Traveling with a toddler is an adventure, but ensuring they get a good night’s sleep away from home can be a challenge. A familiar, comfortable sleeping space is key to a successful trip, whether you’re camping under the stars or visiting family. The right toddler travel bed can provide that crucial sense of security and comfort, making bedtime in a new environment much smoother for everyone.
From inflatable mattresses with safety bumpers to compact cots and cozy pop-up pods, the options are diverse. This roundup covers nine of the best toddler travel beds designed for camping and other adventures. We’ve considered factors like portability, setup ease, safety features, and overall comfort to help you find the perfect sleep solution for your little explorer.
Our Top Picks for Toddler Travel Beds
- FRISKY FRIENDS Command Kid Co Peapod Portable Bed
- hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed with Safety Bumpers
- Leachco BumpZZZ Travel Bed, Brown/Green Forest Frolics
- Regalo My Cot Portable Toddler Bed, Pink
- KidCo Peapod, Cranberry
- Toddler Travel Kids Air Mattress Protector Waterproof
- Intex Kids Travel Air Mattress Inflatable Bed
- (2-Pack) Shrunks Inflatable Bed Rail for Toddlers
- Regalo My Cot Portable Toddler Bed
FRISKY FRIENDS Command Kid Co Peapod Portable Bed
For families seeking ultimate convenience, the FRISKY FRIENDS Peapod is a standout option. It automatically pops open and is ready for use instantly, eliminating any complicated setup after a long day of travel. This feature is a major time-saver when you need to get a tired toddler to bed quickly.
The bed easily folds back up into its own compact, 12-inch round carry bag, making it highly portable for camping trips or visits to grandma’s house. The extra-large zipper panel provides easy access for your child and allows for good air circulation, creating a comfortable and secure little nest.
hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed with Safety Bumpers
The hiccapop inflatable bed is built with safety and durability as a top priority. Its unique 4-sided bumper design provides maximum protection, helping to prevent your child from rolling off during the night. The construction uses a vinyl that is 40% thicker than many competitors, making it highly resistant to punctures and leaks.
This bed is an excellent transitional solution for children who have outgrown their crib but aren’t ready for a large bed. It comes with an electric turbo pump for easy inflation and a large travel bag. The velvet flocked mattress surface is soft to the touch, ensuring a comfortable sleep for your little one, and it’s backed by a lifetime guarantee.
Leachco BumpZZZ Travel Bed
The Leachco BumpZZZ offers a different approach, using foam instead of air for its structure. It features a foam-padded center for a comfortable sleeping surface surrounded by cushioned outer bumpers. This design is perfect for children ages three and up who need a defined, cozy space for sleeping, napping, or even lounging during the day.
Despite its generous size, this travel bed is lightweight and folds compactly into its included storage bag. The foam construction means there’s no need for inflation, making setup as simple as unfolding it. It’s a versatile and reliable option for various travel situations.
Regalo My Cot Portable Toddler Bed, Pink
If you’re looking for a bed that requires zero setup, the Regalo My Cot is an excellent choice. It uses a simple fold-and-go system—just unfold it, and it’s ready for use. This cot is built with a sturdy, all-steel frame that is both lightweight and capable of holding up to 75 pounds.
The large canvas sleeping surface provides a familiar cot-like feel that many children appreciate. Its elevated design keeps your child off the ground, which can be particularly useful for camping. The straightforward, no-fuss design makes it a practical and long-lasting sleep solution for toddlers.
KidCo Peapod
The original KidCo Peapod is a well-regarded option that stands out for its safety credentials. It is noted as the only children’s travel bed on the market that passes the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) testing protocols, offering parents significant peace of mind.
Its lightweight mesh construction is ideal for warm weather camping, as it provides excellent airflow. The mesh also acts as an effective insect screen, protecting your child from bugs. The pop-up design and compact carry bag make it a convenient and safe portable sleeping environment.
Toddler Travel Kids Air Mattress Protector Waterproof
This product is an essential accessory rather than a standalone bed, but it significantly enhances the functionality of an inflatable toddler bed. It is specifically designed to be compatible with popular inflatable beds like the hiccapop and EnerPlex models. The protector is both breathable and completely waterproof.
The premium TPU membrane safeguards the inflatable mattress from leaks and accidents, while the absorbent top layer helps keep your toddler dry. The cover features a quilted microfiber top with plush filling, adding an extra layer of softness and comfort without making any crinkly noises that could disturb sleep.
Intex Kids Travel Air Mattress Inflatable Bed
The Intex Kids Travel Air Mattress features a fun printed star design that children love. It is recommended for ages 3 to 6 and is designed with a plush surface material and a double support structure for comfort. This bed is a great option for sleepovers and camping trips.
A key convenience feature is the removable inner mattress, which makes cleaning much easier. The bed comes with a hand pump for quick and easy inflation. Its raised sides provide a sense of security, helping to keep your child centered on the mattress throughout the night.
(2-Pack) Shrunks Inflatable Bed Rail for Toddlers
For families who prefer to have their toddler sleep in a larger bed, the Shrunks inflatable bed rails offer a perfect safety solution. This two-pack helps prevent children from rolling off the bed without the need for a separate toddler mattress. The low-profile design slips discreetly under the sheets, making your child feel like a “big kid.”
The rails are secured with stay-put grip strips, eliminating the need for complicated straps or attachments. Their inflatable design allows you to adjust the firmness and they are compatible with any bed size, from twin to king, including hotel and RV mattresses. This makes them incredibly versatile for all your travel needs.
Regalo My Cot Portable Toddler Bed
The Regalo My Cot is a reliable and straightforward portable bed that prioritizes ease of use. Its simple folding mechanism requires no assembly, allowing you to have a ready-to-use bed in seconds. The durable steel frame is designed to be both light for transport and strong enough to support your growing child.
With a spacious canvas sleeping area, this cot provides a comfortable and familiar spot for rest. Its practicality and robust construction make it a favorite for daycare centers, grandparents’ houses, and camping trips. It’s a no-nonsense solution that gets the job done effectively.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Toddler Travel Bed for Camping
When I started looking for a toddler travel bed for our family camping trips, I quickly realized it wasn’t as simple as just picking the first one I saw. A good camping bed needs to bridge the gap between a cozy home crib and the great outdoors. The first thing I consider is portability. How heavy is it? How small does it pack down? When you’re hauling gear to a campsite, every inch and pound matters. Look for something that comes with a carrying bag, preferably one with a shoulder strap for easier transport.
Next up is the setup. After a long day of hiking and setting up camp, the last thing I want is a complicated, 20-step assembly process for my toddler’s bed. I prioritize beds that are known for being quick and intuitive to put together and take down, ideally without needing any tools. A pop-up design can be fantastic for this, though sometimes they can be trickier to repack.
Durability is non-negotiable. This bed isn’t just for a hotel room’s soft carpet; it’s for the ground. I check the material of the mattress and the frame. Is it puncture-resistant? Can it handle a bit of dirt and moisture? A waterproof or water-resistant bottom is a huge plus for tent floors that might get damp. The overall construction should feel sturdy enough to contain a wiggly toddler without feeling like a cage.
Finally, I think about safety and comfort. For younger toddlers or those who roll around a lot, raised sides or guardrails are essential to prevent them from rolling out onto the hard ground. The sleeping surface itself should be comfortable but firm, and it must be made of non-toxic, easy-to-clean materials. After all, spills and little accidents happen, especially when you’re away from home. Finding the right balance of these features will lead you to one of the best toddler travel beds for camping that suits your specific adventure needs.
FAQ
At what age can my toddler use a travel bed for camping?
Most travel beds are designed for toddlers who have transitioned out of a crib, typically from around 1.5 to 4 years old. You’ll want to check the manufacturer’s specific weight and age limits. The key is that your child can sit up and move around on their own safely. For younger toddlers who still roll a lot, a bed with high, soft mesh walls is a safer choice than a simple cot or mattress on the ground.
Are these beds safe for a child who moves a lot in their sleep?
Yes, many are designed specifically for active sleepers! Look for models that feature raised sides or built-in bumpers. Beds with low, inflatable air walls or those that sit very low to the ground are generally better for calm sleepers. For a wiggly child, a bed with sturdy, mesh-sided walls will help prevent them from tumbling out during the night, which is a common concern when you’re looking at the 9 best toddler travel beds for camping.
How do I clean a travel bed after a camping trip?
This is a crucial question. Most travel beds have a removable, machine-washable sheet that covers the main sleeping pad. The bed frame itself, especially if it’s made of fabric and mesh, can usually be wiped down with a damp cloth and a mild soap. It’s important to let everything air dry completely before packing it away to prevent mold and mildew. Always check the care instructions for your specific model.
Can I use a regular air mattress for my toddler?
I don’t recommend using a standard adult air mattress for a young toddler. They are often too high off the ground, posing a fall risk, and the surface can be too soft, which is not considered safe for sleep for very young children. A dedicated toddler travel bed is a much safer option because it’s designed to be low to the ground or have protective rails and has a firmer, more supportive sleep surface.
What is the main difference between a camping cot and an inflatable travel bed?
A camping cot is a foldable frame with a fabric sleeping surface. It’s generally more durable and elevates your child off the cold, hard ground. An inflatable travel bed is essentially an air mattress, often with raised sides. It’s typically lighter and packs down smaller but requires inflation (and deflation) and can be prone to punctures. Your choice depends on your priority: durability and elevation (cot) versus packability and a softer enclosure (inflatable).