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Out’n’About Nipper Nest review: the pop-up travel cot that made family holidays easier

Find out how the Out’n’About Nipper Nest performed as a pop-up travel cot and playpen during real-life testing at home and on holiday.

Published: September 21, 2026 at 11:30 AM

Our Rating

4.9

A star rating of 4.9 out of 5.

From GBP £185 RRP

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In a nutshell

An innovative, lightweight pop-up travel cot built for holidays and outdoor naps. With a waterproof base and blackout mesh cover, it's designed for active families who like to get out and about with their nippers but not compromise on nap time.

What we tested

Overall Rating

4.9

A star rating of 4.9 out of 5.

Pros

Cons

The Nipper Nest is designed for active families on the go, who want an all-in-one travel cot and playpen for travel and days out, from one of the industry leaders in outdoor family adventure, Out'n'About.

It is a practical travel solution that's ideal for families with both a baby and toddler in tow, as it easily switches from a cosy cot with a newborn insert, to a UV covered playpen or beach tent. It pops up in seconds and is lightweight and compact, with shoulder straps for easy hands-free carrying.

The mesh sides allow for air to circulate and offer a way to keep an eye on baby during naps but can be zipped open for easy access. It can be taken to the beach, on hikes or simply just used as a cot.

Out'n'About is an innovative British brand which specialises in making outdoor adventure accessible for families of all shapes and sizes, from all-terrain pushchairs to backpack carriers.

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About our parent tester Megan Allen tested the Out'n'About Nipper Nest with her baby and toddler at home and during a short holiday, using it for overnight sleep, daytime naps and travel set-up in holiday accommodation. She also tested how easy it was to pack, carry, clean and use alongside the usual luggage needed for a family break. Megan is a senior journalist and freelance travel writer, specialising in rural tourism and enjoys putting products to the test across the British countryside.

Baby and toddler in Out'n'About Nipper Nest travel cot

How easy is the Out'n'About Nipper Nest to set up?

The Out'n'About Nipper Nest is an all-in-one compact travel cot which comes in a zipped carry case and can be carried like a backpack.

The mattress folds around the cot to hold it together, so you simply undo the Velcro, pop up the cot and slot the mattress in.

With the newborn insert, it takes a little longer because some assembly is required, but it zips in really smoothly, and, again, the mattress slots into place.

All in all, it takes about five minutes to set up with the newborn insert, or a couple of minutes without it.

Instructions are clear (although you probably won’t need them for the main cot). I did have to look up how to insert the newborn bassinet the first time I did it, but it’s also very simple.

The fiddliest bit is putting on the blackout cover, but even that is quite simple — it just hooks over the feet of the base.

2 pictures of Out'n'About Nipper Nest travel cot before being assembled

How easy is the Out'n'About Nipper Nest to fold down and pack away?

Compared to other travel cots I have used, folding it down is really quick and simple. There was no battling to collapse one side while the other stayed locked in place. It simply folds in on itself in a 'Z' shape, then you wrap it back in the mattress and pop it back in the carry case, which zips up easily.

The quick, intuitive set-up and fold-down make it really practical for taking to the beach or setting up in the garden. It also makes packing up after a holiday a breeze.

How portable is the Out'n'About Nipper Nest?

The Nipper Nest itself doesn’t take up much space in the car but you do need to bear in mind that the newborn insert takes up almost as much room. We managed to slot it inside our pram in the boot, so it didn't take up any much-needed boot space.

It's lightweight to carry and has built-in shoulder straps, freeing up your arms to carry other things to and from the car or the beach.

Reviewer with Out'n'About Nipper Nest travel cot folded

How well does the Out'n'About Nipper Nest work for a baby?

For younger babies, the newborn insert feels essential until they are sitting or pulling themselves up. The Nipper Nest is quite deep, so leaning over to put them down or pick them up isn’t practical without it.

However, once the insert is in place, it’s brilliant. There’s lots of space, the mattress is comfortable, comes with a fitted sheet and it’s easy to take the baby in and out.

We have used it for our baby overnight and for naps and she has slept soundly.

We also used it as a contained, raised place for her while supervised now that she's rolling around.

2 pictures of baby lying in Out'n'About Nipper Nest travel cot

How practical is it with a toddler around?

My toddler took it upon himself to test this cot to the max, climbing in and out of the newborn insert while it was set up for his sister, and it held up well. He would have probably quite happily slept in there (and I think he was quite jealous).

He’s now at an age where he can’t be contained; however, I did test whether he could climb out of the Nipper Nest when it was set up as a playpen and he couldn’t. That said, the side panel zips open, and he would probably manage that by himself — or push the cot over — if left to it.

I particularly loved the blackout hood that affixes over the top. It makes such a cosy den for them to play or nap in and I can see it coming in really handy at the beach when she’s a bit older and still needs a nap while her brothers play.

The only negative is that it doesn’t come with pegs, so can’t be pegged down when outside for extra support (or toddler-proofing).

2 pictures of toddler playing in Out'n'About Nipper Nest travel cot

How practical is the Out'n'About Nipper Nest for holidays?

The base of the Out'n'About Nipper Nest is wide, so it does need a decent amount of floor space and could be a squeeze somewhere compact — such as a caravan. However, as it’s easy to pop up and down, it can be folded and stored between uses.

It's also easy to move between rooms if you want to use it in a living area for playtime.

We used it on a hard floor, so it was really stable, and because the mattress is nice and squishy, it’s not too hard on knees and bottoms.

2 pictures of Out'n'About Nipper Nest travel cot by pool

How useful are the waterproof base and blackout cover?

The key features of the Out'n'About Nipper Nest, which really make it stand out, are the waterproof base and the blackout cover. These features make it more versatile than a standard travel cot, as it can also be used outside as a supervised playpen or beach tent.

While most travel cots are just that, the side zip panel not only makes the Nipper Nest accessible, but also practical and, let’s face it, fun to use as well. My children loved using it as a den.

I also like the fact it’s pyramid-shaped in design. While it means it’s wide at the bottom, the design makes it sturdier and more toddler-proof. That being said, some pegs would come in handy.

How comfortable is the Out'n'About Nipper Nest for naps and play?

Both the base and insert mattresses are sturdy but comfortable. There’s plenty of support but padding, as well.
My baby settled really well in it, and we were able to transfer her from the bed to the cot without waking her.

She was also happy lying and playing in there between naps when we wanted a contained, supervised space for her.

There is a lot of space for her to roll around, stretch and kick her legs, but it’s sturdy, so doesn’t rock when she moves about, unlike previous travel cots we’ve used.

Baby lying in Out'n'About Nipper Nest travel cot

How well made is the Out'n'About Nipper Nest?

The quality of the Out'n'About Nipper Nest is obvious from the get-go. It’s easy to pop up and collapse, the zips are smooth and it feels sturdy and built to last. Even the mesh fabric seems toddler-proof.

I’d be happy keeping this in the car with me at all times, ready for adventures.

How easy is the Out'n'About Nipper Nest to clean?

The Nipper Nest has wipe-clean surfaces, including the mattress, which is really handy when packing down at the end of a holiday.

We’ve had a couple of spit-up instances which needed swift action, and there’s no staining. It’s easy to hoover and wipe — no tricky nooks and crannies — and the waterproof base means you can pop it up after a rain shower and it won’t leak through to the mattress.

The only thing that would make outdoor use more practical would be a rain cover for inevitable showers.

How does the Out'n'About Nipper Nest compare to other travel cots?

I’ve lost count of the travel cots we’ve used over the years as we normally use the ones provided by the accommodation. However, I think from now on, if we’re travelling by car, we will definitely take the Nipper Nest with us.

Not only is it lightweight and easy to set up and fold down, it’s also sturdy and can support our rough ‘n’ tumble toddler, whereas other cots we’ve used have felt much flimsier.

Baby and toddler playing in Out'n'About Nipper Nest travel cot

What’s in the box?

In the box is the compact Out'n'About Nipper Nest. It comes in a zip-up bag. Once opened, the blackout cover comes out in a separate bag and the Nipper Nest is wrapped in its own mattress.

The newborn insert comes with two poles (which need assembling), a mattress, sheet and the insert itself, which zips onto the outer shell.

How sustainable is the Out'n'About Nipper Nest?

This cot could easily be passed down between multiple children and can be used from birth until they are out of a cot or playpen (and even then, as a playpen/den/beach tent).

My toddler is three and couldn’t climb out.

Out’n’About also has a pre-loved re-sell section on its website, helping extend the life of its products, and sells spare parts so individual components can be replaced where needed.

Is the Out'n'About Nipper Nest worth the money?

The Out’n’About Nipper Nest is priced at £195, or £225 with the newborn insert, and for me, is 100% worth the money — especially if you have multiple children.

It is brilliant as a newborn cot but comes into its own if you need a shelter or den for mini adventures, such as the beach or a picnic. It means older children don't have to compromise on fun while the baby or toddler stays safe, sheltered and happy during a nap or playtime.

The main thing I’d check before buying is whether you have enough floor space for the wide base.

I’d happily take this travel cot away with me again and again.

Baby lying in Out'n'About Nipper Nest travel cot

Where can I buy the Out'n'About Nipper Nest?

It is available from Out'n'About and Kiddies Kingdom

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MadeForMums verdict:

If, like us, you are regular travellers, glampers or even campers, you will want an Out n About Nipper Nest in your kit. Even if it’s just in the boot of your car for spontaneous beach days or picnics.

It has instantly become one of our travel and day-trip essentials and for families who will use it regularly, it 100% feels worth the price tag.

If I’m being picky, a rain cover and pegs for extra outdoor practicality would be useful additions, but they’re not deal-breakers.

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Authors

Megan Allen

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