On-the-go comfort: 6 portable cots for a safe and sound sleep
With a portable cot, bub can sleep comfortably at home or away.
When travelling or staying overnight with your baby, a portable cot – also known as a portacot or travel cot – provides a secure and comfortable sleeping environment.
A portacot usually features four fabric or mesh sides and a removable mattress. When choosing the perfect portacot, consider safety features and weight. Additionally, consider extra features like being able to adjust the bassinet levels or whether it features a changing table option.
Finally, be sure to go for a portacot that is quick to fold and is easy to pack up for travelling.
Take a look at our guide below for the best portacots to buy in 2024.
2024’s top portable cots
- Phil and Teds Traveller Cot, $449, Baby Bunting (here’s why)
- BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light, $499 (usually $549), Metro Baby (here’s why)
- Joie Excursion Portacot – Starry Nights, $349, Baby Bunting (here’s why)
The best portable cots in 2024
1. Phil and Teds Traveller cot
from $449 from Baby Bunting
Best for assembling with ease – complete with an inflatable mattress
The Phil And Teds Traveller cot is incredibly lightweight at just 2.8kg. With full mesh sides for breathability and a zip opening for easy access, it’s perfect for travel and the 4-in-1 design caters to newborns to toddlers, as it serves as bassinet, toddler bed, playpen, and a bedside sleeper.
Key features:
- Packs compactly into its own carry bag resembling a rolled up yoga mat – perfect for car boots & suitcases
- Assemble in under 2 minutes!
- Super lightweight with mesh fabric & aluminum frame
- Self-inflating & thermally insulated mattress
- 2-in-1 mattress for use in bassinet & cot
- Firmness approved to reduce the risk of SUDI/SIDS
2. BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light
from $499 (usually $549) at Metro Baby
Best for setting up in a quick, single motion
The BabyBjörn Travel Cot is a breeze to set up. With just one swift move, it’s ready!
Suitable from newborn to approximately 3 years, or until your child can climb out, the cot is lightweight at 6 kilograms and easy to move around. It also comes with a practical carry bag.
The built-in base keeps it stable, making it perfect for home or trips and the airy design allows you to keep an eye on your baby.
Key features:
- OEKO-TEX-certified
- Easy to set up
- Weight: 6 kg (incl. carry bag)
- For ages newborn to three-years-old
Available at:
- $499 (usually $549) at Metro Baby
- $550 from BabyBjorn
- $557.70 from Amazon AU
3. Joie Excursion Portacot – Starry Nights
from $349 at Joie
Best for sleep and play time
This package featuring a fold-and-go portacot, a high-rise bassinet insert, a change table, and a playtime rocker with soft toys.
Each piece features the Joie SecureClick system, making attachment and removal from the portacot frame as easy as child’s play.
Key features:
- Full-size bassinet included for sleeptime options
- Bassinet zips-in – no need to remove it for folding on and off
- Mesh lined for ventilation on all four sides
- Portable changing unit can be used on or off cot
- Wipeable fabrics on changer for easy cleanup
- Removeable playtime rocker with soft toys – for use on the floor
- Features soft, cosy fabrics for newborn and includes an infant pillow and lower harness cover
- Removable canopy shades little ones when sleeping
- Simple push button instant-fold packs up in a snap
- Compact folding package for easy transport and storage
- Carry bag included
Available at:
- $349 from Baby Bunting
4. Vee Bee Amado Cot
from $219 at Myer
Best for travel as it’s so lightweight
This perfectly sized cot is super-light at just 3.9 kilograms. This cot also features a simple folding mechanism, making it easy to use and store. And the removable and washable fabrics add convenience, while the high-visibility mesh panels ensure a secure and airy sleeping space.
Key features:
- Travel bag (58cm x 17cm x 47cm)
- Mattress (94cm x 55cm x 30cm)
- Simple folding mechanism
- Folds flat for storage
- Removable and washable fabrics
- High visibility mesh panels
- Weight: 3.9kg
Available at:
- $219 from Myer
- $149 from Catch.com.au
- $198.99 from eBay
5. Dante 2-in-1 Solid Pine Timber Bunk Bed
from $469 (usually $539) from Luxo Living
Best for a clean and streamlined design
This modern pick is made from solid pine wood that’s durable and strong, so your kids can enjoy their beds for many years.
The frame is also made of natural wood, with smooth edges and a secure step ladder for safe and easy access to the top bunk.
Key features:
- Converts from Bunk Bed to 2 Single Beds
- Solid Pine Timber Bed Frame Construction-not MDF materials
- 14 Strong Wooden Slats on each bed for support with a 150kg bed weight capacity on each bunk
- Ladder Included
- Dimensions: 203 (L) x 98.5 (W) x 156 (H) cm
Available at:
- $469 (usually $539) from Luxo Living
- $367 (usually $461) from My Deal
6. UNO portacot – Charcoal Grey
from $199 (usually $449) from Babyhood Australia
Best for flexibility with option of a bassinet or cot level
This 4-in-1 travel cot features a bassinet, cot, change table, and toy bar. Stylish and secure, it boasts a one-hand folding system and a washable, breathable mattress for your baby’s safety.
The easy-fold design opens and closes in seconds, offering flexibility with a bassinet or cot level. Mesh sides ensure breathability and visibility. With two locking systems and an anti-collapse leg, it’s the safer choice for your baby. Travel conveniently with the included carry bag.
Key features:
- Easy to open and fold
- Firm luxury breathable mattress
- Washable mattress
- Full mesh sides for breathability and visibility
- Anti collapse leg
- Twin independent locking systems
- Carry bag with handles
- Light weight at only 10kg
Available at:
- $199 (usually $449) from Babyhood Australia
- $449 from Amazon AU
8 expert tips for choosing the best portacot
When selecting the best portacot for your child, consider factors that prioritise safety, comfort, and convenience. Look for a portable cot with sturdy construction, secure locking mechanisms, and a firm mattress to ensure your baby sleeps soundly.
According to CHOICE, when buying a portable cot, you should always keep in mind the following:
Choose a portacot with great ventilation
Each side should be mostly made from a breathable mesh material that extends all the way to the floor of the cot.
When is your child too big for a portacot?
Don’t use a portable cot if your child weighs more than 15kg.
Choose a portacot that is safe and well designed
Inside surfaces should be free of bumps, ledges and protruding parts so children can’t hit their heads, get their clothing snagged or use them as a foothold to climb out of the cot.
No gaps – safety comes first!
The mattress should be firm enough and fit snugly, without gaps on any side and should not be easily moved or lifted out of place by the child.
Ensure the cot is sturdy
The rails should have two locking mechanisms to prevent accidental collapse and closure. The cot floor shouldn’t sag. Press down on the base to check this. If you’re using a portable cot that doesn’t have a sturdy, rigid base, make sure you always use it on a flat floor and not an uneven surface that could distort the mattress shape.
Easy to put up and pack away
The easier it is to put up and down, the better. Check what size it is when it’s packed down. The smaller the better, for fitting in the car when you’re travelling or storing it away when not in use.
Is it lightweight?
Despite “porta” being in the name, many portacots are still quite heavy, with some clocking in at over 14kg. Make sure you’re able to lift and carry it comfortably.
Ensure it meets Australian safety standards
Portable cots sold in Australia must meet a mandatory standard based on sections of the Australian/New Zealand standard AS/NZS 2195: 1999.
The standard includes requirements for ensuring the folding mechanism is secure, that there are no gaps that could trap a child’s head, that the mattress is safe and the cot has adequate safety warnings.
