Offering a foldable structure, ease of transport, practical accessories and low weight, the crib is a must have when traveling with your baby under 3 years of age or simply for a weekend getaway. It is a solution that avoids lugging the traditional and cumbersome crib everywhere. Find the model that best suits your needs and those of your child via our selection if you have trouble choosing.
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Our selection
"Many parents appreciate this cot for its ease of installation and storage in just 2 seconds. Besides that, the possibility of raising its mattress for…"
"The Hauck Dream'N Play Plus looks great, with a thick navy blue fabric. Compared to the big brand umbrella beds, this one has nothing to…"
"The BabyBjörn Light is a very functional, comfortable and easy to fold umbrella bed. In addition to sleeping in it, the child can play safely…"
"The Chicco Goodnight is just great. It can be used as a baby bed at home, but also on vacation. You can also turn it…"
"Lionelo didn't do things by halves when designing this umbrella bed. It offers a choice of five colors, a whole range of accessories and excellent…"
Many parents appreciate this cot for its ease of installation and storage in just 2 seconds. Besides that, the possibility of raising its mattress for babies under 2 months gives it more practicality.
119 £ on Berceau magiqueThis model is one of the best mobile beds on the market. Weighing in at 4 kg and measuring 72 x 71 x 12 cm when folded and placed in its carrying case, this bed will accompany you on all your travels. You will also be able to store it easily in a corner of your house when it is not in use and put it without problem in the trunk of your car when you go on a trip with baby.
It can be used as a playpen or as an extra bed for your little one. Its three mesh sides allow you to keep an eye on your baby while he plays or sleeps. Its easy assembly and disassembly make it a practical travel ally for parents. And the PU foam mattress that comes with it is waterproof and thermally insulated to keep baby comfortable, especially in cold weather. Here is a bed that will not fail to seduce you.
The Hauck Dream'N Play Plus looks great, with a thick navy blue fabric. Compared to the big brand umbrella beds, this one has nothing to be ashamed of. But add a mattress for more comfort.
23,19 £ on AmazonThe Hauck Dream'N Play Plus is an umbrella bed that can be used as an extra bed or travel bed. Easy to fold and transport, it can go everywhere with you. A mattress and a carrying bag are included. However, as with most umbrella beds, you will need to bring an extra mattress. An additional mattress and a fitted sheet are also available as options.
You can choose between beige, blue and yellow, navy or navy turquoise. All models are compatible with universal accessories such as the changing table. In addition, a zippered window allows you to keep in touch with baby. This crib can support up to 15 kg. Despite its weight of more than 9 kg, the Hauck Dream'N Play Plus will be practical for a few days trip.
The BabyBjörn Light is a very functional, comfortable and easy to fold umbrella bed. In addition to sleeping in it, the child can play safely in it and you can go about your business.
215 £ on VertbaudetThe BabyBjörn Light is suitable from birth to 3 years. This cot weighs only 6 kg and is easy to transport. Made of soft, breathable mesh fabric, it folds and unfolds easily. Even children could do it! And when it's not in use, you can fold it up and put it in the included storage bag.
Available in a variety of colors, the BabyBjörn Light has a soft, comfortable mattress and a mattress cover made of 70% polyester and 30% cotton. The materials used are hypoallergenic for children, all certified OEKO-TEX special baby. Finally, you can machine wash the fabric at 40°C and the mattress cover at 60°C.
The Chicco Goodnight is just great. It can be used as a baby bed at home, but also on vacation. You can also turn it into a playpen when your baby is older. Plus, it's very comfortable.
47,11 £ on AmazonThe Goodnight cot from Chicco combines practicality, safety and ease of use. Super practical, it is easy to assemble and disassemble. To avoid wasting time during the first assembly, it is better to rely on the manufacturer's instructions. The Goodnight offers 4 configurations. You can make it a baby bed, a crib, a playpen and a travel bed from birth to 4 years of your child. This crib has rounded corners and 4 stable legs to ensure maximum safety for your child. In addition, the structure and innovative mechanisms of the device are based on an easy opening system, with double security that prevents accidental closures.
Also, thanks to its mesh sides, the Goodnight crib offers perfect ventilation to guarantee a quality sleep for your baby. This is ideal for toddlers who sweat a lot. Besides that, the mesh sides of this portable bed will also allow you to keep an eye on your little one while he sleeps or plays in the bed. This bed is a great choice that combines elegance and practicality.
Lionelo didn't do things by halves when designing this umbrella bed. It offers a choice of five colors, a whole range of accessories and excellent ventilation. What happiness for our babies!
75,99 £ on AmazonMany parents are snatching up this umbrella bed at the moment. Indeed, the Sven Plus is really worth the detour thanks to the many accessories that come with it and make your travels with your baby practical. It can also be transformed into a playpen and is equipped with a mattress that can be adjusted in height in two different positions. It is also equipped with a changing mat for diaper changes, hanging canopy toys to keep baby entertained and a mosquito net to ensure that your baby has a good night's sleep without the risk of mosquitoes and flies.
The zippered side entry door is convenient for getting baby in and out as he grows. The mesh sides of the crib also allow you to keep an eye on your child while they're in it, and provide great ventilation for cooler summers. A soft terry mat is included with the crib but it's best to add an extra mattress for baby's comfort. Note that the Sven Plus is quite bulky to carry.
This umbrella bed can be used by your little one from birth to 15 kg when traveling as well as at home. It promises good naps and comfortable nights of sleep in all seasons. It can be used as a baby bed, an umbrella bed, a playpen and a crib.
119 £ on AmazonThis double height adjustable crib is quite light (8.7 kg) and folds up in a single movement to make your life as a parent easier. So you can take it everywhere in its included carry case when you go on a trip with your baby. Functional, it comes with a comfortable mattress and a cover that can be easily removed and cleaned. With this model, your baby will have the right to rock and cuddle at will. The bed is elegant and its steel frame guarantees stability and robustness.
This bed is suitable for both children who want to take a nap and older children who want to use it as a cot. When folded, it fits easily into the trunk of the car and fits behind a door. Finally, the Kinderkraft SOFI also allows you to keep an eye on your little one while he or she sleeps in the bed thanks to the mesh sides of the umbrella bed. In short, this is a great value that many moms recommend.
Supporting up to 9 kg, this umbrella bed is ideal for travel. Although it measures 88 x 76 x 59 cm, it can be folded to measure only 20 x 20 x 10 cm, making it easy to store. In addition, this bed has 2 wheels and comes with a well-padded mattress.
55,92 £ on BerceaumagiqueUsable from birth to about 9 months, this Safety 1st umbrella bed is an excellent choice at a great price. Parents who are on the go will particularly appreciate its company. All they have to do is fold the bed in no time and put it in the included zippered carry bag for easy transport. In addition to the carry bag, the Safety 1st also comes with a padded mattress to ensure your baby has a great night's sleep.
Offering two designs to choose from and being easy to take along without getting cluttered, this crib boasts compact dimensions that allow it to fit easily in a room. It also has convenient wheels that allow you to move the bed from one room to another. In short, this is a product that has already made many parents happy and that we recommend with our eyes closed!
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Your guide :
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| TOP OF THE TOP | NOT EXPENSIVE | EXCELLENT | Very good | Mid-range alternative | Entry-level alternative | ||
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
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8/10 |
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7/10 |
8/10 |
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| OUR SELECTION |
Aeromoov - Folding bed rock grey
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Hauck Dream'N Play Plus
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Babybjörn light - dark green
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Chicco Goodnight graphite color
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LIONELO Sven Plus 2 in 1 baby bed
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Kinderkraft 4-in-1 Baby Bed SOFI
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Safety 1st mini dreams cot
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Many parents appreciate this cot for its ease of installation and storage in just 2 seconds. Besides that, the possibility of raising its mattress for babies under 2 months gives it more practicality.
|
The Hauck Dream'N Play Plus looks great, with a thick navy blue fabric. Compared to the big brand umbrella beds, this one has nothing to be ashamed of. But add a mattress for more comfort.
|
The BabyBjörn Light is a very functional, comfortable and easy to fold umbrella bed. In addition to sleeping in it, the child can play safely in it and you can go about your business.
|
The Chicco Goodnight is just great. It can be used as a baby bed at home, but also on vacation. You can also turn it into a playpen when your baby is older. Plus, it's very comfortable.
|
Lionelo didn't do things by halves when designing this umbrella bed. It offers a choice of five colors, a whole range of accessories and excellent ventilation. What happiness for our babies!
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This umbrella bed can be used by your little one from birth to 15 kg when traveling as well as at home. It promises good naps and comfortable nights of sleep in all seasons. It can be used as a baby bed, an umbrella bed, a playpen and a crib.
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Supporting up to 9 kg, this umbrella bed is ideal for travel. Although it measures 88 x 76 x 59 cm, it can be folded to measure only 20 x 20 x 10 cm, making it easy to store. In addition, this bed has 2 wheels and comes with a well-padded mattress.
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Age/Maximum supported weight
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22 kg
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15 kg
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Birth to 3 years
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15 kg
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15 kg
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15 kg
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Birth to 9 months
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Dimensions
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92 x 130 x 63 cm
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125 x 65 x 76 cm
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113 x 80 x 60 cm
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122 x 63 x 76 cm
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125 cm x 65 cm x 77 cm
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107 cm x 63 cm x 71 cm
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88 x 76 x 59 cm
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Material
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Fabric
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Polyester
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Plastic
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Microfiber
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Polyester
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Polyester
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Umbrella, mesh
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Weight
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4.7 kg
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7.6 kg
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6.12 kg
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8 kg
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2 kg
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8.7 kg
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7.8 kg
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Foldable
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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Height adjustable
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No
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No
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No
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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A good crib should be comfortable enough for your child to fall asleep quickly. Choose a model with a thick, well-padded mattress. The fabric covering the bed should also be soft and hypoallergenic, OEKO-TEX certified, to avoid irritation or allergic reactions in the child. For this, give priority to cotton or natural fiber materials. They are not only more comfortable, but also more resistant and durable. The whole structure should also be wide enough for the child to move freely without the risk of bumping or tipping the crib.
For your child's safety, it is important to choose a crib with high rails. This should be able to prevent him from falling out. And to prevent the risk of injury, it's best to choose structures with rounded corners and well-padded rails. You should also ask about the sturdiness of the frame and its resistance to impact before buying an umbrella bed. For models with wheels, pay particular attention to stability. In this particular case, you will also need to check that the wheels have an effective locking system.
For convenience and not to discourage parents, the assembly and disassembly of the cot should be easy and quick. Most of today's models are self-erecting and have a storage bag. These features make it easy to assemble, disassemble and transport. Whenever possible, make sure that the structure of the umbrella bed is securely attached. This is to prevent the bed from folding in on itself, especially when the child is in it.
The
accessories that come with your toddler's future umbrella bed will be very helpful. Among these accessories, we can mention, for example, the complements necessary for the change of your child or a waterproof and anti-dust transport cover to better protect the bed during transport or when it is unused. In addition, some cribs are also equipped with practical pockets on the sides to put baby's little things or a zipper at one end of the crib to allow you to access the crib more quickly. It's also not uncommon to find a play hoop affixed to the top of the bed to keep your little one entertained.
Because of its practicality, many parents are interested in a cot. But many hesitate, fearing a tedious and complicated folding and unfolding process. Don't panic, we'll tell you how.
Deploying the crib is always indicated in the instructions. However, some parents may have difficulty following the written instructions or illustrations. Others may even have misplaced the instructions. Here are 4 steps to deploying a crib.
Note that on some models, a button placed in the middle of the bed under the bottom fabric makes the unfolding movement easier and faster.
We're not going to lie to you: folding an umbrella bed requires a little learning. But once you've mastered it, it's quick and easy. You'll need a few tries to complete the 6 steps.
Regardless of the style - crib, cradle, pop-up bed - cribs can be divided into two main families: the compact crib and the bi-level crib.
This is probably the most common type of umbrella bed. Generally, it consists of a base and simple side walls. This allows for quick and easy folding and unfolding of the device. The compact umbrella bed is also distinguished by its lightness and compactness when folded. As such, it can be used as an extra bed and travel cot for babies. In addition, it is not expensive. The compact cot is ideal for children under 2 years old. Beyond that age, it may become less comfortable for the child. On some models, you can remedy this by adding an extra mattress.
The
2-level crib is for demanding parents who are concerned about their child's comfort. Most allow for several configurations: travel bed, playpen, crib, or cradle. This type of crib is distinguished by the fact that the base of the mattress is positioned higher thanks to a booster. This way, you can put your baby to bed without bending over like with a compact cot. In case the base of the bed remains close to the ground, a changing table can be placed above the mattress. Please note that the two-tier crib costs more and weighs more than the compact crib.
It is a nomadic bed that is easy to assemble and disassemble, delivered with a cover and that makes it easy to move around with baby. It is generally made of materials such as plastic, metal or sometimes carbon for the more recent and lighter versions. The hoops are generally covered with polyester and nets. It also comes with a mattress and some practical accessories depending on the model.
The mattress that comes with the umbrella bed is almost always very thin, which will surely push you to buy an extra one. In addition, although the bottom of the cot is quite close to the ground, baby won't sleep badly if it's cold thanks to the waterproof and thermally insulated bottom of his sleeping space. The only drawback with a cot is that when baby moves in his sleep, the cot often makes noise and after a certain age, it will no longer be useful for your child.
This is a fixed bed, usually made of wood, and the mattress is not included in the purchase. Accessories such as a mosquito net or fitted sheet must also be purchased separately. In a bed with bars, baby will sleep comfortably because this type of bed does not make any noise and is far enough from the ground to guarantee a good thermal insulation and thus restful sleep to the child. At present, manufacturers are redoubling their ingenuity to offer parents evolutionary cots that can accompany your child from birth to adolescence. This allows you to save considerably on your budget.
In conclusion, both cribs are useful. If you are the type of person who travels a lot with your toddler, the ideal solution would be to invest in a cot. However, this does not prevent you from buying a crib with bars that you can use at home. The cot should only be used occasionally and not as a permanent bed. So, it would be best to have both, as you will be travelling with your baby in one way or another.
In theory, you can use a cot from birth until the age of 3. At 1 year, the child will probably be able to walk on all fours. That's why many manufacturers offer a side opening with a zip fastener so that your child can get out on his own. Some cribs can be converted into a playpen. But for this configuration, few models can afford it until 3 years.
This is the main advantage of the cot. The lack of suitable beds in accommodation (hotels, guest houses, etc.) discourages parents from travelling with their baby. In addition, using a bassinet on a train or plane poses space problems. Hence the need for an umbrella bed for holidays, including with friends or family.
The cot offers baby the comfort he needs to sleep. What's more, it can be set up in just a few seconds. Add your baby's favourite toys and soft toys to make him feel at home. Some models have 2 levels so parents don't even have to bend over to put baby to bed.
Most of the time, the cot can be transformed into a playpen for baby. This is its other major advantage. As a secure space, it allows the child to play and have fun as much as he wants. Together with the early learning toys, the umbrella bed will contribute to baby's development. The zipped opening on the side will allow him to go out or come in whenever he wants.
A good cot should be shock resistant. For the safety of the child, all materials used are certified hypoallergenic. In addition, the corners are often rounded and padded. There are also non-slip feet or wheel locks for models with wheels. Finally, the net fabric helps to maintain visual contact with the child.
Unfolding an umbrella bed requires unlocking the safety locking system. Conversely, unfolding the crib requires locking the safety system. In both cases, keep your child at a safe distance. The sides of the bed can fold down suddenly and cause accidents.
In our opinion, the best brands of folding beds in 2022 are :
With many years of experience, Aeromoov ensures that its products always combine aesthetics and functionality. As a result, many parents have come to trust the brand for the intelligent, practical, useful and high quality childcare products it markets, including cots.
Founded in 1961 by Björn Jakobson, the Swedish brand is one of the leading names in the world of childcare. It specialises in baby carriers, high chairs and cots for toddlers. Babybjörn represents a real guarantee of safety for all parents concerned about their baby's comfort.
The Hauck brand of childcare products was founded in 1923. From the very beginning, it has sought to provide parents with inexpensive and quality baby products. For the house, the car and the walks, Hauck addresses the parents who want to buy smart.
This brand was created and is based in New Zealand. Like its rivals, it offers a wide range of products for toddlers. What do all Phil & Ted products have in common? Aestheticism, comfort and practicality.
Kinderkraft is the only brand that guarantees its children's products for 10 years. They are known for their baby high chairs, strollers and car seats. But Kinderkraft also offers some of the best cots on the market.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Set a bedtime routine.
Baby needs a bedtime routine. Define it and try to stick to it as much as possible so you don't break the routine.
Set the right temperature.
The
room where your baby sleeps should be dark and cool. The temperature should be between 16 and 19°C. The room should also be quiet. Also, parents should never make the mistake of leaving their toddlers in bright, noisy, overly warm places.
Proximal sleep.
For
the first few months, parents should consider having their baby sleep in a crib or in their room until he or she is old enough to sleep alone. After that, parents should gradually get baby used to sleeping in his own room.
Don't forget to play baby music.
Songs and a simple story can help a baby fall asleep. If the infant starts to cry, don't rush to the bedside, it's best to wait a minute before going in. And try to comfort him without taking him in your arms and without rocking him. You don't want to teach him bad habits!
Relieve the baby's anxiety.
Toddlers begin to show signs of separation anxiety around 7 months. At this time, stuffed animals and blankets can be a great help. Be careful, babies under 6 months of age should not sleep with stuffed toys or a blanket to minimize the risk of choking or sudden death.
The best cot depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide to find out which products are the best at the moment.
To avoid any unfortunate incidents, especially if your toddler's crib has drive wheels, it is recommended that the crib be installed on a flat surface that is not too smooth to prevent slipping. Also, place the bed in a location that won't interfere with your movements.
To ensure that your little one sleeps in a safe and reliable device, make sure that the cot complies with the European standard UNE-EN 716:1996 (part 1 and 2), which governs the safety standards for furniture, cots and folding cradles for children's use in the home. This standard guarantees that the inside of the bed cannot be less than 60 cm. If the cot is equipped with wheels, they must be fitted with brakes to prevent them from slipping. This standard also guarantees that no toxic materials have been used in the manufacture of the cot.
In such a case, make sure that your little one's new mattress is of an appropriate firmness, made of a breathable and above all comfortable material. For example, for a synthetic foam mattress, a density of between 21 and 23kg/m3 is ideal.
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