Review of portable cots

01.Introduction

Test results for 10 portable cots from $90 to $369

Portable cots (also referred to as folding cots, travel cots or portacots) are collapsible sleeping enclosures, designed for temporary use with infants and babies. Product Safety Australia notes that safety issues that could be of concern with these products are issues surrounding falls, strangulation and suffocation.

Portable cots are very handy when you're on the move, but how can you tell which are the safest? What features should you look for? Are accessories like change tables useful or a potential hazard?

CHOICE tested 10 portable cots against mandatory and non-mandatory requirements of the Australian Standard. We also tested their ease of use, checking how easy the cots are to set up and pack away. We recommend three models – they pass all the mandatory safety requirements of the standard. However, we think it's worth noting that they still fail clauses that CHOICE considers to be minor issues. All other models on test are not recommended – they fail either a mandatory requirement of the standard or have what CHOICE considers to be a major safety issues. Our testing only takes into consideration the safety aspects of the portable cot and bassinet, not the rest of the accessories supplied. Breathability is our primary criteria - if a portable cot passes for the cot but fails for the bassinet configuration we will not recommended.

Our test results give you clear, unbiased advice on which portable cots are safest and easiest to use. You might also be interested in our test of regular cots. Or, for other articles take a look at Babies and kids.

CHOICE's experts independently test a wide range of products and services to bring you unbiased reviews, product comparison tools and buying advice that is trusted by 140,000+ members.

Get access to all
CHOICE benefits.

$1.91

/week

*Billed quarterly

Purchase this
single report.

$10

Mandatory standard

Mandatory safety requirements for portable cots took effect in March 2009 - based on some of the clauses from standard AS/NZS 2195:1999. The standard includes requirements for ensuring the folding mechanism is secure, that there are no gaps that could trap a child’s head, that the mattress is safe and the cot has adequate warnings about safe use. The full standard also incorporates many voluntary tests that cover entrapment hazards, sharp edges and points and strength of construction.

A 2010 version of the standard has been created, however it is yet to be made mandatory. The most important addition to the new standard is a test that observes for adequate breathable zones (in case the baby manages to roll face first against the edge). CHOICE believes this is an important aspect, and so has included a breathability assessment in our test. This mainly involves checking that every wall of the cot is made from a mesh material that allows for air flow through the cot.

CHOICE would like to see portable cots comply with the full voluntary standard, in particular the 2010 version which makes reference to breathability of materials.

How we tested

Safety performance and design was tested to the requirements of selected clauses of the Australian Standard, AS/NZS 2195:1999 Folding cots – Safety requirements. We also tested the breathability clause from the 2010 standard.

To determine ease of use, the portable cots were assessed on:

How easy they are to set up and pack away.
How easy they are to move around.
How easy they are to store.

Brands tested

Babyhood Bambino Dormire
Babylove Mascot
Chicco Lullaby LX
# Childcare Deluxe
Childcare Galaxy
Childcare Orbit DL
Fisher-Price Ocean Wonders
# Love n Care Deluxe Playland
Steelcraft Sonnet
Vee Bee Commuter

# Model is discontinued, but some stock may still be available.

Want more?

Get access to our independent testing reports and save yourself time and money.

Portable cots review

01.Introduction