If you're planning overnight family trips with young children, a toddler travel bed is a must-pack item. These portable beds can make it easier to sleep soundly in a hotel room or while visiting family, ensuring your child has a safe, comfortable place to rest that's separate from the main bed.
Toddler Travel Beds For Overnight Family Trips: What to Consider Before Buying a Toddler Travel Bed
You may be wondering: What's the difference between a toddler travel bed and a portable crib? While both offer safe sleeping solutions outside of your home, travel beds typically have lower barriers and may or may not feature sides or walls. Because of their design - toddlers can easily roll or climb out of them.
That means you'll need to closely supervise your child while they're napping or sleeping. Still, having a designated sleeping area for your little one can be a lifesaver when you're traveling. Rather than trying to settle your child for naptime in an unfamiliar environment or attempting to corral them back onto a hotel bed after they've wiggled free, you can use a toddler bed to create a safer sleep setup that's similar to what they're used to at home.
When shopping for a toddler travel bed, look for one that meets safety standards from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, which means it has been tested to ensure it won't harm your child. JPMAS safety standards cover potential hazards such as stability - entrapment and flammability. You should also consider factors such as price, portability, size, materials and additional features.
Best Overall: KidCo PeaPod Plus Travel Tent
The best overall toddler travel bed is the KidCo PeaPod Plus Travel Tent. Designed like a pop-up playard, this travel tent offers mesh sides for improved airflow and visibility - plus a removable solid side panel for added privacy. Made with sturdy steel frames and heavy-duty zippers, this travel bed can support weight up to 150 pounds.
The KidCo PeaPod Plus Travel Tent is recommended for babies 6 months old and up to 5 years old, though some owners report using it successfully with younger infants. Reviewers love how roomy, cool and comfortable this option is. They also appreciate that it can be easily collapsed and fits snugly in the included bag.
Best Budget Option: EnerPlex Kids Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed With Pump
Of all the toddler travel beds we evaluated, the EnerPlex Kids Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed With Pump offers the best value for the price. It includes a pump that makes inflation quick and simple. Then simply unzip the sides - add your child's favorite blanket and book, and let them nap in comfort.
Once your toddler has outgrown the bed, you can store it away for future siblings or keep it on hand as backup for when your child is sick or having trouble sleeping in their usual bed. As with other inflatable models, this option is particularly lightweight and portable, making it easy to toss into a suitcase or the back of your car for last-minute road trips.
Most Roomy Option: Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed
The Most Roomy Option is the Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed. Suitable for kids between 2 years and 5 years old - this travel bed can accommodate a mattress or foam insert to provide extra cushioning and comfort. Parents can unzip the attached pillowcase-style mosquito net for improved airflow, then easily zip it back closed when it's time to head home.
Though the Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed is the largest model we tested, it conveniently compresses into a compact package for easy storage and transport. Plus, according to owners, it inflates quickly and easily.
Best for Preschoolers: JetKids CloudSleeper Inflatable Kids Travel Bed
The Best for Preschoolers is the JetKids CloudSleeper Inflatable Kids Travel Bed. Although it's pricey - this travel bed offers a soft place to nap or sleep for kids between 3 years and 8 years old. Like other inflatable beds, this option is lightweight and portable, allowing parents to bring it along on weekend getaways or use it as an additional bed at home.
Owners note that the bed is simple to inflate using the included pump, and many say it only took around five minutes to inflate fully. This model also features a zipperless design that allows for quick and easy access.
Why You Should Use a Toddler Travel Bed for Overnight Family Trips
A toddler travel bed can help ensure that your child sleeps safely, comfortably and soundly during overnight family trips away from home. Though these beds aren't strictly necessary - they can help toddlers feel more secure in unfamiliar settings, and they allow older children to have their own sleeping area during family vacations.
Sleep is critical for a child's growth and development, but many parents struggle to get their children to sleep in new environments. Whether you're headed on vacation or just planning a weekend away, a travel bed can help your child rest well so you can enjoy your trip without dreading the consequences of disrupted sleep.
