Bugaboo Stardust review

Let’s be real - travel cots can be a total pain in the you-know-what. As much as we love the idea of an easy-to-set-up travel bed for our little ones, most of them end up being a nightmare. And as a busy mum of two, I don’t have time for complicated gear. When I heard about the Bugaboo Stardust, which promises to pop up in one second (yes, really), I was curious.

We’re all familiar with Bugaboo—they make some seriously gorgeous gear, but their products usually come with a premium price tag. So, is the Stardust worth the hype? Let’s find out.

Testing the Bugaboo Stardust

I’m a 38-year-old mum juggling a 6-month-old baby and a toddler who’s basically a mini whirlwind. We travel to see family often, take the odd weekend away, and are always on the go. So, I needed something that was quick to set up, lightweight, and actually worked without me getting frustrated. I tested the Bugaboo Stardust for about three weeks, mostly for naps and a weekend trip.

I opened the box, and it’s super neat and compact. No random screws or parts flying everywhere. You get the travel cot, the bassinet insert (which is perfect for newborns), and a carry bag. My first thought: Okay, this could be easier than I thought. I thought they were exaggerating, but nope! You literally pop it open in one second. You just clip the sides and boom, it’s ready to go. My mind was blown. It was that easy.

Normally, packing up a travel cot feels like some weird adult game of Jenga, but the Stardust folds up in one move. Seriously, press two buttons and it’s like it just folds itself into a neat little package. I didn’t have to wrestle with it at all — just grab the handle, and it’s in the bag.

For a travel cot, this thing is pretty spacious. My baby can roll around and stretch out comfortably without feeling squished. The bassinet insert is amazing—no more bending over to pick him up every five minutes. It’s a game-changer for my back. Travel cot mattresses are usually the worst — thin and hard. But this one is actually comfy! It’s got enough padding so my baby sleeps pretty soundly in it (no complaints from the little guy). That’s a win, trust me.

Babies are messy. Period. The Stardust has wipeable fabric, and the mattress cover is machine washable. Thank goodness, because I don’t have time for anything complicated. It’s easy to clean after every nap or sleep.

Final verdict

Here’s what I learnt after three weeks:

• Super easy setup: Unfolding it is literally a one-second job.
• Portable and lightweight: It’s light enough that I can carry it with one hand (while holding a coffee in the other, naturally).
• Comfortable for baby: I didn’t expect my baby to sleep that well, but he actually took longer naps in the Stardust than he did in his crib.

The Bugaboo Stardust is pricey for a travel cot, but I honestly think it’s worth it if you travel or need something quick and easy to set up. It’s super lightweight, comfortable for baby, and really easy to clean. If you’re sick of fighting with your travel cot every time you go away, this one is a total game-changer.

If you’re tired of fighting with your travel cot, the Bugaboo Stardust is the answer to your prayers. Easy to set up, comfortable for baby, and looks fab—it’s a little pricey, but I think it’s worth it if you travel regularly or need something simple that works.

Would I buy it again? Absolutely.

Emily Gilbert is the Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby and has written for the website and previously the magazine since 2015. First-time mum to Theodore, Emily writes about everything from the top baby products to pregnancy, fertility and maternal mental health. Specialising in product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases in the parenting industry.