Last Updated on October 20, 2021
The key to enjoying the great outdoors is good preparation.
This is especially true when travelling with kids. All the challenges that nature may present us are nothing in comparison to the tests children put us through.
Getting plenty of rest during the night is essential to restore energy for the next day. As much fun as it is to sleep on the floor for a true camping experience, there is nothing wrong with aiming for more comfort.
A pleasant sleep on a child-size camping cot or a kid tent cot may avoid unnecessary moodiness during a family trip.
Some kids are natural campers. Yet they are still children. A comfortable children's folding camp bed might give them a sense of home that makes the camping experience easier.
That way, they can apply all their curiosity and stamina into discovering nature, staying safe and having fun. Read these safety tips for camping and hiking with kids to learn how to support them while they explore the outdoors.
Parents Guide to Choosing the Best Kid Camping Cots and Tent Cots
When shopping for the best camping cots and tent cots for kids, keep in mind the style of camping you and your family prefer. It is not the same to pack for a backpacking trip than for car camping. Depending on your arrangements, these are the things that you should look for when comparing products:
Comfort: Choosing a cot or tent cot over a sleeping pad or mattress is generally based on comfort. Their elevation from the ground prevents discomforts caused by ground irregularities and stones, or by bugs disrupting your kid’s sleep. Although the levels of comfort are relative, they are influenced by the cot’s quality, size and design. A large, sturdy cot usually performs better as a sleeping surface than a small, lightweight one. The height with relation to the ceiling as well as the floor will determine how comfortable the living space is inside the tent for your kid.
Portability: Whether you are fitting items into a backpack or playing tetris trying to arrange everything in the trunk of your car, the size, weight and packability of your gear will impact the storage and transportation capabilities. Some cots and tent cots fold up into small carry bags for easier packability.
Assembly: Cots are usually easy to set up, although some models require a bit more effort than others. Simple assembly and dismantling are beneficial when travelling with toddlers who cannot help with these chores. The structure of each model determines whether you need to prepare the ground beforehand, either to keep the cot straight or to protect the floor of the tent from the cot’s feet.
Extra features: As children folding camp beds become more popular, brands develop extra features such as washable linen, organizers, protecting mesh and other details to enhance their benefits. Extra features may be game changers when the basic attributes are even.
The Top 5 Best Kid Size Cots and Tent Cots Reviews
FE Active Folding Camping Cot - Durable and lightweight
Comfort
Designed with a comfortable structure and flexible fabric, this cot may be a bit stiff which is easily improved by adding a standard pad or simple mattress.
Portability
This cot collapses down to a fairly small, compact, light (approximately 4.8 lbs or 2.2 kg) and easy to carry bag. Measuring 74.8x27.5x7 inches and holding a load of 250 lbs (113 kg), this durable camping bed can be purchased when the kids are young and continue to support them once they become adolescents.
Assembly
When assembling, this cot requires some upper body strength to put the crossbars in place. The feet should be covered with foam to protect the floor of the tent.
Extra features
Comes with an attached side pocket and an additional pouch that can be turned into a pillow.
| WHAT WE LIKED |
- Affordable durability
- Small travel size bag
- Good size for kids
- Easy to clean
| WHAT COULD BE IMPROVED |
- Slippery fabric
- Hard to fit side poles into the fabric
Joovy Foocot Child Cot - For young children
Comfort
Supports a child up to 48 inches tall or 75 lbs that is already sleeping in a converted crib or toddler bed. You should add a mat or sleeping bag for extra comfort.
Portability
Measuring 25.5x8.1x6 inches and weighing around 6.5 lbs, this cot is portable and compact. It packs small in its travel bag with a shoulder strap, light enough for a child to carry.
Assembly
The Joovy easily expands and is secured with a clip for quick and easy assembly.
Extra features
Two big side pockets for extra storage.
| WHAT WE LIKED |
- Resistant, does not wobble
- Color variety
- Extended durability
- Very easy to set up
| WHAT COULD BE IMPROVED |
- Middle fabric is too tight
- Not suitable for teens
REDCAMP Extra Long Kids Cot for Sleeping - Strong and reliable
Comfort
This cot is sturdy and comfortable. With a thick and taut canvas and strong legs that lock into place, it easily holds a toddler (capacity is up to 220 lbs).
Portability
Measuring 53x26x13 inches and weighing 11.6 lbs, this cot fits in a convenient, easy to store carry bag.
Assembly
It takes a few times to understand how to fold it up, but then it becomes easy. Comes with a comfortable storage bag.
Extra features
Designed with a convenient side pocket. The 10 legs allow for great stability.
| WHAT WE LIKED |
- Good price
- 365 day warranty
- Very stable
| WHAT COULD BE IMPROVED |
- So tight that bows up in the middle
- Not really extra long
Disc-O-Bed Youth Kid-O-Bunk - Novelty camping
Comfort
Very comfortable without the need for a mattress. These cots have round corners for safety and no middle bar for extra comfort. 400 lbs weight capacity in total, 200 lbs per cot.
Portability
The dismantled parts are stored in two carry bags, a bit bulky and heavy. The bags have heavy duty handles, zippers and elastic bands to secure the pieces. The overall bunk dimensions are 65x32.5x32 inches, and the pack dimensions in the carry bag are 32.5x14x3.5 inches.
Assembly
No tools required for assembly. It uses a quick, snap together system that is clearly explained in the instructions.
Extra features
Deep pockets for storage. The fabric comes off of the frame for easy washing. The bunk converts into a sitting bench.
| WHAT WE LIKED |
- Space-saving with bunk format
- Can be used as 2 separate cots
- Color variety
- No mattress needed
| WHAT COULD BE IMPROVED |
- Not lightweight
- High price
Kamp-Rite Kid Cot with Rain Fly - Light Tent Cot
Comfort
This kid tent cot offers full protection from the elements and insects for an uninterrupted sleep. Measuring 69x27.5x35 inches when set up as a sleeping cot, it is big enough for mum to cuddle with the toddler until the little one falls asleep.
Portability
This product serves as a portable crib, but also comfortably fits an adult, with strong 250 lbs capacity. Compact design for easy storage.
Assembly
Convenient set up as a sleeping surface, play fort, or lounge chair.
Extra features
All-in-one system. 4 entries with protective net.
| WHAT WE LIKED |
- Multi-purpose
- Generous size
- Very light
- Only tent cot for kids
| WHAT COULD BE IMPROVED |
- Risk of tipping
- Non-lockable legs
Kid Size Camping Cots and Tent Cots: Everything you Need to Know
All the family camping kid size cot options shown above present different features that meet different expectations. While this might make the purchase decision harder, we should be grateful for the diversity available. Here is some extra information that might help further clarify any remaining doubts.
What is the difference between a camping cot and a tent cot?
The first thing to understand is the difference between a camping cot and a tent cot. A camping cot is an easily foldable raised sleeping surface. This practical gear constitutes a durable, convenient and comfortable alternative to mattresses and sleeping bags.
Their elevation allows for better air circulation and storage space, as well as protection from insects. A tent cot is a camping cot with an attached tent. If you do not have a tent and are considering purchasing a cot, then a tent cot is a great all-in-one system.
A tent cot saves packing space that you can utilize for bicycles or children’s toys. Also, you do not have to worry about damaging the tent floor or finding the perfectly fitting cot.
What size are kid camping cots?
Kid camping cots come in a variety of widths, lengths and weight capacities. In this article, we have provided different options so you can find the dimensions that suit your requirements of comfort, portability and tent fit. The normal height expected for a ten year old child is 50 to 59 inches, weighing between 54 and 106 lbs. Keep those references in mind when comparing the assembled cot dimensions. For children over 10 years old, it might be best to purchase an adult cot to make sure they can use it as they grow older.
What is the most comfortable camping cot for toddlers?
Comfort is subjective. Kids are flexible, with studies showing that they have no real preference as to the best sleeping position. It is possible that they might adapt better to any sleeping surface than adults. For those who like sleeping on their backs, the taut surface of a cot can be beneficial. Anyhow, comfort can be easily managed with the inclusion of a pad or mattress on top.
Is your child ready for a cot?
The age at which kids move from a cot to a bed varies from 18 months to 3½ years. If your toddler is new to uncontained sleeping surfaces, you should get a camping cot that is low to the ground to reduce the risk of them falling off. You should also consider testing your kids cot at home before trying it in nature, placing cushions and pillows around it for extra protection from falling off.
Conclusion
Kid camping cots can be fun, comfortable and convenient. If you generally camp in sites that can be reached by car, then you need not worry much about portability. Instead, you can invest in comfort and reliability. A single or bunk cot can be placed inside a large tent for the entire family to sleep together. Alternatively, a kid tent cot can offer privacy and independence. It all depends on what you and your family are looking for.
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