Whether you’re going away on holiday or in need of a nap space at granny’s house, the flexibility a travel cot can provide is incredibly useful, but are portable beds as safe for babies to sleep in? We’ve looked into the safe sleeping requirements for little ones’ on-the-go and detail everything you need to ensure your little one has a safe night’s sleep when you’re away from home.

ARE TRAVEL COTS SAFE TO SLEEP IN?

Like all cots and cotbeds sold in the UK, travel cots must meet the European Safety Standards, so whether your cot is built for home or away, the same safety rules apply. To be extra sure of a cot's safety, check that it meets British safety standard BS EN 716.

The Lullaby Trust, a UK-based safe sleep expert, advises parents to use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress in good condition. Baby Spaces must be kept simple, with no loose bedding, and they should be placed in a "foot to foot" position (the baby's feet are at the foot of the crib) so they don't squirm under any blankets. If your baby is under one year old, duvets, pillows and cushions should not be added to the basic Travel Cot.

If these rules are met, then basically, you can set up a safe sleep for your child. However, there are some additional precautions to be aware of when considering using a basic Travel Cot.