Some of the more compact cribs are light to transport and easy to store, but for this reason they will only last between 3 and 18 months. Others are larger and you can use them from 3 or 6 months to 3 years or even 5 years, such as with the Bushbaby Nestegg folding travel cot. The dimensions aren't as long as the Phil and Teds travel crib above, so it's not my first choice for a portable travel crib. It may work well as a portable bed for a 2 year old, but it will push it as a travel bed for a 3 year old.
I like the longer length of the Phil and Ted commuter crib for my growing toddler. If you are looking for a cheap travel bed for toddlers, then the MyCot Gift Bed is the most affordable children's travel bed solution we reviewed here. This foldable children's bed looks like a camping bed for small children and is ideal for use as one. First of all, this means that there are deep guardrails on all four sides of the Intex travel bed, making it virtually impossible to get out of bed.
We also love that the soft flocking on the top of the Shrunks Toddler Travel Bed prevents the squeaking noises often associated with a children's inflatable mattress. Most standard travel cots can be used with a newborn baby and are even more comfortable if the crib is supplied with a carrycot. The foldable and ready system of the Regalo portable travel bed is very easy to set up; it takes less than a minute. The same “safer sleep” rules apply to a travel cot, which must have a rigid frame and base, and a firm, flat mattress, covered with a waterproof material.
With a sizeable size of 60 x 37 x 9 inches when fully inflated, the Shrunks travel bed deflates to a compact size of 16 x 7 inches and comes with its own drawstring bag. Travel cribs are ideal for short periods away from home or for daytime naps, but they are not designed for frequent use over a long period of time. Folding beds for toddlers are usually a “crib” design that can be quickly folded for storage or travel. You often need to prepare your portable travel bed for young children at the end of a long day of travel, when everyone is tired.
Toddlers are often too big for travel cots, but not big enough to sleep on a rollaway bed, or if you have two small or small children, you may not want to pay for adjoining rooms or for a suite large enough for two rollaway beds. I have broken down my review below to include toddler travel beds for children who are still in the crib and toddler travel beds for children who are out of the crib. The Shrunks Toddler Travel Bed features a soft flocking top, designed to eliminate nighttime squeaks.
