Cot bed vs travel cot: which is better?
Short answer: They do different jobs. A cot bed is a cot with removable sides and ends that converts into a toddler bed, most often taking a 140 x 70cm mattress. A travel cot is a folding cot with a rigid frame and base, used for trips, grandparents' houses or small rooms. Choose by your baby's stage, your space and how long you want to use it.
Cot bed
Used as a cot from birth, then as a toddler bed once your child is climbing or ready for a bed.
- Check the mattress size listed for the frame. 140 x 70cm is common, but not universal.
- Keep every conversion panel, bolt and instruction sheet for the toddler-bed stage.
- Look at adjustable base heights, teething rails and any matching furniture.
Travel cot
Used for occasional or regular sleep, set up exactly like a cot.
- Use only the mattress made for that travel cot. Never add folded blankets or a quilt underneath.
- Practise putting it up and folding it before you travel.
- Check the weight and height limits.
| Cot bed | Travel cot | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical use | as a cot from birth, then as a toddler bed once your child is climbing or ready for a bed | for occasional or regular sleep, set up exactly like a cot |
What the guidance says
- Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress in good condition, with no raised or cushioned edges, that fits the cot or Moses basket with no gaps.
- Keep the cot clear: no pillows, duvets, cot bumpers, loose blankets, soft toys, pods, nests, wedges or anything to keep your baby in place.
- Travel cots need the same safer-sleep set-up as a cot: a rigid frame and base and a firm, flat mattress. Do not add folded blankets or a quilt under the baby.
- If a full cot will not fit, the Lullaby Trust suggests a travel cot, set up with the same safer-sleep advice.
- Cots and travel cots: look for BS EN 716-1:2017.
Related questions
How long can you use a cot bed?
As a cot from birth, then as a toddler bed once your child is climbing or ready for a bed.
How long can you use a travel cot?
For occasional or regular sleep, set up exactly like a cot.
Shop at Baby Kingdom
- Tutti Bambini Japandi 3pc Room Set - Light Oak
- Coleby Mini Cot Bed
- Mathy by Bols Height Adjustable Baby Cot in Fusion Design available in 26 Colours
- Obaby Grace Mini Cot Bed in Taupe Grey
Check each product page for its exact dimensions, mattress size, age and weight limits and safety standards.
More advice
Can an 18 month old sleep in a travel cot?Can a 4 month old sleep in their own room?Six-month room sharing quizTravel cot quizSleep position quizYour newborn's sleep space: a safe-sleep guideAll safe sleep and sleep spaces advice →
Sources
- The Lullaby Trust: Baby mattresses and bedding (accessed 2026-10-21)
- NHS: Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) (accessed 2026-10-21)
General information only, not medical advice. Always follow your product's instructions. If you are worried about your baby, contact your GP, health visitor or 111. In an emergency, call 999.