(16 parent reviews)
Price: From AU$239.99
Travelling with a baby is a different sport. The Babybee ARLO Portacot gives you a safe, familiar sleep space that’s quick to set up, easy to clean, and sturdy enough for real life – so naps and nights away feel closer to home.
Why you can trust The Babybee ARLO Portacot review
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simple fold and unfold for nap windows that won’t wait.
designed for safer sleep on the go.
full-side visibility and airflow for easier settling and supervision.
lightweight, compact fold with carry bag for car or plane trips.
removable, wipeable parts; spare sheet makes changes quick.
handy for weekends away, grandparents’ house and daycare.
When I’m helping families plan travel sleep, I treat the portacot like a mini version of home. The ARLO’s firm, flat base is exactly what we want for safe sleep, and I avoid adding padding, folded blankets or aftermarket mattresses. I pack a fitted portacot sheet (and a spare), plus familiar sleep cues from home – the same sleep sack you use overnight, a small white-noise machine set low, and a simple blackout if the room is bright.
Assembly gets easier after the first go. I like to set it up earlier in the day, check the sheet is snug, then do a calm practice pop-in and out with baby so it doesn’t feel “new” at bedtime. For the first night in a different space, aim for an early, unhurried routine: feed, nappy, sleep sack, cuddle, then down on their back. If your baby can roll, they’ll naturally reposition themselves; we still place the baby down on their back at the start of their sleep, as per Safety Guidelines.
For toddlers or older babies, I keep expectations realistic on night one. New rooms are stimulating. Use the mesh sides to your advantage for hands-on reassurance – gentle shushing and a still hand on the mattress can be enough. Keep the cot free from pillows, quilts and toys, and resist the urge to “pad” the base. Consistency over a couple of sleeps is what settles things.
From a practical standpoint, ARLO cleans up well. I close zips before washing any fabric parts, spot clean after spills, and store it dry in the carry bag so it’s ready for the next trip. A spare fitted sheet lives in the bag – that tiny redundancy saves so much stress.
The families I support need gear that reduces friction when they’re tired and out of routine. ARLO’s quick setup, breathable mesh and firm base tick the safety boxes while keeping travel logistics simple. It’s sturdy without being heavy, the visibility helps with calm hands-on settling, and the compact fold means it actually leaves the house. Most importantly, it gives your baby a consistent, safe environment wherever you are – which is half the battle on holidays.
INPAA (Infant & Nursery Products Association of Australia) focuses on safer nursery products and safe use. An INPAA endorsement adds independent oversight against relevant Australian Standards and safe-use guidance – an extra layer of assurance on design and instructions. Always follow the manufacturer’s manual and age/weight guidance.
No – use the included firm base with a snug portacot fitted sheet. Avoid extra padding or toppers, which can compromise safe sleep.
Bring familiar cues from home: their usual sleep sack, a low white-noise machine, and aim for an early, calm bedtime. Keep the routine the same as home to lower stimulation.
Yes, when assembled correctly with a firm, flat surface, a tight sheet, and baby placed on their back to sleep. Keep the cot free from pillows, quilts and toys.
Once babies can roll, many choose tummy sleep. Place them down on their back; the breathable mesh and firm base allow them to push up and reposition safely.
Pack two fitted sheets and a light waterproof layer you can wipe down. A simple blackout (travel blind or portable shade) helps for day naps and early sunrises.
I link directly to Babybee for current specs, colours and bundle offers. Some links may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Ideal for: parents who want a safe, familiar sleep setup for trips, grandparents and daycare. Good to know: stick with the included firm base and a snug sheet, keep routines consistent, and pack the same sleepwear you use at home for the smoothest nights away.
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