Best Travel Cot Mattress 2022

Travelling with babies and toddlers is challenging for most - from all the extra items that need to be brought along to disrupted routines. Lack of sleep is the last thing mum, dad, or baby needs. Finding the ideal travel cot mattress for your baby or toddler to have a good restful sleep is vital for stress-free time away from home.

As well as being comfortable, safety is also an important factor. And, because the cot mattress is essentially for travel of some kind, certain factors such as size, weight, and ease of transportation should be taken into consideration.

(Important Facts, Studies, Advice, Considerations & FAQs In Conclusion)

1. Alvi Travel Cot Mattress

The Alvi Travel Cot mattress might be a good option if you’re looking for a high-quality cot mattress that is compact and easy to transport (a handy travel bag is included). This mattress is 6cm thick and made from polyurethane foam with the ideal firmness for children. The cover is skin-friendly 100% pure cotton facilitating a soft breathable sleep surface. This zippered cover can be removed, washed at 30°C and tumble dried. 

This product is made in Europe and is Oeko-Tex Standard certified - meaning it is free from chemicals harmful to us or the environment. Customers generally seem satisfied with their purchases, some people mentioning thickness and comfort.

2. Mother Nurture Classic Travel Cot Mattress

The Classic Travel Cot Mattress by Mother Nurture is suitable for babies or toddlers 0-48 months and is lightweight and portable for easy travelling. This mattress is made of Nursery Grade foam which is an adaptable foam designed to cradle your baby securely, provide comfort and support, as well as breathability. Worth noting that this mattress is available in three different sizes.

The cosy softly padded cover (quilted polypropylene) is eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, fully breathable, reversible, and waterproof. It is removable and machine-washable at 40°C for easy cleaning. This Mother Nurture travel cot mattress is long-lasting and durable, precisely and carefully hand-sewn with quality materials.

This brand is made by industry professionals in the UK and assures that this product is safe and tested to the highest British standards. Thousands of positive reviews show that overall customers are satisfied with their purchases, many people highlighting value for money, comfort and durability.

3. Porter And Lambert Travel Cot Foam Mattress

The Porter And Lambert Travel Cot Foam Mattress is a soft yet supportive mattress that is made of pocketed coils and a comfortable and breathable open-cell foam layer. It is described as being firm enough for a baby yet comfortable enough for an older infant.  

The mattress itself is reversible and the zippered quilted polyurethane cover is waterproof, hypoallergenic and removable for washing at 60°C. This Eco Air Flow Fibre mattress is fully compliant with UK Health & Safety Standards and described as lightweight and perfect for travelling. Customers review this product highly, some people commenting on comfort, value for money and use for travelling.

4. FlyIdeas Travel Cot Mattress

The Travel Cot Mattress from FlyIdeas is made of a polyurethane core and encased in a soft and breathable cotton cover with a baby animals print. This removable cover is Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified which guarantees the absence of harmful materials and is machine-washable at 30°C.

Manufacturers describe this 6cm thick travel cot mattress as both soft and resistant. It is a folding mattress that comes with a handy carry bag which makes it a good potential option for those who travel. Overall customers rate this product highly, with several people commenting on softness and lightweight for travel. Worth mentioning that some people find it a little too soft for very small babies.

5. Baby Joy Portable Folding Travel Cot Mattress

This Portable Folding Travel Cot Mattress by Baby Joy might be a good option if you’re looking for a foldable foam (polyurethane) cot mattress that is easy to store and transport (a carry bag is included). The waterproof and washable suede cover is both practical and comfortable. This cot mattress is 4cm thick and designed with your child’s safety in mind - this is the maximum recommended size for your baby, ensuring they cannot climb out of the cot. 

This Baby Joy travel cot mattress is described as having medium firmness and offering a supportive yet comfortable sleep. It is made of high-quality fire-retardant foam and is fully compliant with safety standards and is free of harmful chemicals. Manufacturers offer a 3-year guarantee replacement service covering all manufacturing defects. Customer reviews are largely positive - some people highlighting that it is easy to use and good value for money.

6. Bedding Studio Baby Travel Cot Mattress

The Bedding Studio Baby Travel Cot Mattress is a supportive soft and comfortable mattress made from open-cell nursery grade foam. This eco-friendly core has been crafted with an eco-polyester bonded fibre that facilitates ventilation and thermoregulation - keeping your baby warm in winter and cool in summer. The zippered quilted cover is hypoallergenic, waterproof and machine-washable at 60°C. Manufacturers recommend leaving it to hang dry after washing.

This reversible travel cot mattress is designed and constructed particularly for babies and fully complies with UK Health & Safety Standards. It is hand-sewn with quality materials and inverted seams for extra durability - making it a good option if you’d like to use it through the infant and toddler years. This travel cot mattress is described as being suitable from birth until 6 years of age. This product is a popular choice with customers and reviews are largely positive. Several people mention softness and comfort as well as value for money.

Travel Cot Mattress Considerations

Whilst travelling, you’ll want to keep your baby in their usual routine as much as possible. Whilst certain factors will be beyond your control, there are certain things you can do to minimise stress for your baby - as well as yourself. Because sleep is so important for your baby, it’s essential to have them as safe and comfortable as they are on their usual home cot bed mattress - and their mattress away from home should be as similar as possible. Here are some essential points to consider when searching for the best travel cot mattress.

Firmness

It is widely accepted that a firmer mattress is most suitable for infants - a survey✓  including over 3000 paediatricians and family physicians showed that almost all would recommend a firmer sleep surface for infants, most likely due to the risk of SIDS✓ (more on this later).

However, when babies become toddlers, their needs will change, and a softer or medium-firm mattress may be more suitable. Should you be unsure when is the right time to make the switch, best to ask your paediatrician or family doctor.

Size

The UK standard size for a baby cot mattress is 120x60cm; however, travel cot mattresses vary in size and are often smaller than this, and it is always best to measure the travel cot to be sure. There should be little to no space (less than 2cm) around the sides to prevent the infant from getting stuck. There should also be a distance of at least 50cm between the top of the mattress and the top of the cot, so be sure to check the thickness, which can vary between brands due to different designs and construction.

Weight

For practical reasons, a lighter, more compact mattress will most likely be more suitable for travel than one that’s heavy and bulkier.

Materials

Travel cot mattress materials should be durable and firm enough to avoid sagging. Waterproof and water-resistant materials may also be a good idea to help keep the mattress clean. In addition, hypoallergenic and breathable materials are a good option if you have concerns about allergens or temperature for your baby. 

Eco-friendly mattresses are growing in popularity because, in addition to being more environmentally friendly, they are less likely to release any harmful substances or VOC’s, which have been shown✓ to be elevated in some cot foam mattresses.

Durability

Travel cot mattresses may be subject to a little more wear and tear than ordinary cot mattresses just due to the fact they are packed, transported and unpacked more regularly. Choosing a travel cot mattress that is more durable may save you needing to replace yours sooner than expected. Some brands offer double-sided mattresses, which can increase their lifespan.

Ease Of Transportation

Some travel cot mattresses are designed and constructed to be foldable, which could make transportation and storage easier when not in use. In addition, manufacturers often include handy carry bags for these types.

Care Instructions

Although travel cot mattress covers are often removable and machine-washable, be sure to check this as it may not be an option or easy to manage whilst travelling. Tumble drying may also not be possible for some.

Travel Cot Mattress Types

The materials used in a travel cot mattress can alter the firmness and comfort, which can both be key in ensuring your infant has a safe and comfortable sleep. Below are two of the most commonly found travel cot mattress types. What is best will vary according to your preferences and your infant's needs.

• Pocket Sprung/Coil & Hybrid: Pocket sprung/coil mattresses typically consist of layers of springs or coils with thin layers of foam, and hybrid mattresses generally have a balance of foam and springs. These mattress types can offer durability and good firmness, which is recommended for infants. They can also provide increased breathability due to the airflow throughout the springs or coils.  
• Foam: Typically made from polyurethane foam, also known as polyfoam or memory foam, these travel cot mattress types usually range from medium to firm. A firmer sleep surface is generally recommended for young infants, so it’s always advisable to check that there is no sinking or contouring, particularly around the infant’s head.

It's worth noting that you may have some options for the covers on travel cot mattresses. Some brands offer more natural material options- like cotton or latex, which are advertised as more breathable and hypoallergenic fabrics. While this is true for many organic materials, always read the labels and not be swayed by clever marketing.

Why Sleep Is So Important For Infants

Sleep is essential for optimal cognitive and physical growth. In infants, sleep is a highly dynamic process which means the brain is very active - building important connections and foundations for our overall growth.

Infant sleep is related to our social-emotional development✓, cognition and physical growth, and even our immune system✓. Insufficient sleep in infants has been associated✓ with attention, behaviour, and learning problems and linked to obesity, hypertension, and diabetes later in childhood.

The importance of infant sleep should not be underestimated, whether at home or travelling. Infants can be very attached to their routine and schedules, which makes maintaining their bedding set up an important factor. The correct travel cot mattress can be a significant factor in keeping the bedding set up as close to home as possible. 

Did you know?
A study✓  investigating cross-cultural sleep patterns and sleep problems showed that children ages birth to 36 months from predominantly-Asian countries had significantly later bedtimes, shorter total sleep times than children from predominantly-Caucasian countries. 

The recommended sleep durations, according to the National Sleep Foundation✓ for nine different age groups are as follows:

A Note On SIDS

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is described as the sudden and unexpected death of a baby less than 1-year of age. Although SIDS is rare and relatively low-risk✓, it is useful to understand how it is caused and measures we can take to avoid it.

Interesting to know...
Research✓ in the UK has shown boys to be more at risk of SIDS than girls.

The exact cause of SIDS is unknown; however, evidence shows✓ a combination of external triggers (such as sleep position or blocked airway), a critical development period, and immature/dysfunctional cardiorespiratory and /or arousal systems lead to the failure of protective responses. If these factors "occur" at the same time, it may lead to a combination of lack of blood flow to the brain, slowed heart rate, lowered blood pressure, metabolic issues, and death.

Simply put, SIDS may result from the combination✓ of a vulnerable infant and a potentially dangerous sleep environment - highlighting the importance of a safe home cot and travel cot mattress.

Good to know!
After the launch of many public health campaigns to promote back sleeping position for infants✓, dramatic decreases in SIDS in all participating countries were observed.

Jet Lag In Infants

The Journal Of Travel Medicine states✓ that jet lag has been reported as less of an issue in young travellers because of their “adherence to natural circadian rhythms✓”. However, they do go on to state that infants and children who are used to a specific sleeping schedule may experience difficulty in adjusting to a new sleep cycle - something to which I’m sure many parents will attest.

A quick look online will tell you, “yes, babies definitely do get jet lag”, and, ultimately, whether we refer to it as jet lag or not, there are a few things we can do to minimise the adjustment period.

1. When, and if possible, travelling during the day and when they are usually awake is always helpful.
2. Adjusting sleep and meal patterns as best as possible during travel and arrival at the destination - setting your watch to the destination time zone is a good idea.
3. Its often recommended to gradually shift an infant’s or toddler’s sleep schedule 2 or 3 days before travel.
4. Exposure to the sun (or bright lights) in the morning when travelling east and in the afternoon when travelling west.
5. Hydrate with fluids - air in aeroplane cabins can be dry - staying hydrated will make everyone feel better.
6. Scheduling more relaxed, less busy days soon after your arrival is advised to give everyone time to adjust.
7. Familiar toys from home and a safe and comfortable travel cot mattress will aid in helping your infant to feel relaxed, content, and secure.