The Ultimate Travel Crib: A Parent's Guide To Choosing Wisely

Travelling with a baby can be challenging, especially when it comes to nap time and bedtime. A travel crib is a compact and portable sleep solution that can help make the process easier. When choosing a travel crib, consider factors such as safety, portability, functionality, ventilation, and durability. Look for a lightweight design with a compact fold, sturdy construction, and mesh sides for improved airflow and visibility.

Some popular options for travel cribs include the Guava Lotus Everywhere Travel Crib, the BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light, and the Chicco Alfa Lite Portable Playpen. The Guava Lotus stands out for its airport-friendly backpack design, making it a good choice for air travel. The BabyBjörn is known for its easy setup and modern design, while the Chicco Alfa Lite has a zip-open side panel that encourages toddler independence. Other options include the Silver Cross Sleep & Go, the Graco Pack-n-Play, the Newton Travel Crib, and the Pamo Babe Portable Crib.

Best travel crib for flying

Travelling with a baby can be challenging, especially when it comes to nap times and bedtime. A travel crib is a great solution to ensure your baby has a safe and familiar space to sleep while you are away from home. If you're travelling by plane, a compact and lightweight crib that can fit in your luggage or be carried on is ideal. Here are some of the best travel cribs for flying:

Guava Lotus Travel Crib

The Guava Lotus Travel Crib is a popular choice for flying due to its compact size and backpack-style carry bag. The crib folds down to half of its full size and can be carried hands-free with the ergonomic and padded backpack straps. It also fits within the overhead bins of most aircraft. The Guava Lotus has a side zipper for easy access and connection with your baby. The mattress is insulated and waterproof, making it easy to clean. This crib is suitable for newborns up to three years or until your child can climb out. It has a 60-day trial period, so you can test it out before committing.

BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light

The BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light is a lightweight and durable option that is easy to set up and take down. It comes with a robust travel bag and can be stored in the car or checked with your luggage. The mattress is floor-supported, so there is no weight limit, but there is a height limit of 35 inches. This crib is suitable for newborns up to three years or until your child can climb out. It falls in the mid-range price-wise, but the reliability and quality of the BabyBjörn brand make it a good investment.

Chicco Alfa Lite Travel Playard

The Chicco Alfa Lite is a lightweight and compact option, weighing only 12.5 pounds. It has a zippered side panel for easy access and can be assembled and folded up easily. This crib is suitable for newborns up to three years or until your child can climb out. It's a good choice if you're looking for something more affordable, as it's about half the price of the Guava Lotus.

When choosing a travel crib for flying, consider the size and weight restrictions of your airline, and whether you plan to carry it on or check it in with your luggage. Additionally, look for features such as ease of assembly, sturdy construction, and breathable mesh sides.

Best lightweight travel crib

When travelling with a baby, a good travel crib is essential. The best lightweight travel cribs are easy to carry, compact, and comfortable for your child. Here is a list of some of the best lightweight travel cribs on the market:

BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light

The BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light weighs just 11 pounds and is listed as the best overall pick by the popular parenting website, What to Expect. It is easy to set up and break down, folding into a convenient carrying suitcase. The mesh sides keep your baby contained while allowing you to keep an eye on them, and the thick mattress will ensure a cozy sleep. Although it is an investment piece, its travel-friendly nature makes it ideal for frequent flyers, and the spacious crib can accommodate most children until they are ready for a regular bed.

Baby Joy Travel Crib 2-in-1 Playpen

The Baby Joy Travel Crib is another excellent option, weighing only 11 pounds. It features a mesh cloth design and a zipper door that allows your child to get in and out easily. Additionally, the entire fabric crib can be removed and washed, which is especially useful when travelling. The crib also comes with an easy-to-use storage bag.

Bugaboo Stardust Playard

The Bugaboo Stardust Playard is a great choice if you're looking for something that folds down thin and is easy to carry on the go. It comes with a storage bag and offers two heights: one for newborns and one for toddlers. At about 17 pounds, the fabrics are machine-washable and chemical-free. The multilayered mattress provides a thick and comfortable surface for your child. However, it is slightly smaller than other travel cribs and is advertised for children up to two years old.

Chicco Alfa Lite Lightweight Travel Playard

The Chicco Alfa Lite weighs just 12.5 pounds and is incredibly easy to set up and break down. It features a zipper door for easy access, and the mattress cover and frame fabrics are removable and machine-washable. It also comes with a convenient carry bag, making it a top choice for those seeking a lightweight and easy-to-transport travel crib.

Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib and Playard

The Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib and Playard is a fantastic option if you're looking for something lightweight and easy to transport. Weighing only 11 pounds, it comes with a backpack storage case, and its side-zippered doors make it easy to get your child in and out without straining your back. The crib also offers mesh sides for breathability and air circulation.

Best travel crib for toddlers

When it comes to travel cribs for toddlers, there are several factors to consider to ensure comfort and safety. Here is a list of the best travel cribs for toddlers, taking into account criteria such as compactness, ease of carrying and setting up, safety, and size:

Guava Lotus Travel Crib:

The Guava Lotus Travel Crib is a popular choice for parents, especially those who plan to travel by plane. Its compact folded dimensions (24" x 12" x 8") and convenient backpack-style carrying case make it easy to transport and store. The Guava Lotus also features a side zipper, which makes it easier to get your toddler in and out of the crib and adds to its lifespan by accommodating children even after they have outgrown the crib phase. It has a sturdy construction and impressive safety certifications, including the US Federal Standard for Play Yards and GreenGuard Gold Certification. The mattress sits directly on the floor, eliminating any weight limit concerns. However, the Guava Lotus can be tricky to fold correctly, and it is slightly heavier than some other options.

BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light:

The BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light is another excellent option for parents seeking a travel crib for their toddlers. It is known for its ease of setup and takedown, with only four pieces to attach for a flat mattress surface. This crib is also taller than the Guava Lotus, accommodating taller toddlers better. It has safety certifications, including the EN 716 safety standard and OEKO-TEX Standard 100, ensuring the materials are safe for your child's skin. However, it is more expensive than the Guava Lotus, lacks a side zipper, and has larger folded dimensions, requiring you to check it in rather than carry it on during air travel.

Baby Joy 2-in-1 Travel Crib:

If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, the Baby Joy 2-in-1 Travel Crib is a great choice. It features a side zipper for easy access, is lightweight, and has an ASTM certification. However, the mattress size is smaller than the previous two options, and it has a maximum weight recommendation of 33 pounds. The folded dimensions are similar to the BabyBjörn, so it won't fit as a carry-on for air travel. Additionally, the overall construction quality is not as high as the pricier options.

Chicco Alfa Lite Travel Playyard:

The Chicco Alfa Lite Travel Playyard is a more affordable alternative to the Guava Lotus, offering similar features at half the price. It has zippered sides, mesh material, and is easy to assemble and fold. At just 12.5 pounds, it is lightweight and compact. However, it is smaller than similar options, so it may not be ideal for taller toddlers who need more space.

Graco Pack-n-Play:

The Graco Pack-n-Play is a classic and affordable option for a travel crib. While it may not be the easiest to set up or take apart, it is a reliable and sturdy choice. It offers various attachments, such as a bassinet and changing table, but keep in mind that some of these may not be safe for unsupervised sleep.

When choosing a travel crib for your toddler, consider your specific needs, such as ease of transport, setup, and takedown, as well as the size and weight limit to ensure your child's comfort and safety.

Best budget-friendly travel crib

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly travel crib, the Graco Pack ‘n Play On The Go Playard is a great option. It retails for under $70, making it a fraction of the price of comparable travel cribs. Despite its low price, it doesn't compromise on quality. It's spacious, sturdy, and easy to transport, thanks to its bottom wheels. It also includes features like a full-size bassinet and a soft toy bar, making it a versatile option for families on a budget.

Another budget-friendly option is the Pamo Babe Portable Crib, which costs just $50. It offers a spacious interior, a cushy mattress, and mesh siding for maximum visibility and airflow. The down-padded mattress provides temperature control, so your baby is less likely to overheat. With a weight limit of 33 pounds, this crib can be used for at least a couple of years.

Best travel crib for newborns

When it comes to travel cribs for newborns, there are several factors to consider, including safety, cost, ease of use, quality of materials, and size. Here is a list of some of the best travel cribs for newborns, taking into account these factors:

Guava Family Lotus:

The Guava Family Lotus travel crib is a popular choice for parents who want to do a lot of airplane travel. It has a compact carrying case with a convenient backpack design, and it's said to fit in the overhead bins of most aircraft. The Guava Lotus also features a side zipper, which makes it easy for parents to lay with or nurse their baby before zipping them in for safety. It is made from high-quality, eco-friendly materials that are free from PVC, fire retardant chemicals, lead, and other harmful substances. It also has excellent airflow with its 360-degree mesh sides. However, the Guava Lotus is on the expensive side, and some users have mentioned that the sleep area is small.

Baby Bjorn Travel Crib:

The Baby Bjorn Travel Crib is another excellent option for newborns. It is known for its ease of assembly, soft and high-quality materials, and spacious design. The mattress rests on the floor, making it suitable for taller or heavier babies, and there is no weight limit. However, it doesn't have a side zipper, and the carrying case is boxy and may not fit easily in overhead bins during air travel.

Chicco Alfa Lite Travel Playard:

The Chicco Alfa Lite is a budget-friendly alternative to the Guava Lotus. It features zipper sides and mesh material, making it easy for parents to soothe their baby. It is easy to assemble and fold up, and it uses Greenguard Gold Certified materials. However, it is smaller than similar options, so it might be better suited for smaller babies or young toddlers.

Graco Pack 'n Play:

The Graco Pack 'n Play is a classic and budget-friendly option for a travel crib. It can be used as a bassinet, travel crib, or play yard, making it versatile. However, it is not the easiest to set up or take apart, and it is pretty heavy and clunky.

Newton Travel Crib:

The Newton Travel Crib is a spacious option that is perfect for room-sharing. It features a side zipper and uses "breathable" mattress technology. It also has an optional bassinet add-on for newborns. However, due to its large size, it may not be the best option for air travel or public transportation.

Baby Joy Travel Crib 2-in-1 Playpen:

The Baby Joy Travel Crib is a lightweight and ultra-portable option that is easy to set up and fits easily in a car trunk for family road trips. It is high-quality and reasonably priced. However, the short handles on the included case can make it awkward to carry, and it may be too tall for some overhead bins.

Frequently asked questions