crib travel cot

Best Travel Cribs

The best travel cribs are super portable to make your job as carrier-of-all-the-stuff a tad easier., by jen labracio, cpst.

Traveling with babies and kids can be so rewarding, but there’s one thing you need when you get going: gear. To make things easier, you may want to have a travel stroller (or maybe your usual travel system will work just fine) and a travel car seat , but no matter how lightly you want to pack, your little one will need a safe place to rest. The best travel cribs are super portable to make your job as the baby gear schlepper a tad easier.

Babylist’s Top Picks for the Best Travel Cribs

• Best Lightweight: Babybjörn Travel Crib Light
• Best Affordable Lightweight: Chicco Alfa Lite Lightweight Travel Playard
• Best for Flying: Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib & Play Yard
• Best Affordable: Graco Pack ‘n Play Portable Playard
• Best for Toddlers: Newton Baby Travel Crib and Play Yard
• Most Versatile: UPPAbaby REMI Travel Crib & Playard
• Most Portable: Aeromoov Instant Travel Cot
• Best for Small Spaces: Bugaboo Stardust Playard
• Best for Car Travel: Maxi-Cosi Swift Playard

In This Article

How we chose the best travel cribs.

• Our Top Picks

What Is a Travel Crib?

Do you need a travel crib, what to look for in a travel crib, babylist’s picks for the best travel cribs, best lightweight travel crib.

Babybjörn Travel Crib & Organic Sheet Bundle - Dark Green

Why we love it.

Weighing in at just 13 pounds, the Babybjörn Travel Crib is one of the lightest travel cribs on the market, making it especially ideal if you’re a family who’s routinely on the go. Top features include an incredibly easy setup (it unfolds and breaks down in one motion, and there are no loose parts to worry about), breathable mesh sides and a firm but ultra-comfy mattress that parents rave about. The mattress and the fabric frame are both machine washable, so it’s easy to clean. And when the crib is folded in its carrying case, it will fit within any airline baggage compartment. Wheels up, with baby in tow!

Keep in Mind

You’ll want to stop using this travel crib around three years old or until your little one is able to climb out of it. But unlike many other travel cribs, there’s no weight limit for the Babybjörn, since the crib’s mattress rests on ground. This means you’ll get more time out of this travel crib than most.

What Babylist Parents Say

“Very happy with this travel crib – lightweight, packable, set up is incredibly easy, and it’s simple to disassemble for cleaning. The thing that set this crib apart for other similar travel-appropriate pack-and-plays for us was the thicker mattress – our 9 month old slept just as well in this travel crib as she does at home. Great product, we would highly recommend!” -BH

Additional Specs

Best Affordable Lightweight Travel Crib

Chicco Alfa Lite Lightweight Travel Playard - Dove

A lightweight travel crib is a sound investment if you’re a family who’s frequently on the go or if you plan on using it for multiple children, but many cost upwards of $300, especially after you add on accessories like sheets. Chicco’s Alfa Lite is a stellar lightweight travel crib but is about half the price of other similar options. And don’t worry—you won’t be sacrificing on features or quality. It weighs 13 pounds, is easy to open and close, folds down into a zippered carrying bag (with a large shoulder strap) and even has a zip-down side for easy access to your little one.

The Alfa Lite is Greenguard Gold Certified. Some parents mention that the mattress is on the thinner side.

“This travel playard is perfect. The design is sleek and the safely measures are advanced. The side opening zipper is buckled to the leg so no little hands can magically unzip themselves. The mattress pad also gets buckled in place. It took seconds to set up and take down. The travel playard makes your life so much easier while traveling and doesn’t take up much of any space in the car. 100/10 recommend buying!!!” -Sophia K.

Best Travel Crib for Flying

Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib & Play Yard

If you’ve ever traveled with kids, especially via plane, you know the value of having one less thing to tote around. Meet the Lotus: the travel-crib-turned-backpack that no traveling family should leave home without. This ultra-lightweight crib folds seamlessly into a compact, backpack-style carrying case, leaving your hands free to deal with the other 142 things they’ll be tasked with for attempting to leave the house with your littles in tow. (This feature comes in especially handy in airports.) We also love the unique zip-down “door” feature of the crib’s mesh side—it makes getting down on baby’s level for cuddles, feeding or play super easy, then quietly zips back up and locks into place.

Like the Babybjörn Travel Crib, the Guava’s mattress is flush to the ground, meaning there’s no weight limit usage recommendations here, either. Some parents report that the mattress is fairly thin, however.

“The Lotus crib is one of the best products we have. It is lightweight, folds and assembles in just a few snaps, and has mesh sides. The fabric comes completely off and is machine washable.” -Kristin

Best Affordable Travel Crib

Graco Pack 'n Play Portable Playard - Reign

If you’re looking for simple, sturdy travel crib that will stand the test of time but won’t break the bank, this Pack ‘n Play from Graco fits the bill. Although it’s basic, the features are anything but—there are a ton of things that you (and your little one) will love. We especially appreciate the sturdy frame, the roomy area for play and sleep and the push-button fold for quick and easy breakdown. And at around $70, this travel crib is perfect for using as an extra playard around the house and for keeping at the grandparents’ house or anywhere else you know you’ll be visiting on a regular basis.

You can’t attach any extras to this travel crib, like a bassinet or changing table. And some parents complain that the mattress is on the thin side, so that may be something to consider if you’re planning on using it for more than just the occasional weekend away. It’s also fairly heavy, so you won’t want to use it if you’re traveling by plane or anywhere else where you’ll need to carry it around frequently.

Best Travel Crib for Toddlers

Newton Baby Travel Crib and Play Yard - Grey (2023)

As your baby grows into a toddler , many parents still need the safety that the confines of a crib provide—especially while traveling. But what happens when your toddler is too big for their travel crib but too little for a bed? Enter the Newton. The mattress is about two times larger than most travel cribs, making it ideal for an older toddler who may be sized out of a smaller playard. It’s also 100 percent breathable and washable, made with the same Wovenaire technology used in the brand’s much-loved crib mattress. It’s flush to the ground, so there’s no weight limit, and it’s super comfy and GREENGAURD Gold Certified.

The playard weighs in at about 17 pounds, so while it’s not the lightest on the market, it’s still fairly easy to travel with and the weight is for a good cause. Assembly and breakdown are easy and the crib comes with a travel bag for easy storage. And it’s not just for the toddler years; there’s a bassinet insert for use from day one. Oh, and when you are ready to graduate your toddler from the travel crib, check out these great toddler travel beds .

Because of the Newton’s larger sleep space, it’s a bit bulkier than some of the other travel cribs on our list. The travel bag only has a handle, not a shoulder strap or backpack straps. And the crib is too large to store in the overhead compartment of an airplane

“I despise traditional pack n play style things. Newton’s playard is innovative and will definitely grow with a child from infancy through the preschool years! My 4.5 year old can still sleep in it comfortably with plenty of space. I really appreciate the thought that went into this product.” -Mona

Most Versatile Travel Crib

UPPAbaby REMI Travel Crib & Playard - Charlie

And speaking of multifunctional products, the Remi from UPPAbaby is the best choice if you’re looking for an all-in-one travel crib and playard to use both at home and when you’re on the go. There’s a ton of functionality built in to this smartly designed (and beautiful) playard. It’s Greenguard Gold Certified and includes a removable bassinet, a zip-down side panel, a triple layer air mesh mattress and a smooth, simple fold that takes one hand and only a few seconds. There are also lots of accessories to add on. A few of our favorites include the changing station , organizer and canopy .

The Remi is expensive, and even moreso when you start adding on accessories. It’s also fairly heavy, weighing in at about 20 pounds. This isn’t a big deal if you’re planning to use it mostly at home and for the occasional overnight trip, but if your family travels frequently and you need to bring along a place for your baby to sleep, it may not be your best option.

“Incredibly easy to set up. Our baby just started crawling and we don’t have a good play yard set up yet, so this was great to put him in a for the meantime. We purchased it instead of a Graco pack and play because of the zipper access and mattress quality. Love it!!!” -Rachel

Most Portable Travel Crib

Aeromoov Instant Travel Cot - White Sand

Pop-up tent meets travel crib in the Aeromoov. This 11-pound playard works just as well for a day at the beach or the park as it does for an overnight at grandma’s and is our top pick if you’re looking for one piece of gear you can use both indoors and out. The origami-style fold takes about two seconds (literally), and once it’s folded down, the whole thing slips into a bag and is less than five inches wide. It’s easy to stash for travel or throw over your shoulder and carry if you need to bring it along for an outdoor adventure. (There are also lots of useful accessories available like a sunshade and a mosquito net.) Another feature we love: there are two levels, one upper level bassinet-style for newborns up to about two months and a the main lower level for older babies and toddlers.

If you’re using the crib indoors and your little one moves around a lot, the fabric makes a “swishing” sound that’s a bit loud.

Best Travel Cribs for Small Spaces

Bugaboo Stardust Playard - Grey Melange

Simple, streamlined and seamless. The Bugaboo Stardust is one of the smaller travel crib + playards on our list, but it packs a big punch. Unlike most travel cribs that open from the center of the base and feature fold-out legs, the standout feature here is the accordion-style fold. It makes it quick and easy to open and close by either pushing or pulling each side. You can even fold the Stardust with the mattress still inside—a pretty big deal and a huge time-saving (and sanity-saving) feature.

The Stardust weighs about 14 pounds and has a compact design that’s ideal for spaces that can’t handle a giant playard, either at home or when you’re on the go. There’s also a bassinet attachment for younger babies, a really comfortable mattress and all-around mesh panels.

The maximum weight limit for the Stardust is similar to the other travel cribs on our list, but because of smaller size, your little one may outgrow it in height sooner than they would with other playards. It’s also on the pricier side.

“I’m a first time mom and it feels like I have tried all the baby products out there. We were in the market for a new pack n’ play so I recently purchased this for my 5.5 month old and it is a game changer when it comes to portability and ease. I’ve found other products like this are bulky and difficult to store, but the Stardust is slender, lightweight and unfolds in one second. (No exaggeration.) I would highly recommend this product for travel, sleeping or playtime - in fact, we’re looking forward to traveling with it over the holidays!” -AlexT

Best Travel Crib for Car Travel

Maxi-Cosi Swift Play Yard - Classic Graphite

Weighing in at just over 18 pounds, the Maxi-Cosi Swift is too heavy and bulky for regular air travel. But it’s also quite a bit lighter than many of the standard playards on the market, so we still wanted to consider it for our best-of list. That’s why think it’s an ideal choice if you’re a family who travels frequently by car. While you won’t want to lug it around on the regular, it’s easy enough to load and unload from any vehicle. And the setup and breakdown? It’s an actual dream, especially during travel when you have 14 other things to do after you set up your little one’s sleep space. Parents rave about how easy it is—it actually folds in one step using only one hand. Other pros to love include a super sturdy design, a comfortable mattress and a bassinet attachment that comes included at no extra cost.

As noted above, the Swift weighs about 18 pounds, so it’s not the lightest travel crib of the bunch, but isn’t the heaviest, either.

“We have tried a handful of play yards and the difficulty of putting them down and back up is what always frustrates us. The swift is truly like no other. It takes less than 5 seconds to set it up and less than five seconds to break it down. Not only is it so easy but it’s also so aesthetically pleasing!!” -Momof3

• We analyzed results from Babylist’s Best Baby Products survey, which polled 6,000 Babylist users and asked them to share the baby products they love the most and why.
• We utilized insight from the Babylist editorial team, including Gear Editor Jen LaBracio, an expert in the baby space for over six years and a mom of two who has written hundreds of baby gear guides and personally researched and tested hundreds of baby products, including many travel cribs.
• We reviewed customer reviews from hundreds of real Babylist parents.

A travel crib is a portable crib you can use for sleep or play when you’re away from home with your baby or toddler. While you can use most playards for the same purpose, travel cribs are specifically designed with travel in mind; they’re lighter, more compact and easier to set up and break down than your average playard. Travel cribs generally accommodate newborns to toddlers about three years old.

Whether or not you need a travel crib depends on how often you travel and where you’re heading on your next adventure.

Many hotels and even some rental homes may supply a travel crib. Using a baby gear rental company is an option, too. But if you’re staying somewhere that doesn’t supply a crib, you don’t want to rent or you simply prefer to be in control of what your baby sleeps in while you’re away, investing in a travel crib is probably a good idea.

Besides being a place to rest, travel cribs are also a safe place for your little one to play, especially when you’re away from your usual surroundings and potentially dealing with a non- babyproofed space. (We’re looking at you, sharp table corners and exposed electrical sockets.) You can even use some travel cribs as a napping spot on days spent at the beach or park.

Travel cribs can be expensive. A travel crib is also something you’ll use for years, especially if your family travels frequently. Think through these features before you buy.

• Weight. This is one of the most important features to look for in a travel crib. A lightweight travel crib is easier to lift and carry than a heavier option. To figure out if this is important to you or not, think through how often you’ll be traveling and which modes of transport you generally use. Do you travel infrequently and often by car? Plan to use your travel crib only for a trip to the grandparents’ once a year? Then your travel crib’s weight may not be hugely important to you. Are you planning several trips by plane where you’ll need to bring your travel crib along? Then the weight of the travel crib you choose should jump to the top of your priority list.
• Size and portability. Similar to weight, the size and overall portability of your travel crib are important features, but also dependent on how often you travel and how you get wherever you’re going. If you’re a frequent flyer, you’ll want a travel crib that’s not only lightweight but portable, too. Look for a compact crib and something that has either backpack straps or another easy way to carry it through someplace like an airport or train station. If not, however, a slightly larger travel crib or one that doesn’t come with built-in carry straps may be just fine.
• Longevity. How long you’ll be able to use your travel crib is a big factor to consider while shopping. One thing to consider is the crib’s design. Although not outwardly labeled this way, there are two basic types of travel cribs: cribs with raised mattresses and cribs where the mattress lies flush with the floor. Most travel cribs with raised mattresses have weight maximums. This means that if you have a larger, heavier child, they may exceed the travel crib’s weight long before you feel comfortable letting them sleep in a regular bed or even a toddler travel bed while you’re away from home. Travel cribs where the mattress sits directly on the floor, however, often do not have weight maximums. While your little one still may outgrow the crib by height, these types of travel cribs often can be used for a longer period of time.
• Ease of breakdown and setup. Travel with babies and toddlers is no easy feat. Look for a travel crib that sets up and breaks down quickly and easily so you can spend less time grappling with gear and more time enjoying your vacation.
• Materials and breathability. Look for a travel crib with a breathable mattress, breathable mesh sides and one that’s made from soft, comfortable materials. If it’s important to you, you may prefer a travel crib that’s GREENGUARD Gold Certified or uses organic materials. Removable and machine washable sides and covers are also nice-to-have features in case of a mess.
• Budget. Travel cribs can get pricey, especially if you want one that’s extremely lightweight and portable. Thinking through how often you’ll be traveling and what types of features will make the most sense to you can help you determine your budget.

Jen LaBracio,

Senior gear editor, cpst.

Jen LaBracio is Babylist’s Senior Gear Editor and a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST). When she’s not geeking out over car seats, testing out a new high chair or pushing the latest stroller model around her neighborhood, she likes to run, do all things Peloton, listen to podcasts, read and spend time at the beach. In her past life, she worked for over a decade in children’s publishing. She lives outside of Chicago with her husband and their two boys, Will and Ben.

traveller ™ 4-in-1 travel crib bassinet buy now!

traveller ™ (2021+) travel crib

Availability:

Available now, order today

• American Express
• Diners Club
• accessories
• instructions

A world’s first in the sleep world; traveller™ ain’t just a one trick pony, ‘cos it offers a completely new & unique 4-in-1 solution from newborn right up to toddler years – for use at home or away, indoors or outdoors; for sleep or play, every day!

This amazing 4-in-1 portacot can be used as a standalone newborn bassinet, a sleeping bed for toddler, as a cool playpen during the day; & now has the ability for you to have your newborn nestled right next to you safely – snug-to-bed, up close & personal!

Ridiculously light and globally certified, our portacot traveller™ can come & go as you please, future proofing all the sleeping arrangements for your kiddo for so many years – talk about next level when it comes to value for money! Perfectly suited to parents, grandparents and caregivers.

So whatcha waiting for? adapt&survive® with traveller™!

Product Code: TR_V5

There are many 3-in-1, 2-in-1,1-in-1 travel cot options out there... 😳 but none that offers it all in the one bundle! & ya wanna know why? 'Cos it's blimin hard to do, & even harder to get it globally certified! But here at phil&teds®, we're always up for a challenge and we're gonna give you 4 modes to help adapt&survive® all ages&stages! Plus, you can use it ANYWHERE & ANYTIME, INDOOR & OUTDOOR, DAY & NIGHT. Escape the nursery jail & enjoy a beach day, a camping trip or a simple snooze in the garden, with total peace of mind, knowing legs feature small holes to peg it to the ground – smart thinking!

up close & personal with ya new bub With the included bassinet fabric and safety straps, you can adapt traveller™ into a safe snug-to-bed option! With state-of-the-art rotating legs mounted on hinged corners for the bassinet to fit securely right next to ya bed, this allows you to have ya bub within reach, & visible at all times. In line with the latest safety requirements; sleeping in close proximity strengthens the emotional bond between you & bub, while making those nighttime feeds quick & easy, so everyone can get back to sleep faster.

keepin' ya new bub close - day & night Using the same bassinet fabric (but without the straps!), traveller™ is a fantastic independent cot for your newborn as well! & 'cos traveller™ is soooooooo uber light & portable, you can move it around your house to keep ya bub close while you go about your day. The mattress has the recommended firmness to reduce the risk of SUDI/SIDS & will support your bubba with comfort as they grow, while the lightweight mesh fabric is perfect for all climates allowing for ventilation & airflow.

sleep time made easy As your toddler becomes more independent, nap time can become a lil tricky – particularly when you’re travelling! By using the travel cot fabric set, the floor level bed, mesh sides and contained space, will make your kiddo feel like every night is camp night! & cos it’s so incredibly light, portable and easy to assemble, you can take it on holiday with you, offering a familiar & safe space to get the rest they need, wherever they are. Whether in the garden, in the living room, or in your home office, our travel cot traveller™ takes care of ya kiddo, everywhere! Give it a go!

playtime, anytime When ya kiddo needs a contained place to play, somewhere to store their toys, OR you just wanna satisfy your tot’s desire to build forts 😎. our portable traveller™ is ready to entertain! With its unique zip side, your kiddo can go in&out as they please and let their imagination run wild! traveller™ is a playmate for years to come, and who knows? Your child might get exhausted playing & fall asleep on the spot #winwin. The zippered side panel gives parents easier access, so if you have back problems & as your child gets heavier, this feature will make a huge difference in the long run, IYKYK!

traveller™ is by far the LIGHTEST all-in-1 travel cot! The bassinet modes are just 4kg / 8.5lbs & if you only need the toddler bed, then it’s just 3.5kg / 7.5lbs – heck, that makes traveller™ as light as the baby!!! Designed by outdoor enthusiasts, around a camping tent idea – it's gotta assemble & pack down easily, and fit in the narrowest spaces, to make traveller the ultimate travel companion! The self-inflatable mattress requires no pumps (or your lungs!), is thermally insulated so the cold ground never wakes your kiddo up, & it sits at floor level, meaning there's no weight limit – oh helloooooo longevity!

Setting up your traveller™ travel crib is easy! Find all the details you need here for how to set up and use!

adapt your traveller™ travel crib with these must-have accessories

Customer Reviews

As a parent who travels constantly with their children, we are moving from place to place and value their healthy sleep. Using the Phil & Ted Traveller, we have found the versatility through all the ages of our baby has been absolutely great. From a newborn next to us in a hotel room, to a toddler with an ear infection where I could unzip the side and lay with her, the options make it parent/baby friendly. I also do love how light it is, easily fits in a suitcase or stroller bag, and so simple to set up.

Hi Anna, it's great to hear the 4-in-1 feature of the phil&teds traveller has helped you through all stages from newborn to toddler. We think event with all the added features it's still pretty neat and compact and perfect for travel. PTx

Terrible assembly instructions, mattress cover had hole in stitching, only used it the first night so will reserve judgement on it overall for a bit yet

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• Trip Planning
• Tech & Gear

The 7 Best Travel Cribs of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Pass on the family tradition of wanderlust

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

Final Verdict

How we tested, other travel cribs we tested.

• What to Look For

Frequently Asked Questions

Why trust tripsavvy.

TripSavvy / Jhett Thompson

A secure and comfortable travel crib is an essential accessory for parents who want to travel with their little ones without restriction. Sleepovers with friends and family, local road trips, and even international adventures—the world is your oyster with the right travel crib. Some can be used as a permanent sleeping place for your baby or toddler, while others adapt throughout the first stages of their life from bassinet to cot or playpen. Things to consider include how long you want to use the crib, what you want it for (and, therefore, whether lightness or size is the greater priority), and how much you’re willing to spend. 

To help you find the travel crib best suited to your requirements, we tested 19 of the most popular options in the TripSavvy lab. Each one was scored for ease of setup, portability, quality, durability, ease of cleaning, and overall value.

Best Overall

Maxi-cosi swift play yard.

• Ease of Setup 4.8 /5
• Durability 5 /5
• Portability 4.5 /5
• Quality 5 /5

Attractive and well made

User friendly

Multi-stage extends usable life

On the heavy side

The Maxi-Cosi Swift was a clear winner for us due to its ingenious design that combines three baby essentials—bassinet, cot, and playpen—in one high-quality product. The mattress unzips to fit the newborn bassinet, then zips together again to create an extra thick, comfy mattress for the toddler cot and playpen. This versatility means you can use the travel crib day and night through all stages of your little one’s growth from birth up until approximately 3.5 years—saving you plenty of money in the long run. 

The manufacturer’s description claims that the crib takes one second to fold or unfold; however, our tester timed assembly at three minutes and disassembly at less than two. We did find it incredibly easy to set up, earning the crib a near-perfect score for this element of the testing process. At 15.4 pounds, it isn’t the lightest cot on this list and is probably not the most convenient choice for air travel. However, we love that its full size and sturdy construction mean it could double as your permanent crib. 

We also fell for its beautiful design and high-quality fabric—in fact, our tester called it the most stylish pack-n-play they’d ever seen. We felt it was durable and likely to last a long time, with a convenient carry bag that makes it ideal for taking with you on your next road trip or staying at Grandma’s house.

Dimensions: 41.7 x 33.9 x 29.9 inches | Weight: 15.4 pounds | Maximum Weight Recommendation: 33 pounds

Best Budget

Munchkin travel bassinet.

• Ease of Setup 5 /5
• Durability 4.5 /5
• Quality 4.5 /5

Low-maintenance care

Easy to pack

Allows plenty of ventilation

Relatively limited window of utility

Available online for a fraction of the price of our overall winner, the Munchkin Brica Fold N’ Go Travel Bassinet is the perfect fit for those on a budget. It’s also a very different product, intended for occasional use only during the newborn stage. Munchkin recommends stopping using the bassinet when your baby reaches three months, 15 pounds, or can push up on their hands and knees—whichever comes first. Nevertheless, we found it almost unbelievably easy to set up, with assembly taking one minute and disassembly taking less than 30 seconds. 

With side walls constructed of breathable fabric and mesh panels for maximum airflow, the bassinet is also incredibly lightweight (less than 3 pounds). Its tubular steel frame is held in place by a four-point Safe-T-Lock system but folds flat for effortless transport. We felt it would be ideal for air travel—although we wished it came with a carry bag to help keep it clean. We thought it was relatively sturdy and easy to spot-clean, though the removable mattress pad comes with a machine-washable sheet.

Dimensions: 30 x 21.25 x 11.75 inches | Weight: Under 3 pounds | Maximum Weight Recommendation: 15 pounds

KidCo Peapod Travel Bed

• Durability 4 /5
• Portability 5 /5

Fast, auto-setup

Suitable for 6 months to 3 years

Solid defense against the elements

Material feels a bit thin

If you’re looking to spend under $100 on a product that still guarantees good quality and an extended lifespan, we recommend the KidCo PeaPod Travel Bed. It weighs less than 3 pounds and is incredibly lightweight and easy to carry using convenient shoulder straps. Once opened, the tent-like travel bed pops up on its own. We found that, including the time taken to attach the removable sleeping pad, it took less than two minutes to assemble and disassemble, and we felt that it would also be a great fit for outdoor uses such as baby's first camping trip and the beach. 

The tent crib features a large zippered panel for easy access and walls made of lightweight mesh. These are great for maximum airflow and also double as an insect screen. The material is coated for UV protection, while anchor straps help to secure the tent against breezes (or active occupants!). We felt it would hold up well to the toddler years and be easy to spot-clean when necessary. Choose yours in colors ranging from Midnight to Cranberry or Tangerine.

Dimensions: 46 x 18 x 28 inches | Weight: 2.45 pounds | Maximum Weight Recommendation: 3 years

Best for Playtime

Chicco alfa lite lightweight travel playard.

• Value 4.5 /5

Quick, straightforward setup

Smart features

The mattress could be a bit thicker

For a travel crib that doubles as an on-the-go play yard, we love the Chicco Alfa Lite. It assembles in just three minutes with a snap-open motion that locks the legs in place and takes less than a minute to disassemble. We found both steps so intuitive that the instructions were unnecessary. The zip-open side panel was a particular highlight for us, allowing the gentle placement of younger babies and the freedom to come and go for older children. Best of all, the zipper is lockable from the outside to prevent wandering at night. 

The full-size mattress creates ample space for playtime and is made extra secure by buckling underneath the cot to eliminate any risk of suffocation. If you need to move the cot around, we found it easy to do so with side handles that provide a good grip. Both the materials and the structure felt solid, and the crib survived our drop test undamaged. When folded back down into its zippered carry bag, we found it pretty light, too. Finally, the GREENGUARD Gold Certified materials are removable for machine washing.

Dimensions: 43 x 29 x 25 inches | Weight: 13 pounds | Maximum Weight Recommendation: 30 pounds

Best 2-in-1

Baby joy travel crib 2-in-1 playpen.

• Portability 4 /5

Smart design with age-appropriate features

Easy care instructions

Not particularly easy to carry

Those searching for a travel crib that can act as a generously sized play area will appreciate the Baby Joy Travel Crib 2-in-1 Playpen. We timed setup and takedown at approximately three minutes each, with most of that time used to attach the mattress’s Velcro straps. The actual cot is incredibly easy to unfold and lock into place. It’s designed for babies from birth to 3 years, with breathable mesh walls offering excellent visibility from across the room. A zippered side door provides easy access for crawling and toddling children. 

We particularly liked how stable this crib is. With aluminum tubes reinforcing each corner, it felt rock solid even when we dropped a 25-pound sandbag into it and threw it around. We found it hard to tip over, even for an adult. Materials are high quality, while the mattress cover and crib fabrics can all be removed and washed as needed. The only downside was that the crib lacked portability. We felt an over-the-shoulder strap would have been more useful than the short carry handles included and that it was too wide for convenient air travel. 

Dimensions: 45.5 x 31 x 27 inches | Weight: 11 pounds | Maximum Weight Recommendation: 33 pounds

Best Splurge

Uppababy remi portable playard.

Doubles as a main crib

Stood up to durability tests perfectly

Plenty of "keep cool" design details

The heaviest option on this list

The UPPABaby Remi Portable Playard retails for roughly seven times the price of our budget pick; however, its excellent quality and intuitive design make it a worthwhile investment for frequent travelers or those who plan to use it as a primary sleeping space. It’s intended for babies up to 18 months old and comes with a zip-on bassinet attachment that allows easy bedside access to your newborn. Setting up the crib frame takes a matter of seconds and can be completed with one hand. 

We did find that figuring out the bassinet attachment took us several minutes—however, once learned, this process would be much shorter. The crib also features a zip-open panel for easy access, mesh walls for clear views and optimum ventilation, and a triple-layer mesh mattress for ultimate breathability. We found it very sturdy even when moved around and subjected to our sandbag tests. The quality of the materials is top-notch. It is relatively heavy (20 pounds)—however, a good quality carry bag with handles on the top and bottom makes transportation easy.

Dimensions: 40.5 x 28.5 x 26 inches | Weight: 20 pounds | Maximum Weight Recommendation: 20 pounds

Best Bassinet

Chicco lullago anywhere portable bassinet.

Transports like a dream, open or closed

Easy to maintain

A relatively short window for use

We love the Chicco LullaGo Anywhere Portable Bassinet for its high-quality design, which stood up well to our durability tests. It features a firm, flat sleep surface with mesh side panels for maximum visibility and ventilation, with metal legs that snap into place and a convenient shade canopy. It took us less than a minute to set it up and the same amount of time to fold it flat and fit it into its low-profile carry bag. At just 12 pounds, it’s wonderfully light—so much so that you can easily move it from one area of the house to another to keep an eye on baby during naptime.

Other thoughtful features include a mesh storage pocket for keeping essentials handy and a waterproof mattress with a fitted sheet. Best of all (during a stage when accidents happen often), all fabrics zip off for machine washing. For added peace of mind, the bassinet is GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means it’s been independently tested for low chemical emissions to ensure your little one is breathing the cleanest air possible.

Dimensions: 30 x 28 x 18 inches | Weight: 12 pounds | Maximum Weight Recommendation: 20 pounds

With an impressive 4.86 out of 5 average rating, the Maxi-Cosi Swift Play Yard came in as our top pick. It features a three-in-one concept that takes your child just about anywhere from birth through approximately 3.5 years of age, and it comes with a carrying bag. Another excellent choice is the Munchkin Brica Travel Bassinet , which prioritizes value for money and ultralight portability.

First, we timed how long it took to assemble the crib and evaluated how easy the setup process was. Where relevant, we checked how simple it was to adjust it to its different stages (from bassinet to cot, for example). We assessed whether the mattress would fit a standard crib sheet or required a special size; then, we moved the crib across the room while fully assembled to see how easy it was to do so and whether all the parts remained securely in place. We also examined each feature and shook the frame to determine its sturdiness. 

Next, we placed a sandbag in the crib to replicate a baby or toddler (depending on the weight the product was certified for). We checked how the added weight affected the crib’s stability, then dropped the sandbag from 6 inches to simulate a toddler jumping up and down. Finally, we timed how long it took to disassemble the travel cot. Once packed away, we tested how easy it was to carry the crib before dropping it from waist height to test its durability further.

Each product was scored from 1 to 5 for ease of setup, portability, quality, durability, ease of cleaning, and value.

Chicco Dash Instant Setup Playard : This was a solid crib with high-quality materials—however, we found it so difficult to attach the mattress's Velcro straps that we gave up, and it's too bulky and heavy for easy travel. 

Graco My View Travel Crib With Stages : Compact and well-made, we liked that this crib was quick to assemble. It lost points due to its relatively small size, and the bassinet section doesn't fit in the carry bag.

Pamo Babe Deluxe Portable Nursery Center : This crib initially impressed us by offering a bassinet mode, a travel crib/play yard mode, and a changing table. However, it started to collapse during testing, which made us question its security. 

4moms Breeze GO Playard : We assembled this crib without instructions and liked its sturdiness and simple mattress design. However, we felt the price was high for relatively few bells and whistles. 

Dream On Me Nest Portable Play Yard With Carry Bag And Shoulder Strap : Although four separate testers tried, we could not successfully assemble this crib, which we found to be frustrating and useless. 

What to Look For in a Travel Crib

Weight and dimensions.

Travel cribs generally come in two styles. "Full-size" cribs that last through to the toddler years often double as a play yard, and smaller bassinets are meant exclusively for newborns. When choosing which one to purchase, consider your needs and whether the extended lifespan of a larger crib might make the trade-off of it being a little less portable worth it. The best option for you depends on your child's needs and how you plan on traveling—cribs for air travel will need to be much lighter than those packed in the car. 

How much you can expect to pay for a travel crib depends on the style and brand you go for. For example, our category winners range in price from just under $50 to nearly seven times that much—but what you get for your money differs considerably, too (one’s a foldable bassinet, the other’s a bassinet, crib, and play yard that could be used permanently). When deciding how much to spend, consider what you can afford and the long-term savings of purchasing a product that can be used throughout your baby’s early life, from newborn to toddler. 

Other Features

Other features to look out for range from the bassinet and changing table attachments to zippered side panels that provide easy access to the crib when you want it to double as a play yard. Any parent knows the value of baby equipment that’s easy to clean, so look for wipe-down surfaces and removable, machine-washable fabrics. Setup shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes, and if it’s possible to do it one-handed, so much the better. Finally, the best cribs fold down for easy over-the-shoulder or backpack-style carrying, keeping your hands free for everything else. 

You should always consult the manufacturer’s guidelines before cleaning your travel crib since best practices differ from one model to the next. However, most can be spot-cleaned with warm water and a soft cloth, while the best feature fabrics can be removed and machine-washed when necessary. Many come with waterproof mattresses that can also be wiped clean. If yours doesn’t, after-market mattress protectors are often available, although you should always consult an expert before adding anything to your baby’s sleeping environment.

Some travel cribs fold flat and are small enough to pack in your suitcase. Others are compact enough to count as carry-on luggage and can be stowed in an overhead compartment. Often, even if your travel crib is substantially bigger, you can take it as checked luggage. Many airlines allow you to take a travel crib as an additional piece of checked luggage for free. However, rules vary, so check specific airline regulations for flying with children before deciding whether to take your crib with you.

Some parents choose to invest in a pack-n-play-style travel crib as their child’s permanent sleeping place. Otherwise, having a travel crib as a backup is worth it if you travel regularly and don’t want the hassle of always having to check whether your hotel or vacation rental can provide a cot (or if you simply want the peace of mind of knowing the cot’s history and quality). Many parents also purchase one to keep at a place their child regularly sleeps—a grandparent or shared custodian’s house, for example, or even in another room of their own home.

While some travel cribs can double as a pack-n-play, the main difference is that travel cribs are typically lighter and more compact when stored to facilitate portability when you most need it, such as embarking on your infant's first flight . Pack-n-plays are generally portable, just not to the same extent as these specialized models.

Jessica Macdonald is TripSavvy’s Africa travel expert and a regular contributor to family travel articles. A mom of two who’s always up for the next adventure (from road-tripping around South Africa’s national parks with an 18-month-old to hiking up Scottish mountains with a 6-week-old), she has traveled extensively with her kids and personally tested many different brands of travel cribs.

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Best travel cribs.

When you're ready to travel with your baby, whether for an overnight jaunt or a weeklong vacation, a portable travel crib can really come in handy. We surveyed more than 3,000 Pampers Parents to find out which travel cribs were their favorites. Find out which products made the list.

8 Best Travel Cribs

There are many options to choose from when it comes to travel cribs. Here are the portable cribs that Pampers Parents voted as the best:

1. Graco Travel Lite Crib

Why pick this one? The Graco Travel Lite Crib is the number one choice among Pampers Parents, and for good reason. This travel crib converts to accommodate three different stages, growing along with your little one. You can use it as a bassinet for your newborn, as a crib for your infant, and finally as a play yard for your young toddler. The travel crib is lightweight, coming in at under 20 pounds, making it easy to take with you for travel, play dates, or family visits. Simply fold it into the carrying bag when it’s time to head out. Once assembled, it’s easy to wheel from room to room. You might also appreciate that when used as a play yard, the Graco Travel Lite Crib is 20 percent smaller than most other play yards on the market, making it ideal for small spaces such as apartments. The travel crib's airy mesh sides ensure plenty of ventilation for your baby’s safety and comfort. No part of the travel crib is machine-washable, but the mattress pad and the crib itself can be wiped down with a damp cloth.

Highlights: Included is a canopy with removable plush toys that your baby will enjoy looking up at before he snoozes. The travel crib is available in three different designs: Manor, Montana, and Ramley.

Price*: about $119.99 on Amazon.com

Pampers Parents pros and cons:

2. HALO 3-in-1 DreamNest Bassinet, Portable Crib

Why pick this one? This 3-in-1 portable crib from Halo can convert into a rocking bassinet, travel crib, or cot, making it a versatile product. It’s designed with all-around breathable mesh fabric, which is great for your baby’s comfort, and makes it easy to see your baby from any angle. Since your baby lies directly on the taut mesh fabric, there’s no need for an additional mattress when using this travel crib, and this can be a huge benefit when you’re on the go and traveling light. However, some Pampers Parents noted that the mesh stretched with prolonged use, making the crib less stable when the baby moved around. To engage the rocker function when the crib is in use as a bassinet, simply step on the foot pedal. With the included cot legs, the crib can be converted into a toddler cot when the time comes. When not in use, the entire travel crib and all its accessories fold into the carrying bag for easy portability. A matching changing table can be purchased separately. The changing table clips onto the crib for more comfortable diaper changes.

Highlights: The mattress fabric is removable for machine-washing.

Price*: about $249.99 on Amazon.com

3. Lotus Travel Crib

Why pick this one? This travel crib may be one of the fastest to set up—you're done in just 15 seconds, Lotus claims. It’s also the second-lightest travel crib on our list, weighing only 12 pounds. The backpack-style carrying case allows you to keep your hands free when you're transporting it, a big advantage at airports, for example. The travel crib/play yard comes with a thin foam mattress, and has mesh panels to promote airflow. A zippered door on the side lets you easily reach your little one and allows him to crawl out for playtime. However, some Pampers Parents noted that the zipper is rather noisy, so you wouldn’t want to use it while your baby is sleeping.

Highlights: The travel crib is GreenGuard Gold certified, which means it was manufactured without the use of chemicals or substances such as formaldehyde, arsenic, or mercury.

Price*: about $209.00 on Amazon.com

4. Dream On Me 2-in-1 Portable Folding Stationary Side Crib

Why pick this one? Though this portable crib from Dream On Me is made from solid wood, it’s still light enough to transport and it folds up easily. The crib includes safety wheels with locking casters so you can easily move the crib from room to room, and lock it safely before placing your baby inside. Keep in mind, this won’t be the kind of crib that you can easily travel with, so its use is limited. The crib’s mattress support can be adjusted all the way down or halfway down. The manufacturer claims that in the upper position, the crib can be used as a changing station, which may be the case; however, for some parents it may be difficult reaching into the crib for a diaper change. Note that the mattress isn’t included, which is a definite downside, as it can be difficult to find the right size portable crib mattress .

Highlights: Available in five finishes: natural, cherry, espresso, black, and white. The crib is manufactured without the use of phthalates, latex, lead, and BPA.

Price*: about $114.99 on Amazon.com

5. Flisko 2-in-1 Travel Crib & Bassinet

Why pick this one? This travel crib functions as a bassinet as well as a crib, so you can get plenty of use out of it. It’s ideal for traveling with your infant or baby as it’s lightweight enough to carry with one hand when it’s folded in the carrying bag. It’s also easy to set up and disassemble in just minutes. The firm mattress offers comfortable support for your baby and can go in the bottom of the crib, or in the bottom of the bassinet depending on what configuration you’re using. The mesh fabric is easy to see through and there’s a zippered opening on the side of a play yard for when you want to let your little one crawl out.

Highlights: A fitted sheet for the mattress is also included so you don’t have to search for the right size.

Price*: about $94.95 on Amazon.com

6. BABYBJORN Travel Crib Light

Why pick this one? This travel crib is the lightest on our list and comes with a convenient carrying case. Setup is simple and disassembly isn’t that hard either. All it takes is some folding, and voila — next thing you know you’re sliding the crib into the carrying case. It also includes a mattress, which easily folds in half to fit into the carrying case as well. The travel crib features breathable, see-through mesh fabric, which is free of any toxic chemicals.

Highlights: It’s available in black, blue, or silver. Both the travel crib fabric and the mattress cover are machine-washable.

Price*: about $299.99 on Amazon.com

7. Baby Delight Go With Me Nod Deluxe Portable Crib & Playard

Why pick this one? This portable crib and play yard from Baby Delight gives you options for your little one: Use it as a portable crib when you’re on the go or use it as a play yard inside or outside your home. It folds up compactly for travel, and can be assembled easily when you’re ready. The crib is made of breathable, easy-to-see-through mesh so you can keep an eye on your little one. There’s even a zippered panel for when you’d like to let your little one crawl out of the play yard. The carrying case doubles as the mattress, which can be safely attached to the inside of the travel crib when it’s assembled. Some Pampers Parents noted that it was difficult to find sheets to fit the mattress.

Highlights: The cover is removable and machine-washable.

Price*: about $149.99 on Amazon.com

8. Delta Children Folding Portable Mini Baby Crib

Why pick this one? Whether you’re heading to Grandma’s house for an overnight stay, or just need a crib to fit a tight space, this portable crib from Delta is a good choice. The crib folds up easily and can be wheeled anywhere. This may come in handy if you’d like your baby to sleep in the same room as you and are tight on space. The crib comes with a mattress that can remain inside the crib even when it’s folded, limiting the amount of room taken up while it’s in storage. The mattress height is adjustable so you can lower it as your baby grows to prevent her from climbing out. The mattress is hypoallergenic and waterproof, and is made of nontoxic materials. However, it may difficult to find sheets for this particular size mattress.

Highlights: The crib is available in natural, cherry, and dark chocolate wood finishes, and in white or gray painted finishes. The crib is made of sustainable wood from New Zealand.

Price*: about $102.49 on Amazon.com

How to Choose the Right Portable Crib For You

A portable crib can be a lifesaver if you plan to travel with your baby or are tight on space at home and are looking for something smaller than a regular crib. Many of the cribs on our list also double as a portable bassinet and/or play yard, which means you can get extra use out of the product. To decide which is best for you, it helps to consider whether you just plan to move your portable crib from room to room, need the crib to fit the trunk of your car when it’s folded, or need it to be compact and lightweight enough to be stowed in an airplane overhead bin. These are the kinds of questions to ask yourself before making a purchase:

Can the crib be converted into a bassinet, cot, or play yard?

Does the crib or play yard have mesh sides?

Does the play yard have zippered sides for easy access?

Is a mattress included?

How easy is it to find a fitted sheet for the mattress?

Does the baby lie close to the floor or higher up for easier access?

Is the mattress height adjustable?

How easy is it to assemble and disassemble?

Does the product come with a carrying case?

Are the fabrics machine-washable?

Is the product lightweight enough?

How compactly does the portable crib fold?

Is the footprint of the crib large or small enough for your needs?

The Bottom Line

There are many different options when it comes to choosing a travel crib for your little one. You could go with the more traditional wooden crib that folds up for storage and may even fit into the trunk of your car. This style could work well as a crib you can move from room to room, or to set up at the grandparents’ home for overnight stays. Or, you may prefer a more compact portable crib that doubles as a play yard and folds so small that it’s even great for airplane travel. Whichever option you select from this list, you’ll be making a great choice. A travel crib can be an essential piece of baby gear that you can't live without.

Recall Notice

Before buying a product, always check that it’s approved and hasn’t been recalled on sites like the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). *Prices are correct at the time of writing.

• Healthy Children: How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained
• Consumer Reports: Crib Buying Guide
• Consumer Reports: Play Yard Buying Guide

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Phil and Teds Travel Crib Review (Why it’s the Best Travel Crib for Flights & Long-Haul Travel)

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The Phil and Teds Traveller travel crib is one of the lightest, most compact and most portable travel cribs on the market. Weighing in at only 6 Ibs, we had to wonder if the company sacrificed usability to keep the weight down. This review is based on 6 months of personally testing it – keep reading to find out what we think and how it performed during our own travel tests.

AT A GLANCE

The phil & teds Traveller crib is a super light and ultra portable travel cot suitable for babies. This compact pack n’ play is good from birth until kids are 35″ (890mm) tall, or around 2-years-old. It’s made from a lightweight aluminum frame, polyester and nylon sides, and a fitted polyester sheet. The sides are made from breathable mesh – great news for safety and comfort. The mattress has a unique self-inflating system, is thermally-insulated for comfort, and is “free from health-hazardous substances,” and the mattress sheet is made from oeko-tex certified polyester. The self-inflating mattress does wonders for the ease of use, and the included carry bag makes transporting it easy. The Traveller’s weight is one of its best features: just 6 pounds (2.8kg)! It measures measures 46″L x 31″W x 24.8H” when assembled. This is super practical for long-haul trips in particular. Learn More

Why Trust Us? What Went Into Our Review

When we decided we’d be doing a lot of international travel with our daughter, we knew we needed to get  a travel play pen . We put a lot of thought into the products we give to our daughter, because we want her to be as safe as possible. From her  crib mattress  and crib sheets to her  baby bathtub ,  bath toys , and the methods we use to clean them – we like to do the research and choose the best! We did the same when it came time to get a travel cot.

We’ve been using the Traveller travel crib for about 6 months now. During that time, we’ve used it in 5 different countries, taken it on 8 flights, 1 road trip, and used it as a crib in 3 Airbnbs and 2 hotels, as well as a play yard at our house.

One thing I love about having this crib is, even when we move locations, our baby still has a familiar bed to sleep in! This is extra helpful when we’re traveling with a sleep regression (or just dealing with a time change ).

This review of the phil & teds Traveller is based on our personal experiences. But other parents seem to agree it’s a great purchase!

we had the phil & teds travel crib and it was a LIFE SAVER for all our travels and late night shenanigans at our friends’ places. — Yashy Murphy (@YashYanthi) May 23, 2018

If you travel, invest in good, light gear. It will make you a happier person (often works for use at home too). Top of that list is Phil & Teds travel crib — Andrew (@asallen) April 5, 2019

Can recommend to try to get the build in crib at the bulkhead. Call early! For travel crib Phil&Teds Traveller is an excellent and lightweight option. — Philipp Lange (@Lange_Lab) June 12, 2018

The Bottom Line?

We love this travel cot, and recommend it for families traveling by airplane especially. It’s lightweight, compact, and pretty easy to use. Keep reading for a more detailed review or learn more on Amazon. Learn More

Introducing the Traveller Crib

Frame & fabric.

The Traveller has an aluminum frame that’s super light and easily collapsible. Setting up the frame is like setting up a tent – you have to start with the tent poles (although it takes much less time than a tent, in my experience)! This is a key factor in making this a light and portable choice that’s great for packing and travel. While it takes longer than setting up other lightweight travel cribs, such as the BabyBjorn or the Guava Lotus , this allows it to be more compact for travel than those other two. When you take the legs apart, the crib packs up super compact. If you’re used to a “normal” pack and play like the 4moms play yard , you might even be a bit shocked to see how small this goes!

The aluminum legs have sturdy plastic feet which attach to the Traveller’s side panels with thick elastic loops. This construction ensures the Traveller is quite sturdy when assembled and standing. Our daughter was young when we used it, so I don’t have experience with her standing in it or trying to climb out of it . However, overall we were happy with the sturdiness based on our experiences.

Polyester and nylon make up the sides. Thick nylon wraps the top crib edge (frame) and synthetic mesh forms the breathable side panels.

Mesh Side Panels

The mesh is a great feature in all climates, as it allows ventilation and airflow throughout the crib (ventilation may be  a factor in preventing SIDS ).

Our review includes some hot weather testing in Mexico. We found this feature helps keep your child cool, and certainly gave us some extra peace of mind when we used it with a 4.5-month baby in Cabo. We let her sleep naked, just in a diaper , and she stayed perfectly comfortable!

Another awesome feature is the zip down side panel. On one side, the mesh panel zips fully open, giving easier access to mattress level when you placing your baby in the crib (or taking him or her out).

When you’re not using the bed, the mesh rolls up to be quite compact, so it all fits easily in the carry bag.

Mattress & Bedding

The mattress itself is quite unique. It’s “self-inflating,” which means no messing around with air pumps (or blowing it up yourself). And it is supported by the floor, which means this pack n play doesn’t have an upper weight limit you have to watch out for. It also meets all safety regulations and is quite firm once inflated. If you feel the need to try to make it more comfortable , don’t put anything in the crib. We occasionally would stand it on top of blanket if the floor was particularly cold, although I can’t say whether the company would approve of that or not.

According to the company, the mattress is “free from health-hazardous substances.” Unfortunately, they don’t tell you what it  is  made from, which is a shame.

The mattress sheet also has a lot to love. To start with, it’s a slip-on design, so you know it’s going to fit tight with no loose (and hazardous) fabric around your baby. It’s made from an “oeko-tex approved”  polyester . OEKO-TEX® has multiple certifications, so the language used on phil & ted’s website isn’t particularly helpful in understanding how toxin-free the crib sheet is.

Using the phil & teds Traveller Crib

The Traveller feels sturdy and well-made, and I feel pretty confident it’s going to outlast our baby’s ability to use it (when she’s two or three years old). If we have another baby, or pass it on to another family, I expect it will last for their kids too – it’s a well-made piece of nursery furniture, although certainly not a proper crib .

Setting it Up

There are plenty of reviews out there criticizing the Traveller for being difficult to set up. We haven’t found that to be the case. phil & teds have released multiple versions of the Traveller, and we have to wonder if reviews complaining about usability relate to previous versions of the crib.

To be sure, it took a few times before we got the hang of set-up and take down. Also, it’s a bit more complicated than setting up a pack n’ play – it’s more like setting up a tent.

Nowadays, however, we can get the traveller set up in just a few minutes. The mattress requires about 4 minutes to inflate most of the way, but you need to give it 30 minutes or longer for it to fill completely. That’s fine most of the time, but not awesome on long travel days, when you just want to get your baby to sleep.

Using It With Your Baby

We use the Traveller for day and nighttime sleep instead of a crib when we travel, and as a play yard.

One of the most practical features of the Traveller is the zippered side panel. As a short mom (I’m 5’0″), the crib is too tall for me. When the side panel is zipped up, I can’t bend over the crib and reach all the way down to mattress-level. As such, the zip-down panel is a favorite feature.

Now that our baby is 10-months, it’s easier to set her down in the Traveller. We keep the panel unzipped when she’s sitting and playing during the day, which gives her the freedom to practice moving around, but also keeps her a bit protected when she tumbles over. It’s also great for lifting her out of the crib when she wakes-up: if you have back problems, especially, it makes a huge difference.

Comfort Review

One of the most surprising things about the Traveller is how darn comfortable it appears to be.

When you first inflate the Traveller’s crib mattress, it’s hard to imagine it could provide enough support for a baby. After 4 or 5 minutes of inflation, you can easily push from the top of the mattress through to the hard floor below. Yikes!

This is definitely a case of “patience is a virtue.”

If leave the mattress air valve open for the recommended 30 minutes (we always try to give it a bit longer), the mattress transforms into a pretty comfy little sleeping platform.

When it’s fully inflated, the mattress measures roughly 1.25″ from the floor to the top of the mattress. If you apply even force to the fully inflated mattress, it feels plush. It doesn’t sink down too much, and you can’t feel the floor below.  A baby’s crib mattress should be firm , and it’s kind of astonishing how well the Traveller’s mattress performs. Thin but mighty, and no need to improve the comfort of this pack and play !

We also love the slip on mattress sheet. It fits perfectly, with no loose fabric, and is very soft to the touch. The fabric is oeko-tex certified, too – good news for safety.

Packing & Portability

When we were shopping for a travel pack n’ play, packability (along with weight) was one of our main deciding factors.

We travel a lot on discount airlines in Europe. Often, the cost of our luggage is more than the price of our tickets. Because of this, it’s worth it to keep our luggage to a minimum, which is of course a challenge when you’re bringing a baby along.

The phil & teds travel crib is awesome for packing. It weighs only 6 pounds, and takes up roughly the same amount of space as a thick yoga mat. Pair it with a travel blackout blind , and our kiddo can sleep anywhere!

Basically, it’s made for people who travel like us: on a budget, with a fair number of flights. If you plan on doing a lot of car trips, where space isn’t at such a premium, this review might not be as helpful.

Safety & Green Score

The Traveller meets the government safety standards in the countries where it’s sold. What that means really depends on where you live, unfortunately.

Use of Fire Retardants

Whether phil & teds adds  flame retardants  to the Traveller depends on where you buy it.

As the company isn’t clear about its use of flame retardants online, we reached out to them to ask.

In Europe, “we can confirm that the fire retardant is only a requirement in UK and Ireland.” We interpreted this to mean if you buy a Traveller in continental EU, it won’t have fire retardant added. If you buy a Traveller in the UK/Ireland, it will have fire retardant added.

The company has yet to respond to my query about Traveller cribs sold in the USA and Canada.

Mattress & Bedding Safety

Here’s what the phil & teds website has to say about the mattress and sheet:

baby can rest easy too on the thermally insulated self-inflating mattress, which is covered with an oeko-tex approved fitted sheet & is free from health-hazardous substances for peace of mind.

The wording here is a bit confusing. Is it the sheet that’s “free from health-hazardous substances”? Or the mattress?

The phrase “oeko-tex approved” is equally problematic. The STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certification is an awesome way to confirm textiles are free from harmful chemicals. The problem is, phil & teds hasn’t actually said the sheet has achieved the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification. The wording is vague, and could refer to one of OEKO-TEX® other certifications. Or it could mean they are using fabric that meets OEKO-TEX® standards, but they haven’t actually gotten the certification.

I looked in the OEKO-TEX® database for phil & teds, and couldn’t find anything listed. It’s possible I used the database incorrectly, and have reached out to both phil & teds and OEKO-TEX® for confirmation. Neither have responded to date.

Transparency

Overall, we really like our phil & teds traveller.

However, we’re also pretty disappointed with the information the company provides online. We still have a lot of question marks about the chemicals and materials used in the Traveller, and it seems like it should be easier to get answers.

Phil and Teds Travel Crib Summary

Based on our own testing, we give the Traveller travel crib 4.1 stars out of five

What’s to Love

• Super lightweight, compact, and portable. Lighter than most (if not all) travel cribs on the market, it is ideal for airplane trips. We packed ours in checked luggage, but you could take it carry on as well.
• The zip-down side panel is practical for all parents, but it’s especially great if you have a bad back or are short.
• Easy to put together and take apart, making it a good choice for short stays or moving locations every few days. This would be a great travel cot for a multi-city vacation in Europe, for example, or a road trip!
• OEKO-TEX® approved fitted sheet and a mattress that’s free from health-hazardous substances – despite the problems with transparency, it seems phil & teds is moving in the right direction when it comes to harmful chemicals.
• Thermally insulated mattress means you can set it up on a cool floor, and your little one will still be a comfortable temperature.
• Easier to clean than a traditional pack and play.
• Packs up quite small, and the included bag comes with a shoulder strap for easy transport.
• Mid-range pricing – this isn’t the cheapest travel crib out there, but it’s also not the most expensive. If you plan to use it a lot (as we have), it’s easy to see the value and justify the expense.

Product Cons and What We’d Change

• The mattress seems too thin to provide adequate support for a baby, especially older and heavier babies and young kids.
• Your Traveller crib may or may not have flame retardants added, depending on where you buy it.
• The company really isn’t very forthcoming about the chemicals used in the crib’s manufacture. We’re still left with a lot of questions about whether this crib is non-toxic.

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The Best Travel Crib, 2024 [Reviews of Portable Comfy Cribs]

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. FIND MORE INFO IN MY DISCLAIMER.

After a portable crib for travel? 

As family travel bloggers we have tried both using hotel cribs as well as taking various types of cribs with us on our trips until we found the right one.

We know how challenging it can be to get a baby to sleep (don't tell me your baby sleeps like a dream - I don't want to know!). And I'm sure that you are aware that it might be even more challenging to get them to sleep in new locations.

That is why we love travel cots so much! Your baby will sleep so much better when they sleep in a familiar crib.

A travel cot for baby is handy for not only for vacations with your baby, but it is also really handy for when you visit friends or grandparents as well.

In this guide, we will outline features that we love of each, as well as share any negatives that we found of the baby travel cribs as well.

I hope this guide to choosing the best travel crib for baby and toddlers will help you choose the best baby travel bed for your family.

Not in the mood for research and reading and just want to find out which is the best portable baby cot?

- WHAT IS THE BEST TRAVEL CRIB FOR TODDLERS - 

Our top pick is the Baby Björn Travel Crib Light

• The cot is lightweight (11lb)
• Easy to set up
• Easy to carry
• Comfortable for babies and toddlers
• Suitable for ages 0-3 years (a worthwhile investment)

Click here to check out the BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light Travel Crib

Skip the research and simply grab the best baby crib for newborns?

- THE BEST PORTABLE CRIB FOR NEWBORNS - 

Our top pick is the Beberoad Love Baby Travel Bassinet

• Compact fold 
• Lightweight
• Great for carry-on or hand luggage
• Mesh allows for airflow

Click here to check out the Beberoad Love Baby Travel Bassinet

Keen for all the info? Keep reading.

What Should a Baby Sleep in When Traveling?

We recommend that when your baby is newborn it is best to use a portable sleeper or bassinet when traveling as it is small and compact to keep your infant safe.

When your baby is a few months older, it is better to move them into a full sized travel crib.

Do you Really Need a Travel Crib?

A travel crib is very useful if you travel a lot. However, a travel crib can also be useful if you spend weekends with family and they do not have a spare crib for your little one.

A travel crib is definitely a must have when traveling abroad or away for long periods as not all accommodations have suitable cribs to use for your baby. When you purchase a travel crib you are ensuring that your little one will always have a suitable and safe space and bed to sleep in.

The most popular travel crib for babies from newborn age is the BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light .

Let's be honest here, most hotels have baby cots available for you to use. So why spend the money and carry along one extra piece of luggage?

Here is why:

• Your baby will have a sleeping space that they are used to. It can be challenging for babies to fall asleep in unknown spaces and let's face it, we want to relax on holidays, not deal with tired babies who are struggling to fall asleep. Using the same crib wherever you go, will mean that your baby will get better sleep.
• You know that the cot will be the right size for you baby's age.   We went on a trip to Lombok and one of the hotels gave us a crib that was suitable for newborns.  It was TINY! Avalee was only 4 months, and she was really squashed in the crib. Vietnam hotels also have tiny cots, their cots are probably more suitable for 1 year olds, because our 2 year old had to sleep curled up in order to fit in the cot.
• You know that the crib will be safe for your baby. On more than one occasion we received cots from the hotel that would collapse as soon as our daughter pressed against the side. Needless to say they were useless and pretty dangerous to use!
• You know that you will have a crib for your baby. One a few occasions we have pre-requested a cot on the booking form only to arrive at the hotel and be told that they only have one cot and that another family is using it. Our baby doesn't normally co-sleep with us, so it was a nightmare.
• You know your cot is clean. Again we can tell you some horror stories about being given moldy and dirty baby cots.  So gross!
• If you purchase one of these best baby travel beds, you will find that it can double up as a safe playard for your baby - hallo downtime!

So should you travel with your own baby travel crib? - Uhmmmmm hell yes!!!

Best Baby Travel Crib  Comparison Chart 

Below is a comparison chart of our picks for the best travel baby beds; which are mentioned in this article.  

You can then read our travel cot reviews below featuring both compact traveling cribs, as well as a full size travel crib for older babies.

Can I Use a Travel Crib As a Regular Crib?

Yes you can however it is always advisable to check with the manufacturer to verify the weight and safety guidelines. The problem with a regular crib is that they are usually really heavy, they don't come with a travel bag and they are also typically much harder to set up and pack away.

If you have a full size travel crib, your child should be able to sleep in the travel crib until around 3 years old.  

We do recommend though that you invest in a travel crib that is good quality. You may have to also invest in a thicker mattress for when at home for extra comfort.

What's The Difference Between a Travel Crib And a Portable Crib?

So what exactly is the difference between a travel cot and a portable cot?

• A travel cot is smaller than a portable cot . Some travel cribs even fit in a backpack that you can carry-on to an airplane.
• A travel crib can fold up . Travel cots need to fit into carry-on luggage & in car trunks.
• Baby travel beds are lightweight. Travel cots need to be lightweight enough to be carried around easily.

The best travel cot 2024 has on offer, will tick the boxes above, as well as offer many of the same benefits (safety and comfort) as a regular portable crib.

What's the Difference Between a Travel Crib Vs a Pack n Play

You might have a Pack 'n Play at home that you are considering taking on your trip. So what exactly is the difference between a travel crib and a Pack 'n Play?

A Pack 'n Play is typically a lot bulkier and heavier than a well-made travel crib. Which means that it is impractical to pack for a trip overseas. 

As a positive, some of the infant travel cribs listed below can double up as a Pack 'n Play, whilst still giving you the lightweight, compact benefits.

Travel Toddler Crib Vs a Toddler Travel Bed

Toddler travel beds are designed for kids who are 2+ years old. They are a great alternative for a traveling baby bed for active toddlers. 

Whilst many of the baby travel cribs listed below can be used for toddlers, a travel toddler bed is perfect for toddlers who have managed to work out how to climb out of the cribs.

A bed is typically similar to a camping or roll-out mattress.

Our selection below is suitable for those looking for travel beds for babies or a travel crib for 1 year old.

If your toddler is still happy and safe in a crib, then we highly recommend you keep them contained in one of the cribs below as well.

But for those who have climbers, best to go with a baby sleep travel bed instead.

How to Choose the Best Travel Crib 2024 has to Offer

If you are planning on traveling a lot, you will need to invest some dollars in order to purchase a light travel crib that is also compact, easy to fold, safe, and also comfortable for your little one.

You might also like to purchase a crib that will last for longer than the first year as well.

Let's look at each of these criteria more closely, so you can make a smart decision on which crib would be the best travel bed for your baby.

There are several different types of travel cribs on the market:

• portable cribs,
• toddler travel cot,
• regular travel cribs,
• travel pack 'n play

It is important to choose the right type of crib for both the age of your baby as well as for your circumstances (how much packing space do you have? Are you driving or flying? etc.)

If your baby is still little, and you typically don't travel very often, you might want to grab one of the cocoon-type cribs.

Best lightweight travel crib

The size of your folding travel crib is really important. It needs to fold up small enough that you can easily transport it around.

It also needs to be lightweight so that you can carry it easily. In order to find the best lightweight travel crib for you, we have shared weights for each of the travel cribs in the table above.

Make sure to know down what size the cot is when assembled as well as when it is folded up. The best travel bed for infant use should be able to fit easily in your suitcase.

If you are looking for the best travel crib for flying, it is important to purchase a crib that comes with a protective bag, one that is comfy enough to carry around and one that is lightweight enough to carry from point A to point B.

Another important factor when it comes to size is to ensure that the crib will actually be large enough to fit your baby comfortably.

If you travel frequently, it only makes sense to invest in a crib that will last for at least a few years. Some travel cribs are suitable for newborn babies only, but many can be used for 2-3 years.

You will find though, that even though many of these cribs stipulate that they can fit kids up to 3 of age, it might not be best suited for that age bracket.

Once your toddler is 2, I would suggest that you do some research to find the best travel crib for toddler use. The crib should allow your child to move around, but it should also be sturdy enough to keep them contained.

You have to be really careful when it comes to travel cribs.  As many might be super light and super cheap but have thin flimsy mattresses. 

You also want to buy a crib that offers great air flow. 

So when you're trying to pick the best travel cribs for babies or toddlers, then it is important to make sure that it ticks both the boxes for comfort as well as air flow.

Of course safety should be the most important factor to consider. We have only included baby travel cots that have met the American Standards in terms of safety. 

When it comes to safety is so important to buy a crib that fits with your baby's age and activity levels. Especially important for toddlers who try to climb out of their cribs.

Also look at how snug the mattress fits into the cot, we don't want the mattress to be loose or have gaps.  And think about how the sheet will be held in place as well.

Ease of Use

The best travel baby bed should be  super simple and easy to set up, as well as fold up.

Make sure to have a look at how the cots fold up, some are super easy whilst others require some fiddly assembly.  

Top 10 Travel Crib Reviews

Below are our travel crib reviews of, in our opinion, the best travel cots 2024 has to offer. 

We share both the positives as well as the negatives of these top rated travel cribs, to help you decide which crib would be the best for your baby and your travel-lifestyle.

1.  BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light Review (Most Comfortable Travel Crib)

The BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light Silver is, in our opinion, one of the best selling travel cots. And one by a well-known baby brand as well. We love that this cot will last you all the way from newborn till age 3!

This travel cot is nice and lightweight.  It is easy to set up and fold away and they have made it easy to carry as well.

We love that the sides of the crib is made from a soft mesh material, the mesh is fabulous and allows air flow to circulate through the crib.

The base of the cot is lovely and sturdy to ensure that your baby has a safe sleeping environment. And the insulated mattress means that your baby will be comfy as well. 

Baby Bjorn travel crib dimensions:

• Assembled: 32 x 44 x 24"
• Folded down in carry bag: 19 x 23.5 x 5.5"
• Suitable for 0 -3 years
• Lightweight (11 lb)
• Soft mesh material to allow for airflow
• Nice insulated mattress to keep baby comfortable
• Premium Price tag

>>> Click here to check the current price on this crib or click the button below.

2. Lotus Travel Crib Review

The Lotus Everywhere Travel Crib by Guava Family is very popular as it combines a travel crib for sleeping with a playard for confined play into one handy cot.

This crib might just be one of the best portable crib 2024 has to offer. Why? It only takes around 15 seconds to set up!!  Effortless set up when you are tired or jet lagged is definitely a bonus.

The clear mesh sides allow for that all important airflow and you can also unzip the one side if you wish to allow your little one to crawl in and out of their crib for playtime.

The Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib has been thoroughly tested for chemical emissions and is certified to the GREENGUARD GOLD standard!

We love that the crib comes with a backpack (with convertible straps) style carry bag. 

Guava Family Travel Crib Dimensions:

• Packed Dimensions: 23 x 12 x 8"
• Assembled Dimensions: 42 x 24 X 25"
• Suitable 0 -3 years
• Lightweight (13 lb) and easy to carry with the backpack-style bag
• Travel crib and portable playard in one
• Super quick to set up
• Baby mattress could be a bit thicker

>>> Click here to check the current price on the Guava Lotus travel crib or click the button below.

3. Pamo Babe Lightweight Foldable Travel Crib  Review

This lightweight portable baby crib is an affordable travel crib that will last from baby to toddler.

This travel crib is easy to assemble and comes with a carry bag to make it easier to carry from one destination to the next and is perfect for travel on a plane.

The travel crib can be used for sleep or playtime.  The mesh fabric not only allows for airy design but means you can also see your little one easily for keeping an eye.

It comes with a mattress and a fitted sheet. The fitted sheet is easy to remove and clean. The crib is also easy to clean, simply wipe it with a cloth.

Travel baby crib dimensions:

• Packed Dimensions: 24 x 6 x 19"
• Sleeping Space Dimensions: 33 x 22 x 26"
• Comes with a travel carry bag and a waterproof mattress cover
• Great for changing diapers as well
• Suitable for 0 - 3 years
• Mattress could be thicker and bigger
• Side zippers do not slide easily when crib is empty

>>> Click here to check the current price on this travel crib or click the button below.

4. Beberoad Love Baby Travel Bassinet  Review

The Beberoad Love Baby Travel Bassinet is the best mini crib and is the best travel crib for newborn babies . Looking for a travel crib that fits in a suitcase - this is it.

It is incredibly lightweight (4.4 lbs) and is suitable for babies aged 0 - 5 months or up to 22 lbs.

The mesh panels and breathable fabric allow for ample air circulation. 

The crib is very safe to use as it has a T-lock frame, which is sturdy and safe.

Due to its size and weight, it is our pick for the best travel crib for flying. Simply pack it into your hand luggage and you are ready to go, or fold it up and carry it by the handle.

Travel Crib Dimensions:

• Packed Dimensions: 20.5 x 19.7 x 1.7"
• Assembled Dimensions: 31.5 x 10 x 16"
• Compact Fold
• Great for carry-on luggage for flying
• Suitable for babies aged 0 -5 months only

>>> Click here to check the current price on this bassinet or click the button below.

5. besrey 3-in-1 Portable Baby Travel Bassinet Review

The besrey 3-in-1 Portable Travel Bassinet is great for traveling with a new baby, it is quick and easy to fold up or set up.

The compact size when folded means it takes up minimal space and storage.

When set up you can choose from 2 modes, rocking or stationery mode.

Mesh sides ensure you have visibility of your baby when sleeping. There is also airflow in the bassinet. 

The crib also has a mosquito net keeping bugs out when sleeping. There is also a built-in storage basket.

• Great for newborn babies
• Suitable for babies up to 5 months

>>> Click here to check the current price on this travel baby bassinet or click the button below.

6. Dream On Me Travel Light Playard Review

The Travel Light is a great travel crib that is super affordable.

It is very easy to use as it sets up and folds down in minutes making it the ideal travel companion for infants and toddlers.

It folds up flat and can be stored in its durable carry bag which makes it perfect for traveling and using whilst out and about.

The Travel Light Playard comes with a soft mattress, making the space comfortable for your child whether sleeping or playing.

The Travel Light is available in 4 colors.

The Playard sides are made of soft, airy mesh fabric that allows your baby to breathe easily. The see-through fabric helps you keep an eye on your baby and also makes it easy for your little one to look out and see you. 

• Easy to carry around
• Mesh sides for air flow
• Not very lightweight
• Padded mattress is a bit thin

>>> Click here to check the current price or click the button below.

7. Lumiere All-in-One Travel Crib & Bassinet Review

The Lumiere All-in-One Travel Crib and Bassinet is a great option as a travel crib, especially if you are traveling with newborns. The travel baby crib is lightweight (13 lbs).

The baby travel crib comes with a comfortable bassinet layer that can be added and removed with ease.  

The Lumiere All-in-One Travel Crib comes with a breathable mattress and its own fitted sheet. It also includes a white noise sound machine to help create a calming environment when your little one goes to sleep.

When you do not want to use the crib you can fold it flat for easy storage. It also has a carry bag with two-way handles so can be used as a back pack.

The removable sheet cover makes the crib easy to maintain and keep clean.

• Removable bassinet layer
• Includes carry bag for easy transporting
• Not as light as other travel cribs

8. Chicco Alfa Lite Lightweight Travel Playard  Review

The Chicco Alfa Lite Lightweight Travel Playard  is designed for babies and toddler aged 1 - 3 years old. We love it because it packs up so compact and fits into its own zippered carry bag making it easy to take with you when traveling. 

The Chicco Alfa Lite Leightweight Travel Playard weighs only 12.5 pounds.

The fast, snap-open design makes it a breeze to set up. The lightweight mesh construction provides airflow.

The travel crib comes with a mattress and mattress cover. The mattress cover and frame fabrics are removable and machine washable making it great for easy cleaning.

The crib can also be used as a playpen for playtime.

• Lightweight (12.5 lb) and easy to carry around with carry bag
• Compact and small for rooms with little space
• Mattress is a bit thin

9. Silver Cross Slumber 3-in-1 Travel Crib  Review

The Silver Cross Slumber 3-in-1 Travel Crib is great for home, vacation, and visiting family and friends. The travel crib is great for babies from birth up to 3 years old.

The is quick and easy to set up and fold close for easy storage.  When folded the travel crib has a carry case and handle to make it easy when moving around.

The crib is not as lightweight as other travel cribs we have listed lightweight, weighing  15.6 pounds makes it a little cumbersome to carry when moving it around.

We love that the crib comes with a bassinet making it great to use for newborns. The fabric is soft and the mattress is comfortable. 

The mesh sides and raised bassinet make it possible to use as a side sleeper crib.

• Assemble and disassembly only takes a few minutes
• Can be used as a co-sleeper crib
• Not as lightweight as other travel cribs 

10. Palopalo 3 in 1 Travel Lightweight Crib Review

Another fabulous buy is the Palopalo 3 in 1 Lightweight Travel Crib. Travelers love this cot, because it is still a light travel crib if you are looking for a full size travel crib rather than the cocoon or bassinet size ones. 

This travel portable crib has plenty of room to move. It is recommended for newborns till 3 years old, so it is a great option as one of the best travel cribs for toddlers as well.

The sides are fully mesh, allowing nice airflow to circulate through the cot. You also have the option of zipping off one of the sides, we don't really ever use this functionality, but hey it is there.

The mattress is lovely and soft and water resistant. It can also be folded into a compact size.

The Palopalo 3 in 1 Lightweight Travel Crib folds down and packs into a compact carry bag that you can carry over your shoulder. 

The crib can also be outdoors, for example at the beach, as it has a UV mesh top that offers sun protection.

The negative? You will need to practice the assembly and disassembly before you go.

Palopalo 3 in 1 Lightweight Travel Crib  dimensions:

• Packed Dimensions: 19 x 27"
• Sleeping Space Dimensions: 35 x 22 x 27"
• Light full size travel crib 
• Stable, comfortable and spacious
• Comes with an over-the shoulder carry bag
• Well ventilated
• Not as easy to assemble and pack up as the BabyBjorn Travel Crib.
• Carry bag is not very durable

>>> Click here to check the current price on the Palopalo Travel Crib or click the button below.

Best Crib Block Out Covers

When traveling with a travel crib block out covers are great to use to ensure that no matter where you set up your portable crib, your little one can rest without the light affecting their sleep.

Below are our top picks for the best crib block out covers.

1. SlumberPod Portable Blackout Canopy Cover

>>>  Click here to check the current price on the SlumberPod Canopy Cover

2. LYFFXYH StretchyCrib Tent Blackout Canopy Cover

>>>  Click here to check the current price on the LYFFXYH StretchyCrib Canopy Cover

3. SnoozeShade Pack N Play Blackout Cover

>>>  Click here to check the current price on the SnoozeShade Canopy Cover

Verdict on Our Pick of the Best Portable Travel Crib

We hope you found our portable travel crib reviews and comparison table helpful and that you managed to find a portable travel crib that is comfy and right for your baby and your style of travel.

Have you read through all our portable baby bed reviews and you are still not sure which one to buy?

I recommend you invest in a crib that will last you for as many years as possible. Choose a travel crib that is 12 lb and under. And make sure that it is easy to pack up and carry.

If you are still feeling stuck and confused, here are our personal preferences depending on if you are traveling with a toddler or newborn baby.

The best travel crib for toddlers is the  BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light . Not only is it lightweight weighing only 11 lbs but is super easy to set up and carry. It is also a great investment as it is suitable for ages 0 - 3 years.

Prefer to have a bassinet when traveling with your newborn? Our top pick for the best portable crib for newborns is the Beberoad Love Baby Travel Bassinet . It is compact when folded and can be transported when flying in hand luggage or carry-on.

Further Reading:

• Click to see a list of handy  baby travel products  to take along on your  holiday with your baby .
• After some gear for yourself? Click to see our favorite  traveler gear .

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Best travel cots 2024: real parents' verdict on the best cots to pop up and down wherever you are

Whether used at home, at the grandparents' or as a playpen, a travel cot can be a familiar place for your baby to sleep, wherever they are. After rigorous research and testing, we reveal the best travel cots to buy in 2024.

By Poppy O'Neill | Last updated Aug 20, 2024

While you may have dedicated a lot of time to finding the best crib , moses basket or cot bed for your child, we tend to give less thought to which travel cot to buy. But getting the best sleep possible is just as important while you're away from home, so we've put some of the best travel cots on the market through their paces.

While they're mainly used for overnight stays at a grandparent's house, or longer holidays, travel cots can also be used instead of a traditional crib or playpen for both babies and toddlers. They are portable, easy to carry, fit in your car boot and should be fairly lightweight too. Pack your travel cot along with a baby monitor and your little one's best baby blanket and you're good to go.

How we chose the best travel cots

We put several of our best travel cot picks through their paces with real parent-testers and their babies and toddlers. We also turned to the Mumsnet forums - home of the UK's largest network of parents - to seek out authentic recommendations and honest reviews of the travel cots they'd used with their own children. Referring to expert review sites for extra information, we collated all the information to bring you our top picks, of the best travel cots 2024.

Best travel cots at a glance

Best travel cot for quick assembly: Bugaboo Stardust Travel Cot | £225

Best travel cot for air travel: BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light | £220

Best travel cot for newborns: Joie Kubbie Sleep Travel Cot | £100

Best budget travel cot: Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot | £35

Best larger travel cot: BabyDan Extra Large Travel Cot | £85

Best travel cot to use as a playpen: Silver Cross Slumber Travel Cot | £195

Best easy-fold travel cot: Graco FoldLite LX Travel Cot | £85

Be st lightweight travel cot: LittleLife Arc 2 | £106

Best travel cot with a changing table: Joie Commuter Change | £100

Best travel cot for toddlers: Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot | £250

Bugaboo Stardust Travel Cot, £225

Great quality mattress

Takes just one second to unfold and three seconds to fold

Can be folded with the mattress left in

Carrycot insert for newborns

On the expensive side

Only suitable up to 2 years

Price on writing: £225 | Suitable from: Birth to two years | Weight: 6.7kg

Tried and tested by Mumsnet: Read our in-depth Bugaboo Stardust travel cot review

For those considering a travel cot to use from birth, the Bugaboo Stardust is a great option. It comes with a carrycot insert which means the cot can be used as a bedside crib - perfect for co-sleeping away from home.

It has a height-adjustable mattress and an incredibly easy fold up and down. When folded up, the travel cot is nice and slim, making for easy storage. The mattress is great quality and thicker than the others on our list. At just over £200, it's on the premium end of the spectrum, and the manufacturer recommends only using it up to 2 years, so it doesn't have quite the longevity of most other travel cots, which generally can be used until the age of three.

Great for parents who

Want to co-sleep safely away from home

Are expecting to use the cot frequently for sleeping

Related: The best breast pumps, as recommended by Mumsnetters

BabyBjörn Travel Cot Light, £220

Durable construction

Very comfy mattress

Mattress and fabric is removable and machine-washable

Mattress is fairly close to the floor – one side can be unzipped for easy access though

It’s one of the more expensive cots around

Price on writing: £220 | Suitable from: Birth to three years | Weight: 6kg (including carry bag)

Tried and tested by Mumsnet: Read our full BabyBjorn Light review

If you have a little extra to spend, then the luxury and comfort of BabyBjörn's Light will make sleepovers fuss-free no matter where you go. Our tester found it sturdy, simple to set-up and really easy to transport. The mattress is considerably more comfy than those you'll find in cheaper travel cots, and all the fabric parts are removable and machine washable.

The main drawback is the price tag, but if you have the means, then this cot won't let you down.

Need a small portable crib that can be taken on short or long trips

Want to invest in a travel bed that can stand heavy use

Related: The best teddy bears and soft toys for kids of all ages

Joie Kubbie Sleep Travel Cot, £100

Lift and lower side panel means baby can be picked up and placed down without hassle

Compact frame that packs down into a travel bag

Mesh panels on all four sides

Padded top rail

Too small to be used as a playpen

Material isn't machine-washable

Price on writing: From £94 | Suitable from: Birth to three years (15kg) | Weight: 8.79kg

Tried and tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Joie kubbie™ Sleep review

The Joie kubbie™ Sleep is a real steal and a brilliant choice for new parents who want something that covers all bases - that's why we've named it our best travel cot overall for 2024. Versatile in style and cocoon-like in the way it nurtures and grows with newborns, the kubbie™ Sleep also comes with a bassinet that can easily be attached and detached.

A unique feature of the kubbie™ Sleep that our tester was impressed by is that when your baby is in the bassinet, you can tuck the cot close to your bed and adjust the height of the crib so that it acts like a co-sleeper. It's a lovely feature if you're travelling with a tiny baby, it provides extra peace of mind and easy access for changing and breastfeeding .

Have a newborn

Like the idea of a co-sleeper and want to keep their baby close during the night

Want a cot that can last up to three years old

Read next: The best changing bags Mumsnetters swear by

Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot, £35

Lightweight and folds down compactly into a travel bag

Quick to assemble and fold away

Easy to clean

Mesh sides make it easy to see baby

The mattress is thinner than some other baby travel cot mattresses on the market, such as the Joie kubbie™ Sleep

Doesn't have wheels

Price on writing: £35 | Suitable from: Birth to three years (or able to climb out) | Weight: 8.5 kg | Dimensions when assembled: 76 x 103 x 73cm

Tried and tested by Mumsnet : Read our full Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot review .

Robust and simple in design, the Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot is a basic, practical travel cot that you'll be glad to have for the odd night away from home with your little one. With breathable mesh on four sides, a carry bag and padding over the poles and edges, it's got everything you need for a safe night's sleep - or a handy play pen.

Mumsnetters say the mattress could be thicker and better quality, which is often the case with cheaper travel cots. If you're looking for a separate mattress, this one from Mother Nurture fits the Red Kite perfectly and folds up for extra practicality while on-the-go.

Need a bed for short trips or as a secondary for the grandparents' house

Are on a tight budget

Read next: The best cabin bags to buy for your next family holiday

BabyDan Extra Large Travel Cot, £85

Extra large (120 x 60 cm) so you can use your cot mattress for extra comfort

Travel bag included

Has a handy storage pocket

No stand-out features such as newborn insert

Quite a basic design

Price on writing: £83 | Suitable from: Not specified | Weight: 8 kg | Size when assembled: 60 x 120 x 80cm

Looking for a travel cot under £100 big enough to last at least as long as your little one's cot ? Look no further.

The BabyDan Travel Cot may not feature all the bells and whistles of the likes of Bugaboo or Babybjorn, but at the same size as most standard cots, it's large enough to keep going until your toddler is ready to make the switch into a bigger toddler bed .

Similar in design to the Red Kite, you get a little more space for your money here as well as little extra touches such as the handy side pocket in which you can store nappies , blankets or toys during your travels. Sure, its larger size may be an issue if you're short on space, but being able to fit a standard cot mattress is also a big bonus - as most travel cot mattresses are known for being quite thin.

Silver Cross Slumber travel cot, £195

Has a 3-in-1 design so works as a newborn co-sleeper, a playpen and travel cot up to three years

Sloped sides mean toddlers less likely to climb out

Has a zip-up door

Can be a bit tricky to put up for the first time

Sloped legs can take some getting used to - you may trip on them at first!

Price on writing: £190 | Suitable from: Birth to three years (or able to climb out) | Weight: 6.25 kg | Size when folded up : L88 x W34 x H17cm | Size when assembled: L112 x W80 x H67cm

Tried and tested by Mumsnet : Read our full Silver Cross Slumber travel cot review

If you're looking for a travel cot you can use right from birth up until your toddler is three, the Silver Cross Slumber offers a sleek, simple solution from a trusted brand.

The sloped sides mean toddlers are less likely to be able to climb out but still have plenty of space to play, and there's also a little zip-up door in the side which makes it feel more fun (and less like a 'baby cage'!)

While our tester found it slightly tricky to assemble the first time around, this was a minor niggle as she pointed out that she's likely to get so much use out of the Slumber travel cot, putting it up and down will soon become second nature.

Our tester was also particularly impressed with how lightweight the Slumber was to carry, despite its robust sturdiness when assembled.

Want a travel cot and playpen combination

Have a larger space to put the travel cot in

Are looking for a travel cot which will last them years

Read next: Discover the best pregnancy pillows and pregnancy tests according to Mumsnetters

Graco FoldLite LX Travel Cot, £85

Lightweight and easy to fold up and down

Collapses to just 26 cm wide

Comes with a removable infant bassinet

2 wheels for easy manoeuvring

The mattress could be thicker

Price on writing: £85 | Suitable from: Birth to three years (or able to climb out) | Weight: 6.78 kg

Tried and tested by Mumsnet: Read our in-depth Graco FoldLite LX Travel Cot review

With two ways to fold, the Graco FoldLite LX is a brilliant cot for frequent use. The quick fold is designed for speed, while 'Home Fold' is ultra-thin at just 26cm wide - perfect for storing away at home.

We love the two-wheel design that makes the cot easy to drag around, and it's not bad to look at either. The base is one of the lowest to the ground on our list, making it a good option for using as a playpen. It also comes with a removable infant bassinet for smaller babies.

Graco are well-loved by Mumsnetters thanks to their good-quality, affordable baby gear, and this travel cot is no exception.

Want a cot that can be put up and down frequently without too much hassle

Have limited space for storage

Read next: The best nursing chairs to buy, as recommended by mums

LittleLife Arc 2, £106

Insect-proof mesh for hot weather and the outdoors

Has a front panel with a safety toggle that can be zipped open or closed, making it a great option to use as an outdoor playpen

Colour-coded poles make assembly simple

Lightweight option

Thin mattress

Sunshade must be bought separately

Price on writing: £106 | Suitable from: Birth to three years (15kg), but we'd recommend it for toddlers | Weight: 2.5kg

Tried and tested by Mumsnet: Read our full LittleLife Arc 2 review

The LittleLife Arc 2 is extremely lightweight (practically featherweight, really, at just 2.5kg), is designed just like a tent and can be folded down compactly to fit into a backpack, which comes with it. This makes it perfect for use on public transport, holidays and camping.

It works just as well outdoors as it does indoors and is great for those grab-and-go moments. Our tester really liked its tent-like design - close to the floor means there's no risk of kids falling out and the cosier sleeping space makes it ideal for younger babies. She was also impressed by the mosquito net - perfect for travel wherever you're headed.

Use public transport when travelling

Want something that could double up as a playpen

Read next: The best baby carriers, tried and tested

Joie Commuter Change, £100

Two wheels make this cot easy to move around

Easy to fold and unfold

Bassinet and changing unit don’t fit into carry bag

Side of the cot can’t be pulled down like the new Joie kubbie™ Sleep

Price on writing: £100 | Suitable from: Birth to 15kg | Weight: 12.3kg

Tried and tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Joie Commuter Change review

Winner of the Mumsnet Best Travel Cot 2018 award, the Joie Commuter Change didn’t quite make our top five this year, but it’s still a great product and definitely worth considering.

Our tester loved all the added extras that come with the Commuter Change. Not only is there a full-size bassinet, which will save your back when reaching down to your child, but the cot also comes with a changing table which handily clips onto the top.

Read next: The best cot mattresses for a safe night's sleep

Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot, £250

Easy to assemble

Plenty of space for toddlers inside

Comfortable

Designed for maximum airflow (ideal for summer holidays!)

Not a lot of outstanding features

Price on writing: £250 | Suitable from: Birth to 15kg | Size when assembled: L103cm x W76cm x H73cm | Size when folded: L30cm x W24cm x H86cm | Weight : 12kg

Tried and tested by Mumsnet : Read our full Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot review

Although it's one of the more premium travel cots on our list, our parent-tester was particularly impressed with the sturdiness of the Nuna Sena Aire travel cot, saying she had no worries about it moving when put through its paces by her toddler daughter.

The Nuna features breathable mesh sides and a ventilated mesh mattress, which is particularly useful if you're travelling to sunnier climes - and it's very simple to put up, even if you're on the petite side. If you need a reliable, premium travel cot for frequent use, the Nuna is a solid option on a cost-per-use basis, but if you're looking for something to use once or twice a year, there isn't anything particularly remarkable which makes this one stand out above its cheaper peers.

What age is a travel cot for?

This type of cot is usually used from the newborn stage up until toddlerhood – or until the little wriggler can climb out by themselves.

Do I actually need a travel cot?

The short answer is: no, not necessarily, but that depends entirely on your lifestyle.

Portable beds can be expensive and can take up unnecessary space in an otherwise baby-filled home, so if you think you'll only get use out of one for two weeks of the year, then you could probably do without.

If you already have a co-sleeper, Moses basket or carrycot that you use with a travel system , you might be able to use that when you're away from home with a smaller baby.

If, however, you tend to travel often or think your little one will have regular sleepovers with the grandparents, then a travel cot is a great solution.

It'll not only be easier to cart around, but it'll offer a familiar and comforting environment for your child no matter where they rest their head.

Are travel cots safe?

Safety is crucial when buying a travel bed for your little one so, while all products should have some sort of testing certification, be sure to check the safety features out yourself.

If you plan to buy in-store, ask to see it being assembled

Check how sturdy it is – could it withstand being knocked into?

Look for safety locks on wheels if there are any – can they also be tucked away when not in use?

Choking hazards are also something to look out for so make sure that small parts, like zips, are well covered

Check for sharp corners and padded rails

Assess whether your child would be able to climb out easily – check that the side panels are high enough

Safe sleeping and travel cot mattresses

The Lullaby Trust says that all cots need to comply with British Standards Institution (BSI) safety standards regardless of how old they are. If there is no safety standard number visible then you shouldn't buy it.

When it comes to safe sleeping, they also insist that the bed's original mattress needs to be firm, entirely flat and waterproof with no soft or cushioned areas, particularly around the baby's head. Babies should be placed on their backs with their feet at the foot of the cot.

Soft mattresses are known to increase the risk of SIDS as they make it harder for babies to lose body heat, which can cause them to become too hot.

Sleep positioners and pillows must not be used and there should also be no loose or bulky bedding inside the crib as this can cause a baby to overheat.

Even if the mattress feels thin, don't be tempted to place folded blankets underneath your child. Go for a baby sleeping bag or a well-fitted swaddle instead.

The Lullaby Trust also advise that portable cribs aren’t placed against radiators and remain out of reach of blind cords.

How much does a travel cot cost?

Prices range from £20 to over £200, and your budget will probably depend entirely on how much you think you'll use it.

As with anything, the most expensive option won't necessarily be best suited to you and your child. Some cheaper models may do just the trick and will last well into the toddler years too.

Can I buy one secondhand?

Yes, you can, but make sure you always follow the manufacturer's instructions before using.

Make sure it isn’t damaged or broken, that the frame is intact and that there aren’t any sharp edges that could cause injury. If possible, ask to assemble and fold it down before you buy to check it works as it should.

Secondhand travel cots can go from anywhere between £10 and £80.

Other things to consider when buying a travel cot

1. portability.

Check the size and weight. Can it be folded down compactly? Is it likely to fit into the boot of your car?

If you tend to travel by public transport, you'll want a bed that's lightweight and easy to carry. For planes, some small cots may even be able to fit into an overhead locker.

2. Assembly and storage

By nature, travel beds are usually easy to put up and fold down. Pop-ups are, of course, the easiest, but check to see if your chosen product is quick to assemble, fold and pack away.

When it comes to storage, the amount of space you have at home will influence your decision.

Some models have mattresses that fold with the frame before they go into a bag, and most will fit into the back of a cupboard or under a bed when stored away.

3. How to clean

Babies create mess – and a lot of it too. Look for a removable mattress that comes with a fitted sheet, which you will be able to stick in the washing machine.

Some cots have removable side panels, but if they don’t then you can always wipe them clean with warm water.

4. Extra features

Many larger models double up as a playpen which is great for keeping your child safe at all times no matter where they are. Some even come with changing tables, mobiles and bassinets for newborns.

You’ll find that the added extras will usually need to be carried separately once the frame is folded down. Brands that offer attachments like these include Joie (the Joie Commuter Change won Mumsnet Best Travel Cot 2018), BabyBjorn and Graco.

Some, like the Arc 2, also come with added extras like built-in mosquito nets for camping.

What's the best travel cot to buy?

The Joie kubbie Sleep is the best travel cot to buy in 2024. Mumsnetters love that it doubles as a co-sleeper, making it a versatile, useful and great value buy. The compact design makes it easy to transport and set up, while the bedside feature allows for easy access to your baby during the night. Overall, the Joie Baby Kubbie Sleep Bedside Travel Cot is a great choice for parents looking for a safe and comfortable sleep solution for their little one.

How we tested and why you should trust us

For continuity, we try to get one tester to test all the products in a single category. This reduces any potential variables during the testing process and ensures that our results are based on like-for-like comparisons. After approximately 24 hours of research, our tester, Ruth, produced a shortlist of 14 cots to put to the test. The list included the most highly recommended cots by Mumsnet users and other review sites, plus a wide range of designs and price tags, from nifty pop-ups to more studier models akin to traditional cribs.

Each product was tested in rooms with both carpet and laminate flooring, then scored on six key areas:

Safety and stability

Comfort and day-to-day use, cleanliness, value for money.

Five products were then awarded a Mumsnet Best badge – these are the products that we feel offer the absolute best value for most parents. We also gave honourable mentions to four others.

Ruth scored each product based on each criteria below, with the highest scoring coming out on top as the overall winner. Honourable mentions were then given to nine other top-performing beds.

We looked at a number of factors including:

Durability and materials – how well was each product made and finished?

Safety features – did the product have padded rails, lockable wheels, mesh ventilation, firm bedding, a locking system etc? And could a baby's fingers become trapped? Ruth studied everything from the frame to the mattress

Choking hazards – were there any parts that could come loose?

Sturdiness – she walked into it, knocked it against furniture and dropped it when assembled and packed away. Could each cot withstand the weight of both an adult and child if accidentally fallen into?

Safety standards – she also looked for the appropriate safety labels

Height of side panels – could a child climb out easily?

Assembly and folding

How straightforward was it to assemble and fold?

Were written or visual instructions clear and precise? Could the instructions also be accessed online and were there video tutorials to guide you through?

Each cot was assembled and taken down 20 times – this was also timed to see how long it would take

We also wanted to see which products might cause difficulty for people with mobility issues and which were the easiest to assemble and take down

Ruth also considered how easy it would be to access spare parts and whether each cot came with a warranty

Ruth looked at how much space the cot took up in a room – did it slot in easily, and was it more suited to indoors or outdoors?

Could it be moved around easily, particularly through doorways, from one room to another, and up and down the stairs? Did it have to be folded in order to do so?

How easy was it to place the child inside? Could the side panels be lowered?

When inside, was the little one comfy? Did they like it and was there enough room to sleep and to play?

Was it heavy to carry and did it fit comfortably in the boot of an average-sized family car? Could it be taken on public transport easily?

Ruth analysed looks, including colours, fabrics and overall design

Did the bed fit in with the décor? Was the design attractive and user-friendly?

Were there different colours to choose from?

The likes of mud, sand, peanut butter, milk and orange juice were smeared and spilled onto the interior and exterior to see how easy stains were to remove

Ruth also checked for removable bedding that could easily be thrown into the washing machine

We tested products with a variety of price tags and compared the more expensive models to those that were cheaper

If pricey, was it worth the price tag?

And were there any extras included to make the investment more justified?

How real-life comparative testing makes Mumsnet Reviews unique

We commissioned Ruth Lumley to write about and test a variety of toddler and baby travel cots. Ruth is a journalist who has used a number of baby beds with her three young children – from the newborn stage right through to toddlerhood and while holidaying abroad and visiting relatives in the UK.

During the research process, she looked at the types of products available, scoured the Mumsnet forums for recommendations and spoke to baby sleep experts from The Lullaby Trust , an organisation that provides advice on safer sleep for babies.Ruth tried out each bed with her youngest child, who was 18 months old at the time of testing. She tested each for at least three nights, both at home and at the grandparents' house, which meant that all the models were subject to the same environmental factors and held a child of the same age and weight.

About the author

Poppy O'Neill is a Content Editor at Mumsnet and a mother of two. She's been researching and reviewing baby and child products for 2 years, with a particular focus on baby essentials, toys and books for toddlers and outdoor play equipment. From potties to paddling pools and bunk beds to bedtime stories, she loves to deep-dive into research and find the best products out there.

Poppy is also an award-winning, best-selling children's and parenting author of books such as Don't Worry, Be Happy , The Extraordinary Book That Makes You Feel Happy  and Mother Power . She specialises in children's mental health and her books are used by therapists, teachers and SENCOs across the UK. She won a The Week Junior Book Award in 2023, her books have been translated into several languages and she's been featured in The Guardian, The Sunday Times and The Sun.

After earning a BA in Creative Writing from the University of Leeds and a PGCert in Fashion and Lifestyle Journalism from University of the Arts London, she worked in fashion for most of her 20s. When her children were young, she undertook an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Chichester and re-trained as an author and freelance writer.

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BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light, Silver, One Size

Travel Crib Light

( $259.99 / Count )

Travel Crib Light + Fitted Sheet

Purchase options and add-ons

About this item.

• Simple to set up and fold up
• Easy to take with you
• Soft and comfy mattress
• Airy design for good supervision
• Removable and machine washable crib textiles

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Recommended uses for product, target audience, furniture finish, included components, special features.

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PRODUCT CERTIFICATION (1)

OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 requires textiles-based products to be tested against a list of 1,000+ chemicals, to limit those which may be harmful to human health. Certification focus: #ProductSafety and #ChemicalsUsed.

From the manufacturer

Cozy travel crib – easy to set up in just one move

Travelling with children has never been this easy. You can set up and fold up Travel Crib in just one move, and a soft and comfy mattress is included that allows your baby to sleep well, wherever your family goes. The airy mesh fabric also gives you reassuring supervision over your baby.

From newborn to approximately 3 years, or until your child can climb out of the travel crib. There is no upper weight limit for using the travel crib.

Crib fabric: 100% polyester. Mattress cover: 100% Trevira fabric (polyester).

Bullet Points

• Crib fabric: 100% polyester.
• Machine washable at 40˚C.
• From newborn and up to the age of approx. 3 years.
• Mattress included.

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Customer Review: BabyBjorn vs. Guava Family Lotus travel crib comparison

Review - 3 Reasons We LOVE Our Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light

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The best for travel

How to fold up BABYBJORN

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Absolutely love this travel crib

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Product information, warranty & support, product description.

Baby Bjorn Travel Light Crib - Silver Lightweight and portable, the newly re-designed BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light provides your baby a safe, comfortable space for sleep or play at home or on the road. Especially convenient for busy parents, the Travel Crib Light sets up in just seconds and features a plush, cozy mattress and a sturdy base that does not wobble. Sets up and is ready to use in one simple movement. Compact and lightweight design (11 pounds) makes it easy to take with you. Insulated mattress keeps baby warm and comfortable. Waterproof, breathable mattress cover is machine washable. Net fabric side panels make it easy to keep an eye on baby. Product Dimensions: 19 x 5.5 x 23.5 inches Weight: 11 pounds. Do not place product near window where cords from blinds or drapes can strangle a child. The Travel Crib complies with the EN 716 safety standard for folding cribs and national fire safety requirements.

Brand Story

By BabyBjorn

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Customer reviews.

• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 5 star 86% 5% 4% 2% 3% 86%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 4 star 86% 5% 4% 2% 3% 5%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 3 star 86% 5% 4% 2% 3% 4%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 86% 5% 4% 2% 3% 2%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 86% 5% 4% 2% 3% 3%

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the ease of assembly of the travel crib. They mention it's super easy to set up and take down. They appreciate the lightweight design, sturdiness, and comfort. They say the mattress is soft yet supportive, and the whole unit is well constructed. Customers also appreciate the size, saying it folds up fairly small.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers find the crib easy to set up and take down. They say it's stress-free, lightweight, and easy to pack and set up. Customers are also impressed with the simplicity yet sturdiness of the design.

"...SETUP AND TAKEDOWN: The BabyBjorn is super easy to set up and takedown (15sec.). The Lotus isn't too bad, but it's not even close...." Read more

"...Moreover, if we were visiting friends or family, the crib was a snap to set up for our son to take an afternoon nap or go to bed if we stayed up..." Read more

"I love this travel crib. It’s totally worth the price. It is super easy to assemble , takes only 2-3 minutes...." Read more

"...It's honestly amazing. It's so easy to set up , take down, re-pack, and very easy to carry...." Read more

Customers find the crib lightweight and easy to carry. They say it's a great design for travel and can be used as a playpen. Customers also mention that it'll last through toddlerhood.

"...It was light & easy to take on the go or travel with. WINNER: LOTUS..." Read more

"...We were so impressed by the functionality, easy transport , and versatility of this travel crib that I was inspired to write this review, based on..." Read more

"...It folds really small and fits perfectly in its travel bag, it’s super light weight and can be even carried as carry-on luggage on a plane if needed...." Read more

"...seeing a friend use a Baby Bjorn and watching how light and easy it is to carry and set up, I realized just how ridiculous the Pack n Play really is..." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the sturdiness of the crib. They mention that it is well constructed, holds up well through travel, and is very nice. Customers are also happy with the quality, saying that it's a very good product.

"...They are actually fairly similar, and I think they're both very nice products . But, there are some notable differences...." Read more

"...and only travel crib I know which is really light weight but still very durable , stable and of great quality...." Read more

"...or so difference in price tag of the BB crib is fair given its more apparent quality . Ultimately, I feel like you can't go wrong with either crib...." Read more

"...but he is super content and sleeps peaceful...." Read more

Customers like the comfort of the crib. They say the mattress is soft yet supportive, and the whole unit is sturdy. The mattress is plush and fits well for their baby. Customers also mention that it fits well when packing it in the car.

"...They are both fine for sleeping , but the Lotus feels a touch more suitable for playtime. WINNER: LOTUS..." Read more

"...The BB was intuitive and easy to set up. Additionally, the high sides make it a better fit for us, as our 1 1/2 yo child is in the 90 percentile in..." Read more

"...It folds really small and fits perfectly in its travel bag , it’s super light weight and can be even carried as carry-on luggage on a plane if needed...." Read more

"...It fits well when packing it in the car because of the size too where the Pack n Play was totally bulky and so heavy!..." Read more

Customers like the size of the crib. They mention that it folds up fairly small, making it easy to travel with. It's also light and compact when stored, making a perfect fit for their suitcase. Some say that the crib size is roomy and set-up is about 30 seconds.

"...SIZE/WEIGHT WHEN FOLDED UP: They both weigh 13 lbs, but the Lotus folds up much smaller , into a rectangle (23" L x 12" H x 8" W) that..." Read more

"...The crib size is roomy and set-up is probably about 30 seconds...." Read more

"...This Baby Bjorn travel light crib is fabulous because it folds and unfolds easily , and the carry case is just like an extra large briefcase - super..." Read more

Customers like the ease of opening and closing the crib. They mention it's extremely easy to open and collapse, and carries nicely like a piece of luggage. They also say it'll pop in and out easily.

"...It's honestly amazing. It's so easy to set up, take down , re-pack, and very easy to carry...." Read more

"...The mattress is soft but also supportive. I like that you can unzip the fabric in order to clean it and the mattress doesn't have that strong..." Read more

"...One of my favorite things about this travel crib is how you can unzip the top part that goes around the travel crib and wash it!..." Read more

"...The mattress is still in great shape. I just love how easy it is to open and close ...." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the crib. They mention it looks good, has an ingenious design, and is a lovely little crib. The carrying cases for both are stylish and subdued. The mattress is nice and looks like new.

"...The carrying cases for both are stylish and subdued...." Read more

"...This crib is super user friendly and looks nice and is so much lighter and easier to move around than a pack and play...." Read more

"...It is a lovely little crib .Baby easily fell asleep in the crib during a test drive at home so I felt better about my trip with him...." Read more

"...Overall it holds up great! It still looks like new !!!" Read more

Customers are mixed about the value of the crib. Some mention it's well worth the money, while others say it'll be a great buy.

"I love this travel crib. It’s totally worth the price . It is super easy to assemble, takes only 2-3 minutes...." Read more

"...cribs (usually in the ballpark of $10-20/ night), this is well worth the money and much nicer than anything that you can get from the hotel...." Read more

"...up size, a bit more cramped interior space, no zip-up door, a slightly higher price , and no bassinet option...." Read more

"...packs into a nice little briefcase.Weight- light and worth it !Puts up SO fast and SO easy. You could do it with one hand...." Read more

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• Raising Kids
• Toddlers & Preschoolers

The Best Toddler Travel Beds We Tested for Sweet Dreams on the Go

You won’t have to stress about toddler sleep when you travel with one of these picks.

Our Favorite Toddler Travel Beds

Other notable toddler travel beds, our testing process, our experts.

• Factors to Consider
• Keeping Your Toddler in Bed

Parents / Alexander Huang

If you’re anything like me, you keep a running list—usually in your Notes app—of every little thing you need to pack when traveling with your kids. From snacks and a favorite stuffy to a white noise machine, the list is ever-evolving, and generally, half of these items involve getting your child to sleep . Perhaps the most important thing of all is where your baby or toddler sleeps. Once your baby outgrows their bassinet or travel crib, it comes time to transition to a toddler travel bed. A great toddler travel bed provides a consistent sleep space for your little one, resulting in a well-rested child and, hopefully, rested parents, too. 

For some parents, portable 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 , M.D., a pediatrician at the Karabots Pediatric Care Center in Philadelphia. “There are lots of fancy ones out there on the market, but your baby really just needs a safe and comfortable place to sleep .” 

To help you find the best toddler travel bed for your needs, we tested over 40 options, from inflatable mattresses to pack-and-plays , in our lab and at home with our kids. We spent hours testing these products in the lab and our homes: assembling and disassembling them—even seeing if we could do it one-handed—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. We’ll continue to test new models as they come out. These picks were the best toddler travel beds we tested. 

• Best Air Mattress: Sleepah Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed
• Best Travel Crib: Guava Lotus Everywhere Travel Crib, Adventure & Travel Bundle
• Best for Air Travel: JetKids By Stokke CloudSleeper Inflatable Kids Bed
• Best Tent: KidCo PeaPod Plus Travel Tent
• Best With High Walls: SlumberPod SlumberTot Inflatable Toddler Bed
• Best for Grandparents’ House: The Shrunks Toddler Travel Bed
• Best for Slumber Parties: Funboy Convertible Kids Sleepover Air Mattress
• Best for Car Travel: EnerPlex Kids Inflatable Travel Bed
• Best Foldable: Milliard Toddler Nap Mat Tri-Folding Mattress

Best Air Mattress

Sleepah inflatable toddler travel bed, why we like it.

At $65, the Sleepah Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed was one of the least expensive mattresses we tested, while also impressing us with the quality of the material. Inflation was a cinch. “Assembly was straightforward and we were able to get the bed fully inflated with the included pump within 5 minutes,” our tester said. 

The lightweight bed, which fits standard-sized crib sheets, features high bumpers on the sides to prevent active sleepers from rolling out and a removable inner mattress that makes setup, cleaning, and deflating a breeze. Included are an air pump, patch kit, carrying case, and cloud pillow. With a maximum weight limit of 300 lbs., the Sleepah can also bear the weight of an adult who may find themself lying down next to their child. 

What Parents Say

“The bed feels durable and structurally very sound; it reminds me of one of our higher-end air mattresses we've had for a while. Overall, my daughter slept really well and there were no noticeable interruptions to her sleep while she used it.” – Kimberly, mom to a 22-month-old  

But Take Note

Our tester noted that the bed experienced slight deflation after her daughter, whom she calls a “very active sleeper,” slept on the bed for a few nights, though she says that the bed’s overall durability, warranty, and included patch kit put her mind at ease. 

The Details:

• Material: PVC
• Weight: 9.79 lbs.
• Size when open: 61" L x 40" W x 12" H
• Size when folded: unavailable
• Recommended age and weight limit: 18 months–8 years, up to 300 lbs.

Best Travel Crib

Guava family lotus travel crib.

Guava’s Lotus Everywhere Travel Crib is a high-end, well-designed, truly portable pack-and-play. Easy to assemble and break down, and with a hands-free, backpack-style carrying case, this toddler bed earned stellar reviews for its ease of use and compact design. The company offers a 60-day trial for parents who want to try the bed out. 

The wide, sturdy base that sits on the floor offers extra reassurance that your child won’t tip or tumble off the mattress, and there’s a side zipper to help little crawlers (and parents) have easier access without having to bend over. The Adventure & Travel Bundle we tested comes with several thoughtful accessories, including a mosquito net, an SPF 55 shade cover for sun protection , and two fitted sheets. 

“The carry bag conversion from hand-carry to a backpack is a brilliant design. The lightly padded straps make it really comfortable to carry on the back for long periods. I love that it packs very compactly and it feels high quality and very well-made.” – Allie, mom of a toddler

The crib alone is $230, and the bundle we tested retails for $345, putting the Lotus at the top of our tested products’ price range. Given the size of this travel crib, once a child is big enough to climb out of it, it’s no longer safe for them to use. 

• Material: Aluminum frame, washable fabric and mesh
• Weight: 15 lbs.
• Size when open: 45.5" L x 31.5" W x 25.5 H
• Size when folded: 24" L x 12" W x 8" H
• Recommended age and weight limit: Newborn up to age 3, no weight limit (base rests on the floor)

Parents / Leticia Almeida

Best for Air Travel

Jetkids by stokke cloudsleeper inflatable travel bed.

Flying with kids can be challenging, so if air travel is in your future and you need to lug a bed along, the JetKids by Stokke CloudSleeper Inflatable Kids Bed is our top pick. We loved this inflatable bed's unique design. Small enough to fit inside your luggage, this travel bed includes key features like side bumpers to keep your child from rolling onto the floor and an air mesh cover to keep your child cool at night. 

It was very easy to inflate and only took us five minutes to put together , which is great when traveling with little kids. And since it's light and comes with a small bag with handles , it's not hard 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 after any accidents. When you’re done with it, deflate the mattress, pack it back into its packing cube, and you're good to go!

“This is a quickly inflating mattress you put right on the ground. It took a couple minutes to set up,” – Allie, mom of a toddler

We noticed it can sound a bit noisy when a child moves on it. 

• Material: Nylon
• Weight: 4.1 pounds
• Size when open: 59.1 x 29.5 x 6.7 inches inflated
• Size when folded: 15 x 11 x 4 inches in travel bag
• Recommended age and weight limit: Ages 3 years and up; up to 68 pounds

Parents / Tamara Staples

KidCo Peapod Plus Infant Travel Bed

The KidCo PeaPod Plus travel tent was one of the most lightweight and easily transportable toddler beds we tested, and setup was almost non-existent: the tent simply pops up when it’s removed from its travel bag. It has two layers: a see-through screen window/door layer and a blackout material to make it dark inside the bed.

The lightweight material is also incredibly easy to clean, as evidenced by our tester’s admission that her son threw up on it during their trial run. “It was super simple to wipe up the mess, apply some cleaner, and wipe it dry. There are no real nooks or crannies that couldn't be cleaned or easily reached, even on the underside,” she reported. 

“Thanks to its springy, foldable nature, it would pop right into shape and open up, ready for use, in seconds. From there, I could zip the sides open or closed. It was really effortless,” – Heather, mother to an 11-month-old boy

This travel tent seems optimized for use while camping with kids or napping outdoors, and it’s not as ideal for regular nightly use as the only sleep surface is a thin pad. The material also doesn’t feel very durable. 

• Material: Lightweight mesh
• Weight: 3.5 lbs.
• Size when open: 52.5” L x 34” W x 22” H
• Size when folded: 19” L x 3.5” W x 19” H
• Recommended age and weight limit: 6 months–5 years old

Best With High Walls

Slumberpod slumber tot inflatable toddler bed.

SlumberTot is a component of the SlumberPod system, which gained attention after the company’s founders appeared on Shark Tank . SlumberPods are a pretty genius concept; they’re essentially a ventilated, breathable tent that darkens a child’s sleep space. The SlumberTot toddler air mattress conveniently fits inside a SlumberPod, making it a great solution if you find yourself sharing a hotel or guest room with your child and need some separation. We just tested the inflatable SlumberTot mattress, not the entire SlumberPod system. We found the mattress maintained firmness during the night and was durable, thick, and easy to wipe down. The side bumpers are high enough to prevent children from rolling off the bed. When deflated, the mattress easily fits in a suitcase, though it also has its own carrying case with a shoulder strap. The SlumberTot is also the only inflatable toddler bed we tested that claims to be phthalate-free.

“I wouldn't advise letting your child jump on the inflatable mattress, but the few times my toddler did jump around, the bed never lost inflation.” – Allison, mother of a two-year-old

At $89, the SlumberTot was one of the pricier inflatable beds we tested, and that price increases dramatically to $280 if you plan to purchase it with the room-darkening SlumberPod system.

• Material: Phthalate-free polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
• Weight: 6 lbs. 
• Size when open: 39” L x 25” W x 4.5” H
• Size when folded: 13.5” L x 8.5” W x 4.5” H
• Recommended age and weight limit: 2–6 years old, up to 200 lbs.

Best for Grandparents’ House

The shrunks toddler travel bed.

The Shrunks Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed comes with a pump and inflates easily and quickly thanks to a valve that prevents air from escaping, and it’s compatible with standard-sized crib sheets. (The pump also features a handy reverse setting to draw air out when it’s time to deflate it.)

An inner mattress attaches to an outer bed rail that prevents kids from rolling off, and the phthalate-safe PVC is thick and durable and easily wipes clean. Unlike other mattresses that look similar, the Shrunks’ inner mattress is attached to the outer bumper, which can be seen as a convenience to some (no sliding around) or an obstacle (it can be difficult to get the fitted sheet on the mattress when both the mattress and bumpers are inflated). 

“[My son] loved sleeping on this bed and was very motivated to go to bed since it was fun and new. He slept great on it and had no wake-ups, which is a sign he was comfortable.” – Jessica, mom of a 2-year-old

While this air mattress is durable and relatively portable, its carrying case has no convenient handle or strap, and it’s slightly larger and bulkier than some of our other picks, which is why we recommend it as our top pick to keep at the grandparents’ house. 

• Weight: 8.5 lbs.
• Size when open: 60” L x 37” W x 9” H
• Size when folded: 16” L x 7” W x 7” H
• Recommended age and weight limit: Up to 150 lbs.

Best for Slumber Parties

Funboy kids sleepover air mattress.

Funboy inflatable beds are available in several cute designs , which we’re sure will be a hit at your kid’s next slumber party or cousin sleepover. We tested the retro convertible, which is available in pink or blue. Other fun shape options include castles and speedboats. The company’s beds are modeled on the brand’s similarly designed pool floats. 

The beds come with a durable carrying case with a shoulder strap . We like that the thick, flocked material of this inflatable mattress is especially soft on the sleeping surface, an important feature since you can’t make this bed up with a fitted sheet.

“ I could see my toddler using it well past his toddler stages. I love bringing this over for sleepovers. My niece (8) and nephew (6) also LOVE this bed, so it's great for a wide range of ages.” – Stella, mom of a 21-month-old

This bed doesn’t come with a pump, but you can purchase one separately on the Funboy site for $24. Our tester found that without a pump to draw out the remaining air, rolling up and storing this bed was clumsy and not conducive to traveling long distances, as it took up more space. This bed has no bumpers on the sides and is slightly larger than some of the other beds we tested, so may not be ideal for kids who still roll around in their sleep.

• Material: Unavailable
• Weight: Unavailable
• Size when open: 74" L x 40" W x 15" H
• Size when folded: Unavailable
• Recommended age and weight limit: 3–12 years old, no weight limit given

Best for Car Travel

Enerplex kids inflatable travel bed.

 Amazon

This nearly puncture-proof toddler travel bed can be used during trips or at home as a transitional bed for toddlers who are still getting used to not having crib walls. A 120-volt electric pump (and three universal nozzles) is a game changer that makes inflating the bed a breeze. We love how quickly and easily this bed comes 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.

The EnerPlex has bumpers along three sides, and 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. 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.

“Could not be easier to set up. The pump is a game-changer. You don't need directions at all. The electric pump can also plug into your car which makes this a great option for camping,” – Donna, mom of a toddler

One downfall: It has a chemical smell.

• Weight: 11.88 pounds
• Size when open: 66” x 44” x 13” inflated
• Recommended age and weight limit: 36 months and up; up to 150 pounds

Parents / Nick Kova

Best Foldable

Milliard toddler nap mat tri folding mattress.

The Milliard Toddler Nap Mat isn’t an inflatable mattress, but rather, a folding foam mattress that’s cozy, thick, and comfortable for naptime. This folding mattress doesn't require any assembly—just take it right out of the box. If your toddler spills a drink or has an accident on this mattress, the good news is that it's easy to clean: It has a removable bamboo cover that can be machine-washed and the mattress underneath can be spot-cleaned.

While it doesn’t come with a storage bag, you can purchase a dedicated carry case with handles for it for $19. While it takes up more storage space than an inflatable mattress, it can also be a fun addition to the playroom for climbing, fort-building, and other creative play.

“Easy to unbox and really light. Definitely one of the more comfortable options for naptime that I've seen.” – Briana, mom of a toddler

Like other memory foam beds, after unboxing, it takes 48 hours for the compressed foam to reach the highest comfort level.

• Material: Foam mattress; polyester and bamboo cover
• Weight: 8.74 pounds
• Size when open: 58” x 24” x 3” unfolded
• Size when folded: 24” x 19” x 9” folded
• Recommended age and weight limit: None given
• Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed : Our testers liked the Hiccapop Toddler Travel Bed, but found that too much air leaked out once the pump nozzle was removed. Design-wise, the Hiccapop is similar to the Shrunks Toddler Travel Bed, which solves the airflow problem with a valve that prevents air from escaping and is less expensive.
• USHMA Portable Travel Inflatable Air Bed : This is a no-frills inflatable bed. At $46, it was the cheapest of all the beds we tested, but that price comes with some slight inconveniences. Testers complained that it doesn’t come with a pump and the strap-free carrying case was uncomfortable to carry.

Our parent testers tried out 20 children’s travel beds and more than 20 pack-and-plays in the Parents Testing Lab and in the real world; in our own homes, on the road, at the park, and on the beach. The beds were tested for overnight sleep and naps, and the ages of the children testing the mattresses ranged from 10 months to 4 years old. The most important attributes we considered when testing were:

• Ease of Use: Upon receiving their toddler travel beds, testers timed how long it took to set up every bed they tried. We asked them to assemble the beds with one hand, if possible, noting which ones required both hands or even another adult to help. We then tested how well the toddler travel beds hold a toddler's weight using a 25-to-30-pound sandbag. We also assessed how hard it was to clean the beds, examining hard-to-reach areas and taking note of the material and how it wiped down. We noted whether standard crib sheets fit on it. Then, we tried to disassemble the beds one-handed. After breaking them down, we considered how long it took and how difficult it was to place the bed inside its carry bag (if one was included). 
• Comfort: Comfort is key to a good night’s sleep, and for our top picks, we wanted to make sure our parent testers and their children were able to feel secure and get a good night's sleep with minimal interruptions. Our child testers slept on their beds at least five times to gauge their experience. 
• Durability: There’s nothing worse than an air mattress that deflates in the night or, even worse, punctures easily. Our testers kept an eye out for the quality of the materials and design, as well as any flaws and deal breakers encountered during use.
• Portability: If you’ll be carrying a toddler travel bed to a park, on a plane, or even just up a flight of stairs, portability is essential. We considered the item’s portability, including how easy it is to pack the bed into its carrying bag, the overall size of the bag, and whether it had a hands-free carrying option.

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 and which safety features to look for. 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 of Become Your Child’s Sleep Coach: The Bedtime Doctor’s 5-Step Guide, Ages 3-10
• Tomomi Hayashi, MD , a pediatrician at Stanford Medicine Children's Health Pediatrics, Los Gatos, CA

Factors to Consider When Buying a Toddler Travel Bed

• Safety: Keeping your toddler safe in their bed is essential. Dr. Hayashi recommends only using toddler travel beds as instructed and never placing them on top of another mattress, bed, or other raised surface. Ensure the bed you’re buying is appropriate for your child’s size and age and doesn’t pose any safety hazards. For anyone looking for an environmentally friendly, healthy sleep space, note that many of the inflatable mattresses we tested are made of PVC, a non-recyclable plastic that usually contains phthalates, which are hidden toxins known to cause smelly and potentially harmful off-gassing. Of all the samples we tested, only the SlumberTot claims to be phthalate-free.
• Comfort: For some toddlers, comfort may mean a favorite blankie or lovie, while others require a crib. Many toddlers enjoy the excitement of any new bed (and can fall asleep anywhere!), while others may balk at the noise or new sensation of an inflatable mattress. To make traveling easier, consider your child’s preferences. 
• Ease of use: If you arrive at your destination with a sleepy child, the last thing you want to deal with is a complicated bed setup. Look for a bed that’s easy to set up and break down, simple to clean and maintain, and includes useful accessories like a pump. Be aware that several inflatable beds on the market do not come with pumps, so read the fine print. You may want to look for bags that allow hands-free carrying. Another consideration is whether the bed is easy to put in its carrying case, so you’re not fighting to pack it up when it’s time to go home. 
• Toddler’s age and size: A few of the toddler beds we recommend are on the smaller side and only appropriate for babies who are not able to climb. Dr. Hayashi explains that the age at which children can transition from a crib to a portable toddler bed will differ. “Once they can climb out of the crib, then you have to transition to either a lower crib or a toddler sleep space. Generally, I like to keep them in enclosed spaces until I know they’re not going to get up and wander,” she explains. While it’s important to purchase a toddler bed that’s appropriate to your child’s size and age, consider whether or not you might also need to lie down with your child and whether the bed you’re considering can handle your weight, too. Most of our portable toddler bed recommendations are big enough for older toddlers to grow into; some can withstand up to 300 lbs.  
• Travel frequency and type: To determine which toddler travel bed is best for you, consider how and where you’ll be using it. Many of our recommendations can easily fit into a suitcase for air travel or road trips. Others are too bulky, so are best left in one place for long-term use, like at a grandparent’s or babysitter’s home. Also consider whether you might need to use your toddler bed outdoors as some of our recommendations feature weatherproof fabrics, sunshades, and netting, while others are not designed for exposure to the elements.

How to Use Toddler Travel Beds Safely 

It’s especially important to ensure your child is safe when sleeping in an unfamiliar place in a bed they’re not accustomed to. These tips can help.

• Follow the Manufacturer's Instructions: “Parents should also practice the same safe sleeping rules they implement at home,” explains Dr. Gans. “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].”
• Secure Assembly: Whether you’re inflating an air mattress with bumpers or assembling a portable tent, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that the sleep surface is firm and will not pose a suffocation risk. You’ll also want to ensure there are no areas that could potentially trap your child, and check for sharp edges, says Dr. Gans: “Corner points are sometimes a place where kids can get clothing caught or get injured.”
• Supervision: Never leave a toddler unattended in a travel bed. In addition to the usual risks associated with bedtime, children sleeping in an unfamiliar environment or who are used to the constraints of a crib might be tempted to explore. Place the bed where you can supervise them at all times since you may not be able to safety-proof rooms the way you can at home, notes Dr. Gans. Dr. Hayashi adds: “If they are climbing in and out or over the side, [or] if they are getting out of bed without an adult aware and wandering their environment,” that could pose a safety risk.  
• Appropriate Sleepwear: The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that all children’s pajamas be snug-fitting to meet the government’s flammability standards. 
• Check for Product Recalls. Dr. Gans recommends researching products on the CPSC website to determine the safety of the products you’re considering and ensure that they haven’t been recalled. 
• Follow Safe Sleep Guidelines: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a safe sleep environment to reduce the risk of all sleep-related deaths in babies. This includes placing your child on their back on a firm, non-inclined sleep surface and avoiding soft bedding, stuffed animals, or other suffocation hazards. 

How to Keep Your Toddler in Bed While Traveling 

A travel bed with inflatable bumpers (which are not recommended for babies) or a pack-and-play can help keep a toddler from rolling onto the floor. If your child is still sleeping in a crib at home, you will probably want to keep them in a pack-and-play or travel crib while traveling. For children who have mastered the art of climbing since they’re easily tipped, a mat or inflatable mattress is the way to go when you’re away from home. To make your child more comfortable, you can also bring along some of their favorite items from home to help them want to stay in bed in a 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,’ 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."

As a mother of two boys, Elizabeth Kocan has co-slept in her own bed, slept on the toddler air mattress, and even crawled into the crib to try and get her kids to sleep. After over 10 years of researching the best products to help make her own parenting a little easier, she’s sharing what she’s learned with other (exhausted at times, possibly desperate) parents. 

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.

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Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk city, Russia

The capital city of Sakhalin oblast .

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk - Overview

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk is a city located in the southern part of Sakhalin Island in the Far East of Russia, the administrative center of Sakhalin Oblast.

The population of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk is about 201,700 (2022), the area - 164 sq. km.

The phone code - +7 4242, the postal codes - 693000-693904.

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Yuzhno-sakhalinsk city coat of arms.

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk city map, Russia

Yuzhno-sakhalinsk city latest news and posts from our blog:.

29 October, 2019 / Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk - the view from above .

History of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Foundation of yuzhno-sakhalinsk.

The Russians first visited Sakhalin Island in 1742. In 1805, the Russian-American Company sent Adam Johann von Krusenstern, a Russian admiral and explorer, to Sakhalin to hoist the Russian flag on the island. Officially, neither Russia nor Japan claimed Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands. In 1855, a treatise on friendship and the border was signed in Shimoda, which marked the beginning of diplomatic relations between Russia and Japan. According to it, Sakhalin remained jointly owned by the two countries.

The settlement of Sakhalin by Russians was mainly due to exiled convicts. In 1869, Sakhalin was officially declared a place of exile and hard labor. In 1875, the St. Petersburg Treaty was signed between the Russian Empire and Japan, according to which Sakhalin completely went to Russia and the Kuril Islands - to Japan.

In 1881, according to the order of the military governor of the Primorsky region, Major Vladimir Yantsevich was appointed head of exiles in South Sakhalin. He received the following instructions: “For the settlement of those who are finishing their terms of hard labor, a place that is quite convenient for arable farming should be chosen. The selected site, if possible along the main road from south to north, should be planned, divided into sections and, as a new settlement, named by some permanent name.”

In 1883, Yantsevich applied for the approval of the names of four new villages founded in the south of Sakhalin: Solovyovskoe, Mitsulskoe, Vladimirovka (future Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk), and Vlasovskoe. In 1885, 57 people lived in Vladimirovka, in 1895 - 130 people. In 1897, there were 150 residential and commercial buildings here: a church, a school, a post office, a hospital, a mill, trade shops, a number of government buildings, and a lot of residential log houses.

More historical facts…

Japanese period in the history of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

In 1905, after the defeat of the Russian Empire in the Russo-Japanese War, according to the Treaty of Portsmouth, part of Sakhalin south of the 50th parallel was ceded to the Japanese Empire and became the Karafuto Prefecture. The northern part of Sakhalin remained under the control of the Russian Empire.

In 1908, Vladimirovka was renamed Toyohara (“bountiful plain”). In 1915, the settlement received the status of a town. The Japanese made their own plan for the development of the town with a clear rectangular planning system with the direction of streets along the railway and perpendicular to it.

The building density was high, as a result, a significant number of residential buildings were without outbuildings, sheds and other ancillary buildings, as well as yards. On the outskirts of the town there was a well-maintained park with an artificial reservoir. In 1920, the population of Toyohara was 14,176 people, in 1935 - 28,459.

On February 11, 1945, Stalin, Roosevelt and Churchill signed an agreement in Yalta on the conditions for the USSR’s entry into the war against Japan. Among the conditions were the return of South Sakhalin to the USSR and the annexation of the Kuril Islands. In August 1945, Soviet troops entered Toyohara.

This is what Toyohara looked like from the words of Dmitry Kryukov, head of the civil administration of South Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands, who arrived in the town in September 1945: “The town mainly consists of wooden buildings. The houses are adjacent to each other, timber-frame, plastered. Many of them look good, but they are cold.” The majority of the population were Japanese and Koreans.

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk - the capital of Sakhalin Oblast

On February 2, 1946, Yuzhno-Sakhalin Oblast was formed on the territory of South Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands. On June 4, 1946, Toyohara became its administrative center. It was renamed Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (“South Sakhalin City”).

On January 2, 1947, Yuzhno-Sakhalin Oblast was liquidated and its territory was included in Sakhalin Oblast, a separate region of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic. On April 18, 1947, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk became its administrative center.

In the spring of 1947, the mass repatriation of the Japanese began. By August 1, 1947, 124,308 people left Sakhalin, almost half of the local Japanese. During 1947-1949, about 400 thousand people were brought to Sakhalin from the central regions of Russia, Primorye and the Far East. By 1949, only 2,682 Japanese remained on Sakhalin - those who managed to obtain a Soviet passport. The Koreans from Sakhalin were not forcibly evicted, so most of them stayed. In 1959, the population of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk was 85,510 people.

In subsequent years, the appearance of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk changed again - the frame houses built by the Japanese were demolished. Today, except for the railway and some buildings of that time turned into museums, almost nothing reminds of the Japanese period in the history of this city.

General views of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk from above

Author: Vladislav Yarowind

General view of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk cityscape

Author: Shinya Ichinohe

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk - Features

Sakhalin Oblast is the only region in Russia located entirely on the islands. Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk stands at some distance from the sea coast, about 25 km from the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk. Chekhov Peak (1,045 m), one of the highest peaks of Sakhalin, rises to the north-east of the city. Locals call the city simply Yuzhnyy.

Sakhalin Island is part of the temperate monsoon zone. Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk is located on a plain surrounded by hills, due to which its climate has certain peculiarities. In summer, it can be very hot in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, and in winter, due to the lack of wind, severe frosts. The coldest month is January with an average daily temperature of minus 12.2 degrees Celsius, the warmest month is August with an average daily temperature of plus 17.3 degrees Celsius. Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk is equated to the regions of the Far North.

The city is located in an earthquake-prone area. The probability of strong earthquakes is relatively high. The distance from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk to Moscow is 9,140 km by road and 6,640 km in a straight line.

The majority of the population is Russian, but the proportion of Koreans is also high (about 20%). Out of 43 thousand Sakhalin Koreans, most of them live in the capital of the region. In the city you can also find representatives of the indigenous peoples: Nivkhs, Ainu and Oroks, but their number is very small.

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk is the largest transport hub on Sakhalin. Anton Chekhov Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Airport offers regular flights to such cities as Vladivostok, Krasnoyarsk, Novosibirsk, Khabarovsk, Moscow, Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Seoul (South Korea), Sapporo (Japan), Tokyo (Japan).

In Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, there is a high level of air pollution due to the high motorization of the population and the location of the city in the valley, which slows down the dispersion of harmful substances.

Today, it is one of the dynamically developing cities of the Far East, the production and intellectual center of Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands. Oil and natural gas production, as well as their processing, are the most important components of the local economy.

This is one of the most visited cities in the Far Eastern Federal District of Russia. Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk is often visited by cruise ship passengers (mostly Japanese citizens). Restaurants of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk offer dishes of Russian, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Uzbek, Georgian, Italian cuisines.

The architecture of the period of the Karafuto Prefecture gives a special flavor to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. Today, in the city there are about 40 objects of cultural heritage of this period. In the future, tourism should become the basis for the economic development of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.

Special thanks to Vladislav Yarowind for the photos of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.

Main Attractions of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Sakhalin Regional Museum of Local Lore - the central museum of Sakhalin Oblast founded in 1896. It is housed in a very picturesque Japanese building constructed in the Imperial Crown Style in 1937. This is the only such building on the territory of Sakhalin and all of Russia, the most significant architectural monument of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. Its diverse expositions are devoted to nature, history of the indigenous peoples of the islands, culture and development of Sakhalin. Kommunisticheskiy Avenue, 29.

Sports and Tourist Complex “Gornyy Vozdukh” (“Mountain Air”) - a ski resort and sports complex, existing, according to one version, since the days of the Japanese Karafuto Prefecture (1905-1945). Today, it is one of the most dynamically developing ski resorts in the Far East of Russia.

The unique location of the complex - in the center of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk - allows guests to find themselves in the world of winter sports in just a few minutes. The ski resort offers 10 slopes of various difficulty levels for both beginners and professionals. Their total length is over 23 km. The ski season lasts from December to the end of April.

It is one of the main organizers of excursion tours in Sakhalin Oblast: sports, excursion, business tourism, as well as ecological tourism. The complex has a network of hiking and cycling routes. There are also restaurants and cafes here.

Museum and Memorial Complex “Pobeda” (“Victory”) - a square with a cultural and educational center, where you can find historical expositions dedicated to the Russian-Japanese and World War II. A T-34-85 tank is installed on a pedestal in front of the building. Pobedy Avenue, 1.

Museum of the History of the Sakhalin Railway . This museum is dedicated to the history of railway construction on Sakhalin. The exposition has a lot of interesting and rare exhibits. In the open area of the museum, Sakhalin railway equipment is exhibited: steam locomotives, carriages of various types, etc. Vokzalnaya Street, 55.

Sakhalin Regional State Art Museum - the only art museum in Sakhalin Oblast with over 11 thousand works of art. On the ground floor, temporary art exhibitions are held, the art of artists from Russia, Korea and China is presented. The second floor houses permanent exhibitions: “Contemporary Korean Art”, “Christian Art”, “Russian Art of the 19th - early 20th centuries.” Lenina Street, 137.

Museum of the Book of Anton Chekhov “Sakhalin Island” . This museum is dedicated to Anton Chekhov’s trip to Sakhalin in 1890, as a result of which he wrote the book “Sakhalin Island”. Here you can find the following collections: “Painting”, “Graphics”, “Written Sources”, “Photo Materials”, “Numismatics/Phaleristics”, “Household Items, Arts and Crafts”, “Sculpture”. The personal belongings of Chekhov’s family members and various items belonging to exiles are exhibited here. Mira Avenue, 104.

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Park of Culture and Rest named after Yuri Gagarin - the most beautiful recreational area of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk founded in the Japanese period of the city’s history in 1906. In 1968, when the famous cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin died in a jet crash, the park was renamed in his honor. Today, this place attracts visitors with its amazing landscapes and an abundance of entertainment. Sakura blooms here in spring. Detskaya Street, 1.

Resurrection Cathedral - the first church in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk built in the 1990s. This one-domed cathedral in the pseudo-Russian style looks surprisingly graceful and is located in the immediate vicinity of Gagarin Park. Svyatitelya Innokentiya Boulevard, 3k1.

Cathedral of the Nativity . The height of this church, consecrated in 2016, is 77 m, which is why it effectively dominates the surrounding landscape. Accommodating up to 1,000 people, it is built in the Novgorod style with a gilded dome surrounded by four bright blue ones. Inside, you can admire the five-tiered iconostasis in the Russian style, decorated with 98 icons. The outer walls are decorated with mosaics created in Jerusalem. Ilarion Troitsky Street, 1.

Chekhov Peak . Several picturesque mountain peaks are located in the vicinity of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. The highest one (1,045 m) is named after the famous Russian writer Anton Chekhov. The trip to the top takes several hours. From the height of Chekhov Peak you can admire the city itself, the waters of Aniva Bay and the Sea of Okhotsk. On a cloudless day, you can even see the northern tip of the Japanese island of Hokkaido. There is a small Japanese temple at the top of the peak.

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk city of Russia photos

Architecture of yuzhno-sakhalinsk.

Winter in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk architecture

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk modern architecture

Author: Alexander Mikhalev

Churches of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Wooden Church of St. Nicholas in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

The Roman Catholic Church Parish of Saint James in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Resurrection Cathedral in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Author: Snejanna Baggerovski

Sakhalin Regional Museum of Local Lore

The main building of the Sakhalin Regional Museum of Local Lore

Old Russian 11-inch gun (1867) in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

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Sakhalin: Your Essential Guide to Russia’s Enigmatic Eastern Island

• January 14, 2024

A Journey Through Giant Burdocks, Wild Bears, and the Echoes of Ancient Japanese Temples

From the most dreaded place of exile in the Russian Empire to a Japanese industrial base and one of the most attractive and inaccessible places for domestic tourism in Russia.

Table of Contents

An island that was Russian, then Japanese, and then Russian again

From the 17th to the mid-19th century, it was believed that Sakhalin was a peninsula. This misconception firmly established itself on the maps of the time, as navigators failed to circumnavigate the island. The proximity of Sakhalin’s southern tip to the mainland created a false impression of being impassable for ships. An additional complexity arose from the fact that the route taken by ships from the Russian Empire involved passing through a narrow strait, which Nevelskoy managed to navigate only in 1849.

For a long time, people did not believe Nevelskoy, but he insisted that he had discovered a route through the strait, for which he became something of a hero in Primorye. Monuments and plaques dedicated to him can be found in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Vladivostok, and Khabarovsk. The H4H creative association created a graphic novel based on this story, which won a cultural initiatives contest and became part of the interior of the Khabarovsk Airport. By the way, the Sakhalin region is the only Russian entity entirely located on islands.

The remote and isolated location of the island during the Russian Empire was used as a natural barrier, and it became the site of penal colonies for hard labor prisoners. Its geographical position led to Sakhalin’s hard labor being regarded as particularly cruel.

During the period of the island’s development, Russian ships followed the Amur River and reached the island from the north, where the oldest port, Alexandrovsk, was founded. The Japanese attempted to develop the island from the south, entering through the Kuril Islands (part of the Sakhalin region) and Aniva Bay. For a long time, the Kurils were inhabited by the Ainu, representatives of a small indigenous people. The very word “Kurils” comes from the Ainu: “kuru” means “man.”

In the 17th century, Japan conducted its first expeditions towards the islands and began their development. Russia reached them later. The first mentions of the islands in Russian language date back to the late 17th century. For a long time, Russian, Dutch, Japanese, and Anglo-French navigators studied the islands, landed on them, and disputed their territorial ownership. However, only Russia and Japan managed to establish a foothold. To end the territorial disputes, the governments of the two countries signed an agreement under which the Kuril Islands went to Japan, and Sakhalin to Russia, which continued to develop the island mainly from the north. After the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905, which ended in Russia’s defeat, the southern part of Sakhalin became part of Japan as the Karafuto Prefecture.

Until the second half of the 20th century, the island was owned by Japan and was quite successful in developing its resources. A huge number of mines were opened, several cities and lighthouses were built. In particular, the current regional center, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, was the former Japanese city of Toyohara. The famous Aniva lighthouse, now considered a symbol of Sakhalin, was built by Japanese engineers. After Japan’s defeat in World War II, the island passed to the Soviet Union. Contrary to history, the main life of the island moved from the north to the south. Alexandrovsk, which was convenient to reach by water, lost to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk with its infrastructure built by the Japanese, connections to neighboring cities, and airport. Interestingly, before leaving, the Japanese buried and hid the mining sites, and locals say that not all the old mines have been found yet, and they are sometimes stumbled upon during walks.

Because the island belonged to three different countries in just over a hundred years, it did not have time to develop any significant urban infrastructure. The cities lack outstanding architectural monuments and unique museums. However, some unusual Japanese architecture has remained. Meanwhile, Sakhalin compactly houses incredible natural attractions. Here, one can climb through forests and bamboo thickets to breathtakingly beautiful mountains as if outlined in graphite, and through a mountain pass reach the sea, into which clear mountain rivers flow with fish splashing in them.

The Ainu and Nivkh: Inhabitants of Sakhalin

For a long time, the island was mainly inhabited by the Ainu and Nivkh peoples. These ethnic groups are very different, making their coexistence as unusual as the neighboring of birch and bamboo on the slopes of Sakhalin’s mountains. Both are isolate peoples . However, the Ainu belong to the Australoid race, while the Nivkh are Mongoloids (the main population of Asian territories). It’s fascinating how representatives of different races have coexisted for ages on a small piece of land at the edge of the world.

There is no single version regarding the origin of the Ainu, leading to a multitude of theories — both scientific and conspiratorial. One theory suggests that the Ainu are the ancestors of the indigenous population of Australia, remaining in the north after continental migration. Some researchers write that the Ainu are the forebears of the Japanese. This theory is supported by the fact that before Japanese expansion, the Ainu mainly inhabited the Japanese island of Hokkaido. However, the Ainu suffered greatly from Japanese imperialism, and their culture and language were almost completely destroyed in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Now, there are just over two thousand Ainu living on Sakhalin.

The Nivkh are among the indigenous small-numbered peoples of the north. They suffered less from Japanese rule. However, during the Soviet era, they experienced a difficult phase of literacy development, destruction of tribal communities, and relocation to cities. About 2,200 Nivkh live in the Sakhalin region and another approximately two thousand in Khabarovsk.

During the Karafuto period, Japan brought captured Koreans to Sakhalin for hard labor. By the mid-20th century, the Korean population of the island was about 45,000 people. For comparison, the current population of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk is 180,000. This large number of people, deprived of their homeland, was forced to adapt to life first under Japanese and then Soviet rule. In the USSR, Koreans were issued passports, and there were national kindergartens and schools. However, Sakhalin Koreans did not feel part of the larger community of Soviet Koreans (Koryo-saram) and struggled to integrate. Moreover, they were considered members of an ‘unreliable nation’ because they had lived in the Japanese Empire.

In the late 1990s, three countries – Russia, South Korea, and Japan – began a repatriation campaign for the first generation of Sakhalin Koreans (born before August 15, 1945) to their historical homeland. Now, about 3,500 repatriates from Russia live in South Korea. Under the program, the Korean government provides medical insurance and a monthly allowance to the repatriates. The Japanese government, in turn, buys housing (apartments up to 40 m²) and covers transportation costs. Additionally, every two years, Sakhalin Koreans who have moved to their homeland have the right to visit Sakhalin for free, funded by the Japanese government. Most Sakhalin Koreans settled in the city of Ansan , where 500 apartments were specially built for them.

Korean influence is weakly traced on Sakhalin: many Sakhalin Koreans no longer know the language and do not associate themselves with Korea. However, there are several authentic restaurants (for example, “Koba” ) on the island where you can try traditional dishes.

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk — the capital and base for exploring the island

The city is predominantly characterized by typical Soviet architecture, with almost no remaining Japanese buildings. This is because during the Soviet period, the city was radically rebuilt after being liberated from ‘imperialist Japanese rule.’ Many buildings were demolished, and from the few that remained, some were turned into museums. Perhaps the main thing that has been preserved from the Japanese period is the layout. The city was founded from scratch near the Russian village of Vladimirovka, and Chicago was chosen as the model for its layout. Toyohara was divided into four parts by two main streets, O-dori (now Lenin) and Maoka-dori (Sakhalinskaya).

Japan established itself thoroughly on the island. In Toyohara, trade routes converged, new bays were developed, and roads were built. The city’s population grew steadily. Initially due to the military garrison, and later due to a paper mill, a sugar and distillery plant. Now, the buildings of the former Japanese factories are abandoned. Many of them can only be accessed with rare tours, while others are completely closed. However, their presence is still recalled by street names, such as Paper Street.

Another building in the Neo-Japanese style is the Karafuto Governorate Museum built in the 1930s (29 Communist Avenue). It now houses the Sakhalin Regional Museum . And in the former bank of colonial development, there is the Art Museum (137 Lenin Street).

Several other iconic buildings constructed by the Japanese have been preserved: the central hospital of Toyohara (41 Chekhov Street), the conference hall of the Karafuto Governorate (30 Dzerzhinsky Street), and the Toyohara City Hall (41 Communist Avenue). The Sakhalin Railway Museum in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk is distinct from many similar museums in Russia due to its exhibits. This is because the island long maintained the Japanese standard of railway gauge, which differs from the Russian standard. Accordingly, the rolling stock was entirely different.

If in Vladivostok everything is named after the Far Eastern explorer and writer Vladimir Arsenyev, then in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, mentions of Chekhov are everywhere. At the end of the 19th century, Sakhalin was both the most dreaded place for exile to hard labor and one of the most tempting corners of Russia, which was not so easy to access. Chekhov received an editorial assignment and embarked on a ship along with prisoners, military personnel, and sailors to the most remote point of the empire. In his notes, which Chekhov compiled under the title ‘The Island of Sakhalin,’ the writer talked about many things: the geography and climate of the island, the life of the convicts, and ordinary residents. This book caused a great resonance at the time, and even now it was very interesting to read it while traveling to Sakhalin: some things have changed drastically, while others have remained the same. Now in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, there is even a museum dedicated to this one book, which turned out to be so significant for the island.

GoSakhalin is the website of the Sakhalin Tourist and Information Center. And in their official Telegram channel , you can find announcements of affordable excursions shortly before they start.

In any case, for travelers, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk remains primarily a hub and a place of rest. Here they return for the night and dinner, and it seems that real adventures begin outside the doorstep.

Surrounding Area

10–20 kilometers from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

The main reason people visit Sakhalin is for its unique nature. Mountains, forests, rivers, lakes, and the sea, all on a small piece of land. In one day, you can travel from the Sea of Okhotsk to the Sea of Japan, cross several climate zones, see bamboo groves, birches, and spruces in one place, spot a running fox and a swimming orca. The island’s landscapes can boldly compete in Instagram appeal with Iceland or Norway.

Within Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk alone, there are about 30 kilometers of marked ecotrails, with brief descriptions and routes available on the official tourism portal. I also found an ecotrail in Nevelsk, which is not mentioned on the official website.

The ecotrails in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk start from the ‘Mountain Air’ ski center on the sopka (a term for mountains in the Far East) Bolshevik. There are five in total: ‘Children’s’ (2.7 kilometers), ‘Eight’ (8 kilometers), ‘Northern Ring’ (9 kilometers), ‘Russian’ (3.2 kilometers), and ‘Yelanka’ (5 kilometers). You can take a cable car to the start of the trails and then slowly descend through the forest and park to the city. However, the lift does not operate in rainy and windy weather.

Hiking the ‘Eight’ trail took me no more than three hours, including stops to catch my breath and take photos. Every kilometer and a half along the route, there are benches. From the top of the mountain, there is a view of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, and it seems you can see a piece of the Sea of Okhotsk.

Chekhov Peak

The route to Chekhov Peak is a high-mountain trekking path that requires a certain level of physical fitness. Chekhov Peak has an elevation of 1045 meters, with an absolute altitude gain of 752 meters. The trail is narrow and slippery in places, hardly suitable for children or people with limited mobility.

Chekhov Peak is part of the Susunai Range, which supports Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk from the southeast. You can exit from Gagarin city park to the foothills in about half an hour. The ascent to the peak itself cannot be missed: a marked trail and informational signs lead to it. On particularly steep ascents, ropes are hung for safety, but it is possible to walk up the slope without them.

In late spring, the forest trail has many streams, as well as May primroses and butterflies. The foothills are scattered with rare, incredibly large, and wonderfully fragrant marsh callas. Halfway to the peak, bamboo thickets are encountered, through which birches break through. This is also a kind of magic because, as a biologist friend explained to me, birch and bamboo are not supposed to coexist in the natural environment, but somehow they manage to do so. Occasionally, spruces are encountered — not tall, but very fluffy. Closer to the top, the vegetation becomes sparser, and the impressive views of the sea, mountains, and lakes open up from the height.

• The entire hike takes five to six hours.
• Even in summer, there is snow on the summit. In the afternoon, it starts to melt, making it more difficult to walk.
• Don’t forget to bring food and water.
• Wear boots with covered ankles, a jacket, and a head covering.
• Inform your family and friends, and someone living in Sakhalin, before setting out on the route. If you’re traveling alone, you could notify, for example, the hotel receptionist or roommates in a hostel.
• Snakes and bears are found around the trail. Watch your feet and try to make as much noise as possible. For example, play music on your phone and sing along occasionally.
• The ascent to Chekhov Peak can be the start of a journey to the village of Lesnoye on the shore of the Sea of Okhotsk. The distance to the village is 27 kilometers. With good preparation and an early start from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, this distance can be covered in one day.

Mud Volcano in Klyuchi

A mud volcano is an eruption on the earth’s surface of clay masses, mineralized waters, and gases. The mechanism of formation of these volcanoes is not fully understood. According to the existing theory, such volcanoes are formed near oil fields.

The mud volcano in Klyuchi consists of a mud field about 200 meters in diameter. There, you can see about 20 points of activity, resembling miniature volcano craters. This mud volcano became active in 1959, 1979, 2001, and 2011 (the last time due to a strong earthquake in Japan). During these eruptions, mud columns reached several tens of meters in height. Bus 189 goes to Klyuchi from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. The distance from the village to the top of the volcano is nine kilometers and takes about two and a half hours to walk.

Ecopark in the Vestochka area: Frog Rock, Aikhor Waterfall, ‘Sunny Glade’ Recreation Park

Not far from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, there is a fairly large ecopark, known primarily for the Frog Rock outcrop. An outcrop is a remnant of harder rock around which softer rock has eroded over time. Outcrops are often known for their unusual shapes and are natural monuments. Frog Rock is part of a series of rocks standing one behind the other. This was once the seabed of an ancient sea, and fossilized shells can be found in its vicinity. From the top of the rock, amazing views of the Aniva Bay, Tunaycha and Changeable Lakes open up. This place was sacred to the Ainu, the indigenous inhabitants of the island.

The trail to the ‘Sunny Glade’ ecopark begins behind the ‘Electron’ culture house. Despite its name, it is not a city park, but a full-fledged forest with laid-out paths. There are houses, glades with tables for rest where you can cook barbecues, and wooden walkways leading to various attractions. These are all paid services.

The path to Frog Rock outcrop goes along the Komissarovka River. In areas of spring flooding, callas bloom and bamboo grows. The outcrop is located on a hill, with a total elevation gain of about 300 meters. The road is quite challenging, usually taking from an hour to an hour and a half. The higher you climb, the more you can see: the sea, the mountain gorge, the road to Vestochka. In the same park is the Aikhor Waterfall, which is also a short climb away, but along a less well-maintained trail. You can plan a whole day to visit Vestochka and even spend the night, without returning to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.

Vestochka is three high-rise buildings on one side of the road and a cottage settlement on the other. It is part of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, though located 15 kilometers from the main part of the city. A taxi there costs about 1000 rubles and takes 40 minutes. About a kilometer after turning off the main road, the asphalt ends and a terribly dusty dirt road begins. If you’re lucky, you can catch a bus that runs three times a day.

What else to see on the island

40 kilometers from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

The oldest city in the south of Sakhalin, founded by Nevelskoy’s expedition. Here you can find a huge number of monuments dedicated to sailors, naval battles, and ships. The most significant monument in the city in recent decades has become the stele dedicated to ‘Koreans interned by the Japanese in Sakhalin, who never returned to their homeland,’ located on Mount Sorrow, created through the efforts of three countries’ governments (Russia, Japan, and Korea).

In Korsakov, some Japanese heritage has been preserved: the former building of the Hokkaido Takushoku Bank, a colonial development bank (Sovetskaya Street, 3), trade warehouses in the port, a document storage facility ‘Bunsyoko’ (Krasnoflotskaya Street, 1), a couple of rusty fire hydrants, and remnants of Shinto temples in the form of pillars with hieroglyphs. One of the local nighttime entertainments is watching the lights of the gas processing plant.

How to get there. Three electric trains a day, the journey takes just over an hour, and the ticket costs 75 rubles (0.73 euros).

Bird and Giant Capes

90 kilometers from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Two capes, recognized as natural monuments in 1990, along whose coasts are many wind and wave-carved grottoes, caves, arches, and columns of various sizes and whimsical shapes, among which colonies of sea birds reside.

The place is not very close, but it’s very picturesque at any time of the year. In the area of one of the rocks, there is a pool where, during the salmon spawning period, you can observe a fascinating spectacle — a huge gathering of pink salmon.

Many tourists stay on the coast overnight to witness the sunset and sunrise. Near Cape Giant, there is a toilet, parking, and a rest area with benches.

How to get there. The journey from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk goes through the village of Okhotskoe, where you can buy fresh crabs, and takes about three hours one way. The road is fully passable only by high vehicles like Mitsubishi Pajero, Suzuki Jimny, as the last ten kilometers of the route have deep puddles, potholes, small cliffs, and rivers.

Nevelsk and Steller Sea Lions

Nevelsk is nestled between mountains and sea. The rocky mountains and the coast, which consists of small stone needles and shells, in every way explain why Chekhov so often mentioned in ‘The Island of Sakhalin’ how harsh the land of Sakhalin is.

Steller sea lions are the largest of the eared seals. One of their habitats is the breakwater in Nevelsk. As soon as you arrive in the town, the smell from the Steller sea lions’ haul-out site hits you. ‘They eat there, live, give birth to their young – that’s why it smells,’ the locals explain. Another feature is the noise. Steller sea lions are very loud!

You can view the sea lions from the central square, where binoculars are installed. However, tourists usually hire a boat and approach the haul-out site to get a closer look at the seals. You can see how the Steller sea lions bark, lie in the sun, jump into the sea and, most interestingly, try to jump back. The views from the square through binoculars are not as detailed and impressive. A place on the boat will cost 1000–1500 rubles (9.76 – (14.65 euros). You can also buy a tour from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk for 3500 rubles (34.18 euros). The most animals are present in spring and early summer. In autumn, there may be a couple of dozen individuals left.

From the embankment, you can observe the huge kelp laminaria floating in the sea. Some travelers catch them themselves and eat them. Although dishes made from seaweed are found in cafes and also sold in stores. Signs are installed on the shore indicating where to run in case of a tsunami. The last major earthquake with waves was recorded in 2007. Many houses were destroyed and two people died. The most famous Sakhalin tsunami was the 1952 tragedy , when the aftermath of the earthquake almost completely destroyed Severo-Kurilsk.

How to get there. From the bus station (Karl Marx Street, 51b) in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, buses go to Nevelsk, the ticket costs 300 rubles (2.93 euros), and the journey takes about an hour. Tickets can be purchased at the bus station ticket office or from the driver (cash or transfer). It’s not possible to board the bus somewhere in the city, as the bus does not make stops. It’s better to buy a return ticket immediately upon arrival in Nevelsk at the Nevelsk bus station ticket office (Lenina Street, 1). The bus is popular with locals, and there may simply be no seats left.

Remnants of structures from the Karafuto period include the Maoka-Jinja temple with a Japanese-style garden and an abandoned railway built by the Japanese. It used to connect Kholmsk with Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. Tourists usually come to see two photogenic bridges – Devil’s and Witch’s – and a tunnel in the mountain that makes a full circle inside it. The trail passes along the old rails, and there are many vipers, so one needs to watch their step.

How to get there. The bus to Kholmsk takes two hours, the ticket costs 450 rubles (4.39 euros), with 14 trips a day.

Slepikovsky Cape and Lighthouse

120 kilometers from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

At Slepikovsky Cape, there is the only relic grove of Korean cedar on Sakhalin. Also located here is the functioning Slepikovsky Lighthouse, which is a 27-meter tall round tower, connected by corridors to utility and residential buildings.

The cape and lighthouse are named after the commander of the Russian partisan detachment Bronislav Grotto-Slepikovsky, who operated in Southern Sakhalin during the 1904–1905 war. The route to the lighthouse goes through the villages of Yablochnoe and Sadovniki, where some of the best beaches on Sakhalin are located — with the cleanest water and white sand.

How to get there. The cape is located 29 kilometers north of Kholmsk. From Kholmsk to the turn towards the lighthouse, there is asphalt with dirt sections. From the turn to the lighthouse, there is first a dirt road, then beach sand, which is recommended to be driven on with deflated tires. Visiting time is from spring to autumn, as the road to the cape is not cleared in winter.

110 kilometers from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

In 1891, when the island had a penal colony, this was the Russian village of Siraroko, named after a nearby Ainu settlement. In 1905, the south of Sakhalin was given to the Japanese, and the village was renamed Higashi Shiraura. Here there were a railway station, a brick factory, and a coal mine. 40 years later, the settlement was renamed Vzmorye.

During the Japanese times, there was the Shinto shrine Higashi Shiraura Inari-Jinja. Only the torii gates remain — P-shaped gates without doors that are placed on the path to a Shinto shrine. These are the only torii on Sakhalin. On the torii, there is an inscription ‘In honor of the 2600th anniversary of the foundation of Great Japan’ — this mythological date was widely celebrated in 1940.

On the way to the torii, you can see the famous giant burdocks and bear’s garlic. Vzmorye is also known as a place where poached crabs are sold along the highway.

How to get there. Two electric trains and one train that start from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk stop in Vzmorye. Unfortunately, all three are in the evening. You can also get there on passing buses that go to the north of the island.

Tikhaya Bay

140 kilometers from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

On one side, the bay is framed by Mount Smely, and on the other side, the majestic Zhdanko Ridge begins. To the left in the bay itself is an island-kekur, which can be reached during low tide, as well as the epic cliffs of Tikhaya Cape. By the way, behind this cape, there are waterfalls that become icefalls in winter. At the base of the bay is the mouth of the Tikhaya River, where during the season you can see the spawning of pink salmon and chum salmon. Bears are aware of this, so they are often encountered here.

How to get there. Buses going to Poronaysk stop in the village of Tikhoye, near which the bay is located. There are four trips a day.

Aniva Lighthouse

The lighthouse has a complex history: there were attempts to maintain it under Soviet rule, but Aniva was so remote from inhabited areas that it was not profitable. Eventually, the lighthouse was switched to autonomous mode, bringing in a radioactive isotope to sustain its operation, and then it was completely closed. To this day, you can find signs on the walls reading ‘Caution, radioactive’. But now this warning is outdated, as the radioactive isotope was removed when the lighthouse was decommissioned. The lighthouse is very beautiful, offering views of the island and sea, and inside you can explore the remnants of rooms and working areas.

On the return trip, tourists are also taken to Mramornaya Bay, where you can also climb a mountain and view the jagged coast of Sakhalin from above. Orcas and whales are often encountered in these areas, most frequently in summer. I would also recommend taking a combined tour in summer to Aniva Lighthouse, the Blue Lakes, and Busse Lagoon, where you can see the amazingly blue waters and try sea urchins.

A kilometer from Novikov is Cape Tri Kamnya (46.320342 143.373006), which can even be reached by car. Four kilometers from the cape is the small Strelka waterfall , which requires a walk. If you stay in the village overnight, you can take a hike to the Blue (turquoise) Lakes (46.359603, 143.471909). On the way, there’s an abandoned Japanese power station. You can extend your route by another 15 kilometers and reach the opposite shore of the peninsula – to Cape Evstafiya. The road from Novikov to Cape Evstafyeva through the Blue Lakes can be driven in a jeep, if there hasn’t been prolonged rain before. But it’s better to ask in advance those who have recently been there, and get the phone number of a local tractor driver in Novikov, so that if something happens, he can pull you out.

How to get there. Getting there independently is almost impossible. The lighthouse is located on a rocky outcrop in the sea, and the nearest land is a high cliff. However, some people do reach Novikovo (the nearest village) by bus or car, and then walk 44 kilometers on foot to Aniva (the name of both the lighthouse and the bay). It takes about one and a half hours to drive from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk to Novikovo. And then another two hours of rough dirt road to the boat dock. A tour from the company ‘Friends-Hikers’ costs 6000 rubles (58.59 euros) in May (in summer – 7000 rubles (68.35 euros)).

Klokovsky Waterfall

190 kilometers from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Klokovsky Waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls on Sakhalin Island. Its height is variously reported to be 48–49 meters, with a width of up to nine meters. The waterfall is accessible year-round, but is most full in late spring and early summer.

Alexandrovsk-Sakhalinsky

The ‘Tri Brata’ (Three Brothers) rocks are definitely a symbol of Alexandrovsk-Sakhalinsky, and perhaps of the entire island. They are located in the Alexandrovsk Gulf almost opposite Cape Zhonkiyor. From the cape, there is a stunning view of the vast Tatar Strait and the Three Brothers. At low tide, it’s possible to calmly explore all the attractions of the gulf, collect seaweed and shells, see hermit crabs scuttling along the seabed with their shells on their backs, or watch the leaves of laminaria sway. At the strongest low tide, you can even walk to the Three Brothers through the water.

In the 19th century, convicts carved a 90-meter tunnel through Cape Zhonkiyor to service the lighthouse. To reach the tunnel by land, you need to come at low tide. Otherwise, you’ll have to climb the rocks. The tunnel is lined with logs, but there is almost always water at the bottom and a strong wind howls through it. If you pass through the tunnel, you will see the ‘Tri Sestry’ (Three Sisters) rocks and an old lighthouse from the end of the 19th century. All these places are described by Chekhov in ‘The Island of Sakhalin’: ‘Most often we went to the lighthouse, which stands high above the valley, on Cape Zhonkiyor. During the day, the lighthouse, if looked at from below, is a modest white house with a mast and lantern, but at night it shines brightly in the darkness, and then it seems that the penal colony looks at the world with its red eye. The road to the house climbs steeply, winding around the mountain, past old larches and firs. The higher you climb, the freer you breathe; the sea spreads before your eyes, thoughts gradually come, having nothing to do with the prison, the penal colony, or the exile settlement, and only then do you realize how dull and difficult life is down below.’

How to get there. From Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, there is one bus trip per day – at 12:10. The ticket costs 2200 rubles (21.48 euros), and the journey takes nine hours.

600 kilometers from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

The main transit point on the way to the oil refineries. The village might be of interest to those curious to see a harsh northern town living off production: low-rise buildings made of siding and unexpectedly bright murals on the walls of five-story buildings. There is a local history museum in the village (Sovetskaya Street, 3) – it is praised for its excellent exhibition of the Nivkh culture and a monument to Nevelskoy. Also, one of the longest rivers of Sakhalin, the Tym (which translates from Nivkh as ‘spawning river’), flows through the town.

How to get there. A night train goes to Nogliki every day, taking almost 12 hours. The cheapest ticket in a seated carriage costs 1100 rubles (10.74 euros), a compartment – 4100 (40.03 euros). There is even a luxury (SV) carriage for 12600 rubles (123.03 euros).

Where to Stay

Hostels in the Far East are divided into work and tourist types. The former will also accommodate tourists, but the atmosphere there is like a dormitory where their own rules are already established, and you may feel like an uninvited guest. To avoid such a hostel, it’s important to carefully read the reviews, not book the cheapest hostels, not stay on the outskirts or near airports and train stations.

In the Islander hostel , mainly travelers stay, it’s very cozy, with convenient kitchen and showers with toilets. A double room costs 3000 rubles per day, and dorms – from 900 rubles (8.79 euros) per night. If you book directly through the website and for a long term, you can get a good discount.

The ‘Moneron’ hotel is located near the railway and bus stations. It’s a classic budget hotel with small clean rooms. The ‘comfort’ class rooms have a bath, and the hotel provides a complete set with slippers, towels, and a hairdryer. Prices start from 2800 rubles (27.34 euros) per night for a single economy room, while ‘comfort’ costs 4900 rubles (47.85 euros). Breakfast is included in the price.

The ‘Belka’ hotel building is made using Finnish technology in a wooden style from milled timber. The cost of large rooms with wooden walls and huge beds starts from 5800 rubles (56.63 euros). Breakfast is also included in the price. The hotel complex includes a sauna, spa, tavern, and gym.

Near Bussé Bay is the island’s only dome-shaped glamping site. A night for two costs 8000-10,000 rubles (78.12 – 97.65 euros). An extra bed is 2000 (19.53 euros). Each dome has a shower, toilet, and electricity. On cooler days, you can light the stove and sit by the fire with a cup of hot cocoa.

In other towns, apart from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, the choice of hotels is quite modest and usually limited to one or two hotels, which cannot always be booked online. They have to be found on the map and booked by phone.

Transport on the Island

Car. If you’re only traveling between cities, there won’t be any problems – the roads between them are mostly paved, and the dirt roads are of more or less good quality. It gets more complicated with natural attractions. Almost all of them are accessed by dirt roads, which not every car can navigate.

In Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, ‘Yandex.Taxi’ and ‘Maxim’ operate (also in Korsakov and Kholmsk). A trip within the city limits will cost a maximum of 300 rubles (2.93 euros).

Railway. From Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, about 30 electric trains depart daily. Most of them go to nearby areas like Dalnyaya, Khristoforovka, and Novoaleksandrovka stations – 8–23 minutes travel time.

To other cities, there’s only one electric train per day. It takes an hour to Korsakov and the ticket costs 80 rubles (0.78 euro). To Tomari, it’s four hours and 300 rubles (2.93 euros). To Poronaysk, it’s five hours of travel and 500 rubles (4.88 euros) for a ticket. Long-distance electric trains depart in the evening, as these routes are used by residents of the province who return from work in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk to their homes.

There is also one train on the island – Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk to Nogliki, 12 hours of travel and 1100 rubles (10.74 euros) for a ticket in a sitting carriage.

Buses. It seems you can reach even the most remote settlements by bus. Often there’s only one trip per day, but at least it exists. To Kholmsk, Nevelsk, and Korsakov, the journey takes about an hour and a half, with tickets costing around 300 rubles (2.93 euros); to Poronaysk and Uglegorsk, it’s four to five hours and 1200 rubles (11.72 euros) for a ticket. You can check the current schedule on avtovokzaly.ru . But it’s always better to double-check by phone: +7 (4242) 72-25-53. The address of the bus station is Karl Marx Street, 51b.

Airplane. Sakhalin has a quite extensive network of airports, and you can fly from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk to Okha, Zonalnoye, Shakhtyorsk, Poronaysk, Smirnykh, Yuzhno-Kurilsk, and Iturup. Flights are operated by the Far Eastern airlines ‘Aurora’ and ‘Taiga’ . These routes are served by small propeller planes Bombardier and Mi-8 helicopters. Such a flight is an interesting experience in itself. Moreover, some flights are quite inexpensive. For example, to Zonalnoye, Shakhtyorsk, and Poronaysk, tickets cost 2000–3000 rubles (19.53 – 29.29 euros) one way. To Okha and the Kurils – from 6000 rubles (58.59 euros).

Ferry. From Korsakov, ferries run to different settlements in the Kurils every three to four days. The ferry to Kurilsk takes about 22 hours, to Yuzhno-Kurilsk – 22–30 hours, and to Malokurilskoye – about 40 hours. Interestingly, a ticket to any of these settlements costs from 2800 rubles (27.34 euros), available on the website of the ferry company.

How to get there

By plain. To travel to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk from Europe, passengers typically fly through major transit hubs. Common routes involve flying from a European city to one of the major Russian airports offering direct flights to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, such as Moscow’s Sheremetyevo or Domodedovo airports. In 2023 it is only possible to fly to Moscow from major transit hubs such as Istanbul or Erevan. From there, travelers can catch one of the direct flights to the island. Some routes might also include stops or transfers in other large cities in Russia or Asia, depending on the airline and the flight itinerary, for instance, Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk, Irkutsk, Ulan-Ude, Chita, Blagoveshchensk, Vladivostok, Khabarovsk, Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Sovetskaya Gavan, and Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. There is even one international flight from Harbin, China.

In good weather, on approach to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, you can see the Tatar Strait, the Western Ridge, and the city itself. The airport is located within the city limits, and from there, you can easily reach any point by public transport (buses 63 and 3) or taxi.

Ferry. Vanino (Khabarovsk Krai) to Kholmsk (Sakhalin) . Passenger tickets for the ferry are sold at the Vanino railway station or at the ticket office in Kholmsk (Lenin Square, 5). They can also be reserved by phone: +7 (42137) 74088 (Vanino), +7 (42433) 50880 (Kholmsk). The ferries run daily, with a journey time of 18–20 hours. A seat costs 650 rubles (6.35 euros), while the cheapest cabin spot is 1400 rubles (13.67 euros). There is a dining room on board.

I was on the island in early May, and this has its pros and cons. On one hand, it’s already not very cold in Sakhalin at this time, and you can walk around in a light jacket or sweatshirt, and sometimes even just in a T-shirt. At the end of spring, you can catch the largest number of Steller sea lions in Nevelsk (closer to summer they migrate towards Avacha Bay). Also at this time, you can see the forest awakening: streams penetrate it from all sides, in their floodplains swamp callas bloom, meadows fill with primroses, and the hills are covered with bright green bamboo shoots. On the other hand, there is still snow in the mountains, in which you can get stuck while climbing, and the sea, which is not very warm in these areas, is completely unsuitable for swimming.

In summer, Sakhalin is not very hot, the coast blooms with wild roses, the sea warms up a bit, and there is less chance of bad weather when visiting remote attractions. Also, it’s precisely at this time you can see orcas (June – July) and whales (July – August), as well as the salmon spawning.

In winter, snowboarders and skiers come to Sakhalin. The mountains on the island are not high, so they are suitable even for beginners.

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