As with everything, you can spend more or less than this - consider what works for your baby and how you can recreate the sleeping set-up you have at home to ensure a good sleep when you're away on holiday. Some travel cots come with a decent mattress included but the mattresses in many travel cots are quite thin and flimsy. Mother Classic - Flower, Hide & Seek (2010 models) 94-97 cm (w) x 68-71 cm (length) even though Mother brochure recommends 93 x 63 cm. Most common size taken is 95 x 71 cm

Tired babies and toddlers don't make for a happy holiday and a quality mattress will keep them safe and comfortable in their travel cot. However, you can get bigger travel cots such as the Baby Dan, which is 120 x 60cm, which is more in line with cot bed dimensions and ideal for toddlers. As babies often have nappy leaks and spit up milk, we would recommend looking for waterproof, wipe-clean or machine-washable covers when choosing your travel cot mattress. Where to buy a travel cot mattress? Graco Compact Primary travel cot. The instructions for the mattress say: not less than 93cm x 65.5 cm nor more than 97 cm x 69.5 cmUse the mattress that comes with your travel cot, as this is a key component in helping to keep it stable. It's also chemical-free, non-toxic and naturally fire retardant to ensure your little one's safety while they sleep.

The same safe-sleep rules apply to travel cots as to regular cot beds. Advice from charity The Lullaby Trust states that the cot you use needs to have a firm, flat mattress covered in waterproof material. Redkite Sleeptight Current model is - 97.5 x 72 cm., new model available from end of September 2008 which is slightly smaller - 97 x 67 cm. As from June 2009 size is 97 x 66 cm (interior) iCandy BLOSSOM TWIN: Upper Internal mattress size: 68cm x 28cm; Lower Internal mattress size: 69cm x 26cm

Weighing only 6.78kg, this playpen is perfect to bring with you when you’re travelling away from home. Cosatto cot mattress type J2/130 The label will say: Cot Internal Measurements: 1280 x 660 mm - Use a mattress which is NOT LESS than 1240 x 620 and NOT MORE than 1280 x 660mm. Mountain Buggy urban jungle carrycot 72.5 x 28 cm square corners. Mountain buggy duo is the modern version of this carrycot.

If your baby is struggling to sleep during warmer months, read our advice on helping your baby sleep safely in the heat . Travel cots are great for short stints away from home or for daytime naps, but they’re not intended for frequent use over a long period of time. Graco Petite Bassinet 74 x 49 cm with 5 cm diagonal clip. (or 74 x 49 cm. sq.) UPPER SECTION sat on top Make a mental note if there are any zips on your travel cot, as they can sometimes become detached. If a zip finds its way into your baby’s mouth, it’s a potential choking or swallowing hazard. Travel cot wheels The mattresses in travel cots can be thinner and harder than those in regular cots, but this is normal. You shouldn't add any blankets over the top of the mattress to make it more comfortable to sleep on, as this can risk injury or your baby overheating.A second-hand travel cot can be a good option, especially because you’re only likely to use one occasionally. But before you buy, keep in mind our top tips on buying second-hand:

For ways to keep your family living costs down, and kids of all ages happy, get our Family newsletter – it's free monthly Mothercare Cloud 96 x 67 cm is the interior for mattress (104 x 74 cm exterior dimensions of the travel cot)Graco Little Einstein 93 x 65.5 cm (93cm in length and 65.5cm in width and no greater than 97cm in length and 69.5cm in width.)