free on travel crib

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.

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

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.

Jen LaBracio is Babylist’s Senior Gear Editor, a role that perfectly combines her love of all things baby gear with her love of (obsessive) research. When she’s not testing out a new high chair or pushing the latest stroller model around her neighborhood, she likes to run, spin, 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.

Best Travel Cribs

Fact-checking standards, latest update:, what is a travel crib, what to look for in a travel crib, how to pick the best travel crib, how we chose the best travel cribs, why trust us, best travel crib overall, babybjörn travel crib, best travel crib for airplane trips, guava lotus travel crib, best travel crib for car trips, graco pack ‘n play portable playard, best travel crib with easy assembly, 4moms breeze plus, best travel bassinet with mesh canopy, primo cocoon folding travel bassinet, best lightweight infant travel bassinet, munchkin brica, best compact portable crib with bassinet, uppababy remi portable playard, best easy-to-carry travel crib, chicco alfa lite, best adjustable travel crib, nuna sena aire travel crib, best easy-open travel crib, bugaboo stardust.

Daniel Ganjian , M.D., Pediatrician, Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California.  American Academy of Pediatrics, How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained , July 2022. American Academy of Pediatrics, Suitable Sleeping Sites: Safe at Night & Naptime , June 2022. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Safe Sleep – Cribs and Infant Products .

Explore the Best Products for Moms and Babies

Trending on what to expect, best baby deals happening right now, how to get your registry's free welcome gift, ⚠️ you can't see this cool content because you have ad block enabled., 17 of the best baby bottle and breast milk storage solutions you can buy on amazon, best toddler water tables, best stroller fans.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Products
• Family Travel

The 8 Best Travel Cribs of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We tested 19 travel cribs to find which one is the best for portability and safety.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks

Our Testing Process

• Others We Liked
• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Whether you have a family trip coming up, need something for the occasional overnight visit, or are shopping for a baby registry, a good travel crib is essential. Sometimes called playards, these foldable contraptions offer a secure place for your child to sleep or play when you're on the go.

According to neonatologist Michael H. Goodstein, MD, FAAP, they're "a safe alternative to a crib, as long as the product is consistent with the mandatory guidelines established by the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission)." But, beyond safety considerations, not all portable cribs are created equal.

Travel cribs vary by size, weight, features, and functionality. We tested 19 models to narrow it down to the most user-friendly, portable, durable, and easy-to-clean options. (See more about our in-depth testing process below.) Our number one pick is the Maxi-Cosi Swift Play Yard, a sturdy, stain-resistant travel crib that takes less than two minutes to pack up.

Best Overall

Maxi-cosi swift lightweight portable play yard.

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

With an adjustable mattress and easy folding mechanism, this sturdy crib grows with your child and can be taken on any excursion.

It's not the lightest option we tested.

Clocking nearly perfect scores in all our tests, our top choice is the Maxi-Cosi Swift Play Yard. Even after six months of use, we loved how lightweight this portable crib is, making it super easy to set up and take down. Though the leg-folding mechanism is a little different than most models, we assembled it in less than three minutes and packed it back up in under two. It also has all the comfort and safety features we'd want in this type of product. The mattress lays flat on its own, you don't need to hook Velcro straps to keep it down, which is great for saving set-up time. The supportive yet bouncy design barely budged when we dropped a 25-pound sandbag on top, and the frame held strong too.

We're also big fans of the bassinet feature. For newborns and infants, you can detach the mattress from the bottom and raise it up for easier access to your baby. Then, when your child grows, lower it back down to prevent them from climbing out.

At 18 pounds, this travel crib is on the heavier side. However, it seems durable and long-lasting. The high-quality materials appear stain-resistant. All things considered, we think the price is right on point.

The Details: 41.5 x 33.5 x 31 inches (overall) | 33 x 11 x 12 inches (packed) | 18 pounds | 35-pound weight limit

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Best Budget

Munchkin travel bassinet.

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

This lightweight, compact sleeper is incredibly easy to set up and pack up, a perfect option for traveling with newborns.

It doesn't come with a carry bag, and the weight capacity is 15 pounds.

On a budget? Check out the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. This on-the-go sleeper can be set up in one minute and packs back up in less than 30 seconds. At just three pounds, we were also impressed with the lightweight design. When it folds down, it's super small and doesn't take up a lot of space even though it doesn't come with a carry bag. The lightweight, compact design is undoubtedly convenient, but bear in mind the capacity is 15 pounds. In other words, you'll need something bigger once your child is about 6 months old.

The Details: 30 x 21 x 12 inches (overall) | 3 pounds | 15-pound weight limit

Best Splurge

Uppababy remi portable playard.

Buy Buy Baby

• Portability 5 /5

This durable, splurge-worthy crib is super easy to assemble and packs into a conveniently compact bundle.

It's somewhat heavy (but super sturdy), and the carry bag is sold separately.

If you're open to splurging on a high-quality travel crib, UppaBaby won't disappoint. It's incredibly easy to set up, you just pull it out of the box and snap it into place. When folding it back up, the frame wraps into the mattress to create a conveniently compact bundle. After six months of use, we found it to be a great option to even leave up as an extra home crib.

We also appreciate the safety features, including padded edges, hidden zippers, and an elevated bassinet attachment. It's also pretty light and portable. So, while the price is steep (and you'll have to buy the carry bag separately), in the end, we think it's worth the investment for its durability and overall features.

The Details: 40.5 x 28.5 x 26 inches (overall) | 28.5 x 11 x 10 inches (packed) | 22.5 pounds | 20-pound weight limit

Travel + Leisure / Tamara Staples

Best Compact

Kidco peapod plus.

• Durability 4 /5

The ultra-lightweight, compact design is easy to take on the go and folds up into its carry bag in seconds.

It's not recommended for children under 6 months and the bottom of the crib is made of fabric that can be slippery.

For something more compact, consider the KidCo PeaPod Plus. We were able to set up this sleeper and fold it back down in almost no time. The ultra-lightweight design folds effortlessly into its included bag, and the carry straps make it easy to take on the go.

The tent-like design can be used indoors or for outdoor naps in your backyard, on the beach, or on family camping trips . While it's not the most structured, it holds its shape enough to provide a safe sleeping spot for a small child. Despite the compact size, bear in mind it's designed for kiddos between 6 months and 5 years.

The Details: 46 x 34 x 22 inches (overall) | 19 x 19 x 3.5 inches (packed) | 3.5 pounds | 100-pound weight limit

TripSavvy / Jhett Thompson

Best Lightweight

Chicco lullago anywhere portable bassinet.

• Value 4.5 /5

This remarkably lightweight-yet-sturdy bassinet is easy to set up, move from room to room, and bring on the go.

The maximum weight is 20 pounds, and it doesn't come with a carrying case.

We were able to assemble and fold up the Chicco LullaGo in under a minute. This travel bassinet is remarkably lightweight yet still sturdy. After six months of use, it's holding up well and is a great option with a minimalist design. Though we wish it came with a carrying case, it's easy to move from room to room or bring on the go. We also like that all the covers are conveniently machine-washable.

Dr. Goodstein warns against using this product past the newborn stage, as the elevated platform isn't designed for larger infants. "When the babies are too old, they can fall out of it," he says. "It's just not safe."

The Details: 30 x 28 x 18 inches (overall) | 28 x 18.5 x 5.5 inches (packed) | 12 pounds | 20-pound weight limit

Best Playard

Chicco alfa lite lightweight travel playard.

This playard boasts easy setup, a sturdy design, and various safety features to keep your kiddo secure during naps or playtime.

It doesn't fold down as small as other options we tested.

The Chicco Alfa Lite can be assembled in three minutes and folded back up in less than 60 seconds. Thanks to the helpful 'push' buttons and intuitive design, you don't even need to consult the instructions for set-up and take down. Though the legs fold out with ease, the frame also feels sturdy, like it'll hold up well over time.

Designed for on-the-go sleeping or safe, secure playing, this playard has lockable side zippers and a mattress that buckles to the base. You can also unzip the side to let your child climb in and out during playtime. The mattress is a little flimsy, but other than that, we have no complaints. After six months of use, we love that this is even a good option to set up during playdates.

The Details: 43 x 29 x 25 inches (overall) | 21 x 9.5 x 9.5 inches (packed) | 13 pounds | 30-pound weight limit

Best for Car Travel

Baby joy travel crib 2-in-1 playpen.

• Portability 4 /5

This lightweight, ultra-portable crib is a breeze to set up and pack into its carrying case.

The handles are somewhat short, making it hard to avoid dragging it.

The Baby Joy Travel Crib takes a mere three minutes to set up and folds up in a flash. It folds and unfolds easily, kind of like a camp chair. Once you know where the lock button is, the frame is incredibly simple to put together. After six months of regular use, we love that this can be used inside for naps and even outside for contained playtime.

The entire thing seems high-quality, which is impressive, considering the very reasonable price tag. Weighing only 11 pounds, it's one of the lightest options we tried. While we appreciate the included case, the short handles make it hard to avoid dragging it on the ground when carrying it — for shorter folks, at least. This portable crib folds up pretty compactly but is still probably too tall for an overhead bin, which is why we recommend it for family road trips .

The Details: 45.5 x 31 x 27 inches (overall) | 23.5 x 20.5 x 7 inches (packed) | 11 pounds | 33-pound weight limit

Best Stability

4moms breeze go playard.

• Value 3.5 /5
• Quality 4 /5

Set-up is straight forward and quick.

It's on the heavier side.

With less than four minutes to set up and only two minutes to take down, this is one of the easiest travel cribs to use. Once unfolded, you simply drop in the mattress and attach it to the frame using velcro straps to keep it stable and secure. The first time we assembled this crib, we didn't even need to read the manual because it was such an intuitive process.

In addition to its ease of use, this is one of the most sturdy and high-quality of all the travel cribs we tested. The material doesn't shift around at all and the slight suspension and shocks improve safety for any kiddo. We also love that it comes with its own travel case that helps keep the crib compact and organized while on the go. For anyone looking for an entry level travel crib that's simple and sturdy, this is a high-quality and reliable option.

The Details: 43 x 30 x 29 inches (overall) | 23.2 pounds | 30-pound weight limit

Travel + Leisure / Leticia Almeida

Travel + Leisure editors selected 19 travel cribs to try firsthand. We started by timing how long it took to assemble them based on the brand's instructions, noting any hiccups they ran into along the way. After assessing the features and materials, we lifted them up and moved them around the room to see how light and portable they were once assembled.

To evaluate the sturdiness, we shook the frames and dropped a sandbag into the center to see how well they could support a small child standing up or jumping around. Finally, we timed how long it took to fold down the cribs and put them in their carrying cases, noting how heavy they were when packed up. Each model was scored for ease of setup, portability, durability, ease of cleaning, quality, and value, and those with the highest average ratings were selected for this roundup.

Other Travel Cribs We Liked

KidCo Peapod Portable Travel Bed : This tent-style sleeper quickly pops open, and the padded base is a cinch to snap on. While the fabric is somewhat thin, it's super lightweight and easy to carry, too. However, in the end, we just liked the other KidCo model better.

Baby Delight Snuggle Nest Harmony Portable Infant Lounger : We liked the small, lightweight design of this product. But since it's technically a lounger rather than a crib, it's really designed to be a safe place to set your infant down — not necessarily a place to sleep. When in doubt, check with your pediatrician before using it.

Pamo Babe Deluxe Portable Nursery Center : While this crib was incredibly easy to set up, we thought it lacked durability as it had a tendency to collapse as it grew closer to the weight limit.

Tips for Buying a Travel Crib

Put safety first.

Whether for travel or nightly sleep, safety should be a top priority when buying a crib. Per the CPSC's current guidelines , the mattress should be relatively firm to prevent rolling. And you shouldn't add extra padding or bedding until your child is at least 12 months old, as the materials can pose a suffocation risk.

"Get a travel crib that is current from a major brand," says Dr. Goodstein, "and use the mattress that's included." He adds that, aside from a sleep sack, you really don't need anything other than a mattress and a tight-fitting crib sheet.

Know the important features 

Travel cribs come with various features — some for safety and others for comfort or convenience. This may include user-friendly foldability, a carrying case, a firm mattress, padded edges, concealed zippers, or breathable mesh sides.

"Some have a bassinet feature, which is convenient for new mothers (not bending over) and small/younger newborns," says Dr. Goodstein. "With or without, they should be used properly, following the weight, age, and developmental limitations set within the product instructions and warnings."

Consider the type of trip you're taking

When browsing options, consider the type of trip you're taking and where you plan on using the crib. If you're traveling by plane , some (but not all) airlines allow you to check portable cribs for free (along with travel strollers and car seats). But if you're not checking baggage, make sure it's small enough to pass as a carry-on.

Some small travel cribs can be folded up super compactly and even tucked inside a suitcase. But larger options that come with their own carry bags will usually need to be toted around separately. If you just need something for the occasional overnight, you have more flexibility in terms of size.

The main difference between a travel crib and a regular crib is that the former is typically foldable and relatively lightweight. But as long as it has a proper mattress and sides that prevent rolling off, you can use a travel crib as a regular crib.

"The newer ones, for the most part, should be fine," says Dr. Goodstein. "If you're going to use a sheet in there, make sure it's a fitted sheet for that specific type of crib."

Travel crib mattresses are roughly 38 x 24 inches, which is the size of a mini crib mattress. Getting a fitted sheet in the proper size is crucial, as loose fabric can be dangerous for sleeping babies. "These little ones don't have good head [or hand] control — they can't brush something off of their face," explains Dr. Goodstein. "Something as light as a sheet can cause suffocation."

Some travel cribs fit into overhead compartments, but it varies by model. While it's different for each airline, the maximum dimensions for carry-ons is usually 22 x 14 x 9 inches, so be sure to measure the packed-up size before your trip.

While most airlines will check strollers and carseats for free, travel cribs are considered luggage and will be charged as such. Be sure to check with your specific airline in advance to determine what baby gear is complimentary.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Theresa Holland is a toddler mom and seasoned commerce writer specializing in travel, baby gear, and furniture. For this story, she compiled our in-house testing insights and combed through product specs to create a comprehensive roundup of today's best travel cribs. She is personally familiar with the offerings from UppaBaby, Munchkin, and Chicco.

In creating our list of best travel cribs, we also spoke to an expert in the care of newborns, neonatologist Michael H. Goodstein , MD, FAAP.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

The Best Travel Cribs of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

TripSavvy / Jhett Thompson

A safe 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 one. 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—giving us our overall winner, the Maxi-Cosi Swift 3-in-1 Bassinet, Travel Cot, and Playpen. This crib stood out for its attractive, high-quality design and the fact that it works from birth to approximately 3.5 years. Read on to find out which other models earned themselves a spot on our roundup of the best travel cribs currently on the market.

• How We Rated

Other Travel Cribs We Tested

How we tested.

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, maxi-cosi swift lightweight portable play yard.

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

Beautiful, high-quality design

Incredibly easy to put up and take down

3-in-1 design suits newborns to toddlers

Not the lightest option for air travel

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 probably not the most convenient choice for air travel. However, we loved that its full size and sturdy construction meant 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

Incredibly lightweight

Folds down flat

Mesh panels for maximum airflow

Relatively short use window

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. Brica 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 water-resistant 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

Essentially self-assembling

Great age range from 6 months to 3 years

Ultra lightweight

The material could be a little thicker

If you’re looking to spend under $100 on a product that still guarantees good quality and an extended lifetime, 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 backyard campouts 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, intuitive setup

Smart safety features

Side panel for easy access

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 Portability

Zoe the cloud.

• Ease of Setup 4 /5

Packs compactly into a backpack

Wipe-clean, mesh walls

Extra comfortable plush mattress

Disassembly may require some practice

If you’re traveling with a crib, the chances are you’re also traveling with the rest of the paraphernalia a small child needs. The Cloud from Zoebaby keeps your hands free for other gear thanks to its clever backpack-style carry bag and compact design. Although it weighs 15 pounds (more than most others on this list), it felt light to carry and also features wheels for moving it easily once set up. Setup and take-down took us around five minutes, though we thought this time would be much shorter once we were familiar with the crib’s straps and buttons. 

The walls are breathable mesh with water-resistant Luxe fabric accents. The crib floor floats 3 inches off the floor, keeping your little one away from potential drafts—while the mattress was a particular highlight for us, being thicker and plusher than standard mattresses. The crib withstood our durability tests well, and we liked that its shallow depth made it simple to clean. There are six attractive colors to choose from, including practical gray to pastel pink or blue.

Dimensions: 44 x 28 x 26.5 inches | Weight: 15 pounds | Maximum Weight Recommendation: 30 pounds

Best 2-in-1

Baby joy travel crib 2-in-1 playpen.

• Portability 4 /5

Zippered side entry panel

Very stable and secure

All fabrics are removable for washing

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 take down at approximately three minutes each, with most of that time used to attach the mattress’ 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 Compact

Kidco peapod plus.

The age limit is up to 5 years

Folds flat for easy storage and transport

Adjustable sun screens and UV protection

Not particularly structured

For the maximum blend of space and compactness, choose the KidCo PeaPod Plus Travel Bed. As the larger version of the standard PeaPod already mentioned on this list, it’s for children aged 6 months to 5 years, yet still weighs in at just 3.65 pounds. When not used, it folds flat into a compact circle that can be easily slung over the shoulder or carried in hand. We loved that it’s small enough for easy air travel or to realistically keep in the trunk of your car for “just-in-case” situations. 

It took us seconds to pop the tent up and less than two minutes to attach the Micro-Lite sleeping pad (this snaps on underneath the crib floor to avoid any risk of suffocation). Take down time was less than three minutes. Like its smaller sibling, the PeaPod Plus features lightweight mesh walls with a tight-enough weave to protect from insects and UV protection and adjustable sunscreens. Entry is through an extra-large, zippered side panel. The pod comes in Midnight or Camo and would be easy to spot clean.

Dimensions: 52.5 x 34 x 22 inches | Weight: 3.65 pounds | Maximum Weight Recommendation: 5 years

Best Splurge

Uppababy remi portable playard.

Buy Buy Baby

Zip-on bassinet attachment

Stood up to durability tests perfectly

Zippered panel for easy access

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.

Moving it around the house is easy and simple

Fabrics zip off for machine washing

It takes less than a minute to set up

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 easy 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 healthiest air possible. It comes in several colors, including Sandstone or Grey Star.

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

How We Rated the Travel Cribs

• 4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best travel cribs we reviewed. We recommend them without reservation.
• 4.5 to 4.7 stars: These travel cribs are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.
• 4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great travel cribs, but others are better.
• 3.5 to 3.9 stars: These travel cribs are just average.
• 3.4 and below: We don't recommend travel cribs with this rating; you won't find any on our list.

Chicco Dash Instant Setup Playard : This was a solid crib with high-quality materials—however, we found it so difficult to attach the mattress' 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. 

Baby Jogger City Suite Multi-Level Playard : We loved this crib's look, quality materials, and lightweight construction. We didn't love that it required two people to set it up or that the mattress buckled slightly in play yard mode. 

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 safety. 

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. 

AeroMoov Instant Travel Cot Playard : This crib was easy to set up, although the zipper for the bassinet section broke. It wasn't particularly structurally secure, either, and when folded, it was heavy and awkward to carry. 

Gladly Family Merritt Portable Playard Suite : We loved this crib on most fronts—it's incredibly durable and sturdy, easy to clean, and boasts plenty of smart features. The only downside? It's possibly too heavy to be a true travel crib. 

MiClassic Foldable 2-in-1 Stationary & Rock Bassinet : This bassinet was a win for us; easy to set up, light, easy to clean, and with a nice carry bag. Our only complaints were the jerky rocking function and the product's limited window of use. 

Baby Delight Snuggle Nest Harmony Baby Bed : This baby bed is super lightweight and essentially assembles itself upon being taken out of the box. However, it has a minimal use period—only until the baby starts to roll over. 

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.

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.

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 six-week-old), she has traveled extensively with her kids and personally tested many different brands of travel cribs.

The 12 Best Carry-On Luggage of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 9 Best Beach Chairs of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 7 Best Travel Car Seats of 2024

The 7 Best Travel Toiletry Bottles of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 11 Best Hardside Luggage Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 8 Best Air Mattresses for Camping of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 9 Best Travel Toiletry Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 9 Best Camping Cots, Tested and Reviewed

The Best Beach Tents of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 6 Best Small Coolers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 10 Best Beach Canopies of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 9 Best Fanny Packs of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 9 Best Rolling Duffels of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 8 Best Bags and Backpacks for Disney of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 11 Best Carry-on Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 9 Best Travel Pillows of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

• Getting Pregnant
• Registry Builder
• Baby Products
• Birth Clubs
• See all in Community
• Ovulation Calculator
• How To Get Pregnant
• How To Get Pregnant Fast
• Ovulation Discharge
• Implantation Bleeding
• Ovulation Symptoms
• Pregnancy Symptoms
• Am I Pregnant?
• Pregnancy Tests
• See all in Getting Pregnant
• Due Date Calculator
• Pregnancy Week by Week
• Pregnant Sex
• Weight Gain Tracker
• Signs of Labor
• Morning Sickness
• COVID Vaccine and Pregnancy
• Fetal Weight Chart
• Fetal Development
• Pregnancy Discharge
• Find Out Baby Gender
• Chinese Gender Predictor
• See all in Pregnancy
• Baby Name Generator
• Top Baby Names 2023
• Top Baby Names 2024
• How to Pick a Baby Name
• Most Popular Baby Names
• Baby Names by Letter
• Gender Neutral Names
• Unique Boy Names
• Unique Girl Names
• Top baby names by year
• See all in Baby Names
• Baby Development
• Baby Feeding Guide
• Newborn Sleep
• When Babies Roll Over
• First-Year Baby Costs Calculator
• Postpartum Health
• Baby Poop Chart
• See all in Baby
• Average Weight & Height
• Autism Signs
• Child Growth Chart
• Night Terrors
• Moving from Crib to Bed
• Toddler Feeding Guide
• Potty Training
• Bathing and Grooming
• See all in Toddler
• Height Predictor
• Potty Training: Boys
• Potty training: Girls
• How Much Sleep? (Ages 3+)
• Ready for Preschool?
• Thumb-Sucking
• Gross Motor Skills
• Napping (Ages 2 to 3)
• See all in Child
• Photos: Rashes & Skin Conditions
• Symptom Checker
• Vaccine Scheduler
• Reducing a Fever
• Acetaminophen Dosage Chart
• Constipation in Babies
• Ear Infection Symptoms
• Head Lice 101
• See all in Health
• Second Pregnancy
• Daycare Costs
• Family Finance
• Stay-At-Home Parents
• Breastfeeding Positions
• See all in Family
• Baby Sleep Training
• Preparing For Baby
• My Custom Checklist
• My Registries
• Take the Quiz
• Best Baby Products
• Best Breast Pump
• Best Convertible Car Seat
• Best Infant Car Seat
• Best Baby Bottle
• Best Baby Monitor
• Best Stroller
• Best Diapers
• Best Baby Carrier
• Best Diaper Bag
• Best Highchair
• See all in Baby Products
• Why Pregnant Belly Feels Tight
• Early Signs of Twins
• Teas During Pregnancy
• Baby Head Circumference Chart
• How Many Months Pregnant Am I
• What is a Rainbow Baby
• Braxton Hicks Contractions
• HCG Levels By Week
• When to Take a Pregnancy Test
• Am I Pregnant
• Why is Poop Green
• Can Pregnant Women Eat Shrimp
• Insemination
• UTI During Pregnancy
• Vitamin D Drops
• Best Baby Forumla
• Postpartum Depression
• Low Progesterone During Pregnancy
• Baby Shower
• Baby Shower Games

Best travel cribs

• Best travel crib overall :
• Best travel crib for flying :
• Best affordable travel crib :
• Best easy to use travel crib :
• Best compact travel crib :
• Best Travel Crib for Twins :

How to buy a travel crib

Modern families live their lives on the go, and when they have babies or young children in tow, a travel crib makes staying away from home a little bit easier. 

Unlike standard sized cribs made to stay in one place like a piece of furniture, travel cribs are portable places for a young child or baby to sleep or play. Typically, travel cribs can be easily set up and broken down, are lighter in weight, and are slightly smaller in size than a standard crib. Ideally, travel cribs don’t have a significant footprint when in use and will fold up compactly, often fitting into a case for travel. 

There are many reasons why travel cribs are an “it” item on baby registries: They’re convenient, easy to use, portable, and can be used for more than just infant sleep. Do you need to set your baby in a safe place while you take a much-needed shower? Or pop over to Grandma’s house while you head out for date night? Travel cribs give you flexibility by providing a safe space to sleep or play. 

There are a variety of travel crib options on the market today, but there are two main styles that are safe according to pediatrician recommendations:

• Folding cribs: These sleep spaces look much like a traditional crib, though they’re often smaller and have features like wheels for portability. They generally fold flat for storage and are made of plastic, metal, or both. 
• Play yard cribs: These cribs double as play spaces and may have a removable bassinet or a padded bottom that’s safe for sleep.

Some families also have inflatable beds or mattresses to use for guests, but they’re not recommended for babies or young children under 15 months. 

Dr. Jordan Wright, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician with Kaiser Permanente in Denver, Colorado, says that though there’s only “limited” data on air mattress safety and young children, there’s reason to believe air mattresses are not safe.

“Officially, the CPSC does not not recommend the use of these products in kids under 15 months; noting that even when properly inflated, these products still have the potential to lead to suffocation or for children to become entrapped between the mattress and the bed frame or the mattress and the wall,” Dr. Wright says. “I would recommend parents consider alternative sleep spaces that do not pose that level of risk.”

Of course, it’s important to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) safe sleep recommendations Opens a new window when using travel cribs or putting your baby to sleep anywhere. Babies should always be put to sleep:

• On their back, not on their stomach or any other position
• On a firm sleep surface, such as a crib, bassinet, portable crib, or play yard with a tight-fitting, firm mattress and fitted sheet designed for that particular product, with no blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, or anything else in their sleeping space

See our buying guide at the end of this article for more on safety. 

How we chose the best travel cribs

With something as important as your baby’s healthy sleep and safety at stake, we knew it was important to recommend travel cribs that are safe, easy to use, and a good value for the money. We started our search on BabyCenter’s Community, searching through millions of posts for travel cribs that parents recommend to each other. 

Once we had a list of travel cribs parents love, we turned it over to our expert editorial team for research and vetting to make sure each crib meets relevant standards from organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, and medical experts such as Dr. Wright. Read on to find the best travel crib for flying, the best affordable travel crib, and more. And if you’re looking for more baby sleep spaces, our picks for the best cribs and best bassinets may help.

Why trust us?

Best travel crib overall, baby bjorn travel crib light.

Weighing only 13 pounds, the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light is beloved by families always on the go. Parents are thrilled with the easy set-up and break-down: the crib folds and unfolds in one easy motion. The mattress and the crib frame can be removed and thrown in the washing machine, too. When folded and stored in its (included) carrying case, this travel crib tucks nicely into airline baggage compartments.

A crib sheet needs to be purchased separately (though you can buy the crib as a bundle with sheet included Opens a new window for an extra $35). 

Parents say 

“We travel a lot, and the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light ($300) has been one of my most favorite baby purchases.”

“We travelled recently where we stayed at a lot of different places and after research invested in the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light.”

• Assembled crib: 32 x 44 x 24 inches; folded crib: 19 x 23.5 x 5.5 inches
• Includes mattress, crib, and carrying case
• Recommended for newborns to age 3
• Choose from black or silver

Best travel crib for flying

Guava lotus travel crib.

A travel crib turned into a backpack is every traveling parent's dream. So when you’re getting ready to head to the airport, fold the Guava Lotus into its carrying case and throw this lightweight travel crib onto your back, leaving your hands free to deal with all the other stuff you’ll need to tote with you. The unique zipper opening on the side makes it easy for parents to feed, play, or soothe their baby and then quietly zip it back up for naptime. 

The mattress for the Guava Lotus is on the floor while the crib is placed around it, which can dirty the mattress bottom. Sheets are not included with your crib, so you’ll have to purchase Guava Lotus crib sheets Opens a new window separately. 

Parents say

“Guava Lotus Travel Crib is the BOMB.COM”

“We have the Guava Lotus and it’s really easy to travel with.”

“We’re still rocking the Guava Lotus and my 1-year-old loves it.”

• Assembled crib: 45.5 x 31.5 x 25.5 inches; folded crib: 24 x 12 x 8 inches

Best affordable travel crib

Graco pack 'n play portable playard.

Simple and free of bells and whistles, The Graco Pack ‘n Play has a great price point, is sturdy, and sets up or breaks down with the simple push of a button. Thanks to its $60 price tag, you can use these as an extra play yard for around your house or keep one at a family member's house to use when you are visiting.

To help prevent falls, do not use this product when the infant begins to push up on hands and knees or weighs over 30 lbs (6.8 kg), whichever comes first. This Pack ‘n Play doesn’t come with sheets; you must buy them separately. Graco sells its own Pack ‘n Play sheets Opens a new window , and the Pack ‘n Play brand is so popular that there are many other compatible sheets for sale. Just make sure whatever sheet you buy is sold to fit a 37.5 x 25.5-inch mattress, and that it fits tightly on your Pack ‘n Play mattress. 

“I loved the Graco Pack ‘n Play for my daughter.”

• Assembled crib: 39.5 x 18.25 x 38 inches
• 18.7 pounds
• Recommended for newborns to children up to 35 inches tall who are unable to climb out

Best easy to use travel crib

4moms breeze plus.

Built to be used with babies up to 30 pounds, this playard is an investment that can be used for the long haul. Designed with all of the bells and whistles, the 4moms Breeze Plus playard is sleek, sturdy and easy to use. In fact, it can be set up with only one hand. Weighing 23 pounds, this playard folds compactly into a travel bag equipped with shoulder straps, still making it a great option for travel. The Breeze GO version Opens a new window has a slightly lower price, providing the same convenience for parents on the go, just without the bassinet and changing station included.

The bassinet and changing station are included, but have a weight limit of 18 and 25 pounds, respectively, so discontinue use when your baby reaches this milestone. A diaper caddy can be purchased separately. You’ll also have to buy sheets; 4moms makes their own Breeze sheets Opens a new window . 

“I ordered the 4moms Breeze Plus playard and you don’t have to remove the changing table. I love how easy it is to fold and take when we go on trips!”

• Assembled crib: 43 x 30 x 29 inches
• Crib weight without bassinet and changer: 23 lbs; crib weight with bassinet and changer: 28.5 lbs
• Maximum weight bassinet: 18 pounds; changer: 25 pounds; playard: 30 pounds
• Recommended for newborns and up

Best compact travel crib

Kidco peapod plus.

The KidCo PeaPod Plus is so lightweight and compact that it will fold up and fit right inside your suitcase without taking up too much of your precious packing space. Designed with durable mesh, UV-rated fabric, and ground anchor straps, this cozy sleep tent can be used inside or out at the park or beach. Kids can use this tent up to age 5, making sleeping arrangements while traveling effortless.

You will need to have blankets or sheets to cover the sleeping pad. There isn’t a sheet made specifically for this product, which makes this product not safe for infant sleep, so only use this option for babies a year old and up.

“Kidco Peapod Travel Bed - basically a baby tent, folds up to make it easy to travel with (we’ve used this in hotels too).”

• Assembled crib: 52.5 x 34 x 22 inches; folded crib: 19 x 3.5 x 19 inches
• Recommended for ages 1-5

Best Travel Crib for Twins

Joovy room2 portable playard.

With 10 square feet of room to play and sleep, the Joovy Room2 portable playard is perfect for families with twins. The Joovy Room2 has a large sleek and modern design without being too bulky. The large mesh windows allow you to easily see into or out of the playard so you can watch while your babies play. It is easy to set up or take down and folds compactly into a travel case complete with shoulder straps. However, this item is not for twin sleep. Twins need their own separate sleep environment so this is for play only. 

This play yard has a sturdy frame, but is on the heavier side. There are attachments that can be purchased allowing you to add two bassinets and a changing table. A fitted cotton mattress sheet is included with the Room2.

“I've been using a Joovy Room2 and I really love it.”

“I have the Joovy Room2 for my twins & I’m beyond happy about it.”

• Recommended for newborns up to 35 inches tall
• Assembled crib: 39.75 x 39.75 x 31 inches; folded crib: 10 x 9.5 x 37 inches
• Recommended for newborns to age 2

Not every parent needs a travel crib. Some parents stay put while their children are young, or visit only family members who already have cribs or other safe sleeping spaces set up for small visitors. But if you’re a family on the move, a lightweight travel crib can pay off in better sleep for everyone.

Just as travel cribs vary in function, they also vary in price, from a low of about $65 to $300 or more. Generally speaking, the more bells and whistles that are included, equal a steeper price tag. Higher-end travel cribs may include a more comfortable pad and accessories like a bassinet or carrying bag, and may also be more lightweight, easier to set up and break down. 

However, for some families, basic is just fine, so don’t count out those more affordable options. Some of the less expensive travel cribs are just as lightweight, safe, and easy to use as pricier competitors; they may even come with accessories of their own.

Speaking of accessories, travel cribs generally come with their own mattress, but some are thicker and more plush than others. Any mattress used by a baby under age 1 should be firm, and should be covered only by a tight-fitting sheet, with no pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, or any other soft material inside the crib. 

Lest you be tempted to skip the hassle of traveling with a safe sleep space in favor of co-sleeping with your baby, Dr. Wright offers this advice: “If parents want to travel without a crib they should know that there is not a specific age at which the AAP recommends or condones co-sleeping, or at which evidence has objectively shown co-sleeping to be a safe option. It has been clearly demonstrated to pose a serious risk to children under 1 year of age, and should be avoided in this age group regardless of travel.”

Dr. Wright also highlighted the importance of reading your crib’s instruction manual, and following its safety guidelines. “Travel cribs should only be used according to the manufacturer’s guidelines,” he said. 

Before you invest in a travel crib, here are a few key points to consider:

• Size: Think about how big the crib will be when it is set up and also when it is broken down and folded into its travel case. 
• Storage: Where will you keep it? Does your travel crib come with it’s own storage bag? Is it compact and will it fit into your trunk? Can it fold down flat and store under the bed? 
• Travel options: How easy will this be to travel with? Can you carry it while holding your baby? Does it come with a bag with handles? Can you fit it in a tote or suitcase? If you plan to fly with the crib, can it fit in an overhead compartment or must it be checked? 
• Versatility: It is nice to have a travel crib that’s spacious enough to pull double duty as a play yard. 
• Age range: When purchasing a travel crib, read the product manual for the weight and age recommendations. Most travel cribs are for children under 3 years old. In many cases, older children can climb out of a travel crib, posing a safety risk.
• Ease of setup: You aren’t going to want to use a travel crib if it takes all day to set up. Find one that is easy to use and fits within your lifestyle needs. 
• Care: Is the mattress easy to take out and wipe off? How can you clean when the inevitable blowouts happen?

Was this article helpful?

Our research

AAP. 2016. American Academy of Pediatrics. Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2022 Recommendations for Reducing Infant Deaths in the Sleep Environment. https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/150/1/e2022057990/188304/Sleep-Related-Infant-Deaths-Updated-2022 [Accessed September 2022]

Baby carriers buying guide (Before You Buy series)

How to dress your newborn for winter car rides

Nursing pillow buying guide (Before You Buy series)

How to dress your baby in winter

Jenn Bonicelli and Meghan Hertzfeldt are the authors of the book,  You Can Two: The Essential Twins Preparation Guide  and cofounders of parenting site  Two Came True. 

Where to go next

• Product Reviews
• Sleep & Nursery Product Reviews

The Best Travel Cribs, Tested by Babies on the Go

In a nutshell:

Based on product testing, expert interviews and survey feedback from over 300 members of The Bump community, we chose the Bugaboo Stardust Travel Crib as the overall best as it’s super-lightweight and features a one-second unfold.

Heading out on a trip or vacation with your baby or toddler? Chances are, there isn’t going to be a safe, sturdy crib waiting and available at your destination. And if that’s the case, you’re going to need a portable travel crib. “It’s important to have a specific safe place for your child to sleep when traveling so that you can keep them safe and sound,” explains Bridget Bowling , a certified pediatric sleep consultant in Cleveland, Ohio. “Without a travel crib, it’s easy for families to fall into unsafe sleep habits,” like letting baby sleep in bed with you. Thankfully, there are a ton of travel crib options to choose from.

Aside from safety, the most important factors to consider when choosing a travel crib are portability, size and weight. Of course, practically every travel crib bills itself as compact, lightweight and easy to set up and break down. To find out which ones actually lived up to the promise, we scrutinized the options, picked out the best of the bunch and had real parents put them to the test. Keep reading for our picks of the best travel cribs on the market, including this year’s Best of The Bump winner, as well as expert advice on what to look for in a travel crib.

How We Tested the Travel Cribs

For more than 10 years, The Bump has acknowledged the best baby products on the market through our award series. The Bump editors did extensive research and created a shortlist of top-rated travel cribs. From there we took the following steps to determine which product was the overall best:

• The Bump editors combed through user reviews, leveraging our familiarity with leading baby brands and relying on our own experiences as parents. We only considered options that meet CPSC safety standards and had an average four-star rating.
• We interviewed a certified pediatric sleep consultant to get the lowdown on must-have features and how to use a travel crib safely.
• In May 2023 we surveyed 300 members of The Bump community. We asked this sample of new parents to rate the travel cribs they’ve used with their own babies and to comment on their overall experience. We evaluated this data and used it to inform our product choices.
• We enlisted parents of babies and toddlers to thoroughly test the leading options on the market. They used the portable cribs with their own kids for multiple naps and nights, and carefully assessed each travel crib for ease of use, portability, effectiveness, features and design and value for money.

We paired this rigorous testing with our own expertise and insights to bestow the prestigious Best of The Bump award to the overall best travel crib. But we didn’t stop there. Using the testing evaluations, we identified other standout options that are particularly good for specific needs, whether you want a slim or lightweight option, one that’s ideal for newborns or a travel crib that works particularly well as a playard. All this, to help ensure you find exactly the right product for your family. Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles , including product reviews.

The Best Travel Cribs

Overall best travel crib.

• Adjustable height
• Uses standard crib sheets
• Comes with Velcro travel bag
• Higher price
• Weight capacity may not suit older toddlers

One of the major selling points of this travel crib is a one-second unfold, which may sound like quite a bold claim! But “it lived up to its promise,” according to our product tester, who added, “the Bugaboo Stardust was impressively user-friendly. Its sleek, folded design made storage easy, especially in tight spaces like car trunks.”

The lightning-fast setup comes courtesy of an all-in-one design, including a built-in mattress, which means you have zero extra parts to fiddle with. Folding it back up takes a mere three seconds, so packing at the end of your trip is just as easy. And at 17 pounds, “it felt lighter than many of the other models I've tried,” our product tester reported.

Despite the slim profile and minimal poundage, the Bugaboo Stardust is a sturdy space for sleep and play. “Its robust sides and base seemed well-equipped to handle the spirited energy of a 9-month-old,” our tester said. You'll get maximum longevity too, thanks to a bassinet feature for newborns and an adjustable height setting that keeps your cutie contained as they grow. Compared to other travel cribs she’d tried, our tester said “this one stood out in terms of comfort and design.”

Dimensions (open): 38.8" (L) x 25" (W) x 33.5" (H) | Dimensions (folded): 25.6" (L) x 5.5" (W) x 33.5" (H) | Weight: 17.2 lbs. | Weight capacity (crib): 33 lbs. | Weight capacity (bassinet): 19.8 lbs

Our product tester says: “It made travel with a 9-month-old remarkably hassle-free.”

Best travel crib for newborns

• Spacious design
• GREENGUARD Gold certified
• Suitable for newborns, older babies and toddlers
• On the heavier side

The UPPAbaby Remi Playard was designed with newborns in mind. Not only does it boast an easy-to-insert mesh bassinet to keep the tiniest sleepers safe and secure, but its materials are also GREENGUARD Gold certified for low chemical emissions to provide better air quality for baby. The organic, temperature-regulated mattress is machine washable too, making easy work out of cleaning spit-up, blow-outs or leaks.

There are plenty of newborn-friendly features to love here, but the greatest gift for new parents is a good night’s sleep—and this travel crib delivers. “There’s no difference in [ baby’s ] sleep using the travel crib vs. his usual crib or bassinet,” our product tester reported. She gave the Remi a 5 out of 5 score for effectiveness, adding, “we tried it as a bassinet and as a crib and [ my baby ] sleeps great using both.”

The Remi earned additional kudos from our tester (as well as additional 5 out of 5 scores for ease of use and portability) when it came to set up. “The Remi is brilliant,” she said. “Not only is it super easy to use, but the instructions are very easy to follow. When traveling, the last thing you need is the headache of having to set up a complicated crib to put a tired and fussy baby down. The Remi is so easy to set up, you can do it in less than a minute and be able to focus on other things.”

That’s not to say that the Remi is just for infants—it's also sturdy enough to withstand naps, sleep and playtime with older babies and toddlers. In fact, our product tester believes she’ll keep using it for some time to come. “I can see it being very useful as he gets older and I can set him in with his toys to keep him contained because there is plenty of space for toys and books.”

Dimensions (open): 40.5" (L) x 26" (W) x 28.5" (H) | Dimensions (folded): 11" (L) x 10" (W) x 28.5" (H) | Weight: 20 lbs. | Weight capacity (bassinet): 20 lbs.

Our product tester says: “The Remi is very well thought out. I love the side zipper to let kids in and out, and the set up is foolproof.”

Best travel crib for easy setup

• Easy to unfold and setup
• Lightweight
• Comes with carry bag
• No bassinet
• Not as roomy as other options

Traveling with baby in tow can be exhausting—so the last thing you need once you reach your destination is a travel crib that’s a painstaking puzzle to assemble. Not with the Baby Bjorn crib! Setup is a breeze. “It folds in and out so easily, I could almost do it with one hand,” our tester said, giving the Travel Crib Light 5 out of 5 scores for ease of use, effectiveness and portability. When you're ready to head home, just collapse it and tuck it into the handy travel bag. “I could fold it down and transport it easily for playdates and sleepovers at the grandparents,” our product tester reported. It won’t break your back, either: Clocking in at just 13 pounds, this sturdy yet featherweight travel crib may weigh less than baby!

The firm-but-cushioned mattress will keep your little one comfortable while they snooze, and the crib can easily double as a play zone for babies. That said, the light weight and simple design comes with a few minor costs: The crib's small size isn't ideal for toddler playtime, and there's no bassinet feature for newborns.

Still, if you're looking for a travel crib that'll get you from point A to point B with minimal headache, it’s a top choice. “It's worth the price for a hassle-free experience and its convenient travel size,” our product tester said. “It's not fussy at all and very straightforward.”

Dimensions (open): 44" (L) x 32" (W) x 24" (H) | Dimensions (folded): 23.5" (L) x 5.5" (W) x 19" (H) | Weight: 13 lbs. | Weight capacity: N/A

Our product tester says: “It's not fussy at all and very straightforward.”

Our community says:

“/[It's] easy to set up and use.” – Katherine*, The Bump survey respondent

Best travel crib for flying

• Can be worn as a backpack
• Carry-on approved
• Features a side zipper
• No bassinet feature
• Thin mattress
• Base is low to the ground

We can't promise the Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib will make flying with baby easy. But it'll definitely make things easier , thanks to its lightweight, compact fold-down size, included travel bag that can be worn as a backpack(!) and the fact that you can take it onto the plane as carry-on luggage.

"I can’t lift very heavy things, and I find myself picking this up with no problem,” our tester reported, giving the Lotus 5 out of 5 for ease of use and portability. “The shape is great and very flat.” And she’s not kidding: This highly portable travel crib folds down to just half its full size.

Once you reach your destination, the easy-to-set-up crib doubles as a play space to keep your cutie (and their toys) contained. A convenient side-zipper feature makes it easy for older babies and toddlers to climb out on their own (once you unzip it), which means less lifting for you; it’s also a handy feature for shorter parents and caregivers who struggle to reach over the sides of a portable crib. The Lotus earned another 5 out of 5 score for features and design from our tester, who added, “It's spacious but not bulky.”

While this crib option is lightweight and streamlined, the sturdy aluminum frame keeps active toddlers secure, and because it sits on the floor, there's no upper weight limit. You can use it until your tot is big enough to climb out, wherever your travels take you.

Dimensions (open): 45" (L) x 31.5" (W) x 25.5" (H) | Dimensions (folded): 24" (L) x 12" (W) x 8" (H) | Weight: 15 lbs. | Weight capacity: N/A

Our product tester says: “It's ridiculously easy to set up, super small and you can wear it as a backpack.”

“/[It’s] small and easy to pack up.” – Nicole*, The Bump survey respondent

“I like the style and how compact it gets when folded.” – Susan, The Bump survey respondent

“I like that it sits on the floor—feels sturdier, plus there's no weight limit as a result of it.” Lisa*, The Bump survey respondent

Best small travel crib

• Small and lightweight
• Convenient for newborns
• Budget-friendly
• Low weight capacity
• Too small for older babies

If you're looking for a pint-sized sleeping space for camping trips or naps in the park, the Munchkin Brica Fold ‘n Go Baby Travel Pod may be the option for you. Like the name implies, it's more like a portable cocoon than a full-on crib, making it ideal for newborns and younger babies who aren't yet pushing up or trying to roll over .

The pod, which lays flat on the ground, can be quickly set up on a picnic blanket or beach towel with the touch of a button. “It took maybe one full minute to set it up and break it down,” our product tester reported, giving the Brica Fold ‘n Go a 5 out of 5 score for ease of use. It's also ultra lightweight (just 3 pounds!). “This was especially helpful since I haven't yet gained my full strength back postpartum,” she added. She also appreciated the mesh sides that offer breathability (and let you take a peek in at baby).

The Brica Fold ‘n Go also earned a 5 out of 5 for effectiveness—our tester reported that her child “settled well after just a minute and slept regularly.” In short, it's a great, easy option for newborn snoozes. The Brica Fold ‘n Go is basically a travel bassinet, offering a great option for little nappers who will move on to a bigger travel crib once they’re able to start pushing up.

Dimensions (open): 30" (L) x 21.3" (W) x 11.8" (H) | Dimensions (folded): 16.9" (L) x 5" (W) x 20.7" (H) | Weight: 3 lbs. | Weight capacity: 15 lbs.

Our product tester says: “It's a great item to keep in the car and to take to parks, beaches or camping.”

Best lightweight travel crib

• Small, lightweight, and easy to carry
• Add-on sunshade and mosquito net
• Adjustable levels for newborns through toddlers
• Narrow, on the small side for toddlers
• Some users wish the travel crib bag was sturdier

This lightweight travel crib—and seriously, we mean under 11 pounds lightweight—was a big hit with our product tester. “This was extremely light and very easy to carry both assembled and folded up,” she told us, giving the Aeromoov Instant Travel Crib 5 out of 5 scores across a broad range of categories, including portability, effectiveness and value for money. it's a breeze to tote along practically anywhere. And since it folds down to less than five inches wide in the included carrying bag, it's super easy to store.

Our product tester said she’d “especially recommend it to someone who travels or does a lot of outdoor trips," since the crib can be bundled with a UV 50+ sunshade and a mosquito net to keep your cutie comfortable in the elements. In fact, the mosquito netting was something our tester particularly singled out for praise: “I’ve never actually seen a playard with a mosquito net, so I really did like that. I took my first son camping at 5 months and struggled with bugs and leaves falling into his playard.”

If you’re worried that a lightweight travel crib won’t hold up to an active baby, don’t. Our tester told us, “The structure of the playard was very sturdy and I didn’t feel like it would give in at all if my son was to fall over or try and pull up inside.” Setup is quick and convenient, and you'll appreciate the adjustable height too. This is one light crib that does the work of a heavyweight champ!

Dimensions (open): 36.2" (L) x 24.8" (W) x 51" (H) | Dimensions (folded): 28.3" (L) x 4.7" (W) x 4.7" (H) | Weight: 11 lbs. | Weight capacity (bassinet): 13 lbs. | Weight capacity (crib): N/A

Our product tester says: “I'd especially recommend it to someone who travels or does a lot of outdoor trips.”

Best pack and play travel crib

• Full-size bassinet
• Lots of space to play
• Can be wheeled from room to room
• Larger than some other travel cribs

Spacious, sturdy and easy to transport from room to room (thanks, bottom wheels), Graco's Pack ‘n Play On The Go Playard shines not only as a place for naps, but also as a space to keep your little contained while they're awake. “There's enough room for [ my daughter ] and her toys,” our product tester told us. “I felt safe and secure with the durability of the playard and how happy she was to play and do tummy time.”

The On The Go Playard isn’t as compact as some of the other models we tried—it’s definitely geared towards giving your child a dedicated playspace in addition to a sleep environment. But our tester, who gave the travel crib 5 out of 5 for portability and ease of use, found it simple to fold down, transport and set back up. “One of my favorite things [ about it ] was how easy it is for a busy mom," she told us. “It took me maybe five minutes to set up. And it's light enough for me to carry along with my baby.”

It's a great value for the money too—whether you need a toddler travel crib or something that can grow with baby, you’ll love the age-adaptable features like a full-size bassinet and soft toy bar. “The height was perfect for picking her up and setting her down, and there's lots of room for her to grow,” our tester told us. There's even a side pocket for storing essentials like diapers and wipes, and the 35-inch height limit easily keeps even the most curious toddlers in one spot.

Dimensions (open): 39.5" (L) x 28.3" (W) x 131" (H) | Dimensions (folded): 10.5" (L) x 10.5" (W) x 29" (H) | Weight: 21.4 lbs. | Weight capacity (bassinet): 15 lbs. | Weight capacity (crib): N/A

Our product tester says: “I loved this playard for the ease, durability and style!”

Best all-in-one travel crib

• Compact carry case
• Toy mobile included
• Easy to assemble and break down
• Some users worried the carrying case handles weren't sturdy enough

The Delta Children babyGap Deluxe Play Yard has everything you need to serve as your little one's home base away from home, including a bassinet, changing table, snap-on hanging storage and a removable toy arm to engage your newborn's visual development. At the same time, it has a quick, compact fold that makes it easy to pack and tote when you're on the go. “The playard has so many additional features,” our product tester told us, rating the babyGap deluxe 5 out of 5 for value. “And is much less expensive than [ similar products ] !”

“I was genuinely surprised at how lightweight this playard was in comparison to another Pack-n-Play that I have,” our product tester told us, also giving the babyGap Deluxe 5 out of 5 for portability and ease of use. “It easily broke down and slid back into the carrying case.” She also added that she loved the fact that set-up instructions were printed right on the side of the bassinet. “It made it so easy and convenient to put together,” she told us. “Especially as someone who loses paper directions!” (We hear you!)

Our tester loved the wheels built into one side of the travel crib—and it really shouldn’t come as a surprise at this point that she rated the babyGap Deluxe 5 out of 5 for features and design. “This is so important, as when I'm working in my kitchen, I can easily push the playard closer and into my vantage point while I'm cooking.”

The mesh-paneled bassinet was also a winner. “It's excellent quality. It's firm and fits securely into the bassinet insert,” our tester said. The mobile on top is pretty mesmerizing too, so you can eke out a few more uninterrupted minutes as you get ready to hit the road. “My infant stared at it for 25 minutes,” she said. Needless to say, she loved this feature!

Dimensions (open): 37.4" (L) x 27.8" (W) x 40.2" (H) | Dimensions (folded): 12" (L) x 9.5" (W) x 30.1" (H) | Weight: 28.6 lbs. | Weight capacity (crib): 30 lbs. | Weight capacity (changing table): 25 lbs. | Weight capacity (bassinet): 15 lbs. | Weight capacity (crib): N/A

Our product tester says: “It’s comfortable and so easily transportable for my two young babies.”

*Note: Some names have been changed due to privacy requests.

Travel Cribs Comparison Chart

What to look for when shopping for travel cribs.

Just like with a standard crib, safety comes first. Your child’s travel crib should have mesh side panels to promote healthy airflow and reduce the risk of suffocation while sleeping, Bowling says. In keeping with recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics , the mattress should be firm enough that it doesn’t conform to the shape of your child’s head (again, to reduce suffocation risk), and there shouldn’t be any visible gaps between the mattress and the side of the crib, Bowling adds.

Any travel crib being sold in the US today must meet federal safety standards, which were updated in 2022 . If you’re planning to use an older model, be sure that it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) safety standards. The CPSC website can also tell you if a travel crib has been recalled , which is especially important if you’re snagging a hand-me-down from another family.

After safety, you’ll want to think about the features that’ll make your life easier. While traveling with baby is never really convenient , having a travel crib that works for your needs will mean a little less stress. “You’ll want to decide what’s important to you and what sorts of trips you’ll be taking and toting your travel crib on,” Bowling says. For instance, frequent fliers will probably want to prioritize compactness and minimal weight, while a little extra bulk won’t be much of an issue for those who take the occasional road trip to visit friends and family.

Finally, consider whether the travel crib will grow with your child. Compact models designed for air travel tend to be smaller, which is great for convenience when you have an infant. But you might need something a little more spacious if you’re hoping to use the same product until your older toddler transitions to sleeping in a bed. “Typically children sleep in travel cribs as long as they sleep in cribs, which I recommend to be until at least age 3,” Bowling says.

Differences Between Travel Cribs and Pack and Plays

Travel cribs and pack and plays (also known as playards ) can keep babies and toddlers safe, comfortable and contained while they sleep or play (as long as the playard is designated for overnight sleep). Both are designed to be portable and can generally be folded down and packed up in a compact bag or case, making them a good alternative to a crib when you’re on the go.

The main difference? Many products billed as travel cribs tend to be smaller, lighter and easier to transport than a pack and play. They’re a little more convenient for tucking into the car or bringing along to the airport, explains Bowling. But ultimately, both will get the crib stand-in job done.

About the writer:

Marygrace Taylor is a freelance health and parenting writer based in Philadelphia, who’s written dozens of product roundups, health features and personal essays for The Bump. She’s also a highly experienced car seat and travel crib user, thanks to her 5-year-old.

Interested in becoming a product tester for The Bump? Head here to apply.

Plus, more from The Bump:

The Best Pack and Plays and Playards, Tested by Active Children

The Best Baby Travel Essentials for Your Next Family Trip

Tips to Get Baby to Sleep While on the Go

Bridget Bowling is a certified Family Sleep Institute pediatric sleep consultant in Cleveland, Ohio, and the founder of Little Snoozers

Healthy Children (AAP), How To Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained , September 2023

US Consumer Product Safety Commission, Non-Full-Size Baby Cribs Business Guidance

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Next on Your Reading List

9 Perfectly Portable Travel Cribs That Will Keep Sleeping Babies Secure

These Travel Cribs Are Safe and Easy to Use

If you buy something from the links on this page, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?

The Best Portable Cribs

• Best Overall: Bugaboo Stardust
• Best Crawl Out: Silver Cross Slumber
• Largest and Most Breathable: Newton Travel Crib and play yard
• Best 3- in- 1: 4Moms Breeze
• Best Bassinet: Guava Lotus Travel Crib

What You Need to Know

Most portable cribs are designed for babies from newborn to age 3, but a few of them either have an insert for younger babies that cannot yet sit up, or they're bassinet style for the youngest infants. Many of them also double as play yards/ playpens , making them a sound investment overall. One thing to point out is that although every travel crib on this list comes with a cover for the car or plane. It's a good idea to put an AirTag or another tracking device on it in the event the airline misplaces your luggage.

The truth is, while many hotels offer travel cribs or rollaway beds for babies , bringing your own and having that continuity of style and environment makes for a much easier transition from one place to another, which decreases stress and allows your vacation to feel like a vacation. Finding a compact travel crib that's right for your family isn't as tricky as it sounds — just focus on three main things: style, size, and sheet style.

• Style: Here is where you see the real difference in travel cribs. Some compact models have a bassinet and compact models that do not. There are larger cribs, and cribs made just for babies.
• Size: Your choice of size comes down to preference and necessity. You could get a super compact like the Bugaboo, one that folds up tiny, like the Baby Bjorn , or more traditional play yard styles, like the Century .
• Sheet Style: This seems silly, but for convenience, it's big. Does it use a standard Playard crib sheet , or are you going to have to either buy custom sheets or clean the mattress pad often? Some travel cribs are worth the hassle, but not being able to buy a standard sheet can become a pain.

How We Chose

I evaluated each travel crib on this list and spoke with both real-life users of the product and testers who tried out new-to-the-market travel cribs. On top of that, I tested each one myself, evaluating them for durability, utility, and style. I also spoke with manufacturers to find out how they're made and the thought behind the design, and chose travel cribs that are not only useful, but long-lasting, easy to care for, and easy to fold.

Bugaboo Portable Indoor and Outdoor - Foldable On The Go Play Yard

When I first saw this travel crib, I wasn't expecting much judging by its looks — but oh, how I was wrong. Rather impressively, this portable crib folds completely flat , meaning it can be conveniently stored right under your sofa or in the back of a closet. Folding it is a breeze, too — it opens in 1 second and closes in 2.

It's compact, so it will fit in the limited confines of a hotel room but comes with a bassinet to easily get to your baby.

The whole thing is incredibly stable and sturdy, too. Sometimes, travel cribs can feel a bit flimsy, but this one is solid to the core. It doesn't tip or rock, and even if your little one is getting rowdy, this crib can take it. I particularly loved how easily the whole thing cleans. Our tester gave it a run for its money, and not a sticky fingerprint or scent lingered after a basic cleanup.

More: The 12 Best Jogging Strollers for Your Running Needs

Silver Cross Slumber 3 in 1 Travel Crib

The biggest difference between the Silver Cross and a few others on this list is that it was designed first and foremost as a travel crib, with the play yard being the bonus. On this list, it's one of my favorites for the overall feel of the quality of the materials. Silver Cross isn't skimping out on the fabrics or steels, even though it's under $300.

The bassinet slides in easily, but firmly, and the cushion feels just about perfect for a baby. Not too firm and not too soft. Folding it does take a minute to learn, but once you do, you're good to go.

The crawl-out side is one of the few that open at the far end of the travel crib, which I found handy when it had to go in a tight space. The gripping portions on the feet are also very stable. This is not a play yard that will rock about.

Newton Travel Crib & Play Yard

The Newton is the most-breathable travel crib on the market according to a study commissioned by Newton and conducted at an independent lab. Having felt it, I am inclined to agree. However, that's not why I love it. I love the size of this travel crib and play yard. It's almost 50 percent larger than most other play yards, and the bassinet is similarly large. There's plenty of room to grow with the Newton.

It's a cinch to put together and take down as well. I figured out how to do it in about 2 minutes without studying the instructions.

4moms Breeze Plus Portable Playard with Removable Bassinet

A real workhorse, this full-size travel crib, play yard, bassinet, and changing area is the picture of convenience. Even easier to open and close than the Bugaboo, the 4Moms is a real one-hand operation.

It's a bit bulkier when folded than the Bugaboo, which is why it's not in the top spot. The cover that it comes with is wonderful, weather-resistant, and durable, but it's not going to fit under your bed.

Our testers adore this travel crib's ability to morph back and forth between bed and play, with plenty of space to do both. The mattress pad on this model is washable, which is a real benefit that our testers loved.

guava kids Lotus Bassinet Kit & Travel Crib

You can wear this travel crib one as a backpack, it folds up that tiny. This bassinet/travel crib from Guava Family is the only bassinet you need at home or on the go for the first 3 months of your child's life.

The material is super smooth, soft, and easy to clean. It's lightweight, but thanks to the super-wide legs, it feels very stable. And again, it's so small that it fits in the overhead bin of a plane. Our testers noted that closing it has a bit of a learning curve, but other than that it's a home run.

BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light

This is a travel crib that's built for crawlers, and a surprising favorite of parents I spoke to. I admit I was a bit dubious about the low-to-the-ground style, but parents love how light it is, and the fact that it zips down the side for easy access.

The whole thing only weighs a few pounds thanks to the genius design, and all of the materials are machine-washable. Another thing parents told me that they love is the softness of the edges. Sometimes, the material that covers the frame can feel a little bit industrial, but not with the Bjorn.

This one folds flat like the Stardust, but it's nowhere near a one-handed fold — in fact, it's just as tricky as the Guava.

Century Century Travel On LX 2-in-1 Compact Playard with Bassinet, Playpen with Sheet Included, Metro Grey

The question of value and affordability comes up a lot in the parenting space. Century, made by Graco, is an affordable brand that makes quality products. This travel crib from Century is truly a gem for the price.

It's a compact size but plenty big enough for a bassinet, bed, or even a play yard when you're on vacation. Like everything made by Century, this is built for use, with machine-washable fabrics and durable materials.

It's a bit tricky to collapse and definitely isn't the smallest fold on the list, but it's a solid, affordable contender.

Chicco Alfa Lite

If you like the idea of a side zipper but are leery of tricky folds, the Chicco has you covered. The Alpha Lite is a great option for easy access, but slightly smaller than similar models.

However, you cannot overlook the fact that the fabrics on this model are entirely zip-off and machine washable. Chicco is known for their innovative, more environmentally-friendly fabrics, and the Greenguard Gold-certified Alfa Lite shines with its supple yet strong materials.

Parents who love this travel crib really love this one. It has a devoted following, with users praising its cleanability, durability, and quick fold. One parent raved, “I don’t take my kid anywhere without it!”

pottery barn Maxi-Cosi Swift Playard

The major benefit of this travel crib from Maxi Cosi is the luxurious mattress. It’s probably the most premium mattress of the bunch. It also has this cozy, breathable fleece cover over the top of the bassinet, which is strangely soothing when you’re putting your baby down at night.

It’s a cinch to open and close, hence the name “Swift,” and it stores in a super-premium cover. Parents love the feel of this crib, saying, “It just feels nicer than others I’ve had.”

Unfortunately, it’s spot-clean only, which is a pretty big drawback.

Baby Products

The Best Baby Carriers of 2024

The Best Rotating Car Seats for Squirmy Kids

The 9 Best Travel Bottle Warmers

The Best Playpens of 2024 to Keep Your Baby Safe

Thule vs. BOB Jogging Strollers 2024

The Best Double Strollers for Growing Families

The 15 Best Pacifiers to Soothe Your Baby

10 Best Baby Food Makers of 2024

13 Best Jogging Strollers for Every Type of Runner

20 Best Baby Food Storage Containers

The Best Baby Gates for Safety and Style

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

Review this article:

Read more about best baby products.

• Health and Safety
• Travel Gear
• Feeding & Nursing products
• Nursery Gear
• Infant activity
• Pregnancy Gear
• Baby Activities & Play

Join a World of Support

through Pregnancy and Parenthood.

TRACK WITH TOOLS

LEARN WITH EXPERTS

GET REWARDED

Where You Already Belong

• Pregnancy Weeks
• Nursery Design
• Toddler Sleep
• White Noise

Travel Crib Tips for Safe Sleep Away From Home

On This Page

What is a travel crib, are travel cribs safe, what should i look for when buying a travel crib, is it okay to buy a used travel crib, how can i help my baby sleep in a travel crib, can you travel with snoo.

Whether you’re heading to a long-awaited vacation, visiting family, or you simply need an extra sleep space in your home, travel cribs are a must-have item for many parents. But before you buy the trendiest travel crib—or borrow a nearly-ancient play yard—you’ll want to make sure it’s as safe and functional as it can be. Here’s what parents should look for when buying a travel crib.

A travel crib is another name for a portable crib. Travel cribs are compact, lightweight, and especially designed for easy transport. Sometimes “play yard” and “travel crib” are used interchangeably, but they’re not always the same. For example, play yards tend to feature mesh sides or another non-rigid construction. While travel cribs can mimic that, some portable cribs are wood and foldable. Generally, travel cribs and play yards can be used from birth to age 3.

Yes. Fortunately, the safety standards for travel cribs were upgraded over 10 years ago, so models currently sold in America have passed rigorous stability, entrapment, and structural integrity tests. (The same is true for play yards .) But for even more peace of mind, I recommend looking for travel cribs or play yards with a JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) certification, which means they are checked annually to prove they meet or exceed all safety standards for infant products. Of course, it’s imperative to use travel cribs safely , which means always…

Place your baby on the back. All babies under a year old should be put on their back for all naps and night sleep.

Make sure the travel crib is empty. Keep the travel crib free of all loose bedding , pillows, loungers, and stuffed toys.

Use the proper mattress. Only use the play yard mattress provided by the manufacturer—and never double up or add a soft topper. Remember, your baby’s mattress needs to be firm, whether they’re snoozing in a full-size crib, a bassinet, or a travel crib!

Only use a well-fitted sheet. Portable crib fitted sheets need to be tucked under the mattress, so the sheet can’t snap up and become a suffocation risk.

Keep the sides up: Never leave a baby in a mesh play yard with the side lowered or your little one could get trapped between the side and the floorboard.

Remove the changing table. If your play yard features a raised changing table, remove it when your child is in the play yard so they don’t risk entrapment .

Know when to retire your travel crib. Discontinue using the play yard or travel crib when your little one can easily climb out.

While safety, of course, is number one, there are other points to consider when buying a travel crib, such as:

Sturdiness: If you’re able, test out the travel crib before buying. You’ll want to feel first-hand how sturdy it is. Does it feel a bit wobbly when you press on the top? If so, choose another.

Functionality: Buying a play yard for an infant? Look for one with a bassinet feature where you detach the mattress from the bottom and safely raise it up so you can more easily lift your baby in and out of the crib. At the same time, you’ll want to make sure your portable crib has enough space for a toddler to rest and play comfortably when it’s time to lower the mattress.

Size and weight: For many, the point of a portable crib is to be able to travel with it, so be sure it’s easy to fold and carry. If you’re a frequent flier, you also want a travel crib that’s small enough to meet airline size requirements— and light enough to lug through the airport!

Weight limit: While travel cribs with mattresses at floor-level might not have a weight limit, most other travel cribs/play yards have a recommended weight max of around 25 to 30 pounds. Either way, it’s always smart to double check.

Ease of use: The last thing you want to do when you arrive at your destination with a cranky baby is take 10 minutes to assemble the travel crib! For example, look for play yards that unfold at the push of a button…and lock into place easily.

Maintenance: Many portable cribs feature removable, machine-washable fabric that can be a gamechanger when dealing with diaper blowouts and other unexpected oopsies.

While it may be tempting to borrow a travel crib or a play yard—or buy one used—proceed with caution. Nearly two million play yards have been recalled before new federal safety standards were put into place in 2013, so anything older could be dangerous. Plus, it wasn’t until 2022 that replacement mattresses used in play yards and portable cribs were required to meet the same safety requirements as the original mattress! Before then, babies were at risk for getting trapped and suffocating in a gap between the mattress and the side of the play yard.

As a pediatrician, I lean toward buying new so you know for-sure your travel yard isn’t missing any parts and meets the most recent safety standards. But I also know that buying new can be hard for some families. So, if you are buying a secondhand travel crib or are borrowing one, keep the following in mind:

Look for important numbers. If the travel crib is missing a label that includes the manufacturing date (or lot code) and manufacturer’s contact info, don’t buy it .

Check for recalls. Found the label with all the travel crib’s manufacturing info? Great. Now check to see if it’s been recalled .

Inspect for damage. Make sure the mesh of the play yard and the top rails are free of tears, holes, or loose threads . Check for missing or loose parts and ensure the travel crib is fitted with the manufacturer’s original mattress.

If you know ahead of time that your baby will be snoozing in a play yard or travel crib during a trip, arrange to have them sleep in one at home first. The more familiarity the better! Speaking of familiarity, recreating your baby’s sleep surroundings is key, too. That means, dim the lights about 30 minutes before night-night, play the same white noise your little one loves, and wrap your baby in the same sleep sack or swaddle they’re used to. If your baby has been sleeping in SNOO and swaddled in a SNOO Sack , use SNOObie or SNOObear to recreate SNOO’s white noise—and use the Sleepea 5-Second Swaddle in the travel crib. Sleepea is the exact same expert design as the award-winning SNOO Sack, minus the “wings” that secure SNOO sleepers into the bassinet.

If your baby has been blissfully sleeping in SNOO , you may be wondering if SNOO is portable. While SNOO is not a travel crib, many SNOO users do travel with their beloved bassinet! If you’re considering traveling with SNOO, know that, when packed and reboxed , your SNOO will take up about 8 cubic feet in your trunk. At the same time, SNOO can likely be checked as oversized luggage on your flight. (Call ahead!) But if packing and traveling with SNOO is impossible, don’t worry! Babies tend to sleep okay on trips without their SNOO…as long as:

Your stay is under one week.

Your baby has slept well in SNOO for one to two months.

You continue to swaddle your baby .

You use a strong white noise machine while away.

More on Baby Travel:

• How to Help Children With Jet Lag
• Dr. Harvey Karp on Stress-Free Flying With a Baby
• Sleep Tips for Holiday Travel
• Help Your Baby Sleep in Any Hotel Room
• Travel Toys to Occupy Tots on the Go
• How to Handle Travel Nightmares When Flying With Kids
• United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC): Non-Full-Size Baby Cribs Business Guidance & Small Entity Compliance Guide
• CPSC: Play Yards Business Guidance & Small Entity Compliance Guide
• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): Playpen Safety
• Kids in Danger: Product Hazards – Play Yards
• Safety Standard for Crib Mattresses. Federal Register . February 2022
• Consumer Reports: Is It Safe to Buy a Used Car Seat, Stroller, or Crib for Your Baby?

About Dr. Harvey Karp

Dr. Harvey Karp, one of America’s most trusted pediatricians, is the founder of Happiest Baby and the inventor of the groundbreaking SNOO Smart Sleeper. After years of treating patients in Los Angeles, Dr. Karp vaulted to global prominence with the release of the bestselling Happiest Baby on the Block and Happiest Toddler on the Block . His celebrated books and videos have since become standard pediatric practice, translated into more than 20 languages and have helped millions of parents. Dr. Karp’s landmark methods, including the 5 S’s for soothing babies, guide parents to understand and nurture their children and relieve stressful issues, like new-parent exhaustion, infant crying, and toddler tantrums.

View more posts tagged, sleep

Have questions about a Happiest Baby product? Our consultants would be happy to help! Submit your questions here.

Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.

You may also like

In the 48 contiguous United States, customers will be charged $59.50 + tax for the shipment of SNOO back to Happiest Baby. Added charges will apply for shipping to and from Alaska and Hawaii.

* An additional $185 shipping fee will be applied to SNOO purchases sent to Hawaii and Alaska.

Close Search

Transparency Disclosure — We may receive a referral fee for products purchased through the links on our site… Read More .

5 Top Rated Travel Cribs for Infants/Toddlers Reviewed for 2024

Last Updated on January 10, 2024

Written by Melanie Kassel

Written by Melanie Kassel, Performance Editor

Our testing process.

Here at Sleep Advisor, our Sleep Certified experts use a refined mattress and product testing process to give you unbiased product suggestions… Read our full product review process .

.st0{clip-path:url(#SVGID_00000046340743257271907690000000964648354283835324_);} In This Article

Are you looking for the best travel crib for your next family vacay? We’ve created a list of the top-rated picks to help you make the choice.

Is your baby ready to make their international debut, joining Mom and Dad on their next vacay? Have you been losing sleep wondering where your little jet-setter will lay their precious head away from home?

Traveling with your baby is not for the faint of heart…but if you’re ready to take the plunge, finding the best rated travel crib is likely at the top of your agenda. We’ve put together a list of the 5 top-rated travel cribs for infants and toddlers, so you can cross this off your list and get back to packing the endless baby gear!

5 Top Rated Travel Cribs for Infants/Toddlers Reviewed

Graco pack ‘n play pasadena – great for clean-up.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Bassinet designed for babies under 15 lbs
• Playard designed for children less than 35” tall
• Multiple color options
• Push-button fold
• Carrying bag included

CLICK TO SEE PRICE

If you’re looking for an option that should make clean-up a breeze, consider the Pasadena by Graco. This multi-functional travel crib might be your baby’s favorite spot, thanks to the built-in play bar equipped with soft toys to keep your tiny traveler entertained.

Use the removable bassinet while your newborn is under 15 lbs, then continue using this play yard for kids up to 35” tall (or about 3 years of age). Your child should be comfortable and relaxed sleeping in their own cozy space, and you can rest knowing they have a safe and familiar crib.

The changing station can be used with or without the included pad for added comfort, and the wipe-clean fabric should get every parent’s seal of approval. The airy mesh sides allow for maximum breathability in stuffy places and make this one of our best travel crib options for sleep or play.

When it’s time to go, the easy-fold feature was designed to make pack-up quick and hassle-free. The travel bag fits snugly around the frame for simple storage or taking on your adventures.

Graco Pack ‘n Play Aspery – Sturdy Frame

• Designed for babies under 30 lbs

The Aspery is one of the best travel crib designs made by Graco. The durable frame was designed to be sturdy enough for napping, travel, or play when you need to keep your little one contained. The built-in wheels should make moving this play yard around a breeze in case you need to roll your sleeping baby into a quiet place.

When you’re short on space, the folding feet and wheels were designed for a 20% more compact fold so you can take this crib most places you need to go. With one easy push of a button, you should easily be able to break down the Aspery for storage in its convenient travel bag. Weighing in at just 12 lbs, this lightweight bed could make a portable option for travel by plane, boat, or car!

Keeping your child safe while you are away from home can be challenging since most hotels are not baby-proofed. The easiest solution is to use your travel crib for its second intended purpose – a play space! The breathable mesh sides were designed so you can keep a close eye on your baby and the attachable toy bar should keep them happy and amused.

Guava Family – Great for Flying

• Designed for babies and toddlers (0-3 years old)
• GreenGuard Gold certification
• Easy set up
• Backpack carry case included

When you need a lightweight, hands-free option for flying, the Lotus Travel Crib is a tried and tested favorite of many parents who have experienced just how portable this product is. The compact and comfortable back-pack carrying case allows you to transport this bed and keep your hands free for holding your baby, diaper bag, or a much-needed cup of coffee.

Designed to be quick and easy to set up in under 15 seconds, you should be able to lay your little one on the thick, soft foam mattress as soon as they start rubbing their eyes. The quiet side zipper door is a unique feature that allows you to cuddle or nurse your baby to sleep and simply close the lockable access door. Toddlers love having their own door on each side, turning this into a fun space for crawling or play.

Protecting your baby is a top priority for parents, and the Guava Family designed the Lotus with safety in mind. This is the only travel crib with Greenguard Gold non-toxic certification so you can rest assured that your child is sleeping in a bed that is low in VOCs and contains no lead, phthalates, PVC, or heavy metals.

BabyBjörn – JMPA Certified

• Easy set up in just one move
• 4 color options

The Travel Crib Light by BabyBjörn features certification by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JMPA), reassuring parents that this product has undergone rigorous testing above standard requirements to assure its quality, safety, performance, and functionality. For over 40 years, the JMPA seal has helped to guide parents in purchasing baby items that undergo annual testing according to established standards.

This BabyBjörn should be easy to carry, weighing in at under 13 lbs, and convenient to travel with thanks to the smart design travel bag that can be quickly stowed in most baggage spaces. One of the easiest to set-up, the travel crib can be assembled and taken down in one simple movement with automatic unfolding legs. With no loose parts to attach, this stable travel crib is designed for use at home or away.

Your little one should sleep soundly on the soft and comfortable mattress. The built-in base plate is designed to keep this product standing firmly on the floor for security while your child is resting. The see-through mesh allows you to keep an eye on your tiny sleeper and should provide good airflow for added safety.

Fisher-Price – Best Indoor/Outdoor

• 2-in-1: baby play space & napping spot
• Adjustable canopy for bug & sun protection
• Easy to fold
• 7 design options

Unfortunately, babies don’t travel light! Between onesies, bottles, and an extra stash of diapers, you’ll be lucky if you can find enough room for your gear too! Thankfully, there is a lightweight travel crib option that won’t pack on too many extra pounds (you may even be able to forgo paying that ridiculous fee for heavy luggage)! The Fisher-Price On-The-Go Baby Dome is convenient and portable, making it one of our best indoor/outdoor travel crib options.

The folding canopy was designed to protect your little one against bugs or the sun with a UV rating of 20. You can use this dome at home for tummy time or play, for an afternoon at the beach, or for napping at Grandma’s house. The two attachable toys should keep your baby entertained and engaged as they practice their fine motor skills.

The soft, comfortable padding should make this a cozy spot for resting. The convenient carrying handles and flat-fold design should allow you to take this baby dome anywhere or store it compactly in a closet or any other small space.

Why a Portable Travel Crib is a Great Solution…

While some hotels do provide a standard pack-n-play, many are older models that may not be comfortable or safe. Children typically prefer to sleep in a familiar bed, so having your own crib to take with you can make a big difference in getting everyone the rest they need.

Parents can be assured that their child will be sleeping in a bed that they have reviewed for safety and security instead of relying on a second-hand crib that may be out of date. Unlike at home, hotel rooms are not baby-proofed, so a travel crib can also function as a safe play-space for your little one while you are away.

Questions to Ask When Purchasing Travel Crib

What are the different types.

Travel cribs come in many shapes and sizes, with smaller, portable designs that are great for travel on-the-go, and larger, sturdier designs that make great spots for play at home or visits to Grandma’s house. For infants, travel bassinets are available with features like built-in canopies and soft, hanging toys.

Some pack-n-plays have removable features like adjustable height bassinets and change-tables. Others have zipper openings on the sides for nursing and snuggles before bedtime or so you can conveniently lay your sleeping baby down without hurting your back. Most travel cribs are designed to sit on the floor, but some bassinets are higher so your baby can sleep right next to your bed.

What is the cost?

Purchasing a high-quality travel crib for your little sleeper is a worthwhile investment that should take your child from infancy through toddlerhood, whether at home or on-the-go. With options to suit any budget, you can focus on finding a safe, comfortable space for your baby to sleep in or play.

Is it safe for a baby?

Safety is usually at the top of every parent’s mind when they are shopping for new products for their baby. Always follow the manufacturers’ recommended weight and age limits, and stop using the travel crib as soon as your toddler is big enough to climb out. Stability is another factor to consider as you want to prevent the bed from tipping over on an uneven surface or when your child is leaning on the side.

Mesh sides are optimal for airflow and breathability. Examine the mattress for any gaps around the edges that your little one could sink into. You also want to be sure that sheets can be safely tucked in since loose bedding can pose a hazard.

All cribs sold in the United States must comply with U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards , but some may also have additional certifications ensuring that the materials are low in certain toxic substances or that they have undergone rigorous testing.

Is it comfortable?

Comfort is an important factor since a well-rested baby usually means well-rested parents too! Some mattresses in travel cribs may be fine for playing but are too thin for sleeping on. Be sure to feel how soft and padded the mattress is and whether or not you can easily get fitted sheets on.

Airflow is important for temperature regulation and breathability, so look for mesh sides and canopies that can be removed or folded back. Quilted side panels can be a nice feature for little ones who move around a lot in their sleep.

What are the dimensions/sizes?

If you need a bed that can fit into a small apartment or hotel room, be sure to look at the dimensions as some travel cribs are too wide to fit through standard doorways. While most are under 24 inches tall, some bassinets may be slightly higher.

Is it easy to set up?

While fighting with a travel crib that is challenging to maneuver may be comical to watch, a fussy baby with no place to sleep is not. Ensure that the bed you choose is easy to set up and take down, without requiring any tools or additional pieces that you’ll have to travel with. With the suggestions we provided, you should have plenty of easy assembly options to choose from.

Is it portable?

Portability is a big factor for families who are on-the-go, either to visit family or when on vacation. Many models are lightweight and can be folded into a compact carrying case that you can easily throw in the trunk or stow as baggage. Backpack handles are sometimes available so you can travel with your crib hands-free.

What age is it designed for?

Most pack-n-plays are designed to accommodate sleepers ages 0-3. Some have removable bassinets that can be adjusted in height based on your baby’s age and weight. Other travel cribs are meant for only infants, so be sure to check the manufacturers’ recommended age range before making your purchase.

What is the quality?

Quality is another factor that is important to consider when it comes to finding a safe place for your baby to rest. Some models have sturdy frames that won’t bend or shake. Others are less durable and feature mesh that is easy to stretch.

Look for evenly stitched fabric that can withstand years of travel and play. Loose threads, wobbly construction, and harsh material are all signs that the travel crib is lower in quality.

If you walk into any baby store, you’ll quickly find that there are a lot of useless items being marketed as necessities for new parents. While you might not need the fancy contraption that warms your baby’s wipes (or maybe you do?), any seasoned Mama will tell you that a portable travel crib is one item you will use time and time again!

There are many factors to consider based on your child’s age and needs, but luckily the options abound and we’ve chosen the top 5 to get you started. Shopping for the best travel crib for your little one may take time, but getting your baby (and you) a good night’s sleep is worth it!

Melanie Kassel

Performance Editor

About Author

As Sleep Advisor’s Performance Editor and a certified sleep science coach, Melanie writes and edits content throughout the site to ensure it’s accurate, engaging, and up-to-date.

Combination Sleeper

More Reading:

• How to Get Your Newborn Child to Sleep in a Crib at Night
• 6 Reasons Why Babies Hate Their Cribs

• All categories
• 4 in 1 Sets
• 3 in 1 Sets
• 2 in 1 Sets
• Sports strollers (buggies)
• Sunshade protection
• Buggy Boards
• Mosquito Nets
• Stroller Clips
• Diaper Bags and Backpacks

Stroller Travel System 3 in 1 Zack, black

Travel system 3 in 1 comfort, grey, travel system 3 in 1 comfort, black, free2play thermo flask kitty, pink, diaper backpack simply purple.

• Child car seats 40-105 cm
• Child car seats 40-125 cm
• Child car seats 40-150 cm
• Child car seats 76-150 cm
• Child car seats 100-150 cm
• Child car seats 125-150 cm
• Child car seats i-Size
• Roller sunshade protection
• Car seat protection
• Other accessories

FreeON car seat Epic, i-Size 40 – 150 cm, black

Car seat modus, i-size 76 do 150 cm, gray, car seat modus, i-size 76 do 150 cm, black, booster comfy, i-size 125 – 150 cm, pink&gray, booster comfy, i-size 125 – 150 cm, blue&gray.

• Wooden high chairs
• High chairs for feeding
• Portable high chairs
• High chair accessories
• Baby swings
• Baby basinet
• Safety accessories
• Baby walkers
• Accessories
• Feeding sets

Free2Play magnetic maze

Stroller travel system, 4 in 1, zen deluxe, dark grey, freeon folding trolley, black, travel cot with second layer elephants.

• Nursing pillows
• Cot Mattresses
• Cot bumpers
• Waterproof mattress pads
• Sleeping Bags
• Travel Cots
• Video and Audio baby monitor
• Changing mats
• Children`s armchair
• Educational toys
• Playing mat
• Stuffed Animals & Plushies

Square playpen giraffe

Square playpen sanda.

• Deck chairs and bathing seats
• Anti-slip mats and other accessories
• Muslin squares

BABY WASH MUSLIN CLOTHS 4/1 BLUE

Baby wash muslin cloths 4/1 pink, cotton muslin nappy squeares 2/1 blue, cotton muslin nappy squeares 2/1 beige, cotton muslin nappy squeares 2/1 pink.

• Diaper Bags

NURSING PILLOW DOTS

Nursing pillow yellow hearts, nursing pillow green magic, nursing pillow gray elephant, nursing pillow happy friends.

• Trampolines
• Balance bikes
• Scooters and Skateboards

Kids backpack Small animals

Tricycle sporty, grey, tricycle sporty, pink.

We offer a wide range of attractive and functional strollers for daily walks, weekend excursions or family holidays.

Satisfied children are the main measure of pleasant and peaceful car ride.  Our seats combine superior quality, unconditional comfort and stylish look.

Comfortable and practical highchairs, carriers for adventurous day-to-day trips, travel cots for a sense of home on trips and baby walkers for first steps.

FreeON Sleep offers a wide range of high-quality textile products. Includes children’s bedding, textile products made of terry cloth fabrics, nursing pillows, nappies and much more.

Accessories for children that encourage active play and outdoor activities.

Nursery furniture catalogue for 2024

Baby textiles catalogue for 2024

Baby toys catalogue for 2024

BEST PRODUCTS

Stroller nano, autofolding, black, stroller travel system, 4 in 1, zen, oli swing 2-in-1 baby rocker, car seat galaxy, i-size 40-105 cm, grey, folding playing mat magic forest, play mat lion and the friends, stroller travel system 4 in 1 bloom, blue, car seat space, i-size 40-150 cm, orange, meet freeon.

• 4 in 1 sets
• 3 in 1 sets
• 2 in 1 sets
• Stroller accessories
• Child car seats from 0 to18 kg
• Child car seats from 0 to 36 kg
• Child car seats from 9 to 25 kg
• Child car seats from 9 to 36 kg
• Child car seats from 15 to 36 kg
• Child car seats from 40 to 105 cm
• Child car seats from 40 to 150 cm
• Child car seats from 76 to 150 cm
• Child car seats from 100 to 150 cm
• Booster car seat
• Car accessories
• Cot mattresses and beddings
• Changing mats and other accessories
• Children’s room furniture
• Baby bathing
• Application form
• Login / Register

Username or email address  *

Password  *

Lost your password? Remember me

No account yet?

Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology .

The 17 Best Travel Cribs & Bassinets in 2023 [Toddlers & Babies]

Erin Miller

Content Contributor

188 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 26 U.S. States Visited: 28

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

29 Published Articles 3081 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 45 U.S. States Visited: 28

What Is the Difference Between a Crib and a Bassinet?

Why use a travel crib or bassinet, things to consider with travel cribs and bassinets, 1. a roomie travel crib that’s bigger than most, 2. a travel crib lighter than your baby, 3. award-winning design that creates a darkened environment, 4. unique design from a big name brand, 5. folding feet and wheels for a compact folder, 6. a fully washable playpen for peace of mind, 7. simple assembly and easily collapsible, 1. folds up in handy backpack carry case, 2. airy design for good supervision, 3. expands from a travel crib to a play yard in seconds, 4. easy 1-push open, 1-pull close, 1. amazon’s choice for bassinet, 2. nap anytime, anyplace, anywhere, 3. the bassinet that is also a diaper bag and changing station, 4. lightweight, versatile, and can be used outdoors, 5. conveniently folds into a backpack, 6. keep your baby close and protected, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Going on holiday with your little one means finding the right equipment to make them feel at home, wherever they are. Travel cribs and bassinets give your baby somewhere safe and secure to sleep. This helps them to remain calm and gives you the chance of a peaceful night’s sleep, even when you are on vacation.

There are many to choose from on the market, and below we outline what you should look for and the best options you can buy right now.

Travel cribs and bassinets both provide a cozy, safe sleeping area for your baby, both at home and on vacation. While they both have many uses for parents on the move, there are differences between the 2 options that you should consider before you buy.

What Is a Travel Crib?

A travel crib is a lightweight and portable alternative to the traditional wooden crib your baby may use at home. Designed to be taken anywhere with you, a travel crib has soft sides and a collapsible structure, making it easy to fold up and pack away when in transit.

Made from durable and breathable materials, these kinds of cribs can double up as a safe play space for your little one, both at home and away.

What Is a Travel Bassinet?

A bassinet, on the other hand, is smaller, more compact, and designed to better suit the needs of newborns and very young babies. These safe sleeping areas are perfect for babies who cannot yet sit up unaided and will keep them snug while they sleep close beside you.

Most travel bassinets have soft sides that can be folded up for ease of transport and handles for you to carry. Some can even be used as an inner lining for the bassinet that attaches to your stroller .

Some hotels may offer to provide you with a crib or bassinet in your bedroom. Vacation apartments or Airbnbs may also have separate infant sleeping facilities, but you will need to check before you book.

However, you may not want to put your baby in a crib that has previously been enjoyed by somebody else, or you may be staying somewhere that doesn’t offer additional facilities.

Whatever your reason for wanting one, here are some compelling reasons why you should indeed use your own travel crib or bassinet on your next trip.

Help Your Baby Sleep Better

Young infants can become very unsettled when they are taken away from their usual routine. Having a travel crib that they use regularly will feel familiar to them , even if they are vacationing with you a long way from home. You can also swaddle them in their favorite blanket or throw in a special toy to help your little one feel relaxed and settled.

They Can Be More Hygienic

If you are taking your own travel crib with you, you know exactly how clean it is before you set your baby down to sleep in it. You can also be sure that you have your own sheet that fits the crib properly or any other special items that your baby likes to sleep with.

You Can Keep a Watchful Eye

Travel cribs have mesh sides that allow you to see your baby as they sleep or play. This means that you can keep a close eye without disturbing them, all the time knowing that they are safely placed in a secure crib on the floor.

Give Your Baby a Safe Space To Play

When you need a moment to yourself, or simply want to give your baby some downtime, your travel crib also makes an excellent playpen . Secure, visible, and always within easy reach, you can pop your baby in the crib with his or her favorite toys and let them play. The crib can be used as a playpen at home, too, making it an even more worthwhile investment.

If your baby is very little, you may want to consider a travel bassinet instead. These lightweight and incredibly portable safe spaces make cozy beds for babies who are not yet on the move. Safer than just laying your baby on your bed, you can keep your baby comfortable and close at hand without worrying about them rolling or falling.

Hot Tip: Like travel cribs, travel-sized bassinets can once again be very useful in your own home. Keep your baby next to you by the sofa, sleeping in the kitchen, or even just as a spare sleep space for taking with you when you visit friends and family.

Not all baby travel cribs and bassinets are the same, so before you invest, consider the following:

Size and Weight

With the focus being on travel, your crib or bassinet needs to be made of lightweight material that can be folded up small enough to carry with you. It will also need to be large enough to comfortably house your baby without them being squished when sleeping. It should also be able to fold down small enough to be able to be stowed away in transit easily.

Materials and Durability

Travel cribs and bassinets are designed to be incredibly lightweight, of course, but they also need to be durable and hard-wearing. With this in mind, most of them are made from high-grade nylon and breathable mesh to withstand the movement of your baby, as well as the bumps and knocks caused by travel.

A travel crib, in particular, will last your baby well into the toddler years, so it will need to be durable enough to go the distance, as well as sturdy enough to withstand opening and closing over long periods.

Your Child’s Age

Travel cribs and bassinets are designed to accommodate babies and toddlers of different heights, weights, and ages. Your bassinet will only suit your baby in the first few months, while your travel crib could be with you for a couple of years.

Check out the best recommendations for your child’s age, weight, and height before you buy , and make sure you know what the maximum age recommendations should be. Be aware that as soon as your toddler can attempt to get out of the travel crib, they are way too big for one.

Hot Tip: Travel cribs may be unsuitable for tall toddlers as they won’t feel comfortable sleeping in a restricted area. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations and measure them against the size of your child before you buy it.

Folding and Portability

Getting your travel crib upright and locked into position can take a bit of practice, but pretty soon, you will become an absolute expert at it. Making sure you can fold it back down and stash it back in its carry bag will become equally as important, too.

Before you purchase, check out the weight of the crib as well as the folded dimensions to ensure that you will be able to carry it with you on your journey realistically. Better still, if the crib comes with a carry bag that has a strap, you can simply stow it over your shoulder and go!

Safety and Comfort

As well as being lightweight, portable, durable, and made to last, your travel crib or bassinet also needs to be proven to be safe for your little one. Check out the reviews and compare different makes and models before you commit, and always settle for the best quality travel crib or bassinet you can afford to buy.

Cheaper models may have very thin mattress bottoms, which may not be comfortable for your baby or toddler. More importantly, they may not be made to withstand the most curious of tiny fingers or the lifetime of assembling and disassembling that your travel crib is required to go through.

The 7 Best Travel Cribs Under $150

• Joovy New Room2 Portable Playard

Designed to provide parents with peace of mind when your baby is on the move, this traditional-style travel crib is strong enough to contain your toddler while still being plush enough to offer babies of all ages an excellent night’s sleep.

Complete with its own fitted mattress with a cotton sheet, the Room2 is slightly bigger than some other cribs on the market , yet it still folds small enough to be carried in transit in the matching travel bag included. For your convenience, the large mesh sides provide a perfect 360-degree view both in and out, and with nearly 10 square feet of interior space, this is not just a great travel crib — it is a pretty awesome play space, as well.

Designed and built by the baby-loving experts at Joovy, the Room2 is an affordable and incredibly practical playpen and travel crib that is well suited to older babies and toddlers on vacation. Newborns can also be accommodated, but you’ll want to invest in the additional bassinet attachment for your convenience.

What We Like

• Has a soft, comfortable mattress

What We Don’t Like

• Quite a heavy travel crib
• phil&teds Traveller Crib

This incredibly lightweight travel baby crib weighs just 6 pounds and has a super compact design that opens out to become a comfortable, breathable, and useful sleep and safe space for both you and your baby to enjoy.

Designed to be strong and sturdy, despite its featherweight proportions, the full mesh sides allow for easy viewing and complete ventilation. There is a side opening with easy zipper access so your bigger baby can crawl in and out as and when they want to, and a self-inflating mattress and fitted sheet for use when it is time to hit the hay.

Being able to fold up small enough to carry on most airlines, this crib is a winner for families heading away on vacation. Being made by one of the most innovative providers of baby gear out there , it is no surprise that the Traveller Crib looks incredibly stylish, is uber-cool and functional, and even has top-quality fabrics, making it soft and gentle on baby’s delicate skin.

• Small enough to pack in your luggage
• The mattress could be thicker
• SnoozeShade Pack N Play Crib Canopy and Tent

Designed for parents by a mom herself, this breathable, net canopy for play yards, travel cribs, and playpens is designed to provide a calm, dark, and distraction-free environment for your little one.

Perfect for trips away where bright sunshine or busy bedrooms might throw your baby’s sleep habits out of whack, this simple canopy is like a tent for your baby’s bed.

Free from complicated attachments, and small enough to fold and carry with you wherever you may go, the Snooze Shade simply stretches over the travel crib and attaches using nothing more than Velcro. It also offers excellent protection from mosquitoes, bugs, and cats.

• Blocks out 94% of light
• Can get warm inside
• Fisher-Price On-The-Go Baby Dome

This supercute travel crib is perfect for younger babies and makes a safe and secure cocoon for them to enjoy midday naps or nighttime sleep close to mom or dad.

Suitable for babies under 20 pounds and those that are not yet able to push up on their hands and knees, this is an excellent addition to your newborn baby inventory, and perfect for those first few nights away.

The Baby Dome is particularly useful for parents visiting warmer climates or those planning on spending time outdoors. With a canopy offering UPF20 protection and a bug shield, this is a soft, cozy, and protective shell for your little one to sleep in.

The overhead play bar comes with 2 colorful toys to keep your baby amused, and the dome itself folds up, ready for you to pick up and go when you are ready to move on. Cute, comfortable, and perfect for the little person in your life, this offers your baby their own safe space, even when they are very small.

• Has an adjustable sun canopy
• Quite heavy to carry
• Pack ‘n Play On The Go Playard with Bassinet

Be sure that your little one is comfortable on the go with the Pack ’n Play travel crib from brand leaders Graco. Featuring 2 fantastic features in 1, this portable sleep station has a removable full-size bassinet and a travel crib for older babies. There is also a supercute toy bar that features a selection of soft toys to keep your baby amused.

Incredibly easy to set up, this model features the signature Graco push-button fold that makes for super speedy assembly when you need it , and fast fold-ups when it’s time to move on. It also comes with a convenient carry bag and fold-up wheels that make for a 20% more compact fold.

Suitable from birth using the bassinet, you should remove this completely when your baby can push up on their hands and knees, and the main crib can be used until your child can climb in and out. Made from durable and wipeable nylon and mesh, you and your baby can enjoy this safe sleep station on the go.

• Has a removable bassinet
• Not the easiest to clean
• BABY JOY Baby Foldable Travel Crib

For use, both indoors and out, this easily portable travel crib is perfect for use in the home, in the garden, at the beach, and even on vacation. With its very own custom bag with carrying handles, it can be carried with you, wherever you are heading.

You’ll be set up in seconds with the push of a button, and your little one will love sleeping on the comfortable and completely washable mattress. Parents will also be relieved to know that the mesh surround is detachable and safe to pop in the washing machine (should any accidents occur).

When your baby is old enough to crawl and walk, the side can be zipped down to make a fun and easily accessible play space, as well as offer an alternative access point for parents to set the baby down for the night.

• Easy access through the side door
• The mesh walls could be more durable
• Flisko 2 in 1 Travel Crib & Bassinet

With a lightweight design and compact size, this is a great, multi-purpose travel crib for parents on the go. The simple folding mechanism is quick and easy to use, while the carry case converts into a backpack, meaning you can keep your hands free when traveling.

With 2 levels, you can choose between a lower-level playpen or upper-level bassinet for newborns. The playpen’s side zipper can be opened to create a crawl-through door for your little one and an alternative access point for you. With breathable mesh fabric walls, you can keep an eye on your baby and be sure that they will stay cool with a healthy airflow.

The plush, insulated foam mattress is perfect for nights away from home , whether used in the crib or bassinet.

• Easy to set up and break down
• The included sheet can shrink after washing

The 4 Best Travel Cribs Under $300

• Lotus Travel Crib

Offering a modern take on traditional travel cribs, the Lotus Travel Crib is suitable for babies from 0 to 3 years old. The unique zippered bottom panel transforms the crib into a safe and fun space for your toddler to enjoy, then a cozy crib when it’s time to go to bed.

Designed to be super portable and perfect for taking on vacation, this crib can be set up in around 15 seconds , and when you are done with it, you can carry it in the included backpack, keeping your hands free.

Your little one will love the freedom that the Lotus crib offers, and you will like the way it keeps your baby safely contained when you need it to. Most of all, this lightweight, portable, and easy-to-set-up travel crib will give you the reassurance you need when traveling away from home.

• Can be transported as a backpack
• Can be difficult to get back inside the carry bag
• BABYBJÖRN Travel Crib Light

Weighing in at 11 pounds, this travel cot from the brand leaders at Babybjörn is a little more expensive than some of the others of the market, but its innovative design and impressive build quality make it worth every last cent.

The sides of the cot are made from mesh material, allowing air to circulate and giving you a great view of your baby, whatever he or she is up to. With its unique click and fold frame, the Travel Crib Light can be set up in just seconds, and the upside-down design means it will remain stable and safe, even as your baby gets bigger.

Suitable for babies from birth to 3 years old, it comes with a comfy mattress and a waterproof, breathable cover to help your baby sleep peacefully wherever they may be. When not in use, you can leave it set up as a safe play space for your little one, or fold it back up to stash in its very own practical carry bag.

• On the expensive side
• Doesn’t come with a fitted sheet
• Skip Hop Portable Playard and Foldable Expanding Travel Crib/Playpen

Offering an innovative 2-in-1 solution for parents on the go, this expandable travel crib can easily switch from a quiet sleeping space to a fun-filled play yard in a matter of seconds. The crib mattress and sheet can be used for nap time and night time, then unzip the sides to use the comfy, wipe-clean mat as a playpen as the entire crib expands up to 60% to make a perfectly square play yard.

The mesh sides allow for excellent ventilation and will ensure that you can see your baby at all times, whether they are fast asleep or wide awake in there. Suitable for babies from newborn to 3 years old, this is a travel crib that really will grow with your child to last them even longer.

• Expandable for more room
• Quite heavy for a travel crib
• 4moms breeze GO portable travel playard

Complete with its very own super cool-looking carry bag, the 4moms GO portable travel crib and play yard is an excellent choice for use both at home and away for an overnight stay or on your next vacation.

Suitable from birth until around 30 pounds, your baby can sleep, play, and chill out in this sturdy and well-built travel crib and play yard. Wipe-clean, breathable fabrics help to keep the crib hygienic, and the mesh sidewalls allow for easy viewing both inside and out.

One of the best features of this particular model is the super-easy “push open, pull close” mechanism that allows mom or dad to set it up in just a matter of seconds . Simply push down on the central hub to open and pull it back up to close while the automatic latches click into place, making a safe, secure, and super-cozy crib and play area for your little one, wherever you may be staying.

• Has one-handed setup and breakdown
• Not a standard size playpen, so it doesn’t fit universal sheets

The 6 Best Travel Bassinets

2in1 stationary&rock mode bassinet one-second fold travel crib portable newborn baby.

Perfect for parents that want their little one to sleep close by, either at home or away, this bassinet is super easy to set up and incredibly comfortable for your baby. With a rocking mode to soothe your baby to sleep and a stationary mode for when they do drift off , you should all be able to get some sleep after a busy day on vacation.

With its very own carry bag, the MiClassic Bassinet can easily be stowed in the trunk of your car, kept at Grandma’s house, or even taken on a plane. The unique 1-second open and fold system means it is quick and easy to put up and take down again, and the breathable mesh sides will keep your baby safely within sight at all times.

This is a tremendous little bassinet for babies on the go — those who like to be rocked to sleep while still being close to mom or dad.

• Has a soothing rocking mode
• Quite a low bassinet
• Munchkin Brica Fold N’ Go Travel Bassinet

This cute and cozy portable bassinet is perfect for keeping your baby safe and sleeping soundly both at home and away. Suitable for babies up to 3 months old or 15 pounds, this is a great addition to your newborn baby equipment that offers a comfortable and safe space for your little one.

Lightweight and incredibly portable, this travel bassinet can be set up and folded down in a matter of seconds, and the carry handle makes it super easy to take anywhere with you. The locking frame and durable sidewalls keep it feeling strong and sturdy, while the breathable, mesh sides help the air to flow around your baby  and allow you to see them at all times.

The specially-designed firm mattress and fitted sheet will allow your baby to sleep soundly, and while this should not be used on an elevated surface, this is a good travel bassinet for overnight stays and vacations with your newborn.

• Lightweight and easy to carry
• No mesh-covered top
• Scuddles 3-1 Portable Bassinet for Baby – Foldable Baby Bed

This fabulous little baby bed offers everything you need as a parent on the go . As a portable changing station, a travel crib, and a diaper bag, you and your little one will be set for any kind of vacation adventure.

The same size as a regular diaper bag, you can store diapers, creams, spare clothing, wipes, and all of your usual baby gear in the smart-looking pockets and carry bag. When it is time for a change, the travel crib can be used as a clean, hygienic changing station that protects your baby from dirty surfaces or hard floors.

At bedtime, the cozy sleeping area has an extra thick pad that can be used as a mattress, and the sturdy sides will keep your baby safe and sound as they sleep. Suitable for babies up to 3 months old, this is a brilliant idea for parents taking their newborn away with them.

• Has an insulated bottle pocket
• No padding on the bag straps
• Dream On Me Karley Bassinet

Made of lightweight polyester with a strong metal frame, the Dream On Me Karley Bassinet combines all the useful features of the stroller and a travel crib and is perfect for taking on overnight stays, leaving at Grandma’s, or simply as an extra crib in your own home.

Suitable for babies from birth up until they weigh around 25 pounds, you can use this portable bassinet as an extra sleep space in your home, a safe space in the garden, or a changing station with additional storage.

With a double canopy and a soft, comfortable sleeping pad, your baby can sleep soundly either on the integrated stand or on the floor, and the compact and quick folding mechanism means you can store the crib away when not in use.

• Has an adjustable double canopy
• Thin mattress
• Lulyboo Bassinet To-Go Metro

This wonderfully portable little baby bed can go anywhere with you. Have your baby asleep close by at home or in your hotel room, or use it to let your baby join you outside on your next adventure. The 2-position canopy will protect your baby from the sun and wind , and the machine-washable fabric can be removed for cleaning while also being waterproof along the bottom.

Whether you chose to use this bassinet as a travel crib, a co-sleeper, a playpen, or even just a changing station, the affordable price tag and the ability to be quickly folded and carried as a backpack, make this an excellent choice for parents on the move.

Suitable for babies up to the age of 3 months old or weighing less than 15 pounds, the hanging toy bar will keep your baby amused and the cozy cocoon with mattress and canopy will give them a safe space to sleep in.

• Has a folding design that turns into a backpack
• Quite short for taller babies
• Baby Delight Snuggle Nest Portable Infant Lounger

This small and portable bassinet keeps your baby comfortable and close to you while offering a safe space for lounging or sleeping.

The mesh sides ensure that you have full visibility of your baby as they sleep, while also keeping the lounger well-ventilated. The low but sturdy sidewalls mean you can easily reach your newborn for soothing, changing, or generally monitoring the well-being of your baby throughout the day.

Suitable for newborn and very young babies, the Baby Delight Snuggle Nest also features a removable, washable sheet and cover, and the whole thing folds up compactly, so it is ideal for travel.

• Fits comfortably in a queen bed
• The sides could be sturdier

Taking your baby away with you is an exciting time. Having everything you need to keep them comfortable is the key to a successful trip, and having their own space to sleep and play in will help your little one enjoy their time away even more.

Get a good night’s sleep with a safe and secure bassinet or full-size travel crib, specially designed to fold up small for easy transportation, wherever you are headed. These robust but portable sleep spaces also make useful playpens and extra beds when back at home, too.

All information and content provided by Upgraded Points is intended as general information and for educational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as medical advice or legal advice. For more information, see our  Medical & Legal Disclaimers .

Frequently Asked Questions

What do babies sleep in when traveling.

A travel crib or travel bassinet is the best option for your baby to sleep in while traveling. A bassinet will be more suited to newborns up to the age of 3 months or so, but this varies depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations. A travel crib, on the other hand, will be suitable from 3 months right up to toddler age.

Can a toddler sleep in a Pack 'n Play?

Generally, most playpens or play yards also double up as suitable sleep environments for toddlers. It is best to check with the product manufacturer as this can vary by make and model.

Do hotels have cribs?

Not every hotel will have a crib, so it’s best to call ahead and check. That being said, if you have the space and the budget, it is well worth investing in your own travel crib to ensure that your baby is sleeping in a familiar and hygienic environment.

What are the best travel cribs and bassinets?

Some of the best travel cribs and bassinets include:

• MiClassic Bassinet

Was this page helpful?

About Erin Miller

An experienced points hacker, Erin is Alex’s partner-in-crime and contributes to Upgraded Points with in-depth guides and relationship management. Erin’s work has been cited in multiple major publications.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE ™

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy and terms of service apply.

Related Posts

UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

Protect Your Trip »

The 4 best travel cribs for babies and toddlers in 2024.

Finalize your decision with one of these four travel cribs.

The Best Travel Cribs

Courtesy of Guava Family

The Guava Lotus Travel Crib is so compact, you can wear it like a backpack.

There are an increasing number of travel cribs on the market these days, and nearly all of them are touted to have a lightweight design and an easy setup, which makes it overwhelming to choose the right one for your pint-sized travel partner.

Taking into consideration key factors like safety, comfort and convenience for travel – as well as recent consumer reviews, expert recommendations and our own experiences – we've chosen the best travel cribs for babies and toddlers.

Best Overall: Guava Lotus Travel Crib

• Jump to features and traveler insights ↓

Best Lightweight: BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light

• Best Budget: Graco Pack 'n Play On the Go Playard

Best for Toddlers: hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed

Note: All travel crib dimensions are listed in order of length by width by height.

Highlights:

• Especially convenient for air travel, the Guava Lotus Travel Crib can be worn like a backpack in an included carrying case with padded straps, then checked as a bag.
• The Guava Lotus is GreenGuard Gold Certified , which means its emission levels are even lower (and better) than industry standards.
• It doubles as a bassinet and playard featuring a zippered door for easy access to your baby.

Setup: The Guava Lotus is easy to set up. The sturdy aluminum frame's hinges swiftly snap in place with the touch of a button. Once the frame is assembled, a fabric cover with mesh sides can be zipped on before you place the included waterproof mattress with a sheet (which is not included) inside. Then the mattress is secured to the frame via a buckle on each corner. When it's time to take the crib down, you don't have to disassemble the entire thing – another reason to love this option.

YouTube tutorial: Guava Lotus Setup | Guava Lotus Teardown

Maintenance: The mattress is easy to wipe down, and the crib's fabric portion is machine-washable.

"I've taken this crib all across the world over the past three years, and it still looks as good as new. We initially bought this crib because we were wary of using hotel cribs during COVID. We quickly fell in love with it and still bring it on every trip we take. Additionally, we purchased the optional sun shade, which came in handy on beach trips in our daughter's infant days." – Tamiz Ahmed , co-founder of Poppylist

Courtesy of BabyBjörn

• If you're specifically looking for something lightweight, meet your match: The BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light is one of the lightest travel cribs on the market.
• The crib comes with a mattress and carrying bag.
• All materials meet OEKO TEX Standard 100, Class 1 standards for baby products – meaning the crib permeates low levels of chemicals and is also free from as many as 350 harmful chemicals, making it safe for a baby's skin and curious mouth.

Setup: The frame of the BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light is assembled in one swift motion. Next, the mattress is placed inside and secured to the crib's legs. When it's time to put the crib away, the mattress and crib frame easily fold down.

YouTube tutorial: BabyBjörn Travel Crib Setup | BabyBjörn Travel Crib Teardown – Option 1 | BabyBjörn Travel Crib Teardown – Option 2

Maintenance: The mattress can be wiped down with a damp cloth, and both the mattress cover (which can be zipped off) and the other fabric on the crib are machine-washable.

Best Budget: Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go Playard with Bassinet

Courtesy of Graco

• This crib comes with a full-size bassinet insert that folds with the playard when it's time to transport or put away the crib.
• The crib also has a toy bar with soft toys to amuse your curious baby.
• A carry case is included with this crib.

Setup: First, hit the crib's push buttons to assemble the frame. Once the four rails are locked, you can push the crib floor down before placing the mattress inside. Finally, secure the mattress straps (on the bottom) to the playard. To disassemble, you'll reverse the process almost exactly: Unfasten the mattress straps, remove the mattress, pull the tab at the bottom of the crib and – using the push buttons – fold the crib down.

YouTube tutorial: Graco On the Go Playard Setup and Teardown

Maintenance: The crib can be wiped down with mild soap and water, while the carry bag is machine-washable.

" The Graco Pack n Play On the Go Playard offers all the bells and whistles of other travel cribs, but at a far more affordable price ($80 vs. $150-$300). In particular, the removable bassinet is a game-changer during those early weeks of parenthood. My family used it during our first two weeks home with our daughter, and I appreciated that it provided a safe sleep space but didn't require me to bend over and stress my sore body. After that, we moved it to my mom's house and, even though it's super easy to fold and store, she keeps it out because it doesn't take up a lot of space." – Leah Rocketto , Associate Commerce Director at What to Expect

Courtesy of hiccapop

• Long and tall bumpers ensure your little one won't roll off the bed.
• It inflates with an included electric pump and rolls up into an included carry bag.
• The bed comes with a lifetime satisfaction guarantee and top-notch customer service.

Setup: The setup for this toddler travel bed is similar to that of a traditional air mattress – simply use the included electric pump to inflate the bed frame with rails and a mattress pad.

YouTube tutorial: hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed Setup and Teardown

Maintenance: The hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel bed can be wiped down with soap and water.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Guava Lotus vs. Baby Björn

When choosing the best travel crib to purchase, the final decision for many buyers often comes down to the Guava Lotus Travel Crib and BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light since they're so similar.

If you're undecided between the two, see which crib wins in the following categories:

Your decision may ultimately come down to the type of traveler you are. If you frequently travel (especially by plane), the Guava Lotus is the best choice.

Guava Lotus vs. Newton Travel Crib

Many people also compare the Guava Lotus with the Newton Travel Crib, a newcomer to the travel crib market. The Newton Travel Crib mimics the Guava Lotus almost exactly, but here are some key differentiators (and the reasons we ultimately recommend the Guava Lotus instead):

• Price: At $299, the Newton Travel Crib is about $50 more than the Guava Lotus.
• Weight: The Newton Travel Crib is also 2 pounds heavier than its predecessor, weighing in at 17 pounds.
• Setup: While the Newton Travel Crib is easy to set up, many buyers say that disassembly is difficult.

Travel Crib Accessories

When purchasing a travel crib, think about the other essentials your baby will need for restful naps and nights in your destination – especially since they'll be in an unfamiliar environment. These might include:

Room-darkening curtains: If your little one is accustomed to sleeping in a pitch-black room at home, you'll want to ensure your hotel room or vacation rental bedroom is as dark as possible. There are a few ways to do this:

• Use foil and duct tape:  It won't look pretty, but covering the windows with foil and duct tape is a cost-effective option.
• Invest in a Slumberpod:  The highly rated  SlumberPod  ($180) is essentially a tent that goes over the travel crib, ensuring total darkness for a peaceful night's rest. For a cheaper alternative, check out the  Dofilachy Blackout Cover  on Amazon.
• Buy portable blackout curtains:  Purchase a set of curtains that won't take up too much space in your luggage. These  portable blackout curtains from Amazon Basics  are highly rated and come with a storage bag.

White noise machine: Even if you already have a white noise machine you plan to pack, you might consider buying an additional, more portable option to use in tandem with it – especially if you'll be in a small space with older siblings who stay up later. U.S. News editors say they've had good experience with both the Yogasleep Hushh Portable Sound Machine (also useful for stroller rides) and this option by Magicteam .

Portable fan:  A small battery- or USB-powered fan is a useful accessory when traveling with little ones – you can attach it to the travel stroller and car seat on hot days and secure it to the travel crib on warm nights. There are a variety of affordable, well-rated stroller fans on Amazon, including this adjustable option by AMACOOL .

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Amanda Norcross is a family travel expert who regularly travels with her toddler. Shortly after she found out she was pregnant, she excitedly bought the Guava Lotus Bassinet Kit & Travel Crib and – despite its hefty price tag – never regretted it once.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Diaper Bag Backpacks
• How to Get Your Child a Passport
• The Best Family Vacations in the U.S.
• The Best Spring Break Family Destinations
• The Best Family Travel Insurance

Top All-Inclusive Family Resorts

Tags: Travel , Travel Gear , Family Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The best pearl harbor tours.

John Rodwan and Amanda Norcross April 9, 2024

The Best Pigeon Forge Dinner Shows

Korrin Bishop April 9, 2024

Flight Canceled or Delayed? What to Do

Amanda Norcross April 8, 2024

Carry-on Luggage Sizes by Airline

The Best Charleston Tours

John Rodwan April 4, 2024

The Best Napa Valley Wine Tours

Amanda Norcross April 4, 2024

The 10 Best Denver Tours

Lyn Mettler April 4, 2024

Top Memorial Day Weekend Getaways

Nicola Wood April 3, 2024

The Best Way to Renew a Passport

Amanda Norcross April 3, 2024

The Best Checked Luggage

Erin Evans , Rachael Hood , Catriona Kendall , Sharael Kolberg , Amanda Norcross and Leilani Osmundson April 3, 2024

Best Travel Cribs for 2024 – Our Reviews of the Safest and Most Portable Models

In a Hurry?

We recommend the 4moms Breeze Plus Portable Playard or Guava Lotus Travel Crib as the best travel cribs that are extremely high quality and cost-effective.

As a mom who loves traveling with my little one, a portable crib that’s easy to set up and take down is an absolute must-have. After testing out several popular travel cribs on the market, I’ve discovered the key features to look for and compiled my top picks to make your buying decision easier.

A travel crib allows baby to sleep comfortably and safely whether you’re visiting relatives, staying in a hotel, or camping in the great outdoors .

In this guide, I’ll go over what makes travel cribs so useful for families on the go and review the top-rated options based on my hands-on experience assembling, using, and traveling with them.

Product Comparison

Reviews of the top 10 travel cribs: testing the products.

Before diving into our recommendations, it’s essential to understand that I’ve personally put these travel cribs to the test.

I know how crucial it is to have a reliable and convenient travel crib. So, I’ve tested these products rigorously to ensure they meet the highest standards of comfort, safety, and functionality for both you and your baby.

Now, let’s delve into the world of travel cribs and find the one that perfectly suits your needs:

Best Overall Travel Crib

4moms breeze plus portable playard.

Weight: 28.46 Pounds

Size: 43 x 30 x 29 inches

Recommended Age: Newborn, Infant, Toddler

Maximum Weight Recommendation : 55 Pounds

A portable playard that’s easy to set up, durable and feature packed is a must-have for moms who travel frequently with toddlers. The 4moms Breeze Plus has been a total game-changer for our family. Its “one push open, one pull close” functionality makes it so simple to set up, even with my wiggly toddler in one arm. I love that it folds up into a compact carrying case, fitting easily in our car trunk alongside the rest of our travel gear.

We used the bassinet a ton during the newborn stage, especially for overnight trips to grandma’s house. Now that my daughter is a toddler, we appreciate the roomy playard space, which gives her plenty of room to play and move around. The flip changer has also come in handy for quick diaper changes on the go.

Compared to other playards like the Graco, this one is definitely pricier but worth it for the easy one-handed setup alone. I also like how sturdy it feels compared to the Chicco LullaGo bassinet, which seems quite flimsy. The Bugaboo Stardust is similarly easy to pop open, but it doesn’t have the flip changer or removable bassinet like the 4moms.

• One-handed setup
• Removable bassinet and flip changer
• Stable and roomy playard
• Carrying case included
• Quite expensive

Most Portable Travel Crib

Babybjorn travel crib light.

Weight: 13 Pounds

Size: 44 x 24 x 32 inches

Maximum Weight Recommendation: 33 Pounds

The BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light has been an essential for overseas trips and visits to grandma’s cottage. At only 13 pounds, it’s one of the lightest and most portable options out there. I love how quick and easy it is to set up – just unfold the legs and you’re good to go in seconds. This comes in handy when I’m juggling a cranky toddler.

The mesh fabric sides provide great ventilation and give me peace of mind that I can easily check on my daughter while she’s sleeping. I do wish it came with a fitted sheet, as adding that extra piece can be annoying when I’m trying to set up quickly. The sleeping space is adequate but can feel a bit snug if my daughter moves around a lot. And it’s not ideal for nursing a newborn to sleep as there’s no side panel that opens.

Compared to the Guava Lotus, this one packs up smaller and weighs less, making it better for airplane travel. But the Lotus offers more space for a toddler to play while awake. I prefer the BabyBjorn’s airy mesh sides over the solid panels of the Maxi-Cosi Swift when it comes to breathability.

• Very lightweight and portable design
• Easy 15-second setup
• Mesh sides for visibility
• No fitted sheet included
• Sleeping space can feel small
• Not ideal for nursing

Easiest To Set Up Travel Crib

Bugaboo stardust playard.

Weight: 17 Pounds

Size: 25 x 38.8 x 33.5 inches

Recommended Age: Newborn, Infant

Bugaboo’s innovative Stardust Playard has been a lifesaver for impromptu toddler sleepovers at grandma’s apartment or sleepaway weekends at our family cabin. True to its promise, it pops open with just a one-second unfold . The adjustable height mattress is great for my aging back since I don’t have to bend down as far to lay my daughter down.

I like that it folds up with the mattress inside to become ultra compact. This is perfect for tossing in the trunk for weekend road trips where space is limited. The mattress and fitted sheet it comes with feel nicer quality than my friend’s Graco Pack’ N Play mattress. The fabric is soft but still durable enough to withstand my rambunctious toddler.

My only gripe is that setup is a bit trickier with just one hand since you have to unclip the sides before popping it open. The Chicco LullaGo sets up quicker when I’m holding my wiggly toddler. And it doesn’t have the naptime and nighttime versatility of the 4moms with its removable bassinet and flip changer. But for a basic and portable playard, it checks all our boxes.

• Ultra quick one-second setup
• Folds with mattress inside for compact storage
• Higher quality mattress and sheet
• Adjustable mattress height
• Slightly tricky one-handed setup
• Lacks extra features like changer and removable bassinet

Best Budget Travel Crib

Graco pack ‘n play on the go playard.

Weight: 21.4 Pounds

Size: 39.5 x 28.25 x 29 inches

Recommended Age: Infant

Maximum Weight Recommendation: 30 Pounds

My friend is using the Graco Pack ‘n Play On The Go playard , which has been a wallet-friendly lifesaver for their family. While it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of pricier models like the 4moms, it gets the job done for quick weekend getaways and overnight trips to grandma’s house.

She loves that the bassinet folds with the playard, making setup even easier when her toddler is eager to be let out of her carseat. The included toy bar has also been a great way to keep the little one entertained while she is packing up her things. Her husband appreciates how light and compact it folds up with the carrying bag.

That said, the Graco’s mattress is thin and flimsy compared to the premium mattress on the Newton Travel Crib. And the fabric feels cheaper than my BabyBjorn Travel Crib. I do wish the Graco had mesh sides for better visibility and fold up smaller like the Guava Lotus. But for parents looking for an affordable, no-frills playard for travel, the Graco does the trick!

• Budget-friendly price
• Folds with bassinet attached
• Carrying bag and toy bar included
• Lightweight
• Mattress is thin and flimsy
• Cheaper fabric
• No mesh sides
• Bulkier fold

Best Lightweight Travel Crib

Chicco lullago anywhere portable bassinet.

Weight: 12 Pounds

Size: 30 x 18 x 28 inches

Recommended Age: Newborn

Maximum Weight Recommendation: 20 Pounds

During my baby’s newborn days, the Chicco LullaGo Anywhere bassinet was a must for overnight trips to grandma’s and weekend getaways. At only 12 pounds, it’s one of the lightest bassinets out there, making it easy for my husband or I to carry while juggling all our other newborn gear. The included carrying bag was great for tossing in the trunk alongside our luggage.

Set up takes mere seconds with the snap-on legs. I like that the mattress has a firm, flat surface as recommended for safe newborn sleep. The mattress quality feels much better than the super thin, flimsy bassinet insert that came with my friend’s Graco Pack ‘n Play.

However, the sleeping space is quite small and wasn’t practical once my baby became more active. And it doesn’t offer the versatile playard space of the 4moms Breeze.

Overall, the Chicco LullaGo is an excellent choice for travel with a newborn. But for longer-term versatility, I’d go with the 4moms Breeze Plus with both bassinet and playard options.

• Extremely portable at 12 lbs
• Quick snap-on leg setup
• High-quality firm mattress
• Carrying bag included
• Sleeping space is small
• Not practical once baby is bigger
• No playard option

Best Travel Crib for Twins

Baby trend lil’ snooze deluxe iii for twins.

Weight: 40.95 Pounds

Size: 35.5 x 28 x 41.5 inches

My cousin, who is a super mom of twins, absolutely loves the Baby Trend Lil’ Snooze Deluxe for all their fun family outings. The separate rocker bassinets have been perfect for keeping her twins happy in the car and on planes. She likes that each has its own toys, music, and vibration—it really helps distract them when their patience wears thin.

The large playard space has plenty of room for growing twins to play and nap comfortably. And they love listening to the nature sounds before bedtime. The deluxe organizer is great for storing diapers, wipes, and extra clothes on the go.

Compared to the Joovy Room2, I wish the sleeping space was bigger, as I could see her twins starting to feel cramped. It’s also very heavy and bulkier to fold than the Guava Lotus. Still, for parents of twins, the dual features make travel and sleepovers much smoother. I don’t know what they would do without it!

• Dual rocker bassinets with music, toys, and vibration
• Ample playard space for twins
• Convenient organizer for travel
• Portable for car trips
• Heavy and bulky
• Sleeping space could be bigger

Best Travel Crib for Airplane

Guava lotus travel crib.

Weight: 15 Pounds

Size: 45.5 x 31.5 x 25.5 inches

Maximum Weight Recommendation: No limit (mattress supported by floor)

If you are a traveler like me, you should know that the Guava Lotus Travel Crib has been my trusty companion on cross-country plane trips, busy family vacations, and weekends at the in-laws’ house. The genius 3D folding design makes it compact enough to fit in an overhead bin as a carry-on item. Setup and takedown is so simple, I can do it easily with one hand while holding my squirmy toddler in the other arm.

I absolutely love the side door panel—it’s been a game changer for calming my daughter to sleep while traveling and maintaining bonding through the night. The thick mattress is also comfier than any other travel crib mattress we’ve tried. The quality feels closer to a real crib mattress than the thinner, flimsier ones often included in cheaper playards.

The Newton does offer a bit more interior space for playtime. And the Bugaboo Stardust sets up quicker in one easy motion. But for families focused on air travel and portability, the well-designed Lotus is truly in a league of its own. I wouldn’t consider traveling without it.

• Fits airplane overhead bins
• One-handed setup in seconds
• Side door for easy access
• Thick, quality mattress
• Interior space smaller than Newton
• Slightly slower setup than Bugaboo

Best Travel Crib for Car Travel

Maxi-cosi swift lightweight portable playard.

Weight: 18 Pounds

Size: 41 x 33 x 31 inches

Maximum Weight Recommendation: 35 Pounds

I love the stylish, compact design of the Maxi-Cosi Swift for overnight trips and visits to grandma’s house. The two-stage mattress is a really unique feature—I used it on the higher bassinet setting for my newborn, and now my toddler has plenty of room with it unzipped to the larger playard size.

The one-step fold is awesome when I’m packing up a wiggly toddler in a hurry. It folds up so smooth and compact. I also appreciate that it comes with a carrying case, unlike some competitors like the BabyBjorn Travel Crib. The fabric and mesh sides seem very breathable and airy.

My main gripe is that the mattress is quite thin and flimsy—almost like a yoga mat! I wish it had the super plush mattress that comes with the Newton. And setup takes a tad longer than the ultra-quick Bugaboo Stardust. While the Maxi-Cosi Swift is slightly heavier than some competing options, it has proven to be an extremely sturdy, convenient, and stylish playard for car travel with our family.

• Two-stage adjustable mattress
• Smooth one-step fold
• Stylish, compact design fits in the trunk of car
• Mattress is very thin
• Slightly slower setup

Most Comfortable Travel Crib

Newton baby travel crib and play yard.

Size: 51 x 34.5 x 28.5 inches

This Newton Baby Travel Crib has been an absolute dream for our cross-country road trips and busy family vacations thanks to its massive interior space. With nearly 10 square feet of play area, my tall toddler has plenty of room to play and move around even after being confined in her car seat.

I’m also obsessed with the innovative Wovenaire mesh mattress—not only is it perfectly breathable, but you can wash the whole thing! This gives me peace of mind, knowing it’s truly clean for my little one. I also love that I can easily spot clean the mattress pad after accidents or spit up. The thick cushioning provides ample comfort and support.

My husband did struggle a bit with setup compared to the foolproof Bugaboo Stardust. And it lacks the versatile bassinet and changing station features of the 4moms Breeze. But for families focused on maximizing play space for an active toddler, the Newton is hands-down the winner. My daughter would live in it full time if she could!

• Huge 10 sq ft play space
• Innovative breathable + washable mattress
• Thick cushioned mattress pad
• Easily spot cleaned
• Slightly trickier setup
• Lacks bassinet and changer

Best Travel Crib for Tall Babies

Joovy room2 large portable playpen.

Weight: 29.6 Pounds

Size: 39.75 x 39.75 x 31 inches

Most moms have struggled to find a playpen that provides enough space for their toddler to stretch out comfortably—until discovering the Joovy Room2 . With nearly 10 square feet of space, it’s roomier than any other playpen we’ve tried. This crib is designed in a way that prevents tall toddlers from climbing out of it.

I love that the mesh windows provide a 360-degree view so I can easily keep an eye on my busy bee while getting things done around the house. The padded mattress and fitted sheet seem very durable yet comfy enough for naps and overnight sleep. And the travel bag makes it easy to stash in my trunk for weekends at grandma’s.

Compared to the Guava Lotus, I do wish it had a side door for easy access when my toddler is sleeping. It’s also quite heavy and bulky when folded. But its expansive interior can’t be beaten for tall toddlers who need extra room to play and rest comfortably. If space is your top priority, the Joovy Room2 is the way to go.

• Nearly 10 sq ft of space
• 360-degree visibility
• Durable yet padded mattress
• No side door access
• Heavy and bulky when folded

Why Use a Travel Crib?

Portability.

The number one reason to use a travel crib is portability. Standard cribs are cumbersome to move from room to room, let alone take on a plane or in a car.

Travel cribs are designed to fold up into a compact shape with a carrying bag for easy transport. This allows the baby to sleep in a familiar environment no matter where your travels take you.

Safety is my top concern when it comes to my baby’s sleep space. Travel cribs offer secure, enclosed sides to prevent falls and keep the baby from climbing out.

Many also have mesh panels for maximum breathability. The best travel cribs meet current safety standards and feature sturdy but collapsible frames.

Convenience

Between naps, diaper changes, and feedings, it’s so convenient to have a portable sleep space for a baby wherever I need it. Travel cribs set up in minutes in any room or outdoor area.

Some even have features like mobiles, sound machines, and bassinets to help baby sleep soundly. The ability to provide consistent sleep for my little one while we’re on the go makes travel cribs well worth it.

Types of Travel Cribs

Not all travel cribs are created equal. Understanding the different types available can help you choose the one that best suits your needs.

1. Portable Playard: Versatility Meets Comfort

• Spacious for active babies.
• Doubles as a playpen during the day.
• Offers a secure sleeping environment.
• Can be heavier and bulkier.

These traditional rectangular playard-style cribs are perfect for babies who love their space. It provides ample room for play and sleep, making it a versatile choice for various situations.

2. Bassinet Travel Crib: Perfect for Newborns

• Cozy and secure for newborns.
• Often includes features like a changing table.
• Compact and lightweight.
• Suitable for a limited age range, usually up to 3-4 months old.

Bassinet travel cribs cater to the needs of newborns and infants. They offer a snug sleeping environment and often come with convenient extras like changing tables.

3. Pop-Up Travel Crib: Lightweight and Convenient

• Incredibly lightweight.
• Lightweight metal frames simply pop open.
• Ideal for short trips.
• Limited space for active babies.
• Less durable than other options.

Pop-up travel cribs are designed for parents on the move. They are a breeze to set up and are ideal for quick getaways or when you need a crib in a pinch.

Key Features to Look for in a Travel Crib

Based on using a wide range of travel cribs with my daughter, here are the key features I recommend looking for:

Weight and Foldability

Since you’ll be moving the crib often, seek out lighter weight models (under 20 lbs) that fold into a compact shape. Look for a crib with a carrying case that makes transporting through airports and in cars manageable.

Sturdy yet Collapsible Frame

You want something that sets up and folds down easily but has a frame that doesn’t shake or collapse while in use. Metal tubing that clicks securely into place is ideal for stability.

Mesh Sides for Ventilation

Mesh sides allow maximum airflow so baby stays comfortable in warm climates or overly air-conditioned rooms. They also give parents better visibility.

Mattress Quality and Fit

A padded mattress with a snug fit is key for safety and your baby’s comfort. Waterproof and machine-washable mattress covers are a major plus for inevitable messes and blowouts on the go.

Easy Assembly and Disassembly

When traveling with a baby, easy assembly in under 5 minutes is a must. Some cribs even allow you to unfold in mere seconds! The crib should fold back up compactly with minimal effort. Look for simple push button or latch mechanisms.

Extra Tips for Using a Travel Crib

• Always Secure the Mattress Properly To prevent dangerous gaps, make sure the mattress is properly secured in place every time you set up. Follow the manufacturer's instructions closely.
• Use the Carry Bag for Transportation and Storage When not in use, keep the travel crib in its carrying case to prevent damage. This will make it much easier to transport as well.
• Keep It Clean Wipe down the crib and wash all removable parts like the mattress cover regularly. Cleanliness is especially important when using it in hotels or on multiple trips.

Before You Buy – My Closing Guidance

I hope this buying guide covers all the key factors to consider when selecting the best travel crib for your family’s needs.

My top picks offer great portability, safety, convenience, and features to make travel with your little one stress-free.

Just remember a quality travel crib can open up so many more travel opportunities while providing consistent sleep for the baby.

Let me know if you have any other questions – happy travels!

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is best for starting to use a travel crib.

Most travel cribs are suitable starting at birth as long as your doctor approves. However, some parents prefer bigger cribs for newborns and start travel crib use around 3-6 months when baby is more mobile.

Are travel cribs safe for overnight sleep?

Yes, as long as you always follow the safety guidelines like securing the mattress properly. Travel cribs that meet current safety standards are designed for both daytime napping and overnight sleep.

Can I also use a travel crib at home?

Absolutely! Many parents use travel cribs as their main crib to move around the house. They work great as a lightweight option you can move from room to room based on your needs.

Are travel cribs okay for airline travel?

Most airlines allow travel cribs as long as they meet carry-on size requirements . Some may even let you gate check the crib for free. Be sure to contact your airline to understand their specific policies.

How long can a child use a travel crib?

Many travel cribs have weight limits of 30-50 pounds and are advertised to use up to 3-4 years old. However, kids develop at different rates, so transition your child once he/she is climbing out or reaches the manufacturer guidelines.

Do I need a special mattress for a travel crib?

Travel cribs come with a mattress specifically designed to fit that model. You should use the manufacturer’s mattress for a secure fit. Using a different mattress could create dangerous gaps in the crib.

Get it Now!

Going on vacation soon.

Subscribe to Download our 7-Point Vacation Checklist (PDF) for FREE!

This checklist saves you valuable time by preparing for any vacation, taking care of vacation finances, securing your home while traveling, dealing with work and family matters, and getting ready to embrace your trip. Subscribe and get instant access now!

By subscribing you agree to our  terms and  privacy policy

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter

How Messy Should You Leave Your Hotel Room

British Brilliance: Unveiling the Enchantment of the UK

British Brilliance: Exploring the Charms of the UK

Ageless Adventures: Discovering the Delights of Traveling Beyond 50

Zeen social icons.

I have read and agree to the terms and conditions

Session expired

Please log in again. The login page will open in a new tab. After logging in you can close it and return to this page.

Top Travel Cribs for Globe-Trotting Tots

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

There are many moving parts for families to consider when it comes to the logistics of travel, from the right stroller (or double stroller ), whether or not to take your own car seat, which luggage to use , etc. With that in mind, the idea of adding another large item to your checked luggage — like a travel crib — can be off-putting. (But, don't forget that you can at least lighten the load and skip baggage claim and have your checked bags delivered to your destination.)

While nearly any sizable hotel (and many small ones, too) and most rental houses and apartments often have some Pack 'n Plays or cribs for guest use, you can't always count on a crib at a hotel . So, bringing along your own travel crib often makes sense, especially when it comes to having a safe, comfortable and portable place to keep your baby contained. This is especially true if you are traveling somewhere that doesn't have a healthy baby gear rental market.

During a recent trip to Cuba — where island-wide shortages on virtually everything naturally extend to baby accessories, even at hotels — I was so relieved to have paid the extra baggage fee to bring along our BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light. Although there were always family members around offering to hold my baby during the day, I was glad I didn't have to build a pillow fortress around her when it was time to sleep at night.

Read on for our top picks on the best travel cribs that tick all the boxes by being lightweight, easy to bring along in a car or plane and — best of all — simple to set up.

BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light

Designed as a handy portable sleeping solution for newborns through kids up to 3-years-old, the BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light couldn't be more convenient to set up. I've even managed to set this crib up in total darkness when arriving late to a shared hotel room when I didn't want to disturb everyone else. You simply pull out the four legs from their folded position in the frame, position the crib to standing, pop the mattress down and voilà — it's bedtime for baby.

The mattress is several inches thick and nice and firm. Since it's supported on the floor, there's no weight limit to what it can hold. The whole thing packs down to flat into the handy carrying bag, tipping the scales at just 13 total pounds. Because the legs come out at a tent-like supportive angle, the crib is also surprisingly stable. Even kids that like to pull up on the sides probably can't topple this one over.

Guava Lotus Everywhere Travel Crib

Also weighing in at 13 pounds, this travel crib by Guava is another traveling-parent favorite. It's quite similar to the BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light in that the mattress is supported by the floor and the legs come out at an angle for excellent stability. The side-zipper door can be left open to allow your child to come in and out during supervised play time.

The side door is also a handy way to access baby if you happen to be, say, breastfeeding in a tent (raises hand!) or otherwise sleeping on the floor beside your baby. You can crawl right inside and lay your head next to your little one to comfort them. The Lotus Everywhere folds up into a convenient backpack, which you can take on an airplane as a carry-on, or otherwise haul around on your back on the go.

Graco Pack 'n Play Jetsetter Playard

This is another travel crib that packs down into a convenient backpack so you can easily tote it along with you on a flight or road trip. The Graco Pack 'n Play Jetsetter Playard is a bit heftier than the other two options, weighing in at just over 17 pounds. But there are extra features to this crib, too, including a removable bassinet with a canopy (the latter is stored on the outside of the backpack when the crib is packed away) and a diaper changing pad that you can choose to take with you or leave at home.

The bassinet has a soothing, built-in vibration feature that might help newborns sleep more soundly on the road (key word: might ). And while setup isn't quite as quick as with the BabyBjorn, this crib feels more like a proper Pack 'n Play and has wheels and feet that fold down to help keep it compact. To break it down, you simply push the buttons on the side of the top rails and fold it back into the backpack.

Bottom Line

Any of these cribs could be a sanity saver on your next family vacation. Do you take along a travel crib on vacations or simply rely on hotel equipment or a makeshift pillow fort? We'd love to hear about your experiences.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter here: https://thepointsguy.com/mailing-list/

Find anything you save across the site in your account

8 Best Travel Cribs for Babies and Toddlers to Sleep Soundly On the Go

By Brigitt Earley

Traveling with tiny humans is no joke. Oh, the stuff you need: A car seat and stroller! A stocked diaper bag ! A portable high chair! Even the best travel cribs are essential, since a tired baby’s mood can threaten the whole family’s fun.

Our top picks:

• Best Lightweight: Aeromoov Instant Travel Cot Play Yard , $195
• Best for Flying: Guava Lotus Travel Crib , $249
• Best for Tall Toddlers: Baby Bjorn Travel Crib & Sheet Bundle , $300
• Best Small: Nuna Sena Aire Travel Crib , $350
• Best With Bassinet: Graco Pack and Play On the Go Play Yard , $80
• Best for Twins: Bugaboo Stardust Portable Playard , $339

It might seem like a lot to schlep, especially if you’re flying, but having your own travel crib can offer serious of peace mind (and a sense of familiarity for your baby or toddler, who might freak out in a new sleeping environment). The American Academy of Pediatrics also says parents should use caution when borrowing or renting any cribs or play yards provided by home rentals, hotels, or other services, since they may not meet current safety standards and might not be in perfect repair.

Thankfully, there are plenty of great travel cribs on the market these days, many of which are small and lightweight enough for flying. To help you choose the right one, our editors asked seasoned parents to put the most well-reviewed, top-selling travel cribs to the test.

Our testers—parents to both newborns and toddlers—used the best portable cribs and travel bassinets on this list in all kinds of travel scenarios—road trips, international travel, and even in their own homes to keep twins separated during nap time. Ahead, the most portable, user-friendly, comfortable, and easy-to-clean (and even machine washable) options, from Amazon and beyond.

Our rating system

We assigned a letter grade (from A+ to F) to every travel crib on this list; the higher a cribs rating, the more functional, durable, portable, and investment-worthy it is. We rate each travel crib according to these features, then use the average of those figures for our overall rating.

All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Bugaboo Stardust Portable Play Yard

This small travel crib wins a lot of praise for its size, since the compact footprint makes it exceptionally easy to travel with by both car or plane. It also has a unique accordion-style fold that our tester said requires little to no effort on the parent’s part. In fact, our tester said she’s been using two as bassinets for her twins for the last eight months both at home and during travel. It may not be the best bet for tall toddlers due to the size, but it does have two different heights—an insert will raise a newborn higher so it’ easier to lift them up and lay them down.

What our tester said: “I have the Stardust travel cribs and absolutely love them! We have been using them ever since we brought our girls home from the NICU in December—they are eight months now and still using them at our bedside. The play yards are so easy to pop up, and their compact frame doesn’t take up a lot of space. They’re also incredibly compact when folded, so they’re easy to throw in the back of the car to travel with. I also love that it has two different height options—one for newborns and another for older babies and toddlers.”

• Pros: Two height options, easy to assemble and travel with, foldable
• Cons: Expensive
• Our tester’s grade: A+
• Setup: A+ | Durability: A+ | Portability: A+ | Overall Value: A
• Weight: 17.2 pounds
• Dimensions: 33.5 x 33.8 x 25.6 inches
• Age range: 0–3 years

Save when you shop the best travel cribs with these Target promo codes .

BabyBjörn Travel Crib & Sheet Bundle

The BabyBjörn Travel Crib is a parent favorite, largely because it’s one of the lightest around—it weighs just 13 pounds. Our testers said it was also one of the easiest cribs to assemble and disassemble into the carrying case. Perhaps even more importantly, parents say it feels very well-made—some traveled with it for years with little to no wear and tear. The crib also comes with a fitted sheet set, so you don’t have to do any additional shopping.

What our tester said: “I never left home without this when my kids were in cribs. It’s light and easy to travel with, plus it collapses easily and feels really well made. Most importantly, my kids always seemed very comfortable.”

• Pros: Lightweight, durable, easy to assemble, airy mesh sides
• Our tester’s grade: A
• Setup: A+ | Durability: A | Portability: A | Overall Value: A-
• Weight: 13 pounds
• Dimensions: 32 x 44 x 24 inches

Save when you shop the best travel cribs with these Nordstrom promo codes .

Guava Lotus Travel Crib

If you’re flying to your destination, you really can’t beat the convenience of the Guava Lotus. It’s not the most lightweight on the list, but at 15 pounds, it’s not unbearably heavy either. And because the travel bag has backpack straps, it feels a lot lighter than it is—not to mention, this frees up your hands for other things…like wrangling your little one. Parents we polled said the portable crib folds up like a dream. Plus, it has a unique zippered door on the mesh side that allows you to put both babies and toddlers inside without bending over.

What our tester said: “The Guava Lotus is my go-to, because it packs up like a dream. And it even has backpack straps, so it doesn’t break your back lugging it wherever you need to go. I also love the zipper on the bottom, which makes it super easy to get both babies and toddlers in and out. The only problem is the mattress doesn’t always lie flat and feels a little plasticky, but don’t they all?”

• Pros: Has backpack straps for carrying, easy to take down
• Cons: Mattress doesn’t always lie flat
• Our tester’s grade: A-
• Setup: A- | Durability: A- | Portability: A | Overall Value: A-
• Weight: 15 pounds
• Dimensions: 45.5 x 31.5 x 25.5 inches

Uppababy Remi Play Yard

When it comes to travel cribs, many parents complain about the mattress pad, since most tend to be thin and stiff as a board. Not the Uppababy Remi. Our tester said the mattress on this portable crib was unlike any she’d ever seen before. That’s because it’s a special temperature-regulating mattress that sits up and off the ground to help baby snuggle in for a better night’s sleep. Like other great travel cribs, this one also wins praise for being easy to set up and take down. Plus, it features a special zipper in one of the mesh sides that gives you better access to your child, whether a baby or a toddler.

What our tester said: “We travel all the time, and I couldn’t imagine what it would be like without this portable travel crib. My daughter sleeps just as soundly on this mattress as she does at home in her regular crib. And even though it’s a bit heavy, I’ve never had a problem transporting it from place to place. Highly recommend!!”

• Pros: Easy to set up and take down, has a more comfortable mattress than most, comes in three colors
• Cons: Expensive, on the heavier side
• Setup: A | Durability: A- | Portability: B+ | Overall Value: A-
• Weight: 22.2 pounds
• Dimensions: 40.5 x 26 x 28.5 inches
• Age range: Birth to 35 inches tall

By Natasha Pearlman

By Danielle Sinay

By Elizabeth Logan

Aeromoov Instant Travel Cot Play Yard

If weight is important to you—maybe you’re a frequent flier or you live in an apartment with a lot of stairs—you can’t beat the Aeromoov Instant Travel Cot Play Yard. It clocks in at less than 11 pounds and folds thin to just 4.6 inches for fuss-free carrying and storage. Still, it’s a highly functional option with two different stages of use—a bassinet height for babies under 13 pounds and a standard play yard for older babies and toddlers (this is among the taller options). Our tester said her child has never had any trouble sleeping on the mattress, thanks to its two inches of PU foam. And you don’t even need a fitted sheet—the mattress is water-repellent and easy to clean (though it is a bit noisy without a sheet!).

What our tester said: “I wish I had known about this travel crib sooner. It fit our budget and had a mattress that seemed like it would be more comfortable than most. But what really sold me was how light and compact it was. I can’t stand how sweaty I get just loading the car for a road trip, so anything that can help lessen the burden is a winner in my book.”

• Pros: Super light and compact, two stages of use, less expensive than many other options
• Cons: Not suitable for older babies and toddlers
• Setup: A | Durability: B+ | Portability: A+ | Overall Value: A-
• Weight: 11 pounds
• Dimensions: 52 x 36 x 25 inches
• Age range: From birth to 13 pounds, or until baby can sit up (bassinet); maximum weight and height not specified for older stage use

Graco Pack and Play On the Go Play Yard

Sure, there are more sophisticated travel cribs out there, but our tester said she really didn’t need anything more. The Graco Pack and Play travel crib is not only a safe sleep space–it’s a real workhorse. Our tester has been using hers regularly for more than five years through four children. Her twins currently use the play yard for daily naps, proving that the crib mattress is comfortable enough for regular sleep. And because it’s so budget-friendly (especially compared with other portable travel cribs on the market), it’s a great option for buying an extra to leave at the house of a frequently visited relative. They can simply stash it in the attic or closet—it folds up into a compact rectangular carrying case complete with a handle.

What our tester said: “Is it the most beautiful travel crib on the market? Definitely not, but it’s highly durable and has served me well for more than five years. In fact, I think I own four of them now. I took this crib on so many road trips that I finally bought one to leave at multiple family members’ houses. We’ve even taken this portable crib all the way to Florida and back. Plus, now that my toddler twins need to be separated for naps, my daughter sleeps in this crib every day—it must be pretty comfortable!”

• Pros: Comes with a removable bassinet and changing table, one of the more budget-friendly options, easy to assemble
• Cons: Not the most stylish, relatively heavy
• Our tester’s grade: B+
• Setup: B+ | Durability: A | Portability: B+ | Overall Value: A-
• Weight: 22.66 pounds
• Dimensions: 39.5 x 28.25 x 29 inches
• Age range: Designed for babies and toddlers up to 35 inches tall

Nuna Sena Aire Travel Crib

Pottery Barn Kids

An undeniably stylish option, the Nuna Sena is one of the more compact travel cribs on the market. Because of this, it’s exceptionally easy to travel with, especially if you have a newborn or a baby under the age of two. Unfortunately, taller toddlers may be more comfortable in a bigger sleep space, but you can technically fit your little one until they’re 30 pounds or 35 inches tall, whichever comes first—for many kids this is well into their second year. Parents say it’s easy to assemble, plus they love that the travel cot comes with the fitted sheet. As a nice bonus, you can also choose from five color options.

What our tester said: “I didn’t know a travel crib could be so pretty, but here we are. It’s not all about looks, though. I love how compact this crib is—we have no trouble squeezing it into tiny hotel rooms. And even though it’s small, my very average-size two-year-old seems to fit just fine.”

• Pros: Easy to assemble, high-quality, comes with a fitted sheet and bassinet attachment
• Cons: On the heavier side, not great for taller toddlers
• Setup: A- | Durability: B+ | Portability: A- | Overall Value: B+
• Weight: 21 pounds
• Dimensions: 30 x 41.3 x 29 inches
• Age range: Birth to 30 pounds or 35 inches tall

Maxi-Cosi Swift 3-in-1 Play Yard

As the name may suggest, you can’t beat the versatility of the Maxi-Cosi 3-in-1 Play Yard. Use it as a travel crib, a play space for an older baby or toddler, or a full-time bassinet for your newborn. Either way, it’s one of the sturdiest options on the market and it sets up in a flash. (Our tester said you can set it up and take it down with one hand in a single motion.) Unfortunately, it’s a bit heavier than some others and doesn’t fold into the most compact case, but as long as you’re not relying on it for flying, this probably won’t be a deal-breaker—especially given the longevity of this portable crib.

What our tester said: “We used this portable crib in place of a bassinet, and it was so convenient to have it right at our bedside. Plus, it made the transition so much easier when we went on vacations, since our daughter was already familiar with the sleep space. I wish it wasn’t quite so heavy, but honestly, I wouldn’t call any travel crib light, per se. And if that’s the sacrifice for a super-comfy spot that ensures my daughter gets a good night’s sleep wherever we are? Fine by me.”

• Pros: Super-easy setup, very versatile, highly durable, great for playtime
• Cons: On the heavier side, expensive, not great for air travel
• Setup: A | Durability: A- | Portability: A- | Overall Value: A
• Weight: 18.5 pounds
• Dimensions: 33.86 x 30.71 x 41.73 inches

By Talia Abbas

By Suzannah Weiss

By Gina Vaynshteyn

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Natural Baby Mama

Non-toxic living for the entire family

The Best Non-Toxic Travel Cribs and Play Yards

January 16, 2023 by Shannon

Sharing is caring!

So, you’re committed to attachment parenting but… you need somewhere safe to put your baby while you shower or do any of the other million and one things we parents need to do. Play yards are great for that, as are travel cribs! And travel cribs are also a lifesaver when traveling (duh!) and even for daytime visits to friends and family. Below are the best non-toxic travel cribs for your baby.

Most travel cribs and play yards are mostly plastic, though, with PVC, waterproofing chemicals, and flame retardants. Do you have to compromise your non-toxic lifestyle just to have a safe place for your baby? No!

A handful of companies, such as Baby Bjorn, Nuna, 4moms, and Guava, make non-toxic travel cribs and non-toxic play yards that are a great choice for occasional or even everyday use. I’ll look at these in a minute, but first, here’s what to watch out for when choosing a travel crib or play yard.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full  disclosure policy  for details.

Quick Navigation

What to Watch Out For in Travel Cribs or Play Yards

The majority of play yards and travel cribs are made with plastics that are filled with phthalates, bisphenol-A (BPA) and alternatives, and other toxic chemicals. Many feature polyurethane foam mattresses or padding, PVC mesh, polyester, nylon, and questionable stain-repellants, flame retardants, and waterproofing chemicals (DWRs).

Polyurethane Foam and Flame Retardants

Some companies like to boast about using plant-based foam, but let’s be honest; this is just petroleum-based foam with a little soy oil poured into the mix. These foams still hurt the environment, the people making the products, the communities living nearby, and the end-user, i.e., you and your baby.

Even when a company says they don’t use chemical flame retardants, I’m skeptical. After all, I’ve been burned before by Orbit, whose convertible car seat was not free, like they claimed, of toxic flame retardants, which I only found out by testing the foam myself and finding TDCPP, a carcinogenic chemical.

How did this happen? Well, many manufacturers don’t know if their products contain these chemicals because different batches of their materials may have been treated differently by suppliers.

Trisphosphates (TDCPP and TCPP) are still used in polyurethane mattresses and are definitely ones to avoid. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are also used as fire retardants in some products and are especially common in older products.

As such, hand-me-downs might not be the way to go for things like play yards, travel cribs, car seats, and other items that contain foam. Regulations changed in 2014 and newer baby items are less likely to have flame retardants than older items. That doesn’t mean they are all flame retardant free though!

VOCs and DWRs

Even if a travel crib or play yard is free from toxic foam and flame retardants, there are plenty of other causes for concern.

Other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can off-gas from these products thanks to commonly used varnishes, paints, plastic mesh, stain-proofing, and waterproofing (DWR) chemicals.

Durable water repellents (DWRs) are coatings added to fabrics to make them water-resistant. These are common in the base mats of play yards and travel cribs, especially those that can also be used outdoors.

Again, many textiles used in travel cribs and play yards are treated at the factory with DWRs, meaning some companies don’t even know that these chemicals are present.

DWRs are often fluoropolymers (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS) – and these are commonly thin, largely ineffective, and not actually very durable.

PFAS are toxic to humans and the environment and can affect infant birth weight, disrupt thyroid hormone levels, affect immune system activity, increase the risk of cancer, and even increase cholesterol levels.

And there’s zero need for these chemicals in the first place! Some fabrics are naturally water-repellent, and manufacturers can use silicon- and hydrocarbon-based finishes instead or increasingly popular plant-based waxes and treatments. Unfortunately, none of the companies I looked into seem to be using natural DWRs.

To figure out if a play yard or travel crib contains potentially harmful DWRs, check for third-party testing and certification to that effect and/or ask the company directly.

You may be told that the ‘non-toxic play yard’ is PFC-free, but this doesn’t mean it is free from other types of PFAS or other chemicals you’ll want to avoid. Asking what chemicals are used, rather than a shortlist of those not used, offers much more reassurance that this is a truly non-toxic travel crib or play yard.

PVC is super common in travel cribs and play yards because these almost always feature mesh and other thinner fabric components. To make PVC flexible, manufacturers often use phthalates or plasticizers.

Some phthalates, but not all, are banned in the US because of safety concerns. Still, this means that even where brands boast about adherence to Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) standards, and even say that a travel crib or play yard is ‘phthalate-safe,’ this is no guarantee it is free from all PVC and all phthalates.

PVC and phthalates have been linked to worrying health effects, including an increased risk of cancer, birth defects, and disruption of the endocrine system. And PVC production harms workers and the wider environment.

What to Look for in a Non-Toxic Travel Crib or Play Yard

There are a few key things to look for when choosing a non-toxic travel crib or non-toxic play yard. Some of these things will depend on your family’s particular needs.

For instance, you might want a travel crib that also functions as a bedside bassinet for the first few months. This means paying particular attention to the size of the travel crib and any bassinet attachments to ensure it will work in your space.

Ease of Set-Up

It’s also good to look for features such as one-handed setup. Trust me, this makes life way easier than trying to put a complicated travel crib or play yard together while also holding a squirming or sleeping infant.

If you will be moving around a lot with this travel crib, you’ll also want to pay attention to how lightweight it is. Some travel cribs weigh just 13 lbs. or so, while others can easily weigh twice as much and take up much more room. Some even come in a handy backpack, like the Guava Lotus!

Mattress Material

I’d strongly recommend looking for a travel crib without a foam mattress. Some have polyester mattresses with organic cotton covers, and these are arguably the least toxic options out there. Some travel cribs have mesh mattress layers made with polyester, nylon, and other mostly inert materials that are also better than a polyurethane foam mattress.

Certifications

It’s also good practice to look for Oeko-Tex, EcoInstitut certification, or Greenguard Gold certification. These offer some reassurance that a travel crib or play yard is mostly free of the most toxic chemicals and isn’t off-gassing excessive levels of VOCs.

These certifications don’t guarantee that a travel crib or play yard is free from polyurethane and all nasty chemicals, but they are better than nothing.

T he Best N on-Toxic Travel C ribs and Play Yards

It’s practically impossible to find a totally non-toxic travel crib or playard. After all, to keep these things lightweight and relatively affordable, companies resort to making many components from plastic materials. Still, there are some brands that avoid flame retardants, DWRs, phthalates, and most other harmful chemicals.

My top choices for non-toxic travel cribs are Nuna: the COVE Aire, SENA Aire, and SENA Aire Mini, and the Guava Lotus. There are a few key differences between these three though, so make sure to get the one that works for you!

Nuna SENA Aire Travel Crib

The Nuna SENA Aire is quite possibly the best non-toxic travel crib around. It has a simple central push/pull one-handed set-up and take-down and a bassinet attachment that snaps in to make this suitable for full-time use by your bedside and as a handy option when visiting friends and family.

The full sized SENA Aire travel crib weights 25.3 lbs. with the bassinet and 22 lbs. without. This crib has a strong aluminum frame and non-skid feet.

The SENA Aire is six inches wider than the SENA Mini and measures 41.3″L x 30″W x 29″H, making it a similar size to a regular crib. When folded up, the SENA Aire measures: 13” L x 11” W, x 31.5” H.

The SENA Aire also comes with a GOTS certified organic fitted sheet and essentially functions as a regular crib and a play yard with well-ventilated mesh on all four sides.

The SENA Aire is free of flame retardants, phthalates, lead, PVC, and BPA. It is OEKO-Tex Standard 100 certified, is made with non-toxic dyes and inks, is Greenguard Gold certified and low VOC, and the lining, sheet, and even the travel bag are machine washable.

The SENA Aire non-toxic travel crib can be used from birth to the toddler years, or until your child is 35 inches tall, 30 lbs. in weight, or 3 years old.

Nuna SENA Mini

The Nuna SENA Mini weighs just 17.5 lbs. without the bassinet attachment (a couple of pounds heavier with it) and measures 34.5″L x 24″W x 26.4″H. The Mini is a great non-toxic travel crib for smaller spaces and fairly lightweight travel. This model will only last you up until your baby is 18 months or so though as it just isn’t big enough to accommodate an older toddler.

The Mini can be opened with one hand, has an organic cotton sheet, comes with a washable travel bag, and Nuna’s famous triple layered mesh mattress and sturdy aluminum zigzag frame. The mattress panels can be removed easily for cleaning, padded edges help keep little fingers safe (and your fingers too!), and the bassinet attachment folds with the frame.

As with the other Nuna travel cribs, the SENA Mini:

• IS OEKO-TEX® Standard 100
• Uses non-toxic dyes and inks
• Is UL GREENGUARD GOLD Certified.

These cribs are all screened for 10,000 problem chemicals, meaning they are some of the best non-toxic travel cribs around.

Nuna COVE Aire Go

The COVE Aire Go was Nuna’s newest travel crib, launched in 2017, and seems like a great hybrid of the SENA Aire and the SENA Mini.

The COVE Aire Go is free of flame retardants, phthalates, lead, PVC, and BPA. It is OEKO-Tex Standard 100 certified, is made with non-toxic dyes and inks, is Greenguard Gold certified and low VOC, and the lining, sheet, and even the travel bag are machine washable.

The COVE Aire Go is a great option if you struggle to lift a baby in and out of a standard travel crib or are just looking for a crib that brings your baby closer to the height of your bed. That’s because the COVE Aire Go has a clever topper attachment that offers a secure, cozy sleep surface for naptime. The topper isn’t recommended for extended periods of sleep, nor do Nuna recommend leaving your child unattended in the crib.

Take the topper off though and you have a larger bassinet for safe sleep, meaning the COVE Aire Go could work as your full-time crib. It’s also, naturally, portable enough to take with you, giving your baby a familiar sleep environment on the go. And it folds and unfolds with just one hand! Even with the bassinet attached.

The crib is fully ventilated with mesh sides and a mesh mattress with a three-point harness and a customizable recline. It folds up quickly and easily, and it’s actually quite nice to look at, unlike many travel cribs! Like the Nuna SENA Mini, the COVE Aire is about six inches narrower than the Nuna SENA, meaning it’s great if you live in or are visiting a smaller space. The SENA Mini is also shorter and shallower though and the Nuna COVE Aire’s bassinet is positioned higher than either SENA model.

The COVE Aire has a zipper instead of the SENA’s snaps, which makes it way easier to remove. And when your baby is around 5 months or 15 lbs., you can unzip that bassinet and keep using the travel crib as a full-sized sleep or play space for up to 3 years or when your baby is 35 inches tall or 30 lbs. It also has skid-proof feet, so it won’t shuffle around.

The Nuna COVE Aire travel crib kit includes the topper, bassinet and carry bag as well as a GOTS organic cotton sheet. The mattress cover zips off and can be washed and dried in the machine.

The Nuna COVE Aire isn’t light though. It weighs in at 22 pounds and measures: 40″ L x 24.5″ W x 30″ H, making it a few pounds lighter than the SENA Aire and a few pounds heavier than the SENA Mini.

I really hope that Nuna bring back the COVE Aire as it would likely be my top choice for a non-toxic travel crib.

Guava Lotus with Bassinet 

The Guava Lotus with Bassinet (sold as a separate kit) is arguably the best non-toxic travel crib to actually travel with. It weighs just 13 lbs. and fits into its own backpack!

This non-toxic travel crib works as both a full-time crib and bassinet that you can take with you to give your baby a sound night’s sleep wherever you’re going (or just for naptime at a friend’s!). The Guava Lotus is Greenguard Gold certified and all materials are free from flame retardants and phthalates, lead and other heavy metals, BPA, and other troublesome chemicals.

The bassinet is good to use up until your baby weighs 18 lbs. or can sit up. The Lotus turns into a crib or play yard super easily and measures 45” x 32” x 25” as a crib and the bassinet measures 45” x 29” x 27”.

If you’re on the shorter side or have difficulty reaching down into a crib, be aware that in crib mode the mattress is basically at floor level. This means you’ll likely need to unzip the side to get to your baby or put them down to sleep. That side zipper is nice though for if you want to lay down beside your baby and help them get to sleep.

The Guava Lotus has a sturdy but lightweight aluminum frame and comes with a thick pad and soft low VOC polyurethane foam mattress. Personally, I’d avoid using this mattress or use a barrier sheet and/or puddle pad to minimize off-gassing.

The Next Best N on-Toxic Travel C ribs and Play Yards

These travel cribs and play yards fall into the next-best category. They aren’t as non-toxic as the ones mentioned above but are still better than most on the market.

The BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light

BabyBjorn’s Travel Crib Light is an easy to set up play yard and travel crib that is often touted as a non-toxic travel crib, though I’m not quite sure why. The crib fabric is 100% polyester, the mattress is made with polyurethane foam, and the mattress cover is 100% polyester on the bottom, and 50% polyester and 50% polyurethane on top.

Still, this travel crib is certified to OEKO-Tex Standard 100, and the company is at least transparent about its materials, unlike practically every other travel crib maker. The fabric and mat are also machine washable (don’t machine dry, though), and the design is sturdy but still fairly lightweight at just 13 lbs.

BabyBjorn also offers a fitted sheet made with OEKO-Tex Standard 100 (but not GOTS certified) organic cotton that has been custom-made to fit the mattress. The mattress measures 23.5 x 41 x 1.2 in, and the crib measures 32 x 44 x 24 in when opened. Folded down in carry bag, the BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light measures 19 x 23.5 x 5.5 in.

There’s no bassinet attachment for this one, so it’s best for babies over five months or so and up to 3 years old. And because it sits on the floor, the limit to use is not based on your child’s weight but on whether they can climb out of the crib!

The BabyBjorn is super similar to the Guava Lotus but doesn’t have that side zipper for easy access. This means you’re going to need decent mobility and fairly long arms to safely use this travel crib (I really wouldn’t recommend this for anyone who has just had a C section! And while the BabyBjorn does come with a carry bag this is not as convenient as the Guava Lotus back pack type travel bag.

4moms Breeze GO

The 4moms Breeze GO is a super simple to use travel crib and play yard that you only need one hand to open and close. It has a cushioned polyurethane mattress that is water resistant thanks to a polyester cover (confirmed through email). The crib has mesh sides (likely made from nylon) for good visibility and ventilation.

This travel crib is made with steel and nylon, among other materials, and does not come with sheets, unlike the Nuna cribs.

At first glance there isn’t much to differentiate the 4moms travel cribs as non-toxic. However, according to the company, the Breeze GO travel crib is tested for and is free from phthalates, lead, flame retardants, and formaldehyde.

Like the Nuna SENA Aire and COVE Aire, the Breeze GO can be used from birth to 30 lbs. or 35 inches. It is similar in size to the SENA Aire, measuring 43″ L x 30″ W x 29″ H open and 12.25″ L x 12.75″ W x 29″ H when closed with the mattress. It weighs 23 lbs. and comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Take note that the change table and bassinet associated with the Breeze Plus crib are not compatible with the Breeze GO play yard. This travel crib doesn’t come with sheets but only fits the Breeze sheets which are sold by the company and are made with a polyester blend and unspecified waterproof backing.

4moms Breeze PLUS

The Breeze PLUS travel crib is also made with a polyurethane foam mattress with a polyester cover that is water resistant. It is free from phthalates, lead, flame retardants, and formaldehyde, but the company did not confirm that it is free from BPA and BPS, or PVC, nor that it is made with non-toxic dyes and inks as claimed over at The Tot.

The Breeze PLUS has a full-size bassinet and flip-top changer, making it a good choice for smaller spaces and travel. You can open and close it easily with one hand, and it can be used from birth to 30 lbs., with the bassinet and changer suitable for use from birth to 18 lbs.

The Breeze bassinet mattress measures 29″ x 23″ x 0.5″. When open, the Breeze PLUS measures

43″ L x 30″ W x 29″ H. When closed with the mattress, it measures 12.25″ L x 12.75″ W x 29″ H. The Breeze PLUS weighs 23 lbs. without the bassinet and changer and 28.5 lbs. with both.

The Breeze PLUS also has a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty and the company offers a diaper storage caddy that is compatible with all models of the Breeze playards.

Take note that the flip changer portion does not fit into the travel bag with the play yard, and you’ll have to carry this separately, which seems inconvenient. This travel crib doesn’t come with sheets but only fits the Breeze sheets which are sold by the company and are made with a polyester blend and unspecified waterproof backing.

Because the Breeze travel cribs got a seal of approval from The Tot, I contacted the company to ask more about their materials and processes. Unfortunately, The Tot’s claims that these travel cribs were free from polyurethane and several other toxic chemicals didn’t hold up, but the 4moms travel cribs are marginally better than most other options out there, which is why I’ve still included them here.

Non-Toxic Play Yards

I didn’t find a single play yard (not a travel crib) that I can recommend as even approaching non-toxic. So, if you’re looking for something a bit bigger for your baby to crawl around in and not necessarily to sleep, your best bet is likely an old-fashioned wooden or metal baby gate to close off a small space in your home and a non-toxic organic rug to cushion the floor. 

The Toddleroo by North States 3-in-1 Superyards is another good option, with multiple configurations available. These are made with either metal (steel with powder coating) or wood .

Final Thoughts on Non-Toxic Travel Cribs

Travel cribs and play yards are an absolute godsend for busy parents (aren’t all parents busy!?), but there are shockingly few companies making a genuine effort to offer non-toxic travel cribs. However, the brands above are making non-toxic travel cribs you can feel good about.

Before I wrap up, just a quick note to say that even a non-toxic travel crib has to be used properly to ensure safety. This typically means only using a bassinet attachment or level up to 15 or 18 lbs. or so and stopping using the play yard or crib entirely once your child is 35 inches tall or weighs more than 30 lbs. (unless the play yard does not have weight limit because it sits flush to the floor). Make sure to check the specifications for any product you buy as some models differ.

I know it can be overwhelming to add products to your registry and find things that work for your family. That’s why I have created my Amazon storefront for vetted, non-toxic travel cribs and non-toxic living items for your entire family – check it out!

Other Post Related to Non-Toxic Travel Cribs

• Non-Toxic Car Seats
• Non-Toxic Strollers
• Organic Stuffed Animals
• Organic Clothing for Babies & Kids
• Organic Crib Sheets
• Non-Toxic Wood Play Gyms
• Organic, Natural Diaper Rash Creams

Pin it for later!

JOIN THE NEWSLETTER

Be the first to know all the latest non-toxic living tips and deals

The Fine Print

I am not a doctor and the statements on this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Any products or methods mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or ailment. You can read the Disclaimer Policy, Privacy Policy and Terms of Use below.

Affiliate Disclosure

Affiliate Disclosure: The Natural Baby Mama contains Affiliate links in the form of banner ads, text links and photo links in blog posts . I may receive compensation on sales via the links to our vendor partners and sponsors. I may receive monetary or other types of compensation for my endorsement, recommendation, and/or link to any products from this blog. Thank you for supporting my affiliate links!

Amazon Affiliate

The Natural Baby Mama is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Privacy Overview

4 Best Non Toxic Play Yards: Portable, Travel Cribs

• Written by Angelica
• Reviewed by Franklin Marc Tarronas, M.D., MBA
• Updated April 25, 2023

As a busy mom, I don’t always have time to watch over my baby, but I need to make sure he is safe and relaxed.

Fortunately, I can rely on my trusty play yard to keep my baby contained and happy while I go about my day.

Doesn’t that sound like something a busy parent like you could use?

When you’re always on the go and need an extra hand to watch your baby, non-toxic play yards (a.k.a travel cribs, baby playpens, or pack ‘n plays) will do the job for you!

You will thank me after buying one for your own baby!

In this list, I picked out the best non toxic play yards you can find on the market. These are all lightweight, easy to bring around, and made with safe materials!

4 Best Non-Toxic Play Yards, Travel Cribs, and Pack ‘n Plays

1. guava lotus travel crib.

Material: Aluminum, polyester

This option is for all busy, traveling moms! The Guava Lotus Travel Crib is known to be one of the best options for PORTABILITY!

What makes this non-toxic travel crib special is its travel-friendly design !

With its SUPER light build, you can store this away and bring it around with its backpack carry bag! I was out and about in a flash!

You’ll need 15 seconds to set up and pack away the Lotus Crib, which isn’t the most convenient on this list, but it’s still convenient enough for any parent.

It’s reviewed to be non-toxic, BPA-free, phthalate-free, PVC-free, and flame-retardant-free! I’m glad this also applies to the crib mattress that comes with it.

It’s no surprise this travel crib is also GREENGUARD Gold certified and the ONLY one with this certification on this list.

I can also rest easy knowing the breathable mesh fabric sides won’t suffocate my baby and can supply enough air to keep him cool!

My baby was happy and comfortable and didn’t cry once!

Of course, it isn’t perfect. Some issues I had were the not-so-sturdy legs and the low height of the crib mattress.

Despite that, you will NOT regret buying this non-toxic travel crib as it gets the job done!

• Lightweight
• Can be carried like a backpack
• GREENGUARD Gold-certified
• Easy to access
• Breathable mesh sides
• Some parents commented that the legs aren’t the sturdiest
• Some parents found the crib mattress pad too thin
• Low mattress height can make it uncomfortable
• Not the easiest to set up and pack away

2. BABY BJORN Travel Crib Light

CERTIFIED SAFE OPTION

Material: 100% polyester

The Baby Bjorn and the Guava Lotus are quite similar in terms of weight and mesh sides.

BUT! I think the Baby Bjorn has the edge over Guava Lotus in terms of SAFETY and MATERIALS.

This baby crib has multiple safety certifications, from OEKO-TEX to JPMA and ASTM International.

Simply put, it is the SAFEST travel crib! Credentials like these are no joke, as they 100% guarantee your baby’s safety!

I also LOVE that you can detach the play yard from the legs and machine-wash it! This innovative design makes it easier to keep your baby in a fresh and clean environment!

All it took was this crib and a few toys to keep my baby occupied for HOURS!

However, the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib has no side zipper for easy access, which could make it a hassle to reach down to the floor whenever you need to pick up your baby.

Not to mention the high price tag.  

I should also point out that the mattress is made of flame-retardant-free polyurethane foam.

I know this material may raise a few eyebrows for some parents (I was skeptical myself), but I eventually learned that this material is FREE from harmful chemicals and is certified baby-safe!

• Easy to set up and pack away
• Certified to be safe for babies
• Mattress sits on the floor; no upper weight limit
• Some parents found the mattress too thin

3. 4moms Breeze GO Portable Travel Playard

EASIEST TO SET UP

Material: Steel frame, polyester, spandex, nylon mesh

NO TOXINS. NO COMPLICATED DESIGNS. This is what this piece of non-toxic baby gear blesses me with!

I noticed this travel crib took even LESS TIME to set up and pack away than the Guava Lotus. The difference is quite huge, and I’ll take all the saved time I can get!

You only need to push or pull the center of the play yard using one hand, and you’re done!

Yes, it only takes ONE HAND! Amazing!

My baby is even happier whenever he sees this crib being taken with us during a trip!

This product weighs around 23 pounds , which isn’t the lightest travel crib option on this list. Still, I consider it a portable crib that can be moved around the house.

This play yard also doesn’t touch the ground, which could make the mattress feel more comfortable for your baby!

It also means you should strictly follow the weight limit of 30 pounds.

The foundation of this travel crib might not work well for heavier babies, so you should be careful!

For a little extra, you can get the newer version of the Breeze GO Play Yard , which comes with a removable bassinet and changing station! It’s worth it if you ask me!

• Fast and easy to set up and pack away
• Free from BPA, PVC, lead, and flame retardants
• Water-resistant mattress is easy to clean
• Convenient travel bag
• Heavier compared to other travel cribs
• Mesh sides don’t extend to the bottom
• Material of the mattress is not specified

4. Joovy Room 2 Portable Playard

BUDGET PICK

Material: Mesh

Baby products can be expensive , and baby cribs and play yards land on the pricier side of the spectrum.

This product is the way to go for those looking for more AFFORDABLE non-toxic play yards!

If you’re looking to invite some friends over, this crib has enough room for multiple babies!

What I love about this pack ‘n play is how STURDY it is. Even with multiple babies inside, you don’t have to worry about flimsy legs giving out!

I once had two baby friends come over, and no harm done!

Another great feature of this play yard is that there are two front wheels attached at the bottom.

This extra mobility makes things so much easier for me to move around the house! It also comes with a 100% cotton fitted sheet and a travel bag , so that’s a plus!

Joovy also sells separate waterproof fitted sheets if you’re interested.

You can even lay down a non-toxic play mat inside this for more comfort.

The cherry on top is that Joovy’s products are flame-retardant-free and JPMA certified!

However, the previous products listed set the bar for weight and simplicity. Unfortunately, the Joovy didn’t deliver in those departments.

• Square shape gives a lot of space
• Can handle multiple babies
• Wheels make it easy to move around
• Comes with a travel bag
• More affordable compared to other play yards
• Flame retardant-free and safe for babies
• Heavier than other play yards on this list
• You can feel a lump down the middle of the play yard

What Are Baby Play Yards?

Play yards are wonderful baby products that are perfect for older babies.

It’s a safe space where they can be contained , and it’s safe enough to leave your baby inside while you do other quick tasks.

A play yard is also called a travel crib or a pack ‘n play, and it’s a great product that’s perfect for parents who need to travel.

Anywhere you go, you can have a portable space for your baby to play!

Importance of Choosing Non-Toxic Play Yards

Of course, your baby will be confined to this space for some time, so you want to make sure they are safe and not exposed to anything harmful!

Once you know they are safe, they can play, relax, and develop different skills all while in a SAFE environment.

It is important to choose non-toxic play yards as they do NOT contain harmful chemicals that can negatively impact your baby’s health.

They are also better for the environment!

You want your baby to be in contact with safe, eco-friendly materials, and non-toxic play yards are only made with NATURAL, ORGANIC ingredients that are better for the baby in the long run.

Non-toxic play yards are also likely to LAST LONGER, meaning you can pass them down if you decide to have another child, saving you money!

As a parent, the safety of your child is your TOP priority, and these non-toxic play yards will help you achieve that!

What to Look For When Buying the Best Non-Toxic Play Yards

It can be difficult to choose the ABSOLUTE BEST non-toxic play yard, which is why I listed some important criteria to take note of when choosing.

Hopefully, these factors will help make your decision easier!

Certifications

I listed certifications first because I think it is the MOST IMPORTANT factor.

Certifications, such as OKEO-Tex, GREENGUARD Gold, and GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) indicate that a product has passed standard safety guidelines and is declared SAFE to use.

These also show that a product has been tested for harmful chemicals, so you can relax knowing that any product with these seals contain NONE.

Certifications also show that a product is made from SAFE, ORGANIC MATERIALS.

Materials such as organic cotton, wool, BPA-free plastic , and so on are the ones to look for in a non-toxic play yard and travel cribs.

AVOID harmful chemicals, such as lead, phthalates, BPA, PVC, and flame retardants.

Though he doesn’t realize it, but I know my baby prefers organic play yards as they are more comfortable and safer.

You want a play yard that can LAST and support your baby!

Make sure all parts of the play yard are strong and sturdy . Since your baby will be using it a lot, you want as minimal wear-and-tear as possible.

My baby likes to jump and move around a lot, so I knew I needed a crib that can handle all that movement.

Additionally, you want your play yard to last as long as possible until your baby doesn’t need it anymore.

A good non-toxic play yard can stand the test of time, or in this case, until your baby outgrows it!

Size and Portability

A good baby playpen is LARGE ENOUGH to accompany at least one baby!

You want to ensure there is enough space for your baby to play, sleep, and stand up. My baby gets fussy when there’s not enough space for both him and his toys.

If your play yard is too small, the baby will feel cramped and restricted, limiting their movements and eventually, their learning.

Additionally, you want a play yard that is mobile and easily portable in case you want to bring your baby outside the house.

Find ones that are easy enough to set up and store away .

Other Factors to Consider When Buying a Play Yard

• Comfort – Of course, you want your baby to be happy and comfortable while they’re in the play yard. Find one with a soft enough floor/mattress to prevent them from being fussy.
• Age Range – A play yard is suitable for kids aged around 6 months – 2 years. If the child can easily climb out, it’s time to start transitioning out of it.
• Versatility – Extra features, such as a baby mobile , bassinet, or canopy, always come in handy, but they are likely more expensive.
• Cleaning/Maintenance – Some parts of the play yard are machine-washable, so choose one that will not shrink or be deformed. You also want a yard that is easy to spot-clean to save time.
• Pricing – Lastly, consider your budget when picking out a play yard. These often come at high prices, so budget wisely! Although, there are some affordable (and safe) options as well.

Toxic Chemicals to Avoid in Baby Play Yards

Your baby’s health ALWAYS comes first.

Since they’ll probably spend a lot of time inside their baby playpens, it’s best to keep the environment as non-toxic as possible.

These are some substances you should know more about and avoid!

Flame Retardant Chemicals

Flame retardants are bad news for your baby.

Harmful flame retardant chemicals have been linked to endocrine disruption and other developmental problems.

Baby products with flame retardant chemicals are a BIG NO-NO!

Polyurethane Foam

As previously mentioned, this material is a red flag for a lot of parents. This is because flame retardant chemicals are commonly applied to polyurethane foam.

BabyBjorn’s Travel Crib Light mattress is nothing to worry about though, this is certified to be safe and free from any flame retardants.

BPA (Bisphenol A) is commonly used to harden plastics.

These substances have also been linked to developmental problems and even cancer when ingested. Avoid at all costs!

PVC Plastic is very toxic because of all the chemicals added to it. As much as possible, you should make sure that none of your baby essentials contain PVC!

Phthalates are harmful substances that are additives to PVC. These have been linked to endocrine disruption, hormonal imbalances, and cancer!

Lead usually goes hand-in-hand with phthalates, and it’s also an additive to PVC. It’s linked to nervous system damage, ADHD, and decreased IQ.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any lingering questions about play yards, you can refer to the following section for some extra help!

What’s the Difference Between a Play Yard and a Crib?

In terms of functionality, a play yard and crib can work the same way. They can both be a safe sleeping space , and they can both be a playtime space for your baby.

The main difference between play yards and cribs is portability .

Many play yards also work as travel-friendly cribs, while most cribs were meant to be permanent sleeping spaces for your baby.

Since a play yard was made to be portable, these are usually lightweight and easy to move around.

Meanwhile, for cribs, a lot of them are meant to stay in one place, which is why you would often see bigger and sturdier cribs made of wood.

Does My Baby Need a Play Yard?

As long as you supervise your baby and they’re in a safe and hazard-free environment , they can play wherever you’re most comfortable with.

However, having a play yard will help make things more CONVENIENT for you!

You can take a quick shower, have a bathroom break, or a quick breather. You can do other stuff while your baby enjoys playtime inside a safe space!

I’m lucky that my baby remained calm and happy while I was doing other tasks, and it’s thanks to the convenience of a play yard!

Can Play Yards Be Used for Sleeping?

Yes, play yards can be used for sleeping, but not for extended periods.

Make sure you remove all toys, blankets, and other loose items that can hinder your baby’s sleep.

You can make their sleep more comfortable by adding a play mat or a crib mattress.

Remember to follow the required weight limit and ALWAYS have your baby sleep on its back.

How Do I Clean a Non-Toxic Play Yard?

Some play yards have machine-washable covers , which you can easily throw in the washing machine.

Meanwhile, you can spot-clean the metal frame with an all-purpose cleaner . Make sure to get every nook and cranny to prevent dust and bacteria from being trapped.

How Long Can My Baby Use a Play Yard?

The amount of time your baby can spend in a play yard is dependent on factors like their size and development.

Do not leave them in the play yard for extended periods of time. I, personally, would NOT recommend leaving them there overnight, for example.

However, in terms transitioning, out, a baby can use a play yard until they reach the 18-24 month mark.

Once they can stand up or pull themselves up, it is a sign that they are comfortable without the protection of the play yard and can play outside of it (with FULL SUPERVISION, of course).

The Guava Lotus Travel Crib is my pick for the best non-toxic play yard on this list!

I love how portable this product is, and any parent would appreciate the convenient side zipper door for quick and easy access!

I also recommend the 4moms Breeze GO Portable Travel Playard because of how simple and easy it is to set up and pack away.

With just one hand, you can instantly open this pack ‘n play for your baby’s playtime, and you can pack it away just as fast!

Baby gear essentials can be expensive , so budget options are great for any family looking to save up as much as possible.

Luckily, the Joovy Room Portable Playard is a great pickup that’s more affordable compared to other products on this list.

Despite the price difference, the quality of this non-toxic play yard doesn’t suffer, so that’s great!

And once your little one starts becoming even more active and playful, you can invest in getting a non-toxic activity gym . It’s highly helpful for their brain development!

About the author

Angelica Graham

A few years ago, Angelica found out about all the plastic and toxic ingredients that got into most children’s products. And this worried her to no end. Because of this, she began to research what the best ingredients and materials were for children and made it her mission to share this information with other mothers.

The Good Nursery is an independent website that provides content for informational purposes only. The content is not meant to be a replacement for professional service advice.

• Accessibility
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Legal Disclaimer
• Amazon Disclaimer
• Baby Gear & Furniture
• Infant Feeding
• Organic Baby Clothes
• Organic Baby Hygiene
• Preparing for a Baby

What to know about Schengen zone, Europe’s ‘border-free’ travel system

Schengen countries allow international travelers to move freely across borders without additional passport checks.

Europe’s “border-free” Schengen zone has added travel protections for two more countries, making it easier for more people to explore the southeastern region of the continent.

Romania and Bulgaria partially joined the Schengen area on Sunday, which means visitors who arrive by air or sea from other countries in the zone can cross their borders without an ID check. Land borders will remain subject to ID checks because of opposition led by Austria, which has long cited irregular migration as a concern when it comes to welcoming the two Eastern European states into the Schengen agreement. The move comes more than a decade after Romania and Bulgaria joined the European Union.

The European Commission had previously recommended that Bulgaria and Romania be admitted to join the Schengen zone, starting in 2011 and most recently in 2023. A combination of internal problems in the two countries and opposition from other countries citing irregular migration concerns — especially after the so-called “migrant crisis” of 2015 — meant they were caught in “Schengen purgatory” until now, according to Leon Züllig, a researcher and Schengen expert at Germany’s Justus Liebig University Giessen.

Where to go

Our favorite destinations: These 12 destinations are at the top of our wish list for where to go this year, without crowds. In 2023, we explored an Alaskan bear paradise, Brooklyn’s famous pizzerias and a hidden gem in Italy, among other highlights ..

Travel like a local: Residents share their favorite places in our top city guides: New Orleans , Rome , Tokyo and Mexico City .

National parks: This comprehensive guide has details on all 63 U.S. national parks. For a deep dive into five of the most well-known, you can listen to the Field Trip podcast . Then explore tips from locals for visiting Yosemite , Glacier and Everglades .

Tales from the road: Dolly Parton has opened a new resort at her theme park complex in Tennessee, while “Fixer Upper” stars Chip and Joanna Gaines have a new hotel in Waco . Road-trippers may be just as excited to see the cartoon beaver at Buc-ee’s , and bargain-hunters should consider a stop at the Unclaimed Baggage store in Scottsboro, Ala.

• What to know about Schengen zone, Europe’s ‘border-free’ travel system April 3, 2024 What to know about Schengen zone, Europe’s ‘border-free’ travel system April 3, 2024
• At Europe’s sauna marathon, schvitzing is a sport February 27, 2024 At Europe’s sauna marathon, schvitzing is a sport February 27, 2024
• 18 courses, no murder: A floating restaurant right out of ‘The Menu’ September 30, 2023 18 courses, no murder: A floating restaurant right out of ‘The Menu’ September 30, 2023

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

I’ve Tried 5 Brow Gels, and This Oil One Is the Best

This essay first appeared on Wednesday, April 3, in  The Strategist Beauty Brief ,  a weekly newsletter in which our beauty writers share their must-tries, can-skips, and can’t-live-withouts. But we liked it so much we wanted to share it with all of our readers. If you want more first impressions of buzzy launches, quick takes on what’s trending on TikTok and Instagram, and deep dives into the week’s best beauty launches, sign up  here .  The Strategist Beauty Brief  is delivered every Wednesday.

I inherited my very thick brows from my mom, and I’m still grateful that she oversaw my monthly brow-grooming appointments to make sure the esthetician didn’t get overzealous with the tweezers. And over the years, I’ve learned that the key to maintenance is regularly scheduled  light  threading appointments and a great brow gel. The problem is that most of them are either too flaky or don’t have enough hold — and I’ve tried so many:  Refy’s Brow Sculpt ,  Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze ,  Kosas Air Brow ,  Benefit’s 24-HR Brow Setter , even Schwarzkopf’s  Got2b Glued , which is designed for the hair on your head. Kosas, for example, required several layers to get the right hold. When I tried Anastasia last year, it left behind dandruff-esque white flakes.

Then I heard about Kulfi Beauty’s  Free the Brow  on TikTok. My FYP was overwhelmed by the arrival of this brow-gel-slash-serum (and we actually covered the launch in a newsletter). The formula was inspired by the South Asian tradition of hair oiling, where you apply oil from the roots of your hair to the tip to strengthen and hydrate. That means the formula of Free the Brow is very oil-heavy, with sunflower oil for vitamin E and safflower oil, to promote hair growth. It sounded appealing — but less than two weeks later, the purple tube sold out at Sephora. As soon as it came back in-stock, I knew I needed to test it out.

I’ve been using it   for over three weeks, and I’ve gotten the exact sculpting results I’ve always wanted: My brows lay flat but don’t look lacquered on. The oils impart a little shine but it’s not overdone. The gel feels thick and viscous almost like Aquaphor but without the greasiness. Every day, after my skin-care routine, I brush it through my brows with the spoolie applicator in   the opposite direction of my hair growth. The other end of the wand has a tiny comb and a brush attachment for styling. I comb the wispier inner parts of my brow up, and use the brush for the center and tail. It all takes only a minute or so, but my brows look so good it’s like I just left a lamination appointment. They’re still ultrafeathery but are held in place and more defined. And the effect lasts all day — at least ten hours, even on days when I work out.  

I can’t really attest to the long-term effects of the Free the Brow — yet. But I have been off-label applying Free the Brow a second time during my nighttime routine to see if I get the long-term benefits promised by the serum. It would, however, just be icing on the cake. Free the Brow is truly excellent at the one thing it really does need to be good at: styling. It’s not flaky, tacky, or greasy. It gives my eyebrows the perfect shine and doesn’t dull their color like most goopy, translucent waxes do. Free the Brow is now my forever staple, and I’m sure I’ll be scraping the bottom of the tube in no time.

This article originally appeared in  The   Strategist Beauty Brief , a weekly newsletter from our beauty writers on their must-tries, can-skips, and can’t-live-withouts.  Sign up here .

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments , rolling luggage , pillows for side sleepers , natural anxiety remedies , and bath towels . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

• the strategist
• the strategist beauty brief

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

Deal of the Day

Micro sales, greatest hits, most viewed stories.

• Everything Worth Buying From Sephora’s Savings Event
• What Myha’la Herrold Can’t Live Without
• 60 Famous People on Their Favorite Comfortable Shoes
• The 10 Very Best Rice Cookers
• The 15 Very Best Protein Powders

Shop with Google

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

F.B.I. Examining Free Airfare Upgrades Received by Adams

Federal prosecutors and F.B.I. agents are scrutinizing international flights taken by Mayor Eric Adams of New York aboard Turkey’s national air carrier, Turkish Airlines.

By William K. Rashbaum ,  Michael Rothfeld and Dana Rubinstein

Federal authorities investigating Mayor Eric Adams’s campaign fund-raising have been examining valuable flight upgrades they believe he received from Turkish Airlines that elevated him to its highest class of seats available on international trips, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

The scrutiny is part of a broad corruption inquiry that has already led the F.B.I. to search the homes of the former top New York-based executive of Turkish Airlines and aides to Mr. Adams, who has frequently traveled abroad and has made no secret of his affinity for flying on the Turkish carrier.

The investigation burst into public view in November after F.B.I. agents searched the homes of the former airline executive, Cenk Öcal, the mayor’s liaison to the Turkish community, Rana Abbasova, and his chief fund-raiser, Brianna Suggs — and seized Mr. Adams’s electronic devices.

The inquiry has shaken an administration that has become increasingly mired in investigations and beset by legal and ethical problems .

The broader investigation has focused at least in part on whether the Turkish government conspired with Mr. Adams’s mayoral campaign to funnel foreign money into its coffers, and whether Mr. Adams pressured the New York City Fire Department to sign off on Turkey’s new high-rise consulate in Manhattan despite safety concerns.

Mr. Adams’s relationship with Turkish Airlines has extended beyond that of simply being a passenger. He has attended meetings and events with representatives of the air carrier, which is half-owned by the Turkish government’s sovereign wealth fund. Some of those interactions took place in the presence of Turkish business leaders and diplomats with their own close ties to Turkey’s government and its president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Federal prosecutors in Manhattan and F.B.I. agents conducting the inquiry have developed evidence that Mr. Öcal helped arrange at least some of the upgrades in coordination with Ms. Abbasova, two of the people familiar with the federal investigation said. They and others interviewed for this article spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing federal investigation.

Mr. Adams, who extolled Turkish Airlines in 2017 when he told a pro-government publication that the carrier “is my way of flying,” received the upgrades both while serving as Brooklyn borough president and as mayor, on both official and personal trips, some of the people said.

Brendan R. McGuire, a lawyer for the mayor and his 2021 campaign, said there was nothing wrong with Mr. Adams’s receipt of the upgrades.

“As borough president, the mayor consistently disclosed his official travel to Turkey, did not receive any improper upgrades and did nothing inappropriate in exchange for an upgrade,” Mr. McGuire said. “Speculation is not evidence. We look forward to a just and timely conclusion to this investigation.”

The F.B.I. searches on Nov. 2 prompted the mayor’s abrupt return from a trip to Washington, D.C., where he was seeking federal aid for the city’s migrant crisis. They were followed by weeks of news coverage focused on the corruption inquiry, but agents and prosecutors have made few public moves since then.

Mr. Adams has not been accused of wrongdoing, and it remains unclear whether the investigation will lead to criminal charges against him, Mr. Öcal, Ms. Abbasova or anyone else.

A lawyer for Ms. Abbasova, Rachel Maimin, declined to comment. After repeated attempts to reach Mr. Öcal, including visits to his New Jersey home and messages left with his wife, he declined to answer questions or provide the name of his lawyer.

A representative of Turkish Airlines declined to comment, as did spokesmen for the F.B.I. and the federal prosecutors from the U.S. attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York, who are jointly conducting the inquiry.

Mr. Adams has long boasted of being an avid traveler, and he has taken trips in recent years to Turkey, the Dominican Republic , Trinidad and Tobago, Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico, Monaco , Ghana , Azerbaijan, Greece, Israel , Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar , Senegal and China . He has talked about retiring to Azerbaijan, Israel and Lebanon.

It was unclear how many free upgrades Mr. Adams accepted while flying Turkish Airlines or what their total value was. In 2023, round-trip business class seats on Turkish Airlines between the United States and Turkey generally cost at least $3,400 apiece — or about four times as much as an economy class seat, travel industry experts said.

It was also unclear what, if anything, Mr. Öcal, the airline or the Turkish government might have gained from awarding the upgrades.

But Mr. Adams received the upgrades during a period in which he and the airline were developing a close relationship, a New York Times review of city emails suggests.

Mr. Adams has flown on Turkish Airlines since at least August 2015, when as Brooklyn borough president he took an official trip to Turkey and the carrier funded travel that his aides valued at about $1,500.

Mr. Adams took a second official trip four months later, justifying it by saying he needed to speak about “city marketing” at a conference, meet with local officials and visit a refugee camp, city records show. Mr. Adams flew Turkish Airlines on that trip as well, according to the records.

On another trip to Turkey in 2017, this time in a private capacity, he gave an interview praising Turkish Airlines to The Daily Sabah, saying that it accommodated his dietary needs and lauding its security protocols.

Sent from 2015 to 2021, while Mr. Adams was borough president, the emails reviewed by The Times make reference to a series of private meetings between Mr. Adams, Turkish Airlines executives and Turkish government officials and businesspeople, as well as appearances with them at public events.

Often the meetings and appearances were arranged through Ms. Abbasova, Mr. Adams’s liaison to the Turkish community.

More than a few involved Mr. Öcal, who appeared to be on a first-name basis with Mr. Adams. “Cenk from turkish airlines opening,” Mr. Adams wrote to his staff in response to one invitation to an event, possibly referring to Mr. Öcal’s speaking slot. Mr. Öcal would later serve as one of several hundred people on Mr. Adams’s mayoral transition team.

The first meeting described in the emails was scheduled for May 2016, when Ms. Abbasova inquired if he could attend a “dinner w Turkish Airlines.” The emails did not specify with whom he would be meeting, but his assistant responded that he would be available.

He agreed to another meeting, a dinner with Mr. Öcal at Liman, a Turkish restaurant in Brooklyn, in April 2017, the emails show. Also scheduled to attend were the chairman and treasurer of the Türken Foundation, an American charity with close ties to the Turkish government. It was incorporated in 2014 by a son of Mr. Erdoğan and another man, who at the time was a board member of Turkish Airlines. Mr. Erdoğan’s daughter currently sits on its board .

The Türken Foundation’s chairman, Behram Turan, its treasurer, Memiş Yetim, and another board member would go on to give a total of $6,000 to Mr. Adams’s mayoral campaign from 2018 to 2021, contributions that were first reported by The City . Mr. Adams’s campaign refunded $1,000 to Mr. Turan to comply with the rules of the city’s public matching funds program.

Reached late last year, Mr. Turan, an engineer who lives in New Jersey, said he was an American citizen who has lived in the country for 30 years. He added that there was nothing inappropriate about his donation. On Thursday, Mr. Yetim said he could not remember the dinner with Mr. Adams. Mr. Turan declined to comment.

In September 2017, Mr. Adams attended a Türken Foundation dinner and event with Mr. Erdoğan at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Manhattan. Mr. Adams would later present Mr. Yetim with a proclamation honoring the Türken Foundation for “outstanding achievements and contributions to society.”

In December 2017, Mr. Adams was scheduled to attend another dinner, this time with Turkish consular officials, at a Brooklyn seafood restaurant run by two of his close friends . Mr. Öcal and another top Turkish Airlines official were on the guest list, the emails show.

In 2019, the emails show, Ms. Abbasova passed along an invitation from Turkish Airlines for Mr. Adams to attend a gala at the Metropolitan Club in Manhattan. Mr. Adams had another event that night but an internal staff memo noted that he would do his best to attend, the emails show. Ms. Abbasova would be on site and provide frequent updates, the memo said.

Mr. Adams did make it to the event, which featured Turkish dishes, a raw bar and high-end cocktails. He even took the microphone to speak, according to an article in Elite Traveler, a luxury lifestyle publication, which published photos of the event, including several of Mr. Öcal in a shiny blue tuxedo. Mr. Adams was the only city official listed in the account of the night, along with Turkish consular officials and diplomats, business leaders and Martha Stewart.

Mr. Adams won the Democratic mayoral primary in June 2021. Soon after, he contacted the commissioner of the New York Fire Department at the time and urged him to allow the opening of the Turkish consulate building, which had been held up over fire safety concerns. The building received a temporary certificate of occupancy that September — shortly before Mr. Erdoğan presided over the consulate’s grand opening in Manhattan .

Mr. Adams previously said it was part of his role as borough president “to notify government agencies of issues on behalf of constituents and constituencies.”

In May 2022, the Turkish Philanthropy Funds , a New-York based nonprofit devoted to supporting social investments in the Turkish and Turkish American communities, held its 15th anniversary gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Mr. Adams, who made remarks at the event, was there in a dark suit, posing with the foundation’s chairman and the night’s honoree, the billionaire founder of the strained yogurt company Chobani.

Mr. Öcal was there too, and was photographed in a tuxedo with the Turkish ambassador to the United States and their wives. It is unclear if he interacted with Mr. Adams that night. Their fortunes had gone in opposite directions.

Mr. Öcal had been fired by Turkish Airlines by then, according to a Turkish news report, and Mr. Adams was newly ensconced as the mayor.

Susan C. Beachy contributed reporting.

William K. Rashbaum is a senior writer on the Metro desk, where he covers political and municipal corruption, courts, terrorism and law enforcement. He was a part of the team awarded the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News. More about William K. Rashbaum

Michael Rothfeld is an investigative reporter in New York, writing in-depth stories focused on the city’s government, business and personalities. More about Michael Rothfeld

Dana Rubinstein covers New York City politics and government for The Times. More about Dana Rubinstein

Explore Our Coverage of the Adams Administration

Campaign Inquiry : Federal authorities investigating Mayor Eric Adams’s campaign fund-raising have been examining valuable flight upgrades  they believe he received from Turkish Airlines that elevated him to its highest class of seats available on international trips.

Burger King and Baptisms: Adams keeps finding eye-catching ways to seize the spotlight on the issue of public safety , even when the narrative turns against him.

Gun-Detecting Technology: Adams announced that New York City planned to test technology  to detect guns in its subway system as officials seek to make transit riders feel safe after a deadly shoving attack.

Grappling With Acts of Violence: Adams was recently confronted with two tragic events that crystallized some people’s persistent fears  about the city: the shooting death of Police Officer Jonathan Diller  and a man being fatally pushed into the path of a subway train  in an unprovoked attack.

Sexual Misconduct Accusations: A woman has accused Adams  in a lawsuit of asking her for oral sex in exchange for career help in 1993 and sexually assaulting her when she refused. Adams said the accusation was completely false .