Too busy to read the whole review? We’ll save you some time. Our choice for the best toddler camping bed of 2024 is the Little Sleepy Head Toddler Inflatable Bed.
I tried taking my toddler camping when I was about 7 months pregnant and it was probably one of the least relaxing trips I’ve ever had. I think I only got about 4 hours of sleep in total. If only I had considered using a toddler bed I might have had a better experience. So if you are brave enough to take your toddler camping or traveling, you might want to consider purchasing a toddler camping bed or travel bed.
This just might make your trip a bit more relaxing and get you some extra sleep. Check out my picks for the 5 best toddler camping beds and travel beds for kids of 2024.
In this article
- In a Hurry? Here are our Top Picks
- What to Look For in a Toddler Camping Bed or Travel Bed
- Different Types of Toddler Camping Beds to Consider
- Important Features to Consider
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Product Reviews
- #1. Regalo My Cot Portable Toddler Bed
- #2. Emma + Ollie Inflatable Toddler Bed with Bed Rails
- #3. Hi Sprout Kids Toddler Lightweight and Soft Nap Mat
- #4. Eltow Inflatable Toddler Air Mattress Bed With Safety Bumper
- #5. Little Sleepy Head Toddler Inflatable Bed
- Our Conclusion
In a Hurry? Here are our Top Picks
| Title | Price | Prime | Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Top | Regalo My Cot Portable Toddler Bed, Includes Fitted Sheet, Pink | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Eltow Inflatable Toddler Air Mattress Bed With Safety Bumper | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Little Sleepy Head Toddler Inflatable Bed | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
Here are the toddler camping beds I’ll be reviewing:
- Regalo My Cot Portable Toddler Bed
- Emma + Ollie Inflatable Toddler Bed with Bed Rails – Portable Travel Blow Up Air Mattress with Safety Bumpers
- Hi Sprout Kids Toddler Lightweight and Soft Nap Mat- Minky Dot& Cotton-Stars
- Eltow Inflatable Toddler Air Mattress Bed With Safety Bumper
- Little Sleepy Head Toddler Inflatable Bed
What to Look For in a Toddler Camping Bed or Travel Bed
Safety
Safety is an important consideration when looking for the perfect toddler camping bed or travel bed. Toddlers are not quite as fragile as babies, but they are still not quite as sturdy as adults. Also, many toddlers still use cribs or are just transitioning to a toddler bed, so there is still a fall risk. So when looking at camping beds and travel beds for toddlers, you may want to pay careful attention to the safety features the product offers. You really can’t be too careful when it comes to the safety of your little ones. Some safety features that come in handy with toddler beds are safety rails. Another important consideration is how far off the ground the beds are–some are flat on the ground, while others are more elevated. These are important features to look at as far as safety goes in portable beds for a baby or toddler.
Comfort
The comfort of your toddler’s camping bed or travel bed will largely determine how much sleep you get. The more comfortable they are, the more soundly they will likely sleep. And, when your toddler sleeps through the night, so do you! So comfort is something you may want to consider when looking for a camping/travel bed for your toddler. Some features of toddler camping beds that you might want to consider if you’re looking for comfort are the material used, whether they are inflated or not, and if the design of the bed is high quality.
Durability
Toddlers are known to be kind of rough with their things–especially things that are fun to bounce on! Thus, when searching for the perfect toddler camping/travel bed, you probably want to get one that is fairly durable and can handle the rough and tumble play that comes along with this fun, energetic age. Some important features that affect durability are the strength of the material used, how much weight they can hold, and the specific design of the bed (cot, mat, or inflatable bed). Some designs will naturally be more durable than others.
Convenience
A portable toddler bed that is easily set up, taken down, and moved will likely make traveling and camping a much more enjoyable experience. Vacationing with a toddler is hectic enough–you don’t want to add in the extra hassle of an inconvenient toddler bed to the mix. Some features to consider when it comes to convenience are: how easily set up a bed is, how easily taken down it is, how heavy or light it is, how easy it is to pack up, how easy it is to carry, and how easy it is to store. It’s often a lot easier than lugging around a Pack n Play.
Different Types of Toddler Camping Beds to Consider
Cots: Cots are among the cheaper options when it comes to camping/travel beds for toddlers. With that said, you may have to forego some comfort for the cheaper price. But, if you have a toddler that can sleep anywhere, this might be the right option for you. Also, this option may not be the safest, as cots are slightly elevated from the ground and don’t have safety rails. This is also an important consideration, especially for younger toddlers.
Sleeping Mats: Sleeping mats are another economical option, and often come with a pillow and blanket as well. Again, you might consider this if you have a toddler who is comfortable sleeping anywhere. Also, this is a good safe option, as it goes directly on the ground, thus eliminating any fall risks. This might be a good option if you are particularly concerned with safety.
Inflatable Mattresses: Inflatable mattresses are slightly more expensive than the other options, but they also offer more comfort and often come with side rails for added safety. If you are going to be camping or traveling frequently, if you have a toddler who needs a comfy space to sleep, and if you are particularly concerned with safety, this might be a good choice for you.
Important Features to Consider
Safety Rails: Since toddlers are still figuring out the transition from cribs to beds, having some side rails for safety can be important. Each travel/camping bed will differ on the type of safety rails, with some being taller than others. The type of safety rail necessary for your toddler depends on their age.
Removable Inner Mattress: A removable inner mattress can be helpful for cleaning up spills. Additionally, most inner mattresses of inflatable toddler beds are the same size as toddler bed mattresses, so they are the perfect size for a fitted sheet.
Included Air Pump: Some inflatable toddler beds come with an air pump. If you don’t need one, you can cut down on the cost by opting for a bed that does not have one. But if you opt for one without an air pump, keep in mind that you will need to bring an electric or manual pump camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a Travel toddler bed?
Toddler beds can come in handy when you don’t want to spend a whole lot of money on extra beds in a hotel room when you are uncomfortable with co-sleeping with your toddler while traveling or camping if you are moving and need a temporary space for your child to sleep, and if you have family with toddlers coming to stay at your home.
What Kind of travel toddler bed is best?
This really depends. There are multiple kinds of toddler beds: cots, inflatable air mattresses, and sleeping mats. Kids are often less picky when it comes to comfort, so if you are looking to save money, you might opt for a cot–they are often less comfortable but are an economical option. But if your child falls a lot, this might not be the safest option. If you are a frequent traveler or camper and are willing to spend money for the best, a high quality inflatable air mattress with safety rails is probably the best. It covers comfort, safety, and durability. Because of this, we recommend the Little Sleepy Head Toddler Inflatable Bed.
How can I get my toddler to sleep when traveling or camping?
Anyone with a toddler knows that they struggle with any change in routine. So going on a special vacation or camping trip can lead to a lot of tantrums and fits, especially when it comes to going to bed. So how do you get your toddler to sleep while on vacation or camping? Giving your toddler their own, familiar camping bed or travel bed can help them feel more secure and like they know what to expect. And this can help the bedtime routine in a different place go more smoothly.
How can I keep my toddler warm at night when camping?
Portable toddler camping beds are one way to help your toddler stay warm at night while camping. Instead of having them directly on the ground where it is cold, they are elevated up. This way they will stay nice and warm during the cold nights.
Are toddler camping beds expensive?
Toddler camping beds range from about $25.00 to $80.00. If you are looking for something cheaper, then cots or sleeping mats are the way to go. But if you are willing to spend a little more, then inflatable air mattresses are your best option.
What should I look for in a toddler travel bed?
Some things to look for in a toddler travel bed include convenience, safety, price, comfort, and durability. Another thing that is important to consider is the noisiness of the fabric used on the bed. Toddlers roll around a lot at night, so you will want a fabric that does not make a lot of noise when your toddler moves around on it.
Product Reviews
Here are the top 5 toddler travel/camping beds in order from cheapest to most expensive.
#1. Regalo My Cot Portable Toddler Bed
This cot costs $25.98, is one of Amazon’s choices for toddler beds, and received 4.4 out of 5 stars from 9,009 ratings on Amazon. It can hold 75 pounds, its dimensions are 48” L x 24” W x 9” H, it can fold down to 9” L x 8” W x 24” H, it is made from canvas, it has an all-steel frame, and it includes a fitted sheet.
Pros
- Very easy set-up
- Lightweight for easy travel
- Fairly durable
- Cost-effective
- Holds a lot of weight
Cons
- Less comfortable
- No safety rail
- Canvas can be loud when toddlers move around on it
#2. Emma + Ollie Inflatable Toddler Bed with Bed Rails
This inflatable toddler bed costs $39.99 and received 4.3 out of 5 stars from 113 ratings on Amazon. It includes a travel bag and electric pump, is made with thick vinyl and velvet flocking (for quiet nights), includes an inner mattress with the exterior working as a safety rail (62″ tall), holds 30 pounds, and can be fully inflated in 30 seconds.
Pros
- Very safe
- Very durable
- Cost-effective
- Velvet makes it quiet when toddlers move around on it
- Very Comfortable
Cons
- Heavy
- Requires set up/takedown
- Doesn’t hold very much weight
#3. Hi Sprout Kids Toddler Lightweight and Soft Nap Mat
This nap mat costs $51.98 and received 4.4 out of 5 stars from 292 ratings on Amazon. It is made from cotton, includes a blanket, pillow, and sleeping mat, rolls into a cylinder, includes buckles and a handle, and has a Minky dot interior.
Pros
- Very safe
- Lightweight
- Stores well
- Easy set-up and take-down
Cons
- Less cost-effective
- Less comfortable
#4. Eltow Inflatable Toddler Air Mattress Bed With Safety Bumper
This inflatable toddler bed costs $59.89, is one of Amazon’s choices for toddler beds, and received 4.4 out of 5 stars from 108 ratings on Amazon. Its dimensions are 63” by 40” by 12,” it’s made from thick, multi-layered vinyl, it can hold 130 pounds, and it includes an inner mattress, 12″ bumpers, an electric pump, 2 patches for quick fixes, an extra bed bumper, and a travel bag.
Pros
- Very durable
- Very safe
- Holds a lot of weight
- Very comfortable
Cons
- Heavy
- Requires set-up/take-down
- Less cost-effective
#5. Little Sleepy Head Toddler Inflatable Bed
This inflatable toddler bed costs $59.95, is one of Amazon’s choices for toddler beds, and received 4.6 out of 5 stars from 190 ratings on Amazon. Its dimensions are 38″ by 62,” it has an inner mattress and outer mattress with 12″ bumpers, it is made with thick vinyl and has soft velvet top, it can hold 300 pounds, and includes a fitted sheet, electric air pump, and carrying case.
Pros
- Very durable
- Very comfortable
- Holds a lot of weight
- Very safe
Cons
- Heavy
- Requires set-up/take-down
- Less cost-effective
Our Conclusion
All of these toddler camping beds are great options, but the one we consider to have the highest value is the Little Sleepy Head Toddler Inflatable Bed. Yes, it is the most expensive on our list, but it is by far the most durable as it can hold the most weight. It’s also safe for your little one, which will give you peace of mind. And lastly, it is comfortable. This will not only give your toddler more sleep, but it might even get you a full night’s sleep. And there’s nothing better than that!
