Micralite Sleep&Go Travel Cot review

The Sleep&Go Travel Cot is a well-designed piece of kit that hopes to make travelling with little ones a breeze. It sets itself apart from rivals by being adaptable: it's a travel cot one minute, playpen the next, and can even transform into a newborn co-sleeper. Perhaps best of all, it's able to transform between these functions in seconds thanks to its innovative all-in-one frame.

The Sleep&Go Travel Cot is created by Micralite, a sister brand of Silver Cross, that prides itself on putting functionality at its core. The brand's products are designed to go anywhere, with light and compact designs making them easy to use.

As an avid traveller, I couldn't wait to review Micralite's Sleep&Go Travel Cot, which folds up in seconds and comes with its own carry case.

With an RRP of £150, it sits firmly in the upper-mid-range price category, with durable materials and a solid build, but does it deserve a place in T3's best travel cot guide? Read on to find out…

Micralite Sleep&Go Travel Cot review: Setup

The Micralite Sleep&Go Travel Cot is, minus removing a few plastic bags, ready to use straight out of the box. Even as a relative newbie I was able to set the cot up in a matter of seconds.

This is mainly down to the all-in-one frame, which you simply remove from the zip-up travel bag, unfold lengthways, and then bring out the legs until you hear a satisfying click. 

There is no screwing involved and no tent poles to connect – everything is already attached to the frame. I found that really useful, as it means you can't lose anything. Also, the last thing you want to be doing after a long day of travelling is read an instruction manual and figure out if you should be using a B1 bolt or B2. Thankfully the Sleep&Go is as idiot-proof as they come.

Things get a little more fiddly when it comes to the newborn insert, as this requires you to line up a zip and attach the mattress with four toggles. Even then, it doesn't take long, and you can have the whole thing put together in as little as two minutes.

The instructions are a series of images that are easy to follow, though, in practice, I doubt you'll need them.

Micralite Sleep&Go Travel Cot review: Design

As I stated at the beginning of this review, Micralite's designs are functional and durable – that can clearly be seen with the Sleep&Go Travel Cot.

The carry bag is very no-nonsense. It's made from a thick, black fabric that won't damage or mark. It's not the most luxe material out there, but it is clearly very durable.

The bag is big enough that getting everything back into it (the frame, newborn insert, and mattress) isn't a problem.

When folded the Sleep&Go measures 88 x 34 x 17cm, so it's not the most compact model on the market. Essentially you're trading absolute compactness for ease of use.

At 6.25kg, this travel cot isn't too heavy, although it's not the lightest model out there either. I found the large handles on the bag make it easy to carry, although I would appreciate some padding on the handles if I was carrying it for a long time.

Obviously, we've already touched on the main part of the design in the previous section – the quick and easy all-in-one folding frame.

Once unfolded the travel cot measures 112cm x 80cm x 67cm, which is a decent size and larger than many of its premium rivals. It's certified for overnight sleeping, so you can rest safe in the knowledge that your baby is safe.

The mattress is surprisingly thick at 3cm, although it does feel on the firm side.

It's covered in wipe-clean polyester, as is the frame around the top of the cot. This fabric feels thick and durable. It's worth noting, however, that the fabrics can't be machine washed, so you'll have to stick to spot cleaning.

I really like that one of the sides unzips. This turns it into useful storage if you're using the newborn insert or a playpen if you've got a toddler.

My main complaint about the design is that the Sleep&Go is only available in this graphite/black colourway. While this is practical, it would have been nice to see some brighter colour options here.

Micralite Sleep&Go Travel Cot review: Use

Okay, so if you've got this far then you know the Sleep&Go Travel Cot is easy to assemble, but what is it like to actually use?

I found the newborn insert the perfect height and size, making it easy to put a little one in (and lift them out again). It feels sturdy and features mesh panels so you can see your baby from the side if the cot is next to your bed.

As a travel cot, it's perfect.

I wouldn't really recommend it as a full-time co-sleeper though, as it doesn't feature a fold-down panel and the angled shape means it won't fit right up against a bed.

When it comes to folding the Sleep&Go down again, it's a little more tricky than putting it up, with some small buttons on each corner that collapse the legs. It takes a little bit of getting used to, but once you've done it a few times you'll be able to have the cot folded and in the bag within five minutes – which is very useful if you're rushing to the airport for your return flight.

Micralite Sleep&Go Travel Cot review: Verdict

The Micralite Sleep&Go Travel Cot is no doubt a quality product. It's versatile, easy to use, and durable enough to withstand everything travel can throw at it. I love how easy the folding mechanism is, and how thick the mattress feels. I also think the ability to use it as a playpen (or extra storage) is incredibly useful. I do wish it was available in brighter colours, and that it was a little easier to clean, but if you're looking for a highly-functional travel cot that will withstand many years of family trips – the Micralite Sleep&Go Travel Cot is an excellent choice.