Is It Worth It for Family Travel?

Living / 8 May, 2026 / Ellie Thompson

Let’s be honest. Travelling with a baby (or even just attempting a night away at the grandparents’) can feel like packing up your entire house and hoping for the best.

Somewhere between the nappies, the bottles, the sleep routine you’re desperately trying to protect, and the “will they actually sleep?” anxiety, you realise just how important your sleep setup is.

Enter the Nuna PAAL. A new travel cot on the scene, and one that’s suitable from birth to toddler age.

Nuna PAAL: First Impressions

The first thing you notice about the PAAL is that it doesn’t scream travel cot. It’s sleek, minimal, and very much in line with Nuna’s signature aesthetic. But more importantly, it’s practical. Its sturdy aluminium frame allows baby to rest and play securely, with padded edges that offer enhanced protection for active toddlers.

This is one of those rare bits of baby kit that doesn’t require a YouTube tutorial and a deep breath before setting it up. The one-button fold system is genuinely a game-changer. There’ll be no wrestling with awkward mechanisms or trying to remember which side locks first. This is a lifesaver when you’ve got a tired baby desperate for sleep.

Designed for Real Life (and Real Sleep)

What sets the PAAL apart is how thoughtfully it’s been designed to support your baby through different stages. In those early newborn days, it can function as a bassinet to keep baby close and accessible.

As they grow, the dual sleep levels mean the cot evolves with them, so you’re not constantly needing to switch setups or invest in something new.

The mattress is another huge win. It’s breathable, supportive and super comfy, something that can’t be said for every travel cot. Whether you’re using it at home, heading away for a weekend, or planning summer travel, it creates a sleep space that feels consistent and reassuring for your baby.

The Little Details That Make a Big Difference

This is where Nuna really comes into its own. Because while the headline features are impressive, it’s the smaller, more thoughtful details that genuinely improve day-to-day use.

The zip-open side panel makes those late-night check-ins or quick soothing moments far easier, especially when you don’t want to fully lift your baby out. It’s also lightweight enough to move around without hassle, and the travel-friendly carry bag makes packing up and heading off feel far less daunting.

The mesh sides not only help with airflow but also give you a clear view of your baby at all times, adding an extra layer of reassurance. And as your child grows, the setup transitions seamlessly from a newborn bassinet into a practical play space, extending its usefulness beyond just sleep.

It’s this kind of flexibility that makes the PAAL feel like it fits into your life, rather than the other way around.

Is It Actually Good for Travel?

The Nuna PAAL has clearly been designed with travel in mind, and it shows. The fold is impressively simple, with a single-button mechanism that makes packing it down quick and fuss-free, even with the bassinet attached. It unfolds just as easily, so you can have it set up and ready in seconds, whether you’re at home or arriving somewhere new.

It’s also lightweight and comes with a practical travel bag with duffle-style handles, making it easy to carry from car to house or room to room. While it’s not about being the absolute smallest option out there, it strikes a really nice balance between portability and comfort.

For family holidays, weekends away, or staying with grandparents, it feels like a genuinely reliable, easy-to-use option that takes the stress out of setting up your baby’s sleep space.