Traveling with your littles can be a tangled mess of hassle and discomfort. I should know–I’ve traveled with my nieces and nephews on the road, and it is not a piece of cake. At one point, they got so frantic and rowdy in the back of the car that my dad, their grandpa, literally had to pull over on the side of the road to settle them down for the car ride. Knowing how cumbersome it is to travel with your tiny tots, the last thing you need is to haul bulky items that will make your travel even more exhausting than it already is. Without proper planning and the must-have travel essentials, traveling with the kiddos can easily send our stress levels through the roof!
To make your travel less cumbersome, here are some of the best travel cribs you may want to check out for that less chaotic travel with your little ones.
- Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light
The Baby Bjorn is one of the best lightweight travel cribs you’ll find, weighing in at just 13 lb. The setup and takedown process is also a breeze; it can be set-up and disassembled in 2-3 minutes–making it a convenient choice for traveling with your kiddo. This crib adapts to your travel needs, whether you pack lightly for a long-haul trip or just a weekend in Granny’s house.
Made from good quality materials, this featherweight travel crib assures your baby’s safety with its well-constructed build. We also love that it has non-toxic fabrics and materials. That is, without harmful chemical preservatives and toxic dyes, all of which might irritate a baby with sensitive skin. As for the price, it falls within the average price range, at around $248.99 at Amazon. It may not be the cheapest, but with all of its stand-out features: lightweight design, comfort, durability, and non-toxic properties, it’s money well spent! Not to mention that it comes with a super comfy mattress-unlike other travel cribs where the mattress is sold separately. It’s also quite surprising how plush and thick the mattress is compared to some of the travel cribs in its category.
The complimentary mattress is non-toxic, comfy, and breathable, so you can even use it for a newborn without needing an extra inlay. Your baby can easily fit snugly on the mattress with ease– that’s another extra saving right there. The drawback? It’s the absence of a side zipper feature; however, if your child easily transitions to a crib, this shouldn’t be a problem.
- Best Travel Crib for Flying
Hands down–the Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib is the best baby travel crib to take with you on the plane. The crib is lightweight at around 13 lb. It’s so compact that it slides quite easily right into a plane’s overhead compartment. However, because it packs down into a sleek, portable form— setting it up and taking it down does take a few extra steps. Nonetheless, to offset such inconvenience, the manufacturer designed the crib with these pretty decals (stars and moons) to serve as a point of reference for parents when folding up the crib–an absolute lifesaver!
This plane-friendly travel crib also has several key features you don’t want to miss out on. One thing that stands out is the zippered side opening, something that comes in handy when your baby might need some cuddles to drift off or you want to go in for a nursing session. Once you’re done, you can just sneak out and zip it up to keep the baby inside.
As for the mattress, it anchors down to the bottom— and to keep it in place, it has this clip system feature where several clips can be pulled through, stretching them just enough to clip to the outside.
If you want to put your newborn and don’t want to lean down, you can buy the bassinet as an added accessory, making it convenient to put the baby in and out of the crib. We also love the mattress’s versatility, offering the perfect combination of firmness for safety and softness to keep your baby snoozing peacefully for longer stretches. Plus, there’s a bonus: the mattress topper is waterproof. The drawbacks? The machine is not machine washable, and the replacement cover comes with an additional cost.
Nonetheless, the Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib’s sleek and compact design, comfort, and durable build make it a must-buy, especially if your whole family frequently flies for travel.
- Silver Cross Sleep & Go Travel Crib
Silver Cross Travel Crib is every mom’s coolest find. Its versatility, sleek designs, solid construction, and value for money made it a stand-out winner of the “Best of the Bump Awards” in the travel crib category.
Its smart 3-in-1 design is a game changer. It’s all about convenience, adaptability, and style that parents look for— a versatile solution for their baby’s sleeping and play needs. This 3-in-1 crib starts as a comfortable, cozy bassinet, perfect for those early days when you need close, easy access to your baby. As your little one grows, the crib can be converted into a full-size crib, And when playtime rolls around, just unzip the bassinet, and voila- it turns the crib into a padded play yard— allowing for extended use, which means instant savings.
The shake-open design allows you to set up the crib in seconds and fold away just as quickly into a compact, weatherproof bag. The adjustable shoulder strap makes it easy to carry, so you can take your little one’s comfy, safe space anywhere you please. It is simply one of those baby essentials that grows with you and your baby.
- Chico Dash Instant Setup Playard
Another travel crib that grows with your baby over time is the Dash Instant Setup Playard. With features like a zip-on bassinet, seamless transition to playpen, and convenient portability, this crib can adapt to your baby’s needs from birth until he reaches 30 pounds.
It’s one of the easiest travel cribs to put up and fold down as it requires no assembly, making it a great option for parents on the go. You can get it ready in mere seconds; all you have to do is press down the center Hub with one hand, and you’re done. To put it away, you just need to release the locking mechanism with one hand for an instant fold. We also love that the bassinet remains attached to the crib even when folded– no need for constant reinstallation. You just need to add the padded mattress, and you’re good to go.
We also love the padded mattress as it offers just the right amount of cushioning, preventing any suffocation risks. The Chico Dash Instant Setup Playard is also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which helps contribute to healthier air in your home.
The drawbacks? The toddler’s area is said to be designed for use by toddlers of a maximum weight of 30 pounds. However, if your baby is taller for his age, he can easily climb out of the crib. Additionally, the Dash Instant Setup Playard is also on the heavier side, clocking in at 29 pounds, making it one of the heaviest travel cribs on the market.
That being said, I think its many stand-out features eclipse the cons, making it a worthwhile purchase.
- Graco’s Pack ‘n Play On The Go
If you want an affordable travel crib without cutting corners on quality, Graco’s Pack ‘n Play On The Go stands out as the top choice. At just $59, you’ll have a travel crib that’s durable, portable, and spacious. It also grows with your baby as it can adapt to his needs from birth to 15-18 months.
One thing we like most about this crib is its sturdy build despite the modest price tag. Not to mention the full-size bassinet for a more comfy nap, a toy bar feature to keep your baby entertained, and the attached wheels that allow you to glide the crib from one spot to the next– making it incredibly convenient. The wheels can be neatly tucked in when folded, enabling you to pack it into a compact, space-saving unit– perfect not just for travel but storage, too.
It also has a specially designed bassinet that folds with the playard with a weight limit of 15 lbs, able to accommodate a toddler weighing 15 pounds and below– definitely for babies that can’t still hold their heads up. The drawback? Some complain about the flimsy mattress. Considering how inexpensive the Graco Pack ‘n Play Crib is, buying a good quality mattress is a small expense, hardly a strain on our budget.
Things to Consider When Buying a Travel Crib
CPSP Approved – it must meet the requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Commission
to ensure your child’s safety.
Durable build – to ensure safety and avoid accidental falls.
Mesh side panels– for proper air circulation to promote respiratory health, restorative sleep,
and overall comfort
Firm Mattress – to prevent suffocation risk and protect their developing spines.