While those arrangements might have worked when you were traveling solo or in pairs, things tend to change when you’re on the road with family. For all your adventurers traveling with a toddler in tow, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best toddler travel beds that’ll save you plenty of time, money and most importantly – patience. God knows you’ll need it!
What to Look for in a Toddler Travel Bed?
Before making a final decision, it’s important to familiarize yourself with all the different aspects of toddler beds. Some of the most important factors to consider include weight, overall size, portability and of course, comfort. In terms of weight, there are two particulars to keep in mind: the weight of the bed itself and the maximum weight it can carry. Keeping in mind that you’ll be on the road frequently, it’s a good idea to choose a bed that’s fairly light and easy to transport. This is especially important if you’re traveling by plane and are concerned about the weight restrictions. Every bed should come stating its maximum capacity, so you should have no problem choosing the best one for your child. When talking about size, you’ll want to make sure that the travel bed is big enough to accommodate your toddler, but still small enough to pack and carry with ease. Portability is one of the most crucial aspects to consider when choosing the perfect toddler travel bed. Aside from weight and size, you’ll want to ensure that the bed can be assembled and reassembled in a matter of seconds. Bonus points if it comes with a complimentary travel bag! A comfy bed is what it’s all about! Pay attention to the bed material, cushioning (or inflatibility), as well as the overall design. You’ll want to choose a bed that’s soft and comfortable, but still offers plenty of support.
What Age is a Toddler Bed Suitable For?
As the name suggests, toddler beds are designed to accommodate children of certain ages. These beds are mostly suitable for kids from 3-5 years old. The sizes can vary of course and depending on the brand, the beds might be suitable for larger kids, but if you’re traveling with a baby you may want to look into adding a travel cot to your list.
Precautions When Using Toddler Travel Beds
While extremely practical, toddler beds can also be dangerous under certain conditions. Unlike cots, toddler beds are generally designed with no sides or safety fences around, so there’s always a risk of your child falling out if not laying properly. Also, if your child is a fussy sleeper, it’s a good idea to try out the bed a few times before the trip. This will allow your toddler to get familiar with the bed beforehand, so they don’t find the new bed too uncomfortable or alien while on vacation.
These are the 9 Best Toddler Travel Beds:
1. The Shrunks Toddler Travel Bed
The first thing you need to know about The Shrunks Toddler Travel Bed is that it has won multiple awards for design – and for good reason too! The bed has a sheet-tuck feature, helping keep the sheets and blankets off the floor and your child nice and cozy throughout the night. The inflatable mattress is equipped with a jetaire electric pump, allowing you to inflate the bed in a matter of 30 seconds. What we especially love about this mattress is the guard rail protection. Remember when we talked about fall protection? Well, with this bed, you won’t have to worry about your child rolling and falling off the sides. Pro: Con:
2. Intex Cozy Kidz Inflatable Airbed
This inflatable waterproof airbed by Intex comes with a soft flocked top and is available in three different bright colors for your kids to enjoy. The purchase includes a soft inflatable pillow and it’s a great option not just for traveling but for sleepovers, nap times and those huge family gatherings. The simplistic yet fun design is what this bed is all about! It features a good quality-to-price ratio and although primarily designed for one child, the mattress is big enough to fit two small toddlers at once! Pro: Con:
3. hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed
Whether you’re planning a long vacation or just a weekend at grandma’s, this inflatable toddler travel bed by hiccapop will certainly come in handy. This lightweight, portable bed features an inlay-enforced™ vinyl, reinforced weld-seams, and a heavy-duty air valve, making it puncture and leakage-proof. It comes equipped with a travel bag, as well as an electric turbopump which inflates the bed in under 30 seconds. We particularly like the extra long bed rail bumpers for added safety, as well as the lifetime guarantee included in every purchase. The best part? The hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed is bisphenol A (BPA), phthalate and lead-free and exceeds all federal standards for child safety. Pro: Con:
4. Leachco BumpZZZ Travel Bed
A combination of polyester and cotton makes for a perfect soft mattress fit for just about any setting, regardless of whether you’re traveling, visiting or simply lounging. The great thing about Leachco BumpZZZ Travel Bed is that it doesn’t require any equipment to set up and can be ready to use in a matter of seconds. Although generously sized, the bed is perfectly lightweight and can be easily rolled and packed into the practical storage bag which is included in the purchase. The center of the bed is foam padded and the outer bumpers are cushioned, allowing for extra comfort and security while sleeping. Another amazing feature is the removable zippered cover which is machine washable, so it’s fairly easy to take care of any possible accidents. Pro: Con: 7 Best Travel Toothbrush Choices For Your Trips In 2020 How To Use Packing Cubes To Conserve Luggage Space 9 Of The Best Travel Humidifiers For 2020
5. Milliard Portable Toddler Travel Nap Mat
Waterproof, washable and super cozy, the MIlliard Portable Toddler Travel Nap Mat is what dreams are made of (pun intended!) The inner plush velour material is made with all safe material and isn’t treated with any toxins or chemicals whatsoever. MIlliard’s Portable Bed also includes a complimentary fitted sheet which makes the cleanup time that much easier. Now we come to the most amazing part! The bed folds perfectly into a practical suitcase which can easily fit all your toddler’s belongings including clothes, extra seats, pillows, and even toys! The bed is encircled with bumpers from all sides, so even if your child is a fussy sleeper, you won’t have to worry about falls and accidents. Pro: Con:
6. Wildkin Nap Mat
From robots and trucks to dinosaurs and wild animals, the Wildkin Nap Mat is a fun and cozy addition for both travel and in-house naps. The super-soft cotton and polyester blend adds to the comfort levels and the attached cotton flannel blanket ensures your little one will stay warm and cozy at all times. The Nap Mat includes a removable pillow and features a travel-friendly roll-up design. It’s equipped with hook and loop fastening straps, as well as a practical carrying handle making it an ideal option for traveling, camping, and various outdoor activities. Pro: Con:
7. Regalo My Cot Portable Travel Bed
If you’re not a fan of inflatable mattresses, but wouldn’t want your little one sleeping too close to the ground, the Regalo My Cot Portable Travel Bed may be just the thing you need. With steel construction, sturdy canvas and reinforced stitching, this toddler bed is durable, strong and well-made. Don’t be alarmed by the steel frame though, because the bed is super lightweight and portable and can be folded and stored to a fraction of its size. The fitted sheets are machine washable but should be air-dried and the canvas material can be cleaned up easily with a damp cloth and some gentle soap. Pro: Con:
8. Butterfly Craze Kids Floor Pillow Bed Cover
A superb product for kids, adults and even pets, this pillow bed cover has won us over with its versatility and overall design. The Butterfly Craze Kids Floor Pillow Bed Cover uses soft-premium fabrics, making them an ideal choice for all children, even the ones with sensitive skin and allergies. It comes in a variety of colors and designs and is a great choice for sleeping, reading, watching TV or just hanging around. The purchase includes just the cover which can fit up to 5 pillows at the time, allowing you to customize the size and length to your preference. When you’re ready to wash it, simply toss it in the washing machine and be done with it – easy easy lemon squeezy! Pro: Con:
9. OlarHike Safety Crib Rail
Parents who have already found a special sleeping nook for their toddlers, but want to make sure their little ones sleep safe and sound, should look into OlarHike’s Safety Crib Rails. The rails are made from a durable polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material and are inflatable and waterproof. They feature a 2-stage valve, which ensures a super easy installation and deflation process even without a pump. The installation is pretty straightforward and simple and can be done in seconds. The best thing about the rails are the straps which hold them in place throughout the night, regardless of how much your toddler tosses and turns. Pro: Con: Conclusion Searching for the perfect toddler bed that will satisfy both yours and your child’s demands can be a bit tricky. But once you dig a little deeper, it becomes slightly easier to recognize what to look for in a toddler bed. After plenty of research, we’ve concluded that the hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed definitely wins this race. With added safety features, unmatched quality and a great price, this toddler bed wins the hearts of toddlers and parents at the same time. The purchase includes a travel bag, an electric pump, as well as a lifetime guarantee, allowing you to be prepared wherever you go, without having to worry about additional equipment or pricey repairs.
