As a travel enthusiast with a 3 year old, I have recently been looking for the most productive travel cribs to take on our adventures and have on hand for little visitors. I’ve lived abroad and traveled the world, and while I haven’t traveled much since my son was born, I’ve taken him on enough trips to know that the right baby gear makes family trips so much easier. Array After testing 11 popular models, I settled on the Guava Lotus Travel Crib as the most productive travel crib overall and the BabyBjörn Lightweight Travel Crib as the easiest to use and set up. Depending on your needs, I’ve discovered other wonderful travel bassinets to consider, all of which have been tested on family trips.
Here are all my winners:
For this guide, I tested true travel cribs, not pack and plays. A pack and play is handy to have at home as an extra spot for your baby to nap or play in, but they tend to weigh much more than travel cribs thanks to the many extras they come with like changing stations. Some pack and plays are a chore to fold and tote with you during family travel. “If you’re someone who’s often on the move, portability is key, go for a crib that folds up easily and doesn’t take up much space in your car or storage,” says Sarah Schulze, a pediatric nurse practitioner in Illinois.
I focused on finding the most lightweight, compact and easy-to-use options when looking for a travel crib. In other words, a portable crib that’s actually easy to pack up and take on a trip with you and the family. Read on for an in-depth look at all my top picks, plus guidance on how to pick the right crib for your needs and insights into my testing process.
Crib weight: 15 pounds | Child weight limit: None; safe until your child can climb out | Folded dimensions: 24 x 12 x 8 inches | Unfolded dimensions: 45.5 x 31.5 x 25.5 inches
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In fact, the Guava Lotus is designed to range from its lightweight build to its backpack-style case. Of the cribs I’ve tested, it’s among the quickest to set up and one of the lightest overall. I also like that there is a side zipper, which allows you to bring your baby in either from the side or from above, which sometimes makes it more available for other types of caregivers. The zipper also snags when closed, meaning an enterprising baby can’t open it once closed, like my son did on a family vacation when I didn’t protect him. That said, my son seemed to enjoy sleeping in this crib, even in unfamiliar places (he is admittedly a very smart sleeper).
All travel cribs have a mechanism to attach the mattress to the frame. This ensures that there’s no unsafe gap that could pose a suffocation or injury risk. I found the difficulty of attaching the mattress to the frame a major point of differentiation among the travel cribs I tested, and it’s one of several ways the Guava Lotus is a winner. The mattress has straps that are attached with a plastic clip, which slides through the floor of the crib and connect to the feet. It’s easy to push through, and the zippered opening gives you more access to the connection points.
For the best option while traveling, you’ll want the Guava Lotus travel crib.
But what makes this crib the most productive option is its case. You can carry the 15-pound crib in its case thanks to its short straps or use it as a backpack to release your hands and arms for the rest of the baby’s equipment. The big problem with this crib is that it crushes the crib against the case – you definitely have to use the attached clips to keep the frame closed before folding the bed around it, otherwise the set would actually possibly have no compatibility in the bag (I tried without the clip once, and it took two other people to keep it closed). The suitcase is small enough to have compatibility in the trunk of my Mini Cooper and make room for a stroller. It also has overhead bin compatibility on most aircraft, but many airlines allow you to check cribs for loose ones. Personally, I prefer to check the cribs on the sidewalk to avoid carrying them around the airport.
Guava comes with a 60-day trial, a 2-year warranty, and Greenguard Gold certification for fewer chemical issues.
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Crib Weight: Thirteen Pounds | Child weight limit: none; until they can leave | Folded dimensions: 19 x 23. 5 x 5. 5 inches | Unfolded dimensions: 32 x 44 x 24 inches
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If you need the easiest and fastest set up and take down, anything you can do when you’re completely jet lagged or have to catch a flight, the BabyBjörn Lightweight Travel Bed is for you. It’s the closest thing to dethroning the Guava Lotus from the more sensible slot. It’s also the crib that Sarah Bossio, a qualified pediatric sleep specialist, recommends to her clients.
Of all the cribs I tried, this was the quickest and easiest to set up. Unfolded to its maximum size, it is not compatible with all doors, but as it is so easy to close and open again, it is not a problem. There is no zipper on the side, which would possibly be an accessibility factor for some caregivers. On a recent family vacation to San Diego, my 3-year-old son slept well through nap and nighttime in this crib.
The BabyBjörn travel cot turned out to be the quickest and easiest to install of all the cots I’ve tested.
It is lightweight and we have used it many times with our family. Although few babies enjoy bedtime, my son has no problems sleeping in the BabyBjörn crib. On a trip with my baby and I, I hooked the short suitcase straps around the retractable car of a large checked suitcase and steered my stroller with my other hand to get from the car to check-in for our flight.
The big disadvantage is that the crib folded in its case is as compact as the other options, it is a wide and flat briefcase type bag and it does have a shoulder strap. Its geometry meant that if I put it in the trunk of my Mini Cooper, anything else would fit. Instead, he moved in front of the passenger seat. That said, the bag is very sturdy and I had no problems reviewing it. The bag and stand have survived many trips across the country as checked luggage.
Impressively, the BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light includes a 10-year warranty against any manufacturing or material defects. The crib’s fabrics also carry the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification, which ensures it was independently tested for problematic substances sometimes found in textiles.
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Crib Weight: 12. 5 lbs | Child Capacity Limit: Up to 35 inches tall | Folded Dimensions: 24 x nine x 22 inches | Unfolded Dimensions: 43 x 29 x 25 inches
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For less than $200, the Chicco Alfa Lite is a sturdy cot with many of the same features as its best-loved competitors. I found setup to be simple and takes only a few seconds longer than the Guava Lotus. At 12. 5 pounds, it’s the lightest. crib that I have tried.
The side zipper on the Chicco Alfa makes for easier setup.
It has a side zipper like the Guava that provides a quick way to get your child in and out (and makes setting up easier), and the zipper can be closed with a clip. The slots on the back of the crib are a smart size, allowing me to pull out the strap that connects the bed to the frame from the outside, unlike other cribs that require you to reach your arms from the top of the crib to the floor to secure the bed safely.
I have two small quibbles with this crib. First, I found the buttons that release the legs a bit tricky to get the hang of at first. Second, the case has a zipper—which I prefer over a drawstring for checking your crib—but which leaves a gap that in theory debris could get into. However, I do like that all the fabric from both the mattress and the frame can be removed and machine washed.
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Crib Weight: 20 lbs | Child limit: 20 lbs (basket); up to 35 inches tall (crib) | Folded Dimensions: 11 x 10 x 28. 5 inches | Unfolded dimensions: 40. 5 x 26 x 28. 5 inches
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Some parents don’t like their newborn to sleep completely in a floor-supported crib (even if it is perfectly safe for the baby), however, there are many features on the market with detachable cribs. This option could be easier on caregivers’ backs and also provides a clever position for repositioning diapers. I have tried several cribs with this option and the Uppababy Remi Playard is my favorite for several reasons.
The Uppababy Remi was my favorite travel crib I tested with a detachable bassinet for newborns.
I like that this crib is Greenguard Gold certified, which means it has passed third-party testing to ensure there are fewer scary chemicals. It also comes with its own bio-bed cover. The bassinet is capped at 20 pounds, while much of the festival is capped at 15 pounds, though you should move your baby to the giant bassinet as soon as he starts to raise his elbows. When your baby comes out of the crib, you will be able to access it from the main crib via a side zipper and will continue to sleep on the floor. My little son seemed to enjoy getting in and out of this crib, and the giant side opening allowed me to tuck him over his side and read him stories before putting him in it.
Setting up the Uppababy Remi Playard was pretty simple. Despite having six fixing problems between the bed and the frame, the installation was quick and easy. The straps that hold the bed are rigid, so it is easy to insert them into their slots. The frame unfolds with a central downward push. Finally, there are plenty of optional accessories, including a blackout canopy, converting station, and diaper organizer. Although I haven’t tried them, I can see how each one could be great to have, especially if you have this crib at home for visiting relatives.
The major trade-off with this crib is that at 20 pounds, it’s the heaviest of the winners. Although I like the duffle-style storage bag (it has convenient pockets and zips completely closed), you won’t want to carry it very far.
I’m expecting twins lately and plan to have the extra Remi when my little ones arrive.
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Crib Weight: 17 lbs | Child limit: 15 pounds (basket); up to 35 inches tall (crib) | Folded Dimensions: 35 x 12. 5 x 11 inches | Unfolded Dimensions: 51 x 34. 5 x 28. 5 inches
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If more space is more important to your child than lightness or compactness, this Newton crib offers more space for sleeping. The bed is thick and soft, and the more responsive frame is heavier than most of the competition. All of this fabric can be removed and washed from the device. You can also purchase a crib accessory ($100) to charge in the newborn’s sleep play area; Supports toddlers up to 15 pounds. Standard crib sheets are not compatible with this larger-than-average bed, so I propose purchasing a set of Newton-compatible sheets, which are mostly cotton and have polyester piping and sides.
The Newton Travel Crib and Play Yard offers ample padding, all of which can be removed and machine … [+] washed.
Although the setup wasn’t particularly hard, I found the breakdown with the Newton crib a struggle. The steps must be done in a certain order (legs first, then short side, then long sides). It was difficult for me to push the buttons on the top frame at the same time, particularly on the long sides. I’m also not the biggest fan of rolling the mattress around the frame because the Velcro-like fabric that helps to hold the mattress to the frame is pretty scratchy. I do like that it has built-in fasteners to keep the roll tight, and it’s pretty easy to get back into its case.
The Newton Travel Crib and Play Yard offers a 2-year warranty and a 100-day sleep trial on the latest model. It’s also Greenguard Gold certified.
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Crib weight: 17. 6 | Child capacity limit: 33 | Folded dimensions: 26. 2 x 7. 5 x 7. 5 inches | Unfolded dimensions: 39. 4 x 27. 6 x 25. 6 inches
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This travel crib from Pamo Baby not only folds into the smallest package for travel, but it’s also the least expensive option on our list. I first used this travel crib at an out-of-town wedding when my son was just under 2 years old and was generally impressed with it.
This crib doesn’t have the most intuitive setup (the crib’s joint and center of the floor should be raised to lock the side rails), but once I figured out the control, it’s one of the quickest cribs to unpack and install. It has a small look to store extra pacifiers or wipes and doesn’t have a crib attachment, its design helps keep baby a few inches off the ground. The bed turns out thinner than others I’ve tried, but my son took a nap and slept in it all night without any problems.
This Pamo Babe crib offers a fairly spacious interior but still folds into the smallest set of all the cribs tested.
I tried two Pamo Babe cribs and one complaint I have with the logo is that some illustrations in the two manuals did not correspond to the product I had in my hand. However, the differences weren’t so wonderful that I didn’t know how to install them. the crib
The interior of the crib is quite spacious, but still fits what I would call a popular crib sheet (the same type as BabyBjörn’s). It has a full zipper case that’s even smaller than the Guava Lotus, and While I haven’t flown with it yet, it’s likely to get reviewed or put in the overhead bin of most airplanes.
Nuna Paal (Rating: 8): A strong contender for the most productive crib for babies, this crib lost out to the Uppabathrough Remi by a hair because it takes several minutes longer to set up and because the weight limit of the crib accessory is slightly higher. low. However, it is a great crib option available in four separate colors.
Pamo Babe Mini Crib (Rating: 7): Another affordable and compact option from Pamo Babe, this crib was pretty easy to set up and take down and comes with a bassinet attachment. However, the side zip opening is quite small, and the overall quality seemed a notch lower than the Chicco Alfa Lite. Although the folded crib would probably fit in an overhead bin, I don’t love that the bag only has a drawstring closure, which made me feel less confident about checking it.
Silver Cross Sleep And Go Travel Crib (Rating: 5): This Silver Cross crib is by far the most frustrating to set up, even after several attempts. To attach the bed to the frame, you must pass small loops through the base and then hook them to the frame. Not only did it hurt my fingers, but the little curls kept falling out of the slots in the sheet.
Bugaboo Stardust (Rating: 7): This crib required the most work to get it set up out of the box. For the initial setup, you need to attach anti-tip feet yourself, then there are eight attachment points to thread through and secure the mattress to the frame. Once assembled the mattress stays connected and folds up inside the crib to fit back into the case. Plus, Bugaboo’s crib sheet doesn’t have slots that need to be threaded through the mattress straps. In theory, one could put a clean sheet on the mattress and unfold it all together at your destination. But what ultimately prevented this crib from being a useful travel crib is that its folded shape is very flat and very wide with one short handle (no shoulder strap), making it not all that great to take on a flight.
Chicco Dash (Rating: 7): At 29 pounds, this was by far the heaviest crib I tested, and it’s really not suitable for travel. I also found attaching the mattress to the frame was more difficult than many of the other cribs I tested. It’s sturdy and has a nice bassinet attachment, but it’s really more of a pack and play with a set of wheels to help you move it around the room.
Before beginning testing, I dove into the perception of the crib market. I talked to other parents about their reports with other cribs, read the regulations governing cribs and regular cribs to see how those products are different, and also evaluated reviews of popular cribs in primary stores and thought about what products are sold at through highly trusted bathroom appliance brands.
I’ve eliminated all “portable” cribs that weigh more than 20 pounds (except for the Chicco Dash), as they’re too heavy to take on a trip but can serve at home as a backpack and play bag.
I have personally assembled, assembled and disassembled each of the beds tested.
Once making my list of contenders, here’s how I tested them:
When looking for the best travel bed for your family and your lifestyle, you should ask yourself if portability is more important than weight-increasing features like a bassinet or a larger size. Also vital is how you will travel, as well as the weight and height limits of the crib. Here are my tips for balancing those actions.
Perhaps the most important thing when purchasing a travel crib is the length of your child and the maximum productive estimate of its length when you plan to travel. All travel cots have a recommended weight and/or height limit, which helps ensure your child’s safety when using the cot.
This is especially vital when it comes to cribs, which are only safe for toddlers up to 15 pounds, a weight that many toddlers reach between four and six months, although some reach it sooner.
Floor bassinets, such as BabyBjörn, Guava Lotus, and Chicco Alfa Lite, have no weight limit. Instead, you should move the crib when your child reaches the height limit or can climb on his or her own, which poses a safety risk in the event of a fall.
All of our most sensible picks weigh 20 pounds or less, and the lightest weigh less than thirteen pounds. A lighter crib makes traveling much easier, especially if you have to carry it on public transportation, but that means fewer features.
Also noteworthy is the length and shape of the folded crib. “Make sure it can have compatibility in the car or can be checked on a plane, so we can take it with us,” Bossio says. Some cribs fold flat suitcase, which I found to be harder to move around than a more compact rectangle. Finally, the design of the holster itself makes a big difference: longer straps that can go over the shoulder are more comfortable for car travel any distance than short handles.
When looking for the most productive cribs, I prioritized ease and speed of installation. During my testing, I found that the installation difficulty varies greatly. This includes attaching the bed to the frame and using a crib sheet if desired.
Likewise, a smart bed deserves to be easy to disassemble and store in your bag: that’s the last thing you have to struggle with when it comes to catching a plane or loading the kids into the car.
“Test it out at home before you travel to make sure that you know how to assemble it quickly,” says Bossio. “Thinking about the stress of a travel day with a baby or a toddler, the last thing we want to worry about is spending 30 minutes on trying to get a crib assembled when we just want to get them down for a nap or we just need to put them in bed after a really long flight.”
I was able to set up all of the winning cribs on our list in less than five minutes, adding the placement of a sheet.
If you are traveling with a baby, you may need a travel cot with a bassinet. These closures usually have a zipper and usually use the same bed as the main crib (sometimes with a separate panel). A crib means less bending for caregivers and allows newborns to sleep on the floor in their smallest sleeping space. It can also serve as a safer converting station in a pinch.
It’s important to respect a crib’s age and weight limit, says Dr. Kelly. Mary Thomas, a pediatrician at NuHeights Pediatrics in New Jersey. Beyond the newborn stage, when toddlers start to sit up, people don’t realize it’s necessary. “”It’s very unlikely that you’ll use a crib once your baby is five or six months old,” she says.
“I just would caution people, unless they have a lot of extra money, against buying the ones that are specifically only bassinets because two months goes so fast, you’re going to grow out of that so quick,” she says. Instead, she recommends looking for a crib that has both a bassinet and a larger space below that’s safe for bigger babies (like several of the options on this list).
Other features or add-ons include side zippers, canopies that create a dark area around the crib, and the side wallet for storing supplies.
Although many manufacturers say a sheet is optional—and make mattress covers that are removable and washable—many parents prefer the comfort and cleanliness of an additional sheet. “The special sheets made for travel cribs might seem like an unnecessary expense at first, but in my experience, they’re absolutely worth it,” says Schulze.
Travel crib sheets often have slots that allow you to thread the bed straps through them, helping to keep the sheet in position and the bed secure. “It’s probably a small feature,” says Schulze. “But it provides peace of mind knowing there is no loose tissue that could pose a threat to your baby’s protection. “
Look for a travel crib sheet compatible with your express style (often made by the same manufacturer) to make sure it’s compatible properly. “I proposed just measuring the surface area of the bed and then making sure the sheet is the same size,” says Lisa Trofe, executive director of the Youth Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). Sheets that are too large pose a choking hazard, but Trofe also warns that sheets that are too small are also a problem, although the bed can be fastened: “This can pull the bed a little bit, even if it is attached to the frame and this can create gaps around the edge of the bed and the side wall of the product.
While all the same safe sleep guidelines that should be practiced at home apply while traveling (1-year-olds and younger should sleep on a firm, flat surface on their backs with no loose bedding), there are few additional things to keep in mind. Travel cribs must meet stringent federal safety standards, but it’s important to read all of the manufacturer’s instructions and not skip any steps. “Following the manufacturer’s instructions for assembly and then for use every time is very important,” says Trofe. Be mindful that travel cribs often have a lower weight or height limit than full-size cribs, so keep an eye on that as your child grows.
“Be sure to set it up with a flat sleeping surface, fitted sheets, and no extra padding for added security,” says Schulze. Trofe and Bossio proposed checking that either one or both are safe and working well once you install it, before putting the baby in it. This ensures that nothing was broken in transit. “Therefore, checking the connectors, checking that one and both are tight and ensuring that the bed is in the correct position for the child’s age are vital points that should not be forgotten either at one time or at the time of the product . is used,” explains Trofe.
Also, don’t skip the step of attaching the bed to the frame. “This mechanism, whether it’s straps, clips, or Velcro, is designed to hold the bed in place,” he explains. “Without this connection, the bed can create spaces along the edges of the crib where the baby’s little hands, feet, or even head can get trapped. “
Finally, Trofe notes that if your crib needs replacement parts, the most productive thing to do is to source them directly from the original manufacturer, to ensure that the crib continues to function safely.
As the baby and kids gear editor at Forbes Vetted, I’m deeply immersed in the world of baby gear. I’ve been a journalist for over 15 years and have spent the majority of my time covering health and science topics. As a professional product reviewer, I’ve tested a wide range of products, from baby diapers to strollers.
I’ve also spent a lot of time traveling and I’m a packing professional. I have traveled all over Europe, Asia, North and South America and look forward to sharing my love of adventure with my children. My oldest son is 3 years old lately and I’m also expecting twins this spring.
As part of my research for this story, I interviewed several crib experts, including:
There is no single definition that distinguishes cribs from backpacks and sets, and many other people use those terms interchangeably. For the purposes of this article, I have explained beds as lightweight and oriented products.
In my opinion, a pack and play (or playpen) is anything bigger and heavier. It’s anything you can keep at home, in the living room, as an additional position for your baby to sleep or play. It would be great to fold and store the car, but there would be no need to fly with it.
Please note that the term “Pack ‘N Play” is a registered trademark owned by Graco.
That depends on how much you plan to travel with your baby and where you plan to go. Personally, I’ve found bringing my own travel crib eliminates any worry about where my child will sleep on a trip—I can avoid worrying that the spare crib at a family member’s house is recalled or doesn’t meet current safety standards. They are also useful as a backup or second crib at home, especially if you often host visitors with young children.
I recommend checking for other features before packing your crib. Many hotels offer cribs (sometimes for an additional fee), as do some Airbnbs or other rental properties. However, in my experience, some hotels do not guarantee that you will actually have a crib when you arrive.
Another wonderful option is to look for rental facilities like BabyQuip at your destination, especially if you’re going to a big city. These facilities can provide you with all kinds of amenities to make your stay easier. If you hire or rely on a hotel cot, Bossio advises you to check that the cot is sturdy and functional before putting the baby in it, adding a little weight on the bed to make sure it sits well. supported.
I think the Guava Lotus Travel Crib is the easiest travel crib to pack when you’re flying. Its backpack-style carrying case, lighter weight and compact fold mean you can even carry it straight onto the plane in many cases. I generally prefer to check travel cribs as it’s one less thing to lug through the airport, especially when traveling without my partner.
Any of the travel cribs on this list that sit on the floor make great travel cribs for toddlers, because they tend to allow for higher weight limits given the support of the floor. Instead, toddlers outgrow these when they start wanting to climb out of them in an unsafe way. These floor-supported models include the Guava Lotus, the BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light, Chicco Alfa Lite and the Newton Travel Crib and Play Yard. My toddler also slept comfortably in the Uppababy Remi, however, which is also raised off the floor a bit but is roomy. The Newton also offers more space for a larger child to stretch out in and may make for an ideal toddler travel crib, but my toddler also liked the Guava Lotus and the BabyBjörn during travel.
Bossio recommends “recreating the sleep environment that we already have established at home.” That could include making sure the room is dark, using white noise and dressing your baby in a familiar sleep sack or swaddle. For older toddlers, a favorite stuffed animal or blanket may help, too.
She also suggests following normal nap and bedtime regimens as much as possible when traveling. “Babies and toddlers really thrive on the regimen and when they know that it is a familiar step and that it is the next step forward, they can adapt more easily to a new location, crib or sleeping environment,” she says.
I’ve updated this story to post more personal test notes and answer some questions about travel cots.
I’ve updated this story to post more private test notes and answer some questions about travel cribs.