Traveling with a baby comes with challenges, especially when ensuring your little one gets a good night’s sleep. This is where travel cribs come to the rescue.
These portable, lightweight, and convenient sleep solutions are designed to provide a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for your baby while you are on the go. In this article, we look at 9 best travel cribs on the market to help ease your decision-making;
Be sure to make it to #1 for our take on why Silver Cross Slumber is the ideal travel companion for your family trip.
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9. BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light
Item Weight: 13 Pounds
Weight limit: None
Age range: Newborn to age 3
Price: $300
Weighing a mere 13 pounds, the Babybjörn Travel Crib is one of the lightest cribs available, making it exceptionally well-suited for families constantly on the move. Notable features of this crib include its remarkable ease of setup – it effortlessly unfolds and collapses in a single fluid motion, with no loose parts to cause concern.
Also, it boasts breathable mesh sides and a firm yet exceptionally comfortable mattress, earning enthusiastic praise from parents. The mattress and the fabric frame are machine washable, simplifying the cleaning process.
Even when stowed away in its carrying case, this crib fits seamlessly into any airline baggage compartment, ensuring a smooth travel experience with your little one in tow. What sets the Babybjörn apart from other travel cribs is that it has no weight limit.
This is because the crib’s mattress rests directly on the ground, allowing for extended use until your child reaches around three years old or until they can climb out of it. With this travel crib, you can maximize its utility and enjoy its benefits longer than most alternatives on the market.
Pros
- It is easy to set up
- It has no weight limit
- It is sturdy
Cons
- It doesn’t fit into suitcases, so at the airport, it is checked separately
8. Dream On Me Nest Portable Playard
Item Weight: 16.85 Pounds
Weight limit: 30 Pounds
Age range: babies or toddlers under 36 inches in height
Price: $70
The Nest Portable Playard has garnered numerous accolades for its seamless combination of safety and convenience, all at an unbeatable price point. This award-winning playard offers unparalleled ease of use and portability, ensuring your child’s proximity wherever you go. Its lightweight aluminum frame allows for effortless indoor maneuvering, making it a reliable companion for parents on the move.
With its no-tool assembly and quick fold mechanism, you can set it up in seconds and neatly tuck it away in the provided tote bag, making it the perfect travel companion. Whether you’re jet-setting on a vacation or visiting grandma’s, the Nest has got you covered.
The Nest Portable Playard clinched the coveted title at the 2020 National Parenting Product Awards. Crafted from safe and comfortable polyester foam fabric, it provides a secure and cozy environment for your little one.
The playard’s four airy mesh sides ensure ample breathability and allow for effortless visibility for you and your little one. Additionally, it includes a comfy folding mattress pad, perfect for playtime or quick naps.
The Nest boasts a contemporary design and is available in five stylish finishes, catering to various preferences. When it comes to maintenance, it’s a breeze – simply wipe it clean with a damp cloth and let it air dry. Moreover, rest assured that it meets all applicable CPSC/ASTM standards, ensuring your child’s safety.
Pros
- Pocket-friendly price
- Easy to clean
- Easy maneuverability
Cons
- The mattress provided is thin, so you may want extra padding
7. Graco Pack and Play on the Go Playard
Item Weight: 21.43 Pounds
Weight limit: 25 Pounds
Age range: babies or toddlers under 35 inches in height
Price: $80
Ensure your child’s happiness and comfort, no matter where your travels take you, with the Graco Pack and Play on the Go Playard. While many Graco cribs are suitable for travel, the On the Go Playard stands out as an ideal choice, thanks to its inclusion of a full-size bassinet insert that conveniently folds along with the playard for transport or storage. Assembly and disassembly are a breeze – simply press the user-friendly push-button.
In addition to its practical design, this playard boasts a soft overhead toy bar for your little one’s entertainment and a handy storage bag to accommodate extra toys and essential items. The folding feet and wheels allow for a compact fold, making it incredibly convenient for travel.
Its durable frame ensures it can withstand the rigors of the road. Furthermore, the signature Graco push-button fold feature guarantees a quick, hassle-free setup or takedown, simplifying your travel experience.
Pros
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
- It comes with a carrying bag to ease travel
Cons
- It is heavy
6. Chicco Alfa Lite Lightweight Travel Playard
Item Weight: 13 Pounds
Weight limit: 30 Pounds
Age range: Up to age 3
Price: $170
Investing in a lightweight travel crib is a wise choice, especially if your family frequently embarks on adventures or if you plan to use it for multiple children. However, many of these cribs come with a hefty price tag (often exceeding $300), especially once you factor in accessories like sheets.
Enter Chicco’s Alfa Lite, a standout among lightweight travel cribs, comes at roughly half the cost of its comparable counterparts. The best part? You won’t need to compromise on features or quality.
The Alfa Lite® Lightweight Travel Playard carries the prestigious GREENGUARD Gold Certification, which is assurance that it has undergone rigorous testing for low chemical emissions. This means a healthier and safer air quality environment for your baby.
What sets the Alfa Lite® apart is its cleverly designed compact fold configuration, making it effortless to open into a full-size, cushioned sleeping area suitable for infants and toddlers. Additionally, a zip-open side panel adds to its versatility by allowing gentle placement and soothing younger babies, while older toddlers can easily crawl in and out as needed.
Pros
- It has a side zipper to allow baby to crawl in and out when needed
- Easy to set up
- It is light
Cons
- Thin mattress
5. Maxi-cosi Swift Lightweight Portable Play Yard
Item Weight: 18 Pounds
Weight limit: 35 Pounds
Age range: Up to age 3.5
Price: $275
When it comes to family life, establishing a routine is paramount. From playtime to naptime, the cycle repeats itself. Enter Maxi-cosi Swift, a sleek 3-in-1 travel play yard that serves as a versatile solution for your family. It seamlessly transitions between a cozy newborn bassinet, a secure toddler sleep space, and a robust play yard.
Its lightning-fast fold sets The Swift apart, making it the quickest travel play yard to set up or take down, whether at home or on the road. This practical feature is complemented by its convenient portability – The Swift easily fits into a compact carry bag, making it the perfect companion for all your family adventures.
Moreover, The Swift doesn’t compromise on comfort and safety, two essential aspects for any parent. The mattress lays flat, eliminating the need for time-consuming Velcro straps to keep it in place. This feature saves you valuable setup time and ensures a secure and cozy sleep environment for your little one.
One standout feature of The Swift is its bassinet functionality. For newborns and infants, you can detach the mattress from the bottom and raise it to a higher level for easier access to your baby. As your child grows, simply lower it back down to prevent any adventurous attempts to climb out.
While The Swift does tip the scales at 18 pounds, making it one of the heavier options in the travel crib market, its durability and long-lasting design justify the weight. The use of high-quality materials also contributes to its stain-resistant properties, ensuring that it remains in pristine condition even after extended use. Considering the overall package, The Swift strikes a balance between quality and affordability, making it a wise investment for your family’s needs.
Pros
- Has adjustable mattress
- Very sturdy
- Easy portability
Cons
- It is heavy
4. UPPAbaby Remi Portable Playard
Item Weight: 20 Pounds
Weight limit: 20 Pounds
Age range: babies or toddlers under 35 inches in height
Price: $300
The UPPAbaby Remi Playard is a lightweight, portable solution that effortlessly adapts from a bassinet to a playard to accommodate your child’s growth. If you’re willing to invest in a top-tier travel crib, UPPAbaby’s Remi is a choice that won’t disappoint.
Its assembly is straightforward –extract it from the box and effortlessly snap it into place. When it’s time to pack up, the frame neatly envelops the mattress, resulting in a compact package.
One of Remi’s standout features is its washable triple-layer mattress, which enhances breathability and comfort for your little one. Furthermore, the Remi offers an extensive selection of intelligent accessories, such as an expansive canopy, additional organic and waterproof mattress covers, a convenient changing station, and the UPPAbaby Remi travel bag (included with your Remi purchase).
Safety is paramount, with padded edges, discreet zippers, and a raised bassinet attachment ensuring your child’s well-being. Despite its high price tag, the UPPAbaby Remi’s durability and comprehensive features make it a worthwhile investment that will serve you well in the long run.
Pros
- Very sturdy
- Easy portability
Cons
- It is expensive
3. 4moms Breeze Plus Portable Playard
Item Weight: 28.46 Pounds
Weight limit: 25 Pounds
Age range: babies or toddlers under 35 inches in height
Price: $300
The 4moms Breeze Plus baby playard with bassinet and changer is a versatile all-in-one care station designed to adapt to your baby’s needs throughout the day and the early years of their life. With a single, effortless motion, it gracefully opens and closes, setting itself apart from other baby playards by delivering on its promise of a true one-handed setup.
This portable playard, featuring a bassinet and changing table, streamlines many essential baby care tasks into a single, portable unit. It’s bound to become your indispensable piece of baby equipment. The cozy bassinet provides a comfortable resting place for your baby, while the convenient flip changer simplifies diaper changes and clothing swaps.
As your baby grows and becomes more mobile, simply remove the bassinet from the playard to create a secure space for relaxation and play. The bassinet can be used from birth up to 18 pounds, the flip changer accommodates babies up to 25 pounds, and the playard remains useful until your child reaches 30 pounds. You can store it in the provided travel bag when not in use.
Pros
- It is easy to set up
- It is sturdy
- It has diaper and bassinet change attachments
Cons
- It is bulky
2. Baby Joy Foldable Travel Crib with Playpen
Item Weight: 11 Pounds
Weight limit: 33 Pounds
Age range: up to age 3
Price: $93
The Baby Joy Travel Crib offers a quick and effortless setup, taking only three minutes to assemble and fold down in a snap, much like a collapsible camp chair. This versatile baby playpen provides a cozy haven for your little one to rest and play. Equipped with a convenient carrying bag, it’s effortlessly portable and storable, ensuring you can take it wherever your adventures lead.
Featuring a breathable full-height mesh design, this crib not only promotes excellent air circulation but also allows you to keep a watchful eye on your baby’s every movement at any time. The plush mattress, layered with a thick sponge, ensures your baby enjoys a snug and comfortable sleep. Plus, the mattress cover and all crib fabrics are detachable and machine washable, making maintenance a breeze.
The crib’s side boasts a zipper door, making it easy for your baby to come and go as they please. Embrace the joy of providing your baby with a comfortable and safe haven for sleep and play!
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- It has a zipper door for the baby to crawl in and out
- Machine washable
Cons
- Handles are short, making carrying difficult
1. Silver Cross Slumber Travel Crib
Item Weight: 15.4 Pounds
Weight limit: 50 Pounds
Age range: up to age 3
Price: $300
If you’re searching for a convenient solution for keeping your infant close by while you sleep, the Silver Cross Slumber Travel Crib fits the bill perfectly. This versatile crib serves multiple functions, starting as a cozy Newborn Bassinet, transitioning into a Toddler Crib, and eventually becoming your child’s beloved play area, thanks to its ingenious zip-up door design.
The best part? It’s incredibly easy to set up with a simple shake and packs up effortlessly, allowing you to bring a piece of home wherever you go. A noteworthy feature is the soft, fitted sheet, ensuring your baby’s comfort. The design of the crib is not only practical but also aesthetically pleasing.
Its sleek black and gray color scheme, combined with mesh and zip-down paneling, adds a touch of style to your baby’s sleeping quarters. This travel crib is designed to fit through standard doorways without requiring disassembly, making it even more convenient for use in various settings. Collapsing it for storage is a straightforward process, easily achieved with the push of a button.
However, when it comes to carrying it in the travel bag, there’s a minor drawback. Due to its elongated shape, this travel crib can feel somewhat bulky when carried for an extended period. It’s worth noting that a backpack-style design would enhance its portability significantly.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Zipper door for baby to crawl in and out
Cons
- The travel bag is too bulky
What to look out for when picking a travel crib
Travel cribs often come with a significant price tag. However, it’s important to remember that a travel crib is an investment that can serve your family for years, especially if you’re a frequent traveler. Before making a purchase, please carefully consider the following factors;
Weight
One of the most critical factors to consider when selecting a travel crib is its weight. A lightweight travel crib is easier to carry than a heavier alternative. To ease your decision-making, assess how often you travel and your preferred modes of transportation.
Weight shouldn’t be a concern if you rarely travel and rely mainly on a car. However, if you travel by air, then the weight of your travel crib should be high on your decision-making criteria.
Portability and size
Size and portability are also crucial factors when shopping for a travel crib. However, these also rely on the frequency of travel and preferred mode of transportation. For frequent flyers, a travel crib that is portable and compact is essential. Opt for a crib with built-in backpack straps or another convenient carrying method, especially when navigating airports or train stations.
Material and breathability
When searching for a travel crib, prioritize those equipped with a well-ventilated mattress, breathable mesh sides, and constructed from plush, cozy materials. If environmental considerations matter to you, you might opt for a travel crib with GREENGUARD Gold Certification or use organic materials. Also, having removable and machine-washable sides and covers can be convenient should any spills or messes occur.
Travel cribs are a valuable addition to any family’s travel gear, providing a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for your baby while on the go. Investing in a high-quality travel crib will make your travels more enjoyable and ensure your little one gets the restful sleep they need.
So, whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a more extended adventure, include a travel crib in your travel essentials to keep your baby comfortable and safe throughout your journey.