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The 9 Best Portacots & Travel Cots in Australia for 2026
Updated October 2026
By One Fine Baby Editorial Team
There are few things that make travelling with a baby feel quite as daunting as the thought of disrupting their sleep. Whether you're heading off on your first family holiday, spending the weekend at the grandparents' or simply planning a night away, having somewhere safe and familiar for your little one to sleep can make all the difference.
Enter the humble portacot. Except, these days, there's nothing particularly humble about them. The best portacots and travel cots in Australia have come a long way from the bulky, fiddly designs you might remember. Today's options are lighter, easier to fold and surprisingly clever, with everything from one-second setups and newborn bassinet attachments to compact designs that fit neatly into your luggage.
And while a good travel cot won't guarantee a full night's sleep (if only!), it can certainly make getting out of the house with a baby a whole lot easier.
We've rounded up nine of the best portacots in Australia for 2026, including lightweight travel cots, affordable options, premium designs and versatile models that will see you through the baby and toddler years.
What should you look for when buying a portacot?
Not all portacots are created equal, and the right one for your family really depends on how you plan to use it. A lightweight travel cot might be perfect for frequent flyers, while something a little sturdier with a newborn bassinet could be more practical for regular sleepovers at the grandparents'.
Here are a few things worth considering before you buy:
Weight and portability: If you'll be flying or moving around frequently, look for a lightweight portacot with a compact fold and carry bag.
Ease of setup: Some travel cots pop open in seconds, while others require a little more assembly. Trust us, you'll appreciate a simple setup after a long day of travelling.
Age suitability: Some portacots are suitable from birth, while others have newborn bassinet attachments or specific age and weight limits.
Mattress and sleep safety: Choose a portacot that meets the relevant Australian safety requirements and always use the firm, flat mattress supplied or specifically approved by the manufacturer. Never add an extra mattress, pillow or soft bedding.
Breathability and visibility: Mesh sides can help with airflow and make it easier to keep an eye on your baby.
Extra features: Think zip-open sides, removable bassinet levels, washable fabrics and whether the cot can double as a playpen when your little one is awake.
Can a baby sleep overnight in a portacot?
Yes, a baby can sleep overnight in a portacot, provided it's designed and approved for infant sleep, meets the applicable Australian safety standards and is used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
As with any baby sleep space, safe sleep guidelines still apply. Always place your baby on their back, use the original firm, flat mattress without additional padding, and keep pillows, quilts, toys and loose bedding out of the cot.
For Australian parents, it's worth familiarising yourself with Red Nose's safe sleeping advice before your first trip.
How we chose the best portacots in Australia
At One Fine Baby, we know that baby products need to work in real life, not just look good online.
Our editorial team has tested more than 20 portacots and travel cots in person at One Fine Baby Expos in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, drawing on feedback from Australian parents and insights from leading baby brands.
For this guide, we've considered the features that matter most to families: portability, ease of use, practicality, safety considerations, versatility and value for money.
Whether you're looking for the best lightweight portacot for travelling overseas, an affordable travel cot for occasional sleepovers or a premium option you'll use for years, there's something here for every family.
The 9 best portacots and travel cots in Australia for 2026
Ready to find your baby's home away from home? These are the portacots and travel cots worth knowing about.
Price: $319.99
What makes it different?
The Babybee ARLO Portacot is designed to offer safe, premium sleep from newborn right through to toddlerhood - all in a lightweight, ultra-portable package that suits modern Australian families. Weighing just 5.3kg, the ARLO Portacot features an impressively compact fold, making it one of the easiest travel cots to pack, store and move. Its newborn bassinet lifts baby to a convenient height for easier settling, while the full mesh panels provide excellent airflow and visibility for safer sleep in every environment. The Babybee ARLO Portacot is built with thoughtful, practical touches such as high-quality materials, a supportive mattress and a side zip panel that allows seamless access for resettling or quiet playtime. Unlike many portacots, the ARLO Portacot has no upper weight limit, giving it incredible longevity and ensuring it adapts as your child grows - whether at home, on holiday or visiting family.
Why should you try it?
Families looking for the best travel cot that’s truly easy to use - and comfortable for little ones - will find the Babybee ARLO Portacot a standout option. Its light frame and quick fold make it perfect for travel and sleepovers, while the breathable design and soft mattress help create a calm, cosy sleep environment wherever you go. As your baby grows, the ARLO Portacot transitions effortlessly from a newborn sleep space to a toddler-friendly portacot and even a handy playpen, giving parents incredible value and versatility. With Babybee’s reputation for rigorous testing, parent-focused design and exceptional customer support, the ARLO Portacot delivers long-term reliability without compromise. For parents wanting one of the best portacots in Australia - one that blends portability, comfort, safety and everyday practicality - the Babybee ARLO Portacot is an excellent choice for families on the go.
Real Customer Review
“We love our Arlo because it’s so simple and quick to set up and pack down! It’s also very lightweight and easy to travel with. The zip window was a lifesaver for our backs. Our baby (6 months) has been sleeping well in it on trips away.” - Jess
“This is the perfect portacot for a toddler! It is larger than most, has a zip side for easy entry and for easy settling, and no weight limit.” - Susannah
Price: $495
The BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light is one of the most recommended premium portacots in Australia, loved for its lightweight design, effortless setup and comfortable sleep space. Designed for families who travel regularly or need an easy overnight solution, it combines practicality with a sleek Scandinavian design parents genuinely love using.
Why It’s Different
Unlike traditional bulky portacots, the BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light weighs just 6kg and folds open in a single movement. Parents consistently praise how quick and stress-free it is to set up, while the soft mattress and breathable mesh sides make it feel more like a proper sleep space than a temporary travel cot.
Why Try It
If you want a portacot that’s easy to carry, simple to assemble and compact enough for weekends away, the Travel Cot Light is one of the best premium options available. It’s particularly popular with families who travel often or want something lightweight that doesn’t compromise on comfort.
Key Features
- Lightweight 6kg design
- One-step setup and fold
- Breathable mesh sides
- Comfortable included mattress
- Compact fold with carry bag
- Machine washable fabrics
- Suitable from newborn to approximately 3 years
Price: $499
The Bugaboo Stardust Plus is one of the most popular premium portacots in Australia, loved for its ultra-fast setup, sleek design and comfortable sleep space. Designed for modern families who travel regularly or want an easy everyday sleep solution, it combines smart engineering with a lightweight, compact fold.
Why It’s Different
Unlike traditional portacots that require multiple setup steps, the Bugaboo Stardust Plus unfolds in just one second and folds away in seconds with the mattress still inside. The included zip-in newborn bassinet makes it easier to lift younger babies in and out without bending, while breathable mesh panels help with airflow and visibility.
Why Try It
If you want a premium travel cot that feels genuinely easy to use, the Stardust Plus is one of the strongest all-rounder options available. Parents consistently praise how compact, lightweight and stress-free it is compared to bulkier traditional portacots, especially for holidays, sleepovers and apartment living.
Key Features
- One-second unfold and fast fold system
- Zip-in newborn bassinet included
- Breathable mesh ventilation panels
- Comfortable thick mattress included
- Lightweight compact design
- Folds with mattress inside
- Premium carry bag included
- Suitable from newborn to toddler
- Designed for overnight sleep and travel
Price: $399.99
The Phil & Teds Traveller Travel Cot is one of the lightest full-size portacots available, designed for families who travel frequently or need something genuinely compact and portable. Loved by adventurous parents, it works as a travel cot, playpen and newborn bassinet solution in one lightweight design.
Why It’s Different
Unlike traditional bulky portacots, the Traveller packs down small enough to fit into a suitcase or overhead storage space while weighing as little as 3.5kg in toddler mode. Its breathable mesh sides, zip-open side panel and self-inflating insulated mattress make it particularly popular for camping, holidays and outdoor use.
Why Try It
If portability is your top priority, the Phil & Teds Traveller is one of the most compact travel cots on the market. It’s ideal for families who fly regularly, road trip often or need a lightweight portacot that won’t take up the entire boot. Parents also love that it adapts from newborn through to toddler years, making it a versatile long-term option.
Key Features
- Ultra-lightweight design from 3.5kg
- Compact fold for travel and storage
- 4-in-1 functionality
- Breathable mesh sides
- Self-inflating insulated mattress
- Zip-open side panel
- Suitable from newborn to toddler
- Carry bag included
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
Price: $99
The Kmart Snooze Travel Portacot is a budget-friendly option for families wanting a simple, lightweight travel cot without the premium price tag. Compact, portable and easy to store, it’s designed for occasional holidays, overnight stays and visits to grandparents’ houses.
Why It’s Different
At just 5kg, the Snooze Travel Portacot is lighter than many traditional portacots, making it easier to transport and pack into the car. Parents also love the accessible price point, especially for a secondary cot or occasional travel use. Mesh sides help with airflow and visibility, while the compact fold makes storage straightforward.
Why Try It
If you want a practical, affordable portacot for short trips, sleepovers or backup sleeping arrangements, the Kmart Snooze Travel Portacot offers solid value for money. It’s particularly popular with families who don’t travel constantly but still want a safe and portable sleep option on hand.
Key Features
- Lightweight 5kg design
- Compact fold for storage and transport
- Breathable mesh sides
- Included carry bag and mattress
- Suitable from newborn
- Maximum weight capacity: 13kg
- Machine washable mattress cover
Price: $599
The Silver Cross Slumber Travel Cot is a premium 3-in-1 design that works as a travel cot, bedside sleeper and playpen in one beautifully designed setup. Lightweight, compact and easy to fold, it’s designed for families wanting a stylish, long-term sleep solution for both home and travel.
Why It’s Different
Unlike many traditional portacots, the Slumber includes a zip-in newborn insert that transforms it into a bedside-style sleep space for younger babies before converting into a full-size travel cot and playpen as your child grows. Parents also love the breathable mesh panels, sustainable recycled fabrics and modern design that feels more elevated than standard travel cots.
Why Try It
If you want a premium portacot that feels stylish, versatile and genuinely practical for everyday use, the Silver Cross Slumber is one of the strongest all-rounder options available. It’s particularly well suited to families wanting a newborn-friendly setup that can continue working well into toddler years.
Key Features
- 3-in-1 travel cot, bedside sleeper and playpen
- Zip-in newborn insert included
- Lightweight compact fold
- Breathable mesh ventilation panels
- Sustainable recycled fabrics
- Side zip play mode opening
- Suitable from newborn to toddler
- Waterproof carry bag included
- Quick pop-up fold system
Price: $299
The Redsbaby VOYA Portacot is a lightweight, travel-friendly portacot designed for modern families wanting a compact, easy-to-use sleep solution for holidays, sleepovers and everyday flexibility. Weighing just 4.9kg, it combines portability with premium features including a newborn bassinet, breathable mesh sides and a compact standing fold.
Why It’s Different
Unlike many bulky traditional portacots, the VOYA is designed to be genuinely lightweight and simple to move around. Its standing fold makes storage easier in smaller homes and apartments, while the mattress stays inside during pack down for quicker setup. Parents also love the side zip-access panel, waterproof mattress and machine-washable fabrics that make everyday use more practical.
Why Try It
If you want a lightweight premium portacot that’s easy to transport without sacrificing comfort or functionality, the VOYA is one of the strongest newer options available in Australia. It’s especially suited to families who travel often, need a compact fold or want a portacot that works well from newborn through to toddler years.
Key Features
- Ultra-lightweight 4.9kg design
- Compact standing fold for easy storage
- One-person setup and pack down
- Zip-in newborn bassinet included
- Waterproof mattress with washable cover
- Breathable full mesh sides
- Large side-access zip panel
- Suitable from newborn to approximately 4 years
- Doubles as a playpen
- Carry bag include
Price: $199
The Joie Commuter Change Travel Cot is a practical all-rounder designed for families wanting more than just a basic portacot. Combining a travel cot, newborn bassinet and removable changer in one setup, it’s a popular choice for holidays, sleepovers and everyday use at home.
Why It’s Different
Unlike many lightweight travel cots focused purely on portability, the Commuter Change is designed to function as a complete sleep and changing station. The removable bassinet and quick-click changer make newborn care easier, while mesh ventilation panels, integrated wheels and a compact fold help balance convenience with practicality.
Why Try It
If you want a feature-packed portacot that offers strong value for money, the Joie Commuter Change is one of the most versatile options available. Parents particularly love it for overnight stays, grandparents’ houses and longer trips where the added bassinet and changer features make life easier with younger babies.
Key Features
- Removable newborn bassinet included
- Quick-click removable changer
- Compact push-button fold
- Breathable mesh ventilation panels
- Integrated wheels for easier movement
- Carry bag included
- Suitable from newborn to 15kg
- Elevated draught-resistant base
- Wipe-clean fabrics and removable mattress
Price: $229
The Jengo Travellite 2-In-1 Wooden Portacot combines the practicality of a travel cot with a more elevated, furniture-inspired design. Featuring turned beechwood legs, breathable mesh sides and a zip-on newborn bassinet, it’s designed for families wanting a portacot that feels both functional and stylish at home or away.
Why It’s Different
Unlike traditional bulky portacots, the Travellite stands out for its real beechwood legs and soft neutral aesthetic that blends more seamlessly into modern homes. The lightweight flat-fold frame makes setup and storage easier, while the included bassinet insert adds versatility for younger babies without increasing the overall footprint.
Why Try It
If you want a portacot that feels more premium and design-focused without sacrificing portability, the Jengo Travellite offers a strong balance of style and practicality. Parents particularly like the compact fold, breathable mesh ventilation and comfortable padded mattress for travel, sleepovers and everyday use.
Key Features
- Real turned beechwood legs
- Zip-on newborn bassinet included
- Lightweight flat-fold design
- Breathable mesh ventilation panels
- Firm-feel padded mattress included
- Compact fold for storage and travel
- Carry bag included
- Suitable from newborn to 15kg
- Anti-slip feet and padded top rails
- Designed to meet Australian safety standards
FAQs About Portacots And Travel Cots In Australia
1. What is the difference between a portacot and a travel cot?
In Australia, the terms portacot and travel cot are generally used interchangeably. Both describe portable sleeping spaces for babies and toddlers, designed to fold away when they're not needed. The main difference tends to be in the design. Traditional portacots can be a little bulkier, often with extras like changing stations, while lightweight travel cots are designed with portability in mind. If you're a frequent flyer, those extra kilos can make quite a difference!
2. Can a newborn sleep in a portacot?
Yes, newborns can sleep in a portacot, provided the model is approved for use from birth and meets Australian safety requirements. Some travel cots, including the Babybee ARLO and Bugaboo Stardust Plus, feature raised newborn bassinet attachments, making it easier to lift your baby in and out. Always check the manufacturer's age, weight and developmental limits for these attachments, and follow Red Nose's safe sleeping recommendations.
3. What Australian safety standards should a portacot meet?
When shopping for a portacot in Australia, look for compliance with the mandatory Australian safety standard for folding cots, based on AS/NZS 2195. This covers important safety considerations including structural stability, locking mechanisms, mattress fit and potential entrapment hazards. Always check that the cot locks securely into place and use the mattress supplied or specifically approved by the manufacturer. You can also check Product Safety Australia's website for current safety information and recalls.
4. Can you put an extra mattress in a portacot?
No, adding an extra mattress to a portacot is not recommended. While the mattress supplied with a travel cot might feel thinner or firmer than the one in your baby's regular cot, that's intentional. Additional mattresses or padding can create dangerous gaps between the mattress and cot sides, increasing the risk of suffocation or entrapment. Always use the original mattress, or a replacement specifically approved by the manufacturer, and resist the temptation to make it softer.
5. How long can a baby use a portacot?
Most portacots can be used from birth until toddlerhood, although the exact age, height and weight limits vary between models. Some are suitable until around two or three years, while others are designed for longer use. If your portacot includes a raised newborn bassinet, you'll generally need to stop using that attachment much earlier. Always follow the manufacturer's limits and discontinue use if your child can climb out.
6. What is the best lightweight portacot for travelling?
If you're planning to travel regularly, weight and folded size are two of the biggest considerations. The Phil & Teds Traveller is one of the lightest options in our roundup, weighing from just 3.5kg in toddler mode. The Redsbaby VOYA, at 4.9kg, and Babybee ARLO, at 5.3kg, are also worth considering. For flying, check the packed dimensions as well as the weight, since a lightweight cot isn't necessarily small enough for cabin luggage.
7. Can you take a portacot on a plane?
Yes, you can generally take a portacot when flying, although whether it travels as checked baggage or cabin luggage depends on the airline and the cot's packed dimensions. Some lightweight travel cots fold small enough to fit into a suitcase, while larger models need to be checked in separately. Before you fly, check your airline's infant baggage allowance and whether baby equipment can be carried free of charge. A protective travel bag is also worth considering.
8. Is it worth buying an expensive portacot?
Not necessarily! The best portacot for your family depends on how often you'll use it. If it's mainly for the occasional sleepover at the grandparents', an affordable option like the Kmart Snooze Travel Portacot might be all you need. But if you're travelling regularly, spending more on a lightweight design, quick setup and compact fold could be worthwhile. The trick is finding a portacot that makes your life easier, rather than paying for features you'll rarely use.
