travel bed railing

The Best Portable Bed Rails for Travel with Toddlers

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One of the most challenging parts of traveling with a toddler can be figuring out the best sleep option for your child. There are a lot of possibilities out there and it can be overwhelming deciding what to go with.

We’ve tried a lot of different sleep configurations with our kids while traveling over the years, and we know that finding the right setup for your child can make a huge difference on your trip.

One travel item that can be very helpful while traveling with toddlers is a portable bed rail. This is a product that goes under your child’s sheet to make a barrier at the edge of your child’s bed. These rails create a boundary for your child and prevent them from falling out of the bed onto the floor while they are sleeping.

Portable bed rails are perfect for older toddlers as well as older kids who tend to move around a lot while sleeping.

There are several different portable bed rails for toddlers to choose from and we’ve reviewed the best options for you here. Read on to find the perfect portable bed rails for your trip!

For more helpful travel items, see our ultimate list of toddler travel essentials !

Best overall: Hiccapop Inflatable Bed Rail

Best budget option: Ushma Travel Bed Rails for Toddlers

Best foam option: Milliard Travel Bed Bumper

Best portable bed rails for travel with toddlers

Hiccapop inflatable bed rail.

The Hiccapop Inflatable Bed Rail is sturdy, lightweight, and perfect for keeping kids contained on their bed. These bed rails are designed to stay put on the bed, with a safety flap that extends beneath your child. Their weight, along with non-slip dots, keep the rail securely in place even if your child bumps up against it.

The bed rails are quick to inflate (six breaths should do it) and can be deflated by pushing the release valve button. They come with a storage case for when they are not in use.

Thick, durable vinyl prevents the rails from leaking or getting holes, but if you do have a problem the company has great customer service. They are also water resistant and washable, making them easy to clean if your child has an accident.

And, perhaps most importantly, these rails pack down very compactly and are lightweight, making them ideal for travel.

Safety flap holds rail in place
Inflates quickly
Comes with storage bag
Waterproof and washable

Possible drawbacks

Product description

Weight: 2.2 lbs
Inflated size: 52”L x 7”W x 4.5”H

Shrunks Inflatable Bed Rail

Another option is the highly-rated Shrunks Inflatable Bed Rail .

This does not come with a safety flap like the Hiccapop, but instead has grip strips on the bottom to keep it in place. For the most part the strips seem to do the job in keeping the rails in place, although it does need a snug fitted sheet to prevent any movement of the rail.

It comes with a manual pump but can also be blown up with your mouth. A large opening in the air valve allows the rails to be inflated and deflated quickly.

These bed rails are made of durable, high grade PVC and are waterproof and washable for easy cleaning.

When not in use they fold down very compactly and are easy to pack in the storage bag. They are also extremely lightweight, making them convenient for travel!

Comes with manual pump
No flaps to secure it under child
Weight: 1.43 lbs
Inflated size: 48”L x 7”W x 4”H

Sunnyglade Portable Bed Rail

Another option similar to the Shrunks is the Sunnyglade Portable Bed Rail . Made of durable PVC, this bed rail is water resistant and easy to clean. It fits underneath the bedsheet and is held in place by grip strips on the bottom of the bed rail.

A manual foot pump is included, although there are a lot of complaints about the pump not being very useful. You can also choose to inflate the bed rails with your mouth if the pump isn’t doing it for you.

These bed rails are easy to pack for travel and will take up very little space in your luggage.

Comes with foot pump
Water resistant
Weight: 2.29 lbs
Inflated size: 48”L x 7”W x 5”H

Ushma Travel Bed Rails for Toddlers

For a more budget-friendly option, the Ushma Travel Bed Rails are another inflatable bed rail at a lesser price.

Like the Shrunks bed rail, these rails are made of waterproof PVC material. Grip strips on the bottom of the rail, along with positioning them securely under the fitted sheet, prevent the rails from moving while your child is sleeping.

Because they are inflatable, these rails are lightweight and can fold down very compactly for easy packing.

As a less expensive alternative to the other inflatable bed rail options, these rails still provide a good user experience to help keep kids secure at night.

Low price point
No safety flaps
Weight: 1.48 lbs

Milliard Travel Bed Bumper

For a non-inflatable option, you might want to consider the Milliard Travel Bed Bumper . This foam bumper fits under the sheet to provide a secure barrier for your child.

The bumper folds in half to make it more compact for travel and has a handle for easy carrying. It requires virtually no setup, just unfold the bumper and place it under the sheet!

Included with the bumper is a removable, machine-washable cover. The cover has a waterproof backing to prevent the foam from getting damaged should an accident occur. It is made of a soft, comfortable material and has a non-slip bottom to keep the bumper secure on the bed.

The biggest drawback to this bumper is that it doesn’t pack down as compactly as the inflatable options. While this might be a good option for road trips or local travel, it does take up a lot of space in a suitcase, especially if you’re bringing two.

No risk of product deflating
Machine-washable cover with waterproof backing
Does not pack as compactly
Weight: 1.61 lbs
Product size: 40”L x 7”W x 4.5”H

Why use a bed rail for toddlers

There are a couple of different scenarios where you might want to use a portable bed rail for your child.

The first is if you’re staying somewhere where your child will have their own adult-sized bed . In this situation there is the risk of them rolling off the edge of the bed while they are sleeping. Putting a bed rail on both sides of the bed will create a safety barrier to prevent your child from falling.

Another situation where a bed rail can come in handy is if you are sharing a bed with your child . Your body will provide a barrier on one side and a bed rail on the opposite side of the bed will create a barrier on that side as well.

These bed rails can also be used as a divider between kids who are sharing the same bed . Our kids tend to move around a lot while sleeping. When they share a bed it often ends with one child rolling on top of the other and then both of them waking up screaming. Not fun for anyone. Putting a bed rail in between children in the middle of the bed can help to keep them on their own side and prevent any middle of the night wakeups.

Tips for using bed rails for toddlers during travel

Try it out before you leave

Plan on pulling out your portable bed rail and trying it out before you travel. Especially with the inflatable ones, there is always a chance (though slim) that you could get one with a leak. You don’t want to find that out when you’re already on your trip!

Plus it’s helpful to get a sense of how the bed rails work and if they are going to be a good option for your child.

Place it under the fitted sheet

These bed rails all work best when placed under the bottom sheet on your child’s bed. This helps to hold them securely in place even if your child bumps into them during the night.

Alternatives to using portable bed rails

There are a few other alternatives to using bed rails during travel with toddlers. We’ve listed a few other ideas below so you can choose the best option for your trip.

Toddler sleeping in a portable toddler bed

Pillow border

One alternative to using a bed rail is using pillows to create a border around your child on the bed. The nice thing about using pillows is that it means you have one less thing to bring with you on your trip.

We’ve used this option many times and it can be effective but does have some drawbacks. One is that the pillows take up more space on the bed than the bed rails. This might be fine if your child is on the bed alone, but if they are sharing with a sibling or parent it can feel really crowded as the pillows force your child more into the center of the bed.

The other downside is that pillows aren’t as secure as the bed rails. We had a couple of instances where the pillows were pushed out of place and our child actually rolled off the bed, which made us feel that this wasn’t a very safe option for our toddler.

The portable bed rails are very good at staying in place, giving you the confidence of knowing that they’ll actually be there if your child needs them.

Pool noodle

A pool noodle is another option that creates an effect similar to the inflatable bed rails.

The main drawback here is the amount of space that they take up. If you’re going on a trip where you’re driving, this can be a convenient solution if you have extra room in the car to pack them. However, if we’re flying we feel that a pool noodle would take up too much space. We would rather use that space for other items, so for us the inflatable bed rail is the more useful option for travel.

Note that a pool noodle is also not as tall or wide as the inflatable bed rails, so there is a greater chance of your child rolling over the top of it.

Toddler bed

If you’d rather have your child in their own, smaller bed, you could also consider bringing a portable toddler bed . These beds are specifically designed with toddlers in mind and are a safe and secure place for your child to sleep.

This also means that you don’t have to have a bed available for your toddler to use at your destination as you will be bringing one with you. You can set up a toddler bed anywhere to create a cozy sleep space for your child.

Toddler beds are an ideal option for younger toddlers who might climb out of the larger bed in the middle of the night.

The downside to toddler beds is that they tend to take up more space in your suitcase, whereas the portable bed rails are quite compact to pack. But they can work and are also a great option if you’re driving instead of flying.

Pack ‘n play

One final option is to use a pack ‘n play when traveling with your toddler. Pack ‘n plays are quite bulky, so if you’re flying this might not be the best option. If you’re staying at a hotel they will often have cribs available, just call beforehand to check. Sometimes Airbnbs will have pack ‘n plays available as well.

Final thoughts

Bed rails can be a perfect option for keeping your child safe and contained while sleeping on a trip. When tucked under the sheets, they create a border to prevent your child from rolling off the bed during sleep.

Although there are a lot of different sleep options out there, if you have a bed available for your child portable bed rails are compact and easy to bring when traveling. They provide an extra measure of peace of mind to both you and your child, allowing everyone to sleep better.

Portable or Travel Bed Rails

Able Life (1)
Signature Life (1)
Stander (2)

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 products

Bedside Econorail by Stander

Bed Rail Advantage Traveler by Stander

Able Life Bedside Mighty Safety Rail

Signature Life Freedom Click Bed Handle

The 5 Best Toddler Bed Rails, Tested by Parents and Expert-Approved

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WhatToExpect.com, How and When to Transition From Crib to Toddler Bed , May 2022 American Academy of Pediatrics, Big Kid Beds: When to Switch From a Crib , August 2022. Consumer Product Safey Commission, CPSC Adopts New Federal Standard for Portable Bed Rails , February 2012.

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Meet Our Review Board

The 9 Best Toddler Travel Beds, Tested by Our Editors and Their Mini Explorers

With the right travel bed, your tot will sleep (almost) anywhere

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Verywell Family / Nick Kova

Traveling with toddlers isn't easy, but you can still have a wonderful time exploring new places with your family—you just need to be prepared. Toddler travel beds provide consistency and protected sleep space, resulting in a well-rested child and a smoother trip for everyone.

For some parents, portable toddler travel beds are must-haves to provide young children with a secure place to sleep while on vacation. “Simpler is always better, especially when thinking of traveling with toddlers . So, when it comes to a toddler travel bed, you don't need all the bells and whistles,” says Anjuli Gans, MD, a pediatrician at the Karabots Pediatric Care Center in West Philadelphia. “There are a lot of fancy ones out there on the market, but your baby really just needs a safe and comfortable place to sleep ."

We spent hours testing these products (20 total) in the lab and our homes by assembling and disassembling them—sometimes with one hand—and timing the whole process. We also studied the beds' features, how well they hold a toddler's weight, and how easy they are to clean. Our list shows the best toddler travel beds we’ve tested, which we’ll continue to update as we test new models.

Our Testing Process And Experts
Factors To Consider

Your Questions, Answered

Best overall, jetkids by stokke cloudsleeper.

Assembly 5 /5
Portability 5 /5
Ease of Use 5 /5

Why We Like It

If you plan to hit the road with your little one and need a toddler travel bed that is comfortable and easy to travel with, then the JetKids by Stokke CloudSleeper Kids Inflatable Bed is our top pick for you. Designed for children ages 3 and up, this travel bed features side bumpers to keep your child from rolling onto the floor. There's also an air mesh cover to keep your child cool at night.

We loved this inflatable bed's unique design, which is very easy to fill up and took us only five minutes to put together and inflate, which is great when traveling with little kids. And since it's light and comes with a small bag with handles, so it's easy to move around. The mattress also has a removable and washable cover that can be spot-cleaned and dries quickly, so your little one can get back to bed.

When you’re done with it, deflate the mattress, pack it back into its packing cube, and you're good to go!

But Take Note

Setup is incredibly easy, thanks to an integrated pump that lets you inflate the mattress in minutes by using your hands or feet. It’s meant to lie on the floor, so there’s no additional assembly required. Although we noticed it can sound a bit noisy when a child moves on it. Otherwise, we didn't experience any additional issues.

The Details

Material: Nylon
Weight: 4.1 pounds
Size: 59.1 x 29.5 x 6.7 inches inflated; 15 x 11 x 4 inches in travel bag
Recommended Age/Weight Limit: Ages 3 years and up; up to 68 pounds

Verywell Family / Vicky Wasik

Best Inflatable

Eltow inflatable toddler bed.

Amazon

Assembly 4.5 /5
Value 4.5 /5
Ease of Use 4.5 /5

The Eltow Inflatable Toddler Bed is portable and easy to set up, and it comes at a lower price than our top pick, the Stokke. Unlike other inflatables, the Eltow toddler travel bed consists of an outer section with bumpers on two sides and a mattress that fits snugly inside the outer shell. It's not sitting directly on the floor but is at floor level.

We love that it took us just five minutes to set up and is lightweight and portable . It comes with a high-speed pump, two patches in case of punctures, and a travel bag for storage. And thanks to a vinyl layer that protects against punctures, it's well-equipped to withstand wear and tear. Plus, it comes with a bag, so it's super portable. Unfortunately, it doesn't come with a sheet, so you'll have to pack one in your luggage.

One flaw is that the mattress has a plastic smell that sticks around for a few hours once the mattress is removed from its packaging. (It should go away if you allow the product to air out for a day or two before use.) Assembly is straightforward, but removing the pump nozzle without losing air can be difficult when done alone, so we recommend getting a partner to help you out.

Material: Vinyl
Weight: 10.21 pounds
Size: 63 x 40 x 12 inches inflated
Recommended Age/Weight Limit: Up to 310 pounds

Best With Pump

Hiccapop inflatable toddler travel bed.

Ease of Setup 5 /5
Ease of Cleaning 4.5 /5

The Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed is ideal for parents who want their toddler close to the ground with bumpers on all sides of the bed. A removable mattress rests in a higher outer shell that ensures your little one cannot roll off. It's designed for kids making that transition between cribs and big-kid beds, and it's easy to deflate and pack into its carrying bag before moving to your next destination.

Setup is relatively quick once you get the hang of detaching the electric pump, and it's easy to move around with the handles. Another plus: It comes with a patch kit. The handles are not as easy to clean as the rest of the bed, but we do appreciate that the removable mattress comes in three different colors for kids who definitely have their design preferences.

The mattress has a faint chemical smell at first, but it's not as eye-watering as some of the other inflatables we tested. It's also very durable due to its thick vinyl material .

Weight: 8 pounds
Size: 62 x 39 x 12 inches inflated

Verywell Family / Tamara Staples

Best for Camping

Enerplex kids inflatable travel bed.

This puncture-proof toddler travel bed can be used during trips or at home as a transitional bed for toddlers who are still in that in-between stage. A 120-volt electric pump (and three universal nozzles) is a game changer and makes inflating the bed a breeze. We love how quickly and easily this bed can be put together: It took us five minutes to blow up both parts of the bed and attach a fitted sheet. Best of all, we didn’t even need to glance at the instructions while doing so.

In case you worry about your toddler rolling off the mattress, the EnerPlex Kids Inflatable Travel Bed has bumpers along three sides. The removable coil-beam mattress rests snugly inside the outer shell and fits a standard crib sheet.

Even though the bed is bulky, it comes with a large carry bag that you can wear as a backpack, freeing your hands for luggage or a kid. We also like that the electric pump comes with an adapter for your car, making it ideal for camping. It can be wiped down and the crib sheet can be tossed in the laundry for cleanup. One downfall: It has a chemical smell.

Material: Not listed
Weight: 11.88 pounds
Size: 66 x 44 x 13 inches inflated
Recommended Age/Weight Limit: 36 months and up; up to 150 pounds

Best Pop-Up Crib

Babybjörn travel crib light.

Durability 5 /5
Portability 4.2 /5
Design 5 /5

The BabyBjorn Travel Crib is a great option for parents who prefer more of a crib design than an inflatable mattress. Toddlers who need more than bumpers to keep them safe in bed can benefit from this travel crib’s high mesh walls and a mattress that sits low to the floor—which means it's difficult to climb in and out of, let alone roll off of. You won’t need to worry about messes or nighttime accidents because the fabric can be wiped down quickly, and the exterior fabric can be removed from the frame and washed.

The BabyBjorn is a dream to assemble: Setup takes two minutes, and you can put a standard crib sheet on the bed without a struggle, even after attaching the mattress to the four corner safety latches. The mattress is comfortable and a standard crib size . It is also a good pick if you need a travel bed that isn't hard on your back. It is very light, it comes with a carrying case, and it fits into a car trunk. However, the mattress does lie low to the ground, so picking up your child may be tough on your back if they are lying down.

The main reason this crib isn't our top pick is that it's much more expensive than most of the other products on this list, but it's a worthwhile investment if you have the room in your budget.

Material: Polyester
Weight: 13 pounds
Size: Mattress 23.5 x 41 x 1.2 inches; assembled crib 32 x 44 x 24 inches; 19 x 23.5 x 5.5 inches in bag
Recommended Age/Weight Limit: 0-3 years, or until your toddler can climb out of this travel crib

Verywell Family / Jessica Juliao

Best Budget

Hugbino inflatable toddler bed.

Assembly 4 /5
Ease of Use 4 /5

The Hugbino provides a lot of the same features as other inflatable mattresses on this list, but at a lower price. The removable mattress is coated in soft velvet flocking to keep your little one comfortable while they snooze, and bumpers along all four sides of the outer shell keep them in bed. It's also a cinch to clean. We appreciate that the mattress can be spot-cleaned, and a sheet can go over the mattress for extra protection.

This inexpensive bed does come with an electric pump, but the setup is not as easy as with other travel beds we tested. We had to use two sets of hands to get the nozzle on before it started to deflate. However, it is light and easy to store and comes with a carrying bag .

Material : Polyvinyl chloride
Weight: 6.63 pounds
Size: 63.6 x 42.5 inches inflated
Recommended Age/Weight Limit : Not listed

Best Crib to Fly With

Guava family lotus travel crib.

Ease of Setup 4.5 /5
Portability 4 /5
Value 3.8 /5
Ease of Cleaning 4 /5

This crib can’t make traveling on a plane with a toddler less challenging, but it can simplify your life when you get to your destination. In terms of ease of use, this travel bed only took us five minutes to set up and didn't require too much prep work to understand how to put it together. The setup process isn't as straightforward as other travel beds we tested, but it's not difficult.

An access door makes it easier to get to your little one without leaning over the side. You can use the entrance to lay them on the padded, waterproof mattress inside the mesh enclosure or let them go in and out of the crib when they are awake. The mattress is easy enough to wipe, but the fabric around the top of the crib is so absorbent that it's tough to give it a good cleaning. You can also unzip the bed cover and throw it into the washer for a deep clean. This convenience does come at a higher price than a lot of competitors, however.

We like the travel crib's packaging, which comes with shoulder and backpack straps that make it easy to carry around in an airport. It is a tad heavy, however.

Material: Polyvinyl chloride
Weight: 13 pounds, 15 pounds with bag
Size: Mattress 41.5 x 23.5 x 1.4 inches; crib 45.5 x 31.5 x 25.5 inches; 24 x 12 x 8 in backpack
Recommended Age/Weight Limit: 0-3 years, or until child can climb out

Verywell Family / Leticia Almeida

Best for Naps

Milliard toddler nap mat.

The Milliard Toddler Nap Mat Tri Folding Mattress can be used for napping anywhere. Simply unfold it at the hotel, a relative's house, or a camping tent, and your little one is good to get their sleep on. It doesn't come with a carrying case, which may make it a pain to carry. But if your toddler spills a drink or has an accident on this mattress, the good news is that it's effortless to clean: It has a removable bamboo cover that can be machine-washed and a foam mattress that can be spot-cleaned. Plus, it's got a cozy, thick mattress that's comfortable for naptime.

This folding mattress doesn't require any assembly—just take it right out of the box. However, after unboxing, it takes 48 hours to reach the highest comfort level.

Material: Foam mattress, bamboo cover
Weight: 8.74 pounds
Size: 58 x 24 x 3 inches unfolded; 24 x 19 x 9 folded

Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe Air Mattress

Comfort 5 /5
Effectiveness 3 /5

The Intex Dura-Beam Standard Series Pillow Rest Raised Airbed is a good pick for families who want a larger travel bed without bumpers that’s a little higher off the floor (16.5 inches) than the toddler beds on this list. A built-in pump makes for easy assembly, since you just turn the panel to either inflate or deflate, and you’re done! When it needs a cleaning, just wipe down as needed.

The mattress comes with a duffel bag for storage and travel, but it's not the most compact, and the bag isn't as comfortable as others we tested. On the plus side, the bed has a built-in pillow rest , so you won’t have to pack an extra pillow for your kid when you travel.

Weight: 10.16 pounds
Size: 75 x 39 x 16.5 inches inflated
Recommended Age/Weight Limit: Up to 300 pounds

Our Testing Process and Experts

To find the best toddler travel beds, we tested 20 beds in the Parents Testing Lab and in our own homes. We first tried to assemble the travel beds—with one hand, if possible. After that, we noted whether we needed to use both hands or had to get another adult to help. We also timed just how long the setup took for each bed. We then tested how well the toddler travel beds hold a toddler's weight using a 25-to-30-pound sandbag.

Next, we looked at how hard it would be to clean messes on the beds, examining hard-to-reach areas and taking note of the material and what it felt like to wipe it. We tested whether we could use a standard crib sheet as well, and then we tried to disassemble the beds one-handed. After breaking them down, we considered how long it took us and how difficult it was to place the beds inside their carry bags, if bags were included. Finally, we lifted the carrying bags to assess the beds’ portability.

In addition to lab and real-world testing, we spoke with medical experts to gather their input on how to choose a toddler travel bed. We spoke to the following experts:

Anjuli Gans , MD, a pediatrician at Karabots Pediatric Care Center, West Philadelphia
Lynelle Schneeberg , PsyD, a pediatric sleep psychologist and author

Factors to Consider in a Toddler Travel Bed

Comfort: As you’ve probably realized when getting a kid to sleep at home, comfort is key. Comfort for some toddlers may mean a favorite blanket, while others require a crib. Parents should consider various must-haves to make traveling easier and smoother when trekking across the country—or a few hours away—with your little one.
Safety: Dr. Gans recommends researching products on the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) website to determine their safety and ensure that they haven't been recalled. When purchasing a crib or bassinet, parents of babies should also practice the same safe sleeping rules they implement at home. "Every toddler travel bed has age and weight requirements, so I would definitely check those first and make sure it matches up (with your toddler's age and weight)," she explains. Then, stick to simple beds without all the added features. "The less they have, the better.” Once you've narrowed down your selection to simple beds, make sure there are no bumpers or parts that can potentially trap your baby, and check corner points and sharp corners. "Corner points are sometimes a place where kids can get clothing caught or get injured, so make sure it doesn't have sharp corners," explains Dr. Gans. "And remember that pillows and blankets are still recommended for toddlers age 2 and over."
Ease of Use: If you need a toddler travel bed that is easy to carry, quick to assemble, and doesn't require much work, then ease of use and portability must be considered when selecting a toddler travel bed. Some toddler travel beds can be assembled using one hand and only take minutes to assemble. That is very helpful if you arrive at a destination with a sleeping or cranky tot . You may want to look for bags that allow hands-free carrying. Another consideration is whether the bed is easy to put in those bags so you don’t find yourself fighting to pack it back in when it’s time to go home. If you are in a situation where you don't have a toddler travel bed, don't worry. "If you are staying somewhere, and they allow you to request a crib, you can pull out the mattress and just lay it on the floor," Dr. Gans adds. "If it's in a safe place for your toddler, then it is perfectly fine. Make sure it is somewhere they can have adult supervision at all times and within eye view, because you may not be able to safetyproof rooms the way you can at home."

How can I keep my toddler in bed while traveling?

A pack-and-play or travel bed with inflatable bumpers (which are not recommended for babies, of course!) can help keep a toddler from rolling onto the floor. You can also bring along some of their favorite items from home to help them want to stay in bed in a strange new place.

"The best thing to do when traveling is to bring along items from the child's home bedroom," recommends Dr. Schneeberg. "Parents can bring along the child's favorite pillow, 'bedtime buddy' (security object), and favorite books, for example. If the child is used to a certain night light or a sound machine , these can be brought along as well."

Can my 2-year-old sleep in a travel cot?

Certain travel cots are appropriate for 2-year-olds, but young 2-year-olds who haven't yet transitioned to a toddler bed may be more comfortable and safer in more crib-like pack-and-plays or travel beds with safety rails.

Can I put my 3-year-old in a toddler cot?

Unless a manufacturer suggests otherwise (usually based on a child's weight or height), most toddler travel cots are appropriate for 3-year-olds who have already transitioned from a crib to a bed.

How much is a toddler travel bed?

A high-quality travel toddler bed will generally cost between $60 and $100, although some can be cheaper, and certain models can cost upwards of $200. Pricier travel beds often come with more accessories and features, although not every family will need extra bells and whistles.

Ambrosia V. Brody is a California-based editor, journalist, and mother of three. She has worked as a professional journalist for more than 16 years. You can find her at the library, Starbucks, or the park with her kids when she isn't writing.

Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow. Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂