small 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

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

8 Best Travel Cribs

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

1. Graco Travel Lite Crib

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

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

Price*: about $119.99 on Amazon.com

Pampers Parents pros and cons:

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

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

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

Price*: about $249.99 on Amazon.com

3. Lotus Travel Crib

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

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

Price*: about $209.00 on Amazon.com

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

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

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

Price*: about $114.99 on Amazon.com

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

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

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

Price*: about $94.95 on Amazon.com

6. BABYBJORN Travel Crib Light

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

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

Price*: about $299.99 on Amazon.com

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

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

Highlights: The cover is removable and machine-washable.

Price*: about $149.99 on Amazon.com

8. Delta Children Folding Portable Mini Baby Crib

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

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

Price*: about $102.49 on Amazon.com

How to Choose the Right Portable Crib For You

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

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

Does the crib or play yard have mesh sides?

Does the play yard have zippered sides for easy access?

Is a mattress included?

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

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

Is the mattress height adjustable?

How easy is it to assemble and disassemble?

Does the product come with a carrying case?

Are the fabrics machine-washable?

Is the product lightweight enough?

How compactly does the portable crib fold?

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

The Bottom Line

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

Recall Notice

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

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

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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

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• 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.

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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 .

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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.

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Best travel cribs

• Best travel crib overall : Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light
• Best travel crib for flying : Guava Lotus Travel Crib
• Best affordable travel crib : Graco Pack 'n Play Portable Playard
• Best easy to use travel crib : 4moms Breeze Plus
• Best compact travel crib : KidCo PeaPod Plus
• Best Travel Crib for Twins : Joovy Room2 Portable Playard

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]

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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

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.

7 Best Travel Cribs That'll Keep the Kids Well-Rested On the Go

A good setup is a lifesaver when you’re away from home.

This is all to say, when we travel out to visit the in-laws in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, my son will doubtlessly finagle his way into our guestroom bed, and our daughter requires the strongest travel crib known to man. Surprise, surprise, it ain’t cheap. At $300 the UPPAbaby Remi Portable Playard is a splurge for us, but it’s worth it. It’s super sturdy—overbuilt even, as if one were planning to take it out to sea. And that makes it perfect for our needs. It packs down to an easily portable size and even though it's a bit heavy, as I like to remind my wife, that’s why I lift the weights . (The price reminds me why I buy gym equipment on a discount .)

Best Overall Travel Crib

Uppababy remi portable playard.

A Very Close Runner Up

Maxi-cosi swift lightweight portable play yard.

Best Travel Crib for Flying

Guava family lotus travel crib.

Best Compact Travel Crib

Kidco peapod plus travel tent.

Travel Crib with Simplest Setup

Babybjörn travel crib light.

Best Extra Small Travel Crib

Munchkin brica travel pod.

Best Travel Crib for Road Trips

Baby joy travel crib 2-in-1 playpen.

The merits of a good travel crib are pretty straight forward. First and foremost, the kid sleeps well, which makes all of our days a whole lot more rosy come the morning. A well-rested toddler is worth its weight in gold. A sleepy, crabby toddler storming around the living room demanding everything that comes in contact with her person be the color purple, well, that will make your sweet, snowy Christmas in Colorado ski country significantly less merry. Good sleep , after all, is the foundation of a good life, and Esquire has a whole section on Adult Sleep .

Travel cribs come in all shapes, sizes, and prices for when your tot needs to be contained on the go. Here are a few of the best I've tried from all across the board.

Besides the fact that this thing feels nearly indestructible, what I really appreciated about the UPPAbaby was how easy it was to piece together. I’m terrible at following instructions—blame it on the writerly temperament. So, being able to simply pull this crib from its box and snap a few things into place using mostly intuition was a godsend. It’s easy to break down too, and folds neatly in upon itself. This crib is just really well designed overall. Edges are padded and zippers are hidden as well, to alleviate the threat of bumps and scratches.

That said, his crib isn’t easy on the wallet, but few things of quality ever are. It’s also 22.5 pounds—heavier than some competitors, but not prohibitively so. The weight translates to durability though. We’ve had this crib for quite some time and it’s still going strong. Which is good, because Destructo requires every ounce of its might.

This model easily could have been chosen as best overall. It was nearly a pick’em with the UPPAbaby. It lost a few mph off its fastball because the ease of setup wasn’t quite as simple as the competition, but we are really splitting hairs here. The mattress was extra cozy and all abrasive edges are covered up too. It’s also extra sturdy—it barely budges when you rock it and it feels like you could bounce a bowling ball off the mattress and nothing would break.

This crib also has a detachable bassinet feature. For really little guys you can raise the mattress up for easier access. It’s a versatile feature that parents will appreciate. Like the UPPAbaby this crib is a teence on the chubby side at 18 pounds, but that’s a worthy sacrifice when you take into account this product’s significant advantages.

This crib would have scored well on any level, but I decided it’s best suited for flying accolades because of its portability. Flying with little kids is tough enough as is, the last thing you want to be concerning yourself with is lugging an unwieldy crib around the airport while your toddler disappears around the bend and out of sight on the baggage carousel. To that end, the Lotus is just about right. It weighs just 15 pounds, folds down easily to half its size, and has its own easy-to-handle travel bag. But despite its feathery weight, its aluminum frame is sturdy enough to withstand both travel and ornery munchkins. The only issue I found with this one is that the mattress is a little slim, but nothing’s perfect.

If you like to travel light the KidCo Peapod Plus is the crib for you. Of all the cribs I saw, this one outpunched its weight the most—quite literally, it clocks in at a scant 3.5 pounds. This crib stows neatly in its own bag that comes with straps for easy carrying. Setup was a breeze too. And a very cool feature, the tent-like design makes it equally adept at indoor or outdoor sleeping. This is the crib you want if you like to camp. I wouldn’t describe the construction as rigid, but it’s safe enough for an older child. One major drawback for this model is that it has a slippery fabric at the bottom of the crib that isn’t suitable for infants.

One of the tricks I’ve picked up in my years of dad’ing is to keep everything as simple as possible. All your best laid plans are bound to go to hell anyway, but subtracting moving parts from the equation early on will at least make it a smooth ride down.

For that reason, I really like the Travel Crib Light from Baby Bjorn. It folds and unfolds so easily you could almost do it with one hand, a feat aided by its 13-pound weight. The mattress is firm but comfortable as well. The only downside here is that the Baby Bjorn is a bit small and won’t grow with your kids. But if keeping headaches to a minimum is of paramount concern to you (as it is to me) this crib is a good pick.

This one is less a travel crib than sort of a little soft suitcase you can pop your baby in from time to time. It’s great for travel, camping, or a picnic in the park—the definition of no muss no fuss. It’s meant for newborns who are still largely immobile (not pushing up or rolling over yet). The Brica lies flat on the ground and is effectively a travel-size bassinet. It’s an excellent option for when your newborn is driving you batty and you absolutely positively need to get out of the house.

The Baby Joy gets high marks for sturdiness, ease of use, soft edges, and hidden zippers. It’s a tad too big to fit in an overhead bin though, so we wouldn’t recommend it for flying. However if you’re packing the kids in the SUV or minivan and hitting the highway, this should be a good fit, particularly at a price point (right around $100) that should fit into most budgets. The mattress wasn’t the most plush of the cribs we looked at, but for a night or two we don’t think you’ll hear too much complaining.

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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

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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 Jake Henry Smith

By Perri Ormont Blumberg

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 Malia Griggs

Best Portable Baby Bed for Travel: 11 Best Travel Cribs for 2023 (Tried, Tested & Researched) + 1 to Avoid

Make travel with a baby or young kids easier with the best portable baby beds and baby travel cribs of 2023. This is a tried, tested, and researched list of the 12 best travel cribs to keep your little one safe and comfortable while away from home.

11 Best Portable Baby Bed & Baby Travel Bed in 2023 (Newborn to 3 Years Old)

Top 5 picks.

• Lightweight and compact, with its own easy to carry bag.
• Easy to setup and takedown quickly.
• Sturdy construction that sits well, without tipping or wobbling.
• Comfy mattress that is comparable to the Guava Lotus and better than many other pack and play mattresses.
• Breathable, with mesh fabric around the sides to allow airflow.
• From a known brand with a strong history of safety and quality.
• Machine washable, including the mattress cover.
• OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified textiles.
• Durable carry bag with heavy duty zippers and straps
• Carrying case converts to a backpack, giving you another way to carry it when you're at the airport or transferring locations in country
• Side zipper door is great for babies who fall asleep in their parents arms or strollers, and need easy access to be transferred to their travel crib without (hopefully) waking up
• Comfy mattress for baby (a waterproof mattress, at that!) with low VOCs
• Very lightweight, weighing in at only 15 pounds (including travel bag), and manageable for many adults to carry it
• Extremely fast set-up, on par with the BabyBjorn travel crib
• 360 degree mesh sides ensure excellent airflow, a huge plus in hot destinations
• Free from harmful chemicals and materials, including no PVC, fire retardant chemicals, lead, phthalates, formaldehyde, arsenic, mercury, or cadmium.
• Greenguard Gold certified
• Bassinet compatible, although it comes at an extra charge
• Great resale value when you're done with it
• No upper weight limit, given that it's a floor resting mattress
• Super lightweight, just 7.5 pounds when in "cot mode" stored in the the travel bag or 11.5 pounds for all modes
• Polyurethane foam free, using a unique baby-safe air mattress
• Easy to fit in a suitcase for travel, reducing stress of possible damage when checking your travel crib
• Includes play pen and crib mode, as well as stand alone bassinet and bedside sleeper adaptation
• Oekto-Tex certified fabric
• Optional mosquito net
• Easy to open and close/collapse with only one hand needed to push open and take the down frame
• Comes with a carry bag
• Newborn attachment (bassinet) included in the Breeze Plus
• Can use both the Breeze Go and Breeze Plus from birth with newborns and as baby grows
• Included flip changer for quick diapering and clothing changes (Plus only)
• Bassinet and changer are easy to attach and detach
• Excellent quality materials and construction from a known and trusted brand
• Fire retardant free
• Mesh sides for adequate airflow and visibility
• Modern and sleek looking, with neutral colors that will look good in any space
• Lighter than most pack and plays (although not as light as a travel crib)
• Super easy way to provide a safe space for your baby when you need to put them down for a bit
• Comes with a bassinet insert, unlike most travel cribs where you have to buy the bassinet as an extra purchase
• Quality travel carrying case will stand up to abuse from airlines, and convenient when you want to store it away
• Mattress sits on a fabric panel base, not on the floor like many travel cribs
• Suitable from newborn to age two
• Convenient pop-up system sets up in seconds
• Incredibly sleek and compact, with a modern design that’s unobtrustive
• New to the market, and meets latest safety standards
• Bugaboo is a trusted and beloved brand
• Strong sustainability goals and policies from Bugaboo
• Mesh sides for increased airflow

What is a Lightweight Travel Crib or Travel Bassinet?

A lightweight travel crib or travel bassinet provides a safe, comfortable place for a child (newborn to age 2 or 3) to sleep while away from home.

The most basic of them are essentially a super lightweight and portable pack and play or bassinet. However, some also come with additional features, such as a bassinet insert for newborn babies, or a side panel that can be zipped open for easy access to little ones.

Some portable baby beds can also be used at home, in lieu of or as a bedside bassinet or bedside sleeper for the first year of life. Generally speaking, they’re well suited to families living in small spaces vs using a full crib , or for families who want a portable baby bed they can move around their home or take with them when they travel.

Different Types of Travel Cribs

Which travel crib you ultimately buy should be somewhat determined by the type of portable baby bed you need. Are you traveling across town or are you flying across the world ? Do you plan to mostly transport it in your own car? Or will you be relying on planes, trains, automobiles or ships/boats?

For an all round lightweight travel crib, my top picks are the BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light and the Guava Lotus Crib – they’re ultra easy to set up and collapse again, and they pack up small enough and are light enough to actually travel with them.

If you’re planning to mostly stick local, and you simply want a portable baby bed that works for moving around your home, and then getting packed up in the car to go to the grandparents house or on a bit of a road trip, the BabyBjorn and the Lotus travel crib will work. However, I also really like the Bugaboo Stardust , Uppababy Remi , and the 4moms Breeze Go or Plus for this purpose, and they both have the added bonus of not having floor-sitting mattresses. Both are extremely easy to set up and pack away in the carry bag, and are very portable for this style of travel (in your own car), although less appropriate in my opinion if you’re flying somewhere, and even less so if you’re country-hopping or city-hopping.

Finally, there is the travel bassinet style of portable baby bed. The Bugaboo Stardust , Uppababy Remi , AeroMoov , Phil & Teds Traveller , and 4Moms Breeze Plus all come with a removable bassinet insert for newborns and young babies . The Guava Lotus has the option to purchase a travel bassinet attachment or insert.

Alternatively, you can purchase a purpose-built travel bassinet, such as the Chicco LullaGo, which works at home and when you’re away.

Why Buy a Portable Baby Bed or Baby Travel Crib?

I’ve travelled both with and without our own baby travel bed, and after both experiences, purchasing our own portable travel crib was well worth it when travelling with a baby or toddler under the age of two to three years old.

So why is it worth it to invest in your own travel crib or portable baby bed?

• It offers a familiar sleeping environment for your little one , even when you’re in unfamiliar surroundings. While I wish all kids were great travellers, in truth it comes down to a case-by-case (or kid-by-kid) basis. Anything parents or caregivers can do to make the unfamiliar more familiar when on the road or sleeping at a friend’s or family member’s house is likely to help everyone get a good night’s sleep. That includes familiar fitted sheets, their own crib (which they’ve slept in before), and the same sleep sack you use at home, plus any extras like the same white noise, if you use it.
• It reduces first come, first serve stress at hotels and resorts. Most hotels have a first come, first serve policy when it comes to borrowing baby gear on vacation. While it may work out just fine, there’s always a chance you’ll show up at the hotel, only to find they don’t have a crib or pack n play for you to borrow. Additionally, having your own baby bed means you control how well it is maintained, cleaned, etc.
• It lets you put baby to sleep immediately upon arrival . On trips when we have relied on borrowing a hotel crib, there have been times when we’ve arrived with an exhausted, screaming child only to have to wait 30 minutes to an hour before the hotel staff are able to get their baby bed to our hotel room. When we travelled with out own travel crib? Instant bedtime when we arrived.
• It’s cheaper to have your own travel crib in some countries. This isn’t applicable to all hotels, resorts, or destinations (Switzerland…cough, cough…Liechtenstein), but we’ve visited some countries where it was standard to charge €30 per night to rent a baby bed from the hotel! For a 10 day trip, that would have added up to €300. Since we were traveling with our own baby travel bed, we skipped that cost and were able to re-sell our BabyBjorn travel crib after the trip for excellent re-sale value.
• If offers more flexibility in terms of hotel vs holiday apartment rental . Since having a kid, we’ve found a holiday apartment rental often offers us more suitable amenities (a microwave, in particular) for longer stays than a hotel. The problem? Most holiday apartments don’t offer a suitable baby bed, and if they do, it’s impossible to know if it adheres to safety standards and proper maintenance. Bringing your own travel crib fixes that

Personal Experience & How We Chose The Best Travel Crib: Parent Tested Travel Cribs and Baby Travel Beds

Of the 12 best travel cribs I’ve chosen for this article, I’ve personally owned and tested 5 of them: the 4moms Breeze Go / Plus , Bugaboo Stardust , BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light , Guava Lotus Travel Crib , and the Phil & Teds Traveller travel cribs.

I have yet to personally try the KidCo PeaPod , AeroMoov Instant , Chicco Alfa Lite cot , Chicco LullaGo Bassinet , UppaBaby Remi , or Graco’s Pack ‘n Play® On The Go™ Playard . I included these recommendations solely based on my research.

12 Best Portable Baby Beds & Baby Travel Crib (Newborn to Age 3) + 1 to Avoid

Babybjorn travel crib light (best overall [tie] & best for most families).

Ratings Based on Our Testing: Portability: 9 Ease of Use: 10 Mattress Pad: 9 Quality & Durability: 10 EcoFriendly & Non Toxic: 7 Washability & Cleaning: 10

My pick for the best overall travel crib, and the best travel crib for most families and most short trips, I’ve personally tested the BabyBjorn travel crib light on a 6 country European trip, as well as in my living room.

Weighing only 11 pounds, the BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light is incredibly easy to set up and put away. It conveniently folds down into a high quality carry bag that’s easy to carry and fit in small spaces (such as on trains or in taxis), and is durable enough to withstand being transported as checked luggage.

The mesh sides allow ample airflow and 360-degree visibility of your child, and there’s no maximum weight limit given it’s a floor-sitting mattress. It also uses Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified fabrics, so you know your baby isn’t sleeping on a surface with harmful chemicals. It is also fire retardant free .

The BabyBjorn fabric is also very easy to wash, and dries faster than some other travel cribs I tested, including the Guava Lotus and the Bugaboo Stardust.

Deciding between the BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light vs Guava Lotus Travel crib for the best portable crib for travel was an impossible choice, and in testing they largely held their own against each other across the different testing criteria.

In truth, they’re both excellent choices, and best suited to different types of trips. Based on my experience and testing, the BabyBjorn is best suited to most vacations, whereas the Lotus Travel Crib is better suited to really off the beaten path travel. Whereas the Lotus Travel crib will also do well on most vacations (a trip to a resort, a trip to Europe, etc), the Babybjorn wouldn’t do as well on off the beaten track trips, such as 3 months backpacking around SE Asia (the Lotus is a better choice for that style of travel due to the backpack system for the travel bag).

Both would be well suited for use at home and on short trips to visit family or friends as well.

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Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib and Portable Playard (Best Overall [Tie] and Best for Off the Beaten Track Travel )

Ratings Based on Our Testing: Portability: 10 Ease of Use: 9 Mattress Pad: 9 Quality & Durability: 10 EcoFriendly & Non Toxic: 8 Washability & Cleaning: 9

Guava Family’s Lotus Travel Crib (aka the Everywhere Crib) is my other choice for best crib for traveling parents, whatever “travel” means to your family.

As with the BabyBjorn, it’s incredibly lightweight (15 pounds for the Lotus vs 13 pounds for the BabyBjorn ) and fits well in its travel bag, although I will say I had to do a bit more wrestling to get it into it’s carrying case compared with the BabyBjorn.

A standout feature of the Guava Lotus is the convertible straps on the travel case. You can either carry it with a handle or convert it to a backpack with shoulder straps, which I found comfortable enough to wear even as a very short person (I’m 5 foot tall). This makes this travel crib well suited to off the beaten track travel or budget backpacking-style trips, where you may be opting for cheaper modes of transportation and need to carry it longer distances on your own.

Other features of the Guava Lotus that the BabyBjorn doesn’t have include an optional bassinet (sold separately), which is handy if you have a newborn, and a zip down side panel. The side panel offers easy access to a newborn for nursing or sliding into the crib when asleep (when not in bassinet mode), and offers older babies the freedom to come and go from the playard during the daytime if they’re at the crawling and exploring stage.

While the Guava Lotus doesn’t use Oeko-Tex certified fabrics, it is Greenguard Gold certified (a certification that means it’s low VOC, specifically) and is also free from fire retardant chemicals.

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Phil & Teds Traveller (Lightest Travel Crib)

Ratings Based on Our Testing: Portability: 10 Ease of Use: 7 Mattress Pad: 7 Quality & Durability: 8 EcoFriendly & Non Toxic: 9 Washability & Cleaning: 7

The Phil & Teds Traveller crib is the most compact and lightest weight travel crib I’ve used, and I’m generally a fan of it, with some caveats.

Being extremely lightweight is the outstanding feature on the Traveller crib. It weighs just 7.5 pounds when it’s in “cot mode” in its travel bag – significantly less than other lightweight travel cribs such as the Guava Lotus or the BabyBjorn travel cribs . Want to bring everything in the travel bag (cot and playpen mode, bassinet mode, and bedside sleeper mode)? It’s still only 11.5 pounds, including the bag.

When we traveled with our Phil & Teds Traveller crib (we tested it over a period of 6 months while traveling through 5 countries on 8 flights, 1 road trip, and in 3 Airbnbs and 2 hotels, as well as at home), we put it in our suitcase rather than carrying it separately.

With the different “modes,” the Traveller is also the most versatile of portable baby beds. It includes a standalone bassinet, an adapted bassinet that lets you use it as a bedside bassinet sleeper, a cot, and a playpen with side zipper door for older toddlers.

While the weight and the versatility are highlights of this product, it comes with a trade-off in terms of ease of use and mattress comfort. It sets up with a tent pole type system, so isn’t as fast to put together or take down as the others on this list. It also uses a self-inflatable mattress, which worked well for us when travelling with an under-1, but some parents feel it’s too firm for older babies/toddlers (our daughter always seemed to have a comfortable sleep on it for what it’s worth).

The Phil & Teds uses Oekto-Tex certified fabric, and doesn’t have a polyurethane foam mattress, which is quite unique among travel cribs and pack and plays. Unlike many of the other travel beds on this list, Phil & Teds makes an optional mosquito net available to purchase – great if you’re heading somewhere where malaria, zika, or dengue fever is a concern.

4moms Breeze Go (Best for Trips Across Town and Road Trips)

Ratings Based on Our Testing: Portability: 6 Ease of Use: 10 Mattress Pad: 9 Quality & Durability: 10 EcoFriendly & Non Toxic: 7 Washability & Cleaning: 6

The BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light , Guava Lotus Travel Crib , and Phil & Teds Traveller are all well-suited to going on a proper vacation by airplane.

The 4moms Breeze Go isn’t particularly well-suited to a vacation requiring air travel, but it’s a great portable baby bed to use closer to home, moving around your own home or throwing it in your car for an interstate road trip or trip across town to visit friends or family.

The 4moms Breeze has two models: the Go and the Plus . The Go and Plus are built on the same sturdy frame, but the Go is simply a playard without accessories and add-ons, and the Plus comes with a bassinet and changing table attachment.

The big highlight of the 4moms Breeze is how easy the frame is to set up and take down. I can do both in seconds. It has mesh sides for airflow and visibility, is fairly lightweight (23 pounds) as far as proper pack and plays go (vs lightweight travel cribs) and fits well in the storage bag.

In my opinion, the extra weight for the Breeze (23 pounds) vs the Phil & Teds (7.5 pounds) or BabyBjorn (13 pounds) makes the Breeze less suitable for a vacation where you’re flying, or need to hop from city to city or country to country. The travel bag itself isn’t particularly durable or suited to being checked as luggage (my old Breeze was checked on a short flight to LA, and got quite ripped in transit).

However, as far as true pack and plays are concerned, it’s quite light and it is so so easy to use. I think this is a great portable crib for moving around your house or throwing in your car to visit a friend or family member on holiday, and it’s something you’ll use at home and on the road, making it great value.

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Bugaboo Stardust Travel Crib (Best for Small Spaces)

Ratings Based on Our Testing: Portability: 7 Ease of Use: 10 Mattress Pad: 9 Quality & Durability: 10 EcoFriendly & Non Toxic: 8 Washability & Cleaning: 9

Another incredibly easy to open and fold pack and play, the Bugaboo Stardust has a narrower footprint than many travel cribs and pack and plays, making it a great option if you need to use it in a smaller space, such as small apartment, hotel room, or tiny house.

At 25″ wide, it’s the narrowest among my top choices for the best baby beds for travel by at least 5″. It’s also shorter at just 38.8″ long.

In addition to being incredibly easy to use and taking up a small footprint, the Bugaboo Stardust is sleek and looks great.

As with the 4moms Breeze , I don’t think the Bugaboo Stardust is particularly well suited as a baby travel bed for airplane travel, based on my testing and experience with it.

The travel bag is quite large, and the sum of the dimensions suggest it wouldn’t qualify as standard size luggage for most US carriers (note: airlines are often gracious with new parents with stuff like baby travel beds and other gear, but you’ll never know if that will be the case until you arrive at the airport and speak to a gate agent).

This is also a difficult travel bed to use for shorter parents. I am 5 foot tall, and can’t reach the playard floor when I bend over my Stardust. Further, the travel bag is challenging to carry due to my height, as it drags on the floor unless I hoist it up and keep my elbow bent, which isn’t comfortable for too long.

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KidCo PeaPod Prestige (Best for Camping)

Weighing in at just 2.6 pounds, KidCo’s PeaPod Prestige offers an alternative to a travel crib. Functioning more like a pop up tent, the Prestige is a new addition to KidCo’s PeaPod lineup of products, designed to offer your little one at little more space and head room.

KidCo markets the PeaPod as an indoor/outdoor baby bed, and as such it has some smart features that you might want to use when camping or using outdoors. For one, it’s fully enclosed, with the mesh sides allowing for the usual air flow and visibility, as well as keeping bugs out. The fabric also offers some UV protection.

There’s also a sun shade system , which you can roll up out of the way and lock in place with straps that close using a snap-like system using magnets.

On the plus side, however, it’s incredibly lightweight and fits in a suitcase while stored in it’s own storage bag. I also like how the mattress pad actually sits under the pod, so there’s no loose fabric inside the pod itself.

On the downside, the PeaPod isn’t designed for use with a newborn: KidCo lists the age range from 6 months to 4 years old (on their website) or 1 year to 4 years (on one of their videos about the product).

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AeroMoov Instant Travel Cot (Alternative #1)

Another pop up style travel cot, the Aeromoov Instant opens instantly (as the name would suggest), similar to how the PeaPod opens. More importantly? It closes easily, too.

Weighing in at just around 5kg (~ 11 pounds), it’s not the absolute lightest, but the ease of use is high. It also comes with a bassinet mode, which zips in at a higher level for easier access to the youngest babies up to 6kg (13 pounds).

One thing I love about the AeroMoov is they sell optional accessories including a sun shade and mosquito net. Most pack and play manufacturers advise parents not to use third party accessories with their products, as they may not be safe. However, they then don’t make the accessories parents want, such as mosquito nets and sun shades. That’s not the case with AeroMoov, since they actually make and sell a number of practical accessories.

The AeroMoov also folds away into a travel case with shoulder strap, making it easy to transport. I unfortunately have yet to try this one myself, so I can’t comment on how easy it is to carry or transport.

Overall, the AeroMoov looks like an awesome travel crib, and I expect I’ll rate it quite highly when I have a chance to try it in person. As I haven’t personally tested it yet, it’s in my “alternatives” section for now.

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Chicco Alfa Light Lightweight Travel Crib (Alternative #2)

This is another travel crib I’ve yet to try myself, but would really like to test out, as it has some great features lacking on alternative products.

Most interestingly, the mattress pad on this crib has a removable, washable cover that comes with when you purchase it. This is lacking in most of the other products on the market, which means the mattresses can stain quite easily over time, and get generally pretty gross if you’re not diligent about cleaning your playard .

It also has a zip-open side, similar to the Phil & Teds and Guava Lotus .

In terms of portability, the travel bag on this crib looks quite lightweight, similar to the 4moms Breeze carrying bag. I’d hesitate to send it as checked luggage on an airplane without an additional, heavier duty bag to protect it from rips and punctures.

Weighing in at 13 pounds, it’s comparable to similar lightweight baby travel beds. Finally, it has Greenguard certification (Gold), which I always appreciate.

Chicco LullaGo Travel Bassinet (Alternative #4)

The Chicco LullaGo portable bassinet is a great option for the youngest babies, and is something you can use at home, and then take to go if you travel to a grandparent’s house or hotel. The carry bag seems too lightweight to use for checked luggage, and I’d suggest this product is best for mostly using at home, with occasional travel. Greenguard Gold certified.

Uppababy Remi (Alternative #5)

Uppababy is one of the leaders in making non toxic baby gear, and the Remi is a great option if you’re looking for a non toxic play yard for home and travel.

Like the Phil & Teds Traveller , the Remi avoid polyurethane foam mattress with a foam-free air mattress that is washable and comes with an organic cotton cover. It’s also Greenguard Gold certified.

Included in the Remi is a zip-on bassinet, and the play yard also has a size zip door similar to the Phil & Teds and the Guava Family Lotus , making this a great option for all ages and stages (until they outgrow it and it’s time to stop using a pack and play).

In terms of portability and traveling with it, Uppababy sells a travel safebag for the Remi. If you buy and use the bag while traveling, Uppababy will cover any damage caused by the airlines while in transit via their TravelSafe program (you have to register your trip in advance).

At 20 pounds, it’s certainly not the lightest travel crib. And I wouldn’t take this with me on a round the world trip, or even country hopping through Europe. However, for a multi-use pack and play that you can use at home, and confidently check with an airline (via the Travel Safe program) on an occasional trip? I think it’s a great option!

Graco® Pack ‘n Play® On The Go™ Playard (Alternative #6)

Graco’s Pack ‘n Play® On The Go™ Playard is another solid option for using mostly at home, and taking on the occasional trip. Weighing just over 21 pounds, and with a carry bag that doesn’t appear to be heavy duty, I’d recommend this for road trips rather than airplane trips. However, the price is enticing, especially if you’re only taking 1 or 2 trips per year.

Which One Don’t I Recommend? The Dream on Me Travel Light Playard (Alternative #3)

At first glance, the Dream on Me Travel Light Playard looks like a more affordable version of the BabyBjorn travel crib . In fact, it looks pretty much the same to a casual observer, and it’d be quite easy to buy this product, thinking you’ve scored a deal.

Unfortunately, the Dream on Me Travel Light Playard isn’t intended for sleeping. It’s only meant to be used for play, making it an extra piece of luggage to take on your trip – and you still need to find somewhere safe for your baby to sleep.

In my view, parents are better off purchasing one product that can be used for play and sleep, which is why I don’t recommend the Dream on Me Travel Light as a travel crib (since…it isn’t actually a travel crib!).

Things to Consider When Shopping for Travel Cribs

Portability when travelling.

In theory, bringing your own portable baby bed or portable crib will make your life easier when you’re on vacation. In actuality, not all travel cribs are super convenient to transport.

Important criteria include the size and weight of the travel crib, whether if fits in carry-on luggage or standard-sized checked luggage, and how well designed the carry bag is for parents of different sizes and shapes.

My top pick for portability when traveling is the Guava Lotus travel crib , followed closely by the BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light . The Phil & Teds Traveller scores better on portability than either the Guava Lotus or the BabyBjorn, so if you really need light and compact, consider the Phil & Teds. However, I prefer the Guava and BabyBjorn due to the fact that they score better overall on other criteria.

Ease of Use

Ease of use includes how easy it is to setup and fold down, how well it can be put away back into its carry bag.

My top picks for ease of use are the BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light and the 4Moms Breeze Go / Plus . The Bugaboo Stardust and Guava Lotus are both close followers – they are super easy to set up and tear down, but require a bit more wrestling to get back into the travel bag.

I think there are some others on my alternatives list that would likely score high on ease of use, based on my research. Namely, the PeaPod , AeroMoov , and Chicco Alfa all look quite easy to use. However, as I haven’t personally tried them I can’t confirm or offer a direct comparison to the 5 products I do have personal experience with.

I will, however, caution particularly short parents against getting the Stardust. I am 5-foot tall, and struggle to bend over my Stardust play yard and reach the play pen floor. I think it’s an excellent choice for average height and tall adults to use, but for us petite-in-height parents, it’s not the best choice based on my personal experience.

Mattress Comfort

Believe it or not, pack and play mattress pads are supposed to be firm, just as a baby’s crib mattress needs to be firm , especially during that first year. However, pack and play mattresses are firm and quite thin, leading some parents to wonder whether they can make their pack and play pad more comfortable .

Don’t do this! They are meant to be thin for safety, and you shouldn’t add any additional padding into the pack and play. You also shouldn’t replace the original mattress that comes from the manufacturer with a different one, and you should only use pack and play sheets meant for your model, sold by the same manufacturer (not normal crib sheets !).

Of my top 5 best travel cribs, all of them have fairly comparable mattresses in terms of comfort based on a side by side comparison, except for the Phil & Teds Traveller (which is firmer than the others, being an air mattress).

The BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light , Guava Family Lotus Crib , Bugaboo Stardust , and 4Moms Breeze Go / Plus all have fairly comparable mattresses from a comfort point of view.

Washability and Dry Time

Dry time is important with a travel crib or other portable baby bed, because it’s likely your only safe option for baby sleep when you’re in a different place. If your baby has a vomit explosion (as mine often did when traveling) or a diaper disaster, you might want to give the whole thing a wash, and give it time to dry, before the next nap.

I tested washing and dry time on some of the most popular travel cribs, and found the BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light offers the shortest dry time when compared to the Guava Lotus and Bugaboo Stardust . All 3 washed well, but the BabyBjorn dried faster than the others I tested: important when it’s time to get baby back in the bed for nap time!

Non Toxic and Eco Friendly Travel Cribs

It’s always my preference to purchase baby gear that is free from harmful chemicals such as PFAS chemicals, fire retardants, VOCs from polyurethane foam, and others.

Some of the travel cribs I’ve included on this list fit the bill, and others don’t. When one of the baby beds listed has notable features in terms of being non-toxic or eco-friendlier, I’ve pointed it out in the description.

Of note, the BabyBjorn travel playard uses Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified fabrics, and the Lotus travel crib is Greenguard Gold certified. The Bugaboo Stardust follows the EU’s REACH standards, and Bugaboo has a well-thought out sustainability program and is doing important work in its push to become carbon neutral.

Both the Phil & Teds Traveller and the UppaBaby Remi avoid polyurethane foam mattresses by using baby-safe air mattresses.

Bed Size and Weight Limit / Age Range

Most play yards top out at a consistent weight limit, around 30 pounds . However, some of the floor-sitting mattresses (BabyBjorn, Guava, Phil & Teds) don’t have an upper weight limit.

In my personal experience, your child is likely to age out of using these portable baby beds before they hit the weight limit. They’re more likely to get too tall, or start trying to climb out of the crib , making it unsafe to use. Once your little one is consistently standing in their pack and play , you’ll need to pay close attention to ensure it’s still safe to use, and consult your user manual.

Travel Bed Safety Guidelines

• Always check with your user manual and the manufacturer to ensure the pack and play is rated for sleep in the country you buy it in. I’ve done my best to ensure the information above is correct, but things can change, and you should check before letting your baby sleep in it.
• When you purchase a new travel crib or portable bed for baby sleep, register the product with the manufacturer to ensure you’ll be notified if there are future recalls. While I don’t recommend purchasing used, if you do, check the recall list beforehand.
• Follow all safe sleep guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics while using a travel crib or portable bed for baby.
• Consult your user manual or instruction manual for safety guidelines, including correct usage, when to discontinue use, and how to ensure safe use.
• Set it up away from windows, loose cords (such as those used in hotels for blinds and curtains), electrical cords and tripping hazards, heat sources, etc.
• Be sure you understand whether your model is safe for supervised sleep (i.e. during the daytime when an adult is awake) or overnight sleep (i.e. the adult is asleep).

A baby needs a safe sleep environment for every sleep, including a firm mattress, and its own place that is approved for overnight sleep. A travel crib or travel bassinet approved for overnight sleep is a suitable option for traveling families.

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• Entire apartment
• 990 ft² size
• Washing machine
• Air conditioning
• Non-smoking rooms

OKO Towers in Moscow City offers accommodations in Moscow, 3.8 miles from VTB Arena - Dinamo Stadium and 3.9 miles from Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. The property is around 3.9 miles from Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, 4.1 miles from Luzhniki Stadium, and 4.4 miles from Gorky Park. The apartment also offers facilities for disabled guests. With free Wifi, this 1-bedroom apartment offers a satellite flat-screen TV, a washing machine, and a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and oven. The air-conditioned unit at the property features a walk-in shower and a dressing room. This apartment is non-smoking and soundproof. State Historical Museum is 4.5 miles from the apartment, while The Kremlin is 4.8 miles from the property. The nearest airport is Sheremetyevo International Airport, 21 miles from OKO Towers in Moscow City.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

• Fitness center
• Facilities for disabled guests

Property highlights

Top Location: Highly rated by recent guests (10.0)

Availability

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Amenities of OKO Towers in Moscow City Great facilities! Review score, 10

• Dining table
• Coffee machine
• Kitchenware
• Electric kettle
• Refrigerator
• Wardrobe or closet
• Walk-in closet
• Toilet paper
• Guest bathroom
• Bathtub or shower
• Free toiletries
• Dining area
• Sitting area
• Flat-screen TV
• Satellite channels
• Socket near the bed
• Drying rack for clothing
• Clothes rack
• Tile/Marble floor
• Ironing facilities
• Upper floors accessible by elevator
• Spa Additional charge
• Fitness center Additional charge
• Tea/Coffee maker
• Hiking Off-site
• Landmark view
• Private apartment in building
• Private check-in/out
• ATM on site
• Dry cleaning Additional charge
• Business center Additional charge
• Meeting/Banquet facilities Additional charge
• Hair/Beauty salon
• Smoke-free property
• Soundproof rooms
• Fire extinguishers
• CCTV outside property
• CCTV in common areas
• Smoke alarms
• 24-hour security
• Carbon monoxide detector

Property practice

House rules.

From 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM

You need to let the property know what time you'll be arriving in advance.

From 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Cancellation/ prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to apartment type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.

Refundable damage deposit

A damage deposit of RUB 5000 is required on arrival. That's about USD 53. This will be collected as a cash payment. You should be reimbursed on check-out. Your deposit will be refunded in full, in cash, subject to an inspection of the property.

Children & Beds

Child policies

Children over 7 are welcome.

Children 18 and above will be charged as adults at this property.

To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

Crib and extra bed policies

No cribs or extra beds are available.

Age restriction

No age restriction for check-in. (Only children 7 and up are allowed)

Accepted payment methods

Cash is not accepted Debit card OKO Towers in Moscow City accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.

Smoking is not allowed.

Parties/events are not allowed

Pets are not allowed.

The fine print Must-know information for guests at this property

This property does not accommodate bachelor(ette) or similar parties.

A damage deposit of RUB 5,000 is required on arrival. This will be collected as a cash payment. You should be reimbursed on check-out. Your deposit will be refunded in full, in cash, subject to an inspection of the property.

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