Toddler Travel Bed for Easy Family Travels
Traveling with toddlers is a fun experience which is packed with joy, adventure, and yes, a little (okay, maybe a lot) of exhaustion. Showing your little one beautiful places and experiencing life with them is surreal, but there is one thing every parent should know before travelling with a toddler: the difference between magic and meltdown is a well-rested toddler.
To ensure your travels are only magic, a cozy toddler travel bed is absolutely necessary. It helps them rest anywhere, sleep better and also, keep you stress-free through your travels. There are plenty of options available in the market, but our guide will help you find the best toddler travel bed.
Top Toddler Travel Beds
Toddler travel beds can be inflatable, foldable, convertible and whatnot! With so many options available, it’s hard to pick the right one. But to help with the decision-making, here are some of our best picks.
Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed
Inflatable travel beds are lightweight, compact, and ridiculously easy to carry. These beds can be deflated and folded into a small bag, which makes them perfect for bus travel, air travel and road trips.
Our favorite inflatable bed is the Shrunks one which comes with an electric pump, drawstring bag, and a patch kit. The bed inflates in just 30 seconds and has high side bumpers to prevent falls. The compact design also makes it super easy to pack and carry wherever you go.
Toddler Travel Cribs and Cots
If you are planning on travelling on the road, or staying at someone’s house for longer periods, investing in a toddler crib or cot is the right call. It gives your child a sense of familiarity which helps improve their sleep pattern and overall results in a calm and happy toddler.
The Guava Lotus Travel Crib is an excellent choice which is safe, travel-friendly and affordable. While the crib is a bit heavier when packed, it still is a reliable option for maximum comfort during road travels.
Convertible Toddler Travel Bed
Convertible beds are multi-purpose toddler beds which are perfect for adventure trips, sleepovers and for saving space. They can be converted into a normally sleeping bed or in a tent for camping or as a playpen etc.
The KidCo PeaPod Plus is an excellent choice since it is lightweight and easy-to-set-up. It comes with blackout material for deep sleep, but it has a thin sleeping pad which might affect comfort. Despite these drawbacks, its portability and ease of setup make it a convenient option for families on the go.
Benefits of Using a Toddler Travel Bed
Using a toddler travel bed can make the life of both children and parents easy. Here are some of the key advantages:
Promotes Better Sleep
A comfy travel bed provides a consistent, familiar and comfortable sleeping space to your child and helps them get sound sleep on the go. A well-rested toddler can easily adjust to new environments and stay in a better mood. This lets both the parents and the child enjoy their travels.
Reduces Stress for Parents
Managing all the bookings, baggage and all travel details can be overwhelming. And taking constant care of a tiny human can add to the stress. A toddler bed can lead to better-rested children and, consequently, less stress for the parents and happier family trips.
Maintains Sleeping Habits
Your child’s sleep routine should not have to be sacrificed during travels. A toddler travel bed ensures that your child’s sleep time routine is maintained no matter where you travel. This way, their schedule is not disturbed when they are on the road or when they come back home.
Features to Look for in a Toddler Travel Bed
Here are some of the things to look for when buying a toddler travel bed:
Portability: A good travel bed should be lightweight, easy-to-pack and easy to carry with your other luggage and bags.
Comfort: Your toddler’s comfort is non-negotiable. Choose a bed with a well-padded surface or a soft mattress.
Safety: Beds with raised sides or bumpers are ideal to prevent falls, but if you can’t carry them because of travel restrictions, then choose a safe floor bed.
Durability: Travel beds are a once in a lifetime investment, so make sure you choose a durable one that can withstand the harsh travel conditions.
Ease of Setup: Travel beds should not be rocket science. Pick a bed that you can assemble and disassemble quickly and easily.
How to Choose the Right Toddler Travel Bed
There is no general “right” toddler bed. It all depends on your child’s specific needs, your travel conditions, budget, and so many other factors. Here are some tips to help you find the right toddler travel bed:
Consider Your Child’s Sleep Style
Every child has a unique sleep style, and it’s important to choose a travel bed that accommodates it. Choosing a bed that matches your child’s sleep habits ensures they feel comfortable and safe and get better sleep while traveling. For active sleepers, a crib or floor bed is ideal. For calm sleepers, a regular bed will do. Always check the manufacturer’s age and weight recommendations to ensure the bed supports your child’s needs.
Balance Between Comfort and Packability
Finding the balance between comfort and packability is crucial for hassle-free travel. You want something that is comfortable but doesn’t take up too much space. Look for a memory foam mattress or easily foldable mattresses that are lightweight and compact but don’t compromise on the comfort.
Consider Your Budget
One of the most important things to consider is your budget. Set aside how much you can spend on a toddler travel bed and then filter out the options based on that. You can also choose weekly/bi monthly payments options if you find an option slightly over your budget. Always check multiple vendors and websites before finally selecting one.
Check Reviews And Recommendations
Before purchasing, ask around in family and friends and other social media platform groups to get real reviews. Consider reviews of parents who have actively used toddler travel beds and what they think about it after multiple uses. It is also helpful to read the reviews on different platforms like Amazon, brand’s website and other public forums.
FAQs about Toddler Travel Bed
Are inflatable travel beds safe for toddlers?
Yes, inflatable travel beds are generally safe for toddlers, especially the ones which are designed professionally and tested thoroughly. For optimal safety, choose beds that come with raised side bumpers and made from non-toxic, child-safe materials.
How do I clean and maintain a toddler travel bed?
Cleaning a toddler travel bed is straightforward and easy. Most beds come with removable and washable covers, and the bed itself can be wiped down with a damp cloth and mild soap. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific care tips and store the bed in its carry bag to protect it from damage during travel or storage.
Are toddler travel beds allowed in carry-on luggage?
Many toddler travel beds, especially inflatable or compact folding models, are small enough to fit into carry-on luggage. Always check the dimensions of the bed and compare them to your airline’s carry-on size requirements.