The 8 Best Toddler Travel Beds of 2020

Once your kid outgrows the pack n play it is time to figure out where to let your kid sleep. For those children who are still in their crib, the bed transition might be harder. For children who sleep in a bed, it might be easier for them to rest but on vacation, you might not always have a spare bed.

For toddler sleep on the go, this travel bed is the go-to for many parents. It’s easy to use, with no need to blow it up or put it together, you simply unfold it, and it’s ready to go. The frame is made of lightweight steel, and the sleeping area is made of canvas. A removable, fitted sheet adds an extra layer of comfort. The cot measures 48 x 24 x 9 inches when it’s unfolded, and it folds up to 9 x 8 x 24 inches, so it’s easy to take on the go and store. 

Parents say it comes in handy for sleepovers, nights at grandmas and countless other situations. They say it’s sturdy and large enough to last kids for several years. They also note that kids love it and are eager to sleep on it every chance they get. Plus, it is super affordable.

For a blow-up bed that won’t break the bank, there’s this airbed from Intex. Toddlers can comfortably sleep on it, and since it has a weight limit of up to 300 pounds. It’s great to have on hand for overnight guests, camping, sleepovers and other times you need an extra, comfortable place for people to lay their head. 

It inflates with a handheld or electric pump (sold separately) and has a built-in pillow, so you don’t even have to worry about that. Customers say the bed is comfortable and easy to inflate and deflate. They note it’s convenient to take on the go and say it’s a great overall value for the price.

If you're a frequent traveler with kids or have the need often for a spare kid bed this number is just the ticket. The Shrunks bed works for children ages 2 and up and provides a squeak free night of sleep. Your child will feel secure with the inflatable guard rails, and the mattress will fit standard crib sheets snuggly. What's more, this inflates in minutes with an included air pump and it has a lifetime guarantee!

Parents love that the size on this isn't too big (about the size of a crib) and note their child sleeps great on it.

The best flights with kids are flights with sleeping kids, but getting them to snooze can be challenging. This travel footrest pillow can help as it turns airplane seats into a comfortable sleeping spot. It fills the gaps between seats, so they can lay down or at least extend their legs. You don’t need a pump to inflate it, and it can be adjusted to one of three different heights to get just the right fit. It weighs less than a pound, so it’s easy to throw in a carry-on bag and can be pulled out as necessary. Note that some airlines won’t allow these pillows, so you may want to check with your preferred airline before purchasing. 

Customers say it makes traveling with toddlers much more enjoyable. They say it’s easy to inflate, comfortable and well-made. Some adults note that they use the pillow as well to help prevent their feet from swelling and as a napping pillow.

Check out our guide to the best toddler shoes you can buy today.

To help avoid toddlers going bump in the night, there’s this inflatable toddler travel bed that has built-in safety rails. It also comes with a travel bag and electric pump, so you have everything you need for sleep on the go out of the box. It inflates in 30 seconds, and standard crib sheets and blankets fit it. The maximum weight limit is 310 pounds, so they’re not going to outgrow anytime soon either. 

Hundreds of online reviewers give this bed top marks. They love how quickly and easily it inflates and say it’s well-made and comfortable. Some have had problems with leaks, but note that the company’s customer service is excellent and say they promptly received a free replacement.

Want to take a look at some other options? See our guide to the best travel strollers.

If you’re looking for a little more containment than a typical bed, you may want to consider this portable play yard from Joovy. It’s roomy, with almost 50% more space (more than 10 square feet) than most play yards, and it includes a fitted sheet and a travel bag. It can be used from birth up until kids reach 35 inches in height. 

Parents say this play yard is well-made, sturdy and easy to fold and unfold. They love how roomy it is and say that while it’s not light, the wheels make it easy to move from room to room, and the travel bag makes it convenient to take on the go. Some note that there’s a ridge of sorts down the middle that they wish wasn’t there, but most say it’s a great place for kids to sleep and play and a good value for the price.

Read more reviews of the best pack n' plays available to purchase online.

Adorable and affordable, this plush nap mat from Pillowfort is a prime pick. It’s soft and fluffy and can be used for naps, sleepovers or just lounging about it. It measures 53 x 24 inches and folds up for easy storage and travel. 

Parents give this nap mat high marks, saying it’s super soft and comfortable, and kids love it. Some say they wish it was more like a sleeping bag instead of just a flat mat, but most say it’s well-made, adorable and overall great value for the price.

For toddlers who are easily distracted by lights and other goings on while they sleep, there’s this sleep tent from Privacy Pop. It works with any existing mattress and bedframe to create shielded sleep space. Great for kids sharing rooms or for use in a hotel or other unfamiliar space, they can be zipped close while still allowing air to flow through. They’re also great for naptime and blocking out light that may make it hard for kids to settle down. There are zippered doors on both sides with double-sided zippers and mesh windows that can be adjusted. Bonus: They can also turn a bed into a fun fort. 

It comes with a travel bag, so you can take it on the go and in sizes to fit beds of all sizes, including toddler beds. Customers give these tents rave reviews, saying kids love them, they’re well-made and help kids get the sleep they need. Adults like them too.