mattress comes in three different colors for kids who definitely have their design preferences.
The mattress has a faint chemical smell at first, but it's not as eye-watering as some of the other inflatables we tested. It's also very durable due to its thick vinyl material.
Price at time of publication: $80
Key Specs:
Material: Vinyl | Weight: 8 pounds | Size: 62 x 39 x 12 inches inflated | Recommended Age/Weight Limit: Up to 310 pounds
Verywell Family / Nick Kova
Verywell Family / Tamara Staples
Verywell Family / Tamara Staples
Verywell Family / Tamara Staples
Verywell Family / Tamara Staples
The Best Travel Strollers for Your Next Family Vacation
Best for Camping
EnerPlex Kids Inflatable Travel Bed
Amazon
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Our Ratings
Pros
Large carrying bag
Fits standard crib sheet
Pump has car lighter adapter
Cons
Chemical smell
High price point
This puncture-proof toddler travel bed can be used during trips or at home as a transitional bed for toddlers who are still in that in-between stage. A 120-volt electric pump (and three universal nozzles) is a game changer and makes inflating the bed a breeze. We love how quickly and easily this bed can be put 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.
In case you worry about your toddler rolling off the mattress, the EnerPlex Kids Inflatable Travel Bed has bumpers along three sides. 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, freeing your hands for luggage or a kid. 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. One downfall: It has a chemical smell.
Price at time of publication: $100
Key Specs:
Material: Not listed | Weight: 11.88 pounds | Size: 66 x 44 x 13 inches inflated | Recommended Age/Weight Limit: 36 months and up; up to 150 pounds
Verywell Family / Nick Kova
Best Pop-Up Crib
BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light
Amazon
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Our Ratings
We Tested the Best Pack ‘N Plays for Home and Travel
Pros
Light
Safety straps on mattress
High mesh walls
Cons
High price point
Sheet required
The BabyBjorn Travel Crib is a great option for parents who prefer more of a crib design than an inflatable mattress. Toddlers who need more than bumpers to keep them safe in bed can benefit from this travel crib’s high mesh walls and a mattress that sits low to the floor—which means it's difficult to climb in and out of, let alone roll off of.
The BabyBjorn is a dream to assemble: Setup takes two minutes, and you can put a standard crib sheet on the bed without a struggle, even after attaching the mattress to the four corner safety latches. The mattress is comfortable and a standard crib size. It is also a good pick if you need a travel bed that isn't hard on your back. It is very light, it comes with a carrying case, and it fits into a car trunk. However, the mattress does lie low to the ground, so picking up your child may be tough on your back if they are lying down. The high price point is another consideration that parents should keep in mind if they’re not frequent travelers.
You won’t need to worry about messes or nighttime accidents, because the fabric can be wiped down quickly, and the exterior fabric can be removed from the frame and washed. The main reason this crib isn't our top pick is that it's much more expensive than most of the other products on this list, but it's a worthwhile investment if you have the room in your budget.
Price at time of publication: $300
Key Specs:
Material: Polyester | Weight: 13 pounds | Size: Mattress 23.5 x 41 x 1.2 inches; assembled crib 32 x 44 x 24 inches; 19 x 23.5 x 5.5 inches in bag | Recommended Age/Weight Limit: 0-3 years, or until your toddler can climb out of this travel crib
Verywell Family / Jessica Juliao
Verywell Family / Jessica Juliao
Verywell Family / Jessica Juliao
The 12 Best Pack and Plays for Home and Travel, Tested and Reviewed
Best Budget
Hugbino Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed
Amazon
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Our Ratings
Pros
Easy to store
Light
Less expensive
Cons
Difficulty removing pump
Requires a sheet
The Hugbino provides a lot of the same features as other inflatable mattresses on this list, but at a lower price. The removable mattress is coated in soft velvet flocking to keep your little one comfortable while they snooze, and bumpers along all four sides of the outer shell keep them in bed.
This inexpensive bed does come with an electric pump, but the setup is not as easy as with other travel beds we tested. We had to use two sets of hands to get the nozzle on before it started to deflate. However, it is light and easy to store and comes with a carrying bag.
It's also a cinch to clean. We appreciate that the mattress can be spot-cleaned, and a sheet can go over the mattress for extra protection.
Price at time of publication: $63
Key Specs:
Material: Polyvinyl chloride | Weight: 6.63 pounds | Size: 63.6 x 42.5 inches inflated | Recommended Age/Weight Limit: Not listed
Verywell Family / Nick Kova
Best Crib to Fly With
Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib
Amazon
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Our Ratings
Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib Review
Pros
Easy to carry
Five-minute setup
Doubles as a play space
Cons
Price point
Heavy
This crib can’t make traveling on a plane with a toddler less challenging, but it can simplify your life when you get to your destination. We like the travel crib's packaging, which comes with shoulder and backpack straps that make it easy to carry around in an airport. It is a tad heavy, however. In terms of ease of use, this travel bed only took us five minutes to set up and didn't require too much prep work to understand how to put it together. The setup process isn't as straightforward as other travel beds we tested, but it's not difficult.
An access door makes it easier to get to your little one without leaning over the side. You can use the entrance to lay them on the padded, waterproof mattress inside the mesh enclosure or let them go in and out of the crib when they are awake. The mattress is easy enough to wipe, but the fabric around the top of the crib is so absorbent that it's tough to give it a good cleaning. You can also unzip the bed cover and throw it into the washer for a deep clean. This convenience does come at a higher price than a lot of competitors, however.
Price at time of publication: $280
Key Specs:
Material: Polyvinyl chloride | Weight: 13 pounds, 15 pounds with bag | Size: Mattress 41.5 x 23.5 x 1.4 inches; crib 45.5 x 31.5 x 25.5 inches; 24 x 12 x 8 in backpack | Recommended Age/Weight Limit: 0-3 years, or until child can climb out
Verywell Family / Leticia Almeida
Verywell Family / Leticia Almeida
Verywell Family / Leticia Almeida
Verywell Family / Leticia Almeida
Verywell Family / Leticia Almeida
Best for Naps
Milliard Toddler Nap Mat Tri Folding Mattress
Amazon
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Our Ratings
Pros
Machine-washable cover
No pump needed
Cons
Does not include a carrying case
The Milliard Toddler Nap Mat Tri Folding Mattress can be used for napping anywhere. Simply unfold it at the hotel, a relative's house, or a camping tent, and your little one is good to get their sleep on.
This folding mattress doesn't require any assembly—just take it right out of the box. However, it needs 48 hours to reach the highest comfort level after unboxing. It doesn't come with a carrying case, which may make it a pain to carry. But if your toddler spills a drink or has an accident on this mattress, the good news is that it's effortless to clean: It has a removable bamboo cover that can be machine-washed and a foam mattress that can be spot-cleaned. Plus, it's got a cozy, thick mattress that's comfortable for naptime.
Price at time of publication: $66
Key Specs:
Material: Foam mattress, bamboo cover | Weight: 8.74 pounds | Size: 58 x 24 x 3 inches unfolded; 24 x 19 x 9 folded | Recommended Age/Weight Limit: Not listed
Verywell Family / Nick Kova
Best Twin
Intex Dura-Beam Standard Series Deluxe Pillow Rest Raised Airbed
Amazon
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Our Ratings
Pros
Built-in pump
Durable
Comfortable
Cons
No storage bag
Not for smaller kids
The Intex Dura-Beam Standard Series Pillow Rest Raised Airbed is a good pick for families who want a larger travel bed without bumpers that’s a little higher off the floor (16.5 inches) than the toddler beds on this list. A built-in pump makes for easy assembly, since you just turn the panel to either inflate or deflate, and you’re done!
The mattress comes with a duffel bag for storage and travel, but it's not the most compact, and the bag isn't as comfortable as others we tested. To clean, it just requires a wipe-down as needed. The bed also has a built-in pillow rest, so you won’t have to pack an extra pillow for your kid when you travel.
Price at time of publication: $69
Key Specs:
Material: Not listed | Weight: 10.16 pounds | Size: 75 x 39 x 16.5 inches inflated | Recommended Age/Weight Limit: Up to 300 pounds
Verywell Family / Tamara Staples
Verywell Family / Nick Kova
Verywell Family / Tamara Staples
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